In appreciation for her contributions to La Mesa Beautiful, we established a program in honor of the late Mrs. Mary-Em Howard. This program funds the planting of commemorative and memorial trees in recognition of citizens who have gone above and beyond to support the mission of La Mesa Beautiful.
We are proud that along with our efforts, La Mesa has been designated "Tree City USA" for 34 consecutive years by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This is the longest time for any city in the County of San Diego!
1997........Col. Robert C. Howard, USA
1998........Hamilton Beardsley
1999........Marie Mangan
2000........Officer George Sperry
2002........Robert Bichowsky
2004........Lu-Gray Hill
2006........Carol & Brice Lockwood
Memorial Trees donated and planted by La Mesa Beautiful include:
John King, Charter Member-planted 1984 in MacArthur Park (Replaced in 1997 in Harry Griffen Park)
Col. Bob Howard, Member-planted 1987 in MacArthur ParkCecile West, Charter Member-planted 1990 in Aztec Park
Beverly Patty, Member-planted 1991 in Northmont Park (gift of LMB members & friends)
Joseph R. West, Charter Member-planted 1991 in Aztec Park
Harold L. Caulkins, Member-planted 1992 in Demonstration Garden/La Mesa Fire Station#13
William S Brown, Charter Member-planted 1993 in Harry Griffen Park
Ruth Wordell, Co-Founder-planted 1994 in Harry Griffen Park
Ray W. Fellows, Member-planted 1996 in green belt island bounded by University Ave., La Mesa Blvd., and Memorial Drive
John "Ski" Mazalewski, Member-planted 1996 in Collier Park
Malcolm T. "Mac" Wordell, Founder-planted 1996 in Harry Griffen Park
Timothy Ray Ward, La Mesa resident and victim of September 11, 2001 tragedy. Planted 2002 at Parkway Middle School
Burl Wynne, Frank Birkenbach, and Vern Sweigard. Planted in 2004 at La Mesa Community Center
Bob Bichowsky, Board Member for 28 years. Placed a memorial bench in Memorial Park in 2010
Warren Krenz, Member-planted 2011 in Harry Griffen Park