Title
a. Consider request from the Native Son’s of the Golden West (NSGW) to install a Commemorative Plaque on the East Wing of the East and West Wings building; and
b. Provide Direction to Staff on actions to recognize Jo Mora for his design contributions to the East and West Wings building.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Capital Improvement Committee:
a. Consider request from the Native Son’s of the Golden West (NSGW) to install a Commemorative Plaque on the East Wing of the East and West Wings building; and
b. Provide direction to Staff on actions to recognize Jo Mora for his design contributions to the East and West Wings building:
1. Plaque Installation
2. Resolution
3. Ceremony
SUMMARY:
The Resource Management Agency received a request from the Native Son’s of the Golden West (NSGW) to place a NSGW historical landmark plaque at the East and West Wings building (former Monterey County Courthouse). This plaque will recognize the architectural and historical significance of the building and its importance to Monterey County and California history as well as recognize architect Robert Stanton and the design contributions of artist Joseph “Jo” Mora.
Staff requests direction from the Board of Supervisors on adopting a resolution recognizing Artist Joseph “Jo” Mora for his design contributions to the East and West Wings building (see Attachment E, Board Resolution). If approved, the plaque would be mounted onto the exterior of the East Wing along Alisal Street or Church Street by drilling holes into to the concrete. Holes are filled with a permanent mastic (liquid nails or epoxy). Studs from the back of the plaque will then be inserted into the drill holes and the plaque will be anchored until the mastic hardens. Staff is also seeking direction on holding a plaque dedication ceremony in conjunction with the resolution and installation.
DISCUSSION:
The Native Son’s of the Golden West (NSGW) is a fraternal organization established 1875 to preserve the History of California. The NSGW has established a Historical Landmark Program to accomplish their objective of preserving the history of California.
The NSGW Historical Landmark Program consists of two features:
• Placement of permanent plaques on sites of historic significance. Approximately, 1,500 plaques have been placed by the NSGW since the program was started in 1886, over 130 years ago (See Exhibit D-NSGW Landmark Program and Proposal);
• Dedication of the historic site by following a traditional ceremony. The ceremony was originally written in 1897 and has been used as part of the historic landmark dedication ceremony for over 120 years.
An existing commemorative engraving on the building is located on the North East corner of the building along Church Street (See Exhibit C-Existing Conditions Photos). While the existing engraving recognizes architect Robert Stanton, it does not recognize the design contributions of Jo Mora or the Building’s designation to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2009.
The proposed East and West Wings building plaque will be an approximately 18” by 18” inches bronze plaque and will include information about the Historical significance of the East and West Wings building that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2009 as well as information about Architect Robert Stanton and recognition of Artist Joseph “Jo” Mora who was responsible for the decorative elements of the building (See Exhibit B-NSGW Plaque Verbiage for East and West Wing).
The Native Sons of the Golden West is requesting to install the commemorative plaque on the East Wing building along Alisal Street. This location provides maximum visibility to the public (See Exhibit A-Location Map and Exhibit C-Existing Conditions Photos). An alternate location for consideration is to install the plaque next to the existing engraving along Church Street (See Exhibit A-Location Map and Exhibit C-Existing Conditions Photos).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The NSGW request was presented to the HRRB committee on May 2, 2019. HRRB supported the NSGW request and recommended placement of the plaque next to existing engraving along Church Street with minor typographical changes to verbiage which are incorporated in Exhibit B. RMA will coordinate with the NSGW and the JO Mora Trust on the installation of the plaque and to facilitate the dedication ceremony.
FINANCING:
The Native Sons of the Golden West will be the primary funder of the NSGW Landmark Historical plaque and dedication ceremony. The Jo Mora Trust will also contribute to the cost of the plaque and ceremony. The County of Monterey Resource Management Agency will install the plaque.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the following Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiatives below:
Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Florence Kabwasa-Green, Project Manager II, (831) 755-4805
Reviewed by: Melanie Beretti, RMA Services Manager
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments:
Exhibit A Location Map
Exhibit B NSGW Plaque Verbiage and Sample Plaque
Exhibit C Existing Condition Photos
Exhibit D NSGW Landmark Program and NSGW Proposal
Exhibit E Board Resolution