The arch bears the city's motto, "Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health", illuminated by 696 incandescent lightbulbs.

The arch once bore two flagpoles on each of its columns until they were removed due to rot.

Presently, two Mediterranean cypress trees stand behind the columns, which contribute to the illusion of the original flagpoles' height and location.

In 1934, the arch was moved a little bit to the southwest to make way for the expansion of 9th Street.

In February 2012, a project was planned to restore the arch to its original appearance with the change of lightbulbs, repainting of the original color, patching minor cracks on the columns, and the replacement of the flagpoles.