Sabin Gabra
Staff Writer
The Pomona Beautification Day Committee announced the 14th annual Pomona Beautification Day, which took place Saturday morning and after a two-year hiatus. Pomona residents and businesses were invited to participate in a day of community service.
This year, the event kicked off at 8 a.m. in front of City Hall. It was a day where neighbors gathered together to clean up the community, plant gardens, repaint fences and more. The event was an opportunity for people to give back to the city they call home and take pride. From there, volunteers were sent out to various locations throughout the city to complete beautification projects.
“This is my first time participating and I am really looking forward to it,” Ava Mitchell, Pomona resident, said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to make a difference in our community and meet new people. Plus, it’s always nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.”
Volunteers were asked to bring their own gardening tools, gloves, drink, sunscreen, and hats or other forms of sun protection. Those who come are welcomed back to the Civic Center Plaza at noon for a meal to celebrate their efforts.
Volunteers mingled, enjoyed food and beverages and thought back on their achievements throughout the day at this event.
There were many possibilities to participate in this year’s event, which promised to be a lot of fun. There was work for everyone, regardless of expertise level or if volunteers just wanted to assist. Alley cleaning, tree and flower planting, and fence painting were all done by teams of volunteers.
“I am excited to see so many people eager to get involved and make a difference,” Matthew Rivera, Pomona resident, said. “There are a wide variety of projects planned for this year’s event, and I encourage everyone to find a project that speaks to them and sign up to volunteer.”
The beautification also benefited businesses by showing commitment to their community and built stronger customer relationships. Participating in community service events can provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other local businesses.
In addition to the benefits for the community as a whole, it provided personal benefits for the volunteers as the event was a chance to go outside, enjoy the sunshine, and make a difference in your community.
“As a student at the University, I’m always looking for ways to get involved and make a positive impact,” Sydney Delfin, freshman physiology major, said. “Pomona Beautification Day is a great opportunity to do just that.”
Volunteers built relationships and created a sense of belonging in their neighborhood. By working alongside fellow residents, this was especially important for individuals who are new to the area, or who may not have had many opportunities to get involved in the past.
“We are making Pomona a better place to live, work, and play,” Mitchell said.
Participating in hands-on activities like planting and cleaning, young people learned about environmental stewardship and the importance of taking care of public spaces. They also developed important life skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
“It was great to see my neighborhood transformed into a more beautiful and welcoming place,” Cynthia Vaca, Pomona resident, said. “I am grateful to all the volunteers who put in the time and effort to make it happen.”
Sabin Gabra can be reached at sabin.gabra@laverne.edu.
Sabin Gabra, a freshman communications major with a public relations concentration, is a staff writer for the Campus Times.
