The City of Lompoc Urban Forestry Division and Beautification and Appearance Commission are pleased to invite the community to an Arbor Day Celebration at Recognition Grove in River Park.

The event at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 honors those who have contributed significantly to the enrichment of the Lompoc community.
Two honorees selected by Lompoc city staff, Lorenzo O. Gonzales and Maida I. Ratcliff, will have trees with plaques bearing their names dedicated in memorial of them in Recognition Grove. As these trees grow and mature, they become a living legacy of the esteem in which Recognition Grove honorees are held. The grove is also a way that the Lompoc community can say thank you to those who have done so much to improve quality of life in the Lompoc Valley. 

Gonzales spent 37 years working for the City of Lompoc, retiring in 2007 as the water distribution supervisor before passing away in January of 2018. Gonzales was instrumental in mapping the miles of water lines in the city, developing a knowledgeable workforce and ensuring the delivery of safe water to Lompoc residents. He was a family man, good leader and hard worker who helped made Lompoc better.

Ratcliff pursued her life-long love of music by studying at Drexel Conservatory in Los Angeles.  Upon returning to Lompoc, she taught private piano lessons in her home for many decades to several generations of young musicians.  Over the years, Ratcliff was the pianist, organist and choir director for numerous Lompoc-area churches. Ratcliff was honored to have been involved with the vocal music department at Cabrillo High School for many years as the accompanist for the Madrigals.  She also served as accompanist for the Lompoc Master Chorale and was a founding member and pianist of the Lompoc Pops Orchestra until her retirement, continuing to perform live concerts until age 95. She passed away in June of 2017.