(August 24, 2003) -- The North Long Beach Community Action Group held a Saturday morning alley clean-up on August 23, drawing Councilmembers and community activists.

NLBCAG president LaRose Hodges coordinated the event armed with a cell phone.

The event targeted alleys east and west of the 5600 block of Atlantic Ave.

9th district Councilman Val Lerch participated...just footsteps from his Saturday morning venue at the Happy Hobo cafe.

Before ascending to Council office, Lerch took part (and helped organize) countless alley clean ups.

2d district Councilmam Dan Baker, who represents downtown/midcity LB, came to the "top of the town" to lend a hand. No, this isn't a posed picture; Councilman Baker and a group of residents had just finished a morning's worth of work. Also in photo (right): NLB activist Linda Ivers and 9th district Council aide Dan Pressburg. Not pictured but present: 8th district Field Deputy Jerry Caligiuri.

Also taking part: NLB Community Planner Scott Mangum (foreground) from City Hall's Planning & Bldg. Dept's Environmental Planning Division.

To get an idea of the task and accomplishment, Ms. Ivers says the mega dumpster pictured below...

...was brought to roughly 3/4 full just from stuff removed from...

...this alley just west of Atlantic Ave...which is now spic and span.

Excellent!