The fires in Los Angeles have left behind a path of destruction. Though there have been countless homes destroyed, there have also been landmarks of the city that have been damaged by the disaster. One such landmark is the Palisade Charter High School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This high school is known for being the backdrop for iconic media moments such as the movie adaptation of Stephen King\u2019s \u2018Carie\u2019 and the music video for Olivia Rodrigo\u2019s song \u2018good 4 u\u2019 to name a few. Whitewater is facing the possibility of losing one of its iconic landmarks as well, although not by natural force but rather by economic decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Starin Park Water Tower is no longer in use and, as a result of its old age, it is beginning to wear down. Because of this, the city has to decide on whether to maintain the old water tower or tear it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A non-binding referendum was voted upon back on Nov. 5, 2024, to gauge the citizens’ opinion as to whether or not they wanted to fund the maintenance of the water tower with taxes in the future. The result of the vote was 56% opposing the use of taxpayer money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe community committee and the commission are extremely motivated to maintain the water tower. They feel that this [is] due to the strong historical and tourist attraction,\u201d said Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert. \u201cThey [The Starin Park Water Tower community support committee] are making plans on how to find ways to financially support this project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Multiple citizens are still hoping the water tower stays and shared common themes such as how it gives Whitewater a unique feature and that it functions as an important landmark. They described the water tower as something that is \u201crecognizable and builds Whitewater’s personality,\u201d and \u201cadds character to the town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand the financial reasons for tearing it down, however, it is so ingrained in the community\u2019s culture that it would be very sad to see it go,\u201d said Alex White, an R.A. at the Wells residence hall. The water tower is close to the dorms and is an icon near the campus that many students walk past every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Whitewater Landmark\u2019s Committee has until this May to decide on what will become of the old water tower. In the meantime, the landmark will remain standing with a threat not of fire but of finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n