Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that 100 communities and organizations across California have achieved the Clean California Community designation, marking a significant milestone for the initiative aimed at fostering cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments statewide.
Since its inception in July 2021, Clean California has funded 317 projects statewide. Caltrans and its local partners have successfully removed over 3.8 million cubic yards of litter from highways and public spaces, an amount equivalent to filling approximately 180,000 residential garbage trucks. The program, under Governor Newsom’s leadership, also supports California’s broader goals for climate resilience, economic equity, and public safety.
Governor Newsom said, "Across California, communities are stepping up to protect the places they call home – creating cleaner neighborhoods, greener public spaces, and a healthier environment for future generations." California State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin encouraged more communities to join the momentum, while Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy highlighted the leadership of these designated communities in organizing cleanup events, including during Earth Week.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo expressed his city's honor in receiving the designation, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of residents, staff, and community partners. Recent communities to earn the designation include the City of Eureka, City of Livermore, City of Sacramento, Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, and the Little Tokyo Historic District in Los Angeles. Another 100 communities are currently working towards their designation, with Caltrans encouraging others to take the online pledge and meet 10 of 15 specific criteria within a year.
The Clean California program has hosted more than 650 free dump days, collected over 15,500 mattresses and 57,000 used tires, and engaged more than 10,000 community clean-up volunteers. Crucially, it has created 18,267 jobs, including opportunities for individuals who were formerly incarcerated or experiencing housing insecurity.