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Santa Paula council approves conceptual design for Saint Francis Dam flood-path monument
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Summary
Council approved the conceptual design for a Saint Francis Dam flood-path interpretive monument in Railroad Plaza Park and directed staff to return with a memorandum of understanding after required approvals from VCTC and Sierra Northern Railway.
The Santa Paula City Council on March 26 approved the conceptual design for a Saint Francis Dam flood-path monument in Railroad Plaza Park and directed staff to return with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) once the Santa Paula Historical Society secures approvals from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and Sierra Northern Railway.
Designer Doug Nelson described an interpretive walk marking the 54-mile flood path of the 1928 Saint Francis Dam failure, including stone "clock" monuments that would note when and how fast the flood reached specific towns (for Santa Paula, the presentation listed debris arriving at about 3:05 a.m. traveling roughly 11.2 mph). The design would include a modeled "tombstone" element reflecting dam debris, large on-site boulders, decorative tile to represent the flow path and bronze plaques with times and speeds. Chris Wilson, a project lead, said fundraising is intended to be entirely private, with a ballpark construction budget in the $200,000–$300,000 range and more than $100,000 already pledged by donors.
Parks & Rec Director Greg Barnes outlined the approvals needed (VCTC, a right-of-entry from Sierra Northern, then a city MOU) and said the group hopes to complete the project by the centennial date roughly March 12, 2028. Council members asked about maintenance, materials, and alignment with existing Railroad Plaza improvements; presenters said materials will be durable with a 50-year lifecycle objective and that the project is intended to complement existing memorials and draw pedestrian visitors.
Councilmember Machavez moved to approve the conceptual design and direct staff to return with an MOU after required approvals; the motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: the Historical Society will pursue the VCTC and railroad approvals, finalize fundraising and design details, and staff will bring an MOU to council for site improvements and implementation oversight.
