To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Regional Parks
Staff Name and Phone Number: Bert Whitaker, 707-565-2041
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fifth
Title:
Title
City of Sebastopol Artwork Installation and Maintenance at Joe Rodota Trail entrance
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Make findings under Government Code section 26227 that the proposed use of real property at the entrance of the Joe Rodota Trail in Sebastopol, California for the display of artwork is necessary to serve the social needs of the population and does not interfere with the County’s use of the real property.
B) Authorize the Director of Regional Parks to execute a revocable license agreement with the City of Sebastopol for the installation and maintenance of public artwork at the entrance of Joe Rodota Trail in Sebastopol, CA.
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Executive Summary:
Regional Parks proposes the County of Sonoma enter into a revocable license agreement with the City of Sebastopol for the installation and maintenance of public artwork for the period of 25 years from the date of the execution of the agreement.
Discussion:
The Sonoma County Regional Parks owns certain real property located adjacent to an entry point for the Joe Rodota Trail on Hwy 116 just south of the USPS Annex at 275 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472, APN 004-072-012. The City of Sebastopol planning department requested permission to install public artwork at this location.
In January 2024, the City of Sebastopol published a request for proposals for California based artists to submit proposals for the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent, durable, and low-maintenance original public art suitable for placement at the site. The purpose of the art installation is to enhance the livability and visual appeal of the City of Sebastopol, and Sonoma County, for its citizens and visiting guests, and aims to create more welcoming public spaces, fostering a deeper connection between residents and their surroundings. A place enriched with art holds a greater potential to attract cultural tourism, thereby enhancing its vibrancy and benefitting both its citizens and local economy.
The artwork proposals were displayed for public viewing and feedback at the Sebastopol Regional Library, followed by the evaluation of the proposals and selection of a finalist by the Sebastopol Public Arts Committee. The proposals adhered to Sonoma County art policy and were reviewed by Regional Parks staff. The Sebastopol City Council also reviewed and approved the final artwork, ensuring it aligns with the city’s vision and community values.
The selected artwork, titled Koan, is by the Sonoma County artist Bruce Johnson. Bruce’s work can be found in public spaces and parks, museums, galleries, and campuses all over Sonoma County, the US and internationally. The sculpture is made primarily of old-growth redwood salvaged from the northern California coast and is described by the artist as a “paradox to be meditated on” and evokes peace even amidst conflict, and ancient forests ravaged, regenerating, someday restored to old-growth again. Created in 2009, Koan has been shown at multiple venues including Paradise Wood Sculpture Garden, Quarryhill / Sonoma Botanical Garden, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, and Westside Road’s ‘Big Turnout’).
Staff recommends the Board make findings under Government Code section 26227 that the proposed license agreement for the installation of artwork meets the cultural, social, and economic needs of the community and the property is not otherwise needed by the County for the term of the agreement, as the use is consistent with existing and planned uses. Staff further recommends the Board authorize the Director of Regional Parks to approve the proposed agreement upon such findings.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
N/A
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
There are no staffing impacts with this item.
Attachments:
Agreement
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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