Tucked into a quiet Rodeo neighborhood, the Laurel Court Community Garden (LCCG) is a hive of activity. As you pass by, you may hear the whir of power tools framing garden beds, the steady scrape of mulch being shoveled, or the lively conversation of people united in making the dream of a Laurel Court Community Garden a reality.

Before it was a garden, this site was a private swimming pool that was inaccessible to many residents. When funding disappeared, the pool closed. For years, the land sat unused and became a popular illegal dumping ground. In 2021, the Rodeo Citizens’ Association (RCA) acquired the land. In collaboration with the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), they decided to transform this neglected space into a food garden that nourishes the community.

That vision matters deeply in Rodeo. After Safeway left town, Rodeo became a food desert, with the nearest grocery store a town away. LCCG is a response to this reality, grounded in the mission to create food sovereignty in Rodeo. The goal of food sovereignty is simple, yet powerful: it’s the idea that communities deserve control over how and where their food is grown. The RCA is committed to creating a reliable, community-based food source for Rodeo residents. In partnership with the non-profit organization Cultivating Self, the garden will also have cultural garden beds for medicinal and culturally significant plants, honoring the traditions and knowledge of Rodeo’s residents.

I began working at the LCCG as a Climate Action Corps Fellow with the CCRCD. In just under six months, I’ve seen this space transform from an abandoned lot into a thriving garden. I am grateful to be part of this transformation: I’ve built garden beds, harvested the first peppers, and helped construct the new greenhouse. Every day I am struck by the dedication of this community. This space is a living reflection of Rodeo’s resilience and the collaboration between community partners. The land at LCCG has as much potential as the seeds in its soil.

LCCG exists because of collective effort, with support from partners and donors like the RCA, the CCRCD, Cultivating Self, Kiwanis Club of Martinez, Phillips 66, and the Rodeo Youth Mentoring Program.

Want to get involved? Check the CCRCD website for updates on upcoming community workdays, visioning sessions, and planting events as we shape the next chapter of the garden together!