Ethan Valencia Photo Sophie Braccini

Ethan Valencia, a 7th grade student at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, recently climbed the hill to 'The Rock' to make sure no contaminants had been left behind by those who decorate the prominent white boulders that sit on private property above the intersection of Rheem Boulevard and Moraga Way. He collected two boxes of old spray paint cans and brushes that a friend from Sustainable Moraga will take to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility in Martinez. "I thought it was a good idea to go and check the site out; paint is not good for the environment."

Arriving before Valencia was Moraga Parks Foundation member Tom Preston, who removed six big leaf bags full of old cans. "The Town could not do it itself because the site is private," said Preston's wife, Debbie, "but they contacted the property owner to get his approval."

S. Braccini