Plant of the Moment: the Wisteria sinensis. The Wisteria, which is native to the eastern half of China, is blooming and just about at its peak. So, if you have not been to the Rancho yet this spring, now is the time to schedule a visit. There is an abundance of blooms around the site,[…]
April Garden Updates
By Christa Weston Gardens, Visitor Information Apr 01, 2021
Rafaela Cota de Temple: Hija del Pais (Daughter of the Land)
By Sarah Wolk FitzGerald history Mar 08, 2021
In honor of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the life story of Rafaela Cota de Temple. She was the wife of John Temple, who established a cattle ranch at Rancho Los Cerritos in 1844 and commissioned the construction of the Rancho’s adobe home. Rafaela Cota was born in March 1812 at the Santa Barbara Presidio to[…]
March Garden News
By Christa Weston Events, Gardens, Upcoming Events, Visitor Information Mar 03, 2021
Plant of the Moment: Ceanothus ‘Concha.’ It is Ceanothus season at RLC! One of California’s most beloved native shrubs, RLC’s Ceanothus are a hybrid varietal with fragrant dark blue flowers. The flowers are as attractive to bees as they are to people, so “bee aware” before you sniff! Our Ceanothus shrubs can be found near[…]
The Great Backyard Bird Count
By Christa Weston Uncategorized Feb 11, 2021
Each February 12-15, the world comes together for the love of birds. We invite you to visit RLC and count as many birds as you can find and report them to the Great Backyard Bird Count. These counts help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. You can count birds[…]
February Garden News
By Christa Weston Gardens, Uncategorized Feb 10, 2021
Plant of the Moment: Viola odorata (Sweet Violet). Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, this violet’s bright and delicate flowers helped ensure its popularity as it spread far and wide. Said to be one of Avis Bixby’s favorites, it is now scattered throughout the RLC backyard. Its deep purple flowers stand above the foliage and[…]
African-American History at Rancho Los Cerritos and Southern California
By Rancho Staff history, Long Beach Feb 03, 2021
Black people contributed to shaping the region we now know as Southern California. Their history has often been erased due to a lack of emphasis on preservation and research and due to whitewashed versions of history that are often presented in media. From the 1780s to the 1930s there were many people living and working[…]
Celebrate Black History
By Christa Weston Uncategorized Feb 01, 2021
Celebrate Black History Month this February by checking out these virtual events and organizations: African American Firefighter Museum African American Heritage Society of Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, Virtual African-American Festival Association for the Study of African American Life and History, February 20th Virtual Festival Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, virtual Black History Month[…]
December Garden News
By Rancho Staff Uncategorized Dec 07, 2020
Plant of the Moment: Calliandra haematocephala or Pink Powder Puff. Native to South America and Mexico, this tropical plant does well in our arid climate. It can even survive short periods of drought or frost. The Pink Powder Puff can grow 12-15’ tall and wide. The shrub looks stunning in late autumn to mid-spring as[…]
LA as Subject Archives Bazaar
By Rancho Staff Events, exhibits, history Oct 16, 2020
The LA as Subject Archives Bazaar is going virtual and will be hosted online on 10/17. You can view all of the virtual exhibitor booths by clicking here: https://laassubject.org/archives-bazaar/archives-bazaar-demand-virtual-exhibitor-booths-showcases-and-tutorials. In addition to having the Rancho featured on the Archives Bazaar site, we are also included in their virtual exhibit: https://scalar.usc.edu/works/when-i-think-of-home/index.
Meet the Interns: Taryn McMillen
By Rancho Staff internships, Uncategorized Oct 13, 2020
Name and Title: Taryn McMillen, Getty Marrow Curatorial Intern 2020 Education info: I studied art history at California State University, Long Beach, and graduated spring 2020 What led you to pursue an internship at the Rancho? I have always been interested in pursuing a career in museums, and after meeting with Sarah, the curator, I[…]