Caltrans Celebrates New ‘Welcome to California’ Monuments in Del Norte County

DEL NORTE COUNTY - Caltrans District 1 is celebrating the completion of two gorgeous new gateway monuments along U.S. 101 and U.S. 199 at the California-Oregon border in Del Norte County, creating a stronger first impression for travelers entering the state through two of California's northernmost gateways.

A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on June 26 to recognize the completion of the new monuments, which were made possible through Governor Gavin Newsom's Clean California program. Scores of southbound travelers entering the Golden State have already stopped to take pictures of the gorgeous new signs that celebrate northern California's bountiful natural beauty.

"Clean California is a transformative initiative to remove litter, create jobs and beautify California," said Caltrans District 1 Director Matt Brady. "Our hope is that these gateway monuments inspire every resident and visitor to Del Norte County to take pride in the Golden State while keeping it beautiful and litter-free."

The U.S. 199 monument replaced an aging welcome sign and features California's iconic shape, California poppies and bear elements. The U.S. 101 monument highlights coastal and regional features, including elk and salmon.

Local input and public surveys shaped both designs, and both entry monuments are set against beautiful forest backdrops of redwood and other local trees for which Del Norte County is known.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, more than 600 different pieces of public art have been commissioned to beautify state roads and beautify local public spaces. These are pieces have included entry monuments, murals and statues - each reflecting distinct local features and history.

Also, through Clean California, Caltrans and its local partners have picked up 3.8 million cubic yards of litter from highways and public spaces - the equivalent of filling more than 180,000 residential garbage trucks with debris and trash. Caltrans has hosted more than 650 free dump days in communities throughout the state - resulting in the collection of 15,500-plus mattresses and 57,000 tires.

For more information, visit CleanCA.com.

###