Partnering with the California Heights Neighborhood Association’s (CHNA) ReLeaf Team, on Saturday, May 14, volunteers will plant approximately 80 new street trees dedicated in memory of former 7th District Councilmember Ray Grabinski, who passed away from complications from Parkinson’s disease in 2014.
Residents in the targeted planting area bounded by Falcon Avenue, the east side of Orange Avenue, and between Wardlow and Bixby roads, who have space for new trees will receive a letter from the City of Long Beach prior to the planting providing the option to participate.
The trees are part of a donation from the Port of Long Beach, which has provided funding to plant 6,000 trees in Long Beach neighborhoods through 2020, according to John Royce of CHNA.
Grabinski attended Hamilton Junior High and Jordan High schools, operated a local pizza parlor/deli and served three terms as Long Beach 7th District Councilmember beginning in 1986. His term saw the struggle for approval of the Cal Heights Historic District, and he was instrumental in returning the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane and Parade to the Wrigley neighborhood in 1988, according to Royce. He also tutored kids as a resource development coordinator with the University of California 4-H in Los Angeles County.
“Ray’s courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease pulled him away from public life and eventually his beloved California Heights home,” Royce said. “No matter how tough the fight— and Ray was a fighter— we remember him as a gentleman to the very end. Ray lost his fight with Parkinson’s in November of 2014.”
Those interested in participating in the planting should meet at 9am at California Heights Market, 3766 Orange Ave. The activity is planned to continue until noon. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. If possible, attendees should bring their own refillable water containers to limit the consumption of plastic water bottles, as well as wear sturdy, close-toed shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
For more information contact Margaret Madden, neighborhood-improvement officer with the Long Beach Development Services, at (562) 570-6830.
