YOUR signatures and public comments made a difference at the San Gabriel City Council meeting Oct. 17! Although our Smith Park win was mixed - sorry tennis players, more on that in a moment - it was through our community of concerned park supporters that no precious trees or green parkland will be lost to build another pickleball court! 

Thank you to the Gabrieleno tribal representatives and residents, who spent  months educating the city and council about Smith Park history. Finally, their heritage was respected.

Unfortunately, at Tuesday's council meeting, a new report was released with a NEW alternative 1A (use two existing tennis courts to convert one to 4 permanent pickleball courts, and paint the other one for both tennis/pickleball). Councilwoman Menchaca made a motion to approve 1a, seconded by Councilman Chan. It was approved by a vote of 3-2, with Councilman Ding. (Opposed by Mayor Herrington and Vice mayor Wu). 

With 1A approved, tennis loses. These two original tennis courts are now vulnerable for up to 8 pickleball court games with 32 players. Imagine all that hard plastic ball noise! We need a policy that tennis get priority on the second court and not be kicked off by pickleball. Stay tuned on this, but for now, enjoy the lawns and trees of Smith and Lugo parks. This community protected them!