City of San Luis Obispo Unite to Plant the City’s First Peace Pole, California, USA.
Apr 15, 2026
The city of San Luis Obispo and four Rotary clubs came together Tuesday to plant the city’s first “Peace Pole” in Mission Plaza as a symbol of unity and goodwill.
The message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” is transcribed across the pole in eight different languages that have special ties to San Luis Obispo. View video here: https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/peace-pole-planted-in-san-luis-obispo#google_vignette
The Peace Pole stands as a permanent symbol of unity and goodwill, bearing the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in eight languages that have historical relevance to San Luis Obispo:
● English, as our common civic language.
● yak titu titu yak tithini Northern Chumash, to honor the original stewards of this land.
● Spanish, reflecting the founding of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in 1772 and the deep,
ongoing contributions of Mexican families from the ranching era to modern agriculture.
● Chinese, recognizing the early Chinatown established in 1872 and the Chinese laborers who
built railroads, roads, and businesses despite facing exclusion and discrimination.
● Japanese, honoring agricultural pioneers and the families whose lives were disrupted by wartime
internment.
● Filipino, acknowledging a history on the Central Coast dating back to 1587 at Morro Rock and
the agricultural workers who sustained our region through the Depression and World War II.
● Portuguese, primarily from the Azores, who strengthened our dairy industry and brought
enduring cultural traditions.
● Italian, whose expertise in agriculture and winemaking helped shape the region’s farming and
wine industries.
Rotary Clubs around the world have installed Peace Poles in public spaces, schools, and community centers as visible reminders of humanity’s shared commitment to peace, reconciliation, and global harmony.
The dedication ceremony will include members of Rotary’s Peace Building committee, San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica A. Stewart, and features a special performance of “Imagine” by John Lennon by the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony and the Central Coast Youth Choir. Community members, civic leaders, and Rotary representatives will gather to commemorate the installation and reflect on the importance of peacebuilding at the local level.
“Conflict prevention begins in our own community,” said Rotary Peace Pole Coordinator Michele Murfin. “By planting this Peace Pole in the heart of San Luis Obispo, we are joining thousands of communities around the world in affirming a simple but profound message, that peace is possible, and it starts with each of us. We hope this becomes a gathering place for reflection, unity, and shared purpose for generations to come.”
The four Rotary clubs, Rotary Club of San Luise, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolso, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo Daybreak and Passport Club of the Central Coast.
The initiative reflects Rotary’s global mission of promoting peace, service, and international understanding.
Excerpts from article from KSBY Staff