October 19, 2003

About 300 people painted over graffiti and picked up trash in several South Bay neighborhoods yesterday during a city-sponsored event called Beautify Chula Vista.

Among the volunteers were Mayor Stephen Padilla, City Manager David Rowlands and the entire Castle Park High School varsity basketball team, said Stephanie Kingston, the city's special events coordinator.

About 24 teams fanned out across the western and southern parts of the city, getting rid of graffiti smeared on walls, fences, bus benches, traffic signs and other public property. Some private properties also were cleaned.

Padilla hopes to make it an annual event.

Costco, Wal-Mart and Home Depot donated supplies.