San Bernardino’s Downtown Designated a “Clean California Community”
The City of San Bernardino has officially designated its downtown area as one of the first 30 “Clean California Communities” by Caltrans, a move that highlights the city’s commitment to revitalizing its public spaces and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This initiative is part of the overarching Clean CA program launched in 2021.
A Recognition of Dedication and Partnership
Mayor Helen Tran celebrated this milestone, stating that the Clean California Community designation is a testament to the cooperative efforts of the local community and partners. Tran emphasized that this recognition underscores San Bernardino’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant downtown. “This recognition also affirms our commitment to building a vibrant downtown that welcomes residents, attracts new businesses, and strengthens San Bernardino’s role as a hub for opportunity.”
What is the Clean California Program?
The Clean California Program was developed by Caltrans in collaboration with organizations like Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful. The program aims to clean, reclaim, transform, and beautify public spaces throughout the state. To earn the Clean California Community designation, a community must meet at least 10 out of the 15 established criteria, such as conducting public education programs and organizing community cleanups.
Achievements of the Program
In just four years, significant milestones have been achieved, including the removal of over 3 million cubic yards of litter and debris, comparable to filling more than 136,000 garbage trucks. Governor Gavin Newsom announced these achievements, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness across different Californian communities.
Transforming Downtown: The Sole Alley Initiative
San Bernardino’s journey in becoming a Clean California Community began in 2021 when its Public Works Department collaborated with local organizations to secure a grant of $722,000. This funding was pivotal in transforming an underused alley between Court Street and 4th Street into a community hub known as Sole Alley.
Features of Sole Alley
Sole Alley is now a vibrant gathering space that boasts:
- An arched neon sign at the entrance
- Eye-catching wall murals by local artists
- Strategic lighting and a performance stage
- Native landscaping
- Bike racks and decorative pavers
Realicore’s David Friedman emphasized that the achievement of this transformation was a collective effort involving small businesses, non-profits, city council members, and residents, showcasing the importance of community collaboration in fostering a cleaner environment.
Broader Beautification Efforts
San Bernardino is investing in additional projects to enhance the aesthetics of its downtown area. These projects include:
- Renovating the historic California Theater
- Installing solar lighting along major corridors such as 2nd, 4th, and 6th Streets
- Repaving 2nd Street
- Demolishing the Carousel Mall to make way for future developments
Criteria for Becoming a Clean California Community
To qualify as a Clean California Community, several criteria must be met, including:
- Organizing community cleanups
- Implementing greening and beautification efforts
- Installing public art
- Enhancing transit stations with necessary improvements
Conclusion
San Bernardino’s designation as a Clean California Community signifies a collective movement towards a cleaner, more inviting urban landscape. With continued community engagement and targeted initiatives, downtown San Bernardino is on a promising path to becoming a thriving hub for both residents and businesses alike. Explore more about this transformative initiative by visiting the Clean California Community official page.
