Since elected as Chapter President for the Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, I have been very eager to get started on my year long term! Together, we continue to navigate through the overwhelming realization that humankind holds the responsibility for treating our planet better: both in terms of our physical and interpersonal environments! What a poignant time to practice landscape architecture, as our profession emerges amongst the leaders in sustainably adapting to our ever-changing climate.
My primary goal during my term as Chapter President is to rekindle the excitement and pride of membership in our Chapter. I returned from ASLA’s Annual Conference in Washington, DC in early October. After spending time at the Chapter Presidents Council meeting with landscape architectural leaders from all across these United States, I couldn’t help but strut through multiple airports with an extra skip in my step. My post-conference afterglow came from the realization that Southern California is among ASLA’s most influential and renowned chapters in the country and beyond, not only due to the cutting-edge work of our members, but also for the beautiful setting in which we get to live and practice.
Riding the wave of momentum back from DC, and through the generous support of Tournesol Siteworks and Oldcastle Architectural/ Belgard Pavers, our Chapter’s Executive Committee hosted a Member Appreciation Event on October 24th in the Sculpture Garden of the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. Amongst well over 100 attendees, we spent the evening showcasing ASLA’s 125th Anniversary, as well as the 87th Anniversary of the Southern California Chapter. Within a casual patio atmosphere and the presence of great food and drinks, we celebrated our members’ advocacy efforts and dedication to the betterment of our profession. Also, thanks to the generosity of our Executive Committee and dedicated sponsors, dozens of attendees left the event with raffle prizes, including gift cards, bottles of wine, and various admission tickets to Descanso Gardens, Huntington Library and Gardens, Theodore Payne Foundation, and even Disneyland! Following the event, we have heard directly from members of all ages: from students in our Chapter’s four university programs (Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of California, Los Angeles Extension, and University of Southern California) all the way through emeritus members, that our members look forward to participating in more upcoming Chapter events. I personally invite you to join in the next one with us!
I am optimistic that our membership can come together in support of our collective goals: being stewards of the land and enhancers of the built environment. I can’t wait to get to know each of you better as we cross paths in the new year. On behalf of the whole Executive Committee, we are hopeful that THIS is the year that you make the most of your membership and come join in the comradery of So Cal ASLA!
