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Salinas HRB narrows certificate-of-appreciation design options; staff to refine templates
Summary
Board members favored two certificate templates (residential and commercial), consistent use of the Salinas logo and warmer color palettes; staff and commissioners will refine designs and return next month.
The Salinas Historic Resources Board discussed and provided guidance on proposed templates for a new certificate-of-appreciation program, directing staff and commissioners to refine two template options and return with revised examples.
Bianca Irismedi, community outreach assistant, presented new design concepts and said the group “went for a more architectural detailed view,” showing illustrative and photographic options drawn from the city’s survey images. Commissioner Wadsworth described a preference for two templates — one for commercial properties and one for residential — and said he “steered away from city owned projects” in selecting representative images.
Why it matters: the certificate program is intended to recognize property owners and projects that meet the HRB’s nomination criteria and to support public awareness of Salinas’s architectural heritage. Board members linked the certificate program to the broader plaque program and other outreach work such as virtual tours or brochures.
Key points from discussion: the board generally agreed on including the City of Salinas logo on the certificate, preferring warmer color palettes that complement the logo, and offering both a commercial and a residential template as the default. Several members proposed options for making certificates personalized to each property — for example, using a historic photograph or a tailored background — but others cautioned that fully individualized designs could increase staff workload. Commissioner comments also included a suggestion for a formal gold seal or ribbon to add ceremonial weight.
Direction to staff: Bianca Irismedi and Commissioner Wadsworth, along with Commissioners Masgay and Munoz, will continue to refine templates and present revised designs at the next meeting. The board also reviewed nomination and approval logistics: certificates will be awarded based on nominations, approved by the HRB, and are expected to be presented during National Historic Preservation Month (May). Staff noted the program guidelines and nomination criteria previously provided to the board.
Next steps: staff and the volunteer commissioners will produce updated template samples (residential and commercial), experiment with warmer color treatments and possible gold‑seal or framing options, and return for board approval.
