California City kicks-off TreeVitalize Inaugural Tree Planting event, Jan. 25

Provided.

Marilyn Giovanetti feeling accomplished after heading boulder project for TreeVitalize.

Royten's Enrichment Academy Community Hope (REACH) is thrilled to announce the inaugural TreeVitalize tree planting and workshop event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m., at City Hall, 21000 Hacienda Blvd., California City.

This landmark occasion symbolizes a new chapter of growth and revitalization for the community and will feature a keynote address by newly elected Mayor Marq Hawkins.

The event will commence with the planting of a magnificent 16-foot Eldarica Pine tree, followed by an engaging tree planting workshop led by Beverly Holt, a California City resident and retired tree nursery owner. This initiative marks a critical milestone in the TreeVitalize: Sowing Community Roots Together project, reflecting the community's shared vision for environmental renewal and collaboration.

The inaugural event highlights the transformative power of community action. One of TreeVitalize's key partners, the Desert Rose Garden Club, played a pivotal role in turning the modest tree planting into a full-scale zero-landscaping initiative. When President Marilyn Giovanetti learned that Edison's upcoming boulevard median work could result in discarded boulders, she spearheaded a swift and collaborative effort to repurpose over 50 massive rocks for the project. With the help of dedicated community members, including retired veterans John Fisher and Allen Giovanetti, these rocks now serve as striking enhancements to the City Hall landscaping. Their efforts exemplify how big dreams can inspire meaningful, tangible change.

"These tree plantings are so crucial because they symbolize the change and growth our community is striving for," said Marilyn Giovanetti, President of the Desert Rose Garden Club.

This event is the first in a planned three-year journey to plant over 500 fruit and shade trees throughout California City. These efforts aim to combat urban heat, boost food security and create greener, healthier spaces for all residents. A plan to incorporate a "Tree Ambassador" initiative is underway, which will recruit, train and employ youth to plant and maintain trees, contributing to the long-term care and sustainability of the community's urban forest. The community is invited to join this transformative initiative and make a lasting impact on California City's environment and future.

Community members are encouraged to get involved by attending upcoming TreeVitalize planning meetings at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 8001 California City Blvd., California City:

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 6 p.m.

These meetings are open to everyone, offering a chance to join committees and help shape the future of this exciting initiative.

TreeVitalize: Sowing Community Roots Together is funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program, in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation's Community Roots Program. This project seeks to address environmental and economic disparities in California City, a historically underserved community.

Royten's Enrichment Academy Community Hope (REACH) is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underrepresented communities by providing access to local fresh produce, green spaces, sustainability resources and art. The organization's work includes managing community gardens, farmers markets, community art walks and environmental initiatives designed to promote long-term well-being and health.

For more information on the TreeVitalize: Sowing Community Roots Together project or to learn about REACH's other community programs, visit http://www.reachca.org/.