For Immediate Release

March 11, 2010

Contact:  (415) 554-6931     

PUBLIC WORKS CLOSES OUT ARBOR WEEK BY

PLANTING CEREMONIAL FRUIT TREES AT BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL

Signature tree planting event to emphasize tree maintenance, healthy food

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – As part of the wrap up to San Francisco Arbor Week events, the Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that it will be working with students from Balboa High School on Saturday, March 13th to plant ten fruit trees in a signature tree planting ceremony that celebrates trees and supports Mayor Newsom’s local gardening and sustainable food initiatives.The event begins at 1pm at 1000 Cayuga Street in District Eleven, and is open to the public.

DPW and student volunteers will plant three species of fruit trees, which were chosen to thrive in the neighborhood’s micro-climate, and encourage young people to harvest and eat the fruit while learning about sustainability. There will be two Persimmon, four Apple, and four Quince trees. DPW will divert ground water that is currently being pumped into the City’s combined sewer system to water the trees for the next several years.

"Not only are we connecting young people with opportunities for greening their schools and neighborhoods, but we are doing so in a way that promotes healthy eating and demonstrates, once again, San Francisco’s commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom.

This is the fifth ceremonial tree planting that DPW and the City have sponsored. Each year, signature trees are dedicated to community leaders and advocates. Past honorees include Rosa Parks, Cesar Chavez, Ruth Asawa, and Dr. Ellen Wolfe.

“DPW is honored to be one of the many San Francisco stewards of the positive and important message that trees and sustainable plantings can bear more than just fruit, but lead to healthy communities,” said Ed Reiskin, Director of the Department of Public Works. “Our program supports Mayor Newsom’s Healthy SF initiative and brings the community and city agencies together to promote San Francisco’s message of sustainability.”

Saturday’s honoree, Dana Woldow, has been an active volunteer for Balboa High School and its PTSA. She is responsible for leading efforts with school leaders that banned junk food from Balboa’s cafeteria and vending machines; creating the first high school salad bar, and making school lunches more healthy and accessible for all students.

“It is important that we honor those in our community who are helping to create a beautiful, livable, vibrant, and sustainable city. We congratulate Balboa High School and Dana for their efforts and we share their goal of helping our young people lead healthier lives,” said Mohammed Nuru, Deputy Director of Operations.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.

See Press Release and Photos from March 6, 2010 Arbor Week Kick off.

--end--