New street trees are coming to West Long Beach in a tree planting event to remember a very special neighborhood leader, Sandra Johnson.  

What can you expect on planting day?  I thought you all would like to check out this awesome video from a recent tree planting event!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2197682300505372&id=1615161738757434&fs=0&focus_composer=0

Friends of Sandra Johnson and Bixby New Wave District, Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA) are committed to help plant, water and care for these 100 new street trees for their first year.  Come help plant the trees! 

Sandra Johnson was the first African-American woman to work as a Pipefitter at the Long Beach Naval Ship Yard!  She also worked as a Library Clerk at the Long Beach Main Library.  Sandra was active in the Windward Village Home Owners Association in West Long Beach and served as their Vice President and Newsletter Editor and she was active in the West Long Beach Association.  Sandra Johnson graduated from the Neighborhood Leadership Program (NLP) Class of 2009.  Sandra was a Master Gardener and used her knowledge of plants to help create community gardens, including a community garden at a vacant lot on Pacific Avenue in the Wrigley Village business district.  Sandra also helped with taking care of Buddist senior citizens and helped guide them to access social services, she also assisted many people who were homeless to access social services and housing resources.

The Port of Long Beach and CAL FIRE have provided funding to plant 10,000 trees in Long Beach neighborhoods through 2022.  Residents, businesses and community groups partner with Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau to provide volunteers at the tree planting events. 

Public Works surveyed the neighborhood for tree planting locations and Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau staff mailed letters to the property owners of all the adjacent sites to notify them that trees will be installed and to provide them with an opportunity to decline them.   

Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau staff will deliver all the trees and tools on planting day. 

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or would like additional information.  

Thank you for helping to remember Sandra Johnson and build the urban forest in West Long Beach!

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER COACHES (BASKETBALL, SOCCER & INDOOR FLAG FOOTBALL)

We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteer coaches who are interested in teaching youth sports. Our program goal is to create a positive environment that promotes self-confidence and self-esteem through the experiences we provide. The program is dedicated to providing all youth with the highest quality of recreation and educational experiences for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years-old.

This is a great place to gain experience working with children, improve communication and people skills. High school and college students can volunteer to receive service learning for their school.

VOLUNTEER TUTORS

Help keep kids on track in school! We need tutors for K-7 students in all subjects including writing skills, reading, math and science. All learning materials, both printed and digital, are provided. Tutoring hours are Monday–Friday, 3–7PM.

MONITORS AND GREETERS

Volunteers can work any time during operational hours. Volunteers will assist customer service attendants, walk around program areas, greet members, answer questions, and make sure child safety guidelines are being followed. The Salvation Army wants to provide a safe environment for our community.

INFORMATION DESK

Volunteers can work any time during operational hours. Volunteers will assist customers and guests by directing them to their class or answering questions.

SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE

Volunteers will assist in various duties in our Social Services Office.