What's Happening at the Rancho?
Narcissus is beginning to bloom on the Oleander Walk
Rainy Days and Reopening Plans



Rancho Los Alamitos is excited about the prospect of welcoming volunteers and visitors to the site safely. We continue to follow government safety guidelines for museums, aquariums, and zoos to protect the health and wellbeing of our volunteers, staff, and visitors. We will not be returning to exactly how we operated in 2020.
We are adopting new protocols based on new knowledge and new rules that prioritize everyone's safety.
RLA Tentative Opening Date
Wed 2/10

Reopening Training Video*
available by Fri 2/5

Reopening Volunteer Workshop** Mon 2/8
We will be watching the weather as well and continually communicate volunteer updates as necessary. If there are high winds, or if it's below 60-degrees or over 60% chance of rain, we'll close the Rancho for the day to keep you and our visitors safe.


*We will require a training video and virtual workshop for Volunteers who wish to volunteer onsite with our visitors when we reopen. You may sign up for shifts in VICnet, and shifts will be confirmed for those who have completed the updated training.

We will email the training video and reopening updates when they become available.
If you are unable to attend the workshop on February 8, please let Ambyr know.

See the Get Involved and Looking Forward sections below for more details on signing up for volunteer shifts!
Volunteer Enrichment Opportunity
Understanding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the "Place for all Times"
Workshop on Wednesday, February 10, 2021*
9:30 to noon on Zoom

Prepare to be inspired and energized during this important volunteer workshop!
Ask your friends about what they learned in the November workshop.
This is an immersive and engaging opportunity for RLA Volunteers to:

Connect with your volunteer family-
the Rancho's greatest supporters!

Learn how you can help the Rancho stay relevant in a changing world.

Explore the diverse qualities our volunteers contribute to RLA

Identify the tools we have to "be the change" we want to see in the world.
*This is a repeat of the November 14th workshop, available to those who were unable to attend. We'll send a more detailed notice to volunteers who haven't already experienced this opportunity. Please RSVP in VICnet or email Ambyr for more details.
Planning for the Year Ahead
The Rancho's Education, Programs, and Development staff have been hard at work planning for the coming year!

Please email Ambyr or Katie if you are interested in joining a program development committee as we gear up to invite guests to explore our history and connect visitors with contemporary conversations.
Winter blooms continue to emerge in the Cactus Garden
Get Involved
A robust Volunteer Training Program
in the Works!
With the addition of Education Manager Katie Lowe in 2020 and all we've learned about "going virtual" this past year, we are now poised to develop and offer a series of volunteer training programs. Our goal is to ensure that all Rancho volunteers understand their role in visitor engagement (from Gardeners to Greeters) and feel confident in their ability to serve the Rancho and our guests.

Since we continue to negotiate the challenges of COVID-19, we are preparing a series of video training "modules" that will each be paired with a live Zoom workshop. This format will enable volunteers to flexibly review the information required for each module and also help us maintain our close-knit community and in-person socializing during the workshops.

Because you are the smiling face of the Rancho, training will begin with a focus on putting our mission, vision, and values into action. Some training modules will be required for all volunteers, as they will be introducing new tools and techniques to help you build on your expertise. Other modules will be optional and focused on particular areas of volunteer service.
The first required training will be the Reopening Training
for volunteers who wish to return to volunteering onsite when we reopen to the public.

We anticipate the Reopening Video will be available by Fri 2/5



Other Upcoming Training:
  • Public Engagement 101
  • Barnyard Roustabouts
  • Garden Friends
Concierge Shopping at the
Rancho Museum Gift Shop

Make a reservation for your half-hour private shopping experience.
Reservations are limited to family households only.

Find unique items and gifts for the home, garden, local history,
artisan food, and one-of-a-kind jewelry!
Museum Gift Shop Hours
Wed-Sun
9:30-4:30 pm

Be Safe. Shop Small. Shop Local.

Our Museum Gift Shop is open with your safety in mind.
or call (562)431-3541 to schedule your visit.

Deep Discounts on remaining Holiday Merchandise!
 
NOTE: The Rancho is following COVID-19 protocols to
ensure a safe shopping experience.
 
Proceeds from gift shop sales support our educational mission.
Thank you for supporting Rancho Los Alamitos.
Looking Ahead
Volunteer Opportunities


VOLUNTEER SCHEDULES

All dates are tentative!
We are expecting to reopen the Rancho on Wed 2/10.

As usual, I will send recruitment and shift reminder emails from VICnet to confirm your volunteer schedule. If you have questions about your schedule please email Ambyr.

If you would like to sign up for a shift during public hours
(Wed-Sun, 12:30-4:30)
please contact Ambyr or use VICnet.

We will email you a link to view the Volunteer Reopening Training Video.
Be sure to sign up for the Reopening Workshop on Feb 8th!
Save the Dates for 2021
VSC MEETINGS
9:30 am Saturday mornings

February 20- 9:30 am on Zoom:
Enjoy a curated presentation by
Steve Iverson about the Chinese cooks at the LB Ranchos in the 19th century.

  • April 17
  • June 19
  • August 21
  • October 16
  • December 18

We will continue to meet virtually via Zoom until it is safe to meet in person again.

RSVP in VICnet.

Please contact Ambyr if you would like to learn more about connecting via Zoom!
Interested in helping develop our public programs this year?

We are currently seeking a Public Programs Volunteer Representative to sit on the VSC Steering Committee. This volunteer leader works as a liaison between the volunteers, program committees, and staff and engages in program planning from ideas to implementation.

We are also seeking volunteers to join Program Committees for the following tentative programs:
  • Family cooking workshops featuring Mrs. Shinkle
  • Florence's Outdoor Rooms garden workshop for adults
  • "Lunch and Learn about Livestock," inspired by Katharine, Elizabeth, and Deborah Bixby
  • and more...

We're developing a series of fun and engaging programs for a variety of audiences, from preschool crafts and activities, to teen programs, to adult workshops and symposia.
We welcome your creative energy!
Contact Us
Ambyr has new hours this semester.

Please note that Ambyr will be "out of the office" on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June. Please allow 1-3 days for responses to emails.
(I don't typically check email on weekends.)
If you need help sooner than that, please call the main office.


RLA Office (Mon-Fri, 9-5): (562) 431-3541 or info@rancholosalamitos.org

If you need to cancel a scheduled volunteer shift or have an urgent matter,
please contact the Rancho Office.

Please reach out to Ambyr or Katie with volunteer scheduling or activities inquiries.

If you have livestock questions or concerns, you may contact
the Ranch Office, Ambyr or Katie, or
Livestock and Grounds Manager, Karen Thompson.

Thank you for helping us inspire, educate, and engage our community!