Have you heard about this budget crisis? Well everybody is doing what they can to get us through these tough times, but there have been lots of cutbacks. Maybe you've noticed. Unfortunately it's expensive to fix potholes and sidewalks yourself. Still we should step up - because ultimately taking care of your community ... well you are taking care of your community. We can all afford to spend some spare time taking care of our parks – Stocker Corridor, Kenny Hahn, Jim Gillam, VIllage Green, Expo, USC, Baldwin Hills and of course Leimert. We are so lucky to have them in the Leimert Park area.

I know many of you have hiked to the top of the Aztec Pyramid called the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. For those of you who haven't, you will almost certainly run into someone you know personally if you do the steps a few times.

Saturday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a perfect opportunity to create community, know your community, care for your community.

Help beautify your park by removing several invasive plants from the park and help native plants thrive.

This is something that's close to my heart - here's a series I did on our parks and their importance in our lives - our physical and mental health.

Gloves, water and snacks will be provided for all volunteers.

An opportunity organized by community groups Generation Water and Mujeres de la Tierra, with partners: CA State Parks, CA State Parks Foundation, and Park Champions. (Los Mures and Leimert Park Beat hosted a hike through the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation together).

Meet at the picnic tables mid-way up the hill.

Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, long sleeves.

The park is on Jefferson between Rodeo and Dusquene on the way to Culver City.