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TMCNet:  Council protects La Laguna for future generations

[June 21, 2009]

Council protects La Laguna for future generations

SAN GABRIEL, Jun 21, 2009 (Pasadena Star-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Nearly three years after fighting to save a cherished playground from being demolished, community activists watched the battle take a 180-degree turn recently.

Last week, the City Council voted to make La Laguna de San Gabriel a historic landmark -- only the second such designation in the city.

The playground at Vincent Lugo Park known for its hand-crafted sea monsters has been at the center of controversy, activism and celebration over the past several years. With the new designation, activists say they can now rest knowing it will be protected for generations to come.

"It's a wonderful feeling. This is a community effort -- really something that came from the grass roots," said Eloy Zarate, co-founder of the Friends of La Laguna. "It shows people care about the direction of the city." In 2006, when neighbors found out the park was set to be demolished as part of a park renovation and because it was considered a safety hazard, they decided to take a stand.

The park was created in 1965 by Mexican artist Benjamin Dominguez, and many considered it a staple of the city.

Eventually, Laguna advocates convinced city officials not to demolish the playground. Last month, Friends of Laguna members were honored by the Los Angeles Conservancy for their preservation efforts.

At the council's June 16 meeting, members voted unanimously to designate the park a local landmark. The only other landmark in the city is the "Hayes House" on Broadway, one of San Gabriel's oldest structures.

"I'm delighted it's gotten to this point," said Councilman Kevin Sawkins. "Tonight, you should all be proud of your collective efforts in showing us that this is something the community really wants to keep." After the vote, neighbors celebrated, with some saying they hoped the action sets the stage for things to come.

"I'm glad the city is going to make this a landmark officially. Hopefully, it's a sign of future designations," said resident Eric Kirchhoff.

Resident Matt Ferguson, who played at the playground as a child, was pleased the hard work paid off.

"It's cool to see something I saw as a kid last through to today," he said.

robert.hong@sgvn.com (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4586 To see more of the Pasadena Star-News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Pasadena Star-News, Calif. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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