BAKERSFIELD -  

Community members in east Bakersfield gathered on Thursday night to brainstorm ideas to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood.

The group has released what they call a "vision plan" that includes the clean-up of graffiti, tree planting and the addition of sidewalks.

The neighborhood group also wants to give awards to small businesses in the area.

There were two local students who attended Thursday’s meeting. They say even at their age, it's important for them to be involved in the planning process.

" I've grown up on the east side my whole entire life, and I want it to be a place that I'm proud of and that we can have fun, and enjoy and when we leave here, we can say that we are proud to be from Bakersfield,” said student Jocelyn Dimaya.

"Most of the stuff won't happen until I'm having children, and that's something I want to make sure they have a great environment that they could completely take advantage of,” said student McKenna Mosses.

 Projects on the new "vision plan" are expected to take anywhere from one year to 15 years to complete.