DATE: MAY 13, 2025
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, DIRECTOR
TITLE: ACCEPTANCE OF THE SPC RICARDO CERROS JR. BUST STATUE TO BE INSTALLED AT THE CENTRAL PARK MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution accepting the SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr. bust statue as public art to be installed at the Central Park Memorial Rose Garden and authorizing staff to add the statue to the Municipal Art Collection.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Salinas has a history of honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice including memorials at Central Park and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Accepting the SPC Ricardo Cerros, Jr. bust statue to be installed at the Central Park Memorial Rose Garden continues that tradition.
BACKGROUND:
On October 8, 2011, SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr. was selflessly providing aid to a wounded Ranger in a very vulnerable location when an enemy grenade came in his direction and rolled by his feet. He made the split-second decision to shield his wounded Ranger nearby, taking the full blast of the grenade. Where many others would have saved themselves, Ricardo remained steadfast and with his last action saved the life of another. For his actions, he was awarded the second highest military honor, The Silver Star Medal.
SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr. was a Salinas native, who graduated from Everett Alvarez Hight School. His friend and Ranger Brother, Shawn Patterson worked with Legacies Alive, a non-profit organization that supports Gold Star families and honors the nation’s fallen heroes, to have a bust statue of SPC Ricardo Cerros Jr. created. Staff received a request to have the bust statue installed at the Central Park Memorial Rose Garden. Staff will work with the local organizer to determine appropriate location and installation method.
Consistent with the City of Salinas Art in Public Places Policies and Procedures Manual dated May 16, 2017, accessioned artworks shall be of distinctive artistic merit and aesthetic quality and will enhance the diversity of the Municipal Art Fund.
A special meeting of the Public Art Commission was held on Monday, May 5, 2025, to review this request. Unfortunately, the meeting had to be canceled due to lack of quorum. Due to the intent to dedicate the bust statue at a Memorial Day ceremony at Central Park, staff is moving this item forward for City Council approval.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the city Council goal of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Library & Community Services Department has worked with the City Manager’s Office on this donation.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Staff will work with the local organizers following the dedication of the statue to determine best location at Central Park and proper installation method. No impacts to costs are expected as a result of this action.
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
ATTACHMENTS:
Picture of Bust Statue
Resolution
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