I went down the steps opposite Montana Avenue to the beach (Sunday) morning. I went down to the ocean, where I saw the beach littered with trash as far as I could see in either direction.
Where the outflow from the new trash collector built in the park opposite Montana dumps into the ocean, the trash was unbelievable. I took pictures. One even shows a dead possum.
I had been under the impression that the millions of dollars spent on the new filtration devices were to alleviate the trash that flows down the street drains and sewers. Is this how it works?
I have lived in Santa Monica for some 30 years and never have seen our beaches look like this.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 27, 2007. Read the original PDF.