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Committee approves ordinance to install two Jerry Garcia commemorative sidewalk plaques in the Excelsior
Summary
Supervisors unanimously forwarded an ordinance to authorize two bronze plaques marking Jerry Garcia's childhood homes in the Excelsior District; the family approved the design language and one plaque is budgeted while the second will rely on community fundraising.
Supervisor John Avalos presented legislation to add two locations on Mission Street to the city's official commemorative map, authorizing 3x3 bronze sidewalk plaques near the childhood homes of Jerry Garcia in the Excelsior District.
Avalos said the Garcia family worked with the city on plaque language and design, and he described the project as part of a long community effort to celebrate local cultural history. "Commemorating the homes of Jerry Garcia will celebrate Jerry Garcia's unique contributions to the social and cultural life of the city," Avalos said.
Supporters included visitors who flew in for the hearing, neighborhood groups who volunteered to serve as custodians for plaque maintenance, and local organizers who described this as part of broader efforts (including an existing Jerry Garcia amphitheater and planned community‑led fundraising for a second plaque).
Board staff displayed the proposed design—a Herb Greene photograph paired with imagery from Garcia's illustrated memoir 'Harrington Street'—and said the family had approved the artwork and language. The committee voted without objection to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
The ordinance waives permit and inspection fees for installation and adds the two locations to the city's commemorative sites list; staff said community fundraising will cover the second plaque.
