May 10 , 2008

Artesia News

Judges evaluate Artesia's beautification efforts


Under a canopy of leaves at Andy Anderson’s beautiful property, and to the tune of a singing mockingbird, two judges from America in Bloom met with Artesia city officials and volunteers in an orientation meeting.  It was only the first day, but Artesia was already working its charm.

 

America in Bloom is a national contest to evaluate the beautification efforts of a city depending on population size.  Surrounded by rich cities like Norwalk and Cerritos, Artesia’s beautification efforts seem almost minimal.  But compared to other cities of similar size (and hence, similar funding), Artesia’s efforts are notable, from the two-time award-winning medians on Pioneer Blvd. down to the landscaping of individual home-owners.

 

Both judges enjoyed the lunch at the Anderson property, and while there were excited to see various plants and trees that they’ve never seen in their fully grown state.

 

The judges were Bruce Riggs, a professional botanist and Patrick Bones, a landscape designer.  The first night wasn’t spent touring Artesia, though.  The two judges had the honor of meeting the Miss Artesia Court and the contestants for this year’s pageant. 

 

Bones said, “It was enjoyable to see this part of the community support the pretty young women as they grow and experience what it is like to get up in front of a group of people and speak.  Everyone there was very supportive of the young women and it appeared everyone had a great time. I especially enjoyed seeing the diversity of the young women involved in the Gala.”

 

Later that night, Mayor Sally Flowers took the judges out for a night out in the Indian quarter of Artesia’s downtown.

 

“It was fun,” said Bones.  “We went into many shops and were introduced to the owners.”

 

“I mentioned I like Ravi Shankar and was given two CD’s of his sitar music,” said Bones.

 

“I’ve had East Indian food before,” said Riggs.  “But I really enjoyed the food in Artesia.  It was extremely good.”

 

The following day the judges took their main tour, stopping at various sites that the City, business, volunteers, and/or residents have put effort into beautifying their town.  The judges were most impressed by Artesia’s medians.

 

“The complete reconstruction of the major street where the medians have been built with double palm trees added and especially the water features has completely changed the way Artesia looks.  This project alone will bring about the much needed economic redevelopment and pride in the community,” said Bones.

 

As far as what Artesia needs to work on, Riggs said that Artesia should work on the graffiti problem and “even though the area near the freeway is owned by CalTrans, it is still perceived as the city’s, and so something should be done to beautify that area.”

 

Riggs also suggested businesses utilize large pottery at the front of their businesses to soften the visual impact of concrete in the street, and commended one jewelry business owner for having done that.

 

Riigs said that Artesia “hosted us very graciously, and areas around the medians, the frontage roads, and other features really made me feel like I entered an entirely different community.”


         

Judge Bruce Riggs gives some     Pat Bones tell his experiences.    Lunch provided by Lee's Sandwiches

advice.

         

                                                       Mayor Flowers meets with judges

         

With Miss Artesia contestants      With the 2008 Court                     Meeting visitors from Sister City Jamay

Judge Pat Bones wins in the raffle.

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