The Altadena Community Gardens Picnic
The Altadena Community Gardens Picnic lived up to is promise. Under the leadership of Silvera Grant, Altadena Community Gardens President, the picnic surpassed those of previous years in attendance and many other respects.
The emcees for the afternoon were Pernella Daniels, Loma Alta Park Recreation Services Supervisor and & Meliza Hernandez, Recreation Services Manager. Music was provided by The John Tirabasso Youth Jazz Ensemble and The South Pasadena Transit Authority.
The program included a kid’s fun zone, garden tours, the raffle and community resource information throughout the day. Much thanks to the county, musical groups were able to perform upon the new deck which had just been completed and was fully functional.
South Pasadena Transit Authority Photo: Mary Gothard
Among the honored guests in attendance were:
- Honorable Judy Chu, Member of Congress
- Anthony Portantino, State Senator
- Chris Holden, California Assembly Member
- Phlunte’ Riddle, Senior District Representative
- Kathryn Barger, Supervisor, 5th District
- Sussy Nemer, Senior Deputy
- Christian Daly, Assistant Filed Deputy
- Okorie Ezieme, Chairperson, Altadena Town Council
- Mercy Santoro, Deputy Director, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Norma E. Garcia, Chief Deputy, Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation
- Manuel Escabar, Regional Operations Manager, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Anthony Montanez, Regional Recreation Director, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Albert Gomez, Assistant Regional Recreation Director, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Michael Ralston, Facilities Operations & Crafts Manager 1, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Joe Contreras, Assistant Regional Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Department of Parks & Recreation
Raffle items spanned the gamut from the grand prize, a flat screen TV courtesy of Aldi Market, to Disneyland Tickets, and Magic Mountain tickets, a vast array of gift vouchers for local businesses including many restaurants, CostCo and the Lincoln Avenue Nursery down to a book or two by local garden members. Ticket holders got music; a healthy, filling lunch; a resource fair; Garden tours; a sweltering afternoon and a great time!
Supervisor Kathryn Barger with the gardeners and Yvonne Savio 
Next Year’s picnic will take place on Saturday June 23, 2018 12:00- 5:00. It has been suggested that an emcee be sought whose plangent tones will provide audible, felicitous, and memorable accompaniment to the festivities. Anyone interested in applying, please convey your willingness to the board.