Produce pickups, movie nights, and a cleanup that’s still going
What I’ve organized in Ladera Heights, from a driveway produce pickup during COVID to a monthly cleanup that’s six years old.
The situation
When the pandemic arrived, the things that held our neighborhood together stopped. People couldn't get to the store safely, and there was no easy way to see each other. Ladera Heights also sits at the intersection of three jurisdictions, which leaves gaps in who takes care of what.
What I did
Fresh produce, picked up from my driveway
I organized a neighborhood produce pickup to help residents, including seniors, get farm-fresh food safely. They pulled up, opened the trunk, and I loaded a box of produce.
Sixteen weeks of neighborhood movie nights
I produced a weekly drive-in movie series during the pandemic, giving neighbors a way to enjoy an evening together while keeping their distance.
A monthly cleanup
I started a monthly cleanup to fill the gaps in maintenance and to bring neighbors together around a shared responsibility.
What changed
The cleanup is still going six years later. What started as a way to cover for three jurisdictions became a regular reason for neighbors to meet.