The ‘Mean Green Team’ transforms and maintains public spaces each Friday, fostering community pride while enhancing shared areas with trees and flowers.

SAN DIEGO — A dedicated group of volunteers in San Diego is making a difference in their community every Friday morning through the Mean Green Team, a volunteer initiative of the Point Loma Association that maintains 19 public areas across the city.

Founded in the 1990s, the Mean Green Team has grown to include as many as 100 volunteers who dedicate approximately 2.60 hours of service each month to San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department. The group’s accomplishments are impressive: they have planted more than 900 trees, removed over 9 billboards along Rosecrans, created medians and installed public art in shared spaces.


“We weed, we trim, we help the city maintain 19 public areas,” said Cecilia Carrick.

The volunteers, many of whom are seniors, say the work keeps them active and engaged. This includes 81-year-old Albert Powell, who has been volunteering for 15 years.

“Probably sitting on the sofa watching TV or something,” Powell told CBS 8 when asked what he would be doing if he weren’t helping out.

Despite volunteering without monetary compensation, members of the Mean Green Team say the rewards are immeasurable. 

“I am getting paid in joy and love,” said Karen Davis.


New volunteers are welcomed with open arms. 

“You never, ever feel like you are letting someone down by not being here; they are just grateful to see you when you come,” said Mary Sypkens, a newer member of the squad.

For some volunteers, such as Theresa Liu, an 82-year-old immigrant from China, the work represents a way to give back to the country that has given them an opportunity. 

“I have learned so much from American culture; it is time for me to pay it back,” Liu said.


The Point Loma Association, originally founded in 1961, describes itself as “the heart and soul” of the neighborhood—an all-volunteer nonprofit committed to enhancing the beauty of the peninsula.

For more information about the Point Loma Association and how to join the Mean Green Team, click here.