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.
LACSS is an affiliate of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
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
Carrie Aikins
Accountant
Brian Behrens
Web Master
Joyce Schumann
Librarian
Sandy Chase
Historian
Alice Rivera
Cactus Chronicle Editor
Kim Chavez
CSSA Liaison
Manny Rivera
Inter-City Show Chairperson
Kimberly Gomez-Tong
Inter-City Sale Chairperson
Al Mindel
Monthly Drawing
Collin O'Callaghan
Plant Procurement
Ron Behar
Member Outreach
Kim Chavez & Nikki Bova
Meeting 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