LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Local volunteers helped Lake County rejoin the annual Coastal Cleanup Day this past weekend.

The 28th annual event, the largest volunteer event in California, took place on Saturday.

It saw more than 57,000 volunteers across the state pick up 320 tons of trash from beaches and inland waterways.

After a hiatus of several years, Lake County had a presence in the effort once more last weekend.

Carolyn Ruttan, Invasive Species Program coordinator for the Lake County Department of Water Resources, was the county point person for the cleanup, which had locations in Lakeport, Clearlake Oaks and Clearlake.

She said on Tuesday that 26 volunteers has participated in the Saturday cleanup.

Those volunteers collected eight bags of recyclables, 32 bags of trash and 156 tires.

Ruttan said she's hoping to make next year’s event – which will take place on Sept. 21, 2013 – much bigger, with more volunteers and engagement.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .