Old Town La Verne gained a new landmark last weekend as the community marked the debut of the Pride of La Verne Walk of Honor, a recognition program rooted in a simple idea: shining a spotlight on the people who quietly shape the City.

“A lot of people are kind of the silent contributors that just do what they do and aren’t always recognized the way they probably should be,” said Craig Walters, chairman of the Old Town La Verne Business Improvement District Advisory Board, and part of the group that helped create the program.

According to Walters, the concept emerged from former mayor Don Kendrick, who, as a longtime resident and community volunteer, had often reflected on how many contributors “deserve some recognition” but aren’t always acknowledged. Kendrick approached Walters, who is also a lifelong resident and former council member, about creating a permanent tribute in Old Town.

Ally Brantley, associate professor of history at the University of La Verne, described the Walk of Honor as a strong example of public history in action. “The honorees reflect both Brethren/Euro-American and Latino history in the story the City tells about itself, bringing the diverse histories of La Verne into public space,” she said.

The inaugural class honors community founders, volunteers, educators, veterans, athletes, and families whose impact spans more than a century.

2025 Walk of Fame Honorees

• Jon Blickenstaff
• Harvey M. Case
• Glenn Davis
• Marlou & Norm Faustini
• Dan Harden
• Delia Heredia
• Mike Montes Morales
• Dr. Peggy Deal Redman
• John Marion Roynon
• Dave Zylstra

Each plaque includes a QR code linking to lavernewalkofhonor.com, with biographies contributed by the honorees’ families. The website notes the organizers are, “dedicated to creating a meaningful connection between the past, present, and future, fostering a sense of community pride and gratitude.”

A six-member committee representing different parts of the community selected the first class. Walters said narrowing the list was difficult. “When you start thinking about it, there’s too many. We could probably do 100 without blinking an eye right now,” he said. The committee used broad categories, including education, religion, sports, community leadership, and volunteerism, to ensure diversity. Honorees were not asked to contribute financially, and four of the 10 are still living.

The City handled installation of the pavers, while an anonymous private donor covered all other costs. The walk is currently roped off as the grout around the pavers finishes drying, but crews expect to remove the delineators and ropes on Monday, Public Works Director Danny Wu said.

Organizers plan to add 10 new plaques annually during Old Town’s Holiday Stroll, Walters said. A nonprofit organization is also being formed to sustain the program.

Brantley said adding new honorees each year will help keep the community connected to the project.

For Walters, the Walk of Honor is ultimately about celebrating what truly defines La Verne.

“What La Verne is, is a community, and it takes people to make a community,” he said.