National Charity League Paints Storm Drains to Promote Clean Oceans

Senior Tess Fortier paints to promote keeping the beaches clean by not polluting local storm drains. Many seniors engaged in this project by painting on the Strand.

By Andonia Goergen

Staff Writer

Senior members of the National Charity League’s Manhattan-Hermosa chapter painted storm drains along the Manhattan Beach strand over the summer as part of their senior project.

The miniature paintings feature various ocean life and the county of Los Angeles’ “No Dumping” logo. They serve as a reminder of the effects that pollution has on the ocean and to discourage people from littering into these drains.

“We impact the environment in our everyday lives, and there are a lot of things people don’t really consider that are harmful to the environment,” NCL Class of 2020 President Hannah Bergin said. “Litter is one of the many things that finds its way to the ocean through the storm drains that can be toxic to the sea life, and we wanted to raise awareness.”

According to the Manhattan Beach Mayor Nancy Hersman, a large portion of items found in storm drains are plastic products that can be detrimental to sea life when washed into the ocean. Decreasing the amount of trash, oils and toxins washed into the ocean and improving the storm drain system in Manhattan Beach are two of Hersman’s main goals as mayor, she said.

“I thought it was a wonderful idea for them to focus on storm drains since we don’t pay much attention to them,” Hersman said. “Their work will raise people’s understanding of the importance of being aware and knowledgeable about what flows into our storm drains.”

Seniors Natalie Rebenoff, Georgia Bennett and Ashley Saros also participated in the project alongside Bergin. Local paint shop Catalina Paints helped by supplying the proper paint and supplies needed for the project, Bergin said.

“We wanted to make a lasting impact on our community and do something unique,” Bergin said. “The ocean means a lot to most of us since we have grown up swimming in it and living by it, and we wanted to do a project environmentally focused to keep it clean.”

NCL is a philanthropic organization composed of mothers and daughters interested in participating in community service and strengthening the mother-daughter bond through community service work. The Manhattan-Hermosa chapter was established in 2009 and has over 300 members who volunteer at organizations throughout Southern California.

“I couldn’t be happier that our youth are taking a strong stand in the fight against pollution in our oceans,” Hersman said. “Adults have done a poor job with protecting our environment and are only now realizing the impact of these poor decisions, but I’m confident that our youth will help us through the debacle we have caused and help us change course.”