Public Programs

February Programs

Exploration Talk: Weaving the Past into the Future
Thursday, February 26
Doors Open at 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
$10 per person, Free for Members

As a professional indigenous archaeologist, Ms. Desireé Reneé Martinez has dedicated her life to protecting Tongva (Gabrielino) special spaces and places from wanton destruction. In fact, in the mid-2000s, she monitored the construction work at Rancho Los Alamitos. However, for every space and place protected, thousands of others across Los Angeles and Orange Counties have been lost. Each place tells the story of the everyday lives of the Tongva, a story that is silenced with destruction. Although archaeological methods can provide some information about how the ancestors lived, the everyday human experience, the interactions between parents and children, craftsmen and traders, and our plant and animal relatives are missing. The Tongva Basketweavers Collective, which Martinez is a member, is reigniting the artistry and storytelling of traditional coiled basketry. Martinez will discuss how items from the past (baskets) have become cultural teachers for future generations of the Tongva.

Desireé Reneé Martinez  is a Tongva (Gabrielino) community member and the Tribal Relations and NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Director at Cal Poly Pomona. 

Series happens bi-monthly from February through October. Remaining dates are ​April 23, June 25, August 27, and October 22.

March Programs

Roses 101: Growing and Caring for Classic Blooms
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$12 per person, $10 for Members

Join us for a Roses 101 course led by Rancho Los Alamitos' gardener, Ara Öraöspa. In this hour-long course, you will include the following information:
  • The annual life cycle of a rose and seasonal care appropriate to coastal Southern California.
  • Basic rose anatomy, growth habits, and what these patterns mean in practical terms
  • Rose classification and a brief history of their hybridization
  • Best practices for soil, fertilizer, watering, and transplanting, both in-ground and in containers
  • Common pest and disease management
This class will cover everything you need to know about selecting a rose before purchase and maintaining beautiful blooms year after year. It will also include an outdoor tour of the Rancho's Rose Garden, where concepts will be demonstrated. This course is aimed for novice gardeners. No previous experience is necessary.
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Artist Morning
Saturday, March 28
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Last admittance at 12:00 PM
RSVP recommended, suggested $10 donation. Free onsite parking. 

Calling all art enthusiasts! Enjoy a relaxing morning at the Rancho with early access to our grounds. Bring your own art supplies and create at your own pace. Art supplies can include watercolors, oil paints, sketchbooks, digital devices, etc. The Rancho will provide extra accommodations to safely dispose of any water and trash after the session. If available, you can bring your own chair, easels, and/or blankets. The Rancho would love to see what you create and invites you to submit artwork that captures the spirit of the site for a chance to be featured on future Museum Store merchandise. Submission is optional and does not guarantee selection; selected works may be licensed for retail use. More details will be shared after your RSVP. 

Our monthly pop-up coffee cart will be on-site, selling beverages and pastries. You can choose to purchase food and drinks before or after your art session.
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2025 PUBLIC PROGRAMS SLIDESHOW