CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
March 3, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Meg McWade, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF MONUMENT TO COMMEMORATE MANUEL CASTILLEJOS PLAZA RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve a monument sign “Manuel Castillejos Plaza” for placement at the corner of Garey Avenue and Second Street, at an estimated cost of $500 plus staff time for installation of a large boulder with mounted plaque; and Authorize the City Manager, or her designee, to execute any necessary documents to procure the materials needed to construct the monument sign, and any subsequent changes thereto on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council directed staff to bring forward a monument sign recognizing Manuel Castillejos Plaza (formerly Vehicle Parking District Lot 13).
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the monument sign at Manuel Castillejos Plaza will be through the Vehicle Parking District fund (Account 230-9200-52430-00000). No increase to the overall operating budget is necessary, as sufficient funds are available within the existing budget allocation.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On March 18, 2024, the City Council approved the renaming of Vehicle Parking District Lot 13 to Manuel Castillejos Plaza in honor and memory of Mr. Castillejos’ musical and historical contributions to Pomona and the Regional Latino Community.
At the January 27, 2025 City Council Meeting, it was requested Staff return with an item to place a monument for Manuel Castillejos Plaza.
DISCUSSION:
As requested at the January City Council meeting, this action will authorize placement of a monument sign recognizing “Manuel Castillejos Plaza” at the southeast corner of Garey Avenue and Second Street. The renaming of VPD Lot 13 occurred at the March 18, 2024 City Council Meeting. The honor was granted based on the musical and historical contributions Mr. Castillejos made to the City of Pomona and Regional Latino Community. Mr. Castillejos founded the School of Fine Arts, located at 242 South Garey Avenue, in close proximity to Lots 13 and 14. He also taught at San Antonio and Rio Hondo Community Colleges and was a member and contributor to the Pomona Arts Commission.
The proposed monument is a large boulder to be placed under the tree (location shown in Attachment No. 1) at the southeast corner of Garey Avenue and Second Street. A plaque would be mounted on the boulder with a commemorative message to honor Mr. Castillejos. A bronze plaque was initially considered. However, due to its high value, there is a significant risk of theft, which could result in costly replacements. As theft of valuable metals has become a concern in the area, the bronze plaque is not considered feasible at this time. The monument offers a natural, timeless aesthetic that blends well with the surroundings and provides a durable, low-maintenance tribute. The installation of this boulder with the plaque is estimated to cost $500, plus staff time for installation. This option offers minimal risk of vandalism or theft, providing a cost-effective and lasting tribute.
The proposed language for the monument sign is:
Manuel Castillejos Plaza
City of Pomona
This concise and clear wording ensures that the tribute is straightforward and appropriately honors Mr. Castillejos while maintaining a professional design. It is consistent with the simple elegance of the wording for park monument signs as shown in Attachment No. 2 as well as the monument at Shaun Diamond Plaza.
Prepared by:
Lindsay A. McElwain, Senior Management Analyst
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 - Photos of Proposed Location for Monument Attachment No. 2 - Photo of Standard Park Monument Sign Consideration of Monument Sign for Manuel Castillejos Plaza