Title:
Title
Naming of Old Sacramento Public Dock as the Isabel S. Naranjo Public Dock
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-01406
Location
Location: District 4
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving the naming of the Old Sacramento Public Dock as the Isabel S. Naranjo Public Dock.
Contact: Donald Gensler, Arts in Public Places Specialist, (916) 808-8493; Jody Ulich, Director, (916) 808-5105, Convention and Cultural Services Department
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Background
3-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: On December 12, 2016, City Council authorized the City to enter into an agreement with West Sacramento to implement the goals, objectives, and vision of the River Crossings Art Project. (Resolution No. 2016-1459.) The River Crossings Art Project is intended to infuse downtown with public art/placemaking as well as bring new vitality and promote pedestrian, bicycle, and streetcar pathways linking mixed use development in the Washington District of West Sacramento with entertainment, employment, and recreation in downtown Sacramento. After an RFQ process, a selection committee, and approval by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, City Council awarded a contract to artist Joshua Sofaer on February 12, 2019. (City Agreement No. 2019-0212.) Mr. Sofaer’s concept is titled River Crossing: I want to communicate with you and will install light box sculptures on both the West Sacramento and City docks along the Sacramento River. The light box sculptures will contain LED lights highlighting the dock name (in maritime flag signals) from the Sacramento side of the river. A more detailed description of the project, project location, and illustration of the light box sculpture is attached. As the culminating event of the River Crossing National Endowment of the Arts funded grant award, both cities are naming the public docks after people from the region. Mr. Sofaer engaged the region with rigorous community engagement that included public writing workshops, brochures, a website, video introduction, and presentations at a number of events in both cities.
Through the public campaign and naming process (part of the public art project), a diverse panel of representatives chose Isabel S. Naranjo as the selected name for the Sacramento side docks. Mrs. Naranjo was an advocate for migrant farmworkers and the judges were inspired by her passion for providing care and resources to this often-overlooked group of people. She was instrumental in helping establish childcare centers for the children of migrant farmworkers in parts of Yolo and Sacramento counties. Ms. Naranjo was a migrant farmworker with a 4th grade education. She worked in various California camps before settling in Sacramento with her mother and four children. She was a single-mother, provider, and protector. In her late 40’s, she went back to school, received her college degree, and became an advocate for migrant farmworker families. Knowing the daily challenges farmworkers faced, from feeding and clothing their families to educating and keeping their children safe, Ms. Naranjo was driven to fill the critical need in these communities.
Policy Considerations: The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) is charged with providing for the nature, selection, and placement of artworks, subject to the City’s approval of the artwork purchase contracts. Naming Isabel S. Naranjo Public Dock is consistent with the city’s cultural plan, Creative Edge, adopted by the City Council in June 2018 and the City of Sacramento Facility Naming Policy adopted by the City Council on February 26, 2008 as well as the City Facility Naming Policy adopted by City Council on February 26, 2008 (Resolution No. 2008-0112).
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: This report concerns administrative activities that will not have a significant effect on the environment and does not constitute a “project” as defined by the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 Cal. Code Reg. sec. 15000 et seq). Sections 15061(b)(3); 15378(b)(2). The construction of a new park sign is exempt under CEQA Section 15303 which consists of new construction of small structures.
Sustainability: Not Applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: In accordance with City Code section 2.84.130, SMAC has the authority to provide for the nature, selection, and placement of Arts in Public Places artwork purchases.
Rationale for Recommendation: Naming the Old Sacramento Public Dock as the Isabel S. Naranjo Public Dock is consistent with the City’s Facility Naming Policy. The policy allows for facilities to be named for historical significance, distinct developmental features, or neighborhood, community, or access streets.
Financial Considerations: Sufficient funding is available in the River Crossing Art Project (G17605000) to install the light box sculpture sign related to naming the Old Sacramento Public Dock as the Isabel S. Naranjo Public Dock.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not Applicable.