Roots & Wings Online

Going Behind the Scenes with LARCS: An Interview with LARCS President, Armando Rutledge

With the state government and health agencies reopening California for ‘business as usual,’ Ladera’s community services division, LARCS has received the green light to host events again. We caught up with LARCS President, Armando Rutledge to ask him about challenges of the event business and what residents can expect going forward.

LARCS Board President Armando Rutledge stands by teal wall with LARCS logo

R&W: What was the past year like for LARCS?

Rutledge: It was a year of learning that came wrapped in challenges, setbacks and the unexpected. We endured the impact of cancelling our traditional events and pivoted to innovate and create new programming and events that kept our residents safe and complied with state and health agency mandates. Today we’re poised for a great year which started with our summer concert series, will continue with the Celebrate Ladera event, which will be held on September 5 and our winter events later in the year.

R&W: What is Celebrate Ladera?

Rutledge: It’s an event that is meant to bring the community together following a tough year. We had plans last year to celebrate our 20th year anniversary which had to be cancelled. It was disappointing to have to cancel our July 4th event earlier this year. It’s time to celebrate and to promote unity in our community. Celebrate Ladera is for all residents to enjoy – we will have live musical entertainment, food trucks and the biggest fireworks show Ladera has ever seen.

R&W: What can residents look forward to when it comes to events?

Rutledge: There is a great deal to look forward to. The LARCS Event Planning Committee, staff, vendors and Board of Directors are working closely to plan and implement a full calendar of events. Although our vendors need time to ramp up to offer their full line of capabilities, we’re confident that our fall and winter events will be better than ever.

R&W: How can residents participate and share feedback?

Rutledge: First, we are actively recruiting for open volunteer positions on our Event Planning and Ranch Hands Committees and for a non-voting position on the LARCS Board. These are some of the ways that residents can get involved. Then, in addition to surveys that we have planned, residents may reach out to LARCS by email at contact.larcs@laderalife.com.