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Council directs staff to pursue diversity mural; asks ACC to study rainbow crosswalk options
Summary
The council authorized staff to pursue a community‑funded diversity mural (preference: fire station wall) and asked the Arts & Culture Commission and public works to further examine crosswalk/sidewalk rainbow options for a later step; the motion passed unanimously.
The city’s Arts and Culture Commission presented two concepts to recognize LGBTQ+ members and broader community diversity: a painted rainbow crosswalk and a mural. Jennifer Baker and members of an ACC ad hoc committee told council a mural would be less costly and quicker to deliver (estimated $5,000–$10,000 depending on location) and recommended fundraising and community partnership with local students.
Public commenters and ACC members urged both projects. Christina Gilpin Hayes, founder of the Benicia LGBTQIA Network and an ad hoc committee member, said the group still wants a crosswalk but backed the mural as an immediate, fundraiseable project: “We want the crosswalk. We want the crosswalk.” Councilmembers discussed cost drivers (thermoplastic vs. paint, ADA triggers for curb cuts), possible alternative locations (sidewalks, library corridor, fire station wall) and the optics of painting streets while potholes remain.
After debate the council voted to direct staff to pursue a diversity mural—with a stated preference for the fire station wall—and to return if that site proves infeasible. Councilmembers also asked staff and the ACC to study a second step that would examine rainbow sidewalk or crosswalk installations, including potential materials and funding. The motion carried by roll call with all members voting yes.
