Save Lemon Grove Update—It's Working!

Lemon Grove citizens, keep up the good work!

For four months now, Starbucks has hosted a Broadway cleanup. This month we had some new faces helping out—City Councilman George Gastil was putting his back into it and showed real passion for Lemon Grove’s future.

Daniel Silva, a 19-year-old interested in politics and his neighborhood, came out to work and take photos. Joan, a retired teacher, and (sorry I forgot his name) her husband were new to this cleanup but old hands at other recent clean-up Lemon Grove events. Gilbert, a recently retired Marine and new resident to Lemon Grove, helped clean his new neighborhood. Racquel Vasquez, running for Lemon Grove City Council, was a return laborer, as well as her family.

To update you on the progress:

• The first month, every business and empty building was tagged.

• The second month, maybe six.

• The third month just one.

• And this month—zero!

This month, Jill from Starbucks even got one of the loitering youngsters to offer his help.

There is still a problem with littering, loitering and shopping carts left in the area, but it is getting better. Don’t get me wrong—it can’t stop yet. Many of the shops are still vacant and unmaintained.

Every month on the last Sunday, Starbucks will provide cleaning supplies, snacks, refreshments and labor to help keep the south side of Broadway clean. You are all invited to come meet your neighbors and make a difference in your city.

Sooty
Lemon Grove

Editor's note: This Letter to the Editor was submitted by email with the writer's full name. She requested that just her first name be published.