San Diego River Restoration Involves Clearing Homeless, And Their Trash

By Katie Schoolov

Above: The San Diego River is one of the regions most scenic and historic treasures. Its also the birth place of California. But one San Diego group says its in need of a rebirth. They dream of a river-long system of parks and trails. KPBS reporter Susan Murphy tells us first, theyre working to clear a path through all the trash.

It's warm and dry, the middle of a mid-week morning, as Richie Aguilera looks for all the world like a fishing guide leading his band to the banks of the San Diego River.

But they're not carrying poles and bait boxes. Instead they've got black garbage bags and sharp, metal sticks ideal for snatching up trash.

"Were going to be in this area; and then if I can get a person or two, maybe you and Alex to help me scout out the other side," he says.

They're not here to pull fish from the historic waterway; they're harvesting trash, hoping to restore the river to its once-scenic splendor.

"Im willing to have a hand on this tarp here if anyone is willing to come over here with me," calls out one volunteer, balancing on a log as she retrieves debris from the river-bottom.

This small group is among thousands of volunteers credited with pulling 1.6 million pounds of trash from the river over the past six years.

Their main challenge? The refuse (and worse) left behind by homeless souls drawn to the river's edge by its seclusion and promise of a respite from hard times, however brief.

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San Diego River Restoration Involves Clearing Homeless, And Their Trash