Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Plans 25th Anniversary Gala 

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the nonprofit Alta Vista Botanical Gardens will celebrate 25 years of operation with an evening gala.

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees can enjoy drinks, music, and food set against the scenic backdrop of the rose garden. The gala starts with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m., then the three-course dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m., there will be a video presentation and live auction.

Live music from The Night Owls, a San-Diego-based band known for their 60s and 70s rock and soul-inspired sound, will begin at 8 p.m. until shortly before the gala’s end at 9:45 p.m.

Founded in 1999, the gardens began under the auspices of the Vista Botanical Garden Foundation, when five visionaries — Dr. M.E. Darian, Rocco Valluzzi, Larry Hoekstra, JoAnn Hoekstra and Joe Lentz — turned a 14-acre site owned by the city into the current lush garden landscape.

Over the past two decades, the gardens have played an important role in promoting environmental awareness and cultural enrichment in North San Diego County. This year, the gardens were nominated as a finalist for nonprofit of the year by Heroes of Vista, an acknowledgment of the environmental stewardship the gardens have shown over the past 25 years.

There are four restaurant sponsors, including Bekker’s Catering, Best Pizza & Brew San Diego, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, as well as Wild West Meade Co. Other organizations sponsoring the event include Sunfire Hot Sauce, West Coast Arborists, The Night Owls, Cosmic Solar & Roofing, The Sassy Fleur, Olive PR, and Burtech Vineyard, as well as individual sponsors Don and Nancy Jones, Liz and Rick Umbenhauer, and Ron Holloway.

Tickets for the gala start at $250, with discounts provided for garden members. There is also opportunity for sponsorship by businesses and individuals. All funds from ticket sales will be used to contribute to the conservation and further growth and development of the gardens.