For nearly a decade, Gwen’s Memorial Garden at Del Mar Dog Beach was more than just a patch of land—it was a living tribute, a space where pet owners found comfort in honoring the animals who had once run free along the shoreline.

Created by Jimmy Joe Gooding, the garden transformed an overgrown area into a peaceful sanctuary for those grieving lost pets. Maintained entirely by volunteers at no cost to taxpayers, it became a recognized public space where people left memorial stones and heartfelt tributes.

Then, without public notice, a formal complaint, or any documented environmental review, the garden was ordered to be removed.

The memorial stones are now gone—collected and placed at the San Diego County Fair as a temporary exhibit. But that is not the same as preserving a permanent, peaceful space at Dog Beach, where they were meant to remain.

This wasn’t just a garden. It was a space built by the community, for the community. And now, it’s been erased without explanation.

Who Ordered the Removal – Del Mar or the CCC?
The City of Del Mar initially claimed the California Coastal Commission (CCC) required the removal. However, the CCC has denied involvement multiple times. So, who made the decision, and why isn’t there a clear public record?

In 2018, the City of Del Mar publicly approved Gwen’s Garden under its Adopt-a-Spot beautification program, which allows community volunteers to maintain public spaces.

If the City revoked that approval:
✔ When did this happen?
✔ Where is the official record?
✔ Why wasn’t the public informed?

If the CCC pressured the City to remove the garden:
✔ Where is the written proof?
✔ What legal basis was cited?

If there was a legitimate reason for removal, why won’t the City provide it?

• No violation order has been issued.
• No enforcement action lists Gwen’s Garden.
• No environmental review was conducted despite requirements under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act).

If Gwen’s Garden violated regulations, where is the paper trail?

What We Are Demanding

We are calling on the City of Del Mar and the California Coastal Commission to immediately:

1. Halt the Removal – Stop dismantling Gwen’s Garden until a full review is conducted.
2. Release Documentation – Provide the public with any official violation notice, enforcement order, or environmental review related to the garden.
3. Hold a Public Hearing – The community was never consulted. This must change.
4. Clarify Del Mar’s Position – If the City revoked its approval, when did this happen, and why wasn’t the public informed?
5. Clarify CCC Involvement – If the CCC had no role, the City must stop using them as an excuse. If they were involved, they must release documentation proving why.

This Is Bigger Than One Garden – It’s About Public Trust

Gwen’s Garden wasn’t just a space—it was a community-built legacy.

📌 If Del Mar can erase a public space without notice or due process, what’s next?
📌 If government officials can make decisions in secrecy, who holds them accountable?
📌 If transparency laws can be ignored, what else is happening behind closed doors?

Some places aren’t just landmarks—they’re legacies.

This isn’t just about one garden—it’s about ensuring that public spaces remain in public hands.

A thriving community is one where people have a voice. It’s time for Del Mar officials to listen.

📢 Sign and share today.