A bunch of neighbors are trying to transform the empty lot at 54th and Shattuck into a community garden! The site is owned by Caltrans (the government agency that operates the highways), but they've permitted folks to beautify the site into a new public space. Reminds me of the Temescal Greenbelt project, which I love (or Mission Greenway in the city, now defunct).

They're looking for volunteers to help out: email 54thandshattuckgarden@gmail.com with what you'd like to contribute (time, skills, resources, etc).