Events

Hi SCOCO! I plan and lead trash cleanups in and around Grizzly Peak in Berkeley / Oakland. We've been at it for some time, and we'd love more trash pandas for our next cleanup!

We’ll meet on Sunday, March 24th at 9:30 AM for coffee and donuts / bagels at the Grizzly Peak pullout linked here. Look for a black Prius with an open hatchback. Parking is tight, so if that pullout is full park farther up the hill then hike back down on the trail that parallels the road. We'll start at 10 and work until noon or so.

This is going to be a disgusting job. That mountain of filth is easily 100 yards long, 20 wide, and several feet deep, and it’s visible on the map in 3D satellite view, which means you can see it from space. Please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, long pants, and a long shirt, and bring soap and water to clean up when you’re done. A change of clothes, water, snacks, and layers would be wise as well.

Thanks to the fantastic generosity of the tens of folks who donated to my Amazon Wishlist - trash panda Christmas! - I now have a huge pile of trash grabbers, trash bags, work gloves, reflective vests, and haz-mat suits. If you have any of that stuff, please bring it, but if not I should be able to kit you out in full.

Rock climbers with climbing gear would be a huge help for this event. I now have several climbing ropes, which should be good for the easier slopes, but having several of y’all with rappelling and hauling gear would be fantastic. If that’s you, please DM me so we can discuss logistics.

A media person would be huge too. I get pretty busy playing Trash Napoleon, so someone who can focus on pictures, videos, time-lapses, etc. would be fantastic. It’s my hope that a more competent media campaign might compel the UC to be a better steward of its land.

Please note that this event will be performed entirely at your own risk. Racing drivers, narrow shoulders, steep hills, poison oak, sharps and other hazardous trash, rattlesnakes, ticks, etc. make this a risky job. By attending, you agree to fully assume any and all risks, damages, or liabilities you may incur and to hold me harmless for the same.

To reach me, click "John Kirkham" above, then the "Message" button on my profile.

Finally, please do not bring kids or pets. It’s just not safe for them up there!

Hope to see you on Sunday!