“I have learned that in order to bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step.” -Rosa Parks

Celebrating Black History Month

Many celebrations are occurring around Long Beach in honor of Black History Month. You can view a partial listing of events here. The Long Beach Public Library is also hosting events designed to inspire, educate, and connect the community all month.

RLA is honored to participate in the AfroLatinx Festival at MOLAA on February 16th, and we hope to see you there!

Join Craig Hendricks as he shares about the planned world’s fair in Long Beach that never happened. Over the past two centuries, world fairs and international expositions have served as major platforms for nations and cities to showcase their growth and success. By 1961, the city of Long Beach emerged as the likely location of the fair. What occurred over the next five years is a case study of how poor planning, lack of secure funding, and regional rivalries between cities and their ports doomed the project. The fair, once the darling of politicians, business leaders, and the public, "plunged into oblivion” by 1966.

$10 per person, free for RLA members. Hope to see you there!



This series occurs every other month on the fourth Thursday of the month in the evening. The talks explore a range of topics significant to our community, focusing on environmental, multicultural, and historical issues.

Saturday, March 22nd; 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Reservations required. Tickets will go on sale soon. 

On March 22nd, join us at Rancho Los Alamitos to immerse yourself in the world of vintage jewelry. While enjoying light refreshments, learn about the jewelry belonging to the last ranching residents of Rancho Los Alamitos (c.1920-1950). This program will offer various elements including tours, local jewelry vendors, presentations, and more—reservations are required. Tickets will be announced via email and social media soon. 

We are pleased to announce our honorees for the 13th Annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon on Thursday, May 22nd:

The Cottonwood Award for Leadership: Dr. Geraldine Knatz

Dr. Knatz's contributions span fifty-four years of service and leadership as a maritime expert, academic, and author. She served as the first female Director for the Port of Los Angeles, and through the years she has implemented policies and programs that support conservation, sustainability, and solutions for Port priorities. Dr. Knatz is a professor of the Practice of Policy and Engineering at the University of Southern California and serves as Chair of the board of trustees of AltaSea. A Long Beach resident and proud supporter of both Ranchos, we are pleased to award her this honor.

The Gerald Miller Award for Service: Roxanne Patmor

Roxanne Patmor is a Long Beach native who has poured her heart into telling the city’s story. Since her retirement, Roxanne has spent nearly 20 years working with historians, actors, costumers, and nonprofits to bring the Long Beach's history to life, including the Historical Society of Long Beach’s (HSLB) Annual Cemetery Tour and Rancho Los Alamitos’ Rancho Voices holiday event. She currently serves as President of the Long Beach Playhouse, Secretary of HSLB, and is a member of the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation Board of Directors.

We hope you can join us for this not-to-be-missed annual event. Learn more here.

Calling All Members!

Please join us for an exclusive "Members Only" event on Thursday, March 20th. Enjoy a guided after-hours tour of the Rancho's gardens with RLA staff. Wine and small bite pairings will be offered at each garden!

Not a member? Click below to join today. 100% of your membership is tax-deductible and supports the Rancho's vital work.

Early last Friday morning, there was a break on a water line owned and maintained by the City of Long Beach in the Bixby Hill neighborhood where we are located as well, causing significant flooding and damage. While we are relieved that Rancho Los Alamitos’ historic house, buildings, and gardens are largely unaffected and all of our animals are safe, the break created a sinkhole and other safety hazards that require us to temporarily close to the public. City contractors are accessing the break through the Rancho property and are using our parking lots to stage building materials. At this time, we do not have an estimated timeline for repairs. We anticipate remaining closed at least through Tuesday, February 18, and will update you as we are able.

We are grateful that the damage was not more severe and extend our heartfelt sympathy to our neighbors whose homes and vehicles were impacted. In challenging moments like these, the strength of the Bixby Hill community shines through. We deeply appreciate the kindness and support extended to our staff, as well as the hard work of City workers and contractors who are diligently repairing the water main and addressing the damage throughout the neighborhood.

We will provide updates via email, our website, and social media as more information becomes available and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Rancho soon. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sharon, RLA’s Livestock and Facilities Assistant, leading our English Shire to be transported offsite during repairs because the equipment and noise would likely cause him and the other animals stress.

The sheep herder’s wagon was carefully moved to make way for construction equipment.

City contractors excavated the site of the water main break to begin repairs. Work is in progress.

Rancho Los Alamitos is located on the ancestral and unceded land of the Tongva/Gabrielino people, who cared for this land for thousands of years and continue to do so today. The Rancho sits atop the village of Puvuun’nga -- “the gathering place” -- the sacred site of creation for the Tongva/Gabrielino peoples. Learn more by visiting gabrielinotribe.org.

Your support allows Rancho Los Alamitos to offer cultural and educational programs and tours for the entire community at no charge!