Two true Downtown Long Beach All-Stars, Rudy Pugh and Devonte Mitchem, were honored as Clean and Safe Team Employees of the Quarter during a luncheon at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in late June. Their colleagues, along with Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) and Block By Block staff, were there to cheer them on after enjoying one of the best comfort meals in town.
“Rudy takes care of the public restrooms and the driver’s lounge in the Long Beach Transit Hub at 1st and Pine,” explained Steve Salisbury, Operations Supervisor for Block by Block, the company contracted by the DTLB Alliance to manage the Clean and Safe Teams. “Whenever I check in with him, he’s saying hello to drivers, staff, and pedestrians. He’s definitely got the knack for building a good rapport with everyone.”
Mitchem received equally enthusiastic praise from Block by Block Assistant Supervisor Peter Anagnos: “Devonte came in and really showed us that he wanted to be a part of the team. We send him on numerous calls for service on different routes and he covers them to a T. He’s a great employee.”
Devonte Mitchem, Safe Team Ambassador
After lunch and a trivia contest, Pugh and Mitchem were presented with their award certificates. DTLB Alliance CEO Austin Metoyer spoke, giving special thanks to the diligence of everyone who worked at the 17-day L.A. Galaxy Soccer Celebration, arriving for work late at night to clean up and keep Pine Avenue sparkling throughout the event.
Clean Team Ambassador Pugh, born and raised in Compton, has been doing custodial work for 40 years, including 30 years with the Port of Long Beach. He’s an early riser, commuting from his North Long Beach home five days a week to begin his shifts at 4:30 AM.
“Rudy is great at working independently but when the rest of the Clean Team arrives, he lets everyone know what’s going on,” said Salisbury. “He’s very proactive, constantly reaching out to me. He’s also our bus route specialist. If a Clean and Safe Team Ambassador gets on the radio to inquire on behalf of a Downtown guest about bus routes, Rudy will chime in.”
Rudolph Pugh, Clean Team Ambassador, and Steve Salisbury, Operations Supervisor for Block by Block
During his down time, Pugh likes to relax at home with his wife and grandkids.
Mitchem is originally from South Central Los Angeles and is now living in Wilmington. He’s a low-key man for all seasons! In addition to his hard work as a Safe Team Ambassador, he’s an award-winning athlete, accomplished cook, and master auto mechanic.
“I was a varsity letterman in track and football at Crenshaw High School, where I was also a member of the boxing club for four years,” said Mitchem, who is marrying his high school sweetheart in September. “Chef-wise, I can prepare everything from seafood to cheesecake. On my off days, I restore classic cars with my brothers. My car is a ’95 Ford Mustang. We just put another engine in and got it running. I love the adrenaline!”
The auto work helps Mitchem decompress after five morning shifts a week with the Safe Team. “A busy day is definitely quite a challenge,” he said. “You’ve just got to keep a smile on your face, keep up the positive vibes, and stay elevated.”
To learn more about the Clean & Safe team, click here.