(Oct. 20, 2003) -- The 200 block of East 56th Street has 21 new trees, thanks to a successful Neighborhood Partners grant application submitted by LaRose Hodges on behalf of the North Long Beach Community Action Group (CAG).

On October 11, Ms. Hodges, CAG's past president and a Neighborhood Leadership Program graduate, joined Alma King, neighborhood watch group leader and John Applequist, current CAG president, in organizing a successful tree planting. CAG's motto -- "Together we can make a difference" -- was appropriate...since volunteers of all ages took part.

Photos on this page are the handiwork of Jennifer Snelgrove and Christopher T. Hicks.

9th district Councilman Val Lerch, one of CAG's founding members, showed he could handle a shovel. No wisecracks about City Hall politics, please.

Ed Sebastian planted a tree in front of his home and provided the hose to water his tree and those of his neighbors.

Veteran CAG members Dan Pressburg (left) and John Applequist (right) show a young volunteer how it's done.

CAG received donations supporting the event from OSH (a gift certificate for supplies) plus a cash donation from 8th district Councilman Rob Webb's office. Food was donated by two local businesses. The 7-11 at LB Blvd./Del Amo donated bottled water, coffee and donuts...followed by hot dogs, chips and soda.

Avila's El Ranchito Restaurant (LB Blvd. @ Plymouth) treated volunteers to a buffet lunch. H&H Nursery was the city's vendor for the trees. Tools and equipment came from from Neighborhood Services.