Yeah yeah, I know. Who cares … can’t win ‘em all. The 25th anniversary of the California Coastal Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, Sept. 19th at beaches across the state. Go participate, if you can. I will actually be in my home state, where my permanent address is, where I am a registered voter. And yet I will not be able to participate in an event I think is so awesome because I will be respecting one of the 2 High Holidays that my parents observe rather religiously.
I thought at the very least the government would not plan events – anything at all, really – on the holiest days of the year for any faith. Google “world religions calendar” – not that hard.
So I emailed the volunteer manager that sent me the invitation to the event (because I am on one listserv or another). She responded with this:
the following excerpt from the organizing agency’s Web site (http://www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced/ccd/ccd.html):
The California Coastal Commission has received inquiries about why Coastal Cleanup Day takes place on Sept. 19, which coincides with the first day of Rosh Hashanah. CCD is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which has been scheduled on the third Saturday of September since 1986. The consistency of the date of this global effort is one of many reasons why the Cleanup has been so successful at mobilizing millions of volunteers over the years. The Coastal Commission is sensitive to the scheduling conflict this year and regrets that some volunteers may not be able to participate. If you are unable to join us on September 19th this year, please visit our Coastweeks pages for alternative events and activities taking place during the three weeks after the Cleanup. Thanks for your understanding.
Really? I get it – it’s always the third Saturday and they don’t control the moon. I have to say, even though I am not a religious person and I actually grasp the concept of organizing global events, I still think no one cares that it’s always the third Saturday. The public doesn’t even remember year to year. Many people don’t even know this event exists. In fact, many people don’t even live near an ocean! Not to diminish the event – I think it is important and awesome, I am just (clearly) bitter I cannot participate (so, please, go participate for me! pick up TWICE as much trash).
Calendars are available many years out. Again, not that difficult. Pick a Saturday. People will do it. But I guess I won’t until next year, assuming the moon doesn’t conflict.
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