LOS ANGELES—Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the LA River Rangers program Nov. 17, which aims to hire youth to clean up public spaces along the river.
The initiative will bring in 127 youth and is the first such program to serve the 18 miles of spaces along the river.
“Our river has become a remarkable treasure—a place for families and friends to connect with the natural world, and a new artery that takes Angelenos around our city where they need to go without a car,” Garcetti said.
The program would also boost the youths’ future pursuits, he said.
“By ensuring the areas around the river stay clean and accessible, this new program will help our river realize its full potential as a precious resource and thoroughfare for our communities—all while connecting young Angelenos with opportunities that can help jumpstart their career,” he said
The Californians for All Youth Job Corps program is funding the initiative through a $5.2 million grant. It is initially funded for 18 months, but Garcetti’s office said there will be a runway for a permanent program.
Workers will care for public paths, trails, and bridges along the river.
The program will be managed by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. CEO Wendy Butts said the organization was honored to be part of the program’s launch.
“Our corps members have worked to care for the river for many years, and we’re excited to continue this partnership with the city of LA through support from the Californians for All Youth Job Corps to steward this treasure in our backyard and lead the River Rangers program,” Butts said.
