A Central Valley outpost for Caltrans is catching criticism for praising itself for a homeless encampment cleanup in Fresno that some criticized as incomplete.
Driving the news: Caltrans District 6, based in Fresno, shared before-and-after photos of an encampment near State Route 180 and Abby Street, showing debris cleared from the area.
The post, published June 16 on the district’s X and Facebook accounts, stated the agency removed 2.5 cubic yards of debris and offered services to those affected by the sweep.
The before photo depicted shopping carts, a mattress, blankets, clothing and trash strewn near a residential area, along with graffiti and dry brush.
The after image showed the larger items had been removed, but the graffiti remained and dry grass was still visible, the California Post reported.
What they’re saying: Local residents responded on social media, describing the post as “tone deaf” and questioning the self-congratulatory tone.
“While the clean up is appreciated, the self-congratulatory photo with dry grass and extensive graffiti comes across as totally tone deaf,” one local wrote. “Please wait to pat yourselves on the back until the area is actually clean. The slogan is Clean California, not Somewhat Clean California.”
The other side: In a statement to The California Post, Caltrans said crews remove such encampments to “ensure the safety of the traveling public.”
The department added that maintenance teams are currently addressing overgrown weeds to reduce wildfire risk and visual obstructions, and that staff regularly remove graffiti across the district. Caltrans said crews responsible for graffiti removal had been notified about the site following the sweep.