TUSTIN : Resident Suggests Beautification Effort

Erin Nielsen believes the grass really is greener on one side of Tustin.

Nielsen, a six-year resident of the city, said she has watched her neighborhood south of the Santa Ana Freeway deteriorate while the area north of the freeway has maintained its pristine, manicured look.

With that in mind, Nielsen recently asked the City Council to consider forming a beautification committee in which residents and businesses could form partnerships to provide help with everything from aiding homeowners who are falling behind with the upkeep of their property to discounts at home-improvement stores.

“I was just pretty dissatisfied with the way my neighborhood was going. . . . I thought that we could do something here in Tustin,” Nielsen said.

Centennial Park is just blocks from Nielsen’s home. Weeds are growing in between the cracks of the park’s playing courts and the restrooms smell and are littered. Meanwhile, Camino Park north of the Santa Ana Freeway has what appear to be newly blackened playing courts, and the restrooms are well-kept.

Officials point out that the parks differ considerably in age--Centennial was built in 1968 and Camino Real in 1989--which contributes to their condition. Also, the use of updated building materials and construction designs make Camino Real easier to maintain, said Randy Westrick, recreation supervisor.

Nielsen first voiced her concern to Councilman Jeffrey Thomas several weeks ago. Thomas arranged for the issue to be discussed at the July 20 meeting, at which no action was taken.

“We have a really beautiful city, but always there are some areas that we need to improve,” said Mayor Leslie Anne Pontious.

Nielsen suggested a number of things the committee could accomplish, including organizing cleanup volunteers, how-to clinics and picnics in the park. Area businesses could get involved, she said, by offering periodical discounts on home-improvement items such as paint and shutters.

“It wouldn’t cost the city any money,” Nielsen said. “It would make Tustin a place where people see their property values continue to go up.

“The whole thing is pride. If you are proud of where you work or where you live, it shows through.”