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The Crown Divas September event was bunco. It has become one of our favorite events of the year. Perhaps because we don't have to know exactly how it's played. Could it be the excitement of throwing the dice or constantly having to change seats? Maybe it's the chatter and laughter heard throughout the room while it's being played. If you ask one of the Divas I think the answer will be, "It's just so much fun to play!" Some of these ladies play regularly with other groups and are pros but when they play with us it's not competitive. We took a short break for some snacks and appetizers. Then, as always, we make time for anyone who would like to share news or suggestions with us. We have welcomed new members in our sisterhood and are delighted to have them join the Crown Divas. We already have our calendar filled for this year. No spoilers, but you won't be disappointed with the activities we have planned for the holidays. ~ Irma Romero, (626) 733-3019, Irmabsromero@ gmail.com 48 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2024 Crown Divas Four Seasons e Redlands Palms Whenever we go to Redlands, I can't help but marvel at the long line of palm trees. It reminds me of the probability of many of these palms being the same height. The area is now a reminder of the progress made with warehouses that have replaced the many orange groves. I can still remember the days of traveling through Alabama Street and gazing up at these amazing phenomena as a kid, not knowing then that the palm trees were then used to mark irrigation areas and served a useful purpose for the farmers. I thought these palm trees were always here. When you see an advertisement for California, the background is usually lined with palms. That's Southern California's signature, after all. I also always thought they were native here, but the only palm species native to California is the Washingtonia Filifera Fan Palm. It's also known as the Desert Fan Palm. These trees can grow up to ten feet high. Fossil records indicate that these palms thrived in California millions of years ago. This palm produces black berries that can sometimes germinate in gardens. I know this all too well since our other home had three palms across the street, and we constantly saw small sprouts coming up in our garden. The Cahuilla people, who once inhabited the area, utilized the California Fan Palms for various purposes, such as weaving baskets and for roofing, and clothing. The Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century were the first to plant palms ornamentally because of the tree's biblical association. They imported them from their native countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. It was not until the 20th century that a gardening craze introduced the taller palm we now see as a decorative plant. It provided neither shade nor fruit and was considered strictly ornamental. So, when you see these tropical giants, remember their grace and beauty as a historical reminder that palms have lined our California streets for centuries. ~ By Connie Monge-Anderson PLEASE NOTE: The Writer's Club is on hiatus until further notice, but please feel free to send articles to Mary Lynn Archibald for possible editing and inclusion in the Breeze. It must be submitted to Mary Lynn by the first of the month, as our Breeze deadline is on the sixth for the following month's issue. ~ Mary Lynn Archibald, mlarchibald@mac.com Writers Club Divas enjoying bunco night

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