1 Adrianna Hernandez
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2022 11:32 AM
To: Adrianna Hernandez
Subject: Request for Statements of Interest Entry
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name: Request for Statements of Interest (RFI)- Columbus Statue Date & Time: 08/13/2022 11:31 AM
Response #: 2
Submitter ID: 104054
IP address: 72.192.175.41
Time to complete: 59 min. , 19 sec.
Survey Details
On May 25, 2021, the Chula Vista City Council considered and approved the permanent removal of the Christopher Columbus statue and at their September 28, 2021 Council meeting, appointed a Task Force to consider, among other things, recommending a disposition of the statue for City Council consideration.
The Christopher Columbus and Discovery Park Task Force is seeking statements of interest to transfer ownership of a statue/outdoor bronze sculpture (“Statue”) created by Mario Zamora, a world-renowned artist, to an entity, upon terms deemed by the Task Force to be appropriate and advantageous. From June 15, 2022 through August 13, 2022 at 5 p.m., this offer is extended to any museum, historical society, educational organization, or other entities interested in acquiring statues for relocation and placement. The recipient would be responsible for any and all costs associated with relocating the Statue. Transfer recommendations are subject to City Council approval. The Task Force issues this Request for Statements of Interest (“RFI”) to determine whether, and how many, entities are or may be interested in discussing specific terms for acquisition of the Statue. See Resolution 2021-132.
The Statue that is subject of this RFI is a bronze/sculpture of Christopher Columbus, currently being stored at a city facility. Information regarding the Christopher Columbus Statue can be found at:
http://collections.si.edu/search/detail/edanmdm:siris_ari_321831.
Warning:
External
Email
2 Note: this RFI is not a solicitation for procurement of goods and/or services; no contract for goods or services will be awarded as a result of this RFI.
SECTION 2: MANDATORY RESPONSE FORM
STATEMENT OF INTEREST SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO CITY RFI # 22-001
Provide the following information:
1. Entity Name
Sons of Italy - Fratellanza Garibaldina, Lodge #1627
2. Office [Physical] Address
, Escondido, CA 92026
3. Contact Name [Authorized Representative]
Salvatore Denaro
4. Title
Member of the Board - Immediate Past President
5. Telephone Number
6. Entity Website URL
www.sonsofitalysd-1627.org
7. Email
8. Type of Entity [check at least one]:
[×] Other (please specify)
Cultural/Educational/Charitable/Fraternal Non-profit
9. Is the Entity an IRS 501(C)(3)?
(○) Yes
10. Attach documentation verifying the type of entity, and your entity’s 501(c)(3) status [if applicable] STATE EXEMPTION FED ID.pdf
11. Please provide a brief description of your entity or organization
3 The Order of the Sons & Daughters of Italy (formerly Order of the Sons of Italy) was founded in 1905 by six Italian immigrants who came to the United States during the great Italian migration (1880-1923) One of the original founders, Giuseppe Carlino, was a sculptor.
The order was founded on the principals of liberty, equality and fraternity. It originally focused on improving the life of the early Italian immigrants who were often oppressed and marginalized. The order did so by providing Italian-American immigrants articulate leadership, responsible representation in civic matters, and economic institutions to function for its members. The first lodge was established in California in 1922 and the Fratellanza Garibaldina Lodge #1627 is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2022.
Today, the Order seeks to address itself to the changing needs of its members. Scholarship grants, funded college aid and assistance programs, leadership in promoting more equitable immigration laws, intense activity in civic and local governmental programs, promoting a more positive tone in public relations to offset the rising tide of anti-defamation are part of the Order’s working programs.
We are dedicated to promoting our culture, traditions, language, ancestors' legacy, and contributions to the U.S. and the world.
12. Are you interested in acquiring the Statue for relocation and placement? (○) Yes
13. Please provide an explanation for your interest and if acquired, how the Statue will be displayed and for what purpose.
Explanation may be up to five-pages in length including maps or placement diagrams. * (See Note 1) Note 1: In your explanation above, please also provide the following information:
Organization Mission Statement
Year Organization was established
Location where statue is intended to be displayed
Public access to statue, if any
Knowledge/Experience of Artists’ Moral Rights under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) and the California Art Preservation Act (CAPA)
Ability to maintain the statue
Ability to fund relocation, maintain and repair the statue Note 2: Any transfer of ownership of the statue to an interested entity would require approval by majority vote of City Council and would be subject to negotiated terms and conditions. The Statue is to be provided in an “AS IS CONDITION.” The recipient of the Statue would have to comply with any and all legal requirements regarding the Artist’s rights under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) and the California Art Preservation Act (CAPA). The recipient would be responsible for any and all costs associated with the acquisition and removal of the Statue from city property. The City may also require follow-up questions in-writing and/or in-person.
See attachment detailing responses to each of the Note 1 requirements.
Sons of Italy Statement of Interest re Columbus Statue.docx
SECTION 3. INSTRUCTIONS
Process
Submit application within (60) sixty days of issue date City staff meeting to review completeness of application within approximately (15) days of filing 4 Potential Columbus and Discovery Park Task Force Presentation/Interview at date to be determined Selection notices will be distributed
Questions regarding this RFI?
Contact: Adrianna Hernandez, Senior Management Analyst, Office of the City Manager Telephone: 619-691-5254
Email: [email protected]
**Responders should NOT submit questions or requests for information to any other City officials or employees.
Thank you,
City of Chula Vista
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
Statement of Interest
Submitted by Sons & Daughters of Italy, Fratellanza Garibaldina, Lodge #1627 (“Sons of Italy”)
Organization Mission Statement
We are a national organization of men and women who represent the estimated 17 million Americans of Italian heritage, dedicated to promoting our culture, our traditions, our language, the legacy of our ancestors, and our contributions to the U.S. and the world. We are sons and daughters, grandmothers and grandfathers. We are corporate executives and we are union members…young students and retirees…teachers and attorneys…doctors and firefighters…bakers and Wall Street brokers…and everything in between. We are philanthropists and we are model global citizens with purpose beyond ourselves. And we are proud and patriotic Americans of Italian heritage. We exemplify the very best of what it is to be Italian American .
Year Established
The Order of the Sons & Daughters of Italy in America (formerly the Order of the Sons of Italy in America) was established in 1905. Lodge #1627, Fratellanza Garibaldina, was established in 1932 in San Diego. Its missions include encouraging the study of Italian language and culture in American schools and universities; preserving Italian American traditions, culture, history and heritage; and promoting closer cultural relations between the United States and Italy.
Location of Display
Sons of Italy proposes it acquires Mario Zamora’s Columbus Statue (“Statue”) and place the statue in a venue where it can be protected, preserved, and honored as a work of art, while also being available for any member of the public to view. We propose a common arrangement in the art world, specifically placement of the statue on long-term loan in suitable locations. Sons of Italy proposes to initially place the Statue at the Italian American Club in Las Vegas (“IAC”).
The IAC was established in 1960 and has a building it owns at 2333 E. Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89104.
As a non-profit social club, the IAC is a hub of the Italian-American community, not only within Las Vegas, but for those visiting from around the country. They host concerts, banquets, Bocce tournaments as well as grant scholarships and promote Italian-American culture and heritage. (See https://www.iacvegas.com/ ) Importantly, the IAC facility is used to host meetings of a number of different non-profit Italian-American organizations including Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus and others. The facility has large protected rear patio area where the Statue would be placed. Should any member of the public request to see the Statue, they will be allowed to do so.
The map view of the IAC can be seen on Google Maps reflecting the rear patio behind the main building. https://www.google.com/maps/@36.145532,-115.1160438,104m/data=!3m1!1e3 Photos of the IAC are included below.
Public Access to Statue
The proposed placement of the statue is on private commercial property. It will be available for any member of the public to view upon request during open hours.
Knowledge/Experience of Artists Moral Rights under the VARA and CAPA One of the six founding members of the Sons of Italy in 1905 was an Italian-American sculptor, Giuseppe Carlino. The Sons of Italy appreciate there is a great public interest in preserving the integrity of cultural and artistic creations. The Italians as a people are not only known for their contributions to the art world, but have a deep history and cultural values related to the protection and conservation of art in all its forms. Italy is often used as a point of reference in the worldwide conservation community and Sons of Italy views the potential acquisition of the Statue as a great honor that comes with greater responsibility.
Our organization appreciates the contributions of art and the need to preserve and protect the artists work and reputation. As such, if granted ownership of the statue, Sons of Italy would take every step possible to ensure this work of art and the reputation of Mario Zamora and his work is protected.
The Smithsonian Institution has registered Zamora’s Columbus sculpture as significant to the Italian culture. (See
https://collections.si.edu/search/detail/edanmdm:siris_ari_321831?q=%22Zamora%2C+Mario+1920- %22&record=2&hlterm=%26quot%3BZamora%2C%2BMario%2B1920-%26quot%3B ) When the statue was commissioned for placement in the Rancho Del Rey community in Chula Vista, it was to honor the spirit of discovery, courage and exploration. This theme was a centerpiece of the community that was built on land that was part of the Spanish land grants.
Ability to Maintain the Statue
Sons of Italy is a well-established organization with over a century of history. Our organization has the ability to maintain the Statue as needed indefinitely.
Ability to Fund Relocation, maintain and repair the statue.
Sons of Italy has the ability to fund relocation of the Statue by professionals and will obtain proper insurance for transport. The maintenance and any necessary repair can and will be funded by Sons of Italy.
Closing Thoughts
The excerpt below is taken from the inaugural address by one of the six founders of the Sons of Italy, Dr.
Vincenzo Sellaro on June 22, 1905. It reflects the spirit in which the organization was founded, and the realities of an oppressed people who left their land in order to survive and build a better life. It also reflects the spirit of courage, tenacity, self-improvement, and sense of community that embodied much of the Italian-American spirit.
“Today we are gathered together for one main purpose, that I want to believe someday will become a very important part of American history. We are the newest of the immigrants to this great country, and because of the fierce and undeserved prejudice and discrimination that we have had to suffer for nearly two decades, we must begin to work together, for our common good. We must educate ourselves, and insist that our children receive the best and highest education possible. Only through this education will we understand the ways and beliefs of this marvelous adopted country of ours, and be treated as equal and worthy American citizens. We left our native land for a new life, in order to survive. Our former country with its government demonstrated after so many years of trying, that it was simply not capable of providing for us the life we deserved—a decent life, a respectable life.
The majority of us have come to these shores as the poorest of all Italians, and the least educated of most of Europe. But today I must also share with you that we are also the most courageous for having made the decision to come here, to have left behind our motherland and our families, in the hope, not to find a new life, but to earn a better one. Where only a few of us, before leaving Italy were fortunate enough to have received an education, many of you-us, have reached these shores as common laborers, tenant farmers, field workers and shepherds, gardeners, fishermen, but just as many as artisans, such as masons, carpenters, stonecutters, bakers, tailors and miners. Second to none has been our contribution of tradesmen, lawyers, teachers, accountants, entrepreneurs, pharmacists, and yes, doctors as wel…..
Some say that history has dealt us a lousy hand, being that we are the last to come to America. After all, wasn’t it one of our own who discovered America? I say to them that the others, for the most part, came here with masters, came as slaves in many cases. We, on the other hand, have come of our own accord. We are a free people. It is because of this that today I have a dream, and hope that someday, even if it takes a hundred more years before we are fully accepted, our children and their children’s children, even if they carry a single drop of Italian blood will be able and proud to continue to carry on our traditions, our culture and our language. It is up to us, and what we do today!”
October 6, 2022
City of Chula Vista
Columbus Statue Task Force
276 F St
Chula Vista, CA
Sent Via Email
Re: Sons and Daughters of Italy Interest in Columbus Statue
Dear Task Force Members:
The following information is provided in response to your recent requests related to our organization’s interest in the Columbus Status as enumerated below.
1. Could Sons and Daughters of Italy make any assurances regarding language to be used for a plaque?
At present, the Sons and Daughters of Italy does not have proposed language. The organization is open to the input of the Task Force in that regard. At a minimum, any plaque would credit the artist for his work. Language on any plaque could be negotiated with the initial suggestion that it be neutral and non-political.
2. What are the plans for the statue after Italian American Club in Las Vegas? Or, will it be on permanent loan there?
There are no plans for future placement after the Italian American Club in Las Vegas at this time. The intention would be to have it on semi-permanent loan there with an agreement that if Sons and Daughters of Italy were to acquire a facility in Southern California it would return to the area. Alternatively, despite the long history of the Italian American Club in Las Vegas and its ownership of its building, if the property sold or the business closed, Sons and Daughters of Italy would take possession of the statue and place it at an alternative location. Lastly, in the event that an Italian-American heritage museum were to open in San
Diego, the statue would return to San Diego for placement there. There are currently proposals and fund-raising efforts for such a museum in San Diego.
3. Please define the types of locations the Sons and Daughters of Italy would pursue placement at? Specifically, please identify if they are public or private locations.
Placement is anticipated at private locations that are open to the public, but not public spaces or property. For example, future locations sought would include museums, cultural centers, or an Italian-American organization’s location.
4. For what purpose, and why, do the Sons and Daughters of Italy want the statue?
Context is important in answering this question. The short answer is history and culture. It is also important to note that the answer may vary if you were to ask individual members. The primary response, which we believe is nearly uniform, is the historical relevance of Columbus to the Italian-American immigration story in the late 1800s and continuing through the first several decades of the 20
th century when millions of Italian Immigrants
came to the United States. This was 400 years after Columbus arrived in America.
The majority of Italian-Americans today are the descendants of immigrants who arrived here in the late 1800s through the early 1920s. Many experienced hostility, discrimination and even violence. Many fled poverty and sought opportunities, religious freedom and risked everything when they courageously left their homes and families to pursue a better life. It is also important to note that at that time, Italians identified with the region they were from rather than as a united people. While it is impossible to present a uniform statement as to what Columbus represents to individuals within our organization, there is the acknowledgment that Columbus was a unifying figure among the Italian-American community in the early 1900s. The idea that Italians as a whole should come together to support one another and promote education, success, and continuation of their collective culture was a cornerstone of the establishment of the Sons of Italy more than 100 years ago. Italians remained proud of their individual roots while realizing the strength of coming together.
A general holiday (the precursor to formal “Columbus Day”), came on the heels of the infamous lynching of Italian-American men in New Orleans in 1891. When it was recognized as a national holiday in 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s proclamation described
Columbus as a “brave navigator” whose voyage “was the culmination of years of bold speculation, careful preparation, and struggle against opponents who had belittled his great plan and thwarted its execution.” The description of Columbus was something many Italian- Americans could related to.
Our organization promotes liberty and equality. There is no argument that much of the history of Columbus is inconsistent with the ideals of our organization. He was also brave and bold, like many of the Italian immigrants. Both the good and the bad are part of the history which cannot be erased.
5. Does the Italian American Club in Las Vegas have interest in taking permanent ownership of the statue?
No. Many members of the Italian American Club in Las Vegas are also Sons and Daughters of Italy members. The desire is to have a safe place where the statue can be preserved and protected and appreciated as a work of art.
Should you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our organization welcomes the opportunity to work with the City of Chula Vista and this task force.
Sincerely,
/s/ Sal Denaro
Sal Denaro
Immediate Past-President