By Vince Nyuen

The first annual Sunset Showdown Cleanup held on Saturday, Aug. 26 pitted the Inner Sunset Cleanup crew against the Central Sunset Cleanup team in a friendly, but competitive cleanup to see which team could collect the most trash bags.

More than 120 volunteers showed up and each team picked up piece-by-piece all the litter found in their respective neighborhoods.

Volunteers made up a diverse group that included toddlers, students and grandparents. Some were born and raised in San Francisco, while one volunteer had only lived in the San Francisco for one month.

In the end, a total of 140 bags of trash were collected and the Inner Sunset emerged victorious, taking home the Golden GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Trophy. Afterward, volunteers enjoyed pizza from Pasquale’s and SF Hole in the Wall Pizza, while building community.

It’s important to continue to show care for the Sunset and everyone is welcome to join the regular cleanups to lend a hand.

The Inner Sunset Cleanup, led by Annie and supported by the Inner Sunset Merchants Association and Avenue Greenlight, meet in front of One Medical at Irving Street and 10th Avenue.

The Central Sunset Cleanup, led by Leyla and supported by the Mid-Sunset Neighborhood Association, meets in front of Uncle Benny’s Donut and Bagel at Irving Street and 22nd Avenue.

You can find the upcoming schedule on the Refuse Refuse Cleanups page at refuserefusesf.org/cleanups.

Vince Nyuen is the founder and lead organizer. He can be reached at info@refuserefusesf.org.