The 1928 historic Lacy Park rose arbor is gone. We have lost yet another historic resource. And we may never get all the answers we deserve. Now what can we do now?

Although it is concerning that the arbor was torn down without an approval of its replacement (which is against our own city codes & ordinances), we cannot look back. We need to focus on the future of our rose garden and the arbor which replaces our lost treasure. Yes, let’s move forward to rebuild our landmark with transparency and community consensus.

The leadership at San Marino City Hall must act with regard and respect for the community and its financial and cultural resources, building up the community’s morale while being financially conservative. Unfortunately, this demolition did not receive community support, neither financially nor environmentally. Repair materials were purchased and left unused. And we have now spent upwards of $15,000 on designs for a new rose arbor.

We may never know how much it all cost us. However, with better materials and more thoughtful community input, we can reduce maintenance costs and still honor the residents and club members who dedicated themselves to the Lacy Park Rose Arbor and gardens over the last two restoration campaigns.

We must unite to replace our community arbor as a community, logically, fiscally responsibly and in a forgiving, uplifting way. If we can come together as The Friends of the Lacy Park Rose Garden, we can stand united and ensure that our bronze plaque families are honored and remembered. Yes, let’s move forward to rebuild our landmark with transparency and community consensus.