Cleaning San Francisco’s streets isn’t anything new to Roland Lee.
From Lakeside Village to Frida Kahlo Way, Lee keeps a long stretch of Ocean Avenue tidy for residents, businesses and the general public.
The 63-year-old San Jose Avenue resident works for the Ocean Avenue Association as a street cleaning ambassador. Previously a shipyard worker, Lee started his career at the South of Market West Community Benefit District six years ago, working alongside its then-executive director, Christian Martin. When Martin took charge of the Ocean Avenue Association in 2023, he brought Lee with him.
Although street cleaners have come and gone, Lee has remained a constant and friendly face who is just as eager to help the public as he was on his first day.
“For me to do this for six years now, I've become accustomed,” Lee said. “I'm taking care of the environment. It's all about green.”
Lee usually works by himself. He said he stays committed to helping the neighborhood by finding a work-life balance. In his off hours, he spends time with his 10-year-old daughter and ensures he’s getting enough rest before tackling the avenue’s next mess.
“I'm serious about my work,” Lee said. “I care about what I do, and I like to make people happy.”
The Ingleside Light caught up with Lee to learn more about his day-to-day work along the avenue.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What does a typical street cleaning shift look like?
I work from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m At this point, [Ocean Avenue Association Board Chair] Kath Tsakalakis has allowed me to set my own hours because I'm not here Saturday and Sunday, so what I'll do is I might work seven hours, maybe three or four days, and I can use those remaining hours for the weekend. It's about always having somebody here. I'm sweeping curb lines, removing graffiti and doing touch-up paint jobs.
Do you have a favorite memory from your three years on the avenue?
The people here. They may not all be able to speak English, but when they see me, they pat me on the shoulder and give me the thumbs up, so just the people. It's the people.
What’s it like to clean Ocean Avenue and now Lakeside Village?
What we’re talking about is almost two football fields long. I play my music; no ear pods, just an open little speaker, so it takes me away. I listen to reggae and a lot of old R&B.
What is one piece of advice you have for someone who also wants to start street cleaning?
Care about what you do.
