talking trash once again

 Here we have my neighbor/friend Heidi and Ari, my French tenant. Yesterday we introduced him to the community at Manny's and we walked and talked and picked up street litter. We met Paul from Indiana and Mari from Florida, young people who work in start-ups so they had a lot to talk about. And it felt so nice to be with others doing a bit of good work before our free breakfast. Thank you, Manny and SF.

let's just back track, OK?

 Of course you all remember that I met Emma one Sunday a few years ago while picking up trash at Manny's, right? We bonded and she moved to Portland and Handy Jan built a suite for her and she finally used it with her partner, Natalie, and everything was oh so smooth. Emma and Natalie arrived Friday night for pizza here and Saturday we went to breakfast at Le Marais in the Castro. I introduced them to Waymo and they loved the driverless cars and downloaded the app for themselves and used it without me on Saturday as they flew around SF and I prepped for the party. So, whoosh, that's it in a nutshell. Heidi, Emma and I went to Manny's yesterday morning for trashing and had a splendid time as Natalie enjoyed some alone time with her coffee and she ran into a woman that she met in Thailand a few years ago and isn't life just amazing and wonderful? Well, most of the time. Emma and Natalie left yesterday afternoon and are now back home with their big dog, Ferguson. I already miss them...

back to trash pick-ups

 Manny's was packed with enthusiastic people of all ages and colors yesterday morning as we all headed out to collect trash and make our city even prettier. This felt great. Manny is collecting specific things for the fire victims in SoCal and we will donate a lot next week and a caravan of caring people will deliver our donations over the weekend. Red Cross and World Central Kitchen received some money from me too. Humanity is basically good.

trashing and tea time

 Here we have Luca the trash elf (age 4.5) and neighbor Heidi in the top photo. The streets are soooooo much cleaner than they used to be with the hundreds of happy citizens out picking up litter along the ocean and in the neighborhoods. Then you finally meet Lily in the baseball cap who came over for tea yesterday afternoon with Heidi. She wanted her photo taken by the wallpaper. Go figure...

a trashy email from the founder

 

Hi neighbors,

We've crossed yet another milestone; 1,500 cleanups organized and 29,500 bags of trash (383,500 gallons) removed from our streets, parks, and beaches. This past weekend alone we had 26 separate cleanups; there is no other city in the world doing what we're doing. This is civic pride and care for our environment in action. Thank you to all who have participated in our cleanups and to the organizers that lead them. Yet, we're still the best kept secret in San Francisco, so please share this email with your friends, family, coworkers, and network to encourage them to join our movement.

This Saturday, August 26 I'll once again serve as the Refuse Refuse Referee, this time for the Sunset Showdown, where Team Inner Sunset and Team Central Sunset face off in a friendly competition to see who can collect the most amount of trash. We'll meet at 9:45am and clean from 10:00am to 12:00pm, then afterwards we'll enjoy free pizza, treats, and beverages, and announce the winner. Choose a side (by clicking on the team name), maybe based on your preference for Pasquale's or SF Hole in the Wall, Arizmendi or Uncle Benny's, Manna or Marnee Thai.

We've partnered with the Civic Space Foundation to establish 10 weekly cleanups in areas of high need. Weekly cleanups have proven to reduce trash levels by over 75%. We've recently reached our goal with the addition of the West SOMA Cleanup, Ingleside Cleanup, and Fillmore South Cleanup. These are hour-long cleanups followed by a free communal meal to build community. We're always in need of more Cleanup Captains to help us lead these cleanups, so please fill out this Google Form if you are interested in volunteering.

We build identity through our actions and we want to be known as the cleanest major city in the US, so please keep on showing up.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply 'unsubscribe'.

Your neighbor,

Vince

a mixed bag Sunday

 Heidi and I picked up trash in the morning with a lot of orange vested citizens. Then Jen with 2 dogs wanted to cook this feast for me ~ herb crusted beef and scalloped potatoes. How could I say no? Delicious. Despite heavy grey weather, this is a very good summer.

Gary's garden

 When Heidi and I were picking up trash yesterday morning a man popped out of his little home and asked if we wanted to see his garden. He was a stranger to us, but excited to show off this gem of a garden and we oohed and ahhhed with enthusiasm. I love this city.

and more trash talk

 Off to Manny's yesterday morning with Emma and Heidi ~ interesting that we all notice how much cleaner the streets appear to be since Refuse, Refuse began during the pandemic. Then coffee and catch-up just like the good old days. 

Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon

 Heidi and I picked up trash without Emma for the first time, but we were assigned the street where she used to live and I pretended to find something on her stairs. Then we had lattes and chatted and I prepared for the Super Bowl by cooking and yes, I hate the whole thing. It was an exciting game and I do not care for football. I do enjoy the ads, of course. Today = culture at SF Moma.

saying goodbye to Emma

 We met about a year ago picking up trash on Sunday mornings at Manny's. An odd and very rewarding friendship as Emma is 26 or so and is an amazing young woman. She is moving to Portland. Our little foursome is heartbroken and we gathered yesterday to celebrate her with coffee and cake. We did pick up a little trash first and Manny himself gave Emma a disco ball farewell necklace. Sweet. Sadness

the trashy four return

 We've all been so busy, but yesterday we gathered at Manny's to pick up trash on Valencia Street. It wasn't that awful, either the rain or we are really making an impact. Then we had tea/coffee at Laurence's home (she is second from the left) and it was so lovely seeing her cat, Bear, again. Bear is NOBILITY.

trash and tea

 Bottom photo first. I met Emma at Manny's for trash removal and then coffee and catch-up. There were so many of us that we old timers asked for, and received, a really easy almost spotless street. This movement is really catching on. Then home to change into clean clothes for the SF International Tea Festival down at the Ferry Building. Neti's friend Carmen (in blue) was our hostess and the 2nd floor was packed with tea and customers and I'm still not used to crowds so I didn't stay too long. But I was impressed with all the interest in tea and chai and yes, my coffee tastes exquisite this morning.

a trashy beginning

 Back to Manny's yesterday morning to partner with Emma and put on our orange disco vests. This eager volunteer group expands weekly and this makes us all sooooo happy. Then there was yet another street fair on Valencia Street with music and happiness in the unusual October fog. OK by me!

and more trash talk

 We gathered here for quiche and salad yesterday after picking up trash and bitching about the heat. A nice time for sure. It's cool now but we expect more fog-free days. This is such a nice new tribe that I belong to. From the left at table: hostess, Laurence, Emma and Hedi. 

four on 15th Street

 Heidi and Laurence joined Emma and me yesterday to pick up trash. We laughed and chatted and felt like such good citizens. There were a lot of volunteers yesterday at Manny's ~ this positive movement seems to be growing in SF and this makes me very happy.

training Heidi

 Here is my neighbor in front of Manny's yesterday morning. I'm glad she went with me because my regular partner, Emma, was in Kentucky visiting family. Heidi was very detailed, at first, but I taught her what to avoid and actually we did contribute two bags each to this impressive pile.

my busy Sunday

 Good thing I had Hermit Saturday because yesterday was full. Trash pick-up on Valencia Street with Emma, coffee and bagel at the Chit Chat Cafe in Pacifica (photo) with the Blogmaid and then dinner over at Neti's. Annabelle was not pleased. But it was a fine day for this human. 

treasures amongst the trash

 I always enjoy chatting with Emma on Sunday morning as we collect disgusting "don't touch that!" garbage for an hour. How sweet is this little meditation church on (I think) 17th Street? Very!

eyes up on Valencia Street

 My trash buddy Emma and I picked up debris on the sidewalks and alleys around Valencia Street yesterday. I love this street but once someone tosses a paper plate, everyone seems to think it is a-ok to add to the garbage. But we can make a difference, at least for an hour or so. 

a good deed ~ for one hour

 Please note that we wore "disco vests" courtesy of Manny and his restaurant and event center ~ our clean-up Sunday headquarters. A good way to start my often busy Sunday ~ so trashy.