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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - VETERANS PLAZA PLAQUE REQUESTAgenda Item• 14 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: Lj ' DATE: November 26, 2024 SUBJECT: VETERANS HISTORICAL PLAZA PLAQUE REQUEST DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PRESENTER: Phil Lantis RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council approve the request to add a plaque at the Veterans Historical Plaza. BACKGROUND The local and regional chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are requesting a plaque be added at the Veterans Historical Plaza (Vets Plaza) to commemorate the 250t' anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The sign would be placed at the Vets Plaza in near proximity to Newhall Avenue, as shown on the aerial map and photographs included in the proposal attachment, and would be installed in the coming year, prior to the 250' anniversary in 2026. As described in the City of Santa Clarita Veterans Historical Plaza Special Use Facility Policy, there are three required steps for improvements and modifications to be made at the Vets Plaza, including: 1) review by the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Inc., (SCV Veterans) organization; 2) review by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (Commission); and 3) approval by the City Council. The proposed sign was shared with SCV Veterans for their review and they supported the proposal. Additionally, this item was presented to the Commission at their meeting held on November 7, 2024. The Commission supported the request to be presented to the City Council for approval. Additionally, members of the advisory committee who worked with City staff on the planning of the Veterans Day Ceremony requested that the Space Force flag be added to the Veterans Historical Plaza. After discussing several options, it was determined that, given the physical limitations of the site, the best option was to add the Space Force flag to the Coast Guard flag Page 1 Packet Pg. 361 pole. The Space Force flag was added during the Veterans Day Ceremony. There were no concerns raised by the community. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other action as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. The Daughters of the American Revolution will cover the cost of the plaque and installation. ATTACHMENTS Daughters of the American Revolution Plaque Proposal PRCS Commission Vet Plaza Sign Presentation 11072024 Page 2 Packet Pg. 362 14.a "al117[iL•1 w Cl w w z c� Q J a J Q U O H x z 9 w F- LU N O M O L a m a ca a c 0 r 0 m c c� �L c� C Q L 4- 0 N L L tm c� C L :.i Q Packet Pg. 363 14.a Mew je:DAR Daughters of the American Revolution Mr. Phil Lantis Arts and Events Manager City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Boulevard Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Dear Phil & the City of Santa Clarita: The United States is preparing for the nation's semi-quincentennnial celebration with activities from coast to coast by many organizations. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is one of these groups planning, coordinate and executing many events to recognize the patriots who achieved American Independence. This multi -year effort will take place through 2033, the 2501 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris. As you know, one of the many ways DAR is celebrating this milestone in America's history is with commemorative markers, "America 250 Markers" to celebrate our patriot ancestors who not only fought for and won Independence in the 13 original colonies, but all those around the world who caught the spark of liberty and were compelled to join the cause. Of course, the Marquis de Lafayette is the most famous, but there are others — including Don Franciso de Oretga, a Spaniard — who raised funds to support our new nation while camped in what is now Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara County. So many Californians do not know there are connections like this right here in our area and the DAR would like to place a marker at the Veterans Historical Plaza [24275 N. Walnut St., Newhall, CA] to honor our patriots and educate the current and future generation of Californians about our very special connection to the American Revolution. We hope that these new markers will also become sources of pride for local communities to celebrate the brave Patriots who founded our nation — and a reminder of the importance of emulating their conviction, courage and cooperation toward national unity. States, districts and chapters, such as the District VIII California Society, NSDAR, and even individuals are encouraged by DAR to purchase and erect the standardized markers, which will be customized with the name of the sponsoring organization. The text of the marker is set and cannot be altered, however other markers specific to one person or event, or other contextual information placed alongside markers is appropriate and something the DAR supports. Three items are necessary for a DAR chapter or state society to have a marker application approved by our National Society: 1) A letter of support from the sponsoring chapter/club/state society/state Packet Pg. 364 14.a organ] zationfindividual. 2) A precise description of where the marker is to be located, ideally including sketches, photographs and/or maps of the site. 3) A written statement authorizing installation of the marker from the property owner/custodian of land where the marker is to be placed; that signed letter must be dated within the past year and cite the authority to grant permission. These materials and the application itself will be submitted by the District VIII, CSSDAR. All we request is assistance in obtaining photos and the written authorization from the City of Santa Clarita. Once the application is approved, District VIII, CSSDAR will work with you and others in the City to plan a special dedication ceremony where members of the public will be invited and hopefully the local press will cover it. The objectives of the DAR will be to participate in celebrating events and providing gifts to the nation, including the "Pathway of the Patriots" in Yorktown, VA. These trees, adopted by members, chapters, and state societies will be added to make a total route of two hundred and fifty trees in memory of recognized American Revolutionary Patriots. The public can learn more about NSDAR's efforts with America 250by watching our video on Yotaube. DAR is a women's service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence. That service includes not only soldiers, but those who gave "aid and comfort" with supplies, money and foodstuffs, including Europeans, Native Arnericans and others, colonists who signed the Oath of Allegiance to the new United States (a treasonous act), and our current project — working with those descended from people in Hispaniola, Cuba and other Caribbean islands who revolted against the British and diverted British sailors and soldiers from the American colonies to the Caribbean. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.dar.oru. Respectfully, Jenny Fitzwater District Director District VIII CSSDAR Santa Clarita, CA 91387. iesniitr fitzwater'iialliklik californiadar.or, Tammy Collier District VIII America 250 Chair CSSDAR Simi. Valley, CA 93063 'I"au��y samcc�l liertizyao_l . c o:�-; Packet Pg. 365 14.a On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation America's 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it's about honoring the contribu- tions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the genera- tions to come.-ROSIE RIOS, CHAIR, U.S. SEMIQ UINCENTENNIA L COMMISSION The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Appointed by the House and Senate leadership of both parties, the nonpartisan Commission is composed of 16 private citizens, 4 U.S. Representatives and 4 Senators, as well as 12 ex-officio members from all three branches of the federal government and its independent agencies. The U.S. Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and DAR is privi- leged to have Lynn Forney Young, Honorary President General, serve on this commission. DAR state societies and chapters are asked to begin to make plans to celebrate this special milestone in our coun- try's history! Daughters of the American Revolution Packet Pg. 366 14.a America 250 Patriot Markers The NSDAR America Patriots Marker Project commemorates the 250th birthday of the United States (1776-2026). These markers are placed by chapters, districts and states in their communities to commemorate the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to create a new nation in 1775-1783. The CSSDAR District VIII Daughters feel it is important to bring this significant national birthday to your community's attention. To encourage them to participate in the celebration. They can do this by making posters, writing poems, writing essays or plays, creating artwork, and/or many other related activities. We would like to award the Veterans Plaza with the placement of a commemorative plaque at a formal event to which community leaders, DAR members and the media would be invited. The members of DAR District VIII of the California Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, will completely fund the plaque and its installation, and of course it is your decision as to its location. We look forward to establishing a strong partnership with the Veterans Plaza as we work together to commemorate the founding of our nation. Packet Pg. 367 This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believin in the noble cause of I iberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation. 1775 - 1783 f'reessted by ClAr"sis Stm Society teas of ehe Aawleas X eroful �n in Aoeor oft r 734" 60ttivcnary of tho Usitsd Stater. 14.a *Cva r o D N R Daughters of the American Revtl'luti0T1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 16, 2023 NEWS Chatsworth Chapter Chatsworth, California www.dar.org Media Contact: Tammy Collier 805/387-0356 Tammysaracollier@aol.com PREPARATIONS BEGIN FOR THE AMERICA SEMI QUINCENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The United States is preparing for the nation's semi-quincentennial celebration with the U.S. Semi- quincentennial Commission established by the U.S. Congress. The mission of this con mission is to plan and coordinate many events and recognize patriots who achieved American Independence for the 250th birthday of the nation. A multi -year effort will take place from now through July 4, 2026. The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is privileged to have Lynn Forney Young. Honorary President General, serve on the commission. The objectives of the DAR will be to participate in celebrating events using historical records from its foundation. In this way, the Society will be providing gifts to the nation. One of the major gifts DAR will make is the "Pathway of the Patriots." The new pathway of trees site has been selected near Yorktown, Virginia. Which is an extension of the DAR's original "Spirit of 76" plantings at Independence National Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These trees, adopted by members. chapters, and state societies will be added to make a total route of two hundred and fifty trees in memory of recognized American Revolutionary Patriots. The California Society (CSSDAR) has instructed its state districts to mark a historical site with a commemorative marker of bronze, identifying some relationship to the American Revolution. Particip:,: , in District 8 are seven local chapters, located in Santa Clarita, San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, and Conejo Valley. All chapters will also create additional projects to coordinate with the celebration. The most current America 250 national event was held on December 16, 2023, with a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party. This ceremony was put on by the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum organization wherein DAR chapter members attended in person or mailed loose tea that was dumped into Boson Harbor. The public can learn more about America 250: A Milestone 250 Year in the Making by going to https:Hamerica250.org. At this site, you can sign up for notices of upcoming events in your community and elsewhere. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women's service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit DAR.org or contact Tammy Collier at �xlttan�`acollier�u�aot.u�l1 ;�## The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America's freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System ( d u n,_3 iRti), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization with more than 185.000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately conduct the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation. education, and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit, Packet Pg. 369 14.a Our Invitation to You: Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary July 3, 2023 Posted by: Sham this post: In 2026, just ' years from now, we will commemorate the United States Semiquincenten- nial and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Library of Congress, along with other Federal agencies, will be taking part in this com- memoration. We'll be sharing our great collections and insights from our incredible staff, and inviting you to rediscover the Library of Congress for yourself. In the lead -up to this milestone, the America250 Commission has launched America's Invita- tion, a nationwide campaign for all Americans to share stories and hopes and dreams for our future. America's Invitation is an opportunity for Americans across the country, from every back- ground, to take part in reflecting on our past and looking to the future by sharing their stories, and the things they love about America, as we continue to strive for "a more perfect union." Taking part in America's Invitation is easy — visit to share photos, vid- eos, artwork, essays, songs, poems, or anything else that highlights what America means to you and how you hope to commemorate this milestone. This content may be showcased by America250 on its website, in videos, on social media, and more. Together, these contribu- tions will highlight what makes America unique and ensure we are building a commemoration that includes all of us. AMERICA The Logo design's ribbons are intended to evoke a sense of commemoration, celebration, and purpose while the flowing red, white, and blue ribbons form the number 250 as a single continuous path, representing the unity, cooperation, and harmony we strive for as a country. _ Packet Pg. 370 r f AA t a ► 5 i 4 f 4 •• !# IlL Y T M1 4 .• e'i � '- Ste`. �� 1. . '�'. F.�,- � ; ��. .. - - • - � , Mr, F.. Jo AV or- JOR �. _ �"� •. � �' ,� r�'�Ri tic � � - -. i �-.- - - -_ ' �., ip � - - - - �',i. �.-- .� � a .� • �. r -fib[ f r� { i r s - /y } Y - s +e 14.b a N Q J d J Q U O H x z 9 w F- LU v N O N rl- C O R a+ C N fA d L CL N m N m IL .r a� c 0 .N E E 0 U co U IL r c m E z �a r Q Packet Pg. 373 14.b Request Process Veterans Historical Plaza Special Use Facility Policy SCV Veterans Memorial, Inc. Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission City Council Packet Pg. 374 14.b Daughters of the American Revolution Women's service organization whose members can trace their lineage to the American Revolution United States Semiquincentennial (250) Celebration "America 250 Patriot Markers" District VIII of the California Society of Daughters of the American Revolution will fund the entire project OWN , AN M E R *AI �� arwo DAR Daughters of the American Revolution Packet Pg. 375 m m Proposed Plaque Location I a N a J d J Q U O H x Z 9 W F- LU Packet Pg. 376 14.b Proposed Sign and Base Design Bronze Sign (approximately 18" by 18") Base will be four feet tall Packet Pg. 377 ..q :•.. '� .-:. �ZERB ,- O .� Revolutionar War Patriat y This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved - American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought - valiantly to found a new nation. a 17 75,- 1783 = Presented by Governor William Paea Chapter -- fSaLl lit-Ys of the American Revolution in honor of the ISM anniversary of the United State, YTW LU\rl \ I250 DAUOXTCLM1OIYHQ AN[uCAN Revownon 14.b Questions? Q N Q J a J Q U O H x z 9 w w N O N n O C O Y r a c a� CO) co N c0 a Y > O E E O U N U a Y E V Y Y Q Packet Pg. 379