Chatsworth Locals Celebrate Environmental Awareness Day

CHATSWORTH, CA — Chatsworth-based volunteer group Volunteers Cleaning Communities hosted the neighborhood's first Environmental Awareness Day Saturday with live music, booths from different environmental groups, prizes and more.

The event, which took place at the Chatsworth Train Station, had 56 booths from individuals and organizations across the West Valley. Some booths included neighborhood councils, educational booths about bees and butterflies, art competition booths and even a booth from the local library with books about the environment.

Each booth gave out environmental goodies to participants, like rain barrels and even trees. Kids also enjoyed carnival-like activities like face painting and caricature artists.

"It was family oriented and was really meant for people to learn something and find out how they can be more engaged in their community," said Jill Mather, founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities.

The event was co-sponsored by Councilmember John Lee, Home Depot and District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Lee stopped by to man a booth and live-streamed himself checking out some of the diverse booths.

The event was all about getting people involved, Mather said. The day showed people how to get involved individually and with organized community efforts.

"I want people to realize that we all have to get involved in our community. The city and the state just can't pay for everything we want to have done in our communities," Mather said.

Related: Pick Up Your Trash: Chatsworth Volunteers Line Topanga Canyon

Mather hopes the event will happen at least once a year, if not more frequently. Volunteers Cleaning Communities is also prepping sign-holding event coming up on Dec. 4 on Tampa Boulevard.

"I just want people to get involved in something — just don't make an excuse. It makes you feel good, you meet great people and you get out more. I think people need to get out more out of their house — in a healthy way," Mather said.