A color. A man's name. Life. Brent Green is not only bringing plant life into his Los Angeles neighborhood, but he has facilitated life in his community.
A landscape designer by trade, but a lover of plants at heart, he has transformed a mundane house with window bars and graffiti into a welcoming space. And his neighbors have taken notice.
""People saw that and they said, 'Wow, I would like my home to look like that too,'" said neighbor Sylvia Rubalcava. And so began Brent's Green revolution on Orange Drive. For 11 years now Green has been planting his age in trees.
"On my 30th birthday I wanted to give something back to the city of L.A.," said Green. "I mean I love this city -- I really do. So I planted 30 trees that year."
This year he'll plant 41 trees...Yet, Brent planting all of those trees hasn't just made the neighborhood look better. It's changed the landscape in ways he never imagined. His neighbors formed a block watch group and their efforts have branched out to include newly repainted fire hydrants, speed bumps to slow down traffic and increased police patrols.
"Being involved, meeting people," said neighbor Laura Franklin, "it can just transform the place where you live." In fact, overall crime in the area is down nearly 30%." CBS Evening News
I'm sure there are numerous examples that could be found, of people making an impact in their community with such a simple idea. But what is so wonderful about this story is that it was something that Brent Green loved. He just lived into his passion, and from that came an outpouring of life. Transforming a concrete jungle into a place of beauty. Bringing neighbors out of their homes and into shared spaces together. Building a community that cares for each other and has pride in where they live. It's inspirational and definitely good news.
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