May 22, 2012 – Rancho Los Cerritos (RLC) celebrated the grand opening of its new visitor center with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4600 Virginia Rd. on May 8. Also known as the “Cota Adobe” for its resemblance to the adobe built at the site in the 1830s by the Cota family, the two-story facility utilizes exhibits, displays and video to help familiarize visitors with the rancho’s history. In addition to its new center, the historic site also unveiled its upgraded entryway and arroyo landscape during the ceremony. For more information about Rancho Los Cerritos, call 562/570-1755 or visit www.rancholoscerritos.org. Pictured, from left, are: Barbara Loeffler, dressed as Avis Bixby; Marcia Harris, dressed as Fanny Bixby Spencer; John Fielder, RLC Foundation boardmember; Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster; Jean Bixby Smith, RLC Foundation boardmember; Mark Stanley, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy director; Rae Gabelich, 8th District councilmember; Ellen Calomiris, RLC historic sites officer; Lovetta Kramer, RLC Foundation boardmember; Kevin Kayse, RLC Foundation chairman; Floyd Phillips, dressed as Jotham Bixby; and Kim Bemowski, dressed as Mary Bixby. (Photograph by the Business Journal’s Thomas McConville)