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Council declines to direct staff to adopt 'wild burro' as official city animal after debate over mascot, flag
Summary
The Environmental and Historical Preservation Board recommended separating a city flag competition from discussions about an official mascot; a later motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution naming the 'wild burro' ("Bernie the Burro") the city's official living animal failed after council debate and public comment.
The council considered an Environmental and Historical Preservation Board (EHPB) recommendation Feb. 18 to keep a city flag competition separate from mascot discussions and then heard debate about whether to make the citys well‑known burro image the official living animal of Moreno Valley.
Community Development Director Angelica Frosolubo and EHPB Vice Chair Nathan Urena reported the boards discussion. The board voted to keep the flag competition and mascot separate, but Urena told the council the board favored a simpler path: codify the citys existing burro motif rather than conduct a new selection process.
"If we already have Bernie the burro, why get rid of him? Just codify the actual burro and make it official," Vice Chair Nathan Urena told the council, referencing the burro motif used in parks and community events.
Councilmember Elena Gonzales argued in favor of elevating the burro to an official city animal to reflect local culture and branding. Several councilmembers and staff cautioned about operational and public relations impacts. City Manager Brian Mohan asked the council to consider how a departmental mascot used for Parks and Community Services events could be distinguished from citywide branding; he urged care to avoid confusion in media and promotional materials.
Public comment included cautionary remarks about potential negative responses and media attention. Roy Blackard warned the council to expect controversy and urged caution before adopting an official city emblem.
Councilmembers debated motions to direct staff to prepare a resolution to make the "wild burro" the official living animal and the finer distinction between a department mascot (Bernie the Burro) and an official natural animal designation. A motion to direct staff to draft a resolution for that purpose was put to a vote and failed by a 2–3 count.
The EHPB will remain available to advise on the flag design competition and mascot questions; staff did not receive direction to return a draft resolution recognizing the burro as the citys official animal.
Votes at a glance: motion to direct staff to draft resolution recognizing the wild burro as the official living animal — motion failed (Yes: Gonzales, Cabrera; No: Bernard, Delgado, Baca Santa Cruz).
