Ron Finley: The Bad-Boy of Guerilla Gardening (News + Video)

Ron Finley, a community leader and “eco-lutionary,” was dismayed that it was easier to find alcohol and fast food in his home area of South Central LA than it was organic, healthy food. Cities are inundated with businesses that were only making people sick. One would have to travel outside of their neighborhood just to find food that would help them thrive. The self-proclaimed “gangsta gardener” decided to take things into his own hands, quite literally.

He saw an opportunity in the small strip of grass that bordered the sidewalk outside of his home. According to city policy, homeowners were required to maintain this bit of land despite it being owned by the city. Finley decided he would transform a wasteful space into something that would benefit his community. Produce was shared freely with anyone who was in need. It would seem no good deed goes unpunished.

A member of the neighborhood complained to the city after Finley’s garden started to grow taller, and the city issued a citation that stated he would have to remove the garden, or “obstruction” as they called it. Through a petition campaign, and a battle with city hall, Finley was able to receive a permit for his garden and the support of a councilman who was baffled it had even become such a problem.

Ron Finley’s endeavor has inspired people the world over. He has become a spokesman for the guerrilla gardening movement, holding talks and workshops, teaching people how to embrace growing their own food and taking charge of their health. In his own words, “we are the soil.” We must better ourselves, and in doing so our communities.