A very large Tipuana Tipu tree decorated with a “Dodgers Blue” ribbon was on display at Bella Vista Park on August 15^th to honor Fred Sornoso, a longtime resident and a former Mayor Pro Tem who resigned from office before his death.

A memorial plaque was installed in front of this tree to honor Fred Sornoso for his longtime service to our community.

Robert Aguirre, Director of Recreation and Community Services, welcomed every one to this very special event to honor Fred Sornoso for his longtime service to our community. He recalled working with Fred on city issues when Fred was a Councilmember.

He chose this tree that is a strong tree in Bella Vista Park because it is located near a baseball diamond and Fred loved his Dodgers. This park is also located in District 3 near Fred’s home. In  fact, new playground equipment is on order that will reflect a baseball theme.

He explained that in the late 1970s the city of Monterey Park and the city of Montebello had a signed an agreement to share the park and the school grounds after school hours and on weekend with the public.

Mayor Jose Sanchez said he is serving out Fred’s term in District 3. He is very humbled to be here to celebrate Fred in the only park in District 3. Fred left quite a legacy. He changed the neighborhood. He was very supportive of the Dodgers team. Fred loved Monterey Park and his country.

Trees are used to honor the people when they serve their community. He spoke about all of the various ways that Fred served his community. He thanked Fred’s family for being here today.

Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Wong thanked his family for sharing Fred with all of us in Monterey Park. Fred’s tree is in honor of all of his services to our community. He worked to make Monterey Park a better place to live. Today is Fred’s birthday August 15^th.

Councilmember Henry Lo said he met Fred in March 2020. He remembered Fred as they stood together on keep all of us safe. Fred asked Henry to help him clean up Garvey Ranch Park. Fred helped to keep all of Monterey Park clean. They would pick up trash, old mattresses and the like from the parks and sidewalks. They would take it to Athens for disposal. Fred worked to keep Monterey Park a great city.

Fred’s sister said she has seen orange butterflies so she knows that Fred is here today. We love you, Fred. Henry thanked everyone for being here today.

Robert Aguirre, Jose Sanchez and Mia Sanchez sang “Happy Birthday” to Fred as the audience joined in the song.

Robert Aguirre thanked everybody for their participation in this special memorial.

City Treasurer Amy Lee said Fred was a good member of our community. She thanked everyone for coming to this very special event.

Fred’s family posed for a group picture in front of Fred’s tree in honor of this very special occasion.

Fred’s family members posed for a group picture with all of the elected officials and department heads in honor of this very special occasion.