P R O C L A M A T I O N
RHODODENDRON WEEK
May 1 - May 8, 2026
WHEREAS, the Mendocino Coast area, because of its climate and soils, produces more varieties of rhododendrons – including its wild species – than any other area in California; and WHEREAS, Fort Bragg is famous for its many beautiful rhododendron gardens including the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and many rhododendron nurseries; and WHEREAS, many rhododendrons have been locally hybridized with names such as ‘Noyo Mist’, ‘Len’s Pacific Foam’, ‘Fort Bragg Centennial,’ ‘Noyo Chief,’ ‘Noyo Dream,’ ‘Pomo Princess,’ ‘Elsie Fry,’ ‘Ruby Bowman,’ ‘Doctor Bowman,’ ‘Fort Bragg Glow,’ ‘Jim Drewry,’ ‘Noyo Charm,’ ‘Mendocino Gold’ and ‘Mendocino Magic;’ and WHEREAS, the mission of the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is to encourage and develop, in all possible ways, interest in the growing and culture of rhododendrons and azaleas; and WHEREAS, the 47th Annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show – one of the largest rhododendron shows on the west coast with over 800 entries entered annually – will be held on May 2nd and 3rd at our local Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JASON GODEKE, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, do hereby proclaim the week of May 1 – May 8, 2026 as RHODODENDRON WEEK.
SIGNED this 27th day of April, 2026
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JASON GODEKE, Mayor
ATTEST:
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DIANA PAOLI,
City Clerk
No. 16-2026