Cleanup - the Gav

Basically at "training sessions" volunteers were being told to stay away from beaches because oil-soaked birds need to get out of the water, and they won't if the beaches are crowded with people. This lead to frustration. Fortunately, the Gav has come up with a way to capture some of that volunteer help. Thanks Gav !
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*** PRESS RELEASE ***


MAYOR NEWSOM OFFERS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY IN OIL SPILL-AFFECTED WETLAND AREA

Effort is underway to collect stressed birds and assist with hazardous materials

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - On Sunday, November 11 at 9:30am, a volunteer event to support the oil spill response effort will take place at Heron's Head Park located at the intersection of Jennings Street and Cargo Way. Volunteers are needed to assist in checking wildlife sanctuaries and adjacent properties on the inner San Francisco Bay. The objective is to pick up debris, observe and report stressed birds to the Unified Command Center and assist with the disposal and report of hazards.

Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and China Beach have been evaluated and work plans are being executed by a cleanup company, city, state and federal workers. As these efforts support the region's activities to mitigate the spill, additional efforts are needed to safeguard the shoreline of San Francisco and sensitive wildlife areas.

There are a number of critical wildlife sanctuaries and restored wetlands that are homes to indigenous bird species and provide cover for migrating birds. Coastal birds may seek refuge in these areas and could have been exposed during the oil spill. These sanctuaries include India Basin, Islais Creek, Mission Creek and Warm Water Cove. All are accessible from the parking/staging area at Pier 96.

Although the approaches to these areas are industrial and residential,
the Bay walk provides access to the wetland areas. More distant assignment
of volunteers will be supported with City and County of San Francisco
buses. The Department of Public Works, the Port of San Francisco, and SF
Connect will assist with gloves, disposable bags, safety vests, disposal, and provide coordination to other City agencies.

Those who have questions about the volunteer effort, need directions to
the volunteer location, or want more information on the oil spill should
call 3-1-1 or visit the website

http://www.sfgov.org/site/sf311_index.asp?id=70813.

DIRECTIONS TO PIER 98 @ CARGO WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

North on 280:
1. Take Cesar Chavez Exit
2. Turn right at Cesar Chavez
3. Turn right at 3d Street
4. Turn left at Cargo Way
5. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

South on 280:
1. Take the Mariposa St. Exit
2. Merge onto Pennsylvania Avenue
3. Turn right at Mariposa Street
4. Turn right at 3d Street
5. Turn left at Cargo Way
6. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

South on 101:
1. Take Cesar Chavez Exit
2. Follow signs for Army St. East, and merge onto Army St./Cesar Chavez
3. Turn right on 3d Street
4. Turn left onto Cargo Way
5. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

North on 101:
1. Take Potrero Avenue/ Cesar Chavez Exit
2. Turn right onto Cesar Chavez
6. Turn right on 3d Street
3. Turn left onto Cargo Way
4. Proceed to end of Cargo Way (intersects with Jennings St.)

Lisa Hoffmann, Deputy Director

Department of Emergency Management

1011 Turk Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

415-558-3870

415-558-3841