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San Gabriel staff show two Plaza Park designs for veterans memorial; coalition urges Option 2
Summary
Staff presented two design concepts for a Plaza Park veterans memorial and described next procedural steps. Veterans Coalition speakers urged finalizing the project and said they have compiled about 300 names for inscription; staff said construction budget and final approvals still must come from City Council following additional commission reviews.
City staff updated the San Gabriel Community Services Commission on plans for a veterans memorial at Plaza Park and displayed two conceptual designs from the city’s design consultant.
Matthew Morales Stevens, community services assistant director, said the project began in 2022 when the San Gabriel Veterans Memorial Coalition proposed the memorial. At its July 16, 2024 meeting, the City Council approved Plaza Park as the location; on June 17, 2025 council authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with David Voltz Design (DVD) for conceptual design development.
The consultant produced two options: a 360-degree circular plaza with sidewalls for plaques and service seals, and an alternative with a pergola, full name wall and seating that staff said echoes the neighboring mission architecture. Stevens described both as "passive" designs meant to preserve existing trees and sight lines near the mill race and City Hall.
Stevens told commissioners the council has asked staff to return the designs for review by the Historical Preservation and Cultural Resource Commission and the Design Review Commission; after those reviews the item will come back to council for final approval and for any contract award for construction.
Michael Cervantes, president of the Veterans Coalition, told commissioners the coalition has worked for more than six years and prefers the pergola option (Option 2). Mary Garcia, who said she helped compile names for the project, told the commission the coalition has collected roughly 300 names spanning multiple wars and branches and that eligibility has focused on people born in or who lived in San Gabriel.
Stevens said the design phase’s funding was authorized; the construction contract and related budget will be a future council action. Staff estimated roughly six months for construction documents and another six to 12 months for construction, depending on the design and elements selected. Stevens said maintenance costs will likely be covered from the general fund but that final maintenance responsibilities will be clarified later with Public Works.
The commission took no action tonight; staff asked for feedback and said community input will continue during forthcoming commission and council reviews.
