Cherry Blossom Festival - Steve Tabor
Cherry Blossom Festival
- Steve Tabor
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) began their donation of cherry trees to the City of Torrance in 2001. At the time of the initial donation, SGI President Daisaka Ikeda and his wife, Kaneko Ikeda, pledged their donations would continue through the year 2020 and reach a total of 200 trees. The trees are given to honor a poem that was written by Mr. Ikeda which reads as follows:
“The Spring Breezes of Good Fortune, Blow in the Hearts of All.”
The City of Torrance was scheduled to host its 9th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 5, 2020 at Columbia Park which is found at the intersection of 190th Street and Prairie Avenue. Unfortunately, for this year, the Festival is cancelled due to precautions over the Corona Virus outbreak. The City of Torrance, however, encourages visitors to view the blossoming trees throughout the days to come. Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The COVID-19 virus cannot stop Mother Nature as the trees are in the midst of producing their annual blossoms. Several of the trees can be found along Prairie Avenue near 190th Street. There are other trees a short distance away that extend along 190th Street.
A small number of cherry trees can also be found at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center near Prairie Avenue and Torrance Boulevard. These trees were a donated from the City of Torrance’s sister city of Kashiwa, Japan.
More to the Story
According to their website, Soka Gakkai International was founded in 1975, in order to link other SGI organizations that follow Nichiren Buddhism while respecting local cultures and traditions. Mr. Daisaka Ikeda has served as President since its formation. SGI promotes peace, culture and education centered on respect for the dignity of life. SGI followers are found in 192 countries.
Steve Tabor Bio
This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.
Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.