The device, known as Wilson, was towed from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to Hilo Bay in Hawaii in December after hitting snags on its maiden voyage, but the Alameda company that sent it is vowing to continue the plastic cleanup mission.

The Navy’s cleanup of an old airfield, known as Site 32, is nearing completion, paving the way for a new park and wetlands.

Environmentalists say Bay Area regulators are continuing to drag their feet on dealing with air pollution from refineries. And residents in vulnerable communities are paying the price.