By Jett Dunlap
There’s a moment when the colors begin to blend and the graffiti stops being the first thing you see. The sandstone’s shapes and natural character come back into focus—and you realize you helped make that happen.
That’s the experience the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council wants to share at Rocktober.
On Saturday, October 10, from 9 am to noon, neighbors and friends are invited to Stoney Point Park for a morning of beautification, learning, and working together in one of Chatsworth’s most recognizable natural places.
Stoney Point’s sandstone presents a particular challenge. Look closely and you’ll see that its color changes every few inches. A single shade of paint can cover graffiti, but matching the surrounding rock takes observation, patience, and a brush.
At Rocktober, volunteers learn to mix and blend paint to match the sandstone’s natural colors. We adjust the shades as we work, using brushes to follow the subtle variations in each surface while preserving the rock’s original texture. I’ll begin the morning with a demonstration, and experienced volunteers will help guide people as they work.
You don’t need to be an artist to participate. The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks provide the materials, tools, and support. Volunteers bring the attention and care that make the process work.
Rocktober is also a genuinely collective effort. CNC President Kristen Shubert has worked on Council and City coordination. Kamesh Aysola is supporting the Council’s newsletter and event communications. CNC Secretary Tim Mahoney is featured in before-and-after photographs from last year’s event, and Councilmember John Lee and his office are supporting this year’s effort. Around them is a much larger group of board members, community partners, families, students, and volunteers contributing time and energy in different ways.
Last year’s inaugural Rocktober brought people together around a shared goal: caring for the open space we are fortunate to have nearby. This year, we’re inviting everyone to bring a friend and become part of that effort.
For me, one of the best parts is watching people discover how much they can contribute. A place you’ve passed a hundred times becomes a place you’ve helped care for. You leave with a new skill, a few new connections, and a reason to look at Stoney Point a little differently.
Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting paint on, and bring sun protection. We’ll supply the tools, materials, and guidance.
Jett Dunlap is the Outreach Chair, Chatsworth Neighborhood Council.
