Cleanest County in the West Respect local control; provide regional perspective. It’s a formula that works to move western Riverside County forward cost-effectively and quickly to meet the challenges of being the second fastest growing area in the nation. The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) delivers on the promise of its 1991 founding, helping to unify jurisdictions that might otherwise miss out on the opportunities created by cooperation and taking on regional issues with regional solutions. Representatives form all fourteen cities and the members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors have seats on the WRCOG Executive Committee, the group that sets policy for the organization. Together, as a joint powers agency, they take on regional matters critical to our future from air quality to solid waste and from transportation to the environment. WRCOG is working on major issues critical to the region’s future: Impacts on transportation caused by population growth; Housing and the balance of residential development with local jobs; Economic issues including mobility impact from increased rail traffic; Critical role of goods movement in the regional economy; Environmental efforts to make western Riverside County the “Cleanest County in the West.” It’s an incredible ambition, but WRCOG is spearheading a program with the name “Cleanest County in the West”. Funded entirely through state grants, Cleanest County in the West focuses on educating the region’s youth to sponsor recycling and litter prevention and clean up activities. Partnering with Radio Disney AM1290, WRCOG’s Cleanest County initiative held 105 assemblies at 35 different elementary schools, engaging more than 25,000 students last year. The Kids Recycle Club, with more than 155 members, initiates recycling activities and stays in touch with a bimonthly newsletter. The program also sponsors community clean up events by providing volunteers with trash pickers, trash bags, and t-shirts. Last year’s events were held in the cities of Perris and Riverside, in Cabazon, and at the Temecula Valley High School. The program is featured at almost every major public event in the region, getting the message out with booths and participation at the Perris Black History Month Parade, Hemet/San Jacinto Fiesta, Murrieta 58th Annual Fire Department BBQ, and Riverside’s Fiesta de la Familia among others. < RETURN TO HOMEPAGE