Ralph Gladwin of Merced Walks speaks to volunteers about cleanup locations in Planada.
Volunteers walk through the town of Planada, cleaning up trash on their way.
The crew from the local business R & G Quality Hauling donated trailers for the cleanup and helped collect debris.
Young members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were on hand to help clean the town.
Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto, Rhonda Batson of the local NAACP, Ralph Gladwin of Merced Walks, Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinoza, and community volunteer Arturo Bajaras.
Planada residents look through donated clothing.
Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto, along with Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinoza, Ralph Gladwin of Merced Walks, and Natalie Sturgeon of Just Serve Merced County, among many others, helped organize a “Clean California” event in Planada last Saturday.
Clean California Community Days is a statewide, 11-day event, held March 17 to March 27. The goal is to work together to clean up our communities and spread the word about taking pride in keeping California clean. Clean California also provides state funds to clean and beautify public spaces in underserved communities.
The effort was a welcome sight in Planada, a town that was devastated by the January floods that hit the area.
Dozens of residents showed up for the community cleanup, including a strong showing by local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Volunteers helped clean debris from the streets of Planada, as well as distribute clothing to struggling residents. They also enjoyed a lunch break at Houlihan Park.