Bruce Saito was joined at the unveiling by his L.A. Conservation Corps colleagues.
Bruce Saito, former executive director of L.A. Conservation Corps, was honored June 16 by City Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Eunisses Hernandez with the unveiling of Bruce Saito Square at the intersection of Ann Street and North Spring Street, adjacent to the Corps’ headquarters in northeast Los Angeles.
The sign reads: “Bruce Saito Square: A legacy forged through Conservation Corps leadership.”
Saito received this recognition for his lifelong dedication to advancing the Corps movement. His journey with the California Conservation Corps started nearly 50 years ago. He served in leadership roles at both the L.A. Conservation Corps and the California Conservation Corps, where he was appointed in 2015 by then-Gov. Jerry Brown as the organization’s 10th director.
“Although Bruce retired from the California Conservation Corps in 2023, he remains a passionate advocate for the Corps at both the local, state, and national levels through his work with the Local Corps Collective,” L.A. Conservation Corps posted on social media. “Congratulations, Bruce! We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. Thank you to the City of Los Angeles for honoring Bruce Saito’s remarkable contributions and celebrating the lasting impact of the L.A. Conservation Corps.”
“Today we dedicated a square in honor of Bruce Saito, commemorating his decades of service and leadership in building opportunities for young people across Los Angeles,” said Rodriguez. “As a founder of the L.A. Conservation Corps, Bruce helped shape one of the nation’s most impactful youth development and environmental job training programs, serving thousands of young people while improving our communities.
Bruce Saito with Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez (left) and Monica Rodriguez.
“Thank you, Bruce, for your years of service and the difference you continue to make across our city.”
“If you’re visiting Los Angeles State Historic Park, take a look at the corner of Spring Street and Ann Street and you’ll spot a new sign honoring Bruce Saito,” said Hernandez.
“For decades, Bruce dedicated his life to public service, environmental stewardship, and strengthening communities through the L.A. Conservation Corps. Here in Council District 1, that legacy is visible every day through cleaner streets, safer public spaces, and neighborhoods that feel cared for.
“Thank you, Bruce, for a lifetime of service and for showing what is possible when we invest in people and community.”
In April, L.A. Conservation Corps celebrated its 40th anniversary by honoring Saito (first employee and second executive director), Martha Diepenbrock (first executive director), and Wendy Butts (immediate past CEO).
In 2023, during a City Council meeting, Rodriguez recognized Saito on the occasion of his retirement. “Bruce has been an incredible inspiration and mentor to many, including myself,” she said at the time. “In 2013, I had the privilege of working alongside Bruce when I served on the Board of Public Works and together, we improved our city and expanded opportunities for youth …
“Bruce also played a pivotal role in the National Corps movement, serving as the board president for the Corps Network and receiving the Corps Legacy Achievement Award in 2014 for his unwavering dedication and impact on the sector.
“Thank you, Bruce, for everything you have done for our city and our state, best wishes for a successful retirement.”