• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $311.7 million in funding for 126 beautification projects along the state highway system, according to a Feb. 11 statement. As part of his $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, this project will benefit historically underserved or excluded communities. Over three years, Clean California will remove an additional 1.2 million cubic yards—or 21,000 tons—of trash. Starting in April 2022, these projects are expected to create 3,600 jobs as part of the multi-year initiative led by Caltrans to remove trash and beautify community gateways and public areas along highways, streets, and roads. The 126 projects—which will create art installations, green space, and projects that will improve safety and promote community connections—were developed in collaboration with tribal and local governments, nonprofits, and businesses in 47 of California’s 58 counties. “With Clean California projects transforming more and more sites across the state, we’re taking the next step to create enriching public spaces that serve the needs of our diverse communities and that all of us can take pride in—starting in the neighborhoods that need it most,” Newsom said in a statement. “Working together, the state and local governments are advancing unique beautification projects that will make a positive impact for years to come.”
• U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) joined Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) and 18 other senators to ask U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to direct Federal agencies to update their language access plans in order to ensure that everyone can obtain critical information and resources in their preferred language, according to a Feb. 11 statement. “Language barriers can impact access to vital services and information related to education, the legal system, health care, housing, and more. We ask that you issue a memorandum directing federal agencies to update their language access plans to meet the present-day needs,” the letter stated. Language plans—some not updated in nearly a decade—would direct agencies to update their websites to include language assistance services and boost the distribution of translated materials. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 percent of Californians speak a language other than English at home. Similarly, a Center for Immigration Studies report found that more than 67 million households in the United States spoke a language other than English at home. “With new census data at hand for agencies to better understand the demographics of the populations they are currently serving and evolving technology, now is the time to enforce our nation’s commitment to language access,” the letter said.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Feb. 11 that the state has made available $38 million in new Homeless Youth Emergency Services and Housing Program grants for community-based organizations to support teens and young adults experiencing homelessness. “These grants will provide relief and emergency support to young people across California experiencing homelessness, who are too often left in dire situations to fend for themselves. We’re providing immediate aid for those living on our streets—bringing resources and services directly to young people in need and helping them onto a path toward a stable future,” Newsom said in a statement. The grants are being distributed through the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to 12 community-based organizations from San Diego to Humboldt for local partners to provide access to a range of housing options that meet their needs, as well as mental health support with crisis intervention and stabilization services. “This funding represents an important lifeline in protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities,” Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci said in a statement. “Through the partnership with these community-based organizations we are able to provide meaningful support and change lives.”
This article appears in Feb 17-24, 2022.