For those who lived through the terrible fire that burned through San Bruno when a PG&E gas line exploded more than a year and a half ago, Earth Day was a welcomed day to replant and rebuild.
Hundreds of people turned out Sunday and pitched in to replant dozens of new trees.
More than 250 people altogether participated. They unpotted and filled dozens of trees and other plants that will soon make the neighborhood green again after the grey of a devastating fire.
"We viewed the whole thing from our living room window," one attendee said of the 2010 explosion.
"Very heartfelt thanks from us and our neighbors," resident Patti Blick said. She and her husband Steve lost their home in the fire so the event gave them a chance to plant something for their new home.
The planting event was the brainchild of 13-year-old Julien Levy. It's through his efforts that the local 4-H Club, a few Scout troops and resident volunteers turned out to plant the trees.
"It means kind of, not only a tree and maybe a source of food and fruit, but maybe a token of hope that the renaissance of San Bruno may be beginning," Levy said.
The trees were purchased by a grant and some fundraising by Levy. More than $4,000 worth of greenery was planted in the neighborhood.
