By Rafael Lima
The community came together in North Richmond for the 9th consecutive year to celebrate Earth Day with community services projects and a festival on Saturday, April 20.
The annual beautification event that also provides entertainment and community resources started in the morning with volunteer projects such as a bioswale cleanup on Fred Jackson Way at North Richmond Farm, creek cleanup along Wildcat Creek at the entrance to Verde Elementary, and park cleanup at the Shields-Reid Center.
Local organizations Urban Tilth, The Watershed Project, More Than a Game and Community Housing Development Corp. each had a role in spearheading the varied service projects.
After their hard work, a community celebration took place at Shields Reid Community Park featuring live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
The festival featured many resource booths such as Breathmobile, LifeLong Medical, Chevron Richmond, West County READS, YES Nature to Neighborhoods and more.
“This festival is getting better every year,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia. “It’s because of the residents who stand up throughout the year to make this community better, not just today.”
