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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Placement of a Commemorative Plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe in Honor of Historical Figure Don José María Verdugo
1. Motion authorizing the placement of a commemorative bronze plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe, in honor of historical figure Don José María Verdugo.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for July 14, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Don José Verdugo Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) requests approval to install a commemorative bronze plaque near the existing plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe (Adobe) to honor historical figure Don José María Verdugo. The plaque is intended to complement the historic character of the site and provide additional context regarding Don José María Verdugo’s role in the early history of the region. The proposed plaque specifications include the dimensions (16 x 12 inches), materials (Cast bronze) and draft plaque text and design, provided in Exhibit 1.
The City has a history of successful collaboration with NSDAR on preservation and interpretive projects at the Adobe, including the 2023 planting of a new Oak of Peace and the 2025 installation of the historic timeline waysign. As part of the request, NSDAR provided additional information, including the proposed installation location provided in Exhibit 2, the installation method (removal and refinishing of the existing wood plank and reinstallation of both plaques), and the total plaque cost of $1,850 plus sales tax and $75 shipping. All costs for the commemorative plaque will be fully funded by NSDAR, which will also secure approval from the National Society’s Historic Preservation Committee prior to manufacturing.
Staff finds that the installation of the commemorative plaque is consistent with the historic and cultural character of the park and would not adversely affect existing features. The plaque will enhance public understanding of the region’s early history and contribute to ongoing efforts to interpret and preserve the site’s historical significance. 5e2
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council pass a motion authorizing the placement of a commemorative bronze plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe in honor of historical figure Don José María Verdugo.
ANALYSIS
The Don José Verdugo Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has submitted a request to place a commemorative bronze plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe in honor of the historical figure Don José María Verdugo.
The proposed plaque recognizes Don José María Verdugo’s foundational role in the early history of the region and complements the existing historical Adobe at the park.
The proposed plaque specifications include:
Dimensions:
The proposed plaque measures 16 inches in width and 12 inches in height.
Material and finish:
The proposed plaque will be cast bronze with a bronze finish. Draft plaque text and design:
The proposed plaque text and design (see Exhibit 1) states the following:
REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT
DON JOSÉ MARÍA VERDUGO
VOLUNTARILY DONATED (DONATIVO) TO SUPPORT
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
HE WAS A SPANISH SOLDIER AT THE BAJA CALIFORNIA PRESIDIO OF LORETO AND A CORPORAL OF THE MISSION SAN GABRIEL GUARDS.
IN 1784, KING CARLOS III OF SPAIN GRANTED
JOSÉ MARÍA VERDUGO 36,402 ACRES FOR HIS MILITARY SERVICES.
IT BECAME RANCHO SAN RAFAEL.
CATALINA VERDUGO ADOBE REPRESENTS THE
LAST REMNANT OF THIS ONCE VAST RANCHO.
MARKER PLACED BY
DON JOSÉ VERDUGO CHAPTER
NATIONAL SOCIETY DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
DATE
Catalina Verdugo Adobe park is a 1.3-acre park located at the base of the Verdugo Hills in a residential neighborhood. The park contains one of the oldest remaining structures in Glendale – the Catalina Verdugo Adobe (Adobe) – as well as the remnants of the historic “Oak of Peace.” Park amenities include a picnic area available to reserve for family picnics or gatherings
The Adobe itself is designated as California Historical Landmark No. 637 and is also recognized by California Parlor No. 247. Constructed around 1828, the building 5e3
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originally consisted of a main room and south wing, with the north wing added near the turn of the century. Named after Don José María Verdugo’s daughter, the structure was built by his grandson, Teodoro Verdugo. Following multiple ownership changes, the property was acquired by F. P. Newport, who sought to preserve its historical value, and later by Dr. Ernest Bashor. The City of Glendale purchased the site in 1989, and it now includes a rustic covered porch, brick patio, and wooden picnic tables for public use.
The City has an established history of collaboration with NSDAR on preservation and interpretive projects at the site. In 2023, the City partnered with the Don José Verdugo Chapter to plant a new Oak of Peace, commemorating the historic significance of the original tree located near the Adobe. In 2025, NSDAR, with support from the City and the Days of the Verdugos Heritage Association (the current docents of the Adobe), completed Phase II of its historic preservation project at the park, including the installation of a historic timeline waysign. Additional specifications for the commemorative plaque and installation are provided below:
Installation location:
The proposed location for the plaque (see Exhibit 2) is adjacent to the existing historical DAR marker on the Adobe’s front exterior wall. Photos of the existing marker and the proposed two-marker installation are also shown in Exhibit 2.
Installation method (recommended by vendor):
The recommended installation consists of removing the existing wood plank and plaque from the 1950s, sanding and sealing the wood plank, reinstalling both plaques using wood screws or through-bolts, and reinstalling the wood plank. As part of this process, the City will work with NSDAR by assisting with the removal and installation of the materials, and NSDAR will oversee refinishing the wood plank and providing any needed care for the existing plaque.
Total plaque cost:
Produced by Decco Awards, Inc. of Monrovia, the total plaque will cost $1,850 plus applicable sales tax, with an additional $75 for shipping.
Confirmation has been provided that all costs associated with the commemorative bronze plaque will be fully covered by the Don José Verdugo Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Before the plaque is manufactured, NSDAR will also obtain approval from the Historic Preservation Committee of the National Society, DAR.
Given the park’s deep historical significance and its direct connection to the Verdugo family, the placement of a commemorative plaque honoring Don José María Verdugo is consistent with the site’s cultural and educational purpose. The plaque would also offer visitors additional context about the region’s early history and highlight the cultural importance of José María Verdugo, the Verdugo family, and Rancho San Rafael. This 5e4
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location was selected because Don José María Verdugo’s burial site at the San Gabriel Mission is unmarked, and the Catalina Verdugo Adobe already interprets his role in Glendale and California history.
José María Verdugo is among the earliest Californio Spanish American Revolutionary War Patriots officially recognized by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. This recognition allows many descendants to acknowledge their family’s contributions to American independence and, if they choose, apply to join DAR.
Staff has reviewed the request and finds that the proposed plaque aligns with the historic and cultural character of the site and would not adversely affect existing features of the park.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Stakeholders included in this plaque request include the Don José Verdugo Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), who are sponsoring the commemorative plaque; the Days of the Verdugos Heritage Association, who are the current docents of the Adobe; and descendants or community members connected to Don José María Verdugo’s historical legacy. Local residents and park visitors, who use and enjoy Catalina Verdugo Adobe and learn from its rich historical and cultural significance, also form an important part of the broader community connected to the park. Collectively, these groups highlight a shared interest in honoring and maintaining the site’s historical significance for the community.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with this request, as the costs associated with the commemorative bronze plaque and it’s installation will be fully funded by the Don José Verdugo Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The action being considered is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 in that consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public structures or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of former use. Moreover, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, it is exempt from CEQA. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).)
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not approve the placement of a commemorative bronze plaque at Catalina Verdugo Adobe, in honor of historical figure Don José María Verdugo, which limits the opportunity to provide further historical context about the region’s early history and the recognition of Don José María Verdugo’s cultural significance.
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Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks Prepared by:
Tereza Aleksanian, Assistant Director of Community Services & Parks Julianna De La Cruz, Senior Administrative Analyst
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Draft of Proposed Plaque Text and Design
Exhibit 2: Photo of Proposed Installation Site