In this photo from Right to Left: Alison Diaz, Founder of ECS, Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor (President Obama's delegate to ECS as a runner-up to the White Houses' Race to the Top Challenge), and Marco Barrantes, President of La Loma Development Company. On Thursday, June 25, 2010 we had the pleasure of attending the Environmental Charter Schools 2010 commencement ceremony, where Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was the keynote speaker. As you may know, ECHS was one of the six finalist's in the White House's "Race to the Top Commencement Challenge." The celebration was filled with accolades from California State Assembly-member Steven Bradford, LA County Board of Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, a special message from Shaquille O'Neal and special words from counselors about each and every graduate.

The unique, archaelogically found-material amphitheater at Arlington Gardens finally has its crowning finale, the custom crafted metal arbor.  The arbor is the whimsical and dramatic collaboration of permaculture artist Ray Cirino and La Loma's Marco Barrantes. The amphitheater, made from recycled broken concrete incorporates original sandstone salvaged on-site from the (tragically) demolished Durand mansion, which was historic to the site. Inspired by the patterns found in flowers and butterflies, the arbor is anchored by solid metal spheres onto traditional stone columns, and will feature a centerpiece of stained glass.