December 17, 2024
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Travis Randel, Deputy City Manager, Development Services APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Art in Public Places Mural
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council:
. Approve the mural installation as conceptually presented in the attached exhibit at 109 W. Main Street;
. Authorize the City Manager to execute necessary contracts, subject to minor modifications by the City Attorney; and
. Appropriate $100,000 from the DIF: Community Amenities Fund, Account 131- 2510-425-4022.
DISCUSSION:
On June 16, 2020, the City Council approved Ordinance No. 20-07, establishing an Art in Public Places Program. The purpose of the Art in Public Places ordinance is to develop and maintain a visual arts program for the residents and visitors of San Jacinto, to add to the economic vitality of the community, and to enhance the environment and unique character of San Jacinto by providing for the acquisition and maintenance of quality works of public art.
In July 2020, the City launched its Community Outreach Program, “Ignite San Jacinto,” which focuses on the “three Bs”: Be Healthy, Be Well, Be San Jacinto. This initiative was designed to promote health, wellness, and improved quality of life throughout the community. As part of this program, the City developed the Ignite San Jacinto webpage and secured City Council approval of the HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Resolution.
“Be Healthy” encourages active living and healthy eating, leveraging City parks and other resources to promote physical activity and mobility. “Be Well” centers on emotional, social, and mental wellness, bringing the community together to foster holistic well-being. Finally, “Be San Jacinto” emphasizes creating a vibrant and inviting living environment through programming and outreach that includes public safety, community amenities, and projects that improve the built environment.
Building on these efforts, staff continues to identify opportunities for the City to install public art to enrich Main Street and surrounding areas. Murals serve as a means to add vibrancy and create a sense of place for residents and visitors alike. Staff is pleased to work once again with local artist Alberto Ahumada, who previously designed and installed the Community Garden Mural at Sallee Park, as well as the Main Street Mural at Sheriff Avenue and the 6th Street Mural at San Jacinto Avenue.
Mr. Ahumada grew up in San Jacinto and is a graduate of San Jacinto High School. He still resides with his family locally in the valley, where he owns and operates the business Onextreme. Mr. Ahumada has 20 years of professional experience. He has created artwork for private collectors, worked on some of the world’s most expensive mansions, has worked for his home district SJUSD, other neighboring districts in Riverside County, and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The proposed new mural will be installed on the exterior wall of the building at 109 W Main Street, a highly visible local business on one of the historic five-corner intersection streets. The property owner has been contacted and is highly supportive of the project. The City will establish a mural access agreement with the property owner to facilitate the installation, maintenance, and care of the mural for a 10-year period.
A new plaster surface for the proposed mural wall on the business, which is a necessary component of the installation, is included in the cost of installing the mural. In showing support for this project and his dedication to promote, encourage and install art to San Jacinto, Mr.
Ahumada has graciously donated $10,000 of the project costs to the City. The mural installation is anticipated to be four (4) week process to complete, which includes a one (1) week cure time for the plaster.
If approved, the Mural installation is projected to start mid-January.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff recommends that the City Council appropriate $100,000 from the DIF: Community Amenities Fund, account #131-2510-425-4022. The funds are restricted and designated solely for specific purposes, such as the installation of public art, and cannot be used for other projects like road improvements, public safety, or water infrastructure.
The project will have no fiscal impact on the General Fund and does not draw from the unallocated general fund balance.
ATTACHMENTS:
Onextreme Project Proposal
109 W Main Mural Contract- Draft 2024
San Jacinto - Mural Access Agreement - Draft
109 W Main Street Mural Design