Celebrating the first statewide Arbor Day, schoolchildren of Gilroy planted 75 Deodar cedars along the south side of the newly paved Highway 32 on March 7, 1930. The following year, 65 additional cedars were planted, bringing the total to 140 trees. Under the direction of the Rotary Club, local groups beautified the western entrance to Gilroy in celebration of the new highway. The new Hecker Pass Highway was named for Santa Clara County Supervisor Henry Hecker, who held office from 1916 until 1945 and allocated funds for this connection from Gilroy to Santa Cruz County, a vital link to the coast. The highway was dedicated on May 27, 1928, with a grand celebration on top of Mount Madonna. In 1933, ownership was formally transferred to the State of California, and it was designated Highway 152. The 1.39-mile row of cedar trees, still largely intact, continues to fulfill its original purpose of welcoming visitors to Gilroy.