CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
Creek Week and Pollution Prevention Week
Whereas, the third Saturday in September is recognized worldwide as International Coastal Cleanup Day, bringing millions of volunteers together to remove litter from beaches, rivers, creeks, and shorelines, demonstrating that protecting inland waterways is essential to the health of our oceans; Whereas, throughout the United States the week starting on the third Monday of September is recognized as National Pollution Prevention Week; and
Whereas, throughout much of California, including the Russian River watershed, cities, counties and other stewardship organizations are recognizing the fourth week of September as Creek Week; and Whereas, our pollution prevention practices are intrinsically linked to the health of our watershed lands and waterways; and
Whereas, the Russian River Watershed Association supports programs to reduce pollution, increase the environmental quality of our watershed, and provide our communities with the knowledge to be effective stewards of the Russian River watershed lands and waterways; and Whereas, the nearly 1,500 square miles of lands, 150 creeks, and approximately 360,000 residents of the Russian River watershed are connected and mutually support each other; and Whereas, the Russian River, along with its tributaries and associated features are important resources to the people of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties; and
Whereas, pollution in the form of trash and debris, chemicals from industry and everyday living, and sediment from construction and many land uses and activities all have the potential to degrade the quality of life and the quality of resources within the Russian River watershed; and Whereas, the Russian River Watershed Association strives to protect our lands and waterways through ongoing pollution prevention outreach which aims to raise awareness of the harmful effects of pollutants to our natural systems; and
Whereas, during Pollution Prevention Week and Creek Week, creek, river and ocean clean-up campaigns will take place throughout Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
NOW THEREFORE, The Board of Directors of the Russian River Watershed Association, proclaims on this day, September 10, 2026, that September 19, 2026 is Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21-27, 2026 is Pollution Prevention Week and September 20-26,2026 is Creek Week in the Russian River watershed, and asks all members of our community to support efforts to protect and enrich our watershed health by participating in the many Coastal Cleanup Day/Pollution Prevention Week/Creek Week activities, and to take active steps to reduce pollution and care for our environment throughout the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this day, September 15, 2026
Jill McLewis
Mayor, City of Sebastopol