KING CITY — Community members gathered at San Lorenzo Park on June 17 to celebrate the neighbors and businesses helping keep King City looking its best during the 2026 Beautification BBQ, a joint meeting of the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and the Rotary Club.
Sponsored by Waste Management (WM), the annual luncheon featured the presentation of Beautification Awards and proclamations recognizing individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community’s appearance and spirit.
This year’s Residential Beautification Award was presented to Francisco and Graciela Rivera of 230 Seventh St., where they have lived for 35 years.
According to the Beautification Week Committee, the Riveras’ well-maintained landscaping immediately stands out, but it was their commitment to helping others that set them apart. In her nomination, neighbor Xochilt Puga wrote, “He cares beyond their own home. Whenever anyone needs help, he is there to lend a helping hand.”
Committee members pointed to a recent windstorm that left branches and debris scattered throughout the neighborhood. While many residents focused on cleaning their own properties, Francisco Rivera spent the morning removing debris not only from his yard but throughout the surrounding area.
“The Riveras lead by example, showing us all what it means to take real pride in where we live,” the committee said.
The Business Beautification Award was presented to Crown Property Management.
“Through their diligent work, the team at Crown has set a high bar for local property maintenance,” the committee said. “They have shown a genuine commitment to keeping their managed sites looking clean, inviting and beautiful.”
Specifically, renovations done at 501 North Vanderhurst Ave. and to three smaller homes at 516, 520 and 524 North Russ Ave. — all rentals belonging to Crown — were highlighted. The committee said the company’s efforts have enhanced the community’s visual appeal and reflect the kind of pride that makes King City a better place for residents and visitors alike.
Last Wednesday’s BBQ also marked the continuation of King City’s Beautification Week, now in its 34th year. The annual initiative kicked off June 20 and runs through June 28 under the sponsorship of the King City Chamber of Commerce in partnership with WM, Salinas Valley Recycles, the City of King and King City in Bloom.
Organizers are encouraging residents and businesses to pick a project to beautify the town. Suggested projects include pulling weeds and trimming shrubs, sweeping sidewalks, washing windows, painting buildings and trim, removing gum from sidewalks, placing leaves in green carts, repainting signs, removing handwritten signs, and mowing and edging lawns regularly.
Those unable to complete a project this week are encouraged to use the month of July and the time ahead to make improvements. Organizers noted that evidence of past beautification projects is visible throughout the community.
The Beautification Week Committee thanked this year’s recipients for their service and encouraged residents to continue investing in King City.
“Both the Riveras and the team at Crown Property Management remind us that a little extra effort goes a long way,” the committee said. “They’ve inspired neighbors to take ownership of their own spaces and invest in the collective beauty of our region. The committee thanks these recipients for their ongoing service and encourages everyone to get involved in the upcoming week’s events.”
