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Hawthorne public works outlines expanded "Clean Hawthorne" initiative and 2026 sustainability projects
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Summary
Public Works Manager Selena Acuna told the City Council the Clean Hawthorne program increased crews and removals, reported monthly averages (storm drains, bulky-item pickups, graffiti removals, pothole patches) and won Gold-level environmental recognition; staff seeks council support for solar and climate-action work in 2026.
Selena Acuna, Hawthorne’s Public Works manager, told the City Council on Jan. 13 that the department has expanded its Clean Hawthorne efforts and plans new sustainability projects for 2026.
In a presentation to the council, Acuna said crews now average cleaning more than 80 storm drains a month (the city has about 1,000 drains that should be cleaned at least twice a year), remove roughly 800 bulky items monthly, respond to about 400 graffiti locations each month and perform approximately 400 pothole patches per month. The program has increased field staffing from one crew to an average of four crews per day, five days a week, and is now collecting roughly six 40-yard containers of material per day. Acuna also said crews address about 80 homeless-encampment locations monthly with partner agencies and outreach teams.
"This evening, I'll be providing an overview of our Public Works Clean initiatives," Acuna told the council. She said the department obtained approval this month for two mobile camera trailers to monitor hotspot locations and strengthened coordination with Republic Services for weekly street sweeping. Acuna also listed recent energy-efficiency upgrades — new HVAC at the Memorial Center, heat-water pumps at the senior center and police-station lighting conversions — that helped Hawthorne earn Gold-level Environmental Achievement recognition from South PACOG and SoCalREN for a second consecutive year.
Looking ahead, Acuna said Public Works plans solar installations at the new senior center and city yard, conversion of gas/electric heaters at the police station to electric, a Low-Impact Development stormwater project at the city yard, and a citywide water-audit of park irrigation systems. She said the department intends to bring a Climate Action Plan forward for council consideration that will guide municipal sustainability efforts.
Council members praised the presentation and acknowledged the visibility of the program. The council did not take formal action on the presentation itself but the mayor and members expressed support for continued investment in equipment, outreach and the planned climate-action work.
The Public Works presentation is scheduled for follow-up as staff develops project timelines and capital costs for the solar, LID and HVAC conversions.
