Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
City of Westminster Public Right-of-Way Cleanup - 2026 First Quarter Report.
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publichearing
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From: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Vincent Huante, Parks Division Supervisor
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Receive and file the report.
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BACKGROUND
In June 2019, the Mayor and City Council approved a community improvement initiative and established the Community Preservation Unit (CPU). CPU served as a division of the Community Development Department, and its primary duties were focused on a proactive approach to beautifying the City. The CPU Division, however, was limited to cleanup efforts and other outreach duties due to the pandemic and a shift in priorities.
In July 2025, to streamline efforts and provide better oversight of duties, the CPU Division was administratively dissolved. Duties related to CPU’s efforts were absorbed by the Public Works Department and Code Enforcement Division. Most staff members from the dissolved CPU Division were reassigned to the Public Works Department Parks Division. The increased staffing has resulted in the development of a sustained approach for public right-of-way cleanup throughout the City.
The new members of the Public Works Department Parks Division are focused on eliminating blight by removing abandoned items in the public right-of-way and properly addressing homeless encampments. This team consists of seven part-time employees, providing sufficient coverage every day of the week. Team members work closely with the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Officers and proactively canvas hot spots and neighborhoods throughout the City. The team also responds to requests for service received through Police Dispatch, work orders generated by phone calls, and the My Westminster Mobile App.
Staff has been tracking the collection of all abandoned items, such as mattresses, refrigerators, furniture, shopping carts, washers, dryers, and other miscellaneous items. Between November 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, the Public Works Department continued implementation of its pilot program for right-of-way cleanup. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Department transitioned to a formalized quarterly data collection process for right-of-way debris removal, with findings to be presented to the Mayor and City Council on a quarterly basis.
During the pilot program period (November-December 2025), the department completed approximately 80 work orders and removed an estimated 5.5 tons of abandoned items and debris. In the first quarter of 2026 (January 1 through March 31), the Department completed approximately 128 work orders and removed 8.4 tons of debris (see Attachment 1).
Bulky items collected during this reporting period include:
• 14 couches (sectionals, loveseats, full-size)
• 17 desks and cabinets
• 2 refrigerators (single- and double-door)
• 25 chairs (dining and recliners)
• 9 shopping carts
• 20 tables (dining and accent)
• 23 mattresses (twin, full, queen, and king)
• 6 televisions (various flat-screen sizes)
• 3 washing machines
• 2 dryers
• 2 toilets
These figures do not include items located on private property that were removed directly by property owners in coordination with the Public Works team.
Staff has identified areas that frequently experience illegal dumping or the abandonment of bulky items within the public right-of-way. These areas are referred to as “hot spots” (Attachment 2). These areas, primarily located in public alleys and within dense commercial and residential neighborhoods, are inspected daily by staff.
In addition to monitoring the hot spots, staff routinely patrol “routine encampment corridors” (Attachment 2) to address homelessness-related concerns, debris, and other maintenance issues. These corridors include Beach Boulevard (city limits), Garden Grove Boulevard (Edwards Street to Bolsa Chica Road), Westminster Boulevard (Newland Street to Bushard Street), and Hoover Street (city limits). Cleanup of these corridors often requires coordination with Homeless Liaison Officers to effectively address homelessness-related issues.
In November 2025, staff implemented a citywide sidewalk cleaning program focused on arterial streets. Each Thursday, crews are assigned to a specific council district on a rotating basis. Services include debris removal, sidewalk blowing, weed abatement, and gutter line sweeping.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The subject report provides an update of the public right-of-way cleanup activities and results, highlighting its overall effectiveness. The recommended action is to receive and file the report.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Bulky Items/Debris Monthly Breakdown
2. Hot Spot Map
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager