The Aug. 15 public hearing by the San Gabriel City Council smacked a hardball at many residents. Many wrote in or testified with passion to fight neighborhood noise and disturbance, to preserve Smith Park's green space and trees, to stand with Gabrieleno Indians who helped ensure the Native American monuments and history at the park nearly three decades ago, and to ask for the funds to be spent instead on existing park needs.

A vote of 3-1 approved the removal of 8,250-square-feet of green space (and the mature trees in photo) for another loud pickleball court! Only Mayor John Herrington voted to protect the park. (Councilman John Wu was absent.)

The biggest group of supporters who submitted written comments - 34 - were from non residents who wanted to pave over this green space for a second PB court.

But this vote isn't the end. Thank you for spreading the word on this important issue. We won't be ignored, stay tuned!

See the City Council public hearing and vote on YouTube:  rb.gy/4hygx

  And fyi:   1) Gabrieleno Nadine Salas at 2:11

                    2) Gabrieleno Anthony Morales at 2:29

                    3) Council comments and vote at 3:41

rb.gy/4hygx