By P. Hedlund and G. Meyer

"It is human nature," said Steve Newman: "You drive into a strange area, you will make unconscious evaluations based on what you see. If it’s a junky-looking neighborhood, do you feel safe?

"For people who come here to consider buying a home, that first impression matters in deciding whether they want to join the community."

The Mountain Communities Municipal Advisory Council (MCMAC) has set a date to spiff up the appearance of our hometown.

Families, neighbors and friends are being asked to meet Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 a.m. at the Frazier Mountain Park Community Center (across from the new library) to pitch in to help for a few hours, then join in a pizza party and raffle.

"We’re dividing the roadways into half-mile segments on each side, from Interstate 5 up to the Mil Potrero Y, and Lebec Road just beyond the post office, to pick up litter," Newman said.

Donations have come in from Ace Hardware and Caltrans. Mike’s Pizza Company will provide a pizza and salad lunch to volunteers.

Volunteers who pre-register by April 30 at 245-4303 can win big prizes in the raffle, including a Sanyo 55" LCD TV from Walmart and an Apple 3G iPad from the AT&T store in Santa Clarita.

Bulky waste items like stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and mattresses can be picked up at your house by appointment (245-4303) or brought to the Tait Ranch entrance from 8 a.m. to noon.

The public is urged to come out for a day of fun community pride along with Rotary Club, Young Marines, Southern Kern Search & Rescue, AARP, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Red Hat Society, Boy Scout Troop 472, AYSO and the Sheriffs Activity League. Call 245-4303 for more information.

This is part of the April 20, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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