$1.5 Million Beautification Project Completed
EL MONTE — A new gateway monument welcoming residents and visitors to the city of El Monte now stands alongside the historical marker for Gay’s Lion Farm at the intersection of Peck Road and Valley Boulevard, as part of a recently completed Clean California Beautification project along Interstate 10 (I-10). The project also added drought-tolerant landscaping and hardscape design along a 2.3-mile stretch of I-10.
The $1.5 million beautification project is a part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.2 billion clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, beautify public spaces and create thousands of jobs across the state.
“This project exemplifies the spirit and transformational objectives set forth by the Governor’s Clean California initiative four years ago,” said Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts. “The artfully-rendered El Monte gateway monument swells community pride, cultivates a sense of identity and beautifies a well-traveled section of I-10 frequented by commuters and visitors alike—showcasing one of the region’s most active public corridors.”
The 18-foot-tall monument features the city’s name above the official city of El Monte seal, accented with vertical blue and brown aluminum sheeting. The city seal features the words “End of the Santa Fe Trail,” reflecting El Monte’s past as a settlement in California’s early pioneering history. The monument features solar-powered LED lighting along the base for nighttime illumination.
A variety of climate-resilient trees, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses, vines and succulents were planted as part of the project, adding aesthetic improvements with a focus on sustainability. This includes Bee's Bliss Sage (Salvia 'Bees Bliss’), a native Californian shrub that is fast-growing and low maintenance, while also serving as erosion control and providing a habitat for local pollinators and wildlife.
“We are proud to see the Clean California initiative bring a transformative enhancement to our community along Interstate 10. The gateway monument and climate-resilient landscaping not only beautifies a key corridor but also reflect El Monte’s rich history and commitment to sustainability,” said El Monte City Manager Alma Martinez. “This project highlights a partnership that advances civic pride, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality—welcoming residents and visitors alike with a lasting symbol of our city’s unique identity and ongoing growth."
Project improvements:
· New gateway monument with solar-powered LED lighting
· Drought-tolerant landscaping with 337 new plants and nine trees planted
· Rock blanket paving added to on and off ramps for a low maintenance ground covering surface with a natural appearance
· New irrigation systems
· Wood mulch to reduce soil erosion
The gateway monument was designed and manufactured by Bravo Sign & Design, Inc. Caltrans District 7’s Construction team coordinated the project with work completed by the contractor Martinez Landscape Co., Inc.
This project is just one of 314 Clean California projects beautifying communities throughout the state. Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up more than 3.4 million cubic yards of litter from highways and public spaces – the equivalent of filling[CC1] more than 136,000 garbage trucks with debris and trash.
Clean California has substantially increased the department’s previous trash collection efforts. Caltrans has now hosted more than 650 free dump days in communities throughout the state – resulting in the collection of 15,500-plus mattresses and 57,000 tires. The initiative has enlisted more than 72,000 community clean-up volunteers and created 18,267 jobs, including positions for individuals who were formerly incarcerated, on probation, or experiencing housing insecurity.
For more information about the Clean California initiative, visit cleanca.com and to learn more about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.
Video footage of this Clean California project is available: https://youtu.be/jojtsvPS1rQ
Visit CleanCA.com to learn more about how Clean California is transforming communities. For more information on current Clean California projects in District 7, visit dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-7/district-7-programs/d7-clean-california.
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