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News of the Arroyo
Title: | Patt Diroll: Garden party grows on big ideas |
Subtitle: | |
Date: | 2010-05-18 |
Author: | Patt Diroll |
Publication: | Pasadena Star-News |
Content: | The garden of Claire and Bill Bogaard's historic West Pasadena home was an ideal setting for the 10th anniversary celebration of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy that raised more than $20,000 for environmental programs. Originally established in 2000 as the Altadena Foothills Conservancy, the AFC focuses on the San Gabriel Mountains extending from the Eaton Canyon area to the western Verdugo Mountains, encompassing Altadena, Glendale, La Ca ada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Pasadena and South Pasadena. Don't expect to find these folks chained to redwoods or going limp in the path of a developer's bulldozer. They're interested in the big picture, the preservation of open space between residential neighborhoods and the foothills, streams, watersheds and arroyos in Southern California. Among their accomplishments is the conservation of 37 acres of chaparral and riverside area; the development of Old Marengo Park; and a plan for a trail system in the San Gabriel Valley. Their most recent acquisition is at the mouth of Rubio Canyon, to preserve its waterfalls, historic sites and Rubio Creek. Nearly 150 supporters turned out for the soiree on May 1 that honored Ninarose Mayer, a 50-year resident of Altadena. Last September, Mayer donated $56,000 to AFC from the estate her late brother, Dale Harbour Champion. Champion, an avid hiker, was on the staff of the San Francisco Chronicle for 30 years, the last decade on the environment desk. Whenever he visited, she served as his tour guide to the local trails. In his will, he gave Mayer the discretion to distribute his charitable trust funds to environmental organizations, and when she learned of plans to acquire Rubio Canyon acreage, she knew Champion's gift needed to go to the Conservancy. AFC Board President Nancy Steele and board member Tim Wendler emceed the event, which included an al fresco supper courtesy of Whole Foods, Porto's Bakery and Peet's Coffee and a silent auction. Wendler made a presentation to the Bogaards for their hospitality, a basket filled with pet goodies for their recently adopted pooch, "Cinder," who took in the ceremonies from the kitchen door while chewing a Poly Panther baseball cap. In the crowd were Mary Cross and Lawren Markle, Meredith McKenzie, William Meurer, Joanne Wendler, Heinz Ellersieck, Michael Cacciotti, Betsey and Sid Tyler, Marylois Nevins, Lori Paul, Andrea Rawlings, Nancy Baxter, Pamela Rogers, Robert Staehle, Marc and Bruce Stirdivant, Lois Tandy, Linda Zinn and Rep. Anthony Portantino. |