What is the official status of South Pasadena Beautiful?

This organization was chartered by the State of California in 1965 as a non-profit corporation. It is governed by four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and a Board of Directors of 15-30 members. All officers and board members are volunteers from the community. The officers are elected by the general membership at the Annual Meeting in June of each year. Members of the Board of Directors are voted upon by the Board. The Treasurer’s monthly financial reports are reviewed each fiscal year. Whereas South Pasadena Beautiful is independent of City government, it works closely with the City to identify and support beautification projects.

How can I support South Pasadena Beautiful by becoming a member?

South Pasadena Beautiful has a membership drive in March of each year. Every residential property owner in the city is sent a newsletter which invites residents to join and a return envelope for dues payment. Membership levels are: Rose Bush = $20, Orange Tree = $35, Oak Tree = $50 or more, Business = $50 or more, and Lifetime membership = $500 or more. Memberships are per household. Of course, memberships are accepted throughout the year, and recognition is given to all members of the past year in the March newsletter. All donations are tax deductible. For further questions about joining, please contact Membership Chair Jean Loo at (626) 441-3419.

What beautification projects has South Pasadena Beautiful accomplished in the past few years?

• Provided pavers in Garfield Park that have doubled the size of the picnic area adjacent to the children’s playground. Sod was installed to finish off the area.

• Provided funding to hire Isabelle Greene to re-design the landscaping for Oaklawn Park by the War Memorial Building.

• Funded Boy Scout landscape improvement project south of War Memorial Bldg.

• Provided funding for the planting on east side of Public Library

• Provided funding for new City of South Pasadena sign on hillside facing 110 Fwy.

• Provided a sign and garden in front of the War Memorial Building.

• Planted Hughes Memorial Rose Garden at entry to Garfield Park

• Replanted areas in center median at Fair Oaks Ave. and Huntington Dr.

• Funded re-landscaping of west parking strip on Orange Grove between Columbia and 110 Fwy.

• Planted trees on various residential streets

• Funded garden with fountain in City Hall courtyard.

• Fund Arbor Day program at Children’s Library each year.

• Currently investigating project to significantly improve landscaping and usability of library entry from Oxley Ave.

How can I become more active in helping South Pasadena Beautiful achieve its goals?

Become a member of the Board of Directors. We need members with skills at organizing events such as the Garden Tour, Annual Meeting and Golden Arrow Awards, and helpers for these undertakings. We need people who can help us publicize our projects, events and membership goals. We need people who can take notes at meetings, keep track of our finances, propose and move beautification projects forward, serve as a liaison with City officials and other South Pasadena organizations. Meetings are held from September through May on the second Tuesday of the month in the early evening. For more information, call President Judy Graven at (323) 257-9992.