This park has a “dinosaur park” located within this park which was established in 1965. The special artwork was created by Artist Benjamin Dominquez that included a Dinosaur, an Octopus and the famous Lighthouse Slide for the children to enjoy.

Laguna de San Gabriel sign is located in this wonderful park located at Prospect Ave and Wells St in San Gabriel.

Jennifer Tang welcomed the guests to this wonderful event held on September 15^th in the back of the park under the shade of the trees. She works with Assemblymember Mike Fong in his local office.

California State Assemblymember Mike Fong  will be presenting an oversized check representing $200,000 in direct funding to Friends of La Laguna, a nonprofit organization formed to preserve and restore “dinosaur park,” located within Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel.  The funds will go towards restoring the iconic play structures originally built by artist Benjamin Dominguez.

Mayor Tony Ding welcomed everyone to our city park. It is an old park that was built in 1965. That was almost 60 years ago. He introduced Vice Mayor John Harrington, Councilmember Denise Menchaca and Councilmember Carina Rivera. Councilmember John Wu was not able to attend this special event.

Senya Lubisich, a member of the Friends of La Laguna said that the families living near the park wanted to save it from being destroyed and turned into a soccer field. Their group has worked for the last 16 years to save this park. It takes more money to save this park. She thanked Denise Menchaca and Mike Fong. It will take $1 million to completely restore this park. She is grateful for these funds.

Vice Mayor John Harrington said this park is very important to the residents. It has to be saved for the residents and for the future residents.

Councilmember Denise Menchaca spoke about this wonderful park. It is here for all of us to enjoy. She helped by being on the Council to help with saving this park. It is a lot of money. We still need more. It is so important for the children in the future. Mike Fong fell in love with the park. She thanked the people who helped her out. We still need money for the completion of the park. What a gift these funds are to our city.

Councilmember Carina Rivera thanked Mike Fong for the money for the park. We thank you for the future. It is an honor to be here today. Many local kids play here too.

Dr. Erika Endrijonas, President of Pasadena City College said she works with Rosemead and San Gabriel. A coworker asked her to help restore this park. She facilitates the work for the students and residents. She was reminded of Budget covered cutouts. It is a very special to be here for the residents. She is grateful to be here. Many people are passionate about this park. She thanked the families for their hard work and success in restoring this park.

Eloy Zarate, a member of the Friends of La Laguna thanked Mike Fong. Mr. Zarate worked with students to help keep the park that artist Benjamin Dominguez developed. The students helped him. You need people to follow you. He graduated from PCC.

They received a CRA grant of $300,000 to help cover the expenses. Now Jennifer called him with the news of these additional funds of $200,000.

He said 16 years ago he and his wife made a promise to save this park. They helped the residents to save this park. You keep making promises to make it happen.

He thanked his children for helping them keep the promise. It is important to him. He thanked Mike Fong, the City Council and Dr. Endrijonas for helping him keep his promise to save this park.

Assemblymember Mike Fong thanked the Friends of La Laguna and the San Gabriel City Councilmembers for their leadership. He sees the community enjoying this park.  He thanked Dr. Erika Endrijonas, President of Pasadena City College for her assistance. He thanked Jennifer Tang and his other staff members for bring this issue to his attention.

He thanked the Friends of La Laguna for saving this park for the residents. It is a Historical Park. He and his staff were ready to deliver these funds. Residents will enjoy this park. You should talk to everyone who may be able to help you in the future.

He thanked the family members of Benjamin Dominguez for attending this very special event.

He thanked the residents for making him feel at home in San Gabriel.

Assemblymember Mike Fong presented a check for $200,000 to the Friends of La Laguna in the presence of the City Council and Dr. Erika Endrijonas.