Keeping it clean

Hundreds of volunteers Saturday fanned out across Glendale to paint over graffiti, remove overgrown weeds and plant rosebushes as part of an effort to foster civic pride and improve the quality of life in the Jewel City.

Glendale’s 21st annual Great American Cleanup, which runs in conjunction with a nationwide effort of nearly 3 million volunteers beautifying more than 17,000 communities, is one of several local events organized by the Committee for a Clean and Beautiful Glendale and the Neighborhood Services Division. Volunteer efforts throughout the city this year have led to countless improvements and include upgrades to schools, churches, homes and gardens, event coordinator Sandra Rodriguez said.

“One thing we see volunteers and their families walk away with — the lasting impact — is the sense of pride,” she said. “People come out of their homes and recognize that they could be helping to clean up and beautify their neighborhoods. It becomes a case of, ‘If they can come here, we could do this, too.’”

Los Angeles resident Kim McConnell brought along her son, Jonathan, and daughter, Samantha. The trio joined a volunteer work crew of 30 in the 400 block of Palm Drive, raking and cleaning a median strip in the multifamily neighborhood that for years has been plagued by dead vegetation and illegally dumped trash such as discarded furniture, appliances and tires.

By planting 148 Anigozanthos and 47 Indian Hawthorns along the roadway, to be watered and maintained by the city, officials and volunteers hope the new manicured appearance will dispirit serial dumpers, Neighborhood Services Field Representative Javier Garciga said.

“When it’s something enjoyable, something that makes us feel good, we feel more connected and a part of the community, certainly,” said volunteer Debbie Colson.