Santa Cruz County Earns Clean California Community Recognition
The County of Santa Cruz has proudly announced its designation as a Clean California Community, a recognition aimed at promoting cleaner public spaces, reducing litter, and fostering community pride. This initiative underscores the county’s ongoing commitment to improving the environment for both residents and visitors.
Commitment to Community Cleanliness
The Clean California Community designation highlights Santa Cruz County’s leadership in supporting the Pitch In Initiative. This collaborative effort engages various stakeholders—including residents, businesses, and community groups—through hands-on projects designed to minimize waste, prevent litter, and enhance overall community well-being.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Matt Machado, the director of community development and infrastructure, expressed pride in this collaborative endeavor. “Santa Cruz County is proud to partner with the State of California and local organizations like Pitch In to make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful,” he stated. “This designation reflects the commitment of residents who volunteer their time and energy to take care of our shared spaces.”
The Pitch In Initiative: Transforming Waste Management
Established in 2022, the Pitch In Initiative has mobilized thousands of volunteers, contributing to the diversion of substantial amounts of waste from local streets, beaches, and waterways. The program encompasses various projects, from cleanup events to educational campaigns and creative re-use initiatives.
Sally-Christine Rodgers, the founder of Pitch In, articulated the core philosophy behind the initiative: “We started Pitch In with a simple idea—that small actions taken together can transform our community. This recognition affirms that vision, and we’re excited to continue building partnerships with the County and with residents across Santa Cruz to create cleaner, safer places for everyone.”
Benefits of the Clean California Community Designation
The Clean California Community designation brings additional resources and increased visibility to local cleanup efforts. It serves as an encouragement for residents and visitors to actively participate in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the region.
For further information about the Pitch In Initiative and how to get involved, navigate to Pitch In. Additionally, for details about the statewide Clean California program, visit Clean California.
Conclusion
The recognition of Santa Cruz County as a Clean California Community underscores the collaborative efforts making significant strides towards a cleaner, healthier environment. By engaging all community members, the county sets a shining example of what can be achieved through teamwork and dedication to local pride and well-being.
