Caltrans and Hoopa Valley Tribe Celebrate Partnership During Clean California Community Days

Caltrans and the Hoopa Valley Tribe co-hosted a Clean California celebration as part of Clean California Community Days – Spring Into Action! Caltrans Director Tony Tavares and Hoopa Valley Tribe Chairman Joe Davis signed a proclamation celebrating the partnership at the ceremony held Saturday, March 18 at Pookey’s Park.

Chairman Davis declared the third calendar week of March as Hoopa Valley Tribe and Caltrans Partnership Week.

“We look forward to furthering our partnership with Caltrans for many years to come. We think that some really special things can happen,” said Chairman Davis.

The Clean California partnership was on full display Saturday in the small town of Hoopa. There was a large item Dump Day event, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the state beautification project, and a celebratory community event that also highlighted the work to come on the Hoopa Four Project.

“We’re fortunate to have such wonderful partners here with the Hoopa Valley Tribe and community who have embraced the vision of a Clean California to transform their public spaces,” said Caltrans Director Tavares. “Being able to build these partnerships, as we are doing with the Hoopa Tribe, transforms Caltrans from being a transportation agency to really being a community partner.”

Tribal Councilmember Isaac Bussell opened the ceremony with a prayer and then Caltrans District 1 Director Matt Brady introduced Director Tavares. Chairman Davis then spoke about the importance of the partnership to the tribe and community.

“I want to thank our partners with Caltrans. We rely on our state highway to bring in our food, access our hospital, so many things that are very important to us. We have to travel over the hill in the snow. It’s stressful, but you see those big, orange trucks coming with the plows and it’s all right. Many of them are our own Hoopa Tribal members. You have provided employment for our people, as well,” Chairman Davis said.

Hoopa-area residents dropped off 1,012 tires and 86 mattresses and more than 140 vehicles passed through the line to recycle 410 cubic yards of unwanted items. The Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District along with Hoopa AmeriCorps and Caltrans filled the trailers with the items in three hours.

Before leaving Pookey’s Park for a tour of project sites, Caltrans and tribal leadership held a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Hoopa Downtown State Beautification project. Construction on the project is set to begin in the spring.

“These improvements will enhance the downtown area and improve the view along State Route 96 by adding decorative safety features and artwork that reflect the community’s rich history and culture,” said Director Tavares.

Later this year, the tribe will break ground on the Hoopa Four Project. The tribe was awarded a $5 million grant through Clean California to clean, enhance, and beautify four important spaces in the community.

Work at Pookey’s Park, the Jack Jarnaghan Rodeo Grounds, the Neighborhood Facilities, and Tish Tang Campground will provide safe, fun community recreation as well as improving accessibility, discouraging litter and vandalism, and contributing to community pride. The Hoopa community chose these locations, according to the project fact sheet.

Learn more about the Hoopa Downtown State Beautification project and the Hoopa Four project at dot.ca.gov/D1CleanCA.