New clean streets initiative in Westlake and Pico Union neighborhoods

Earlier this week, Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN), Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and other community leaders announced a new Clean Streets initiative in District 1's Westlake and Pico Union neighborhoods.

At the unveiling of the new program, Councilmember Hernandez announced the deployment of 90 new trash receptacles in Westlake and Pico Union along high foot traffic corridors, including Alvarado St., Venice Blvd, Washington Blvd., and surrounding MacArthur Park. She also announced the installation of 30 automated litter bins and 60 metal slatted bins and they will be serviced six days a week, Monday through Saturday. 

Hernandez said that Pico Union and Westlake areas are among the most densely populated areas in L.A. County and for years have lagged in the allocation of resources and services to address trash and cleanliness despite the level of need and the fact that the areas generate more trash. “Today, we are announcing the deployment of 90 new trash receptacles to Pico Union and Westlake along high foot traffic corridors like Vermont, Washington, Venice and Alvarado. And we’re teaming up with a coalition of city and community partners to address the under-reported bulky items and illegal dumping that leave our communities with unsafe and unsanitary items blocking sidewalks, impeding the public right of way and clogging up alleyways,” Hernandez said.

In addition to the new receptacles, the officials announced a public information campaign to increase the use of MyLA311. This announcement was made on National 311 Day, which is marked annually on March 11 as City officials encourage Angelenos to use the mobile app, website, and call center to request municipal services. 

This campaign will target areas with historically low rates of 311 requests but high rates of unreported illegal dumping and bulky items. Illegal dumping and unreported bulky items pose a significant health and safety issue while contributing to blight and impeding access to the public right of way. 

“LA Sanitation and Environment is committed to providing essential quality of life services to the residents of Los Angeles. It is important to partner with communities like Westlake and Pico Union to add these additional receptacles to help keep neighborhoods clean,” said LASAN director and general manager Barbara Romero.

Councilmember Hernandez has also dedicated clean-up crews through partnerships with LA Conservation Corps and KYCC to remove loose trash and debris, assist with bulky item pickup, and address weed and litter abatement along sidewalks, alleyways, parks, and school zones.

“Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, we are able to prioritize cleaner communities across the city,” said president of the Board of Public Works, commissioner Aura Garcia. “Together we can work on solutions that can improve the quality of life for our residents.”