District: Headquarters
Contact: Edward Barrera
New neighborhood parks, 600-plus art projects and beautiful, climate-resistant landscaping are transforming public spaces and honoring local cultures
SACRAMENTO – Since the initiative began in July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.2 billion Clean California effort has restored beauty, re-energized community pride and celebrated regional identities across the state. Along with clearing more than 3.4 million cubic yards of litter (the equivalent of nearly 136,000 garbage trucks), Clean California is creating an indelible legacy with its support of vibrant local art installations, new or ungraded recreational venues and aesthetic improvements to shared public spaces—helping to make the Golden State a safer, healthier place to live and work.
From Siskiyou and Modoc Counties in the north, to San Diego and Imperial Counties in the south and hundreds of locations in between, people like those featured in the video below have experienced the benefits of these transformative Clean California efforts.
“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, Clean California is revitalizing communities across the state,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “From Siskiyou County in the north to Imperial County in the south, and Kern County in the Central Valley—Clean California is restoring pride and creating spaces where communities thrive.”
In speaking about the award-winning McFarland Community Trail and Garden Project in the Central Valley, local resident Maria Cruz said:
“This area has benefited, and we feel safer in a more secure environment for walking and enjoying nature.”
The $1.6 million effort received an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) regional award in recognition for transforming three acres of undeveloped land into sharable green space with lighting, fitness stations, basketball court and community garden.
Moorpark resident Desi Dos Santos and his family make the 35-mile drive from their home to bike along the Ventura River Trail, recently upgraded by a $5 million Clean California grant that includes new art murals and improved markings for bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Everything about the trail is nice,” said Dos Santos. “We ride all the way to Ojai and back. We live in Moorpark, which is 30 to 40 miles away, but we drive here and bring our bikes to ride this trail. We like off-the-road trails that are completely away from the cars.”
Click the video below to learn more about this project and others making a difference in neighborhoods around the state.
Video:
In this video, Caltrans visits four unique Clean California project locations and speaks with community members benefiting from the new and upgraded amenities.