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Moreno Valley council names flag contest winners, directs artist to refine top design
Summary
After reviewing three finalist designs out of 83 submissions, the council awarded first place to submission #3, named #1 and #2 as runners‑up, and unanimously instructed staff and the winning artist to return with refined variations of submission #3 for final approval.
The Moreno Valley City Council on Nov. 4 awarded the city flag contest first prize to submission number 3 and named submissions 1 and 2 as runners‑up, but asked staff and the Environmental and Historical Preservation Commission (EHPC) to work with the winning artist to produce refined variations before adopting a final official flag.
Vice Chair Nathan Urena of the EHPC introduced the competition results, noting 83 total submissions and that the commission had whittled the field to three finalists. Community Development Director Angelica Fros Tulipo displayed the three designs and provided the contest rubric used by the commission.
Public commenters praised parts of the designs while offering critiques. Christopher Baca recommended design #3 but suggested sharpening some elements; Roy Blecker criticized replacing the city’s prior imagery and urged caution; Patrick Barwinski, a graphic designer, reminded the council that flags should resist excessive detail for legibility at small sizes.
Mayor John Cabrera and a majority of councilmembers said submission #3 best captured the RFP criteria but agreed the design would benefit from aesthetic refinements (color balance, simplification of elements) before formal adoption. The council acted on two motions: one to award the contest prizes (first, second, third) and a second to direct staff and the artist to return with multiple refined variations of submission #3 for final consideration. Both motions passed unanimously.
Councilmembers emphasized honoring the community outreach and recommended assembling variations that respect the contest rubric (limited colors, high contrast, minimal lettering) so the final design will reproduce well on flags and merchandise.
The council’s action finalizes the contest awards and initiates a follow‑up process for design adjustments; a future meeting will include the refined options for a final vote.
