Rancho Los Alamitos
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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • History of the Site
    • RLA Foundation and Board
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • RLA DEI Statement
    • Annual Reports
    • Press Room
    • Employment Opportunities
    • FAQ
  • Learn
    • Public Programs
    • School Tours
    • Restoration of the Rancho
    • Research
    • Newsletter
    • Blog
  • Visit
    • Visit and Tour
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Group Visits
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Ranch House and Gardens
    • Photography and Filming
    • Book Your Event at The Rancho
    • Directions
    • Closed Dates
    • Virtual Visit
    • Accessibility at the Rancho
    • Livestock and Care
    • Guide To The Rancho
  • Support Us
    • Ways To Give
    • Donate
    • Gift Planning
    • Become A Member
    • Volunteer Information
    • Annual Fundraisers
    • Join Our Email List
  • Contact
  • Book Your Event


​

The 14th Annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon raised $204,000!

The Cottonwood Awards Luncheon is a unique event that honors those who have made positive contributions to the region’s cultural and historical resources, including Rancho Los Alamitos. Hosted by the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation, the event helps promote and support the Rancho’s educational programs and cultural preservation efforts. It is a much-anticipated opportunity for Long Beach community and business leaders to gather to enjoy one another’s company, have a traditional ranch-style barbecue lunch, celebrate the year’s honorees, and help for the Rancho’s important work. And it all happens in setting alive with history.

Click here to view the 2026 Cottonwood Award Luncheon Program


Cottonwood Award for Leadership
The Cottonwood Award recognizes an individual or individuals who have shown significant leadership in enhancing, promoting, and supporting the cultural communities of Southern California.

The 2026 Honoree is The Hon. Rex Richardson, Mayor, City of Long Beach

The Gerald Miller Award for Service
Named after founding Board Member Jerry Miller, an integral and beloved member of RLA, this award recognizes the tremendous achievements of an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on Rancho Los Alamitos and the City of Long Beach, just like Jerry did.

The 2026 Honoree is Harry Saltzgaver, Editor, Sunstone Management; Contributor, The Grunion Gazette

Each year, in May, the community comes together to celebrate the achievements of our honorees while socializing in a beautiful outdoor setting.​​
2026 COTTONWOOD PHOTOS


2025 Cottonwood Award recipients Dr. Geraldine Knatz and Roxanne Patmor with fellow program leaders
2026 Recipients Mayor Rex Richardson and Harry Saltzgaver with Dr. Nina Richardson
Guests gathered under umbrellas at the Cottonwood Award Luncheon at Rancho Los Alamitos
Over 400 friends of the Rancho attend this event each year!
2023 Cottonwood Award recipient former City Manager Jerry Miller, holding the award with fellow honorees
2023 Cottonwood Award recipient, former City Manager Jerry Miller (center), for whom the service award has been posthumously renamed.

​Highlights from Cottonwood 2024
​
Rancho Los Alamitos - Cottonwood 2024 - Sneak Peek on Vimeo


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LOCATION
6400 E. Bixby Hill Road
Long Beach, CA 90815
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562.431.3541
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​Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 33-0083942.​
​All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

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