As I started writing this, it made me think, how many of these messages have I written?... but for the life of me, I cannot remember when I became the El Dorado Park South Neighborhood Association's (EPSNA) Vice President, then Co-President, it's been quite a few years. I can certainly tell you when I became a volunteer for the neighborhood, though- it was in 2006. 

When I was much younger I often wondered, why would anyone volunteer?? Life is too precious wasting time working for free. I have a life, I work hard for my money… volunteer — that's work for free, right ? Leave it for the nice silver heads. Regularly volunteering didn't come to my purview until the year 2000. I joined a church, boy— All they wanted was my talents, money & time, lol, I thought what a racket! I'm smiling, I'm still a member of that same welcoming church. I learned a lot or I should say I have been emotionally moved many times through acts of volunteering and not just through the church volunteerism, but with the city & this neighborhood, too.  It might have been decorating our house for the lights contest, or showing up and just helping stack chairs after meetings, or helping run literal pieces of paper/questions to moderators for a mayoral debate, or hosting our Annual neighborhood events, like the summer picnic coming up. There is lots to be done and many hands makes easier lifting for all involved. 

So, fast forward to 2026, and here I still am, what a loser — I mean dedicated neighbor, lol. I'm in good company though, the small group of volunteers I serve with are amazing! We are just a group of neighbors trying to keep our neighborhood safe, fun & engaged with each other. I don't see many areas in Long Beach where the kids are out playing like in our area. If you like any or all of the fun activities the Association puts on, then please consider volunteering a couple of hours at an event, come to meetings or if no time, then just give more money, lol. 

Seriously, just being neighborly helps make our part of this LBC so special. But money helps, so please make sure your Association dues are in. The picnic will cost about $1200 on June 13th, 2026 and we have other events planned. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and we look forward in seeing you out and about in our little El Dorado Park South Neighborhood.

Joey Vilaseca

"Let's not just be neighbors, let's be neighborly"