The event heralds the beginning of Red Ribbon Week, a national anti-drug week that begins today and lasts through the end of the month.
Organizer Maria Guevara of Team Tennessee said the event helps build a sense of community in Vallejo. "A lot of people really did honk for them," said Guevara, who noted the students were apprehensive about the reception they would get.
The volunteers used 3,000 square feet of plastic red ribbons, tying it on trees, posts, light poles and fences from Columbus Parkway to Mare Island Way, Guevara said. The students also picked up 10 large plastic bags of trash, which included busted tires, plywood and even a scooter, Guevara said.
| IF YOU GO:
What: Mural rededication When: 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Tennessee and Monterey streets • Contact: Maria Guevara, 655-5381, or Donna Lopez-Martina, 319-5450 |
"(We're doing this) so people won't think bad of Vallejo," said Cyrus Dela Cruz, an eighth-grader from Springstowne Middle School. Lide most of the participants, Dela Cruz is a member of the Springstowne Middle School's wrestling team.
Dela Cruz spoke while helping spell the words "No 2 Drugs" on a fence on the Tennessee Street overpass above I-80.
"We want to help our community," said Alyssa Balcena, also an eighth-grader from Sprinstowne.
It was the students who initiated the "Honk if you care" part of the event, said Guevara, who appreciated their energy.
The students also spelled "Drug Free Zone" on a fence between Sonoma Boulevard and Marin Street, said Donna Lopez-Martin of Youth and Family Services.
The cleaning and decorating of Tennessee Street is the last event before Team Tennessee and Youth and Family Services unveil and rededicate an anti-drug mural on Tennessee and Monterey streets on Saturday.
The mural had been tagged with graffiti and was in poor condition until the two groups began its restoration a few weeks ago. The mural was originally dedicated to Nathaniel Green, who was slain in 1988.
The mural will now be a tribute to both Green and Daniel Carver, who was killed last year.
Contat Lanz Christian Baņes at lbanes@thnewsnet.com or 553-6833.
