San Marino is known for its gracious older homes on generous lots, many of them decades old and built to a standard that predates modern central air. When the cooling fails in one of these homes on a hot San Gabriel Valley afternoon, the homeowner wants a repair done properly, with respect for the house and an honest diagnosis of what went wrong. Understanding how AC repair works in these established homes helps a San Marino homeowner get the right fix without overpaying.
Green Planet Heating and Air serves San Marino and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, with over twenty years of Southern California experience and a state license on file (CSLB #894993). The company approaches cooling problems the way any homeowner would want, with honest diagnosis and clear, upfront pricing. Knowing what tends to go wrong in these older homes, and what a good repair involves, puts a homeowner in a stronger position when the AC quits.
Older Homes and Retrofitted Cooling
Many San Marino homes had their air conditioning added years after they were built, which shapes how those systems behave and fail. Retrofitted cooling often runs through ductwork that was fitted into an older structure, and that ductwork may be aging, undersized, or awkwardly routed. A system working through compromised ducts strains harder and fails sooner, and it may leave some rooms poorly served even when the equipment itself is sound.
This is why a proper diagnosis matters so much in these homes. Weak cooling might come from the air conditioner, but it might equally come from the ductwork losing conditioned air before it reaches the rooms. Good AC repair in San Marino starts by identifying the true source of the problem rather than assuming the equipment is at fault, because fixing the wrong thing wastes the homeowner's money and leaves the real issue in place to resurface in the next heat wave.
Retrofitted ductwork often underperforms
Air conditioning added to an older home years after it was built often runs through ductwork fitted into an existing structure, which can be undersized or awkwardly routed and may not distribute air evenly.
Duct losses masquerade as AC problems
Conditioned air lost through leaky or poorly routed ducts can make an air conditioner seem weak when the equipment is actually fine, so uneven cooling in an older home is frequently a duct issue.
Long runtimes wear parts faster
Systems that run for long stretches through a hot San Gabriel Valley summer tend to fail at their weakest component, which is why marginal parts often give out during the first sustained heat wave.
Certain failures recur in San Marino's older homes. Capacitors give out under the strain of long runtimes through the extended cooling season. Refrigerant issues surface when a system that was marginal in spring is pushed to full capacity in summer heat. Aging systems that were installed years ago simply reach the end of their service life. And ductwork problems masquerade as equipment failures, sending homeowners chasing the wrong fix.
Each of these has a real solution, but each needs proper diagnosis rather than a guess. A system blowing warm air might have a refrigerant leak, a failed compressor, an electrical fault, or a frozen coil, and the right repair depends entirely on which. AC repair in San Marino done well begins with identifying the actual cause, because an accurate diagnosis is what separates a lasting repair from a quick patch that fails again within weeks of the technician leaving.
Signs Your System Needs Repair
Air conditioners usually warn before they fail completely. Rooms that do not reach the thermostat setting, air that is not as cold as it should be, a system that runs constantly without cooling, or one that cycles on and off too quickly all point to a developing problem. Unusual noises, a burning or musty smell, higher-than-normal energy bills, and water pooling around the unit are further signals worth acting on before a complete breakdown.
Catching these signs early makes the repair simpler and cheaper. A homeowner who calls when the cooling first weakens usually faces a smaller fix than one who waits until the system quits entirely on a hot afternoon. AC repair in San Marino is most affordable and least disruptive when the problem is caught in its early stages, which is why paying attention to how the system behaves through the season, and acting promptly, pays off in both comfort and cost.
Why Diagnosis Matters More Than the Fix
The most valuable part of any AC repair in San Marino is the diagnosis, and it is the part homeowners most often overlook. Two systems can show the same symptom, weak cooling, for completely different reasons, and the repair that fixes one would do nothing for the other. A technician who takes the time to isolate the true cause saves the homeowner from paying for a repair that does not solve the problem, which matters especially in older homes where ductwork and equipment issues can look alike.
This is where cutting corners hurts most. A quick guess might replace a part that was not the issue, leaving the real fault to resurface days later in the next stretch of heat. Proper AC repair in San Marino starts with a methodical check of the electrical system, the refrigerant charge, the airflow, the ductwork, and the mechanical components, because only an accurate diagnosis leads to a repair that lasts. The time spent diagnosing is not padding; it is what makes the fix worth paying for in the first place.
The Cost of Delaying a Repair
Homeowners often postpone AC repair, hoping the system holds until a cooler stretch or a more convenient time. With air conditioning, delay usually costs more. A system running on a failing part strains everything around it, so a worn capacitor left alone can burn out a motor, and a low refrigerant charge from a leak can damage the compressor. What could have been a modest repair becomes a major one, and in an older home the added strain can surface other weaknesses.
There is comfort and safety at stake too. A San Marino home without working cooling during a hot spell is genuinely uncomfortable, and the risk grows for older residents and young children. Acting when the problem first appears keeps AC repair in San Marino smaller, cheaper, and less disruptive than waiting for a complete failure on the hottest day. The instinct to wait and see is understandable, but with cooling systems it rarely saves money in the end, and it often costs more.
Maintenance Prevents Most Repairs
The majority of emergency AC failures were preventable, and annual maintenance is how they get prevented. A pre-season tune-up checks the components most likely to fail under summer stress: the capacitor, the refrigerant charge, the coils, and the airflow. Cleaning the coils, tightening electrical connections, and catching a low charge before it damages the compressor all head off the failures that would otherwise strike in the peak of summer.
For older San Marino homes especially, maintenance pays off, because these systems tend to work harder and have less margin for neglect. A maintained system runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and lasts longer than one that is ignored until it breaks. Investing in that upkeep dramatically reduces the odds of needing AC repair in San Marino during a heat wave, which is exactly when repairs are most stressful, most in demand, and hardest to schedule quickly with a reputable company.
Respecting the Home During a Repair
San Marino homeowners often care deeply about their homes, and good HVAC work respects that. A careful technician protects finishes, works cleanly, and plans equipment access and repairs to minimize disruption to a home that may have real architectural character. This attention matters in older, gracious homes where careless work could do damage that outlasts the repair itself.
An experienced contractor understands this balance between getting the repair done and treating the home with care. The goal is a cool, comfortable house and a homeowner who feels their property was respected throughout. Thoughtful AC repair in San Marino works with the home rather than against it, delivering the fix a homeowner needs while treating the house with the care that a well-kept older home deserves, which is part of what keeps homeowners calling the same company year after year.
What Efficient Cooling Means Here
Because the cooling season is long in this part of Southern California, efficiency matters more than it would in a milder climate. A system that runs for months out of the year has a large effect on energy bills, so an efficient, well-maintained system saves real money over time. This is part of why Green Planet emphasizes eco-conscious, energy-efficient solutions rather than simply keeping old, inefficient equipment limping along in a home that deserves better.
When a repair turns into a replacement decision, the efficiency of a new system becomes part of the calculation. A modern, properly sized system can cool an older San Marino home more effectively while using less energy, offsetting some of its cost through lower bills across a long season. Whether the answer is AC repair in San Marino or an eventual upgrade, the goal is a system that keeps the home comfortable without wasting energy through the region's extended summers.
Choosing a Repair Company You Can Trust
The company matters as much as the repair. A licensed contractor brings the training, accountability, and proper equipment the work requires, and a local one brings familiarity with San Marino's older homes and the San Gabriel Valley climate. Verifying the license, asking how the company diagnoses and prices its work, and looking for experience with older homes all help a homeowner choose well and avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Transparency is the clearest sign of a company worth hiring. One that explains every finding, confirms the cost upfront, and does not treat every problem as a reason to sell a new system is a company that values the relationship over a single invoice. Green Planet approaches AC repair in San Marino with that honest, eco-conscious mindset, backed by over twenty years of local experience and a state license, so homeowners get a straight answer and a fair price rather than a hard sell during a hot afternoon.
Comfort That Lasts Through the Season
The real goal of any repair is a home that stays comfortable through the long summer, not just a system that runs for a few more days. A proper repair, paired with the maintenance that keeps the system healthy, delivers cooling a homeowner can rely on when the heat settles in for weeks at a time. That reliability is worth far more than the lowest possible price on a quick, incomplete fix that fails again in the next heat wave.
For San Marino homeowners, the path to that lasting comfort runs through honest diagnosis, quality repair, and regular upkeep from a company that knows older homes and the local conditions. Done properly by a licensed local team, AC repair in San Marino turns a struggling system back into a dependable one, ready to handle whatever the San Gabriel Valley summer brings without another unexpected failure on the hottest afternoon of the year.
Small Habits That Protect Your System
Between professional visits, a few simple habits help an older home's cooling system last. Changing the air filter on schedule keeps airflow strong and eases the load on the blower. Keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves, dust, and overgrown landscaping helps it shed heat, which matters on the larger, well-planted lots common in the area. Giving the condenser some breathing room and a periodic gentle rinse goes a long way toward reliable operation.
None of this replaces professional service, but it reduces strain and helps catch small issues before they grow. A homeowner who notices the system running longer than usual, or hears a new sound, has an early warning that something needs attention. Pairing these small habits with timely professional repair and annual maintenance keeps a system healthy through the demanding San Gabriel Valley summer far better than any single measure could on its own.
Getting Your AC Repaired
When a San Marino home's cooling starts to falter, the fastest path back to comfort is a licensed local company that understands older homes. A clear description of the symptoms helps the technician arrive prepared, honest diagnosis identifies the real cause, and upfront pricing means no surprises. Financing and current promotions, worth confirming, can ease the cost of a larger repair over time.
Green Planet Heating and Air serves San Marino and the San Gabriel Valley with over two decades of local experience, licensed (CSLB #894993) and built on an eco-conscious, efficiency-focused approach. Any homeowner whose system is struggling can book a repair visit by calling (818) 450-5667 to get an honest diagnosis and a clear path back to a cool, comfortable home.
The seal of the City of San Marino, California is modeled on that of the republic, depicting the Three Towers of San Marino each capped with a bronze plume, surrounded by a heart-shaped scroll with two roundels and a lozenge (of unknown significance) at the top. The crown representing sovereignty on the original was replaced with five stars, representing the five members of the city's governing body. Beneath the city's seal are crossed palm fronds and orange branches.[9]
The city celebrated its centennial in 2013, including publication by the San Marino Historical Society of a 268-page book, San Marino, A Centennial History, by Elizabeth Pomeroy.[11] In September 2014, this book and author Elizabeth Pomeroy received a prestigious Award of Merit for Leadership in History from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH).[12]
The site of San Marino was originally occupied by a village of Tongva (Gabrieleño) Indians located approximately where the Huntington School is today. The area was part of the lands of the San Gabriel Mission. Principal portions of San Marino were included in an 1838 Mexican land grant of 128 acres to Victoria Bartolmea Reid, a Gabrieleña Indian. (After her first husband, also a Gabrieleño, died in 1836 of smallpox, she remarried Scotsman Hugo Reid in 1837). She called the property Rancho Huerta de Cuati. After Hugo Reid's death in 1852, Señora Reid sold her rancho in 1854 to Don Benito Wilson, the first Anglo owner of Rancho San Pascual. In 1873, Don Benito conveyed to his son-in-law, James DeBarth Shorb, 500 acres (2.0 km2), including Rancho Huerta de Cuati, which Shorb named "San Marino" after his grandfather's plantation in Maryland, which, in turn, was named after the Republic of San Marino located on the Italian Peninsula in Europe.[13][14]
In 1903, the Shorb rancho was purchased by Henry E. Huntington (1850–1927), who built a large mansion on the property. The site of the Shorb/Huntington rancho is occupied today by the Huntington Library, which houses a world-renowned art collection, research and rare-book library, and botanical gardens.[15] In 1913 the three primary ranchos of Wilson, Patton, and Huntington, together with the subdivided areas from those and smaller ranchos, such as the Stoneman, White, and Rose ranchos, were incorporated as the city of San Marino.[9]
To a prior generation of Southern Californians, San Marino was known for its old-money wealth and as a bastion of the region's WASP gentry. By mid-century, however, other European ethnic groups had become the majority.
In the 1980s, San Marino was home to serial killer and con-man Christian Gerhartsreiter.[16] Posing as a member of the British aristocracy and relative of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten,[16] Gerhartsreiter murdered John and Linda Sohus in 1985.[16][17] Gerhartsreiter then fled to Greenwich, Connecticut and assumed a new alias. The body of John Sohus was discovered in San Marino in 1994[17] and Gerhartsreiter was later convicted of the killing in 2013. Linda Sohus' body has never been found.[16]
In 1970, the city was 99.7% White.[18] By 1990, the city's households were 23.7% Asian.[18]
In 2000, the city's Asian households increased to 40%.[18]
In recent decades, immigrants of Chinese and Taiwanese ancestry have come to represent more than 60% of the population, perhaps due to its location in the San Gabriel Valley, known to be a popular destination for East Asian immigrants.[19]
The city is located in the San Rafael Hills, and it is divided into seven zones, based on minimum lot size. The smallest lot size is about 4,500 square feet (420 m2), with many averaging over 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2). Because of this and other factors, most of the homes in San Marino, built between 1920 and 1950, do not resemble the houses in surrounding Southern California neighborhoods (with the exception, perhaps, of neighboring portions of Pasadena). San Marino has also fostered a sense of historic preservation. With minor exceptions, the city has strict design review and zoning laws.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2), virtually all land.
San Marino is restrictive of commercial operations in the city. It is one of the few cities that requires commercial vehicles to have permits to work within the city.
San Marino city, California – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the 2020 census, San Marino had a population of 12,513, down from 13,147 in 2010.[42][43][44] The median age was 48.1 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 23.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males.[42]
100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.[45]
There were 4,208 households in San Marino, of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 69.6% were married-couple households, 8.7% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 20.1% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 12.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[42]
There were 4,482 housing units, of which 6.1% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3% and the rental vacancy rate was 5.7%.[42]
The 2010 United States census[44] reported that San Marino had a population of 13,147. The population density was 3,483.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,344.9/km2). The racial makeup of San Marino was 5,434 (41.3%) White (37.1% Non-Hispanic White),[47] 55 (0.4%) African American, 5 (0.0%) Native American, 7,039 (53.5%) Asian, 2 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 198 (1.5%) from other races, and 414 (3.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 855 persons (6.5%).
The census reported that 13,066 people (99.4% of the population) lived in households, 81 (0.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 4,330 households, out of which 1,818 (42.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,220 (74.4%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 367 (8.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 143 (3.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 42 (1.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 22 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. Of all households, 531 (12.3%) were made up of individuals, and 359 (8.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02. There were 3,730 families (86.1% of all households); the average family size was 3.28.
The population was spread out, with 3,422 people (26.0%) under the age of 18, 712 people (5.4%) aged 18 to 24, 2,353 people (17.9%) aged 25 to 44, 4,351 people (33.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,309 people (17.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.
There were 4,477 housing units at an average density of 1,186.2 units per square mile (458.0 units/km2), of which 3,959 (91.4%) were owner-occupied, and 371 (8.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.5%; 11,834 people (90.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,232 people (9.4%) lived in rental housing units.
As of the census[48] of 2000, there were 12,945 people, 4,266 households, and 3,673 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,430.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,324.5/km2). There were 4,437 housing units at an average density of 1,175.8 units per square mile (454.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 51.98% White, 0.15% African American, 0.05% Native American, 47.7% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 2.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.25% of the population. More than one-third of the city's population, 33.3%, was Chinese.[49]
There were 4,266 households, out of which 42% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.9% were non-families. Of all households 12% were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.29.
In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years (this was older than average age in the U.S.).[50] For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.
Rotary Centennial Clock in San Marino, with City Hall in the background
San Marino is the location of the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. In 1919, Henry E. Huntington provided limited access to his art collection, library containing the rare books and historical documents, and botanical collection. The Huntington's library contains 8 million manuscripts, 440,000 rare books, 454,000 reference books, 900,000 prints and ephemera, 777,000 photographs, and 300,000 digital files.[51] The Huntington's art collections are housed in his large Neoclassical–Palladian mansion and feature European and American art spanning more than 500 years. In addition, the surrounding botanical gardens span approximately 120 acres and contain more than a dozen themed gardens. Collectively, the institution is known as "The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens", or as "The Huntington," to the public.[52]
El Molino Viejo ("The Old Mill"), completed about 1816 as a grist mill for Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, is in San Marino. The original two-story structure measured 53 by 26 feet (16.2 by 7.9 m). It is the oldest commercial building in Southern California.[53][54] The town is located on the former lands of the historic Rancho Huerta de Cuati.[55]
The Michael White Adobe House is located on the campus of San Marino High School and houses the San Marino Historical Society archives.[57]
The University of Southern California owns a house in San Marino which is used as the residence of the president of the university. The residence and grounds often are used for university events.
Across from City Hall, at the northeast corner of Huntington Drive and San Marino Avenue, is the Centennial Clock, donated to the community in 2005 by the Rotary Club of San Marino in celebration of Rotary International's 100th anniversary. Dedicated on July 4, 2005, the nineteen foot high clock includes a time capsule with artifacts donated by residents and community organizations which is to be opened on July 4, 2039, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of San Marino.[58]
In the middle of San Marino lies Lacy Park, a 30-acre (120,000 m2) expanse of grass and trees. The site was originally a sag pond named Wilson Lake (later Kewen Lake) which eventually dried up due to irrigation and other uses. The land was purchased by the city in 1925 and dedicated as a park. It is one of the few neighborhood parks that charge for admission, with a $5 fee for non-San Marino residents on weekends. A picnic area is often the site of musical concerts, civic events and pancake breakfasts. Within the park are two walking loops: an inner loop of approximately 3/4 mile in length, and an outer loop of approximately 1-mile (1.6 km) in length. Dogs are welcome with their owners, providing they are on a leash.[59] In recent years, proposals from SMHS alumni Brent and Derek Barker to build a dedicated dog park on the unlandscaped western edge of the park have been shelved due to strident opposition from some of the city's elderly residents.[60] The park includes six championship tennis courts and a pro shop, administered by the San Marino Tennis Foundation. At the west entrance of the park is the Rose Arbor, which is of special significance for the people of San Marino. It is sixty years old and has long been a source of beauty and tranquility to many residents. In recent years the care and upkeep of the Rose Arbor itself has been augmented by private donations from residents who have chosen to sponsor individual posts.[59] The park recently built a memorial to General George S. Patton (a native of San Marino) and also a large memorial to the Armed Forces along with a statue of a sad soldier. The memorial includes the names of all military personnel from San Marino.[53]
The city's local newspaper office is located on Mission St., in the city's “old town”. The San Marino Tribune has been the official newspaper of the city since 1929. There are two sections of the weekly paper, an "A" section and a "B" section, the distinction being that it covers San Marino news as well as news in Pasadena, San Gabriel, Alhambra, Arcadia and South Pasadena.[61]
Governing the City of San Marino is a city council of five members, elected by the people for a four-year term. Elections are consolidated with the county and are held on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday in November of odd numbered years. Terms are staggered so that three seats are available during one election cycle and two seats are available during the next cycle. In 2015, the state enacted a law to require municipalities to consolidate their elections beginning January 1, 2018.[62] The five council members serve without any financial compensation and elect one of their own members as Mayor.
Council members: Hunter Chang, John Chou, Calvin Lo (2025)
San Marino's Fiscal Year 2019-2020 operating budget is $25,807,192.[63] The city manager reports that for FY 2019-2020 "personnel costs comprise 2/3rds of the operating budget, and the largest portion of the increase from FY 2018-2019 is in that area."[63]
At the presidential level, San Marino has transitioned from Republican wins to solidly Democrat. For comparison, Los Angeles County as a whole remains stalwartly Democrat but had a modest Republican shift from 2008-2024.[83][84]
On September 9, 1913, the first San Marino school was opened at the corner of Monterey Road, then called Calle de Lopez, and Oak Knoll, in what was known as the Old Mayberry Home. There were three teachers and thirty-five pupils from kindergarten through the eighth grade; high school students attended South Pasadena High School until San Marino High School was founded in 1952. San Marino High School graduated its first class in 1956. The high school's mascot, "The Titans", comes from Mt. Titano, in the Republic of San Marino.[9]
San Marino High School is situated on the former site of Carver Elementary School. In 1996, the high school reconstruction was begun and the school is now equipped with new laboratories, classrooms, and Ethernet connections, supported mainly by bond issues and rigorous fund-raising by the San Marino Schools Endowment. The new buildings include a brand new cafeteria, orchestra and band room, dance studio, journalism lab, and renovated auditoriums, as well as a renovated baseball field and a brand new football field/track.[85]
San Marino High School is part of the San Marino Unified School District. Its public funding is supplemented by private donations raised through the San Marino Schools Foundation. Each year, the Foundation raises funds necessary to balance the District's budget. To date[when?], the San Marino Schools Foundation has contributed $18,268,485 to the schools since its inception in March 1980.[85] From 2013 to 2017, the district was noted for having the highest percentage of students who met and exceeded the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress standards.[86]
The San Marino Unified School District has been ranked as the top unified school district in the state of California for eighteen consecutive years, including 2018.[87] Each of its public primary schools has also been honored as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School.[88]
There are four public schools in San Marino Unified School District:
The two elementary schools offer instruction for grades K-5, the middle school for grades 6–8, and the high school for grades 9–12. The middle school was named Henry E. Huntington School, after San Marino's "first citizen."[85] In 1953, a new K. L. Carver Elementary was completed at its current location on San Gabriel Boulevard and was named after K. L. Carver, a long-serving school board member.[85][89] Stoneman Elementary School, named for Governor George Stoneman, who had resided in San Marino, is no longer used for instruction by San Marino School District. The former school is now leased by the San Marino City Recreation Department and houses San Marino Unified School District special education staff.[85]
In November 2007, San Marino High School was ranked 82nd on a list of the best high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.[90]
Southwestern Academy, a private college preparatory school, was founded on April 7, 1924. The campus was part of an original Spanish grant (the old ranch grew orange and avocado trees) and the land was subsequently legalized[clarification needed] by Abraham Lincoln. "Southwestern Academy" was named to capture the distinctive spirit of the Southwestern United States. Pioneer Hall, which was Southwestern's original campus building, was the home of then-Governor George Stoneman.[85]
Saints Felicitas and Perpetua school is a Catholic school that offers education in grades K-8. The city took the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to the Supreme Court[clarification needed] to block the construction of the school, as it was attempting to demolish a historical site called Casa Blanca or the Old Adobe (at one time the Luther Harvey Titus Adobe) to make way for the new school.[citation needed] Saints Felicitas & Perpetua School was completed and dedicated in 1950.[85]
The city is served by the San Marino Tribune,[91] a paid community weekly newspaper and the San Marino Weekly, also a community news website.[92]
The independent, non-corporate community newspaperColorado Boulevard Newspaper covers the city of San Marino both in print and online, along with neighboring cities in the western San Gabriel Valley.
Many San Marino homes had cooling retrofitted years after construction, so the ductwork may be aging, undersized, or awkwardly routed, leaving some rooms poorly served. Weak or uneven cooling is often a ductwork problem rather than an equipment one, which is why a proper diagnosis looks at the whole system.
My AC is blowing warm air, what could it be?
Warm air can come from a refrigerant leak, a failed compressor, an electrical fault, or a frozen coil, among other causes. Because the fixes differ, the system needs a proper diagnosis rather than a guess. A technician identifies the actual cause first, so the repair addresses the real problem.
Should I repair or replace an older AC unit?
A newer system with a minor failure is usually worth repairing. An older, inefficient unit that has failed expensively may cost more in continued repairs than a new, efficient system would over time. An honest technician lays out the repair cost against the age and condition of the system so you can decide.
