COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Thomas Watson, City Attorney
DATE: April 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Donation of Salvador Dali Destino Paintings from John and Nina Baldwin
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the receipt of donation of Salvador Dali Destino paintings from John and Nina Baldwin to the City of Santa Maria.
Environmental Notice: Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving the donation of Salvador Dali Destino paintings to the City of Santa Maria from John and Nina Baldwin.
BACKGROUND:
Throughout his career, Walt Disney compiled several short features for theatrical release and conceptualized a Mexican ballad for one of his musical shorts, which ultimately became known as Destino. Destino captured the interest of Salvador Dali, and in 1945, the duo formed a partnership to produce paintings, drawings, and storyboards, for the film. Due to the financial repercussions resulting from World War II, the short was put on hold in 1947 and was not resumed until 1999, when Walt Disney’s nephew comp leted the project. Destino made its theatrical debut in 2003 and received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
DISCUSSION:
Government Code Section 37354 of the California Government Code states that, “The legislative body may accept or reject any gift, bequest, or devise made to or for the city, or to or for any of its officers in their official capacity or in trust for any public purpose.” City Administration Memo 2017-01, Gift and/or Donation Policy, sets forth procedures for reviewing, accepting, and acknowledging gifts and/or donations offered to the City to:
2 1. Establish compliance with the law in a consistent manner regardless of the source of the donation.
2. Establish uniform procedures for the receipt of donations to the City.
3. Cultivate an environment where residents and businesses want to contribute to the City’s programs and facilities.
4. Promptly acknowledge and express appreciation for donations.
5. Assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
Alternative(s)
An alternative would be to decline the donation, which would result in the loss of a significant piece of history.
Fiscal Considerations
The donation is valued at $34,000 and does not have an impact on the General Fund. In accordance with the City’s Gift and/or Donation Policy, donations valued at more than $25,000 must be accepted by the City Council.
Impact on the Community
Donations su ch as Destino enrich the lives of community members by providing free access to art that would typically stay within a private collection.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Art Agreement
C. Photos of Art Pieces Donated