This project allows Valley Water to continue responding to requests for cleanup of illegal dumping, trash and graffiti on Valley Water’s property and rights-of-way. Cleanup efforts include graffiti removal from floodwalls, concrete embankments, signs, structures and other Valley Water assets, as well as maintaining, repairing and installing fences and gates so that Valley Water structures and facilities remain safe and clean. The project also includes quarterly cleanups of problem trash sites to help reduce waterway pollution and keep creeks and riparian areas free of debris. The project also funds installation and maintenance of public art projects, such as murals, to beautify Valley Water property and infrastructure, to help deter graffiti and litter.
Graffiti and Litter Removal
Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (FY23), through Quarter 3 (July 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023)
- Serviced 83 identified graffiti hotspots on a bi-weekly basis, removing 70,075 square feet of graffiti. Frequent visits to these hotspots are important to discourage and deter graffiti activities.
- Removed 21,735 square feet of graffiti from sites based on inspection or public complaints.
- Serviced 118 trash hotspots.
- A total of 58.07 tons (812.98 cubic yards) of trash and debris were removed.
- Valley Water received xx complaints regarding illegal dumping and trash, and xx complaints regarding graffiti.
- All cases were responded to in 2.2 days.
Public Art
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Valley Water partnered with the Youth Commission and local artist Paul J. González to implement the Pilot Mural Art Project at Valley Water’s Blossom Hill Annex Building. On May 10, 2022, Valley Water’s Board of Directors approved the mural design, which incorporates many aspects representative of Valley Water’s mission. The design includes imagery of nature, water infrastructure, water-efficient actions, Valley Water professions, and the diverse Santa Clara County community, conveying the diversity and representation of native plants, species and Valley Water’s innovative technology and unique water portfolio. In July 2022, Valley Water hosted a successful paint day event for the Pilot Mural Art Project in which the Board of Directors, Youth Commissioners, Water Ambassadors, and community members participated in the painting of the mural. The installation of the mural is expected to be completed in FY23.
- In FY22, Valley Water conducted a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process and onboarded a consultant to develop a Public Art Strategic Plan. In FY23, the consultant will conduct industry research and an assessment of Valley Water’s public art opportunities to develop a comprehensive strategic plan. The plan will establish goals and guidelines to engage, support and increase awareness of Valley Water’s mission in the community for the next 15 years. The Public Art Strategic Plan is expected to be completed in FY24.
April 2023
For more information:
Graffiti and Litter Removal
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Jay Lee, (408) 630-2231
Public Art
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Kristen Yasukawa, (408) 630-2876
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Email – [email protected] | Hotline - (408) 630-3261
- Learn about our Public Art Program
FY22-36 Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program
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Cleanup identified trash and graffiti hotspots at approximately 80 sites four (4) times per year.
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Respond to requests on litter or graffiti cleanup within five (5) working days.
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Provide up to $1.5 million over 15 years to implement public art projects on Valley Water property and infrastructure.
Benefits
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Reduces trash and contaminants in local waterways
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Improves the appearance of waterways in neighborhoods and parks by removing trash, graffiti and litter as well as illegally dumped items, such as cars, shopping carts, appliances, etc.
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Reduces illegal dumping into or near waterways by repairing and installing fencing on Valley Water property
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Provides coordinated response to community complaints about trash and graffiti in neighborhoods along waterways
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Helps deter graffiti and litter by implementing public art projects to beautify Valley Water property and infrastructure
Geographic Area of Benefit
Countywide
About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.
While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways
Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community
Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.
To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.
In addition, the program requires three independent audits.