SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento residents are gearing up for a storm expected to bring rainfall, but they are also dealing with another seasonal issue, piles of fallen leaves.
As the city prepares for the wet weather, some residents are concerned about the growing leaf debris and the pace of cleanup efforts.
Leaf Cleanup Efforts Underway
As storm clouds loom, crews in Sacramento have been working to clear leave piles. The city’s claw crews, which consist of seven teams, have already completed multiple rounds of leaf collection. However, with the added challenge of wet conditions, the cleanup has been slower than usual.
“It does look like there’s a lot of leaves on the ground right now,” said Jesa David, a spokesperson for the City of Sacramento. “We have made four rounds so far, and we are working on our fifth round.” Despite the ongoing efforts, factors such as rain and stormy weather have made the piles heavier, further slowing down progress.
The mountain of leaves has become a concern for many Sacramento residents, especially as the storm approaches. Mikey Dwitt, a local resident, shared his frustration while riding his bike.
"Every turn, you slide out. You have to be careful. Even with cars, I have been in car accidents because of leaves around,” he said, noting that the volume of leaves this season seems higher than usual.
For many, navigating through the thick carpet of leaves on sidewalks and roadways has become a daily challenge.
How Residents Can Help
The city is urging residents to take action by filling their yard waste containers with as many leaves as possible. This simple step helps remove debris from the streets and aids in the cleanup process.
“It helps us keep material off the streets and helps our crews move through quicker,” David explained.
The city is also advising residents to clear any piles of leaves away from the curb if they have not been picked up. This will prevent the debris from washing down the drains and causing localized flooding during the storm.
Stay Prepared for Storm and Flooding
As Sacramento braces for the storm, the city is reminding everyone to stay prepared. David emphasized that the city’s crews are working diligently “rain or shine” to clear leaves and prevent flooding.
If residents experience flooding, they are encouraged to contact the city by calling 311. Additionally, those seeking more information about leaf pickup schedules can visit the city’s website.
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