Today, Oct. 9  is Indigenous People's Day - a reminder that one week from tomorrow is an important San Gabriel City Council meeting. Please attend or watch the Oct. 17 council meeting at 6:30 pm. In August, the council approved a contract to remove trees and parkland at Smith Park to build another pickleball court. The court was planned for the west end of the park dedicated to the Gabrieleno tribe and redesigned with tribal history and culture more than two decades ago. 

But, a few weeks later, after meetings between Gabrieleno tribal reps and city staff, the city put a 'hold' on the contract and said it would release a new report at the Oct. 17 council meeting. 

As we honor Native Americans today, please call or email the council to remind them that Gabrieleno history in San Gabriel must be honored. These tribal members - many who spoke at the August 15 council meeting - are our neighbors and residents. Gabrieleno heritage is San Gabriel's, and it must be preserved.

Also, removing any parkland or trees to build another court, should not move forward when many other Smith Park and San Gabriel facilities need upgrades and repairs. Losing any city green parkland and trees doesn't make sense when the current pickleball court is often underutilized. 

Please contact your council, emails below, and tell them to protect San Gabriel's parks! 

echan@sgch.org

tding@sgch.org

jharrington@sgch.org

dmenchaca@sgch.org

jwu@sgch.org