We emerged from the pandemic with our most-attended spring Golden Poppy gathering ever. Six Golden Poppy winners who created front yard gardens that “give to the street” were honored. At the event, AH members and guests were able to meander through the estate gardens of Renata and Talmadge O’Neil. Renata designed the exquisite gardens, and graciously shared them with several hundred appreciative visitors. Thank you O’Neils!

Third Thursday educational programs resumed in person at the Community Center. On September 15th, two engineers from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Work, and one from Southern California Edison spoke about “Lighting Altadena” on the controversial issue of the changeover to LED streetlights, covering past history, regulations, and how street lighting is designed in LA County. In October, we hosted “Alternatives to Grass Lawns.” Three experts presented ideas on how to remove thirsty lawns and to promote attractive, drought-tolerant landscaping. Look for more “Third Thursday” panel discussions in 2023.

Tree Giveaway For the third year in a row, forty trees were given away to Altadenans eager to beautify their properties, help clean the air, and keep our neighborhoods cooler. The trees were chosen by an arborist for their adaptability and high success rate. Big thanks to Martin Kelley of Yerba Buena Landscape who procured trees and stakes for us. Thanks, too, to AH’s Tree Committee and the indefatigable Anne Chomyn who initiated this program and to SoCalEdison that continues to help fund it.

Sprucing up Marengo Triangle If you’ve driven by the small grove of trees on the corner of Woodbury and Marengo you may have noticed how weed-free it is. The parklet was initiated 17 years ago by Altadena Heritage and installed in conjunction with Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy.