BOYLE HEIGHTS, Calif. - Seventeen-year-old Jimmy Rodriguez still can’t believe a plastic bag and a yellow vest got his name on a sign along a major highway.

He’s the youngest person in Los Angeles County to Adopt-a-Highway. That means he’s a volunteer for the CalTrans Adopt-A-Highway program, who has committed to picking up trash at least once a month around his sign—located where the 5, 10 and 101 freeways intersect near Boyle Heights.

He got the idea one day while driving the freeway and thinking of ways to be more involved in his community. Then he saw one of the signs and decided to learn more.

Now his sign is a testament to his growth.

“I remember as a kid I wasn’t as motivated or dedicated into things as I am now,” Rodriguez said. “This [sign] actually is a reminder of my growth and my achievements.”

Rodriguez has been picking up trash as a volunteer for nearly a year. He’s often out there with family and friends by his side. He needs the help, because there’s a lot more trash on the road than he thought.

“Since it’s a highway you know, I didn’t think that many people would leave trash here. But I was surprised I was shocked,” Rodriguez said.“Since it’s a highway you know, I didn’t think that many people would leave trash here. But I was surprised I was shocked,” Rodriguez said. “But I was ready for it. That’s what I signed up for.”

He signed up through CalTrans, which gave him safety training and trash-collecting tools. The state agency is always looking for more volunteers of all ages to help clean up roadways.

“Anyone can do this,” said Eric Menjivar, Public Information Officer for CalTrans District 7. “If you’re a service organization, just a neighbor who lives near a freeway, who wants to make a difference, just go ahead and adopt a highway and we’ll give you some segments on what you can do.”

More volunteers are needed.

Even Rodriguez may not be able to do this much longer. The Woodrow Wilson High School graduate was accepted to the University of Oregon and is hoping to get a scholarship so he can go in the fall. But he doesn’t plan to throw away his commitment. 

He plans to fly back after each semester and clean up the highway.