Let’s be good neighbors: Keep our surrounding streets clean

Government and Community Relations received a heartfelt message from a neighbor near the Sherman Building (at 42nd Street and Stockton Boulevard) last week, expressing concern about a growing litter problem in the area—from discarded UC Davis-issued PPE.

This feedback should remind us of our responsibility to properly dispose of trash, especially protective medical gear (gloves, masks, etc.) within our facilities and not in our shared neighborhoods.

As a public institution, UC Davis Health is held to high standards for stewardship and respect for others. When our presence leaves behind debris, it sends the wrong message to our neighbors, suggesting we are indifferent to the community we serve.

Let’s change that narrative.

What You Can Do

• Proper disposal of PPE and other waste: Use designated bins inside or outside our buildings. Please make sure the waste is in the container so the wind doesn’t carry it away.
• Keep sidewalks clean: If you use sidewalks in nearby neighborhoods, be sure you don’t leave things behind.
• Ensure our neighborhoods are better because we are here.

Why It Matters

• Our neighbors deserve to live in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. When we show care for the streets around UC Davis Health, we build trust and strengthen our connection with the community.

If you know of team members who park in the neighborhood areas surrounding the UC Davis Medical Center, they should know this is HIGHLY discouraged. Stepped-up enforcement efforts from city parking authorities are underway and will continue in the coming weeks. We now have more than enough parking on the Sacramento Campus, for less than $3 a day, and free shuttle service, so there is no reason people need to park in the surrounding neighborhoods.

More than 99% of employees at UC Davis Health make at least $25 per hour, so parking is now available and affordable for team members who work on the Sacramento Campus. Employees are strongly discouraged from parking in the neighborhoods around the Sacramento Campus. Sacramento City parking enforcement will be increasing ticketing in the neighborhoods.

Thank you for helping UC Davis to be a thoughtful and respectful neighbor.