About Us

Mission Statement

The Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society (LACSS) cultivates the study and enjoyment of cacti and succulent plants through educational programs and activities that promote the hobby within a community of fellow enthusiasts and among the greater public.

2026 Board Members

Elected Officers

Cande Friedman
President

Eli Cohen
1st VP, Programs

Manny Rivera
2nd VP, Plant of Month

Emily Diebold
3rd VP, Education

Kate Eplboim
Secretary

Helen Galloway Treasurer

Nick Steinhardt
Past
Treasurer

Desiree Alexander
Director 1, Membership

Glenn Murray
Director 2, Special Events

Joyce Schumann
Artie Chavez

Past President

You may reach all board members by emailing
lacss.contact@gmail.com

Appointments

Kim Chavez
Web Mistress

Joyce Schumann
Librarian

Sandy Chase
Historian

Kimberly Tong
Cactus Chronicle Editor

Kim Chavez
CSSA Liaison

Manny, Kimberly, Collin, Artie
Inter-City Show Representative

Kyle Williams
POM Plant descriptions

Al Mindel
Monthly Drawing

Collin O'Callaghan
Plant Procurement

Ron Behar
Member Outreach

Nikki Bova
Refreshments

Kimberly Gomez-Tong and Kate Eplboim Social Media Commitee

Alice Rivera Meeting Slide Show Presentation

2026 Drought Tolerant Plant Festival

Glenn Murray& Artie Chavez
Chairpersons

Kimberly Gomez-Tong
Committee

Fall Sale

Artie Chavez
Committee

Holiday Awards Dinner

Diane Arnold
Chairperson