Part of improving public safety in Bakersfield includes beautifying areas that need repair, cleanup

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Beautifying Bakersfield is Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal in his latest push to improve public safety in key parts of California’s central valley.

In a joint effort, the governor’s office and the Department of Transportation released a 10-point plan, “Clean California,” which outlines a plan to clean up Bakersfield.

The plan, among other things, will address complaints about litter, fence repairs, graffiti and homeless encampments. It will focus on repairing irrigation and removing overgrown vegetation along freeways.

“Communities feel more empowered and just happier in terms of their existence…our communities are better places to live, to work, to play and to worship when they’re cleaner…” California Racial Equity Commissioner, Traco Matthews said.

“But also, we know that cleaner cities are safer and that drives economic growth and development as well,” Matthews added.

Clean California has also funded 16 projects totaling $36.2 million throughout Kern County, including four in Bakersfield totaling $10.2 million.

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