Could Los Angeles Expand Its Coastal Cleanup Efforts Citywide? Leaders Consider the Options
Los Angeles Leaders Consider Expansion of Coastal Clean-Up Program
The Los Angeles City Council is deliberating the future of its coastal clean-up initiative, with discussions indicating a potential expansion into other city areas. The CARE+ Coastal Area Teams, tasked with managing trash and sanitation issues from the Port of Los Angeles to Pacific Palisades, could extend their operations if the proposed city budget is approved.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office has outlined the clean-up program as a $50 million initiative, with an additional $11 million earmarked to tackle challenges such as street sweeping and illegal dumping throughout the city. However, the proposal seeks to streamline funding, removing specific extra allocations dedicated solely to coastal cleaning.
Councilmember Traci Park emphasized the significance of the CARE+ teams, stating, “They work five days a week to cover our coastlines, and sensitive waterways, and environmental habitat areas that are out there addressing trash, illegal dumping, garbage.”
In support of extending the program, Councilmember Katy Yaraslovsky expressed concerns about maintaining focused efforts on a singular geography. “I don’t think we can have specialized geography specific CARE, CARE+ teams given that we just don’t even have enough that are citywide,” she stated during a recent city council meeting. “To continue to give certain neighborhoods their own dedicated teams to the exclusion of the rest of us, I just I can’t support another year of it.”
Councilmember Park argued for the current structure, highlighting that a clean and safe coastline positively impacts all Los Angeles residents. “We have enhanced tourism, garbage, illegal dumping,” she said.
Discussion on the program’s funding and potential expansion remains ongoing within the city council.
