by Lori Donchak

Earlier this year, PierPride announced “Invest in the Vest,” a program to supplement city-funded maintenance of the Pier. The non-profit’s fund-raising effort aims to increase cleaning year round to remove bird residue, litter, fishline and kelp, especially during lobster season and times of high use. Weekly sweeping is included, as sand on the Pier wears it down. More frequent nail patrol is also part of the program to fix popping nails and provide a smoother stroll. Program sponsors will have their logo displayed on the eye-catching orange safety vests worn by Pier workers, hence the program name. Pacific Sweeping, A Cannon Pacific Services, Inc. Company, has provided street-sweeping services to the City of San Clemente since 2008, helping keep city streets clean and preventing more than 2,000 tons of debris and waste from draining into the ocean. Now Pacific Sweeping announces a partnership with the PierPride Foundation to provide increased maintenance of San Clemente Pier this summer.

Pacific Sweeping stepped up immediately and is the charter sponsor of “Invest in the Vest” this summer. Pacific Sweeping has a long history of performing vital cleaning services that make a positive difference for the environment throughout Southern California; from the Cities along the beaches of Orange and San Diego Counties to the mountains and deserts of Big Bear, Hesperia and Coachella Valley.  Cleaning more than 350,000 curb miles per year, serving more than three million residents, Pacific Sweeping takes their job seriously. 

According to CEO Lee Miller, “More pier maintenance is an excellent fit for Pacific Sweeping. Not only do we pride ourselves in being stewards of the ocean, we are interested in programs that improve a community’s quality of life. We can’t help in every situation, but PierPride’s Vest program is innovative, and it’s a good fit for our company’s culture and values. We’re proud to help maintain the Pier that has such a rich history and is special to so many people.  The San Clemente Pier and the ocean that flows beneath it deserve our attention.” Pier visitors will see the Pacific Sweeping logo on vests July through September.

 PierPride board member Eileen Kawas is delighted to kick off “Invest in the Vest” in partnership with Pacific Sweeping. “Over and over, we hear our Pier just isn’t looking very clean. It is in need of extra effort to make it a better experience for residents and visitors alike.  Now, with Pacific Sweeping’s support, we can do something about this problem.” Kawas notes that over two million people visit San Clemente Pier each year which explains the significant maintenance needs.  

 For the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the City of San Clemente expects to spend $1.1 million to address basic structural Pier needs.  Pier maintenance has become a financial challenge since the State of California discontinued Redevelopment Agency funding in 2012. In response to the loss of critical funds, PierPride Foundation was formed in 2016 to help fill the sizeable new budget gap. “Invest in the Vest” is the second initiative undertaken by PierPride. Underwriting the professional painting of San Clemente Pier, scheduled for completion in September, was the foundation’s first contribution to bettering the Pier experience.