Cleanup and new trees at park

FAIRVIEW PARK — Students from Liberty Christian High School in Huntington Beach sought the solace of a shady tree as gray skies cleared and the sun shined on them and about 400 people who helped beautify Fairview Park on Saturday in honor of Arbor Day.

Soon enough, the trees that the high school volunteers and others found shade under won't be the only ones at Fairview Park.

Thanks to all the volunteers, 55 new trees were planted at the park, along with about 200 shrubs.

"It was fun," Liberty Christian High School senior Danielle Willard, 18, said. "You meet new people and you're doing it for a good cause. We made it look pretty, so now … other people can enjoy it."

But the makeover didn't stop there. Volunteers were commissioned to paint trashcans as well as to pick up trash before they feasted on hot dogs, Taco Mesa grub and more.

Anaheim residents Vianey Montano, 20, brought her siblings and cousins to the park Saturday after they attended church in the city.

"I think it's important for them to get involved," Montano said.

And Jose Luis Montano, 10, was happy to do it. Sweating after a hard morning's work, he and his cousins Ali, 11, Leslie, 11, and Ashley Alvarado, 4, pitched in, digging holes and replacing wood chips on an area where shrubs were planted.

"It was hard work, and it was fun," he said preparing to eat lunch with his family.

Jose Luis said he understood the importance of picking up trash — or not littering at all — to keep parks clean.

Although the morning work was important, the day also celebrated community with the monthly Neighbors for Neighbors program. This month, program volunteers repainted seven homes in the city. Qualifying homes must meet Housing and Urban Development low-income standards and show severe deterioration.

"It really improves the look of the block," Neighbors for Neighbors program coordinator Jacqueline Reeves said Saturday.