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Historic Resources Board debates imagery for new Salinas Certificate of Appreciation
Summary
Members of the Salinas Historic Resources Board reviewed a draft Certificate of Appreciation and discussed whether images on the certificate should emphasize agricultural symbols or Salinas’ built historic environment; staff will prepare alternative designs and return in January.
At its December meeting, the Salinas Historic Resources Board reviewed a draft Certificate of Appreciation and discussed whether the certificate’s imagery should reflect Salinas’ agricultural history or focus instead on built historic resources.
The draft certificate presented by staff incorporates three medallion-style images—one showing agricultural workers and fields and another showing the city flower—alongside a ghosted vintage photo of Main Street. Grant Leonard, planning manager, explained staff refined the concept with input from board members and said the draft and related guidelines will be taken to the City Council for program approval. Bianca Arsmendi, community outreach assistant, introduced the item and explained the board had continued refining the certificate since its November meeting.
Several board members said the certificate is attractive but questioned whether images of fields and the city flower best represent the board’s mission to recognize preservation of built resources. One member proposed replacing the agricultural medallions with images of Salinas’ historic buildings or an architectural symbol; another suggested ghosting a vintage Main Street photograph in the certificate background. A different member said the agricultural imagery reflects the city’s primary industry and local symbols, including the chrysanthemum, and that the design is uniquely Salinas.
Board members agreed there is no need to finalize the design immediately. Staff was asked to prepare an alternative that emphasizes built-environment images and to return with that option and the draft application materials at the board’s next meeting in January. The board also discussed timing: staff plans to open applications in spring for National Historic Resources Month, with certificates issued in May, so there is time to refine the design. No formal vote was taken on the certificate itself during the meeting.
The board asked staff to consult city photographic archives and to work with board volunteers on alternative imagery. The item will be agendized for the January meeting so the board can review any revised drafts alongside the finalized program guidelines.
