SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has been awarded a $300,000 Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway grant, becoming the only city in Monterey County to receive the funding.
City officials celebrated the major investment during an Earth Day event April 27 at Orchard Lake Park, where residents participated in fun activities, learned about resources and ways to help create a healthier and more beautiful Soledad, and attended a compost workshop and giveaway hosted by Salinas Valley Recycles.
The grant will support an effort to address illegal dumping, graffiti and neighborhood blight while creating workforce opportunities for young adults.
Funded through the state’s Clean California initiative, the program will be implemented in partnership with the California Conservation Corps, Monterey Bay District and local organizations. The project will deploy crews of about 15 corps members to conduct targeted cleanup efforts across Soledad, focusing on areas including the Salinas River corridor, public rights-of-way and community spaces.
“We are especially proud to be partnering with the CA Conservation Corps, Monterey Bay District along with local organizations and community groups,” said Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez. “This partnership is at the heart of this effort because we know real lasting change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when we work side by side. Together, we will be addressing illegal dumping, graffiti and blight across our city.”
In addition to environmental cleanup, the program emphasizes workforce development. Corps members, primarily young adults ages 18 to 25, will receive job skills training and gain pathways to long-term employment while working in their communities.
“We are happy to get started on this project and look forward to bringing more 18- to 25-year-old young adults into our program,” said Chad Harris, conservationist supervisor for the California Conservation Corps.
The initiative will also include community outreach, cleanup events and partnerships with local service providers aimed at engaging residents in ongoing efforts to improve the city.
City officials said Soledad — considered a rural and disadvantaged community — continues to face challenges related to illegal dumping and blight. They added that the grant represents a step forward in addressing those issues while investing in residents, neighborhoods and long-term community pride.
