Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the LA River Rangers program, a new initiative that will hire 127 young Angelenos to care for 18 miles of the city’s public spaces along the LA River.
“Our river has become a remarkable treasure — a place for families and friends to connect with the natural world, and a new artery that takes Angelenos around our city where they need to go without a car,” said Garcetti. “By ensuring the areas around the river stay clean and accessible, this new program will help our river realize its full potential as a precious resource and thoroughfare for our communities — all while connecting young Angelenos with opportunities that can help jumpstart their career.”
The LA River Rangers program is the first of its kind to provide service across all of the city’s LA River public spaces. When fully staffed, Rangers will serve all public paths, trails and bridges along the river located in the City of Los Angeles. Rangers will be deployed along four sectors of the river: west of Sepulveda Basin, in the Basin, east of the Basin and in the Glendale Narrows.
The program is funded by a $5.2 million grant from the Californians for All Youth Job Corps program and will be managed by the Los Angeles Conservation Corps under the direction of the Board of Public Works. The program will be funded for 18 months and will provide a runway to develop a permanent program. Workers can be part- or full-time, and applicants can be up to 30 years old.
“This program is a win-win — for young Angelenos being employed to care for public right of way areas, as well as for our residents who come to enjoy all the recreational opportunities the LA River offers,” said Aura Garcia, president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.
“We are so excited to be kicking off the River Rangers program as the newest part of the #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps,” said Josh Fryday, chief service officer for California Volunteers. “Young people will get an opportunity to learn valuable skills, clean up the LA river, and join thousands of their peers across the city and state to improve their communities.”
“The LA Conservation Corps is honored to be a part of launching this program along the LA River,” said Wendy Butts, CEO of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. “Our Corpsmembers have worked to care for the river for many years, and we’re excited to continue this partnership with the City of LA, through support from the Californians for All Youth Job Corps, to steward this treasure in our backyard and lead the River Rangers program.”
For more information and to apply to be a River Ranger, visit HireLAYouth.com.