Clearlake >> Just behind Pomo Elementary School there is an unsightly mess. It’s a location notoriously known by residents as a homeless encampment and dumping site, and just one spot Citizens Caring for Clearlake (CC4C) plan to tackle during their week-long cleanup project.
The focus of their effort is in an undeveloped lot a little more than 10.5 acres large consisting of almost maze-like trails littered with garbage, couches and old mattresses scattered throughout.
Volunteers gathered Tuesday morning at the vacant lot off of Arrowhead Road for their second cleanup day. The group was small, but diverse — a mix of ages, races, genders and even a dog who helped toss scraps of wood into a pile — all with the goal of a cleaning up the town they call home.
Cathy Wilson, who’s volunteered in various cleanup events, noted there’s a difference in debris. It’s one thing she said to clean up litter tossed by drivers on the side of the road, but finding clothing, dolls and diapers “adds a more human element.”
“You know this is where a mother changed a diaper,” she said as she picked garbage stuck onto a manzanita tree.
CC4C continue its work today until Monday. Volunteers will start at Arrowhead Road between Ciwa and Ukiah Streets. A dirt road leads onto the property and balloons mark the pull in. They’re official hours are 6 to 10 a.m., but they’ve been staying out longer until the heat or hunger tells them it’s time to go inside.
Organizers ask that volunteers wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water to drink. Volunteers with a rake, hoe or shovel, a wheelbarrow or cart, are also needed.
