They set out with a common goal: to spruce up the coast, parks and waterways, removing as much trash as possible.

Thousands of volunteers throughout the state spent their morning Saturday, Sept. 21, getting their hands dirty for California Coastal Cleanup Day, marking the 35th year for the event. It is also part of a global effort that coincides with International Cleanup Day.

The cleanups happened in 55 counties in California at more than 1,000 locations, with large gatherings in Los Angles County from Malibu, down to Manhattan Beach Pier, throughout the South Bay and further inland at parks and waterways.