Treasures among trash

How much trash can you pick up in one day? Alfred “Fred” Nock has an idea. The Village resident is a one-man volunteer clean-up crew. His daily walks along La Jolla’s beaches, sidewalks and trails divert between 25 and 30 pounds of litter from Mother Ocean and our municipal landfill.

I met Fred while on a morning walk along the Windansea bluffs. Fred’s fluorescent utility vest caught my eye. But his passion for polishing our Jewel-by-the-Sea touched my heart.

Fred’s litter abatement advocacy sprang to life during COVID-19. Embracing the pandemic’s stay-close-to-home vibe, Fred, an avid hiker, began exploring La Jolla on foot. “I started walking more slowly, with intent,” he explained, “That’s when I noticed there was trash all around.”

The 80-year-old grandfather travels light. A sturdy reach extender and two reusable shopping bags flung over his shoulder— one for trash, the other for repurposed treasures— are the essentials in Fred’s litter collection toolkit.

Like most avocations, Fred’s environmental stewardship is a gift that keeps on giving. When asked to share some of the memorable items he’s picked up along the way, Fred is quick to mention the monthly bag of clothing he donates to Goodwill. But it’s the story of finding a $100 bill and giving it to his car mechanic— who treated his team to lunch— that captures the joy Fred derives from his passion project.

If he could make a wish for La Jolla, what would it be? “I would hope everyone would do their part,” Fred replied.

Fred’s wish may be the sweetest definition of community.

What is your definition of community? Share your thoughts with me at Molly@Windanseacommunications.com. I’d love to include your voice in my next column!