City honors Sally White with waterwise darden

The city honored long-time advocate for beautification Sally White by dedicating the waterwise garden at the Amtrak Metro linkstation in her honor. At a ceremony on Sept. 10, White's family and friends joined city dignitaries in praising her many years of community service with organizations such a s the Anaheim Arts Council, the Women's Division of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, the Anaheim Memorial Hospital project, the Anaheim Park s and Recreation Commission, the Orange County Harbors Beaches and Parks Commission, Anaheim Beautiful and Releaf Anaheim organizations that White helped to f"Much of the beautification that's occurred in the city for the last 40 years is due to ... Sally White," said Mayor Tom Daly at the unveiling of a plaque in the garden. White, 85, has four children and six grandchildren with her husband of 56 years Joe. After the ceremony, White a 45-year Anaheim resident spoke to the Bulletin about her work in the community and importance of gettting- involved. How did you react when you heard about the dedication of garden? Alt was the most surprising and wonderful thing, the most gratifying thing that has ever happened to me . When I did all those things, I never had any thought of recognition. When I get involved in a project, I'm gung ho to get through it. It is something I will keep in my heart and the back of my mind forever. A For example, 10 years ago the city of Anaheim cut down all the trees on Broadway. I have never forgiven the city for that. I started Releaf Anaheim. We have planted at least 3,000 trees on city parkways. The hard part is finding these things and selling the ideas. The city is very cooperative. It has never given a fiat no to me I've ever asked for. What keeps community involvement going through out one years? A You have to keep after people. You have to persevere. You can't just start something and expect it to fall into place. I don't think there has ever been a project that has been an easy deal. But there is satisfaction when the project is completed. Getting the project done is the most important thing. Which of the many projects that you have been involved you consider your favorite? The Julianna Street Park is my baby. It's my first love. Releaf Anaheim is also very dear to me. When I stop and think about the project, they are all important. People do appreciate (the work you do) and people want to get involved. have you stayed in Anaheim all these years? AI loved Anaheim from the very beginning. After the children went to school, I became involved in organizations. I can't imagine leaving Anahem. It's home.