My name is Kendall Holsomback, and I’m passionate about protecting the places we live, work, and play. Through my studies in sustainability and hands-on community engagement, I’ve learned that environmental stewardship is rooted in everyday actions and shared responsibility.

Moving from Boulder to San Diego completely changed how I see the environment. The coastline, canyons, and urban spaces are alive with daily human activity. People run the boardwalk at sunrise, surf before work, picnic in canyons, study on the beach, bike along Mission Bay, and walk dogs on sandy trails. Living in this environment while studying sustainability revealed how fragile these systems are. Trash left on a trail or plastic fragments left after a beach day eventually reach the ocean. Stormwater carries debris from streets to rivers, and drought-stricken parks make small items more visible while increasing fire risk. Every day I witness how human behavior, climate change, and ecosystem health are interconnected. California became my real-world classroom, showing me that stewardship is urgent, practical, and directly connected to the community around me.

Environmental Challenges

• Coastal pollution and marine debris, including microplastics, threaten marine life and ecosystems

• Stormwater runoff after rains carries urban trash, chemicals, and microplastics into rivers and the ocean

• Litter accumulates in canyons and urban trails and eventually reaches waterways, harming wildlife

• Overuse of beaches and parks by millions of visitors generates daily debris that adds up over time

• Drought and water scarcity stress vegetation and make trash more visible, increasing fire risk

• Wildland–urban interface pressures from expanding development create hazards for both habitats and communities

Statewide Cleanup Spots

• Beaches and coastal parks, especially after high tides or storms, accumulate plastic and debris that threaten marine life

• Urban trails, canyons, and preserves in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Bay Area collect windblown litter and illegal dumping debris

• River paths and watershed areas, including the LA River and San Diego River, need attention to prevent pollutants from reaching the ocean

• Storm drain outflows are critical points where trash accumulates before entering waterways

• Tourist-heavy destinations experience constant foot traffic and debris, requiring consistent cleanup

Personal Cleanup Spots in San Diego

• Ocean Beach and the San Diego River Channel benefit from removal of microtrash, plastic fragments, and debris from dog walking areas and riverbanks

• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park requires cleanup of plastics and broken bottles hidden in cliff cracks, protecting delicate ecosystems below

• Mission Bay, including Fiesta Island and De Anza Cove, accumulates trash from picnics, recreation, and wind, including bottles, leftover food containers, tangled fishing line, and microtrash

• Balboa Park Canyons, including Florida Canyon and Morley Field, benefit from debris removal in native plant areas and along trails to preserve biodiversity

• Pacific Beach from Crystal Pier to PB Drive collects small items from boardwalk wind and tides, and cleanup here prevents debris from reaching the ocean