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Keep California Beautiful (KCB) is a non-profit founded in 1990 that brings communities and individuals together to focus on preventing litter and preserving precious natural resources that make California the most beautiful state in the nation. KCB is an umbrella organization collaborating with a diverse network, from youth influencers to decision-makers.
Working to ignite individuals, state and local government, community, and corporate responsibility through strategic initiatives and volunteer action to preserve and protect California’s beautiful resources for generations to come.
KCB focuses our projects and activities on issues important to Californians using clear objectives and measurable results. By connecting with local organizations, government agencies, businesses, schools, and individuals, we inspire everyone to take action.
For example, KCB organized the K-12 Recycling Challenge, recognized by CalRecyle education, a friendly competition between schools that encouraged youth to collect and properly sort recycling. Over five years, 7.7 million pounds of recyclables were collected, and KCB annually awarded approximately $30,000 in prizes to schools.
Since 2021, KCB has been awarded three state and national grants to conduct research using citizen scientists, e.g., community volunteers and students, to document litter conditions and littered items and conduct cleanups. The grants have involved over 200,000 volunteer hours.
In partnership with Caltrans and the Clean California programs, KCB spearheaded volunteer recruitment for the 2023 Community Days cleanups that resulted in 58 tree planting/gardening events, 202 public community cleanups, 39 educational and entertainment events, and six temporary public art installations. KCB actively recruits for Adopt-a-Highway and the new Clean California community designation.
Barry Edwards is a retired VP of Sustainability. He worked 14 years at a major baking company, Aspire Bakeries, and prior to that, 21 years at McDonald’s Corporation. Barry has a BS Degree from Cal Poly, Pomona and a Sustainability Certificate from UCLA Extension. Barry lives in North Tustin in Southern California.
Native-born Californian; Senior Adjunct Professor, CSUS, 2008-Present, Environmental Studies Department, also alumnus, with 3 degrees from Sac State; retired after 20 years with the California Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling as a Market/Economic Development Specialist. Many years of public outreach, public speaking and public education, especially in the recycling/solid waste arena, including several years as a grant contract manager/evaluator. Years of radio and television production experience, and have been on several boards over the years.
Rhonda Stevenson is the Senior Director of Marketing and Public Affairs for the California Beer and Beverage Distributors which represents California's independent, family-owned, local beer distributors. Prior to her role with CBBD, she served as a Legislative Assistant to an Assemblymember who represented Napa and Sonoma Counties. Rhonda currently serves as the Vice President of Eastern Washington University's Alumni Association.
Served as Board president of Keep California Beautiful from 2013 to 2022. Currently serves as Compliance and Auditing Manager for Burrtec Kern Waste. Inducted into 2024 America's Marquis Who's Who for 23 years in Refuse and Recycling Industry. Personal Moto of "Educate, Engage & Encourage" as I live out the Marine Corps Moto & Code of Conduct Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful: God Country Corps Amen!!!
Retired former Executive Director for the City of Lake Jackson, Texas. Working for 30+ years in the City Manager’s Office. Worked with Keep Lake Jackson Beautiful and Founded the Lake Jackson Youth Advisory Commission. Past President of Keep Texas Beautiful and Past Board Member of Keep America Beautiful.
Erin Duckhorn is an independent marketing consultant supporting California's waste and recycling industries. With over 20 years of experience in diverse fields, she has worked in high tech PR for Micron Technology and as the national marketing director for Buff, Inc. in the outdoor industry. She got her degree in Mass Communication at Humboldt State University and resides in Northern California, where she enjoys the privilege of regularly hugging redwood trees.
After a 35-year career in municipal service, Sam Engel retired from the City of Glendale California, having served as Neighborhood Services Administrator and Executive Director Glendale’s KAB-affiliated community beautification corporation. He co-founded a second nonprofit corporation to employ at-risk youth and provide them with job competencies and life skills. Sam is a proud product of the Cal State system with a BS from San Jose State and an MSPA from Cal State Los Angeles. Sam calls Southern California his home base.
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Keep California Beautiful is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
