San Diego officials announced last Wednesday that crews will perform cleanup duties in a debris removal program along the San Diego River. The activities will be performed twice a week in problem areas (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), including around the SDCCU Stadium and around Grantville. Some areas will include private properties and will be coordinated with the property owners. 

“This aggressive cleanup is all about restoring one of San Diego’s most beloved natural resources,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

CBS8 reported that the goal for city crews is 78 checkpoints on the river over the upcoming months.

“We need to take this action to remove significant trash and other debris that has accumulated along the San Diego River,” Faulconer said. “This will be a prolonged and sustained effort to return the riverbed to pristine condition and make sure we keep it that way for many years to come.”

Councilman Scott Sherman, a representative of the area said, “This massive and ongoing cleanup will help restore the river to a precious natural resource that I remember from my youth.”

After the first four days of the program, a total of 10 tons of debris had been removed.