VAYA’s 6th Annual Street Clean-Up, A Sweeping’ Success

Since the inception of VAYA, we have strived to give back to the community and each year we coordinate a street clean-up to help beautify the streets where the organization originated, El Cajon Blvd. in City Heights. On Saturday, October 17th 2009, a diverse group of caring individuals gathered at Hoover High School in the early hours of the morning to register and prepare for the event, picking up their tee shirts, gloves, and trash bags/sticks. The event started at Hoover High School and ended in Colina Del Sol Park, with several water stops throughout the mile long strip. Our "In-Kind" Sponsors Cali Baguette, Pho Ca Dao, Pho King, and World Foods Supermarket helped supply us with ice cold water, cups, and table setups for the pit stops. We were able to clear the streets of trash ranging from miscellaneous paper waste and cigarette butts to broken glass which serve not only harmful to the environment but those living in the area.

The event had a strong showing of approximately 125 people ranging in age and ethnic background. There were participants from multiple schools, colleges, and organizations such as VSA-SDSU, VSA-UCSD, Gach Noi UCSD, VSA-Scripps Ranch High School, VSA-University City High School, Crawford High School, Monte Vista High School’s Asian Pacific Islanders Club, and the Little Saigon Foundation. At the end of the mile-long street clean up, volunteers were met with cheerful faces applauding and thanking them for their devotion to community service. The volunteers also received complimentary boba cards from Tapioca Heaven and a festive appreciation BBQ picnic.

"In-Kind" Sponsors & Business Supporters

• Cali Baguette (5215 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Pho Ca Dao (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• World Foods Supermarket (5245 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Tapioca Heaven (9225 Mira Mesa Blvd Ste 115 San Diego, CA 92126.
• Pho King (5223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115)
• Lucky Signs (3071 54th St San Diego, CA 92105)

Schools & Organizations

• VSA-SDSU
• UCSD-VSA
• Gach Noi UCSD
• Cong Dong Viet Nam San Diego
• VSA - Scripps Ranch High School
• VSA - University City High School
• Monte Vista High School's Asian Pacific Islanders Club
• Crawford High School
• Little Saigon Foundation

About the Author: Nancy Truong serves as Historian for VAYA.