Sylvia Rosenberger, Chief Development Officer of the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, opened her presentation this morning by stating that the Arboretum is a place that is constantly changing and evolving. Her introductory words mirrored the wondrous vibrancy in the photos Sylvia showcased during her presentation on the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This constant change and flux of the Arboretum is built on a strong historical foundation. 
The Arboretum has a long and storied past that was developing even before it was officially founded in 1948. History shows that connections can be made between the Arboretum and city founder Elias Baldwin. After purchasing the 8,500 acres of Rancho Santa Anita, Elias renovated and lived in the Hugo Reid Adobe. The Queen Anne Cottage, which has become recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Monument, was originally constructed in 1855-1856 with the purpose of being a guest house. Even the Peacocks that have become synonymous to the culture of the city were first brought in by Elias Baldwin in 1880 to adorn his grand property. In regards to the modern Arboretum much of its foundation is owed to the work and dream of Dr. Samuel Ayres.
In essence what Dr. Ayres had envisioned overall was, ” A practical demonstration to all of Southern California of the ornamental plants which can be successfully grown.” Prior to the installation of the vibrant plants which now ordain the San Gabriel Valley, what Dr. Ayres and his wife witnessed was primarily a collection of maples, elms and green shrubbery. Through his efforts the Arboretum has become a botanical destination within Southern California, with a mission that still holds up to the core principles which Dr. Ayres originally strove for. The diversity in plant life is expansive, some standouts which Sylvia made note of are the Paintbrush Lily, the Plumerias, and the assortment of Aloes – that are currently in peak bloom.
A mission of the Arboretum is to remain open and accessible to the public. This drives the organization to offer low admission costs as well as various enrichment programs such as free school tours, (which are currently open for booking), horticulture lessons, etc.
For more information on the Arboretum and the many programs they run, please call them at (626) 821-3222.
Legislative Representatives and Local City Officials Reports:
- Assemblymember Ed Chau, represented by Adam Hsu reported that they recently distributed a press release on the new laws that will take effect in 2018 some of them are:
- AB 1583 – This bill assists the growing number of businesses facing lawsuits under Proposition 65 by requiring the Attorney General to provide a letter, to both the private enforcer and alleged violator, when it concludes that a lawsuit is meritless
- AB 782 – This bill updates the Education Code to reflect sexual offenses, involving a minor, that are listed in the Penal Code, so the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing can automatically suspend an employee’s teaching credential who has been charged with a sex offense in order to keep them from being around minors until their case is resolved.
- Mayor Peter Amundson reported that there is a marked reduction in crime. Later this month the City of Arcadia will be attending the Eddy Awards in Downtown Los Angeles as a finalist for Most Business Friendly City.
- Tim Schwehr Economic Development Analyst for the City of Arcadia reported that there will be two historic preservation meetings occurring this month. One is scheduled for tonight at 6 pm and will focus on identifying the historic districts in the city. The second meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2017 in order identify individual properties that qualify for historic status. There is potential development on Huntington Dr. and Wheeler Ave. the two parking lots behind Denny’s may be turned into mixed use properties.
- MAD Town Council represented by Linda Sells reported that on November 21 there will be a Thanksgiving Dinner at Pamela Park hosted by the MAD Town Council, on December 21, 2017 there will be a toy give away, and on December 27, 2017 there will be a snow day featuring real snow. MAD Town Council will be hosting a meet and greet with Assemblywoman Rubio at Pamela Park.
- The Arcadia Police Department represented by Mike Vercillo reported that in relation to the lower rates in Crime, that for 4 years he has been working on the building a neighborhood and business watch in Arcadia. The City of Arcadia, Police Department of Arcadia and Ring Doorbell Company are partnering together to offer reduced prices in home security appliances.
