Embedded Files
Where Memory Meets Devotion, in Sacred Places Presence Is Felt Beyond Time
Keeping Rose’s Spirit Close
Love for Rose: A Bond That Transcends Time
The "Love for Rose" page is a heartfelt testament to the enduring presence of Rosenda "Rose" Smiley in the lives of her family and friends. It serves as a living tribute, filled with memories, reflections, and expressions of love that continue to bloom even after her passing. Through shared stories, photographs, and quiet moments of remembrance, this page highlights the profound impact Rose had on those around her and the unbreakable bonds that keep her spirit alive. It is a space where grief transforms into gratitude, and every shared sentiment reaffirms that Rose is loved beyond measure and missed beyond words, forever in our hearts.
Every step we take to honor Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley is a quiet whisper of love, a way of saying, “You are still with us.” This page holds the tender moments when we visit her memorials, gather in her name, and carry her memory into the world. Whether it’s a candle lit, a brick placed, or simply time spent in a place she loved, each act is a reflection of the bond we will never lose. Through these moments, we keep her spirit close and her light forever shining.
These visits and tributes help us hold onto her warmth, her laughter, and the beauty she brought into our lives. They are reminders that even though she is no longer with us physically, love continues, and so does Rose.
Chronology of Acts of Love
Each moment recorded in this timeline serves as a testament to Rose’s enduring impact. Everything we do to honor her, keep her memory alive, create a legacy, advocate for change, and mourn the monumental loss of her beautiful life is recorded here. Each moment captured is a testament to the love, grief, and unwavering dedication that drive us forward. From quiet acts of reflection to milestones that mark progress in her name, this series of events ensures that her story continues to inspire and create a lasting impact. As we gather, reflect, and push for change, we hold onto the promise that Rose’s light will never fade.
December 5, 2025: Birthday o' Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley
Birthday o’ Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley
Friday, December 5, 2025, 4:30 AM
Annually on December 5th
Honoring the birthday of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley, born December 5, 2009, a miracle child whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 14 by a repeat drunk driver on May 25, 2024.
On Rose’s birthday, Dr. Smiley spent the early morning moving through almost every place on the mountain where her memory lives through memorials. He began at her Tree of Life where she is interred, then went to Smarty Pants Preschool to sit at her pink bench, Arrowhead Ridge to visit her stone bench, Mary Putnam Henck Middle School to see her light blue bench, Rim Recreation to stand before her plaque, Mountain High School to visit her dark blue bench, Rim High School to see her light blue bench, and Serenity Lodge to view her plaque. Each stop held a different part of her story, a different echo of her voice, a different reminder of the life she should still be living.
Later in the day, Alexa, Brayden, and Cinco joined Dr. Smiley, and together they visited Firehouse Park in Running Springs to sit at her ornate metal bench dark and then her blue bench at Charles Hoffman Elementary, before going to Rocky’s Roadhouse to see another one of her metal benches. As the sun lowered, they met everyone else at her metal bench by the San Moritz Lodge at Lake Gregory, a place where her laughter once carried across the water. Every bench, every plaque, every stone exists because her life mattered, because her absence reshaped the world around her, and because love demanded a place to rest.
Rose would have turned sixteen this year. She was vibrant, funny, loving, intelligent, witty, compassionate, and brave. She loved travel, concerts, museums, animals, butterflies, hummingbirds, and sunsets, and she would say she wanted to eat the sunset. Her birthday remains a celebration of her 5,285 days of life and a reminder of the preventable choice that took her from this world. Her story continues through Rosenda’s Gift, through advocacy for safer streets, and through the annual recognition of Rosenda’s Day on May 25.
Her memory is carried forward in every place Dr. Smiley visited, in every person who speaks her name, and in every act of advocacy done in her honor. Grief remains the cost of loving her, and gratitude for the gift of her life will never fade.
Debrief: WDoR Nationwide Meeting for Organizers 11-19-25
Rosenda’s Gift participated in the nationwide World Day of Remembrance debrief on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a virtual working session that brought organizers together from across the country to reflect on this year’s events, share lessons learned, and strengthen planning for future observances. The gathering offered space for coordination, progress updates, and mutual support, reinforcing the shared commitment to honoring victims and advancing systemic change.
The meeting focused on maximizing the impact of the 2025 World Day of Remembrance, which carried the global theme “Remember, Support, Act,” with a United States emphasis on “Safe Speeds Save Lives.” Organizers discussed strategies to unify messaging nationwide and to ensure that advocacy efforts resonated across diverse communities. The conversation highlighted the importance of aligning local events, sharing successes and challenges, and elevating policies that prioritized safety over speed, redesigned dangerous roads, and improved vehicle standards to protect vulnerable road users.
Participants reviewed available resources, including toolkits, media materials, and event maps, and engaged in open dialogue with peers and partner organizations such as the Vision Zero Network and Families for Safe Streets. The session underscored the power of collective action and the importance of supporting one another in the ongoing work to end traffic violence.
For Rosenda’s community, this debrief served as another moment to carry her memory forward, to speak her name among national advocates, and to reaffirm the commitment to building a world where no family endures the loss that hers did.
2025 Post-World Day of Remembrance Virtual Candle Lighting & Slideshow 11-18-25
Rosenda’s Gift was honored to attend the Post‑World Day of Remembrance Virtual Candle Lighting, hosted by Families for Safe Streets. The gathering invited families and communities to honor loved ones who had been lost to crashes and to lift up those who had been injured. The vigil included a memorial slideshow, readings from Families for Safe Streets members, and a shared candle lighting ceremony that brought people together across distance in collective remembrance.
The event was held virtually. Families for Safe Streets provided a space of support, reflection, and solidarity, where participants shared experiences, connected with others who understood the weight of loss, and stood together in the call for systemic change to end traffic violence.
The Post‑World Day of Remembrance Virtual Candle Lighting was part of the global observance of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held every third Sunday of November. The vigil highlighted the profound impact of road traffic violence and elevated proven strategies to prevent future tragedies, including safer street design, lower speeds, and improved vehicle standards. For Rosenda’s community, this gathering served as another moment to speak her name, honor her life, and reaffirm the commitment to a world where no family endured this pain.
After the event, participants were able to view the memorial slideshow on the Families for Safe Streets website, along with additional materials and an interactive Community Story Map where stories and tributes were shared publicly. Families for Safe Streets continued to provide peer support and advocacy resources, encouraging attendees to stay connected through monthly gatherings, peer mentoring, and ongoing opportunities to advance meaningful safety reforms.
For more information, participants visited the Families for Safe Streets calendar or contacted the organization directly.
Lake Arrowhead Dam / Mackay Park Advisory Committee 11-17-25
Advancing the MacKay Park Memorial
The Lake Arrowhead Dam and MacKay Park Advisory Committee met on Monday, November 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at San Bernardino County Fire Station 91, where community members gathered to discuss ongoing park improvements and broader concerns affecting the area. A central focus of this meeting was the development of a formal memorial policy for MacKay Park, an effort that began with the commitment to honor Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. At the previous session, Henry Wu reported that he completed the draft policy within the first week following the meeting, and that document is now under review with County Counsel.
Once finalized, the policy will apply to all San Bernardino County parks and will establish a clear, consistent process for proposing commemorative installations. This framework was created in direct response to the effort to secure a memorial for Rosenda, ensuring that future tributes are considered with transparency, fairness, and respect for community values. It represents a meaningful step toward recognizing the lives and stories that shape shared public spaces.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas attended the meeting to continue supporting the progress of Rosenda’s memorial. Their advocacy remained centered on securing a dedicated bench at MacKay Park, a quiet and lasting tribute to a life deeply loved, remembered, and carried forward by all who knew her.
November 7, 2025: Rose's Brick USC
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and his son, Cinco, Rose’s brother, attended a USC football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC won 38-17 over Northwestern, but they arrived early for something far more important than the scoreboard.
They came to see her brick.
Rosenda Smiley’s memorial paver now rests in the Centennial Legacy Walkway, Section 10s/20s, far right when standing before the Coliseum’s historic arch. It’s one of 22 bricks placed in her honor across California and beyond. Each one is a public act of remembrance. Each one is a promise.
This tribute was sponsored by Shannon Carlson, a dear friend and unwavering advocate. Shannon and Dr. Smiley attended the University of Southern California together, and when he shared the hope of placing a brick at the Coliseum, she stepped forward.
After a few emails and a gentle nudge, confirmation arrived: Rose’s name would be etched in stone at a site of legacy. The Coliseum has hosted Olympic Games, civil rights rallies, and generations of athletes and dreamers. Now, among those names and milestones, Rosenda’s memory stands quietly, permanently, and with love.
We thank Olivia Haney and the Centennial Legacy Walkway team for their responsiveness. We thank Shannon for her generosity and foresight. And we thank every person who continues to make space for Rose, in public places, private rituals, and shared memory.
Let this brick be a reminder:
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/09 – 5/25/24
ALWAYS LOVED
November 9, 2025: Sweet Sixteen Tribute
This video was created by Cassandra as a gift to Glori, in honor of Rose’s Sweet Sixteen on 12-5-25. Cassandra not only voiced the tribute, she wrote the song that carries it. Her words and melody form a quiet, powerful offering of remembrance, love, and guidance.
Rose, you are remembered, loved, and never forgotten.
The world may keep turning, but your mother carries your name like a battle cry. Her heart is a battlefield, and her love is the sword she wields. We stand with her, honoring your life and supporting her unwavering vow for justice.
A mother remembers loud. You were her reason, and you are her vow.
To Glori: this tribute is yours to keep, to revisit, to grow with. It’s a reminder that you are held in love, and that Rose’s light continues through you.
To Cassandra: thank you for your voice, your song, and your devotion. This offering is a gift to all of us.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Q2me0VTPt3A?si=g8gCQvAv0kybtZhz
November 1, 2025: Rose's Mom at Firehouse Park
A Mother's Love: Honoring Rose at Firehouse Park ❤️
On November 1, 2025, Rose’s mother, Glori, visited Firehouse Park in her daughter's hometown to see the beautiful, ornate metal bench installed in Rose’s honor.
This park was Rose's place. We have dozens of photographs of Rose and her brother here, taken from 2012 all the way up to 2024. Rose never stopped going to her hometown park; less than a week before she was stolen from us, she was hanging out right here with her friends.
We miss Rose beyond words. The ache of her absence cannot be described; our agony is infinite, omnipresent, and painful beyond what words can convey.
We invite you to come to Running Springs to visit Rose’s bench at Firehouse Park and mourn with us. Please spend a moment there to honor the beautiful life of Rosenda Elizabeth Shirley: forever loved, never forgotten.
Lake Arrowhead Dam / Mackay Park Advisory Committee 11-17-25
The Lake Arrowhead Dam / MacKay Park Advisory Committee (CSA 70 D-1) will hold its next public meeting on Monday, November 17 from 5:30–7:30 PM at San Bernardino County Fire Station 91 (301 CA-173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352). The committee advises the County on matters related to dam operations, park improvements, and broader community concerns.
A key item of interest is the development of a formal memorial policy for MacKay Park, an effort initiated in honor of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. At the previous meeting, Henry Wu reported that he completed the draft policy within the first week following the prior session. That policy is currently under review with County Counsel.
Once approved, the policy will apply to all San Bernardino County parks and will establish a formal process for proposing commemorative installations. This framework was directly prompted by the commitment to honor Rosenda and ensures that future memorials are considered with transparency, consistency, and respect for community values.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas will attend the meeting to continue supporting the memorial’s progress. Their advocacy remains focused on securing a dedicated bench for Rosenda at MacKay Park, a quiet, lasting tribute to a life deeply loved and remembered.
November 5, 2025: Nana's visit to Arrowhead Ridge Bench
A Quiet Return to Arrowhead Ridge
While on her way to the History Museum Volunteer Dinner on November 5, 2025, Rose’s grandmother, Christine Smiley, made a quiet stop at Arrowhead Ridge to visit Rose’s bench. The visit was brief, intentional, and filled with love.
The bench, formally dedicated the previous October, sits beneath the towering pines in front of the Donor and Memorial Flagstone Wall. Gifted by Nana and chosen with care, it carries two plaques, one engraved with words that reflect Rose’s joy, kindness, and resilience, and another bearing her image beside a hummingbird with a heart-shaped wing. Together, they speak of a life that was bold, loving, and unforgettable.
This space has become more than a memorial. It is a living promise, a place where grief and gratitude coexist. Rose had walked these trails with joy, her laughter echoing through the forest alongside her family and her beloved Chihuahua. Now, her memory rests here in permanence, etched into the mountain landscape she cherished.
Nana’s visit was one of many quiet acts that continue to honor Rose’s legacy. Arrowhead Ridge remains a sacred space, not only for remembrance, but for reflection, advocacy, and community care. Rose’s spirit is woven into the soil, the trees, and the ongoing fight to protect the places she loved.
Every return to this bench is a reminder: Rose’s love for her community endures, and those who carry her forward do so with strength, tenderness, and resolve.
#missingrose #JusticeForRose #rosendaslaw #rosendasday #rosendasgift #drunkdriver #heartbreak #Heartache #changingtheworld #LiveLikeRose #lovelikerose #LLR
October 25, 2025: City Bike-Ride-Walk
City Bike-Ride-Walk
Walking Beside Kellie, Riding for Rose’s Legacy
We joined Kellie Montalvo and SAFE IE in Corona for a community bike-walk event that brought together families, advocates, and city leaders to promote safer streets. Lori and Dr. Fillmore Smiley were there to support Kellie and the mission, walking and riding alongside others through Corona’s new 6th Street bike lanes.
There were no speeches from Rosenda’s Gift, just quiet presence, shared movement, and deep purpose. Every step we took was for Rose. Every mile covered was a tribute to her life and a promise to protect others. Her legacy is why we keep showing up. Her story is why we refuse to stay silent.
We walk for Rose. We ride for Rose. And we stand with anyone who believes that love, memory, and action can make the world safer—for every child, every family, and every future still ahead.
October 24, 2025: Ghost Tire Memorial
Ghost Tire Memorial
On Friday morning, we joined Kellie Montalvo from Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) in Corona to honor Mark Rosales with a Ghost Tire Memorial, led by his mother, Angelina. A single white-painted tire marked the place where his life was taken, decorated with love, memory, and the quiet strength of a mother’s grief. It was a solemn, beautiful gathering, filled with reflection and resolve.
We stood there not only for Mark, but for Rose. Every time we show up for another family, we carry her with us. Her story is the reason we speak, the reason we act, the reason we believe that remembrance must lead to reform. Ghost Tire Memorials are more than symbols, they are public declarations that these lives mattered, and that preventable deaths must never be accepted as inevitable.
As we placed flowers and shared space with Angelina, we honored Rose by standing for the kind of world she deserved: one where no family has to mark a roadside with grief. One where love, memory, and action move together toward justice.
October 22, 2025: Mountain News Article
Rose's Love for the Community: Mentioned in the Mountain News!
We are so proud to be recognized in the Mountain News article about the vital work being done for the Preservation of Arrowhead Ridge (October 22, 2025).
At the end of the article, we were mentioned alongside other community groups fighting to protect our beautiful local environment! This recognition is a powerful reminder that Rose's legacy is intertwined with the health and future of our community.
Rose was a light in our world, and every effort to make our local area safer, stronger, and more beautiful is a way of honoring her memory. The fight for environmental preservation, like the fight for safer roads, is all about protecting the place and the people Rose loved.
Thank you to everyone who continues to advocate for a better tomorrow, whether it's on our streets or in our sacred natural spaces. We are stronger together!
#missingrose #JusticeForRose #rosendaslaw #rosendasday #rosendasgift #drunkdriver #heartbreak #Heartache #changingtheworld #LiveLikeRose #lovelikerose #LLR
October 18, 2025: Memorial Bench Dedication Ceremony
On a crisp October afternoon, beneath the towering pines of Arrowhead Ridge, family, friends, and community members gathered to honor the life of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. At 3:00 PM, a memorial bench gifted by her Nana, Christine Smiley, was formally dedicated in front of the Donor & Memorial Flagstone Wall, a place already steeped in stories of preservation and love, now made even more sacred by Rose’s name.
The ceremony marked more than the placement of a bench. It was a moment of shared breath, shared grief, and shared gratitude. Rose had walked these trails with joy, her laughter echoing through the forest alongside her family and her beloved Chihuahua. Now, her memory rests here in permanence, etched into the mountain landscape she cherished.
The bench itself carries two plaques, each chosen with care. One, a custom brass plate engraved with words selected by her family, reflects Rose’s legacy of joy, kindness, and resilience. The other, a titanium tribute bearing her image and a hummingbird with a heart-shaped wing, links visitors to her memorial site. Together, they speak of a life that was bold, loving, and unforgettable.
Hosted by the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, the ceremony welcomed those who knew Rose and those who came to know her through story. ADA trail improvements and thoughtful landscaping ensured that all could access the site with ease. As the sun filtered through the trees and settled on the bench, it felt as though the forest itself paused to remember.
This bench is more than a gift. It is a promise, that Rose’s spirit will continue to guide, comfort, and inspire. Her presence lives on in the wind, in the soil, and in the hearts of those who carry her forward. Arrowhead Ridge will always be a place of memory and meaning, and now, it will always be a place for Rose.
October 18, 2025: Citrus Bike Event: Volunteer with SAFE
Citrus Bike Event
Volunteering with SAFE at Riverside Plaza
Rosenda’s Gift joined Kellie Montalvo and Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) at the Citrus Classic Ride in Riverside, a vibrant community event filled with cyclists, families, and advocates committed to safer streets. From 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Lori and Dr. Fillmore Smiley volunteered at the SAFE booth, sharing materials and conversations that carried a deeper purpose: honoring Rose by helping prevent future loss.
SAFE’s Finish The Ride and Finish The Run campaigns fund critical street safety efforts and raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. By showing up, handing out flyers, and connecting with the public, we helped bring that message to new audiences, each interaction a small act of advocacy in Rose’s name.
The event itself was joyful and energetic, with rides for all ages, live entertainment, and a shared spirit of community. But for us, it was also sacred. Every time we volunteer, every time we speak, we do it for Rose. Her story is the reason we fight for safer roads, and her memory is the reason we never stop.
October 13, 2025: Patty’s Voice, Rose’s Light
In a short but powerful video, Patty shared her heart for Rose with the world: https://youtube.com/shorts/_kgYZQ63lag
Her words were simple, but the emotion behind them was unmistakable. She spoke of Rose’s presence, her laughter, and the way she made people feel seen. Patty didn’t just remember Rose, she carried her.
This tribute reminds us that Rose’s legacy lives not only in campaigns and memorials, but in the everyday voices of those who loved her. Patty’s message was clear: Rose mattered. Rose still matters.
We honor Patty for speaking truth with tenderness, and for reminding us that love doesn’t fade, it echoes.
📲 Watch Patty’s tribute: Instagram post via YouTube Shorts
🕊️ Share your own memory or tribute at rosendasgift.org or tag @justiceforrose on Instagram.
Rose’s light continues, through Patty, through all of us.
October 13, 2025: Forest Bench at Women’s Step House
We are overjoyed to share this wonderful update from the Women's Step House of Orange County, sent to us by KarenLeigh!
On July 26, 2025, we had the profound honor of donating the "Forest Bench" to this incredible organization. We felt that this bench, which represents a quiet place for reflection and strength, perfectly embodied Rose's spirit and our shared commitment to creating lasting, positive change.
The Power of Recovery and Generational Change:
The mission of the Women's Step House is deeply personal to us: to provide a safe and caring environment where women can find sobriety with dignity and build a solid foundation for recovery.
This organization serves women across all age groups, from young adults to seniors, and offers its crucial Newcomer Home, which provides a free 30-day stay. This initial period introduces women to a sober way of life through a 12-step program, setting them on the path to continued sobriety and a brighter future.
By supporting this effort, we are contributing to the generational change that Rose always championed. When a woman finds recovery, her family, friends, and community feel the impact for decades to come.
A Spot for Reflection:
The bench was originally intended to be near Rose’s Tree of Life, but its true purpose became clear: to provide comfort and stability where it is needed most. We hope that as women sit on this bench, they feel the quiet strength of Rose’s love and the encouragement of a community that believes in their ability to improve their lives and build something beautiful.
Thank you, KarenLeigh, for sharing this meaningful moment. This bench stands not just as a piece of furniture, but as a symbol of hope, rest, and the promise of a new day.
October 13, 2025: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Centennial Legacy Walkway Memorial Brick
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Centennial Legacy Walkway, Section 10s/20s
Today we mark another step in remembrance. A brick honoring Rosenda Smiley has been officially installed in the Centennial Legacy Walkway at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/09 - 5/25/24
ALWAYS LOVED
This tribute was sponsored by Shannon Carlson, a dear friend and unwavering advocate, who purchased three bricks in total, one of them in Rosenda’s name. After a few emails and a gentle nudge, confirmation arrived: Rose’s paver now rests in the 10s/20s section, on the far right when standing directly in front of the Coliseum’s historic arch.
The Coliseum itself is a place of legacy. It has hosted Olympic Games, civil rights rallies, and generations of athletes and dreamers. Now, among those names and milestones, Rosenda’s memory is etched in stone, quietly, permanently, and with love.
We thank Olivia Haney and the Centennial Legacy Walkway team for their response and support. We thank Shannon for her generosity and foresight. And we thank every person who continues to make space for Rose in public places, private rituals, and shared memory.
Let this brick be a reminder:
She was always loved.
She is still loved.
She will never be forgotten.
October 13, 2025: Key West Sculpture Garden Brick
Key West Sculpture Garden: Square HH, Block 5
It took time. A few emails. Some follow-up. A cousin passing through Florida on a cruise. At first, it wasn’t clear whether a photo would be sent. But with a bit of prodding and a shared understanding of why it mattered, the image arrived.
A brick.
Reddish-brown, engraved in black.
Three lines etched into permanence:
SWEET ROSENDA SMILEY
BEAUTIFUL SMART KIND
12/5/2009 - 5/25/2024
This is how we remember her. Not just in words, but in stone. Not just in grief, but in action.
This tribute was sponsored by Jessica Mace, cousin to Rosenda and a quiet force behind so many acts of remembrance. While visiting Florida, Jessica chose to purchase and dedicate this brick, adding one more permanent marker to the growing constellation of memorials placed across the country in Rose’s name.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley, Rose’s father and founder of Rosenda’s Gift, has overseen the placement of approximately two dozen bricks in public spaces nationwide. Each one is a refusal to let her story fade. This one joins them, laid quietly in Square HH, Block 5 of the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden.
The garden itself is a place of legacy. Located on the original shoreline of Key West, in front of the Waterfront Playhouse and adjacent to the Key West Chamber of Commerce in Mallory Square, it was established by the City Commission in 1997 to honor those who shaped the island’s history. With 36 bronze busts and over a million visitors each year, it is a space where memory is made visible.
We thank Hope Casas for forwarding the photo. We thank Jessica for the gift. And we thank every person who continues to make space for Rose in gardens, sidewalks, and hearts.
Let this brick be a reminder:
She was beautiful.
She was smart.
She was kind.
She mattered.
October 12, 2025: Belle Instagram
Tonight we remember the quiet strength that blooms even in shadow. Belle’s post from earlier today captured something simple and profound, a moment of stillness, a single red flower lit against the dark. That bloom, held by the night and framed by care, reminds us of Rose.
She was the one who noticed the smallest things, a child’s whisper, a flicker of doubt, a kindness left unspoken. She made space for them all.
The garden in Belle’s video, bordered and protected, evokes the way Rose held others: gently, deliberately, with fierce devotion. The red flower is not just beauty, it’s insistence. It’s survival. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t ask to be seen but stays anyway.
We see you, Rose.
We remember.
We carry you forward.
October 10, 2025: Kennedy Space Center Brick
We are pleased to share that the commemorative brick for Rosenda Smiley is nearly in place at the Kennedy Space Center. With final approval from NASA, installation is underway, and Rose’s brick will soon be part of the pathway near the Space Mirror Memorial.
Her brick reads:
SWEET PRETTY
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9–5/25/24
We will share photos and the exact location as soon as it’s installed. Thank you for walking this journey with us
October 10, 2025: Erie Coal Creek Park Brick
Rose’s Roots: A Commemorative Brick is Coming Home to Erie, CO 🌹
We have a heartfelt update on a very personal memorial for our Baby Rose!
We are moving forward with the installation of a commemorative brick for Rose at Coal Creek Park in Erie, Colorado. This tribute holds special meaning for our family because Erie is the hometown of Dr. Smiley, who attended Erie Elementary and graduated as valedictorian from Erie Jr/Sr High School in 1987. Having a permanent marker for Rose in his hometown connects her memory to his roots.
The brick will be placed through a special program reserved for children taken too soon, coordinated by Lauren with The Madeleine Camille Foundation (Maddie's Bows). We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Smiley's lifelong friend and classmate, Karla Gratton, for generously sponsoring and handling the logistics of the brick.
As of today, the donation has been made, and we are now awaiting the engraver’s schedule, with installation expected in about a month. We look forward to confirming the final details and traveling to Colorado to see Rose's beautiful memorial in its special place.
This brick is more than a name in the ground, it's an enduring symbol of love from our family and community, permanently rooted in a place that means so much to Rose’s dad.
October 10, 2025: Hilltop Park in Signal Hill
We are happy to share that Rosenda’s commemorative brick has been engraved and placed at Hilltop Park in Signal Hill, California. It now rests in section #1 or #2, and it brick #14.
It is a peaceful spot overlooking the city, where her memory joins others in quiet reflection.
Her inscription reads:
SWEET PRETTY
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9–5/25/24
This brick is a quiet tribute to a radiant soul whose memory continues to inspire love, justice, and community. We are grateful to the Signal Hill Community Foundation and Parks Department for helping us honor Rose in this meaningful way.
A quiet tribute in a place filled with love. Thank you for remembering Rose with us. Thank you for walking with us and keeping her light alive.
October 9, 2025: Adhesing Plaques to Bench
This week, a memorial bench was delivered to Dr. Fillmore Smiley’s home in Running Springs, where he carefully attached two plaques, each carrying part of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley’s story. The bench will soon be placed at Arrowhead Ridge, where it will offer hikers and visitors a place to pause, reflect, and remember.
The bench and plaque were generously funded by Rose’s Nana, whose love and devotion continue to shape every act of remembrance. Her gift made the bench itself possible, a quiet, enduring gesture of care. The second plaque had been waiting, held by Dr. Smiley until the right bench, the right moment, and the right place came together. That moment is now.
This bench is more than a tribute. It’s a message:
That grief belongs in public spaces,
That memory deserves visibility,
And that Rose’s light continues to guide others, even from the quiet edge of a mountain trail.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. From delivery to installation, every step has been taken with care, dignity, and deep emotional truth.
October 5, 2025: Volunteer Appreciation Day
On October 5th, we gathered at SkyPark in the San Bernardino mountains to honor the volunteers who carry Rosenda’s name forward with devotion and grace. Beneath towering pines and crisp autumn skies, families, youth participants, and community members came together, not just to celebrate, but to remember.
The day unfolded with laughter and movement: roller skates tracing loops of joy, zip lines slicing through the air, and pink JusticeForRose shirts worn like armor. Children climbed rock walls, raced pedal cars, and cheered each other on at the archery range. Some came quietly, others with exuberance, but all came with purpose.
Each activity was more than recreation. It was ritual. A way to honor Rose through motion, connection, and shared experience. Volunteers who have stood beside grieving families, advocated for justice, and helped build Rosenda’s Gift were recognized not with speeches, but with presence. Their work lives in the smiles of the children, the strength of the caregivers, and the quiet resolve of those who continue to show up.
Throughout the day, there were moments of pause, trail walks, gentle conversations, and silent reflection. In those spaces, Rose’s absence was felt deeply. And so was her presence. In the way people looked after one another. In the way her name was spoken with reverence. In the way her story continues to shape the lives of those she never met.
This was not just a day of appreciation. It was a day of love. A day of legacy. A day of remembering why we do this work, and who we do it for.
We left SkyPark with full hearts and renewed commitment. Rose’s light guided us there, and it will guide us forward.
October 4, 2025: A Serendipitous Meeting: Rose's Spirit Shines at M.A.D.D. Event
Sometimes, in the most unexpected moments, Rose's light shines through and connects us in powerful ways. We recently received this beautiful photo and story from Kellie Montalvo, President of S.A.F.E. Inland Empire (Streets Are For Everyone), from an event that truly touched our hearts.
On October 4, 2025, Kellie attended an "Every 15 Minutes" M.A.D.D. event in Rialto. Amidst the crowd, her eyes caught sight of a woman wearing a vibrant pink shirt. On the back, emblazoned for all to see, was the name Rosenda.
Kellie, always carrying Rose in her heart, approached the woman. In a moment of pure serendipity, it turned out to be Palmertina, Rose's beloved aunt! Palmer was at the event to run in the 5K, dedicating every step to honor Rose's memory and advocate for safer streets and drunk driving legislative reform.
This unexpected meeting, captured in the photo above, is a powerful reminder that Rose's spirit continues to inspire and unite us. It shows the incredible dedication of her family and the growing community of advocates who carry her story forward.
We are so grateful to Kellie for sharing this touching encounter, and to Palmertina for continuing to honor Rose with such strength and devotion. Every step, every shirt, every conversation brings us closer to a world where no other family has to endure such a loss.
October 2, 2025: A Visit to Lost in Time Tattoo Parlor
Love Endures: Rose's Plaque, New Ink, and Spreading the Gift
This week, Dr. Fillmore Smiley visited Lost in Time Tattoo Parlor in Loma Linda to honor Rose’s enduring memory and continue the mission of advocacy. The visit was anchored by a beautiful new tattoo, an intimate piece depicting Dr. Smiley and Cinco, forever symbolizing the deep bond of family and the support that Rosenda’s Gift continues to foster.
Inside the studio at 1870 Mountain View Ave, Suite 5, Dr. Smiley spent time at Rose’s memorial plaque, a permanent tribute that holds space for her story and spirit. He spoke with Aaron Funk, a professional and versatile tattoo artist who’s been creating custom work since 1996, about the vital advocacy efforts behind Rosenda’s Gift. Their conversation wasn’t just about ink, it was about justice, remembrance, and the power of lived experience.
Rose’s message of hope rippled through the studio as Remember Rose and Rosenda’s Gift stickers were shared with other artists and patrons, sparking dialogue and connection. In a space where art and personal stories meet, Rose’s legacy continues to inspire change.
Thank you to Aaron Funk and the entire team at Lost in Time Art Studio for providing a respectful home for Rose’s plaque and for standing with us in this movement. It’s in places like this, where grief is honored and love is made visible, that advocacy becomes personal.
About the Artist:
Aaron Funk is a well-established tattoo artist and Redlands native. Known for his versatility and custom designs, he brings a deeply positive and collaborative experience to every client he serves.
September 29, 2025: A Gift from Irene Macgregor
This beautiful wall mounted key holder was a thoughtful gift from Irene Macgregor, a friend of Rose’s Nana. The design features two pink roses with green leaves, set against a textured background that feels timeless and inviting. The word “Rose” appears in graceful script, a reminder of the love and memory carried through generations.
The key holder is more than decoration, it is a piece of daily life. The small hooks provide a place for safekeeping, where keys or keepsakes can rest, grounding the beauty of remembrance in ordinary routines. Every time it is used, it becomes a quiet act of connection, a way of carrying love into the rhythm of each day.
We honor Irene’s kindness, her friendship with Rose’s Nana, and the way this gift now lives on as part of Rose’s story. It is a symbol of enduring care, of bonds that stretch across families and friends, and of the ways love is remembered not only in words but in the objects we touch and see.
This key holder stands as a tribute, a reminder that Love for Rose is present in every detail, in every gesture, and in every gift that carries memory forward.
September 28, 2025: Honoring Rose: Yearly Donation Drive for San Bernardino City Animal Shelter
A Growing Legacy of Compassion
San Bernardino City Animal Shelter Donation Drive
📅 August 28 – September 28, 2025
📍 San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA
This year’s donation drive in honor of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley was filled with warmth, generosity, and growth. What began as a tribute to Rose’s love for animals has become a community tradition, one that continues to expand in reach and impact.
Thanks to the support of Rose’s family, friends, and advocates, this second annual drive surpassed last year’s efforts.
Many of Dr. Smiley’s mother’s friends (Rose’s Nana’s circle) contributed, nearly half a dozen. A handful of donors brought items to Rocky’s, while others delivered directly to the shelter. Dr. Smiley and several others purchased supplies from the Amazon Wish List, ensuring that animals received comfort and care in Rose’s name.
The shelter has now agreed to promote next year’s drive on their official pages and share it with their patrons and supporters, a beautiful affirmation of Rose’s legacy and the community’s commitment to honoring her spirit.
🧡 What We Collected:
• Blankets, sheets, towels
• Dog toys and cat toys
• Food and comfort items for pets in transition
• Note for next year: The shelter has requested wet dog food be added to the list
Every donation is a reflection of Rose’s boundless kindness and her belief that every animal deserves love, dignity, and a second chance. Thank you to everyone who gave, shared, and showed up. Your love for Rose continues to ripple outward, in every act of care, every wagging tail, and every life made softer because of her.
Rosenda’s Gift will return next year with renewed purpose and expanded reach. Until then, we carry her light forward.
September 25, 2025: Rose’s Memorial Bench Cleaning
Dr. Fillmore Smiley returned to the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, not just to get Cinco’s dog Lilly fixed, but to tend to something far more sacred: Rose’s memorial bench.
The bench, donated just over a year ago, had become dirty and neglected. It broke Fillmore’s heart. So he cleaned it, by hand, with love, and spoke with shelter staff about what the bench truly means. Not just metal and bolts, but the embodiment of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. A place where her spirit lives, where her love for animals continues to shine.
Moved by the conversation, the shelter agreed to relocate the bench from the under-construction “Meet Your New Dog” area to a protected, visible space just inside the entrance to the kennels. It’s a quiet victory. A promise that Rose’s memory will be honored with dignity and care.
The bench, which features all the custom design elements Rose cherished, mushrooms, sunsets, butterflies, hummingbirds, and her pets, serves as a constant, enduring reminder of our beloved Baby Rose for years to come.
Words on the Bench:
Honoring Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley
Beloved Daughter Sister Granddaughter Niece Girlfriend Cousin & Friend
Born Miraculously on 12/5/09
Her Beautiful Life Stolen by a Drunk Driver on 5/25/24
Forever Loved – Never Forgotten
There’s an etched photograph of Rose. A QR code linking to her story. And now, a renewed commitment from the shelter to treat this bench not as furniture, but as family.
This moment also marked the close of the Honoring Rosenda Smiley Annual Donation Drive, a tradition that continues her legacy of compassion and care for shelter animals.
This event reaffirms the shelter’s commitment to honoring Rose’s legacy and ensures that her memorial remains a place of dignity, reflection, and love.
🔗 Smith Steelworks: A Bench That Speaks Against Drunk Driving
📣 Shelter Facebook Post Honoring Rose
📸 City of San Bernardino Tribute
For more details, visit rosendasgift.org or follow on social media:
FacebookAffiliate: @JusticeforRose
Instagram Affiliate: @justiceforrose
September 24, 2025: Touch-Up Lake Gregory Bench
A quiet act of care unfolded at the Lake Gregory memorial bench. Tiny scratch marks had appeared on Rosenda’s engraved face—subtle, but deeply felt. With guidance from Richard Fillerup at Smith Steelworks, the surface was gently restored using Acrylic Enamel Touchup, applied by hand to preserve every detail of her likeness.
This restoration was more than maintenance, it was love in motion. Every brushstroke honored the dignity of Rosenda’s memory and the sacred space her bench has become. In the stillness of San Moritz Lodge, this moment reaffirmed what her memorial stands for: protection, remembrance, and the enduring beauty of a life that continues to guide us.
Rosenda’s bench remains a place of peace, reflection, and connection. Every mark tended, every detail preserved, is a testament to the love that never fades.
September 20, 2025: A Necklace, A Memory, A Mission
We were deeply moved by a post shared on Snapchat by Rose’s dear friend, Brooklyn. Her mom created these beautiful necklaces using “Rosenda’s Gift” stickers, thoughtful, handmade tributes that carry Rose’s image and spirit close to the heart.
This gesture wasn’t just sweet, it was powerful. It reminded us of the quiet ways love endures. Of how Rose’s impact continues to ripple outward through the people who knew her, loved her, and still carry her forward.
These necklaces are more than keepsakes. They are symbols of remembrance, compassion, and community. They reflect the mission of Rosenda’s Gift: to honor Rose through acts of care, creativity, and connection.
Thank you, Brooklyn and your mom, for this incredibly meaningful tribute. Your love and support help keep Rose’s legacy alive, and we are so grateful.
September 16, 2025: Building a Safer Future in Rose's Name
Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley was witty, clever, intelligent, creative, beautiful, caring, kind, giving, and feisty. She was destined for a life of adventure and purpose, and she still gets to make her mark on this earth, even if heartbreakingly, it’s posthumously.
This month, Dr. Fillmore Smiley met privately with Captain Tye Meeks and Jared Bartell of the California Highway Patrol, alongside Candace Lightner, founder of MADD and President of We Save Lives. Together, they discussed legislative reforms aimed at preventing impaired driving and protecting lives, work that now carries Rosenda’s name and spirit.
Among the proposals discussed:
• Mandatory drug/dui court for second-time DUI offenders
• Charging passengers as accessories when knowingly riding with an impaired driver
CHP cannot officially endorse legislation, but they confirmed there was “nothing in the DUI court information we would oppose.” They offered to consult their intoxication experts before providing feedback on the passenger provision, an encouraging step toward survivor-informed policy.
Candace Lightner later wrote: “It is my pleasure to help you pass meaningful legislation and save lives. Of course, any new legislation we work on together should be named after your daughter, Rosenda. I believe in the afterlife, so she is with Cari cheering us on.”
Dr. Smiley responded with gratitude:
“Before she died, at least 75% of my life was committed to taking care of her and supporting her happiness. I am still taking care of her, but now we are working together to save lives. Rose still gets to make her mark on this earth.”
This meeting was more than policy, it was purpose. It was love in action. It was one more step toward a world where no family suffers the heartbreak of preventable loss.
September 16, 2025: Memorial Bench Delivery to Mountain High School
Dr. Smiley delivered the Patriot Blue memorial bench to Mountain High School on September 16, 2025, in honor of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley, a daughter, a friend, a light whose absence is felt in every corner of the community she loved.
The bench, crafted from recycled plastic by the Roudebush Company and selected by the Rim of the World School District, now rests near the cafeteria, a place where students gather to talk, to laugh, to sit quietly between classes. It’s engraved with Rose’s name, her birth and remembrance dates, and three gentle icons: a butterfly, a heart, and a hummingbird. Each symbol was chosen with care, reflecting the beauty, compassion, and spirit that Rose carried into every space she entered.
This bench is not just a memorial. It’s a promise. A promise that Rose’s story will not be forgotten. That her kindness will continue to shape the lives of others. That her memory will be held not only in words, but in places where people pause, breathe, and feel the presence of something greater than themselves.
Special thanks to Liz Harryman, who stood beside Dr. Smiley during the delivery and helped place the bench with quiet strength and grace. The area surrounding the bench will soon be planted with flowers by the school’s gardening club—a living tribute still to come, rooted in care and community.
In a moment that touched everyone present, two of Rose’s dear friends, Patty and Ayden, stopped by in between classes. They posed for a photo with the bench, smiling through the ache, standing in solidarity, and reminding us that friendship doesn’t end with loss. It carries forward, quietly and powerfully, in every act of remembrance.
To the students who will sit here, to the teachers who will pass by, to the families who will visit: may this bench be a place of peace. May it remind you that love endures. That remembrance is an act of care. And that even in heartbreak, there is beauty.
We miss you, Rose. You are forever loved. Never forgotten. Always near.
September 15, 2025: Another Act of Kindness
Linda Louise, a beloved Lake Arrowhead neighbor and longtime animal rescue advocate, shared this beautiful note during the Rosenda Smiley Annual Donation Drive for the San Bernardino Animal Shelter:
“I dropped off a bag of blankets at Rocky’s last Thursday and saw the beautiful memorial bench outside ❤️🩹
Dr. Smiley replied with heartfelt thanks:
“Linda Louise, thank you very much.”
And Cheryl, Charlie's mom and co-owner of Rocky’s with Kenny, added:
“Yes, it’s there. I just saw it.”
This bench, placed with love outside Rocky’s, honors Rosenda’s legacy and the kindness that continues in her name. Every blanket, every gesture, every word of encouragement helps shelter animals feel warmth and dignity. And every donation reminds us: remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about lifting others forward.
Thank you, Linda. Thank you, Cheryl. Thank you, community.
Rosenda’s love lives on in every act of care.
#RosendasGift #SanBernardinoCityAnimalShelter #MountainStrong #MemorialWithPurpose #BlanketsAndBenches #CommunityKindness #changingtheworld #missingrose #LLR #LiveLikeRose #LoveLikeRose
September 14, 2025: Every Act of Kindness Counts
One of Rose’s Nana’s friends stopped by the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter to donate towels and a blanket for the Rosenda Smiley Annual Donation Drive. She mentioned Rose’s name and the purpose of the gift, but the staff member she spoke with wasn’t aware of the drive. Still, she placed the items in the donation bin and sent a message afterward:
“Very happy to help with such a wonderful way to honor Rose and help animals in need.”
That message meant everything. It reminded us that even when systems falter, love shows up. It shows up in blankets folded with care, in towels tucked into bins, in people who take time out of their day to honor someone they never met but still feel connected to.
We reached out to the shelter to ensure staff are informed, and Jasmine Glover kindly responded:
“I will make sure all staff knows about the donation drive!”
This is what advocacy looks like, gentle persistence, clear communication, and a community that refuses to let memory fade. The 2nd Annual Rosenda Smiley Donation Drive runs through September 28, marking the anniversary of the day her memorial bench was placed at the shelter. Rose gave to this shelter as a child. She adopted her beloved husky, Missile, here. She believed animals deserved dignity, just like people do.
If you’ve donated already, thank you. If you’re planning to, know that every item is a reflection of Rosenda’s heart.
📦 Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25TRO3VE3BIBF
📍 Drop-off Locations:
– San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 N. Chandler Place, San Bernardino
– Rocky’s Restaurant in Running Springs
– Dr. Smiley / Lori
– Christine Smiley (Rose’s Nana)
– Glori Smiley (Rose’s Mom)
– Crystal Collins (Glori’s BFF)
Please mention that your donation is in honor of Rosenda Smiley.
#LoveLikeRose #LiveLikeRose #RosendasGift #JusticeForRose #LLR #DonationDrive #SanBernardinoCityAnimalShelter #CompassionInAction #MissingRose #ChangingTheWorld
September 13, 2025: Melanie’s Garden, Still Blooming
Melanie’s rose garden continues to grow, not just in blossoms, but in meaning.
This September, new photos arrived from her home thousands of miles from Running Springs. In one, a cluster of orange roses glows beside the sidewalk, their petals kissed with pink and yellow, cradled by dense green foliage. A cracked-glass orb rests quietly at their base, catching light like memory itself. In another, a vibrant bush of red and pink roses stands tall beside the road, each bloom open and unafraid.
These aren’t just flowers. They are echoes. They are love, still speaking.
Melanie planted this garden for Rose. She tends it with the same devotion she’s carried since the day everything changed. From the titanium plaque inscribed with Rose’s spirit, “Vibrant, vivacious, smart, funny, feisty, cheerful, compassionate, unforgettable, ”to each new bloom that rises from the soil, this space has become a living archive of remembrance.
It’s not just the roses that make this garden sacred. It’s the intention. The way Melanie transforms grief into color. The way she insists, with every petal, that love doesn’t vanish, it multiplies.
This garden is a place where heartbreak is softened by beauty. Where absence is met with care. Where Rose’s memory is not only preserved, but nurtured.
Thank you, Melanie, for showing us that remembrance can be planted. That healing can be cultivated. That even far from Running Springs, Rose’s light finds a way to rise.
We see her in every bloom. We feel her in every breeze. And we carry her in every act of kindness.
September 12, 2025: Photos in the Medium Room
To Rose, With Love
Looking at this incredible wall of memories, and then seeing the slideshow of moments, reminds me of how truly rich our lives have been because you are in them.
Your love is the anchor of so many of our most cherished moments, and it is beautifully reflected in these frames. From the joy in the birthday celebrations, the spirit in the team photos, and the laughter in the quiet, everyday moments, your presence has filled our lives with color and warmth. You are a constant source of inspiration and love for us all.
This collection of photos is more than just pictures on a wall; it is a testament to the family and life that you have helped build. It is a story told in snapshots, a story of laughter, milestones, and shared happiness.
Thank you, Rose, for being the person who makes every moment worth remembering.
With all our love.
September 8, 2025: Kindness in Action at the Animal Shelter
On September 8, two of Rose’s Nana’s dear friends, Rita Spiegel and Irene Macgregor, made beautiful contributions to the Rosenda Smiley Annual Donation Drive for the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter.
Irene brought a large bag full of towels, the kind that wrap warmth around a shivering pup or line a kennel with comfort. Rita donated three dog blankets and over-the-counter medications: a box of FortiGlora prebiotic sachets and two containers of mobility and joint support soft chews. (Our old dog Queenie decided she needed one of those chews herself, her joints hurt, and she knew kindness when she saw it.)
These gifts are more than supplies. They are gestures of love. They are echoes of Rosenda’s compassion, her belief that animals deserve dignity, comfort, and care. From the time she was a child, Rose gave what she had to this shelter. She adopted, she donated, she showed up.
This drive continues what she started. It runs through September 28, marking the anniversary of the day her memorial bench was placed at the shelter. Every towel, toy, and treat is a tribute to her heart.
Thank you to everyone who’s donated, and to those still planning to. You’re not just helping animals, you’re helping carry forward the love that Rose gave so freely.
🧡 To donate: 📦 Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/25TRO3VE3BIBF
📍 Drop-off Locations: – San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 N. Chandler Place, San Bernardino
– Rocky’s Restaurant in Running Springs
– Dr. Smiley / Lori
– Christine Smiley (Rose’s Nana)
– Glori Smiley (Rose’s Mom)
– Crystal Johnson (Glori’s BFF)
Please mention that your donation is in honor of Rosenda Smiley.
#LoveLikeRose #LiveLikeRose #RosendasGift #JusticeForRose #LLR #DonationDrive #SanBernardinoCityAnimalShelter #CommunityKindness #MissingRose #ChangingTheWorld
September 8, 2025: Meeting with Families for Safe Streets
This week, Dr. Smiley met with Families for Safe Streets to begin planning a World Day of Remembrance tribute in Rose’s name. Locations close to where she lived and where she was killed, Running Springs and Balboa Peninsula, are being considered. Both hold pieces of her story. Both deserve a moment of reflection.
Rose’s death was preventable. Her life was radiant. And her legacy continues to guide everything Dr. Smiley does.
This is not just an event. It’s a space where grief meets action, where remembrance becomes reform. Dr. Smiley is grateful to Alyson Geller and the FSS team for their support, and to every person who’s walked beside this journey.
Rose loved animals, laughter, and the quiet kindness of strangers. She believed in showing up for others. This tribute will reflect that, dignified, transparent, and rooted in love.
Thank you for honoring her with us. More soon.
September 6, 2025: Glori Smiley Walks with Purpose
Glori Smiley at the LASD Pink Patch 5K, race bib 421, ribbon in hand, smile unshaken.
Glori Smiley, mother of Rose Elizabeth Smiley and a two time breast cancer survivor, joined hundreds of participants at Bonelli Park in San Dimas for the LASD Pink Patch 5K, an annual event hosted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in support of breast cancer awareness and research.
Glori didn’t walk alone. Beside her were her sister, Palmertina Prall, and her significant other, Chris Rieger, forming a quiet but powerful trio of love, resilience, and remembrance. Her words after the race captured the spirit of the day:
“Breast cancer awareness, LASD Pink Patch 5K. I didn’t finish first, but I finished.”
That finish line wasn’t just a marker of physical endurance, it was a symbol of survival, advocacy, and the enduring strength of those who walk not only for themselves, but for others. Diagnosed in 2016 and again in 2019, Glori’s journey has been marked by courage, recurrence, and recovery. Her presence at the 5K was a testament to the power of showing up, even when the path has been long and uncertain.
The Pink Patch Project, which hosts the event, brings together hundreds of public safety agencies across the country to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. During October, LASD personnel wear pink versions of their uniform patches to spark conversations about early detection and support. Proceeds from the 5K and related merchandise go directly to education, treatment, and research programs.
This year’s event also included a virtual option, allowing participants to complete the run or walk anywhere through October 31. Whether in person or online, every step taken was a step toward hope.
For Glori, the race was more than a fundraiser, it was a ritual of remembrance, a gesture of advocacy, and a quiet act of defiance against fear. Her participation honors not only her own survival, but the legacy of her daughter Rose, whose spirit continues to inspire acts of compassion and courage.
A Love for Rose means walking with purpose. Glori Smiley does that, and so much more.
September 5, 2025: Arraignment: Justice for Rose
On Friday, September 5, 2025, we returned to the Superior
Court of Orange County for the arraignment of Joseph Alcazar, the man charged in the death of 14-year-old Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley. Rose was killed on May 25, 2024, while crossing Balboa Boulevard near Palm Street, a moment that continues to shape our advocacy and our grief.
Charges Filed:
• Second-degree murder
• DUI causing great bodily injury (two prior convictions)
• DUI with BAC ≥ 0.08 (two prior convictions)
• Child endangerment (8-year-old daughter in the car)
The arraignment was held in Courtroom C-5, with check-in beginning at 8:30 AM and proceedings from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Supporters wore JusticeForRose T-shirts, carried Rosenda’s Gift wristbands and stickers, and brought water, snacks, and courage.
The defendant pleaded not guilty once again. While the courtroom was filled with love and resolve, the day reminded us of the long road ahead. Based on legal counsel’s best estimate, we expect to return to court every three months until trial, possibly for the next two years.
The public defender has been nominated to be a judge. If she is confirmed, our next date could be delayed by another six months. These delays are painful, but they underscore why our advocacy for legislative reform is so urgent.
We also pressed for accountability beyond the driver, including the possibility of charging the passenger. Under current law, there is no legal pathway. This is a difficult truth, and a call to action.
Next Court Date:
📅 December 12, 2025
*** Pre-trial Hearing C36 ***
Judge Gary S. Paer
We will be there. We hope you will be too.
✊ Why We Show Up
• To demand accountability
• To amplify Rose’s voice
• To stand united in grief and purpose
This is a marathon, not a sprint. Our journey for #JusticeForRose is far from over. It is a daily effort, one we carry forward for Rose and for every life that could still be saved.
Follow & Share:
• Instagram: @justiceforrose
• Facebook: @JusticeforRose
• Hashtags: #JusticeForRose #RosendasGift #LLR #ChangingTheWorld #MissingRose
Contact:
• 📧 rosendasgift@gmail.com
• 📞 (909) 659-9367
• 🌐 rosendasgift.org
September 3, 2025: A Cherry Tree, A Rock, A Promise
This is the cherry tree Charles lovingly chose to honor Rose. It stands quietly in Cherry Valley, not yet open to the public, but already full of meaning. Cheryl, Charles’ mother, drove by recently, hoping to place the plaque in rock beneath the tree. Though she couldn’t yet, the plaque, carefully affixed to stone, is ready. It waits with quiet dignity, just like the tree itself.
This tree was one of 50 cherry trees planted during the 13th annual Arbor Day celebration on April 25, when fifty Cherry Valley residents joined the Beaumont Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District to plant 15-gallon cherry trees across the Danny Thomas Ranch. The tagline for the event was, “Let’s make the world a little more cherry.” And Charles did just that.
The Danny Thomas Ranch, donated to the district in 2022, spans 123 acres and remains a blank slate, open to memory, meaning, and growth. Within that space, this cherry tree stands as a living tribute to Rose, her kindness, her joy, her legacy.
Charles’ devotion has always been quiet, but unmistakable. From the plaque at the restaurant to this tree in Cherry Valley, each gesture is a thread in the fabric of Rosenda’s Gift. His presence, steady, heartfelt, and unwavering, reminds us that remembrance is not a moment, but a movement. And that love, when planted with care, grows into something lasting.
The plaque will be placed beneath the tree in time. Until then, it waits, like the tree itself, with grace and purpose. Together, they speak without words, of love that endures, of memory rooted in soil, and of a promise kept.
September 3, 2025: A Trunk Full of Kindness
Jennifer Flannery, a fellow Running Springs resident and Arboretum volunteer, quietly dropped off a carload of donations at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter.
“Happy to be part of the Rose donation drive ❤️❤️,” she said, and with that, her gesture became part of something much larger, a community honoring compassion through action.
Jennifer’s gift, made in memory of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, was more than blankets and supplies. It was a reflection of shared values, of kindness extended, and of the deep love that still surrounds Rose’s legacy. Her donation joins many others this month, each one helping shelter animals feel comforted, cared for, and seen.
Rosenda’s Gift is deeply grateful to Jennifer and to everyone who continues to give in Rose’s name. These acts of generosity are not just about helping animals—they’re about keeping Rose’s spirit alive in the most tangible, loving way.
️ Donation Drive runs through September 28
San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA
#LoveForRose #RosendasGift #RunningSpringsKindness #AnimalCompassion #ShelterSupport #HonoringRosenda #DonationDrive2025 #HeartfeltTribute
September 1, 2025: A Small Gift, A Big Heart
On September 1, Ely and Helen Torres made a quiet but heartfelt donation to the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter in honor of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. “Her story really touched our hearts,” they said, and with that simple act, they joined a growing circle of compassion that continues to ripple outward from Rose’s legacy.
Their gift was modest in size but rich in meaning, a reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be grand to be powerful. Every blanket, every toy, every gesture made during this year’s donation drive is a tribute to Rose’s unwavering love for animals and her belief that every creature deserves comfort, care, and a second chance.
Rosenda’s Gift is deeply grateful to Ely and Helen, and to everyone who has contributed during this year’s drive. Together, we are not just helping animals in transition; we are keeping Rose’s spirit alive in the most tangible, loving way.
🗓️ Donation Drive runs through September 28
📍 San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA
#LoveForRose #RosendasGift #AnimalCompassion #ShelterSupport #KindnessInAction #HonoringRosenda #DonationDrive2025 #SanBernardinoShelter #HeartfeltTribute
August 28, 2025: A Promise Kept
Kimberly Salas, the District Representative for Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains, delivered a beautiful "In Memoriam" tribute for Rose. It was an honor to receive, and the first person I wanted to share it with was Glori. I try to share all the items I receive on this journey with her; it is important to me that she knows the impact our daughter continues to have. Glori is now the owner of this gift, hers to display.
This tribute is a reminder of everything I have to live for: my son, my immediate family (Lori, Alexa, Brayden, Mom), a few close friends, Rose's mom, and the work of Rosenda's Gift. It fuels my passion for drunk driving legislative reform and my goal of convincing Newport Beach to implement the Vision Zero program for safe streets.
This is not just a piece of paper. It's a symbol of recognition from the California State Assembly that Rose's life mattered and that her legacy is making a difference. It is another tangible piece of evidence that our fight for justice and a better world in her name is being seen and heard.
August 27, 2025: Doug at the Santa Ana Zoo
On August 27th, Doug McMillan reached out while standing at the Santa Ana Zoo, searching for Danielle’s and Rose’s memorial bricks. I told him to head toward the Wishing Well, and he did. What he found there, and what he sent back, was more than just stone. It was memory. It was connection.
A deeply moving moment unfolded as Doug stood before two commemorative bricks honoring Danielle McMillan, both gifted through Rosenda’s Gift. One reads: LOYAL FIERCE: IT IS GOD ALONE WHO JUDGES. The other: KINDHEARTED SELFLESS LOVING LOYAL PRETTY LOVE & MISS YOU BOO BE AT PEACE. These tributes, installed beside the Wishing Well, speak to Danielle’s spirit and the love that surrounds her still. Her life, cut short at 25 by the disease of addiction, continues to resonate through every person who stops to read her name.
Just steps away, Rose’s own brick rests in the same garden of remembrance. Sponsored by her Nana, it reads:
SWEET ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/2009–5/25/2024
BEAUTIFUL KIND WITTY
SMART FUNNY STUBBORN
LOVING CARING BRAVE
STRONG FEISTY HAPPY
The Santa Ana Zoo was chosen with intention. It’s where our family first spent time with Alia’s family, maybe for a birthday, maybe just a day of joy. Rose loved zoos. She loved animals. She loved fiercely. And now, her name lives on in a place filled with life, laughter, and quiet reflection.
If anyone visits the Zoo and finds Rose’s brick, please send me photos. These tributes aren’t just for us, they’re for everyone who believes remembrance can be a form of justice.
Forever loved. Never forgotten. Always part of the story.
August 26, 2025: The Old Stump
Today was a difficult reminder of the past, but also a beautiful one. My mom and I were walking the fire road, searching for Lilly, Cinco's foster dog who had gotten loose. We came across an old stump, a place that instantly brought back a flood of memories.
When Rose and Cinco were small, we would always stop at this very spot on our walks. It was their favorite place to climb on and pose for a picture. My mom walked them past here every day on their way to and from Charles Hoffman Elementary. It was their own special landmark.
The stump had sadly burned in the Line Fire, and it looked as though it had been used as a location to light a backfire. Seeing it charred and changed left me feeling so many things: sad, melancholy, and dejected. But more than anything, I felt a wave of painful nostalgia.
Even though it’s been changed by fire, the stump still stands as a testament to the special memories we made there. I know Rose and Cinco will always have this little piece of their childhood, and it's a blessing to know the stump is still there to remind us of them.
August 26, 2025: Dr. Smiley at Serenity Lodge
Dr. Fillmore Smiley visited the poly-plate memorial plaque honoring Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, located in the annex of Serenity Lodge. The plaque’s QR code links directly to Rose’s Turning Hearts page. Its placement remains a recognized and permanent part of the Lodge’s tribute space.
Although the treatment center has had some staffing changes, Dr. Smiley was able to speak with Jessie. She is the best BHT he has ever worked with. Jessie reported that she follows Rosenda’s Gift and #JusticeForRose on Facebook and Instagram, and she received stickers for her car and office, along with the webpage for the charity.
The plaque’s inscription begins with a sentence written by Glori Smiley, Rose’s mother, describing their one-of-a-kind daughter. The remaining words are drawn from a press conference held one week after Rose’s passing, when Dr. Smiley asked loved ones to share three words that best described Rose. The most frequently chosen words are placed in order and etched into the plaque.
A sentence about Coyote Rock, originally intended only for the titanium plaque, was mistakenly included by the plaque maker.
Serenity Lodge is a respected treatment center on 22 acres, offering 48 beds for adult men, strong amenities, and a male-only program for detox, residential, and outpatient care focused on recovery from substance abuse. We are grateful for their commitment to providing a supportive environment for healing and for continuing to honor Rosenda’s memory.
August 25, 2025: Lake Arrowhead Dam / Mackay Park Advisory Committee
Thanks to the continued presence and advocacy of Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas, the effort to establish a memorial for Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley at MacKay Park has taken a meaningful step forward. At the most recent committee meeting, Henry Wu shared that he completed a draft policy within the first week following the prior session. That policy is now under review with County Counsel.
Once approved, the policy will apply to all San Bernardino County parks and will formally guide how memorials, such as benches and plaques, can be proposed and installed. This process was sparked by the desire to honor Rosenda, and because of it, the County will now have a consistent, transparent approach to commemorative installations.
Dr. Smiley and Lori attended the meeting briefly to receive the update and will return in three months to continue supporting the memorial’s progress. Their commitment remains focused on securing a dedicated bench for Rosenda at MacKay Park—a quiet, lasting tribute to a life deeply loved and remembered.
August 24, 2025: Melanie's Tree of Life Mug
Sometimes, moments of connection and remembrance find us in the most unexpected ways. Our cousin, Melanie, recently shared a touching story from her trip to Niagara Falls. While visiting the local history museum, a particular mug in the gift shop caught her eye.
"I wasn't planning on buying anything 'til I caught this one out of the corner of my eye and it came home with me," Melanie shared. The mug, beautifully adorned with a "Tree of Life" design, resonated deeply.
This "Tree of Life" imagery holds special meaning, symbolizing growth, connection, and enduring spirit – themes that are so central to how we remember Rose. It's a beautiful reminder that Rose's presence is felt in many forms and that gestures of remembrance, even small ones, can bring comfort and a sense of her lasting impact. Thank you, Melanie, for sharing this meaningful discovery.
August 21, 2025: A New Chapter with Candace Lightner
I had the profound honor of meeting with Candace Lightner, founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and President of We Save Lives, to discuss Rosenda’s Law. After 45 years of pioneering change at both state and national levels, her willingness to partner fills me with equal parts humility and excitement.
Building Bridges in California
Candace and I agreed to collaborate on two bold legislative priorities to advance justice and prevention:
1. Making DUI (Drug) Court mandatory after a second DUI conviction.
2. Holding the passenger in a DUI vehicle criminally accountable as an accessory to the offense.
Her decades of success in passing life-saving laws give this effort incredible momentum.
Why My Baby Matters
I am honored and heartbroken to carry Rose’s story forward. I should be watching her walk the halls as a sophomore, marveling at her laughter, her kindness, her beauty. Instead, I pour every ounce of energy into saving your children from the same fate. Rose’s spirit guides us, reminding us why we cannot wait.
Powerful Partnership
Thanks to Aly Gellar of Families for Safe Streets for making this connection possible. Candace has invited Rosenda’s Gift to join the We Save Lives coalition, amplifying Rose’s legacy on a national stage. You can now read Rose’s story at:
https://wesavelives.org/rosendas-story/
Together, we will channel our grief into action. Together, we will demand compassion and accountability. Together, we will honor Rose by saving lives.
⭐ #JusticeForRose #LLR #rosendasgift #rosendaslaw #rosendasday #changingtheworld #drunkdriver #heartbreak #missingrose #heartache ⭐
August 19, 2025: Outreach from Candace Lightner
We are honored and deeply moved to announce a significant development in our advocacy for safer roads: Candace Lightner, the visionary founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and current President of We Save Lives, has reached out to Rosenda's Gift. This invaluable connection was made possible through the thoughtful introduction by Aly Gellar of Families for Safe Streets.
In a heartfelt message, Ms. Lightner expressed her profound sympathy for Rose's tragic loss, commending Dr. Smiley's tireless work on her behalf. While acknowledging potential differences in approach regarding enforced rehabilitation, she affirmed her support for drug courts, highlighting a shared commitment to preventing future tragedies.
Most significantly, Ms. Lightner extended an invitation for Rosenda's Gift to join the We Save Lives coalition as a partner organization. This is a tremendous opportunity to amplify Rose's story and our shared mission on a national platform.
We are also incredibly proud to share that Rose's story is now featured on the We Save Lives website: https://wesavelives.org/rosendas-story/
August 18, 2025: Arraignment: Standing for Justice
Dr. Smiley and Rose’s Nana, Christine Smiley, returned to the Superior Court of Orange County to continue the fight for accountability in Rose’s case. Though the hearing was procedural, a postponement due to the public defender’s absence, their presence carried weight.
Inside Department C5, presided over by Judge Terri Flynn-Peister, they stood as witnesses to a system still in motion. Wearing their “JusticeForRose” shirts, they brought quiet strength into a space that too often forgets the human cost behind the charges.
These courthouse visits are not just legal checkpoints. They are acts of endurance. They ensure that Rose’s name remains present, that her story is not buried beneath delays or paperwork. They remind us that justice is not a moment, it’s a long, demanding road.
We remain committed to that road, and to the future it promises: one where no other family must endure such preventable loss.
August 17, 2025: Animal Shelter
Dr. Smiley and Rose's brother, Cinco, visited the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter with a heartfelt mission: Cinco is exploring fostering small dogs, a beautiful act of compassion that would surely make Rose proud. It's a testament to the ongoing love and kindness that flows from Rose's legacy.
However, during their visit, they also encountered Rose's memorial bench at the shelter, and its condition deeply saddened all who love her. It appears to have fallen into disrepair, surrounded by debris and not reflecting the care and respect it deserves as a tribute to Rose.
This bench, like all of Rose's memorials, is a sacred place of remembrance, intended to provide comfort and honor her vibrant spirit. Seeing it in this state is heartbreaking and serves as a poignant reminder that these tributes require ongoing care and attention from the community. We are reaching out to the shelter to address the condition of the bench and ensure it can continue to be a fitting place for reflection and remembrance.
August 15, 2025: A Sweet Note, Re-discovered
Sometimes, moments of profound connection resurface in the most unexpected ways. On August 15, 2021, Rose left a precious note for her beloved mom, Glori Ann, tucked away in a kitchen drawer. The simple, heartfelt message read: "UR Betifol" adorned with sweet hearts. Glori Ann shared that she has kept it there ever since, and it makes her smile every time she opens that drawer.
This little slip of paper, a testament to Rose's tender spirit and the beautiful bond she shared with her mother, has been a continuous source of comfort. On August 15, 2025, Glori Ann posted about finding it again, sharing her feelings on Snapchat: "I'm not ok... but I'm going to be alright @roseluvsurmom missing you. I love you more."
These spontaneous acts of love, like Rose's note, are the threads that weave through our memories, offering comfort and connection even across time. They remind us of the incredible light she brought into the world and the enduring power of her Love for Rose.
August 13, 2025: Crystal Heart for Rose's Mom
We’re honored to share a stunning tribute created for Rose’s beloved mother, Glori Ann Smiley: a laser-engraved crystal heart that transforms a cherished photograph into a lifelike 3D image. This exquisite keepsake preserves a precious memory with breathtaking clarity and depth.
The heart shape itself speaks to enduring love and connection, while the floating image within the polished crystal draws the eye and stirs the soul. When illuminated by a light base, the engraving glows gently, casting a peaceful ambiance and radiating warmth.
This crystal heart is more than a memorial. It’s a timeless treasure, a tangible reminder of a moment held close, forever etched in luminous beauty. Crafted with meticulous detail, it offers comfort and connection, a reflection of love that transcends time.
A mother’s love. A daughter’s memory. Forever preserved in crystal.
August 13, 2025: The Enduring Spirit of Friendship at Rim High
This week, Brooklyn sent a photo from her second day back at Rim High School, showing Rose's memorial bench looking a little different. All the stickers that her friends had lovingly placed on it had been removed, likely cleaned during the summer break.
This prompted a heartfelt conversation on Snapchat between Dr. Smiley, Brooklyn, Kylee, Aurora, and Crystal M., reflecting on the meaning behind these small acts of remembrance.
The Conversation Unfolds:
Dr. Smiley noted his expectation that the stickers might be removed due to school policy, recalling that the district office had previously prohibited QR codes on plaques.
Brooklyn expressed her reluctance to put new stickers if they would just be taken down, wondering if the new principal, Kinny, had something against her.
Kylee suggested setting up another meeting with the school, similar to how the bench itself was approved.
Aurora offered a practical perspective, suggesting it might just be standard janitorial protocol.
Dr. Smiley considered this possibility, then asked if the friends still had a supply of stickers.
Brooklyn confirmed she had a good amount, saving some for the future, but was able to find more older ones.
Aurora suggested they all bring stickers and a new paper sign saying "LLR."
Brooklyn later clarified that she had spoken with Kinny, who said stickers "shouldn't be an issue," making the removal even more puzzling.
Kylee wondered if a higher authority had instructed the clean-up.
Aurora simply proposed putting more back on to see what happens.
Crystal M. speculated that the new assistant principal might have suggested it, with Brooklyn adding that the assistant principal seemed "a bit off, she talks with her hands."
This exchange beautifully illustrates the dedication of Rose's friends and family to keeping her memory vibrant. Even in the face of small setbacks, their determination to honor Rose and maintain her presence at Rim High shines through. These stickers, while seemingly minor, are powerful symbols of enduring love and friendship, continuously bringing comfort and connection in Rose's memory.
August 13, 2025: Grant Guidance Meeting with Flagstar Bank
Dr. Fillmore Smiley met virtually with Katherine Morgan of Flagstar Bank from 11:00 to 11:45 AM (PST). While Flagstar’s grant opportunities are invitation-only, Ms. Morgan generously offered her time to guide Dr. Smiley through the nuances of future grant and funding applications.
This was Dr. Smiley’s first formal grant submission, a meaningful milestone for Rosenda’s Gift. The meeting reflected not only strategic growth but also a deeply appreciated act of mentorship and support from Ms. Morgan. We’re grateful for her insight and generosity.
August 11, 2025: Nana Christine's Visit to the Tree of Life
Today, our hearts are with Rose's beloved Nana, Christine, as she visited Rose's "Tree of Life" in the tranquil embrace of Better Place Forests in Lake Arrowhead. This special tree holds profound significance, serving as the beautiful final resting place for Rose's ashes. 🌳💕
Better Place Forests offers an environmentally conscious and deeply meaningful alternative to traditional burial, allowing cremated remains to become part of a protected forest ecosystem. For Rose's family, choosing this memorial tree creates a lasting legacy, providing a serene space to visit, connect with nature, and honor her memory in a unique and heartfelt way.
This Tree of Life, alongside other cherished memorials created for Rose, including her memorial benches and commemorative bricks, symbolizes the enduring impact of her life. It's a testament to the family's commitment to keeping her memory alive, and it beautifully aligns with the mission of Rosenda's Gift to support other families facing similar loss. Through every act of remembrance and advocacy, including "Rosenda's Law" for DUI reform, Rose's legacy of love, compassion, and strength continues to grow.
Charles Garcia, Rose’s forever love, bought a new black hat embroidered with pink “LLR” and three red roses. It wasn’t just a tribute. It was a vow.
To Rose.
To the life they dreamed of.
To the love that still lives.
Charles and Rose shared a bond that was rare and beautiful, a young love built on mutual respect, laughter, and the kind of connection that felt destined to last. As a couple, they shared dreams, adventures, and the certainty that they would navigate high school and beyond side by side. Their time together was far too short, but the love they had continues to ripple outward through the lives they touched.
In the wake of Rose’s passing, only memorials and memories remain to honor their love. The plaques placed by Rosenda’s Gift recognize the depth of their relationship, the kindness Charlie showed Rose, and the profound loss he carries. Through these dedications, his love for Rose is forever etched into remembrance, a testament to the future they should have had together.
For her mother and those closest to Rose, “LLR” means Live Like Rose, a call to embody her courage, joy, and compassion. For her friends, it means Long Live Rose, a promise to keep her memory alive in every corner of their lives. For Charlie, it means both.
He stood by Rose’s side throughout, and he remains a powerful part of her story. His strength in honoring her memory speaks to the depth of their connection. His hat is stitched with remembrance. His presence is a reminder that love like theirs doesn’t fade, it endures, shaping the way we honor, remember, and fight for change.
At Rosenda’s Gift, we carry that love forward in every act of kindness, every memorial placed, and every family helped. The legacy of Rose and Charles is one of compassion, loyalty, and the fierce kind of love that leaves a mark on the world.
The day after the crucial court hearing, Brooklyn, one of Rose's dear friends, shared a poignant and beautiful tribute on Instagram. From Newport Beach, California, Brooklyn created a heartfelt message in the sand, spelling out "ROSE" with seashells.
Her caption, "Added to My angel," speaks volumes about the enduring love and deep connection she feels. This tender gesture, coming after such an emotional day in court, is a touching reminder that Rose's memory continues to inspire acts of love and remembrance in countless ways.
The day after the crucial court hearing, Brooklyn, one of Rose's dear friends, shared a poignant and beautiful tribute on Instagram. From Newport Beach, California, Brooklyn created a heartfelt message in the sand, spelling out "ROSE" with seashells.
Her caption, "Added to My angel," speaks volumes about the enduring love and deep connection she feels. This tender gesture, coming after such an emotional day in court, is a touching reminder that Rose's memory continues to inspire acts of love and remembrance in countless ways.
August 9, 2025: Olivia's Touching Tribute After Court
The day after the crucial preliminary hearing, Olivia shared a poignant message on Instagram, capturing the emotion and solidarity of the day. Her post featured a photo of the many supporters gathered at the courthouse, standing united for justice.
Olivia's heartfelt caption, "we all miss you so much pretty girl. 💕," deeply resonated, expressing the profound love and longing felt for Rose. This powerful message, shared by one of Rose's cherished friends so soon after such an impactful court date, serves as a beautiful testament to the enduring bond and the deep sorrow felt in her absence. It's truly moving to witness Rose's loved ones, like Olivia, continue to honor her memory and amplify the call for justice through their own voices and platforms. Her strength and dedication are a beacon of "Love for Rose."
August 9, 2025: A Powerful Stand, Emily
The day after the crucial preliminary hearing, Emily Rose shared a poignant Instagram post that deeply resonated with us. Her photo captured the incredible show of solidarity in the courtroom, featuring the many supporters who came to stand for justice.
Emily Rose's post, coming so soon after the raw emotions of the hearing, is a testament to the enduring bond she shared with Rose and the profound impact Rose continues to have on her friends. It's truly moving to see Rose's loved ones, like Emily Rose, continue to honor her memory and amplify the call for justice through their own voices and platforms. Her strength and dedication are a beacon of "Love for Rose."
The day after our important court hearing, Niveya shared a touching post on Instagram. Her message, coming so soon after the intensity of the preliminary hearing, was a beautiful testament to the enduring bond and the profound impact Rose continues to have on her friends.
Niveya's willingness to share her feelings publicly is a powerful reminder that Rose's memory lives on vibrantly in the hearts of those who loved her most. It’s comforting to see Rose's friends, like Niveya, continue to honor her in their own ways, showing that the love and connections forged during Rose's life remain strong and unwavering.
August 9, 2025: A Heartfelt Visit from Keira to Angel Stadium
It fills our hearts to see Rose's friends continuing to honor her memory in such beautiful ways. Recently, Keira made a special trip to Angel Stadium to visit Rose's commemorative brick.
This powerful tribute, sponsored by Erik Nevarez and installed outside the Home Plate Gate in map square 349, simply reads:
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9-5/25/24
Keira's visit and her subsequent posts on Instagram and Snapchat are a testament to the profound and lasting impact Rose had on those around her. It's a truly touching reminder that Rose's vibrant spirit continues to inspire and connect, even in places that hold special meaning to her loved ones. We are so grateful to Keira for sharing this moment of remembrance with us.
August 8, 2025: Pretrial Hearing: Justice for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley
💔 COURT UPDATE: Justice for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley
💔 COURT UPDATE: Justice for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley
Last Friday marked a critical step in our fight for justice. At the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, the courtroom was packed, over 40 of us in pink “JusticeForRose” shirts, standing together for Rose, for truth, and for accountability.
The defendant, Carlos Alcazar, is being held to answer on all four charges, including second-degree “Watson” murder. This charge applies when someone dies due to a driver’s intoxicated recklessness, and the driver acted with implied malice, knowing the risks, but choosing to drive anyway.
🚨 Alcazar’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was twice the legal limit, estimated at 0.16 at the time of the crash, even after hours. His roadside, breathalyzer, and urine tests confirmed his intoxication.
🚨 He was speeding 48 mph in a 25 mph zone.
🚨 Shockingly, he had his 8-year-old daughter in the car.
🚨 Officers found empty, full, and half-consumed bottles of alcohol in the driver’s vehicle. It was revealed that he and passenger David Apodaca had been drinking on the beach and at Cabo Cantina. Mr. Apodaca rated his own drunkenness at a 6.5 out of 10. Alcazar rated himself as a one out of ten.
🚨 Alcazar has two prior DUI convictions. In 2019, his last DUI nearly killed him, causing him to lose a lung and require rods in his legs, a clear prior warning of the dangers of his actions.
The defense will be attempting a "reasonable person" argument, shockingly claiming that Rose caused her own death because she was walking against the light and "came out of nowhere." They argued Alcazar swerved from the #1 lane to the #2 lane, thinking the car ahead was slowing to make a left-hand turn, and they plan to bring in an expert to claim someone twice the legal limit can still make reasonable decisions.
Rose was a pedestrian. She was crossing Balboa Boulevard near Palm Street on May 25, 2024. All lanes stopped. The girls were waved into the intersection by a woman in one of the vehicles. Rose was 14 years old with almost her whole life in front of her. She was loved beyond measure. She is missed beyond words. Her life was not a footnote in someone else’s recklessness.
The prosecution stated he is ready for trial and is extremely confident. The judge ruled that there is sufficient probable cause for all charges to proceed to trial. This was the preliminary hearing, the first real moment where the evidence was laid bare. And the truth is devastating.
We were there. We filled the courtroom. We wore our shirts. We wore our JusticeForRose wristbands. We stood shoulder to shoulder, reminding the court that Rose’s life matters. Every courtroom seat filled is a reminder that Rose matters to so many people.
DUI fatalities are preventable, not accidents. We adjudicate addiction like it were a choice when it is a disease, whereas drunk driving is a choice that we adjudicate as a minor offense.™ What if Mr Alcazar had been forced into treatment after he almost killed himself in his 2nd DUI crash? We will continue to fight for accountability.
#JusticeForRose #RosendasGift #LLR #MissingRose #heartache #heartbreak #drunkdriver #changingtheworld #RosendasLaw #RosendasDay
August 7, 2025: A Visit to Rose's Bench at Rim High School
This past Thursday, a meaningful moment unfolded as Cinco, Rose's brother, visited her memorial bench at Rim High School. After attending his freshman orientation, it was important for Cinco and Dr. Smiley to spend some quiet time at this special place.
The bench, dedicated to Rosenda "Rose" Elizabeth Smiley, stands as a lasting tribute within the school grounds. Seeing Cinco, now embarking on his own high school journey, connect with his sister's memory at her bench was a touching reminder of the enduring bond they share.
The accompanying photos capture this heartfelt visit, showing the quiet strength and love that continues to surround Rose's legacy. Her bench remains a cherished spot for reflection, remembrance, and a testament to the powerful connections she made.
August 6, 2025: PSA Opportunity for Awareness
We are honored and moved to share a significant development in our advocacy for Rose, drunk driving reform, and safer roads. On August 6, 2025, we received an unexpected and powerful solicitation from Nina Day Casting, a casting and story production agency supporting T Brand Studio (the creative content arm of The New York Times) for a public service advertising campaign. This campaign, sponsored by a government agency focused on vehicle safety, aims to highlight the devastating impact of impaired driving.
They reached out to us after discovering the Justice for Rose page, seeking individuals willing to share their stories to advocate for safer, more thoughtful driving, particularly during the holiday season. The goal is to feature brief, impactful quotes about how impaired driving impacts families.
Dr. Smiley responded with a heartfelt account of Rose's beautiful life: her vivacious spirit, global travels, love for justice, and wisdom beyond her years. He highlighted his role as her father, his background in substance abuse, the founding of Rosenda's Gift, the official designation of Rosenda Smiley Day in California, and his tireless fight for Rosenda's Law and the Vision Zero Program. His core message, "We adjudicate addiction like it is a choice when it is a disease, whereas drunk driving is a choice that we adjudicate like a minor offense," encapsulates his motivation to save lives and reduce the unacceptable attrition rate due to drunk driving.
We were incredibly encouraged by Nina Day Casting's warm reply: "We can tell that she filled your life and the world with joy and light, and we’re honored to learn about her... we greatly admire your strength in advocating for such an important cause." They confirmed "next steps" for the coming week.
This opportunity means Rose's voice, through her story and her father's unwavering dedication, could reach a national audience, shining a brighter light on the critical need for change and helping to prevent future tragedies. It is a powerful step forward in ensuring Rose's legacy continues to change the world.
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Your story in 150 or so words:
Rosenda "Rose" Elizabeth Smiley was miraculously born on December 5, 2009. A drunk driver stole her life on May 25, 2024. As tragic and horrific as her ending is, those who love and cherish her deeply choose to focus on the 5,285 days we were blessed to have her on this earth. Rose traveled the world, loved to laugh, and enjoyed having fun. She believed in fairness and justice for both animals and people. She was intelligent, spirited, sweet, funny, beautiful, and witty, with a sharp tongue. Her laugh was contagious, and her smile was like sunshine. Rose was a cuddlebug and affectionate with those she loved. She had opinions and thoughts on things most 14-year-olds do not, with wisdom beyond her years. In the short time she was here, she impacted so many lives and continues to do so as her father fights to reform drunk-driving legislation and street safety.
Location:
Running Springs, CA
Any details you would like us to consider–basic information about yourself or your loved one, like age, relationship, or any personal biographical details you would like included:
My name is Dr. Fillmore Lewis Smiley IV. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, M.A. in Forensic Psychology, A.A. in Addiction Studies, and B.S. in Business Administration. I hold a LAADC and an APCC. My area of expertise is substance abuse. I am Rose's father. I am 56 years old. Rose was the light of my life, the center of my universe, the apple of my eye, and my reason for living. Since her death, I have started a charity in her honor to help other suffering families, Rosenda's Gift. We were able to get May 25th officially designated as Rosenda Smiley Day in California, for all time, by an act of the California Legislature. I have championed Rosenda's Law, which would reform drunk driving legislation by implementing research-supported interventions. I have also advocated for improved street safety where Rose was murdered, Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, by joining with Families for Safe Streets and promoting the Vision Zero Program (an empirically validated street safety movement). My goal is to create social change while creating a legacy for Rose, for she deserves to never be forgotten.
Message you hope to communicate if selected for participation:
We adjudicate addiction like it were a choice when it is a disease, whereas drunk driving is a choice that we adjudicate as a minor offense. If you had to pick a quote from me, that would be the one. I am grateful for any platform where I can enlighten the masses and help save lives.
Why would you like to participate in this?
To save lives. We have a death every 15 minutes in the USA due to drunk driving, and an injury/death every 75 seconds. This level of attrition is unacceptable. If Rosenda's Law were implemented, I could reduce that number to a death every 15 days. This is a lofty goal, and I may die before all facets are adopted, but in the meantime, I can help save one life at a time.
Any photographs/memories you would like to share (optional):
I am going to paste and attach a photo of one of the stickers we hand out for Rosenda's Gift. There are QR codes for Rosenda's Gift, Rose's Turning Hearts Memorial Page, the JusticeforRose Facebook page, and the justiceforrose Instagram page. I am still building the Turning Hearts page. It is time-consuming and heartbreaking. I have probably 30,000 photos and videos of Rose.
So, although you will not see that many on these four sites, all the photos and memories you need will be on those four places.
Here are the links as well: rosendasgift.org https://app.turninghearts.com/dashboard/medallion-19891 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565177883787 https://www.instagram.com/justiceforrose/
August 6, 2025: A Sweet Peek into Brooklyn's World
We received a warm and personal Snapchat from Brooklyn, sharing a moment from her bedroom. Her space, adorned with various photos and personal touches on the wall, is a beautiful reflection of her world. This sweet snapshot reminds us how Rose's presence continues to touch and inspire her friends, living on in their hearts and in the cherished memories that fill their lives.
August 6, 2025: A Heartfelt Visit to Newport Beach Pier
This past Wednesday, Tirzah McCanne made a special visit to Newport Beach Pier to see Rose's commemorative brick, a beautiful tribute located within the McFadden Square project. This project is a significant public space that celebrates the history and community of Newport Beach, featuring various engraved elements that honor individuals and milestones.
Tirzah, known for her deep connection to the mountain community and as the wife of the late Darren McCanne (whose memorial bench at Lake Gregory we are also proudly supporting), took a moment to connect with Rose's lasting memory. The photos capture this poignant visit, showing the brick inscribed with:
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/09 - 5/25/24
SWEET KIND WITTY
FEISTY PRETTY
LOVING CARING
FUNNY BOLD SMART
This brick at the bustling Newport Beach Pier serves as a beautiful reminder of Rose's vibrant spirit and the wide reach of her enduring legacy. It's a testament to the fact that her memory continues to inspire and connect people in meaningful ways, even in new locations.
August 6, 2025: Rose's Brick is Installed at Sara's Garden
A Beautiful Tribute:
We are overjoyed to share a wonderful update from Sara's Garden in Wauseon, Ohio! After a journey of dedication and perseverance, Rose's commemorative brick was officially installed on August 6, 2025. This beautiful tribute now rests in a place known for its spiritual energy, a fitting spot to honor our beloved Rose.
This brick, generously sponsored by Joshua Holley and his family—son of the beloved Tracee Valazza—is our 9th commemorative brick and truly a Gift from Rose. It bears a special inscription that perfectly captures her essence:
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/09 - 5/25/24
BEAUTIFUL STUBBORN
SWEET CARING HAPPY
STRONG WITTY SMART
BRAVE FUNNY LOVING
BOLD ARTISTIC KIND
Sara's Garden, renowned for its exceptional work in providing specialized therapies and support to children and adults with disabilities, is a place Rose would have loved, especially with their plans for an inclusive, handicap-accessible playground.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Matt Rychener and the wonderful team at Sara's Garden for their persistence in ensuring this brick was placed. We know Josh and his family are excited to visit regularly, and we hope this brick brings comfort and a lasting connection to all who see it.
This memorial is a testament to the enduring love for Rose and the power of community.
August 4, 2025: Angel Stadium: A Visit of Remembrance
Before the start of the Angels game Monday night, Lori and I stood outside the Home Plate Gate at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, searching map square 349 for a small but powerful tribute: a commemorative brick inscribed with our daughter’s name. The moment we found it, I sobbed. The shock is wearing off, and the pain is intensely acute. I miss my baby so badly.
In a beautiful testament to the human spirit, a stranger named Leno saw me crying and walked over and provided a comforting hug. That simple act of compassion reminded me, never underestimate the power of kindness from a stranger. This unexpected act served as a powerful demonstration of the profound impact a simple gesture can have during moments of deep grief.
The brick simply reads:
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9–5/25/24
It was lovingly sponsored by Erik Nevarez and ordered last November. After months of unanswered outreach, the Angels Baseball Foundation suddenly confirmed its installation. Though a replica rests on my mantle, this was the first time Lori and I stood beside the original.
Rose’s first baseball game was here in 2010. She got a Rally Monkey that she kept among her 300 stuffies. She was just a baby then, full of joy and wonder. That same spirit is now etched into the stadium’s entry diamond, a place where fans gather, where memories are made, and where Rose’s name will remain.
This commemorative brick stands as a lasting tribute to Rose’s bright and passionate personality. It celebrates her playful spirit, her boundless love for life, the enthusiasm she brought to everything, and her infectious zest for life. For a girl who once cheered from the stands with wide eyes and a Rally Monkey in hand, having her name etched in stone at Angel Stadium is a truly fitting and heartfelt memorial.
August 4, 2025: New Stickers Arrive!
We are so excited to share that a new batch of special stickers arrived yesterday, each one a beautiful way to keep Rose's memory close!
Among them are two "Remember Rose" stickers, serving as a heartfelt reminder of her vibrant spirit. The rest are unique "friendship" stickers, each personalized for Rose's dear friends: Abbie, Anaisabelle, Belle, Charles, Crystal H, Crystal M, Luz, Madi, and Sofia.
These stickers are more than just adhesive art; they're tangible tokens of love and connection, allowing Rose's friends to carry a piece of her memory with them wherever they go. It's a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the many lives Rose touched.
August 4, 2025: A Glimpse into Brooklyn's Heart
We received a touching Snapchat from Brooklyn, sharing a peek into her bedroom, a space clearly filled with cherished memories. The photo shows a desk or shelf adorned with personal items, including a newly updated picture frame.
In the pink, arched frame, a photo captures a group of friends, a sweet reminder of shared moments. Next to it, in an ornate frame, is an older, heartwarming picture of a younger child with an adult, reflecting the enduring bonds of family and friendship. Above these frames, various pieces of art and music (like a Fleetwood Mac album) suggest a creative and thoughtful spirit.
This glimpse into Brooklyn's personal space is a beautiful testament to how Rose's friends continue to keep her memory close, integrating her presence into their daily lives and surroundings. It's a quiet, yet powerful, display of enduring love and remembrance.
This past weekend, a wonderful and unexpected reunion took place at Rocky's restaurant, a special spot where Rose's memorial bench stands. Dr. Smiley's friend Rick, along with his wife Christina, were on their way to a couples' getaway when Rick reached out, suggesting they meet.
It was a heartfelt opportunity to catch up and share stories, and of course, to spend time at Rose's bench. The photos capture these precious moments, showing friends gathered around the bench, a testament to how Rose's memory continues to bring people together. Her bench at Rocky's remains a cherished place for connection, reflection, and honoring her vibrant spirit.
Last Saturday, Rose’s friend Belle made a meaningful visit to the Newport Beach Pier to see the engraved brick honoring Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley. Placed within the McFadden Square Centennial Monument, the tile rests quietly at the gateway to the Balboa Peninsula, near the very spot where Rose’s life was taken.
Belle paused beside the inscription, read each word, and took in the view stretching toward Catalina Island, a place Rose loved deeply. It was a simple moment, but powerful. In the hush of the morning light and the coastal breeze, remembrance felt close and tangible.
This is what Rosenda’s Gift is built on. Not just ceremonies, but quiet gestures of love, healing, and connection. One friend, one visit, one brick, each helping keep Rose’s spirit present in the places she once walked and the hearts she continues to touch.
August 2, 2025: Farmers Market - Quiet Symbols of Care
This past weekend, we added two small but meaningful touches to Rose’s memorial bench at Firehouse Park: stickers that speak softly, yet carry so much love. A glow-in-the-dark sticker now rests on the back, gently illuminating the bench at night, while a clear Rosenda’s Gift sticker on the side reminds passersby of the heart and mission behind it.
These details aren't loud. They don’t demand attention. But in their quiet way, they help tell Rose’s story, one of kindness, remembrance, and ongoing connection.
Later that afternoon, after the Farmers Market had ended, a woman sat nearby and played acoustic guitar while children filled the space around the bench. It was a warm, unscripted moment that reflected exactly what these stickers and this bench are meant to encourage: moments of peace, joy, and shared presence.
July 31, 2025: A Bench for Rose at Arrowhead Ridge
Rose’s nana, Christine Smiley, lovingly ordered a memorial bench to honor Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley at Arrowhead Ridge in the San Bernardino Mountains. The bench will be placed near the Donor and Memorial Wall, nestled among oak trees and overlooking glimpses of Lake Arrowhead, a peaceful sanctuary now protected by the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust.
Coordinated by Polly Sauer, the installation became part of a broader restoration effort, bringing accessibility and quiet beauty to the space. The bench features two plaques: one copper, one titanium, engraved with words chosen by Christine, Rose’s mother, and Dr. Smiley himself.
It stands as a place of remembrance and reflection, echoing the vibrant, spirited light Rose brought to those who loved her. In that mountain air, surrounded by nature, her memory lives on, forever present, forever cherished.
The bronze plaque reads:
ROSENDA ELIZABETH SMILEY
12/05/2009 – 5/25/2024 OUR BELOVED
DAUGHTER SISTER GRANDDAUGHTER
NIECE GIRLFRIEND COUSIN AND FRIEND
ROSE WAS A UNIQUE SOUL VIVACIOUS
VIBRANT SPIRITED EXUBERANT KIND
WITTY SMART PRETTY LOVING FEISTY
AND A SMILE THAT MELTED YOUR HEART
The other plaque will have the Turning Hearts QR code, a photo etching of Rose, and a hummingbird.
This bench will become a place of reflection and connection, a tribute to Rose’s radiant spirit and the enduring love of her family. It will stand as part of a broader effort to preserve Arrowhead Ridge as a sanctuary for wildlife, memory, and healing.
July 30, 2025: Grey Heartwing Sticker: Niveya & Shane’s Support
We’re grateful to Shane Guyette, a friend and former colleague of Dr. Smiley, and father of Niveya Guyette, one of Rose’s friends. This thoughtful gesture, placing a large grey Heartwing window sticker on his vehicle, serves as a beautiful reminder of the loving community that continues to honor Rose's memory.
The sticker, featuring Rose’s name, a graceful winged heart, and a message of justice and remembrance, now travels with him, symbolizing the care, solidarity, and strength of a community that continues to lift Rose’s legacy.
Thank you, Shane and Nivieya, for standing beside Rosenda’s Gift and showing the kind of friendship that carries love forward.
Aurora recently shared a deeply touching moment from Rose's roadside memorial, a place that continues to be a focal point for remembrance and love. Her Instagram post featured a poignant image of the memorial, centered around a pole adorned with cherished photographs of Rose, bringing her vibrant spirit to life. Fresh flowers lay at the base, a testament to the ongoing visits and enduring love from friends and family.
This special place, located near the Balboa Fun Zone, serves as a constant reminder of Rose's presence. Aurora's heartfelt message, "I love you Rose, I miss you so so much ❤️🕊️LLR," beautifully encapsulates the profound longing and unwavering affection felt for Rose. It's a powerful illustration of how Rose's memory continues to be honored and cherished, keeping her light shining brightly in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
July 26, 2025: A Place of Peace: Rose's Bench at Women's Step House
Lori and Fillmore shared a deeply moving moment as we dedicated a memorial bench in Rose's honor to the Women’s Step House / Ashland Home in Orange County. This beautiful bench, which we affectionately call the Forest Bench, was originally intended for Rose's final resting place, but we felt it could bring solace and hope to so many at this special facility, known for its compassionate and effective substance abuse treatment.
As we gathered, the bench stood as a quiet yet powerful reminder of Rose's vibrant life and enduring spirit. Its rich earth-toned slats bear her full name, "Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley," and the words "Forever Loved," alongside her birth and passing dates: "12/5/2009 – 5/25/2024." Each time someone pauses here, whether to find rest, reflect, or simply remember, they will sit within Rose’s gentle presence. It's a sacred space where our love for her continues to bloom, inviting moments of peace and connection.
Accompanying the bench are a QR code linking to her memorial page and a clear Rosenda's Gift sticker—thoughtful additions that ensure her story continues to inspire. This bench is a testament to the fact that Rose's love, once given, never fades. It's a comforting thought that her spirit now offers a place of renewal and hope to others, just as she always brought light into our lives.
July 26, 2025: Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire
Joy and Heartache at the Farmers Market: Remembering Rose's Future
During our recent weekly fundraising at the Farmers Market, a vibrant dance group of elementary-aged girls, from the very school Rose attended, performed with infectious energy. Many of the parents knew Rose, and many of the children knew Rose too, some through older siblings, creating a poignant connection to our past. Witnessing their youthful joy was a beautiful experience, and we are truly capable of being happy for others, even amidst our overwhelming grief.
However, moments like these also bring a crushing wave of sorrow, as the thought of everything Rose is missing out on, and will continue to miss out on, becomes acutely clear. All the milestones and dreams, her future, giving her away at her wedding, and her giving birth, are experiences we will never get to share. It's a profound ache for the life that was stolen, and for the beautiful future that was meant to be. These moments serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of her loss and the countless "what ifs" that linger in our hearts.
Community Support in Action: Eloy's Children Fundraise for Rosenda's Gift
This heartwarming video captures a beautiful moment of community spirit, featuring our dear friend Eloy and his children, Matthew and Elaina, on a local golf course. They've set up a table to raise funds for Rosenda's Gift, with Eloy guiding his children on their important role. It's a touching testament to how Rose's legacy continues to inspire acts of kindness and generosity, ensuring her impact shines brightly through the next generation.
🦋 “I still talk to you every day.”
Patty’s love for Rose hasn’t dimmed with time; it’s everywhere. In the butterflies that cross her path, in quiet moments filled with reflection, and in the gentle belief that Rose is always near.
She misses her daily calls, her voice, the way Rose filled a room with warmth. But the love never left. It just changed form.
“I see signs of you everywhere.”
For Patty, and for so many of us, love doesn’t end; it echoes.
July 24, 2025: Sunrise at Rose’s Tree
Justine Rombal, Abbie's mother, shared a touching moment of remembrance from a recent morning. She took Abbie and Addisen to Rose's tree, her final resting place, to watch the sunrise, creating a peaceful and meaningful experience. This beautiful act of connecting with nature at a place dedicated to Rose highlights the enduring love and quiet ways her memory continues to be cherished by those closest to her.
July 23, 2025 (date Michele provided the videos): Rose Ballet Recital at The University of Redlands, Glenn Wallichs Theater, June 9, 2019
Curated by Michelle Bryer, this video is a heartfelt compilation of Rose Elizabeth Smiley’s performances at her dance recital held at the University of Redlands, Glenn Wallichs Theater. Rose was trained in dance at Rim Rec, where she explored tumbling, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, hula, theater, and ballet from 2012 to 2020. The footage reflects her continued growth as a performer and her deep love for movement and music.
The video features three distinct dance segments:
• Hula Hoop and Ribbon Dance [00:02]: The recital begins with a graceful performance featuring two dancers with a hula hoop and a ribbon. They are soon joined by a larger group of dancers, all using hula hoops and ribbons to create a coordinated and visually appealing routine.
• Acrobatic and Tumbling Performance [02:49]: The second segment features two new groups of dancers in tribal-like outfits. They perform a routine that includes a variety of acrobatic and tumbling moves, such as cartwheels and handstands.
• Grand Finale [08:08]: The final segment is a grand finale featuring a large group of dancers in a variety of outfits. Two dancers perform an impressive acrobatic and contortionist duet [08:50] before the entire group performs a coordinated final routine. The video concludes with all the dancers and instructors taking a final bow together on stage [10:43].
This video provides a great overview of Rose’s dance journey, highlighting her versatility and skill in a variety of dance styles.
July 23, 2025 (date Michele provided the videos): Rose Ballet Recital at The University of Redlands, Glenn Wallichs Theater, July 11, 2017
Curated by Michelle Bryer, this video is a heartfelt compilation of Rose Elizabeth Smiley’s performances at her ballet recital held at the University of Redlands, Glenn Wallichs Theater. Rose was trained in dance at Rim Rec, where she explored tumbling, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, hula, theater, and ballet from 2012 to 2020. The footage highlights Rose’s love of movement, music, and expressive performance.
The video features the following three routines:
• “True Colors” [00:14]: The recital opens with a beautiful ballet performance to “True Colors.” Choreographed by Michele Bryer, this routine features a group of young dancers in colorful dresses with feathered headpieces, showcasing arm movements, turns, and graceful floor work.
• “Rotten to the Core” [03:08]: A high-energy hip hop performance to “Rotten to the Core” from Descendants. The dancers, in edgy and punk-inspired outfits, perform dynamic moves including cartwheels and choreographed group sequences.
• “Ever Ever After” [05:30]: The recital concludes with a lively final performance to “Ever Ever After” by Jordan Pruitt. This large group routine features all the students from the recital, including Rose, creating a fun and celebratory finale.
This video provides a wonderful glimpse into Rose’s passion for dance and her time at Rim Rec.
July 23, 2025 (date Michele provided the videos):July 23, 2025: Rose Ballet Recital at The Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, June 12, 2016
Curated by Michelle Bryer, this video is a heartfelt compilation of Rose Elizabeth Smiley’s performances at her ballet recital held at The Sturges Center for the Fine Arts. Rose was trained in dance at Rim Rec, where she explored tumbling, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, hula, theater, and ballet from 2012 to 2020. The footage highlights Rose’s love of artistry and her vibrant presence on stage.
The video features the following routines:
• “The Circle of Life” [00:11]: A group of young dancers, some in black outfits and others in animal costumes, perform a routine to the iconic song from The Lion King.
• “Waka Waka” [05:02]: A second group of young dancers performs a lively routine to “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira. This performance includes choreographer Crystal Runkle.
• Closing [07:56]: The recital concludes with all the dancers returning to the stage, receiving trophies and flowers, and bowing to the audience.
This video provides a great overview of Rose’s dance experience, highlighting her participation in multiple performances at a single event.
July 23, 2025 (date Michele provided the videos): Rose Ballet Recital at Rim High School, June 14, 2015
Curated by Michelle Bryer, this video is a heartfelt compilation of Rose Elizabeth Smiley’s performances at her ballet recital held at Rim High School. Rose was trained in dance at Rim Rec, where she explored tumbling, tap, jazz, acro, hip hop, hula, theater, and ballet from 2012 to 2020. The footage highlights her expressive artistry and joyful movement.
The video features three distinct dance routines:
• “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” [00:00]: A pre-ballet class routine choreographed by Faith Nelson. A young woman portrays Elsa from Frozen, dancing with a group of children, including Rose, dressed in ballet outfits. The performance is a playful interpretation of the song, with the children dancing around the “Elsa” character.
• “In Summer” [02:38]: An intro to tap, jazz class choreographed by Michele Bryer. Rose and her fellow dancers wear white shirts, pink and white skirts, and pink hats as they perform a lively tap and jazz routine to “In Summer” from Frozen.
• Final Bows [04:41]: The recital concludes with all performers taking a final bow together on stage, celebrating the joy and camaraderie of the event.
This video provides a wonderful glimpse into Rose’s love for dance and her vibrant participation in the Rim Recital.
July 21, 2025: Aubrey Kay and Rose at the Santa Ana Zoo
Rachel Delayo made a poignant visit to the Santa Ana Zoo to see, for the very first time, the commemorative brick placed in honor of her daughter, Aubrey Kay Delayo. This brick was a gift from Rosenda's Gift, providing a lasting tribute to Aubrey Kay.
Nestled along the winding paths of the zoo, Aubrey Kay's brick was found by the wishing well, a spot that serves as a gentle reminder of cherished lives. The inscription on her brick, including phrases like 'Mommy’s Butterfly' and 'Child of God Forever,' conveyed the profound love and spiritual connection Rachel held for her daughter.
As Rachel stood by her daughter's memorial, she also discovered Rose's commemorative brick nearby. Rose's brick, a tender and lasting tribute itself, is etched with words reflecting her beautiful spirit: "beautiful, kind, witty, smart, funny, stubborn, loving, caring, brave, strong, feisty, and happy." This sacred space ensures that Rose’s spirit remains a part of a place she cherished
Moved by the sight of both memorials, Rachel captured photographs of both Aubrey Kay’s and Rose’s bricks, sending them as a heartfelt expression of gratitude. Her visit underscored the enduring connections forged through shared remembrance, as the Santa Ana Zoo continues to be a place where love transcends loss, and the spirits of children like Aubrey Kay and Rose shine on.
July 20, 2025: Honoring Rose at Wildhaven Ranch
Beneath the watchful gaze of a bear and an eagle stands Rose’s commemorative brick, its inscription simple yet profound:
SWEET PRETTY
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9 – 5/25/24
Each letter is a testament to the joy she brought into the world and the love we carry for her today.
The bear symbolizes the quiet strength Rose embodied: resilient, nurturing, and steadfast in her care for others. The eagle reflects her courageous spirit, ever soaring above life’s challenges with grace and fearlessness. Together, they frame her brick as a beacon of hope and courage.
Woven into the brick walkway, Rose’s tribute invites every visitor to pause, breathe, and remember. With each step, we honor her legacy, feeling her warmth in the gentle breeze and her laughter in the rustle of the pines.
This enduring memorial is more than stone and inscription; it is a living reminder that love transcends time. As part of Rosenda’s Gift, each tribute at Wildhaven Ranch helps transform grief into community healing, ensuring Rose’s spirit continues to guide us all.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley, accompanied by Lori and his mother, Christine (Rose's Nana), made a special trip to Wildhaven Ranch. This unique wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to preserving indigenous animals and providing a safe haven for non-releasable wildlife in the San Bernardino Mountains, became home to a new, cherished memorial for Rose.
July 19, 2025: A Visit from Sandy
On July 19, 2025, Sandra J. Watkins, an old friend from San Bernardino, made the drive up to Running Springs to visit the Farmers Market and reconnect with Lori and Dr. Smiley. After sharing memories and warm hellos at the Rosenda’s Gift booth, Sandy walked to Firehouse Park to spend a quiet moment at Rose’s bench.
Retired and embracing life’s slower rhythm, Sandy stood beside the memorial in reflection, an act of friendship, remembrance, and quiet solidarity. Her visit was a reminder that love for Rose continues to ripple outward, drawing people back to the places that hold her memory.
July 18, 2025: A Quiet Moment at Rocky’s
Dr. Smiley visited Rocky’s in Running Springs to spend a quiet moment at Rose’s memorial bench. Surrounded by plants and engraved with tender words and illustrations, the bench stands as a gentle witness to love, loss, and remembrance. Sitting there, in the presence of Rose’s name and story, was a moment of deep reflection, a reminder that grief doesn’t fade, but is carried forward with purpose and devotion.
July 16, 2025: A Legacy of Love
In a beautiful testament to their ongoing commitment to co-parenting and a shared love for their children, Rose's dad sent a photograph to her mom. The photo captures a framed piece of artwork, a Father's Day gift from Rose, proudly displayed on the wall. This gift, along with others on important days, is a tradition that continues even after her passing, a promise from her parents to always keep Rose's memory present in their lives.
The framed art hangs next to other pieces that Rose had a personal connection to, having viewed them in museums with her own eyes. The photograph also reveals other intimate details of remembrance, including a plaque above the bathroom door that reads, "In Loving Memory, Rose's Bathroom, 2009-2024," and a Broncos flag, honoring the American football team that Rose and her dad loved to watch together. These details paint a touching picture of a home filled with love and a father's unwavering dedication to honoring his daughter's legacy.
July 12, 2025: Cousin Melanie's Garden
Dr. Smiley’s beloved cousin, Melanie, continues to carry Rose’s memory with devotion that stretches across years and landscapes. Far from Running Springs, she has cultivated a thriving rose garden, a space of beauty, remembrance, and quiet connection.
This summer, Melanie added a new tribute: a titanium plaque illuminated in soft purple light, inscribed with tender and vivid words that speak to who Rose was. “Vibrant, vivacious, smart, funny, feisty, cheerful, compassionate, unforgettable.” The plaque rests among blooming rose bushes, a permanent marker of a life deeply loved and sorely missed.
In this place of fragrance and light, Rose’s spirit is gently woven into the soil. The garden is more than a tribute, it’s a living promise that love never fades, and memory can blossom thousands of miles from where it was born.
July 8, 2025: A Message from Ryan
Community member Ryan A. Dorsett Sr. shared a photo from Firehouse Park showing his child seated quietly at Rose’s memorial bench. Though Ryan never knew Rose personally, he expressed feeling connected to her through the stories, photos, and memories shared online. He offered his condolences and gratitude for the bench, promising that he and his family will think of Rose each time they return to the park.
This moment reflects how Rose’s story continues to reach new hearts, inspiring reflection and remembrance from neighbors, friends, and strangers alike.
Would you like a short caption for the photo or a quote pulled from Ryan’s message to add warmth?
July 7, 2025: Cassandra and Michelle's Visit
On July 7, 2025, Cassandra and Michelle, friends of Sandy, visited Rose’s memorial bench at the Gibson House for Women. Surrounded by symbols of love, paw prints, and soft color, the bench offers a quiet place to reflect, remember, and reconnect with Rose’s spirit. Their presence added another ripple of care to the community of remembrance, proof that even friends of friends feel the pull of Rose’s story and come to honor the girl who is forever loved, never forgotten.
July 7, 2025: A Friend's Heartfelt Tribute to Rose
This image captures a deeply touching tribute to Rose, created and shared by a friend who, though not among her closest circle, was profoundly impacted by her life. The collage features a heart-shaped frame enclosing a memorial of flowers and a picture of Rose, alongside a pink stuffed bunny, a lily, and a jellyfish, all set against a soft, warm background.
The accompanying message, filled with raw emotion, expresses immense sorrow and longing: "I made this for you Rose cuz someone told me to but we all miss your gorgeous girl we all want you back we wanted you to love longer but your beautiful soul let this world we all miss you so much rip rose." The friend continues, "We wish you had more time to live that was the last time we all saw you you’re beautiful face disappeared off this world r.i.p Rose we love U."
This heartfelt post, shared with the request to "Please make a post for rose," underscores the widespread love and grief felt for Rose across her wider network of friends. It's a powerful reminder that Rose's vibrant spirit touched many lives, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
July 1, 2025: Rosenda’s Gift Wants to Help You
FACEBOOK POST ON @JusticeforRose
If you are grieving the loss of a child or loved one and are looking for a way to honor their life with a meaningful memorial, we invite you to complete the Gift from Rose memorial application here:
https://sites.google.com/view/rosendasgiftorg/get-a-gift-from-rose?authuser=5
There is no pressure or commitment, just a compassionate starting point for healing.
At Rosenda’s Gift, we understand how overwhelming grief can be, and how important it is to preserve the memory of someone deeply loved. Whether you're just beginning to consider a tribute or have a specific vision in mind, we’re here to walk alongside you with care, flexibility, and support.
We help families and individuals create personalized, lasting memorials, from benches, plaques, and bricks to gardens, portraits, and more, that honor a loved one’s life and provide a space for reflection, remembrance, and healing. No matter where you are on this journey, we are ready to meet you there.
Some parents know exactly how they want to honor their child, others are navigating through sorrow so great that even making decisions feels impossible. Some may already be working with local groups but are facing financial hurdles or site limitations. Whatever the circumstances, you are not alone, Rosenda’s Gift is here to help you find a path forward.
Founded in memory of Rosenda "Rose" Elizabeth Smiley, whose beautiful life ended far too soon, our nonprofit is rooted in the belief that no life should ever be forgotten. We are committed to honoring those we’ve lost by creating spaces where their stories endure, and where love continues to speak.
We also understand the challenges that can arise—permissions, policies, paperwork—and we’re here to help with that too. We’ve worked with boards, property managers, public agencies, and community leaders to help families secure meaningful places for their memorials.
Whether you prefer to fill out the form, send a text, call, or email, we welcome whatever way feels most comfortable for you. We’re honored to listen, support, and collaborate to ensure your loved one is celebrated in a way that truly reflects their light.
🌿 You don’t have to walk this path alone. Let Rosenda’s Gift help you carry their name forward, with love, with beauty, and with peace.
https://sites.google.com/view/rosendasgiftorg/donate-and-support?authuser=5
June 30, 2025: Signs of Enduring Connection
While away at Christian Camp, Brooklyn experienced a series of deeply personal moments that she believed were signs from Rose, confirming her friend's continued presence in her life. These three photographs beautifully illustrate these heartfelt connections.
The first image shows Brooklyn herself, with a caption suggesting Rose's playful assistance: "Rose is helping me keep my hair tg when I don't have a hair tie". This whimsical detail speaks to the intimate and comforting ways Brooklyn feels Rose's spirit. The second photo reveals a small moth perched on a box, a subtle yet meaningful encounter that Brooklyn interpreted as another sign from her friend. The third photo captures a small wooden paw-print-shaped plaque with "I LOVE ROSE" inscribed on it, a touching discovery that resonated deeply with Brooklyn. Another image shows a pocket knife with "Rose" engraved on it
The final photograph in the series is a cherished memory from 2023, depicting Brooklyn, Rose, and other friends together at Big Bear Lake. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the joyful times they shared and the enduring bonds of friendship that transcend physical presence. Together, these photos offer a beautiful testament to the unique and comforting ways Rose's friends continue to feel her love and presence in their lives.
June 29, 2025: A Visit to Mt. Soledad
Addisen Andriesen and her friend made a meaningful journey with Addisen’s father, Eric Andriesen, to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla. They came to see something quietly extraordinary: a commemorative brick placed in honor of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley.
Eric, moved by Rose’s story and determined to create something lasting, had generously sponsored the brick, making this tribute possible at one of the most sacred and scenic memorial sites in the country. Though Mt. Soledad primarily honors military service, its Honor Bricks offer space to remember patriots and, in this special case, a young woman whose life shone with love and courage.
Nestled among tributes to heroes and set high above the San Diego coastline, Rose’s brick rests in a place where remembrance meets awe. Her name etched in stone speaks to a different kind of bravery, the kind found in tenderness, in resilience, in the way she lived with an open heart. Their visit was both a gesture of gratitude and a moment of connection, affirming that her light continues to shine in places meant to honor the best among us.
That day became more than a visit. It was a quiet pilgrimage to a place where Rose’s spirit touches the sky, and where her memory now stands among the very best of what it means to be brave, loved, and unforgettable.
June 28, 2025: A Father's Visit
Dr. Smiley recently spent quiet moments at Rose's memorial bench in Firehouse Park, visiting twice in the same week. This cherished bench serves as a peaceful spot for reflection and remembrance, allowing loved ones and community members to feel a lasting connection to Rose and her enduring spirit. These visits are a poignant reminder of the unwavering love that continues to surround her.
June 26, 2025: Rosenda's Gift is officially granted 501(c)(3) status!
💗 A Milestone of Meaning: Rosenda’s Gift Receives 501(c)(3) Status
On June 26, 2025, Rosenda’s Gift was officially granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS, a moment that marks more than just legal recognition. It represents the culmination of months of tireless work, quiet heartbreak, and unwavering devotion from Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Ms. Lori Andrade. What began as a tribute to a beautiful life stolen too soon has now grown into a fully recognized nonprofit, a powerful platform for remembrance, advocacy, and healing.
This achievement honors the legacy of Rosenda Rose Smiley, whose vibrant spirit and loving presence continue to inspire every corner of this work. It reflects not only her impact but the strength of those determined to make sure her story is never forgotten. From memorial gardens and friendship stickers to public advocacy and community healing, Rosenda’s Gift has become a source of light for grieving families and a voice for change in the face of preventable tragedy.
Receiving 501(c)(3) status paves the way for broader support and deeper impact, allowing the organization to receive tax-deductible contributions and access opportunities that will expand its mission. But beneath the formality, this designation is a deeply emotional milestone, a moment of love made visible, of grief transformed into purpose, and of community built on compassion.
Rosenda’s Gift is now not just a promise; it is a recognized force for good. And every step forward will continue to carry Rose’s name, her memory, and her love.
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💗 One Promise Fulfilled: Rosenda's Gift is Now a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
It is with immense gratitude and profound emotion that we announce a monumental achievement for Rosenda's Gift: on June 26, 2025, we officially received our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS! This designation means that all contributions to Rosenda's Gift are now tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, opening new doors for us to serve our community.
This accomplishment is a testament to the enduring love for Rosenda "Rose" Smiley, whose light was tragically dimmed too soon at the age of 14 due to a drunk driver. From the profound grief following her loss, Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Ms. Andrade poured a tremendous amount of time and painful emotional energy into transforming sorrow into purpose. What began as an obsession to create permanent memorials for Rose blossomed into Rosenda's Gift, a social change movement and a dedicated charity to help other suffering families.
The specific purpose of Rosenda's Gift is to support and assist families and individuals grieving the death of a loved one by exploring and obtaining opportunities to create lasting memorials, honoring their life, celebrating their memory, and providing a space for all those in mourning. This 501(c)(3) status, effective January 28, 2025, is more than just a legal milestone; it is a promise to sustain Rose’s legacy and expand our efforts to assist even more grieving families. It validates every heartfelt effort and every tear shed in building this foundation of remembrance and support.
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💗 A Milestone of Meaning and Purpose
💗 A Milestone of Meaning and Purpose
On June 26, 2025, we received official confirmation from the IRS that Rosenda’s Gift has been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This moment marks far more than an administrative milestone; it is a deeply emotional and meaningful step in honoring the life, light, and legacy of Rosenda “Rose” Smiley.
Born from unimaginable grief and shaped by love, Rosenda’s Gift is the living tribute of a father and stepmother, Dr. Fillmore Smiley IV and Ms. Lori Andrade, who refused to let Rose’s name fade into silence. After losing Rose to a drunk driver on May 25, 2024, they chose to channel their heartbreak into action, helping other families preserve the memory of their own lost loved ones through memorials of beauty, dignity, and lasting tribute.
Securing 501(c)(3) status now allows us to further expand our mission, receive tax-deductible donations, and partner with a broader community of supporters who share our belief: Every life deserves to be remembered. It is both a validation of the work we’ve done and a promise of the impact yet to come.
This is a victory for Rose. For every grieving family. For remembrance, for love, and for legacy.
June 25, 2025: A Hike to Honor Rose
In a beautiful act of remembrance, Joe Esquibel, Rose’s Papa, made the hike to Coyote Rock, one of her favorite spots. Despite finding that the memorial plaque was no longer securely attached to the rock, he was able to spend time at the site, reflecting on his granddaughter's memory. The photograph captures the beautiful plaque, with a photo of Rose and a heartfelt message about her vibrant spirit and how she was "Loved Beyond Measure." This journey to a cherished location is a testament to the enduring love between a grandfather and his granddaughter, showing how Rose’s memory continues to inspire quiet moments of reflection and connection in the places she loved most.
June 23, 2025: Rose's Dad Firehouse Park
A quiet moment of remembrance took place at Rose's cherished memorial bench in Firehouse Park. The bench continued to serve as a poignant place for reflection, allowing loved ones and community members to feel a lasting connection to Rose and her enduring spirit.
June 23, 2025: A Sign from Rose
This touching photograph, shared by Rose's mother, Glori, on Instagram, captures a beautiful moment of connection and remembrance. It shows a tiny hummingbird perched delicately on a vibrant rosebush, bathed in soft light.
Glori's accompanying caption reveals the profound significance of this encounter: after refilling hummingbird feeders, she playfully asked Rose to "send me a hummingbird." Moments later, this "beauty" appeared and lingered on the rosebush. It's a deeply personal and comforting moment, suggesting that even in absence, Rose's spirit continues to communicate love and presence through the gentle signs of nature. This image beautifully illustrates the enduring bond between a mother and her daughter, and the solace found in believing in such tender messages.
June 21, 2025: Rose SWAG at the Farmer’s Market
On June 21, 2025, Rosenda’s Gift brought a new kind of tribute into the community. Rose SWAG, selected with care and meaning, and offered at the Running Springs Farmer’s Market. Though these items weren’t handmade, they were thoughtfully chosen from Factory Price Jewelry to reflect the memory and vibrancy of Rose’s spirit. Each item represents more than its materials; it carries intention, love, and the desire to keep her presence visible in everyday life.
Week after week, Dr. Smiley and Ms. Andrade show up at the market, not for profit but for purpose. Their presence there is grounded in the mission to turn loss into healing, scrapping for dollars in the name of remembrance, working tirelessly to fund moments of comfort and support for grieving families.
The Rose SWAG is more than just jewelry; it’s a symbol of persistence, of showing up with heartbreak in one hand and hope in the other. You're invited to come by, lend a kind word, and walk away with something that means more than it seems.
#rosendasgift #LLR #JusticeForRose #missingrose #heartache #rosendasday #rosendaslaw #changingtheworld
June 20, 2025: Carrying Rose Smiley's Spirit Forward Through Action
FACEBOOK POST ON @JusticeforRose
Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, a vibrant 14-year-old whose life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver, is remembered not just for her untimely death but for the spirit of love and advocacy that lives on through her family and community. Carrying her spirit forward through action means honoring her life and legacy in several key ways:
1. Remembering Her Story
Sharing her story: Rose's family and friends are dedicated to ensuring her story is told to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and prevent similar tragedies.
Celebrating her life: Commemorative events, such as vigils and memorial services, help keep her memory alive and bring together those who loved her.
Memorializing her: Permanent tributes, like memorial benches and plaques in places special to Rose, provide spaces for reflection and remembrance.
2. Advocating for Change
Working for safer streets: Rose's family is actively pushing for changes to DUI laws and raising awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Rosenda's Gift: They have established a charity, "Rosenda's Gift," to help other families who have lost loved ones to tragedy secure similar remembrances.
"Rosenda's Day": A resolution was passed declaring May 25th as "Rosenda's Day" in California, ensuring that every year, the state will pause to reflect on lives lost to reckless choices and recommit to protecting its people.
3. Embracing Her Values
Compassion and kindness: Rose's family and friends describe her as compassionate, kind, and always ready to stand up for others. Carrying her spirit forward means embodying these values in our own lives.
Joy and zest for life: Rose embraced adventure and found joy in simple pleasures. Honoring her means living fully, appreciating life, and inspiring others to do the same.
In essence, carrying Rose Smiley's spirit forward through action means transforming grief into positive action. It's about remembering a life well-lived, fighting for a safer future, and embodying the values that made Rose such a special person.
#rosendasgift #JusticeForRose #rosendasday #LLR #rosendaslaw #missingrose #changingtheworld #drunkdriver #heartbreak #Heartache
June 18, 2025: Gwen’s Visit to the Memorial Site
Gwen Watson, who knew Rose and shared the same grade, was herself a victim of a drunk driving accident, but she survived.
On July 19, 2025, Gwen and her mother made a heartfelt visit to Rose’s memorial site. She later shared a message on Instagram, writing: “Finally able to come visit you… the sky looked so pretty and this place looks so lively. I wish you were here to see it with your loved ones.” She left small gifts gathered from the beach, a quiet act of remembrance from one child whose life was spared to another whose life was stolen.
Their friendship, brief but real, now lives on in tributes like this. Gwen’s visit is a reminder that Rose’s story continues to touch those who walked beside her, and that justice and healing remain intertwined.
June 16, 2025: Aurora's Thankful Heart for Rose
This heartwarming photograph captures a precious piece of childhood, a handwritten school assignment by Aurora, likely from her elementary school days (2nd or 3rd grade). Titled "I Am Thankful," the piece reveals Aurora's gratitude for her family and, notably, for her friends and teachers.
In a touching line, she declares, "For example: Rose is the best friend I can have." This simple yet profound statement speaks volumes about the deep and loving bond shared between Aurora and Rose from a young age. It's a beautiful testament to the genuine connections Rose fostered and the lasting impact she had on her friends' lives, even in their earliest years.
June 16, 2025: Two Plaques, One Promise: Charles’s Love for Rose
June 16, 2025: Two Plaques, One Promise: Charles’s Love for Rose
Charles Garcia loved Rose with a depth that defies time. As her boyfriend, he shared the kind of memories that linger in laughter, silence, and stolen glances, moments that can never be recreated, only remembered. After her passing, Rosenda’s Gift offered Charles two deeply personal plaques as a “Gift from Rose,” each one shaped by sorrow, devotion, and the truth that love does not end; it adapts.
One plaque now rests permanently at Rocky’s in Running Springs, a place where Rose once brought joy and light. It’s more than a tribute; it’s Charles’s silent vow, placed where her laughter used to live.
The second was gently affixed to a rock meant to sit beneath the cherry tree Charles planted in her honor. That tree, chosen with care, has grown into a living memorial, a quiet witness to love that blooms despite heartbreak. With the plaque nestled below, it speaks to those who visit: not only of grief, but of grace, and how even in absence, some people remain deeply present.
These plaques serve as enduring tributes, celebrating Rose’s memory and offering a tangible symbol of her lasting connection to Charles. They remind us that while Rose will never get to experience the milestones others take for granted, her spirit continues to echo in the spaces she once filled, in gestures, in growth, and in love that holds on.
June 14, 2025: Unexpected Grace at Firehouse Park
On June 14, 2025, after a long morning at the Farmers Market, Dr. Smiley walked over to Rose’s bench at Firehouse Park, something he’s done many times before, carrying love and sorrow in equal measure. But on this day, something had changed.
Scattered gently around the bench were painted rocks, each one left anonymously, each carrying a quiet message of care. Smiling cartoon faces. Words like “God is Good” and “Have a Good Day.” A slice of pizza. A cactus. A simple note: “Everyone is always welcome.” These stones didn’t say who placed them, but they spoke volumes of kindness, remembrance, and the silent community that continues to hold Rose close.
Dr. Smiley was moved to tears. These rocks, painted by unknown hands, reflected a collective tenderness, a spontaneous tribute that turned a park bench into a sacred space. They were proof that Rose’s story is still being felt, still inspiring gestures of hope and love from people who may have never met her but feel the ache of her absence.
Sometimes love appears in whispers, in bright colors on stones in the dirt. And on this day, it reminded everyone that Rose is never truly gone. She continues to live in memory, in mission, and now, in painted rocks placed with love.
June 10, 2025: 💜 Love for Rose at RHS
At the heart of Rim High School sits a quiet bench engraved with the words “Forever Loved – Never Forgotten.” More than a memorial, it’s become a place where love lingers and memories return.
On the last day of the school year, Rose’s dear friend Brooklyn sat here once more, as she often did. Her presence was steady, reflective, and full of love. That same day, another friend captured Rose’s essence in a hand-drawn tribute, channeling grief into art and memory.
These gestures speak to the kind of connection Rose inspired: strong, lasting, and deeply personal. In moments like these, we’re reminded that remembrance isn’t just an act; it’s a way of being.
June 9, 2025: A Bond Etched in Art
One of Rose's friends created a deeply meaningful drawing to honor the special bond between Rose and her brother, Fillmore Lewis Smiley V (Cinco). The drawing, rendered on lined paper, features a stylized rose with the name "Rosenda Elizabeth" elegantly written alongside it. The stem of the rose then intertwines to form a symbol with the name "Fillmore Lewis V" below. This beautiful and intricate piece of art is a powerful visual representation of the unbreakable connection between the siblings. It is a heartfelt tribute that celebrates their unique bond and ensures that their love is remembered through a creative and lasting expression of friendship.
June 9, 2025: A Moment at Rocky’s
Dr. Smiley returned to Rocky’s Roadhouse in Running Springs to visit Rose’s memorial bench once more, a quiet pause in the middle of a full day. Framed by greenery and carved with thoughtful words and illustrations, the bench remains a tender space for reflection.
This visit, like the ones before it, was not marked by ceremony but by stillness. Sitting beside Rose’s name, with familiar surroundings offering comfort, was a reminder that grief moves with us through time. It doesn’t disappear; it settles into moments like these, carried with love, reverence, and intention.
June 6, 2025: Surrounded by Love
Rose's boyfriend, Charles Garcia, shared a touching and intimate photo from his room. The image shows a cozy, dimly lit corner adorned with countless photographs and posters covering the walls. In the foreground, a large teddy bear rests on a bed, appearing to be held. The multitude of photos creates a powerful collage of memories, and the teddy bear, a symbol of comfort and companionship, serves as a poignant reminder of the love they shared. This photo offers a glimpse into a space where Charles finds solace, surrounded by visual affirmations of his "forever love" for Rose.
June 4, 2025: Honoring Rose in Newport Beach
On June 4, 2025, family, friends, and supporters gathered at the McFadden Square Centennial Monument at the base of the Newport Beach Pier to honor the life and legacy of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley. In a rare and compassionate gesture, the City of Newport Beach reopened the long-closed Centennial Legacy Project, originally completed in 2008, to add Rose’s name to its historic walkway. Made possible by the dedicated efforts of John Salazar and Jennifer Biddle, this deeply symbolic tile now rests at the gateway to the Balboa Peninsula, near the very place where Rose’s life was taken. Surrounded by granite benches and a bronze sculpture marking 100 years of community memory, Rose’s tile offers a powerful space for reflection. From that spot, the view reaches over golden sand, past the meandering pier, and out to Catalina Island, a place Rose loved and visited more than once. Though no public memorial had been previously allowed nearby, this exception speaks volumes. Rose is now part of Newport’s story, forever remembered in stone and sea, in a place touched by both history and heartbreak.
The morning gathering, held from 7:00 to 9:00 AM, was a quiet yet powerful tribute beneath the soft light of the rising sun. Set against the backdrop of the McFadden Square Centennial Monument, a public art installation designed by Hank Kaminsky to commemorate Newport Beach’s hundred-year history, this moment brought together community, memory, and meaning. The site itself, rich with engraved milestones and coastal beauty, offered the perfect setting for this extraordinary gesture of remembrance. Those in attendance walked the circular path, paused beside the bronze sculpture, and stood where Rose’s name is now permanently inscribed. In a place designed to honor defining moments of the city’s past, her story was rightfully added, an act of compassion and significance that will echo for generations. For those who came to honor her, the gathering was more than a ceremony; it was a healing space, a moment of unity, and a lasting reminder that Rose’s presence continues to shape the world around her.
June 2, 2025: A Moment Rediscovered
On an ordinary day, Dr. Smiley opened his phone and found something extraordinary, a TikTok clip saved long ago, forgotten until now. In it, Rose is just a child, perhaps five or six years old, her voice bright and untouched by the sorrow that came later. Just seconds of sound and motion, yet it held the power to pierce through time.
It brought great sorrow and brief joy, a collision of memory and meaning. To hear her again was to feel the love, the ache, and the unwavering devotion behind Rosenda’s Gift. The video now lives as part of the “Love for Rose” page, a quiet testament to the moments too tender to be planned and too powerful to ignore.
https://youtube.com/shorts/cT57f9HAqOM?si=N0jzeMAAxBCyJRVJ
May 30th, 2025: Honoring Rose in Ocean Beach
On May 30th, Dr. Smiley and Lori visited Rose’s commemorative brick on Newport Avenue, a quiet reflection amid the vibrant energy of Ocean Beach. Known for its eclectic charm, rolling waves, and deep sense of community, Ocean Beach has long been a place where memories are made and preserved. Among the thousands of tiles lining the sidewalk, Rose’s stands as a lasting tribute—a reminder of the love she inspired and the change she continues to spark. As the ocean breeze carried thoughts of loss and hope, this visit was yet another moment of holding onto her presence, ensuring her legacy remains woven into the very fabric of the places she touched.
May 30, 2025: Honoring Rose at Mt. Soledad
On May 30, 2025, we visited Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, where a commemorative brick was placed in honor of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley.
Surrounded by breathtaking views and nestled among tributes to heroes, Rose’s brick stands as a symbol of her own quiet strength, courage, and enduring impact. Though she was not a veteran, her life reflected a different kind of bravery, the kind it takes to love deeply, to shine brightly, and to face life with an open heart.
Being there, standing where her name is etched in stone, reminded us how profoundly she is missed and how deeply she is still loved. It’s a place of reflection, of gratitude, and of connection, a spot where Rose’s spirit touches the sky.
We are so grateful to everyone who made this memorial possible. Rose’s light continues to shine.
May 30, 2025: Honoring Rose at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
On May 30, 2025, Rosenda’s legacy was further cemented—quite literally—into the heart of the Del Mar Fairgrounds through a commemorative brick dedicated in her name. Purchased through the Don Diego Foundation, this brick stands as a permanent tribute to Rose, ensuring her memory is woven into a place of joy, community, and tradition.
Visiting the site, surrounded by the energy of the fairgrounds, was both a moment of reflection and a celebration of Rose’s lasting impact. Her name, etched into the pathway, symbolizes the love and advocacy that continues in her honor—a reminder to all who pass by that lives taken too soon should never be forgotten.
This tribute is not just about remembrance; it is about carrying forward Rose’s spirit, her story, and the message that change must come. With every step taken across that brick, her legacy moves forward, inspiring others to keep pushing for justice, drunk driving reform, and safer streets.
May 29, 2025: A Room Full of Memories
Rose's boyfriend, Charles, has created a deeply personal and touching tribute to her in his own room. After Dr. Smiley provided him with a collection of photographs, Charles lovingly adorned his walls with these cherished images. The attached photos offer a glimpse into this private sanctuary of remembrance.
His room is now a vibrant collage of shared moments, laughter, and love, reflecting the profound bond he shared with Rose. This heartfelt gesture underscores the enduring impact Rose had on his life and the beautiful ways in which her memory continues to be honored and kept alive by those who loved her most. It's a powerful testament to a love that transcends loss, creating a comforting space where Rose's spirit is ever-present.
May 28, 2025: A Sacred Space of Memory
Three days after the one-year anniversary of Rose's passing, her mother, Glori, shared a poignant photograph of Rose's room at her house. The image captures a vibrant and personal space, adorned with colorful tapestries, string lights, and a television screen displaying a familiar interface.
Glori's simple yet profound caption, "Missing my sweet girl...", speaks volumes about the enduring grief and love she holds for her daughter. Rose's room remains a sacred sanctuary, a place where her presence is deeply felt and her memory lovingly preserved. It serves as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, and the countless memories that continue to fill this cherished space.
May 28, 2025: A Close Connection
This intimate photo captures Brooklyn beside Rose's memorial bench at Rim High School, focusing on the beautiful blue plaque dedicated to her friend. The detailed inscription, featuring Rose's image and delicate butterflies, serves as a constant, loving presence for students and friends. It's a touching testament to the enduring bond between them and how Rose's spirit continues to be a part of her school community.
May 27, 2025: Rosenda’s Day, A Legacy Forever in California
May 27, 2025: Rosenda’s Day, A Legacy Forever in California
On the Assembly floor in Sacramento, Glori and Dr. Smiley stood side by side, listening as Assembly Resolution 40 was read aloud—officially declaring May 25th as Rosenda’s Day in California. This moment was the culmination of tireless advocacy, a recognition that Rose’s life and tragic passing would not be forgotten. Assemblymember Tom Lackey, who introduced the resolution, spoke about Rose’s vibrant spirit, her love for adventure, and the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
The resolution passed with unanimous support, 75-0, a powerful testament to the significance of Rose’s story and the urgent need to honor victims of reckless driving. Rosenda’s Day is now a permanent fixture in California’s legislative history, serving as both a tribute to Rose and a call to action against impaired driving. The timing of this designation is significant—Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and May 25th now stands as Rosenda’s Day, ensuring that her life and legacy are honored on a date that marks the tragic loss of a bright, loving spirit taken far too soon.
Rosenda’s Day is more than a remembrance—it is a movement. It stands as a statewide reminder of the lives lost to reckless decisions and the urgent need for reform. Through Rosenda’s Gift, her family continues to push for change, ensuring that victims of tragedy are honored and that their stories drive meaningful action. As Glori and Dr. Smiley left the Assembly floor, they carried with them the weight of grief, but also the knowledge that Rose’s name would forever be tied to a cause that could save lives.
This resolution ensures that every May 25th, California will pause to reflect, to remember, and to fight for safer streets. Rose’s legacy is now written into law, ensuring that her story will never fade.
Each moment of this journey—each commemorative brick, each word spoken in the Assembly, each person who stood in solidarity—cements Rose’s place in history. Through remembrance, through action, and through unwavering love, Rosenda’s Gift continues to honor her life, ensuring that the fight for justice and awareness carries forward. Rosenda’s Day is now and forever.
May 27, 2025: Honoring Rose at Old Town Elk Grove
May 27, 2025: Honoring Rose at Old Town Elk Grove
In Old Town Elk Grove, Rose’s name is forever stamped into history, an undeniable presence in a place where memories are preserved. Dr. Smiley, Lori, and Cinco stood before her commemorative brick, taking in the significance of her name among the foundation of the town. This tribute is more than a simple engraving; it’s a commitment to remembrance, ensuring that she is never forgotten and that the story of her life carries forward. Through community support, history, and the beauty of preservation, Old Town Elk Grove now holds a piece of Rose’s legacy, woven into the very streets where people walk every day. With each step taken across the brick-lined pathways, her story continues to be shared, a testament to the power of memory and the strength of love.
May 27, 2025: Honoring Rose at Sacramento SPCA
May 27, 2025: Honoring Rose at Sacramento SPCA
Among the many ways Rose’s memory has been honored, the Sacramento SPCA holds a special place in the hearts of those who loved her. As Dr. Smiley, Lori, and Cinco visited the site of Rose’s commemorative brick, they reflected on her deep love for animals and the countless moments she spent caring for them. Here, among the etched names of others remembered, Rose’s legacy is now a part of the shelter’s mission, a lasting tribute in a place dedicated to compassion and second chances. The brick not only stands as a marker of love but also supports the meaningful work of saving lives, making it a fitting memorial for someone who brought kindness wherever she went. Through this dedication, Rose’s spirit continues to inspire acts of care, reminding all who visit that love, like her legacy, endures.
May 27, 2025: Flight to Sacramento, A Journey for Rosenda’s Day
May 27, 2025: Flight to Sacramento, A Journey for Rosenda’s Day
As the early morning sun stretched across California, Dr. Smiley, Lori, and Cinco boarded their flight to Sacramento, carrying with them the weight of remembrance and the promise of change. Just hours ahead of them, Glori, Rose’s mother, and her close friend Crystal had taken a different flight, while an old friend of Dr. Smiley’s drove the long distance to stand in solidarity. Their journey was not just a physical one; it was a moment of advocacy, a pilgrimage to witness history being made.
On the Assembly floor, Assemblymember Tom Lackey read the resolution declaring May 25th as Rosenda’s Day, ensuring that her legacy would be honored forever. More than a tribute, it became a lasting recognition of both her life and the urgent need to prevent further tragedies caused by drunk driving. The passage of this resolution meant that every year, May 25th would serve as a call to remembrance, action, and change, a moment where California acknowledges the lives stolen by reckless choices and recommits to protecting its people.
May 25, 2025: One Year of Indescribable Sorrow
On May 25th, the one-year anniversary of Rose's passing, social media became a powerful testament to the enduring love and profound impact she had on countless lives. Her friends, from near and far, poured out their hearts in moving tributes, sharing cherished memories, raw emotions, and unwavering promises to keep her spirit alive.
From heartfelt messages expressing deep longing and disbelief that a year had passed, to collages of joyful moments and poignant reflections on her vibrant personality, each post painted a vivid picture of the girl they missed so dearly. Friends spoke of her strength, her ability to bring smiles to everyone's faces, and the indelible mark she left on their hearts. Many shared images of her memorial, candles lit in her honor, and personal tokens of remembrance, underscoring that while time moved forward, their love for Rose remained constant and strong.
These tributes, filled with both sorrow and immense love, highlighted the widespread grief but also the powerful community that continues to rally around Rose's memory. They served as a collective reaffirmation that Rose is, and always will be, deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.
Social Media Tributes
Emily Rose
Alexa
#JusticeForRose
Olivier
Diana
Kylee
Kai
Madi
Sam P
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Amelia
Brooklyn
Ashley
May 25, 2025: Candlelight Vigil
May 25th marked the first anniversary of the death of our beautiful Rose. This is a nightmare that never ends. The pain is agonizing and omnipresent. To describe the agony is beyond the capability of words. I spend much of the time still in utter disbelief. Cinco is just now coming out of shock and denial, and watching him suffer is horrible. Glori and I commiserate often. There is nothing to say or do. Nothing makes it better. Only the level of neuroticism and ability to function vary. I would be completely lost without Lori.
We held a candlelight vigil at the corner of Balboa and Palm on Balboa Peninsula. Approximately 80 people gathered, and we mourned together. Glori organized the event. She had a speech prepared that was eloquent and moving. At least three different press outlets told me they would be there, but only the Daily Pilot came. Eric Licus interviewed us, and Sara Cardine wrote the article. Here it is:
I don't know what else to say about this. The tragedy is unspeakable. I should thank those who have been supportive, not just emotionally, but with the fundraising assistance, as we created a lasting legacy for Rose. The most reliable group has been Rose's friends, which speaks to the character of Rose and the children who love her.
Photos I can’t ever stop looking at .. the only photos we will ever have together. I miss you so much I wish we had more time together. I miss your voice, I miss your touch, I miss your laugh. You matched my energy like no other, I’ve always felt like I didn’t belong in groups of people because I’m loud and have a lot of energy.. but you matched my energy. You understood me and i understood you. I finally had someone like me that I loved dearly and I lost you.. I love you so dearly rose. #1year #365days #LLR #JusticeForRose #dontdrinkanddrive #longliverosendasmiley #forever14 #alwaysherewithus
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKF5aaxh3vn5YxAiWgwfdE_vm06TyNqh-Bdpk00/?img_index=1
On the morning of May 5, 2025, Dr. Smiley received a voicemail from Sophia at KTLA Channel 5, calling from the assignment desk to confirm details about that evening’s 6:30 PM vigil honoring Rose. Sophia politely requested a callback at 323-460-5513 to coordinate coverage. This outreach reflects the continued media interest in Rosenda’s Gift and the public’s support for remembrance and advocacy efforts. The vigil stands as both a personal tribute and a public call for change, amplified by the presence of local news.
It’s hard to believe that today marks one year since I lost one of my best friends, Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. One year since everything changed forever. On this day, at exactly 6:35 pm, Rose was walking in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula when her life was stolen by a drunk driver. She was only 14 years old. A kid. A daughter. A girlfriend. A best friend. A sister. A beautiful soul who had her entire life ahead of her, and it was all taken in a moment of careless, selfish choice. The disbelief. The pain. Rose wasn’t just one of my best friends she was my safe place, my biggest supporter, my laugh-until-we-can’t-breathe partner. We have moments that I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. She had the kind of laugh that made everything feel lighter. The kind of heart that made you feel like you mattered. She had dreams of becoming something big, someone who could change the world. And in so many ways, she already had. Everyone who knew her loved her. Everyone who met her remembered her. That’s just the kind of person she was. It’s been 365 days without hearing her voice. 365 days of missing her texts, her hugs, her ft calls, her random jokes. 365 sunsets and sunrises she didn’t get to see. What hurts the most is knowing that her death could’ve been preventable. Someone made the choice to get behind the wheel while drunk. One choice, one second, one selfish moment.. and now a lifetime of grief for everyone who loved her. Drunk driving isn’t an accident. It’s a decision. And its consequences are irreversible. Please, if you ever consider driving under the influence… don’t. Call someone. Wait it out. Think about the people whose lives could be destroyed. Think of Rose. I will never stop missing her. I will never stop talking about her. I will never stop honoring her memory. She deserved so much more time. So much more life. And she deserves justice, remembrance, and change. I love you rose. I miss you. #justiceforrose #LLR #dontdrinkanddrive
https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFctp5S7pmI0lL48k4H5ZqkuTj0f3AwDs-hE80/?img_index=1
It’s hard to believe that today marks one year since I lost one of my best friends, Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley. One year since everything changed forever. On this day, at exactly 6:35 pm, Rose was walking in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula when her life was stolen by a drunk driver. She was only 14 years old. A kid. A daughter. A girlfriend. A best friend. A sister. A beautiful soul who had her entire life ahead of her, and it was all taken in a moment of careless, selfish choice. The disbelief. The pain. Rose wasn’t just one of my best friends she was my safe place, my biggest supporter, my laugh-until-we-can’t-breathe partner. We have moments that I’ll hold onto for the rest of my life. She had the kind of laugh that made everything feel lighter. The kind of heart that made you feel like you mattered. She had dreams of becoming something big, someone who could change the world. And in so many ways, she already had. Everyone who knew her loved her. Everyone who met her remembered her. That’s just the kind of person she was. It’s been 365 days without hearing her voice. 365 days of missing her texts, her hugs, her ft calls, her random jokes. 365 sunsets and sunrises she didn’t get to see. What hurts the most is knowing that her death could’ve been preventable. Someone made the choice to get behind the wheel while drunk. One choice, one second, one selfish moment.. and now a lifetime of grief for everyone who loved her. Drunk driving isn’t an accident. It’s a decision. And its consequences are irreversible. Please, if you ever consider driving under the influence… don’t. Call someone. Wait it out. Think about the people whose lives could be destroyed. Think of Rose. I will never stop missing her. I will never stop talking about her. I will never stop honoring her memory. She deserved so much more time. So much more life. And she deserves justice, remembrance, and change. I love you rose. I miss you. #justiceforrose #LLR #dontdrinkanddrive
May 23, 2025: Melanie's Garden Honoring Rose
May 23, 2025: Melanie's Garden Honoring Rose
Dr. Smiley's favorite cousin Melanie has woven Rose’s legacy into the fabric of her own life, carrying her memory across miles and moments. She honored Rose with a beautifully inked tribute, a rose tattoo that serves as a permanent reminder of love and loss. Her journey took her to the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, where she stood before the commemorative brick she had dedicated to Rose, reflecting on the impact of her cousin’s life. But Melanie’s tribute didn’t end there. Thousands of miles from Running Springs, she planted a flourishing rose garden, ensuring that Rose’s spirit continues to bloom, not just in hearts but in the very soil of a place she never knew. Through these acts of remembrance, Melanie has transformed grief into something enduring, proving that love transcends distance and time.
May 23, 2025: Banner in Running Springs
May 23, 2025: Banner in Running Springs
Rose's friend Aurora had a fantastic idea, which was to rent the billboard in Running Springs to promote Rosenda's Gift. She got the phone number for me, but when I called, the billboard had just been rented out for the next three years. Upon speaking with the owner of the land at that location, he offered to let us put up a banner on the fence there, in perpetuity. Lori designed the banner. She has a talent for these things. We are hoping and praying that more people commit to monthly donations, any amount, large or small. We have received three small donations since the banner went up, so we will take that win. No matter what, the banner contributes to keeping my daughter's name alive. We do it all for her.
May 21, 2025: Court
May 21, 2025: Court
On May 21, 2025, a profound demonstration of love and unwavering support surrounded Rose's family. A multitude of Rose's friends, family members, and dedicated supporters gathered at the Harbor Justice Center, marking a pivotal moment in the relentless pursuit of justice for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley. Rose, a vibrant 14-year-old, had her life tragically taken by a repeat DUI offender on May 25, 2024.
The court held a preliminary hearing for Joseph Alcazar, who faced grave charges including murder, DUI causing injury, and child endangerment. He had pleaded not guilty and remained in custody without bail.
Following the hearing, Lori, Dr. Smiley, and the many who wished to join them proceeded to Rose’s roadside memorial at the northwest corner of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street, just outside Bal Harbor Liquor & Deli. With the collective strength and heartfelt assistance from their steadfast community, the group lovingly rebuilt the memorial. This act of shared remembrance was in preparation for the upcoming May 25 candlelight ceremony, which would mark one year since Rose’s passing.
That day served as both a powerful stand for justice and a deeply emotional reaffirmation of the immense love that continued to surround Rose, a poignant reminder that her radiant light shone brightly through every act of remembrance and every collective step taken toward change. The outpouring of support from so many who cherished Rose was a testament to her enduring impact and the unbreakable bonds she forged.
May 18, 2025: Amelia and Luke at Rose’s Lake Gregory Bench
On May 18, 2025, Amelia, Charles’s older sister, marked a major life milestone: high school graduation and prom. But before the evening's celebrations began, she and her boyfriend Luke chose to honor someone who wouldn’t be there to see her in cap and gown or pose for prom photos of her own.
Together, they visited Rose’s memorial bench at Lake Gregory and took a photo that now carries the weight of joy, absence, and remembrance. Dressed in formal attire and wrapped in each other’s care, their quiet gesture speaks volumes. It was not just about what had been accomplished, but about who had been lost, and what it means to carry love forward.
In that moment, captured beside the engravings that celebrate Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley’s life, Amelia and Luke offered an unspoken promise: that Rose would be part of every chapter still to come, even the ones she herself will never get to live.
May 16, 2025: Cuteness at the Lake Gregory Bench
Rose’s memory continued to resonate deeply with all who loved her, including her boyfriend, Charles, and his family. Charles’s twin brother, Anthony, and his girlfriend, Calli, were also part of Rose’s extended circle. Poignantly, Calli and Rose had only just met the day before Rose's tragic passing, yet that brief encounter had forged a connection that endured.
Recently, a touching set of photographs arrived from Calli’s mother, capturing Calli’s younger sister, Autumn, interacting with Rose’s memorial bench at Lake Gregory. The images showed Autumn playfully climbing on the bench, a heartwarming testament to how Rose's spirit continued to touch new generations and bring moments of innocent joy to her cherished memorial space.
This simple act beautifully highlighted how Rose's love extended beyond her immediate circle, touching the lives of those connected to her friends and family. The bench at Lake Gregory remained a peaceful spot where loved ones, both old and new, could feel close to Rose, ensuring her bright spirit lived on through every shared memory and every visit.
May 11, 2025: A Sanctuary of Shared Memories with Rose
Brooklyn's bedroom serves as a vibrant and deeply personal sanctuary, filled with cherished memories and reflections of her enduring friendship with Rose. The photos reveal a space adorned with elements that speak to their shared passions and history.
Prominently displayed are letters spelling "Sublime" on the wall, a nod to shared interests. A heartwarming picture of Brooklyn and Rose in their elementary school days, proudly sporting their cheerleader uniforms, also takes a special place. This image, along with other mementos, creates a visual narrative of their bond. The room is also decorated with various items that both girls loved, such as whimsical decor like mushroom figurines and a glass box holding dried rose petals, symbolizing lasting beauty and remembrance.
This space is a testament to the profound connection between Brooklyn and Rose, a place where their shared past is celebrated and Rose's spirit continues to be a comforting presence. It beautifully illustrates how love and friendship transcend loss, keeping precious memories alive and vibrant.
May 10, 2025: Letters from the Littlest Years
In the quiet rhythm of a day, Rose’s mom, Glori, opened a drawer and found something extraordinary, a bundle of letters written by Rose and her brother, Cinco, back in elementary school. Dated May 9, 2019, these handwritten notes returned like echoes from a simpler time, when futures were wide open and every dream felt reachable.
Among them was a sweet essay titled "When I Grow Up," in which Rose dreamed of becoming a popstar. Her words, hopeful and earnest, spoke of scholarships, music degrees, and earning $1.00 per album, all laid out with the kind of bright ambition only a child can hold.
The handwriting, the innocence, the imagined future, they ache now with everything she deserved to pursue. These letters are more than childhood keepsakes. They are echoes of Rose’s voice before heartbreak changed the path. Finding them feels like meeting her at the beginning again, full of wonder, possibility, and songs that never had the chance to be sung.
May 10, 2025: Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire (First Day)
May 10, 2025: Running Springs Farmers Market & Artisan Faire (First Day)
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Rosenda’s Gift debuted its first-ever booth at the Running Springs Farmers Market and Artisan Faire, marking a heartfelt step toward sharing Rosenda’s enduring legacy with the wider mountain community.
The booth featured a single, symbolic offering: candles. Simple, steady, and radiating a gentle glow, each candle beautifully embodied the light Rose continued to cast upon those navigating grief and seeking healing. Visitors, drawn by curiosity and a shared sense of humanity, approached with kindness, many sharing poignant stories of their own losses. Some lingered to connect, while others offered quiet nods of understanding and support.
Beyond any fanfare, the vibrant spirit of community resonated through every interaction. The support extended to Rosenda's Gift, unexpected, profoundly heartfelt, and sincere, served as a powerful testament to the enduring love surrounding Rose’s memory. Her light manifested in every spark of genuine connection, every shared glance at the soft glow of remembrance, and every compassionate word exchanged across the booth.
That morning transcended a mere fundraiser; it marked a profound beginning. It signaled that Rose’s compassion, so abundant in her life, would continue to extend its reach to grieving families, one radiant candle at a time.
May 10, 2025: Ocean Beach
On this peaceful afternoon in San Diego, Glori and Chris stood beside a tribute woven into the heart of Newport Avenue—a commemorative brick reading:
♡ SWEET GIRL ♡
ROSENDA SMILEY
FOREVER LOVED
Chris led the way in making this installation happen, ensuring Rose’s memory has a lasting place in a neighborhood filled with life, light, and ocean air. This marks the third of four bricks in the San Diego area—a quiet constellation of remembrance, each one a symbol of love that won’t fade.
It’s moments like these that remind us: while grief may echo in silence, love always leaves its trace.
May 9, 2025: The Ripple Effect: A Young Advocate’s Fight Against Drunk Driving
May 9, 2025: The Ripple Effect: A Young Advocate’s Fight Against Drunk Driving
At just 12 years old, Layla Alessandro has turned grief into advocacy, using her voice to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving. In a heartfelt school presentation, Layla shared the story of her cousin Rose, who was killed by a drunk driver in Newport Beach, California. Determined to make a difference, she educated her classmates on how reckless decisions can have life-altering impacts—not just for the driver but for entire families and communities. Layla’s project, presented in both English and Spanish, serves as a powerful reminder that even young voices can create meaningful change. Through education and conversation, she hopes to inspire others to think before they act and help prevent future tragedies.
May 7, 2025: Justice for Rose, Forever
A photo of Belle's laptop reveals a touching and powerful tribute to her friend. On the laptop's surface is a sticker that reads "Justice for Rose," a clear and permanent symbol of her commitment to seeking accountability for the tragedy. The sticker serves as a constant reminder that Rose's memory is not just a personal one, but a call to action. Belle's choice to carry this message with her in her daily life shows how Rose's friends continue to fight for justice and ensure her legacy is honored with strength and love.
May 6, 2025: A Sunset Reflection
This poignant image captures a breathtaking sunset, serving as a backdrop for a heartfelt message from Brooklyn Rangel. Her words beautifully articulate the profound sense of missing Rose, even months after her passing, and how Rose's presence continues to be an encouraging force. It's a touching reminder that Rose's light, like the setting sun, continues to inspire and bring peace, forever cherished in the hearts of those who love her.
May 4, 2025: Cleaning Rose's Bathroom
May 4, 2025: Cleaning Rose's Bathroom
A difficult update to write. Rose had her own bathroom. She was not great at keeping it clean. I would ask her again and again to clean it. I think she knew that sooner or later, I would do it for her. I enjoyed doing things for Rose. I feel like it strengthened our bond.
We had a very strong father-daughter bond. We had rough spots, of course, but I think our bond was special. When she died, her bathroom needed to be cleaned. I tried a couple of times and broke down. I couldn't do it. It was just too heartbreaking knowing it would be the last time I did that for her. Finally, last weekend I cleaned her bathroom. It took me three hours. I cried for... I don't know how long.
Towards the end, I got in a groove, and I felt close to her. It will always be Rose's bathroom, but it's Cinco's bathroom now, too. I consolidated Rose's bathroom items so that Cinco can have half. I am not ready to get rid of anything that belongs to Rose. I already can't find Shamu and all the expensive jewelry that I bought her.
The shower has a hand-held that leaks, and I remember thinking I could have Rose tell Cinco how this works before realizing that Rose was dead. Acceptance is still difficult. I miss her more than words could possibly express.
Unless you've lost a child, it is difficult to explain. Think of the worst pain you have ever felt, emotionally, psychologically, or physically. The pain of my daughter's death is 1000 times worse than that pain, and it never goes away, not even when I sleep.
On Sunday May 25th, 2025 it will be one year that Rose Smiley was taken from this life. We will be holding a candlelight vigil to commemorate the day. For those that are not local that want to participate, please contact me for the zoom link by text or DM. All candles to be lit by 6:47 pm. Everybody is welcome.
DrFillmore Lewis Smiley IV
Fillmore Smiley
Brooklyn Rangel
Charles Garcia
Cheryl O’Keefe
Crystal Collins
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJQTr6CpHjPnIYkkrWxei3z5mYp3AjHvE8N-FI0/
May 4, 2025: Standing Together for Rose
As we approach one year since Rose’s life was taken, her friends continue to speak with courage and love. In a recent post, one voice calls for collective support at the upcoming May 21st pre-trial hearing, a reminder that Rose’s life mattered deeply, and that the impact of one reckless decision has left a void too vast to measure.
This message isn’t just a plea for attendance; it’s a testament to love, to community, and to the power of showing up when it matters most. Let us gather, united in heartbreak and hope, to ensure that justice sees the full weight of her absence and the strength of those who carry her memory forward.
May 2, 2025: A Beautiful Tribute in Art
Rose's friend Giselle Thornberg, a truly talented artist, created a beautiful painting as a heartfelt tribute to her friend. The painting, which showcases a bouquet of deep red roses against a textured, earthy background, is a powerful symbol of Rose's memory. Giselle has a special gift for capturing Rose's essence in her art, and this piece is no exception. It serves as a stunning reminder that Rose's beauty and spirit continue to inspire those who loved her, with her memory blooming brightly in the creative expressions of her friends.
Brooklyn shared two heartfelt videos honoring Rosenda Smiley. Her message was gentle and sincere, reflecting the quiet strength of someone deeply moved by Rose’s memory.
In the video, Brooklyn points out places around Rim High School where students have etched “LLR,” a touching tribute meaning “Live Like Rose.” These markings are quiet declarations of love and remembrance, woven into the fabric of everyday life on campus.
Her tribute is a reminder that remembrance doesn’t always need grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the soft-spoken love and shared rituals that linger longest.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Kk0whUOAWj0
May 1, 2025: Plaque for Rosenda’s Bench
The City of Rialto dedicated a heartfelt plaque to a public park bench at Jerry Eaves Park, honoring the memory of Rosenda Smiley. The bench, generously donated and installed by the Rialto Parks Department, sits among vibrant soccer fields, walking trails, and picnic shelters, a space now filled with both community life and quiet reflection.
Rosenda’s Gift proudly provided the plaque, which features words and imagery that beautifully captured Rosenda’s radiant spirit. This dedication marked a meaningful collaboration between advocacy, remembrance, and municipal support, creating a lasting tribute to Rose.
The location holds deep personal significance for Rose’s family. Her mother, Glori, lives just five minutes away, ensuring she has a peaceful and permanent place close to home to reflect, grieve, and feel connected to her daughter. This memorial is a fitting and emotionally rooted tribute, as Rose had split her time between Rialto and Running Springs since December 2020.
This bench now serves as a cherished place of comfort for Rosenda’s family and the wider community. It also stands as a powerful example of how memorial bench programs, like those offered by local parks departments, can provide families with accessible and lasting tributes in public spaces, embodying Rosenda's Gift's mission to build places of healing and remembrance.
April 28, 2025: A Rose Carried Close
A friend of Rose's shared a touching photograph on Snapchat, showing a delicate necklace with a small, precious pendant. The friend pointed out the beauty of the charm with the caption, "idk if you can see it or not but there's a rose." This small, elegant detail, worn so close to the heart, is a beautiful and intimate symbol of how Rose's memory is always with her friends. It shows that even in the smallest moments, her spirit is cherished and carried with love.
April 28, 2025: Etched in Love: Tattoos for Rose
At Lost in Time Art Studio in Redlands, CA, two memorial tattoos became lasting expressions of grief, love, and loyalty. On April 28, Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas entrusted artist Aaron Funk with marking their skin in honor of Rose, each design reflecting the profound personal ache of her absence and the unyielding strength of their bond.
Dr. Smiley chose a heart torn from and compressed within his chest, an image so visceral, it spoke the language of sorrow without needing words. Lori selected a seahorse, symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and fidelity. Its delicate form carried with it quiet defiance and enduring grace, qualities she carries with her as she continues to honor Rose’s life.
Nestled within the studio’s vibrant mural work was the Rosenda’s Gift plaque, quietly present among the color and creation. In that peaceful space, Rose’s memory took shape in ink and silence, grief transfigured into art, and love made visible, permanent, and true.
April 22, 2025: My Favorite Angel
In a beautiful, sun-drenched photograph, Rose's friend Addisen Andriesen shared a cherished memory with the caption "my favorite angel." The photo captures a joyful day outdoors, with Rose and Addisen together, and Rose's mom, Glori, smiling brightly in the foreground. It is a heartfelt reminder of the laughter and friendship they shared, and a testament to the enduring love that connects Rose's friends and family. This simple, loving post shows how Rose's spirit continues to be a source of light, even in moments of quiet reflection and shared friendship.
April 21, 2025: Visit to Rosenda Smiley Memorial Site
A moment of quiet, heartbreaking reflection unfolded at the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street. It was here, outside Bal Harbor Liquor & Deli, that Rosenda's beautiful life was tragically cut short.
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas visited this sacred space to honor Rose, but the visit held a profound and painful weight. They were there not only to remember her but to take down the roadside memorial that had been lovingly placed by family and friends. Each flower, each personal tribute, was a tangible expression of grief and an anchor to her memory.
The necessity of removing it added a layer of profound sadness to an already difficult day, a final, painful act of letting go in the place where her vibrant spirit departed.
April 19, 2025: A Friend's Unwavering Support
The photo captures a flyer for a "Free Golf Clinic @ Chipeta" hosted by Eloy Vendegna, a PGA Golf Professional. The flyer, which is a powerful testament to the bond between best friends, states that "Donations to Benefit Rosenda Smiley." Eloy, Dr. Smiley's best friend since high school, has demonstrated his incredible character through his selfless and compassionate support. Despite facing his own difficult personal circumstances with his wife’s health, he has consistently dedicated his time and energy to raising money, first for Rose’s memorials and now for Rosenda’s Gift. This act of unwavering friendship and generosity is a beautiful and inspiring example of Eloy’s kind, compassionate, and unwavering integrity.
April 18, 2025: Honoring Rose at Rim Recreation
April 18, 2025: Honoring Rose at Rim Recreation
Honoring Rosenda’s Legacy, Rim Recreation, Rimforest, CA
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas visit Rim Recreation to retrieve the original poly-plate plaque they previously donated in honor of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley. In its place, they install a newly crafted titanium plaque, designed not only for durability, but with deeper intention and care. This upgraded tribute reflects Rose’s personal connection to Rim Rec and her joyful years participating in its programs.
The updated plaque features a thoughtfully refined design, featuring radiant language, an elegant layout, and a QR code linking to her broader story.
It celebrates Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley’s luminous spirit, highlighting her creativity, joy, and years of dedication to dance and theater. The visit is a moment of continuation and grace, acknowledging the evolution of her remembrance while reaffirming her presence in the heart of the Running Springs community.
This quiet visit marks not just an upgrade in materials but a deepening of remembrance, anchoring Rose’s story even more firmly into the spaces where her spirit lives on.
April 18, 2025: Honoring Rose at the San Bernardino Animal Shelter
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas visit the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter to care for Rosenda’s custom metal memorial bench, originally installed as a lasting tribute to her love of animals and her enduring community presence.
The visit includes restoring a chip on the leg of the bench using a specialized repair spray, generously provided at no cost by Richard Fillerup of Smith Steelworks, the bench’s original fabricators.
Crafted as a 6-foot Classic Arch bench from 3/16 inch laser-cut steel plate, fully welded and powder-coated in Steel Grey, the design reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and resilience.
Rosenda’s father and stepmother completed the restoration, making this a shared act of love, maintenance, and continued remembrance.
This quiet but meaningful upkeep underscores our long-term commitment to caring for Rosenda’s memorials, not only in their creation, but in their lasting integrity.
The memorial bench stands as a lasting tribute to a life that was tragically cut short, a reminder of the powerful emotions that remain. Her life and legacy were even featured in the Alpine Mountaineer article, "Remembering a stolen life," a testament to the community's shared grief and the enduring impact Rose had on those around her.
April 18, 2025: Honoring Rose at the San Bernardino Humane Society
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas visit the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley to view a newly installed commemorative brick honoring Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley. Nestled in the organization’s peaceful memorial garden, a space dedicated to compassion and remembrance, the brick reflects Rose’s deep love for animals and her gentle, nurturing heart.
Sponsored by Jennifer and Faith Ehrman, this is the seventh commemorative brick placed in Rose’s name. The inscription reads:
SWEET PRETTY
ROSENDA SMILEY
12/5/9, 5/25/24
Though Rose was too young to remember the Humane Society herself, the location holds deep personal meaning. For the first 20 months of her life, the family lived in San Bernardino and brought their pets here for care. The visit is both emotional and grounding, connecting past and present, memory and place.
For Dr. Smiley, San Bernardino is more than a city. It is where he met Glori, where his children were born, and where life began to shift in profound ways. This brick, placed just blocks from their former home and near the hospital where Rose was born, becomes more than a tribute, it becomes a circle gently closing, a legacy rooted in love and return.
April 17, 2025: ROWUSD School Board Meeting
The Rim of the World Unified School District Board unanimously approved the donation of a memorial bench in honor of Rosenda Smiley. The bench, generously gifted by the Smiley Family, will be placed at Mountain High School, which also houses Rim Virtual Academy, where Rosenda completed her final semester.
This location holds special meaning. Rosenda had been eagerly anticipating her freshman year at Rim High School and was deeply connected to her academic journey through the virtual academy. This memorial not only reflects her dedication and dreams but also honors the nurturing community that supported her along the way.
This will be the 12th bench dedicated in Rosenda’s memory, continuing a growing network of love and remembrance. The emotional weight of this bench speaks volumes to those who knew and loved Rose. This ongoing gesture is a testament to how one beautiful life can ripple outward, touching hearts, shaping spaces, and reminding us all to lead with love.
April 17, 2025: A Heartfelt Corner of Remembrance
Rose’s boyfriend, Charles Garcia, shared a touching photograph of a special corner in his room dedicated to her memory. The image shows a beautifully arranged space featuring a framed photo of Rose, a box of "Muddy Buddies" (a favorite snack), and other heartfelt tributes, serving as a testament to their "forever love." Illuminated by soft, colorful lighting, this corner serves as a personal sanctuary, a place where Charles can feel her presence and reflect on the memories they shared. It is a powerful and intimate reminder of the lasting impact Rose had on her friends and how they continue to honor her with love and devotion.
In a heartfelt video shared on April 17, 2025, Belle offered a tender tribute to Rosenda Smiley. Her message was filled with warmth, remembrance, and quiet strength, capturing the enduring love she holds for Rose.
Though brief, the video reflected Belle’s deep connection and the emotional impact Rosenda continues to have on those who knew her. It served as a reminder that love lives on in shared memories, spoken words, and the simple act of showing up to honor someone who meant the world.
April 16, 2025: You Made the Sky Beautiful Tonight
Rose's friend Emily Rose shared a poignant and beautiful Facebook post, a photograph of a dramatic evening sky over what appears to be a motel or apartment complex with a pool. She captioned the photo with a heartfelt message: "You made the sky look amazingly beautiful tonight rose i love and miss you endlessly sweet angel." The post is a touching reminder of how Rose's friends see her in the beauty of the world around them. It shows how a simple sunset can become a profound moment of connection, a way for those who loved her to feel her presence and express their enduring love.
April 16, 2025: A Heartfelt Tribute at the Humane Society
We are so touched to share that Rose's commemorative brick has been installed at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Memorial Garden! This special tribute, lovingly sponsored by Faith and Jennifer, is a beautiful reflection of Rose's deep compassion and her nurturing heart, especially for animals.
Located between the fountain and the Admin doors, closer to the Admin doors side, this brick now rests in a peaceful garden dedicated to compassion and remembrance. Just as Rose brought kindness to every life she touched, this lasting memorial symbolizes the care, warmth, and joy she gave so freely, and the enduring legacy of love she continues to leave behind.
#MissingRose #JusticeForRose #rosendaslaw #changingtheworld #rosendasgift #heartbreak #Heartache #LLR
April 15, 2025: Lake Gregory and Twin Peaks
April 15, 2025: Lake Gregory and Twin Peaks
On a beautiful day, Rosenda’s nana, Christine Smiley, captured two powerful moments of remembrance.
In one tender, candid moment at Lake Gregory, she photographed a visitor seated on Rosenda’s custom memorial bench, quietly gazing across the water with her dogs. The bench, a 6-foot Classic Arch design powder-coated in Steel Grey, stands exactly where it was meant to be, beneath an oak tree across from the dog park. This image is a living testament to the bench's purpose: offering rest, reflection, and connection, one quiet moment at a time.
The day also brought a visit to Smart Pants Preschool, where another memorial bench stands as a vibrant tribute to Rose’s memory. Painted her favorite shade of pink, the bench sits in a space filled with childhood joy, surrounded by brightly colored toys and games. Rose’s name is beautifully inscribed on the front, a loving reminder of her vibrant spirit in a place dedicated to the innocence and wonder of youth. These two memorials, in their distinct settings, perfectly capture the full spectrum of Rose's life and the lasting impact she has on her community.
April 12, 2025: Dual Tributes in San Diego
A significant day for Rosenda’s Gift, as two new commemorative bricks honoring Rose were finally installed in San Diego, just 15 minutes apart.
At the Don Diego Legacy Brick at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, located near the Legacy Fountain, a brick now celebrates Rose’s vibrant spirit and the unforgettable joy she brought. This installation came after a persistent effort to get confirmation from the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation, with a special thank you to the brick wholesaler for their assistance in getting Ashley Colburn McCaughan to finally send the photo.
Meanwhile, at the revered Mount Soledad Memorial Park in La Jolla, a brick has been placed among heroes in front of wall B. This tribute commemorates Rose’s strength, bravery, and the profound impact she made. We received confirmation and a map from Breanna Coney-Hart of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Office.
Both of these bricks stand as powerful symbols of Rose's enduring legacy, one celebrating her joyful nature in a place of community and tradition, and the other affirming her strength and love among those remembered with deepest reverence.
April 12, 2025: Firehouse Park Bench
April 12, 2025: Firehouse Park Bench
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas make a brief visit to Firehouse Memorial Park to check on Rosenda’s custom bench. Nestled in the heart of her home park, the bench remains in excellent condition, clean, sturdy, and beautifully situated beneath the trees. Though the visit is short, it offers a quiet moment of connection and care, reaffirming the importance of tending to the spaces that hold Rosenda’s memory.
April 12, 2025: A Rose for a New Home
In a beautiful and meaningful moment, Rose’s friend Kylee Beaver shared a photograph of a stunning pink rose from her garden. The rose, captured in full, vibrant bloom, held a special significance: it was the first rose to open the day Kylee moved into her new house. She posted the photo with a caption celebrating this tender moment, a gentle reminder that Rose's spirit continues to touch the lives of those she loved. This simple, breathtaking image shows how Rose’s memory continues to bloom in the everyday lives of her friends, bringing beauty and comfort where it is most needed.
April 11, 2025: Firehouse Park & Rocky’s Roadhouse
April 11, 2025: Firehouse Park & Rocky’s Roadhouse
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Locations: Firehouse Memorial Park and Rocky’s Roadhouse, Running Springs, CA
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas, known as “Lormore,” spent moments heartfelt afternoon honoring the memory of Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley in her hometown of Running Springs. The afternoon began at Firehouse Memorial Park, where the recently installed ornate bench now serves as a permanent tribute to Rose’s vibrant spirit and enduring legacy. Nestled among the trees of the park she loved and frequented from childhood into her teenage years, this bench represents the culmination of tireless efforts to ensure Rose is never forgotten in the community she called home.
From early childhood to just days before her passing, Rose made countless memories at Firehouse Park, laughing with her brother, making friends, and soaking up the mountain air. That bench now stands as both a place of reflection and a promise: that Rose’s presence will forever be felt in the spaces she cherished most.
Following their time at the park, Lormore continued their journey of remembrance at Rocky’s Roadhouse, one of Rose’s favorite local spots. There, a plaque lovingly honors the extraordinary love between Rose and her boyfriend, Charles Garcia. Their bond was more than youthful affection; it was deep, devoted, and transformative. The plaque, displayed in the cozy restaurant where so many memories were made, stands as a testament to a love that continues to grow even in absence. Charlie carries her light forward with courage and tenderness, and the plaque at Rocky’s ensures her warmth will always linger there.
Together, these two memorials, one at the heart of the town’s beloved park and the other nestled in the warmth of Charlie's family's restaurant, reflect the many facets of Rosenda’s life: her joy, her relationships, and her enduring impact on those who loved her. This day of remembrance was not only about grief, but about gratitude, for the places, the people, and the love that continue to honor Rose in the most beautiful ways.
April 11, 2025: Visit to Memorial Site
A Mother’s Quiet Tribute at Balboa Peninsula
Outside Bal Harbor Liquor & Deli, at the corner of Balboa Boulevard and Palm Street in Newport Beach, the roadside memorial for Rosenda Smiley remains a gentle, heartfelt landmark, nurtured by the ongoing love of her mother, Glori Smiley.
On a quiet afternoon, Glori returned to the site that honors her daughter’s memory. With fresh flowers in hand, she carefully cleaned each laminated photo and paused to reflect on the joy, strength, and radiant spirit Rosenda brought to the world.
This was more than a visit. It was an enduring gesture of remembrance, an affirmation that love does not fade, and that Rose’s presence continues to shine through the care devoted to this sacred space. For those who pass by, it’s a visible reminder that behind every tribute is a story, and behind every story is a mother’s unbreakable bond.
April 10, 2025:Sunsets for Rose
Rose’s friends have been sharing beautiful sunset photos, each one a poignant reminder of her love for these peaceful moments. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a palette of warm colors, her friends are reminded of Rose and her vibrant spirit. These images, captured from different perspectives and locations, collectively show how Rose's memory lives on in the beauty of the world around us. Her love for sunsets has become a shared legacy, a way for her friends to feel her presence and find comfort in the simple, breathtaking moments of the day.
April 9, 2025: A Place to Connect
At Firehouse Park in Running Springs, Rose's memorial bench continues to be a place of comfort and connection for her friends. A photo captures Emily Rose and Olivia seated together on the bench, sharing a quiet moment of reflection. Their presence is a beautiful reminder that Rose's memory is a gathering place, a space where friends can find solace in their shared love for her. The bench stands as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the way Rose's spirit continues to bring people together.
April 9, 2025: A Message of Comfort
A local resident and acquaintance from the Line Fire, Jeremiah Chew, sent a deeply moving message with a comforting message about Rose. He shared that he had a vivid dream where he saw Rose hugging her father and telling him, "dad it's okay to let me go I'm safe now." Though he has never met Rose, he felt her image was "embedded" in his mind. The message offered a moment of quiet solace and a beautiful reminder that love transcends all barriers.
April 8, 2025: Lunch with Rose
Brooklyn’s lunch break at Rim High School was a special moment of remembrance. She chose to sit at Rose's memorial bench, a place where her friend's memory lives on. The photos capture her enjoying a quiet meal, with a beautiful plaque of Rose visible behind her. This simple act is a powerful reminder that Rose remains a part of the everyday lives of her friends, and that her memory continues to bring comfort and presence to those who miss her.
April 7, 2025: Visit to Memorial Site
On the Balboa Peninsula, outside Bal Harbor Liquor & Deli, a sacred space of tenderness and devotion has been created in Rosenda’s memory.
In a shared moment of love and purpose, Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas returned to this spot to care for Rose's tribute. They brought fresh flowers, gently tended to the laminated photographs, and ensured the space radiated the dignity and warmth that defined her legacy.
This was not just a visit, but an act of enduring promise. It was a commitment to maintain beauty where heartbreak once struck, turning grief into a visible devotion. The memorial, like the life it honors, speaks softly and powerfully: that love remains, and remembrance continues one heartfelt gesture at a time.
April 6, 2025: Sky for Rose
Emily Rose, one of Rose’s friends, shared a heartfelt message beneath a dusky sky, writing: “You made the sky look amazingly beautiful tonight, Rose. I love and miss you endlessly, sweet angel.” Her words, paired with the soft twilight and glowing lights, capture how Rose’s memory continues to color the world with quiet beauty. Emily’s growing involvement in our efforts adds yet another layer of love to the legacy we’re building in Rose’s name.
April 5, 2025: Pilgrimage to Coyote Rock
April 5, 2025: Pilgrimage to Coyote Rock
Dr. Smiley, along with Lori, Christine, and Ryan, makes a heartfelt pilgrimage to Coyote Rock, Rose’s favorite outdoor place, to honor her memory. The journey reflects deep gratitude, shared purpose, and enduring love. With each step, they carry Rose’s spirit into the natural world she cherished, affirming their commitment to remembrance and connection.
April 4, 2025: A Sweet Tribute at Rocket Fizz
April 4, 2025: A Sweet Tribute at Rocket Fizz
🍬Rocket Fizz in Lake Arrowhead Village now holds a tribute as sweet as the memories it represents. A titanium memorial plaque honoring Rosenda “Rose” Elizabeth Smiley is permanently installed in this beloved candy shop, a place Rose treasures for its retro charm, fizzy joy, and the laughter she so often shares here with friends.
This plaque captures more than words. It reflects a bright spirit, a playful heart, and a life that brings warmth to those around her. With every nostalgic candy wrapper and every pop of a soda cap, Rose’s joyful energy lingers in the aisles of Rocket Fizz, a shop she calls her happy place.
Generously supported through community donations, the plaque is not only a tribute to her memory, it is a call for change. It stands as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and a symbol of our shared determination to create a safer world in her honor.
Standing in solidarity are Justin, the store’s owner, and Kaylee, the general manager, whose kindness and generosity have made this tribute possible. Their support speaks volumes about the strength of the Lake Arrowhead community and the love that continues to surround Rose.
With this installation, Rocket Fizz becomes more than a store, it becomes a place of remembrance, advocacy, and enduring connection, forever echoing the laughter, spirit, and courage of a young girl who will always be part of the village she so deeply loves.
April 4, 2025: A Thoughtful Act
April 4, 2025: A Thoughtful Act
On April 4, 2025, Aaron Pembid, a new friend met serendipitously in Highland, CA, visited the Sacramento SPCA and sent back a heartfelt photo of the commemorative brick dedicated to Rosenda “Rose” Smiley. Nestled into the Adoption Center walkway, the brick reads:
SWEET BEAUTIFUL
ROSENDA ❤️ SMILEY
12/05/09 – 5/25/24
This tribute perfectly reflects your ongoing project to place memorials in spaces that embody Rose’s values, especially her love for animals. The brick honors her gentle spirit and continues Rosenda’s Gift’s mission to help families create lasting, meaningful public tributes. Its presence within a space devoted to animal welfare reinforces her legacy of empathy, kindness, and healing.
April 4, 2025: The Mystery of Addisen's Spotify – Could It Be Rose?
On April 4, 2025, something curious and emotionally stirring happened in Dr. Smiley’s home. Without warning, Addisen’s Spotify account began playing on the television in his bedroom, even though she had never logged into that device. Addisen now lives in Georgia, making the moment even more striking. The song that began to play was “In My Mind” by Lyn Lapid, a track beloved by both Addisen and Rose, and deeply connected to their shared memories.
What made the moment more mysterious was that, at the same time, Addisen’s Spotify had logged out unexpectedly on her end. Alexa suggested that Addisen may have logged into that TV when it was previously in Ashlynn’s room. However, that theory doesn’t explain how the app launched on its own, or why the television began playing Spotify, a service Dr. Smiley had never accessed on that device.
Later, Addisen reflected with Dr. Smiley on how much she misses Rose. The unexplained occurrence felt more than coincidental, perhaps a small, unprovable, but deeply felt sign. Whether a strange technical quirk or something more spiritual, the moment prompted reflection on how love might linger beyond logic and time, finding unexpected ways to reach out.
Whether one sees it as a quirk of tech or a whisper from beyond, the experience has left us wondering if love can find a way to speak, even through silence and signal. In moments like these, mystery and memory seem to meet, reminding us that connection may defy even the boundaries we thought were immovable.
April 1, 2025: Visit to Rose's bench at New Life Facility in Apple Valley
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Andrade pause at New Life Facility before the pink recycled-plastic bench honoring Rosenda “Rose” Smiley, a vibrant fourteen-year-old whose laughter and kindness still inspire all who remember her. This simple tribute arrives as an act of enduring love, transforming grief into a gentle place of remembrance.
Donated by Rosenda’s Gift, the bench embodies the nonprofit’s mission to help families honor their loved ones through meaningful, lasting memorials. Its bright hue and recycled form echo Rose’s playful spirit and resilience, inviting every visitor to connect with her story and find comfort in shared memory.
As each person rests upon its sturdy slats, they feel Rose’s light guiding them toward hope and healing. In this act of remembrance, Rosenda’s Gift shows us that love can bloom even in the wake of loss, creating beauty and community out of sorrow.
March 29, 2025, Showing People Rose's Bench on the Yearly Awareness Walk
On Saturday afternoon, over the quiet waters of Lake Gregory, we gathered for the annual Walk for Drinking and Driving Awareness, a day rooted in remembrance, community, and the unwavering love we carry for Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley.
One of the most moving moments came as we paused at Rose’s memorial bench. Surrounded by trees, friends, and family in pink “JusticeForRose” shirts, we stood in reflection. The bench, inscribed with “Honoring Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley”, is more than metal and floral design; it’s a place where grief meets grace, where stories are shared, and where healing begins.
Every step taken in this year’s walk was a testament to the lives affected by impaired driving. We walked not just in memory, but in purpose, calling for change, honoring survivors, and supporting families who know this pain too well.
March 24, 2025: Visit to Memorial Site
Dr. Fillmore Smiley and Lori Thomas visited Rosenda’s roadside memorial on the Balboa Peninsula. The visit was a quiet and heartfelt act of love, where they brought fresh flowers, tended to her laminated photos, and cared for the space. It was a beautiful promise kept, a moment to reflect, to grieve, and to ensure that the dignity and love that defined Rose's life continue to radiate from this special place.
March 21, 2025: Visit to Memorial Site
Glori Smiley visited Rosenda’s roadside memorial in Newport Beach, joined by her niece, Layla Allesandro, and their gentle companion, Brixie. Together, they placed fresh flowers, lovingly cleaned the laminated photos, and tended to the space with quiet devotion. The visit offered a moment of shared reflection and care, honoring Rosenda’s enduring presence in their lives.
JUSTICE FOR ROSE
If you can help donate or support the GoFundMe by sharing the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/create-a-lasting-legacy-for-rose
#justice4Rose #LLR #LiveLikeRose #LoveLikeRose #forever14
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_BXQ2rSAFZ7zw-qR3Brvu4hgrBl9RlrYskops0/
Video Tribute: Watch Here
This video was shared in a moment of overwhelming grief, when the pain of loss eclipsed words, and only music and memory could speak. Set to Easy Like Sunday Morning, it offers a quiet, aching tribute to Rose: a soul whose presence softened the world, and whose absence reshaped it.
To accompany it, this poem by E. E. Cummings speaks to the paradox of progress and the fragility of what is truly born. In the face of tragedy, it reminds us that there is still wonder, still mystery, and perhaps, just beyond reach, a better universe waiting.
Cummings critiques a society consumed by technological advancement, where empathy fades and nature is forgotten. His words echo the sorrow of a world that chooses artificiality over connection, and offer a haunting contrast to the gentle humanity Rose embodied.
pity this busy monster, manunkind,
not. Progress is a comfortable disease:
your victim (death and life safely beyond)
plays with the bigness of his littleness
--- electrons deify one razorblade
into a mountainrange; lenses extend
unwish through curving wherewhen till unwish
returns on its unself.
A world of made
is not a world of born --- pity poor flesh
and trees, poor stars and stones, but never this
fine specimen of hypermagical
ultraomnipotence. We doctors know
a hopeless case if --- listen: there's a hell
of a good universe next door; let's go
—E. E. Cummings
In this context, the poem becomes more than critique—it becomes elegy. It mourns not only what was lost, but the world that allowed such loss. And in its final line, it dares to imagine something better. For Rose, for all of us.
🎥Video Tribute: Watch Here
This video is a solemn, haunting tribute to Rose, set to Elton John’s Funeral for a Friend, a composition that carries the weight of finality and the ache of remembrance. It is not just a farewell, but a meditation on the passage from life into memory, and from memory into eternity.
Accompanying the music is Emily Dickinson’s Because I could not stop for Death, a poem that personifies death not as a terror, but as a quiet companion. In its measured cadence, Dickinson invites us to consider the stillness of the journey beyond, where time folds inward and eternity begins.
Because I could not stop for Death —
Emily Dickinson
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –
We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –
Or rather – He passed Us –
The Dews drew quivering and Chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –
We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –
Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity –
This pairing of music and verse invites reflection not only on the nature of death, but on the grace with which Rose lived, and the quiet, enduring presence she leaves behind. It is a carriage ride through memory, through sorrow, and toward something eternal.
August 8, 2024: Treasured Connections Endure
Dr. Smiley's heart was filled with a bittersweet joy during a visit with two of Rose's dearest friends, Brooklyn and Aurora. Brooklyn, whom he has known since TK, and Aurora, since Kindergarten, have always been like family.
It was so wonderful to catch up with these two amazing young women. Their visits always bring back cherished memories, and Dr. Smileye misses so badly the days when Rose's laughter filled his home with all her friends around. These moments, though tinged with sadness, are powerful reminders that Rose's spirit continues to live on through the friendships she forged and all the love that remains.
A heartfelt video shared on Facebook continues to stir hearts.
The video is filled with laughter, light, and the quiet grace Rose carried through every moment.
This tribute captures glimpses of her spirit that remain vivid in the lives she touched, offering a space for remembrance, reflection, and connection.
Whether it’s her smile in the sun, a shared moment with loved ones, or the way she moved through the world with kindness, this video reminds us why we continue to gather, remember, and advocate in her name.
Thank you to everyone who continues to share memories, stories, and love for Rose. Your presence is part of the legacy we build together.
June 16, 2024: Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley Celebration of Life Video
Rose was born on 12/5/2009 and left this life on 5/25/2024
Her life was stolen by a drunk driver.
Rose's song from her father was "You Remind Me of You",
Rose's song from her mother was "You Are My Sunshine."
A song was selected from her personal playlist.
Rose's brother chose "Into the Unknown" from the Frozen soundtrack.
Rose's boyfriend picked "Heavens Lucky to have you"
🌹 Summary: Celebration of Life for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley
🌹 Summary: Celebration of Life for Rosenda “Rose” Smiley
This deeply moving tribute video honors the life and spirit of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley, born December 5, 2009, and tragically lost to a suspected drunk driver on May 25, 2024 youtube.com.
Personal Details: Rose was just 14 years old—a vibrant eighth grader whose promising life was cut short.
Family’s Remembrance: Her father arranged a touching musical tribute titled “You …,” reflecting the depth of their bond and the love that endures.
Photographic & Video Montage: The compilation shares heartfelt snapshots of Rose—her laughter, everyday moments, and the joy she brought to family and friends.
Message of Loss and Love: Accompanied by soft music and home video footage, the tribute evokes a sense of profound loss while also celebrating the warmth and light she infused into every moment.
🕯️ Takeaway
🕯️ Takeaway
This video serves as both a solemn memorial and a tender celebration: a way to remember who Rose was, what she meant to those around her, and the love that continues to surround her memory.
https://youtu.be/mL0UT0fwIfc?si=1xdZopXnWsCuqcj8
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