Memorial shade trees will be provided to residents who come through the Indio 9/11 event

INDIO — A memorial tribute to fallen U.S. Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez will now be included in the city of Indio’s previously scheduled Sustainability event for Sept. 11.  Those who come through the event at the Indio Corporate Yard/Indio Water Authority from 9 a.m. to noon will receive a small shade tree to plant in their yards or neighborhoods in honor of Lopez, who lived with his family in Indio.

Cpl. Lopez and 12 others, including Marines, a Navy sailor and an Army soldier, were killed in an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021.

“Planting these trees will eventually provide shade, a beautiful canopy around ouc City, and a generational legacy in Hunter’s honor,” Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes said in a prepared statement.  “In addition, it’s a small way we can recognize the significance of the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the many sacrifices made by our troops since that time.”

A total of 300 acacia salicina, acacia shoestring and palo breas will be available to the public at Saturday’s sustainability collection event, courtesy of the city of Indio and Sun City Nursery.  “We are proud to do what we can to help support not only the Lopez family, but all those who were injured or who lost their lives for our country,” said Pedro Macias, owner of Sun City Nursery.

The event on Sept. 11 is the first of two sustainability events being held by the city of Indio this fall to support our community’s efforts to keep Indio a beautiful place to live, raise a family and do business.

“We know folks want to do the right thing when they dispose of waste and other materials, but for that to happen, you have to provide some opportunity as well,” said Sara Toyoda, environmental programs coordinator for the City of Indio. “These events allow us to be good partners with the community in waste management, which ultimately supports a vibrant, healthy city.”

The city of Indio’s fall sustainability events will take place on Sept. 11 and Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at 83101 Avenue 45.  During these events the city will collect:

  • Waste tires – All tires must be off the rim.  No tires from commercial facilities will be accepted.
  • Used oil and oil filters from residents.  This service is provided for do-it-yourselfers. Oil and filters from commercial facilities will not be accepted.
  • Electronic waste (televisions, computers, computer monitors, cables & wires)

On-site paper shredding service will be provided free of charge for Indio residents, with a limit of four boxes.

A compost exchange will also be held.  Those who bring food waste in a container that can be emptied and returned, will receive a free 3-gallon reusable bucket of organic compost and a planting guide. The food waste will be processed into new compost.  “The city’s compost exchange program is also a good way to get to know what eventually will be law in California in January 2022,”  added Toyoda.  “SB 1383 aims to drastically reduce the methane emitted into our environment when green and other food waste is taken to the landfill.”

For additional information about the Cty of Indio’s Sustainability, Recycling and Beautification efforts click here.

 

Image Sources

  • Hunter Lopez tribute: City of Indio