Río Hondo College has been recognized as a Clean California Community, becoming the first community college in the state to receive the designation through a statewide program focused on environmental cleanup and civic engagement.
The designation was announced Jan. 29 and is part of the Clean California initiative launched by Caltrans in 2021. The program recognizes cities, campuses, and local organizations that meet a set of environmental stewardship benchmarks tied to litter reduction, beautification, and community education.
Río Hondo College, located in Whittier and serving students across the San Gabriel Valley, is one of only 45 communities statewide to earn the designation.
Student-Led Effort Drives Recognition
The college qualified through work led by its College Corps program, which focuses on civic service and community improvement. To earn the designation, participating communities must meet at least 10 of 15 criteria established by the Clean California Community Designation program.
According to the college, student volunteers collected more than 19,000 pounds of trash through organized cleanups, including highway and public space efforts. The campus was also designated smoke-free to reduce cigarette litter, and students helped create a garden at the Child Development Center.
Those efforts placed Río Hondo College among a small group of recognized communities statewide and set it apart as the only community college to earn the designation to date.
College Leaders Cite Community Impact
Superintendent and President Teresa Dreyfuss said the designation reflects the college’s connection between learning environments and student success.
“Student success is deeply connected to the environment in which learning takes place,” Dreyfuss said in a statement. She credited College Corps students for leading efforts that support cleaner and healthier spaces while benefiting surrounding communities.
Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli said the recognition highlights the college’s broader role beyond academics. Lomeli said creating clean and welcoming spaces strengthens civic pride and improves quality of life across the region the college serves.
College Corps Program Ambassador Nohelia Vega also emphasized the role of student volunteers and community partners. Vega said the designation represents a starting point, with plans to expand green spaces and host more cleanup events in the future.
What The Designation Includes
As a designated Clean California Community, Río Hondo College will receive on-site signage, statewide recognition, and membership with Keep California Beautiful. The college plans to host a plaque unveiling ceremony later this year to formally recognize the achievement and the students and partners involved.
The Clean California program is funded through a $1.2 billion state investment and has supported cleanup efforts throughout California since its launch. Caltrans reports millions of cubic yards of litter removed statewide, along with job creation tied to cleanup and beautification projects.
Local Significance
For residents in Whittier and nearby San Gabriel Valley communities, the designation highlights how local institutions can shape cleaner, more welcoming public spaces. College officials said Río Hondo College plans to continue using student-led service programs to support environmental projects that extend beyond campus boundaries.
More information about the statewide effort is available at https://cleanca.com.
