On Saturday, a large group gathered in Natomas, filling a local park with newly planted trees, 41 in all, each one placed into the soil with the hope it will take deep root, just as the community around it continues to do.For many, the planting was more than a beautification effort. It was a cathartic moment—an act of courage, outreach and growth—created as a living memorial for families carrying grief after losing loved ones to violence.“Why not make this a beautiful memorial tribute, a living tribute,” said Deborah Grimes, the mother of the late Greg Najee Grimes, who was shot and killed in Sacramento in the summer of 2022. Grimes said her son stood for altruism, giving without expecting anything in return.The gathering brought together people connected by a shared loss. The tree planting is part of an ongoing series made available through Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and District 1, offering families a place to reflect and to remember.Grief, Grimes said, is not linear, and in that process, people find one another. She described the community that forms as a tribe.“His mother and I at the time didn’t know each other, but now Anita and I are sisters,” Grimes said.Anita Razo, the mother of DJ Gio, said her son and Greg were best friends since high school. The two young men were shot and killed months apart nearly four years ago, a tragedy that created a lasting bond between their mothers.“We’re sisters because we’re bonded by this tragedy that happened to both of our children,” Razo said.Both women said they came not only to mourn, but to help build a space centered on legacy, one where families can reflect on who their loved ones were and what they stood for. Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the plantings are meant to turn pain into something lasting and hopeful.“We are doing good and making sure that these trees are a source of hope for families who have had tragedy in their lives,” Kaplan said.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
On Saturday, a large group gathered in Natomas, filling a local park with newly planted trees, 41 in all, each one placed into the soil with the hope it will take deep root, just as the community around it continues to do.
For many, the planting was more than a beautification effort. It was a cathartic moment—an act of courage, outreach and growth—created as a living memorial for families carrying grief after losing loved ones to violence.
“Why not make this a beautiful memorial tribute, a living tribute,” said Deborah Grimes, the mother of the late Greg Najee Grimes, who was shot and killed in Sacramento in the summer of 2022. Grimes said her son stood for altruism, giving without expecting anything in return.
The gathering brought together people connected by a shared loss. The tree planting is part of an ongoing series made available through Councilmember Lisa Kaplan and District 1, offering families a place to reflect and to remember.
Grief, Grimes said, is not linear, and in that process, people find one another. She described the community that forms as a tribe.
“His mother and I at the time didn’t know each other, but now Anita and I are sisters,” Grimes said.
Anita Razo, the mother of DJ Gio, said her son and Greg were best friends since high school. The two young men were shot and killed months apart nearly four years ago, a tragedy that created a lasting bond between their mothers.
“We’re sisters because we’re bonded by this tragedy that happened to both of our children,” Razo said.
Both women said they came not only to mourn, but to help build a space centered on legacy, one where families can reflect on who their loved ones were and what they stood for.
Councilmember Lisa Kaplan said the plantings are meant to turn pain into something lasting and hopeful.
“We are doing good and making sure that these trees are a source of hope for families who have had tragedy in their lives,” Kaplan said.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel