Small businesses, non-profit organizations, and community members all pitched in to take San Bernardino from the “dirtiest city” to one of the cleanest in California.
San Bernardino Downtown Earns “Clean California Community” Status
Downtown San Bernardino has made history as one of the first 30 communities in California to be officially recognized as a “Clean California Community” by Caltrans under the Clean CA initiative. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
A Milestone Moment
Mayor Helen Tran described the designation as a “proud moment,” underscoring how it reflects the tireless effort of residents, city leaders, and local organizations. She emphasized that this honor supports a broader vision for downtown — one that’s vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
About the Clean California Program
Launched in 2021, Clean California is a statewide effort led by Caltrans (in partnership with Keep America Beautiful and Keep California Beautiful) to reclaim and beautify public spaces. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention. Communities must satisfy at least 10 of 15 benchmarks — from community cleanups to public education — to receive full designation. In return, they get priority access to grants, educational support, and media visibility. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Downtown’s Journey to Recognition
San Bernardino’s push began in 2021, when the city’s Public Works Department teamed up with local nonprofits and businesses to secure a $722,000 Clean California grant. That money helped transform what was once a little-used alley between Court Street and 4th Street into Sole Alley — a gathering spot brimming with art, lighting, landscaping, and a stage. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Sole Alley now features a neon-lit archway, wall murals by local artists, native plants, bike racks, and decorative paving. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Community Power
Realicore co-founder David Friedman praised the collaboration: “Small businesses, non-profits, city council, and residents all came together to make our city cleaner.” Hey SoCal. Change is our intention. He also shared a more personal reflection: his experience as a Boy Scout taught him the value of “leaving no trace,” a principle that guided the community-led cleanup work. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
Statewide Impact
Governor Gavin Newsom recently highlighted the broader Clean California initiative’s success: in just four years, the program has removed more than 3 million cubic yards of litter — the equivalent of over 136,000 garbage trucks. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
How San Bernardino Qualified
Key criteria Clean California communities must meet include: free dump days, public education programs, community cleanups, beautification efforts, public art, and systems to track progress. Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.
More Downtown Improvements
Beyond Sole Alley, San Bernardino has invested in additional downtown upgrades, such as:
Renovating the façade of the historic California Theatre
Installing solar lighting along 2nd, 4th, and 6th Streets
Repaving 2nd Street
Demolishing the outdated Carousel Mall Hey SoCal. Change is our intention.