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Attachment 13RECEIVED DEC 01 2D14 To: Los Gatos Arts and Culture Commission TOWN MANAGER From: Leonard Pacheco Subject: Veterans Memorial Proposal Thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns regarding the proposed veterans memorial presented to the Commission by The Veterans Memorial Support Foundation on November 20, 2014. I am a military veteran with over 30 years of active and reserve service. I am also a long -time resident of Los Gatos. While I have no objection to a memorial honoring our veterans, I do not support the design and location of a memorial as presented by the Foundation. The proposal should be shelved before it takes on an unstoppable life of its own without significant Los Gatos citizen participation. The Town Council approved the memorial concept in 2012 with suggested locations. The new Council may want to review past recommendations for revisions to the 2012 direction. The task of an art selection process was in the hands of the Foundation, headed by William Morris. Among other duties, Town staff had the responsibility of overseeing the artist selection process. We have no clue as to the specifics of their "by invitation only" process, only that in the end, the artist awarded was Frank Morris, a portrait artist from Memphis, Tennessee, and brother of William Morris, a Foundation spokesman. I can only ask if the competition was open and fair. My reasons for objection the proposal include: LOCATION. . .No other sites were explored, although other sites were suggested by the Council. .The "prime real estate" location proposed excludes uses of the plaza by others since it is an overwhelming design, particularly with an arbor. The new Museum would benefit from the use of the space, as would other organizations. THE DESIGN: .The proposal is certainly not contemporary, nor is it reflective of the town character, or of a relationship with Silicon Valley technology, much of which is used by our military. .The proposal projects an old- fashioned image typical of 19th and early 20th century veterans memorials. .The proposal does not reflect the broad diversity of veterans in its depiction of a stereotypical saluting military man with a rifle and an eagle perched on his shoulder,all surrounded by a 20' twirling torch. THE ARBOR: .The proposed arbor diminishes and conflicts with the award - winning design of the Town Hall complex. .The proposal overwhelms the plaza. .The design suggests, by its size that the plaza is an exclusive memorial site. .The arbor demands constant attention and maintenance. ATTACHMENT 13 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION Scrap the proposal' including the arbor. Think differently. Project the ideology of today, not that of past centuries. Avoid "heroic" imagery and an old- fashioned notion of patriotism. Avoid gender specific depictions. Elicit a contemplative, dignified design free of traditional icons. (Think Maya Lin's incredible Vietnam War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.and the 911 memorial in New York City.) Respect the Civic Center award - winning architecture. Avoid wall mounted donor plaques (could open a "can of worms" if other organi- zations demand equal space). Select an alternate site from the one proposed, i.e.the front lawn or Pageant Park as recommended by the town. Staff should continue to play an active role in managing the art aquisition process respectful of the Council suggestions /recommendations and advertise the proposal to the town citizens beyond the Town website, and elicit comments. Establish a sub - committee of qualified professional experts to review the art selection process. Initiate a new art selection process with Requests for Proposals favoring local and Bay Area recognized artists (there are many qualified professionals). .Continue the oversight by the Arts and Culture Commission. NOVEMBER 29, 2014 To: Los Gatos Arts and Cultural Commission December 14, 2014 From: Leonard Pacheco Subject: Veterans Memorial Proposal by the Veterans Memorial Support Foundation Again, thank you for the opportunity to express my concerns regarding the veterans 'nemorial update with new information on Thursday, December 11, 2014. 4t the conclusion of the Commission meeting, I was left with an unclear understanding 3garding the overall direction given to the Foundation. Although some alternatives to both the design and location of the memorial were discussed, it seems as though many loose ends need tying up. I am still deeply concerned about the impacts of the Foundation's proposal. LOCATION Commissioner Stonesifer stated that the location of a memorial in the Redwood Grove would be appropriate. I agree that this site would serve as one of the Town C'ouncil's preferred locations. I favor this site. It is a calm and medative site. It is 'n keeping with the overall landscape of the front area. Impacts would be minimal THE DESIGN At the meeting the artist, William Morris, expressed a willingness to redesign the proposed sculpture which none of the Commissioners appeared to favor. I am concerned that without specific direction, a new or modified design could be a rehash of the original proposal. It would seem appropriate, since the Civic Center is a public space with other artworks, that size, volume, style and inscriptions on the veterans memorial be specified by the Commission. THE ARBOR Although some commissioners seem to favor an arbor on the upper plaza level, I feel that the arbor design proposal by the Veterans Foundation is beyond the scope of a 3 -D memorial. The space is a highly used public space and should be available to all. If an arbor is deemed desireable, it should be a project initiated by the Town, designed by a respected professional landsape architect, and reviewed by a peer group. A thorough investigation by a structural engineer to assess the risks of THE ARBOR, Ctd. anchoring not only an arbor structure but also wall plaques should be made. Installation could cause serious damage to the foundation of the plaza as well as to the brick walls. Adding to, defacing, or creating incompatible additions or alterations to the structures should be avoided. TOWN HALUCIVIC CENTER As the Town Hall complex enters its 5th decade, it is a prime example of late mid - century modern design. Although it would not qualify for the Town's pre -1941 historic designation, it is nonetheless a significant town landmark. CONSIDERATIONS Eliminate the upper plaza as location for the monument. Favor the Redwood grove as a meditative location. Suggest size, volume and shape of the monument. Eliminate the arbor and the wall plaques from the proposal. Donor recognition can be located close to the monument. RECEIVED JAN 0 5 2015 Ed Lucey P.O. Box 1914 TOWN MANAGER Los Gatos, CA 95031 December 27, 2014 Los Gatos Town Hall 110 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95030 Attn. City Manager Dear Sir: I have been following the proposal and design of the Veterans Memorial for the Civic Center. I recently had a chance to see the proposed design. I am a Navy veteran and believe a memorial to our veterans could have a place at the Civic Center. As one who spent a forty year career as an industrial designer, however, I am prompted to speak out about the current design. I have always admired the Civic Center building complex as an outstanding example of mid- century architecture and believe the current memorial proposal is too prominent and overpowering. I believe the other location choices with the Memorial at a much smaller scale would be a better choice. If the fountain in the Plaza is no longer to be used, maybe a low profile planter with a circular bench design would work better to keep the horizontal lines of the architecture in tact. Please consider another location and scale for a well deserved memorial for our veterans. I would appreciate this opinion forwarded to the City Council. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. With sincere regards, Ed Lucey l Maralyn Miller Christina Gilmore Subject: FW: Support of Veterans Foundation - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Diane Siemens [mailto:siemedian@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2015 7:10 PM To: Council Subject: Support of Veterans Foundation Dear Town Council Members, Thank you for voting to consider a Veterans Memorial for Los Gatos. I am in favor of having a memorial at Civic Center. I do feel, however, that five armed soldiers is a bit too much for the location. The appearance is militant rather than commemorative. Personally, I prefer something in the spirit of the flame at Arlington. I do like the arbor and the idea of a contemplative atmosphere. Armed soldiers aren't really conducive to that. Sincerely, Diane Siemens RECEIVED DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 2ND BATTALION, 7T" SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (AIRBORNE) TIkN } i�15 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA 32542 ♦/� MAYOR & ATTEYJO OWN COUNCIL ATTENTION OF December 02, 2014 v IA Q wl- Ci < 67LL.Q0(?e7- Los Gatos Town Council 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, California 95030 Dear Members of the Town Council, As a product of the town and a graduate of Los Gatos High School Class of 1990, I am deeply honored that the town of Los Gatos is considering the dedication of a monument to the veterans that have the honor and privilege to serve our country- both past and present — especially positioned at the chosen centralized, appropriate location. Additionally I embrace the additional dedication to those that serve the community with personal risk as those in the emergency services do. I left Los Gatos in 1990 to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and to further see the world in the Army. However, especially in my younger days, I looked forward to when I could take leave and visit with family and friends. Unfortunately was never able to attend a high school reunion so I only saw a few of my old classmates from LGHS with each visit. When I was finally able to return to Los Gatos for the twenty year high school reunion, I was humbled and overwhelmed with interest in what military service had been like around the world, both in and out of combat, by classmates that I had not had the opportunity to see since graduation. Although I prefer to remain rather low key about my profession, the interest was sincere. Regardless of political leanings of some enquirers, there was an unexpected amount of appreciation and respect that I had not anticipated. The proposed veteran's memorial is not about politics; rather it is about community in its finest sense. Recent scholarly analysis within academia concludes that a psychological distance has developed between military members and the general citizenry since the compulsory draft ended in 1973. They suggest that now most Americans do not have a personal connection with military members, with a reduction of those in the population having served in the Armed Forces. Each veteran has a hometown and is a product of where they were raised. The proposed memorial assists in bridging that gap and is a very fitting tribute to the sons and daughters that have the privilege of serving our country, especially those raised in Los Gatos who may someday return. Point of contact for this letter is Major Argot Carberry who can be reached at argot.carberry.mil @mail.mil or at my personal cell phone 253 312 -2162. Thank you very much for the time and consideration for this project; it is really appreciated! ARGO CARBERRY Major, US Army Battalion Operations Officer January 6, 2015 Thu Cates 7- Eleven 657 N. Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos, CA 95030 To: Town Council of Los Gatos RECEM JAN 12 2015 TOWN COUNCIL Vend -dam; �� I am a business woman who has owned and operated my 7- Eleven Store on N. Santa Cruz Ave for 39 years. I am fully in support of having a Veterans Memorial in the Civic Plaza Center placed at the center of the Plaza where the non - functional fountain currently exists. It is time to have a place to honor our veterans. I am also in favor of the current revised design of five Soldiers in a Circle protecting the "eternal flame" in the middle along with arbors that will create shade and provide comfort from the hot sun. In addition, I support a walkway from the flagpoles to the Civic Plaza and a sign that designates the Los Gatos Civic Center by the flag poles. I also support the use of Memorial Plaques to honor first responders, the fallen, and /or donors. /Siinncerrely, V Thu Cates 7- Eleven, Los Gatos, CA From: ROSEMARY ANN CHIVERS [mailto:oramracCcbsbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 10:34 PM To: Council Subject: Veterans Memorial V20 meeting I have received info on the proposed L.G. Veterans' Memorial. After reviewing same, I urge the Town Council to pass favorably on it and its location at the center of the L.G. Civic Center Plaza. My husband was a Pearl Harbor Survivor, born and raised in Los Gatos, and his relatives still live there. It is a tribute to past and future veterans. THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK From: Jill Hygelund <jhygelund(c�gmail.com> Date: January 14, 2015 at 11:19:49 AM PST To: <councilAIosgatosca.eov> Cc: <CGilmore@los atg osca.gov >, Barbara Naden <bnadename.com> Subject: Re: Los Gatos Veteran's Memorial Dear Town Council, While not an actual member of the town of Los Gatos, I have lived in the greater area of Los Gatos (Santa Cruz Mts.) for 36 years. I have been employed during those years as a librarian at the Lexington Elementary School in the Los Gatos school district as well as a member of the Art Docents of Los Gatos for over 20 years. I am totally in support of the the Memorial with a statue in the center of Civic Center plaza. The reason this location is important is because of its prominence and the importance of what this memorial is honoring - those selfless men and women who defend our freedom. I will be in attendance at the January 20 meeting. Sincerely, Jill Hygelund On Wed, Jan 14, 2015 at 11:09 AM, Barbara Naden <bnaden(c�me.com> wrote: Jill, Thanks for putting Jan 20 at 7pm on your calendar to attend the LG Town council meeting — recommend that you arrive early. I really appreciate your willingness to help. In addition to attending, it would be very helpful to send an email to the LG Town Council. If you know any other people (esp residents of Los Gatos) who are in favor of the memorial being located in the center of Civic Center plaza, please encourage them to write an email as well. To have the most effect it should be emailed by 11 am on Thursday, Jan 14. Email address: council allosaatosca.aov cc: CGilmore @losgatosca.gov A suggestion of information to be included(if you agree with this): You are a resident of Los Gatos. You support having the Memorial with a statue in the center of Civic Center plaza. The reason this location is important is because of its prominence and the importance of what this memorial is honoring — those selfless men and women who defend our freedom. You support having figures in the statue. I'm attaching a computer readable copy of the brochure in case you want more information. Thanks again. Barbara From: Tom Griffin [mailto:gcg37 yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 11:51 AM To: Christina Gilmore; Council Subject: SUPPORT FOR VETERANS MEMORIAL Honorable Town Council, I am a veteran of the United States Army, an Infantry officer for over 40 years..an Airborne Ranger ... an immigrant to America from Germany... naturalized citizen ... and I love America. I'm sure that each of you also loves this country ... albeit in different ways. I expressed my love for America - and my gratitude for being an American citizen - by serving in its military. I am also a member of the Veterans Memorial Foundation - and give willingly of my time to help and support this worthwhile effort. A key point I wish to make is to say that this is not a war memorial... this memorial is to serve as a reminder that we - all of us, especially the veterans - abhor war and be a rallying point for all citizens to celebrate our freedoms and those who served. By the way, are you aware that since 9/11,78 of Los Gatos' finest citizens have and some still are serving in the military? I would go so far as to say that there are not many Los Gatos citizens who don't have a family member - an uncle, grandfather, nephew, niece, father, mother, son, daughter, friend ... who is or has served - and agree that their service needs to be honored. John F. Kennedy said that.. "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors - the men it remembers..." - we can also apply this so cogent and powerful message to Los Gatos - this city which has received so much from the gift of service - of sacrifice by the military so all of us can live in peace and do "our thing "...whatever that may be. We all owe our military the respect, honor and gratitude for the lives we, as Americans, are allowed to live because of their sacrifice and service on our behalf. Without the military we would not have a country that affords the freedoms we have so valiantly gained and protected. As a final point, I wish to add some cogent truths a U.S Army soldier, Michael Province, gave us: It is the Soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion, It is the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press, It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech, It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to protest, It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial, i It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag. SO, DEAR COUNCIL AND CITY OF LOS GATOS, VOTE - TONIGHT - TO APPROVE THE FOUNDATION'S VETERANS MEMORIAL WHERE THEY WANT AND HOW THEY WANT IT ... LET'S GET IT DONE IN HONOR OF THE VETERANS TO WHOM WE ALL OWE SO MUCH!! Respectfully, Tom Griffin Veteran 2 Attachments: veterans .docx; ATT00001.htm From: Sue Farwell <s.farwell(@,verizon.net> Date: January 14, 2015 at 2:42:23 PM PST To: <CGilmore(a,LosGatosCA.gov> Subject: Letter of Support Town Council Meeting on Veteran's Memorial Christian Gilmore, Please include this letter of support for the Veterans Memorial for the Council meeting on January 20, 2015. Thank you, Sue t) `) January 14, 2015 Sue Farwell 113 Edelen Avenue Los Gatos, CA, 95030 Town Council 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA, 95030 I am writing this letter in support of the Veteran's Memorial proposed by the Veteran's Memorial Foundation. I know that this proposal has gone thru many stages and changes, but I feel the current design with the 5 soldiers and the arbors is a good design and represents the desire to celebrate and honor the veteran's and first responders appropriately. My late husband Jim Farwell was awarded 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars and 1 Purple Heart during his time of service to our country. Jim was one of many that have chosen to serve our country to provide and protect our freedom. As a resident of Los Gatos, and more importantly a citizen of the United States, I feel that we should be willing to honor those willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country that we love so much. I also support this memorial because the Yellow Ribbon program that is part of the proposal will aid in perpetuity those veterans that are in need of assistance. Please approve the design as proposed and move forward as a unanimous Council to honor our veterans. Sue Farwell LI f;i., From: Linda Gallagher [mailto:gallagherca @ comcast.netl Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 9:34 PM To: Council Cc: Christina Gilmore; gallaghercaCabcomcast.net Subject: Proposed Veterans Memorial Please vote to build a Memorial in Los Gatos to honor the contributions of veterans, like my father, to our country. Among other assignments, Captain Hugh Gallagher flew regularly in the Arctic Circle during the Cold War looking for Soviet submarines carrying nuclear weapons. He also was in charge of evacuating the Pentagon during the Cuban Missile Crisis, if it had become necessary. Captain Gallagher now resides at Cedar Creek Alzheimer's Care Center on National Avenue in Los Gatos. Like thousands of other servicemen and women, my father gave thirty years of his life to protect our country. Many others gave their lives. It would be an act of gratitude for the people of Los Gatos to build a Veterans Memorial to honor their service. Michael L. Gallagher (retired finance executive) 14580 Clearview Drive Los Gatos, CA 95032 -1745 (408) 395 -4613 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Attachments: letter to town council.docx - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Barbara Naden [mailto:bnaden0me.coml Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 7:41 AM To: Council Cc: Christina Gilmore Subject: Los Gatos Veteran's Memorial Please find attached my letter to town council regarding the proposed Veteran's Memorial. Barbara 1 I -)-- January 15, 2015 Honorable Mayor, Council Men and Women: I am a 25 -year resident of Los Gatos with a 30 -year career in computer development engineering. My children went through the Los Gatos School system - Blossom Hill Elementary, Fisher Middle School and Los Gatos High School. I am thankful for this peaceful community and country that we live in. It didn't come for free. Here in our idyllic town - from the weather to the pubic events like Music in the Park to expansive selection of healthy foods- we can nurture our children and grandchildren. We can take them to world -class parks, play in the creek, ride bicycles on the trails and raise them in a safe environment. It is real people who voluntarily leave this idyllic town to go to some far away underdeveloped country to fight enemies that could threaten this peace. Those enemies might be in the form of other soldiers, terrorists, or health hazards, such as the recent Ebola Virus outbreak. Thanks to these ordinary citizens who get involved we are spared direct involvement and we are kept safe from harm's way and from potential threats. These people deserve to be recognized and honored. By walking over to the Civic Center plaza after an outing to the library or museum, I don't have to explain to my grandchildren that our Veteran's Memorial represents something important. They will get it simply by its location. They will probably ask questions - maybe about the female figures, maybe about the uniforms, maybe about the flame or maybe even just "Why ?" These questions allow me to share how fortunate we are to have the right to free speech, orderly change of government and a peaceful place to live. These privileges are not common in our world today. If we are going to preserve these freedoms we enjoy for future generations, we have to inspire our young people to look up to our heroes for their service and sacrifice. As leaders of the town of Los Gatos you can support the importance of honoring our service men and women and open the conversations with our young people by voting to endorse the figurative statuary in the center of Civic Center plaza. I urge you to do so. Thank you for your time. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Naden -:)- I,)-- Attachments: 2015 - 01 -14 -15 E Manzo Itr to the Town Council.pdf From: Ellen Manzo [ mailto:ellen.manzoCalgmail.comj Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 8:33 AM To: Christina Gilmore; Council Cc: MAJ GEN Kent Hillhouse; Rex Naden; Barbara Naden; Mike Frangadakis; Gyde Horn PhD Subject: Public Comment on the Veterans Memorial Under Consideration for the Town of Los Gatos Honorable Mayor and Council Members, Please see the attached letter with is pertinent to the upcoming January 20, 2015 meeting. Thank you and sincerely, Ellen Manzo Los Gatos, CA 95030 Cell: 203 -561 -8888 11� ELLEN MANZO Los Gatos, California 95030 • Phone: 203 -561 -8888 • ellenmanzoOgmail.com January 14, 2015 Dear Mayor Jensen, Vice Mayor Spector and Council Members November 4, 2012 the Town Council authorized the Veterans Foundation to secure renderings for a Veterans Memorial citing the Civic Center Plaza and /or the Civic Center Lawn and /or Pageant Grounds for location consideration. Three council members cited in the same meeting their preference for use of the Civic Center Plaza. The Veterans Foundation followed through with the task of executing a very extensive artist Call to Arms Challenge, to which several very talented and professional artists responded, selected several designs of choice and ultimately a preferred design. The Foundation carefully considered all locations authorized for consideration and through a very thorough review, eliminated several Civic Center locations either for reasons of impracticality, non - workability, not likely to succeed for reasons of other use by the Town, or exposure. We issued our RFP citing the location that we thought made the greatest sense for the memorial location choosing the same location as the three council members cited on November 4th, the Town Civic Center Plaza. Following Town Council's approval, the Foundation members delivered presentations to multiple organizations within the Town of Los Gatos about our endeavor, including to the Arts and Cultural Commission whom we met with in January, 2012. At that time, the Arts and Cultural Commission assigned two commissioners to attend our meetings and participate with the Foundation. Two commissioners, one now retired from the commission and one still on the commission, attended several meetings and ultimately made the decision that they didn't need to participate. While they continued to be invited and on our email distribution lists for many months, their absence became testimony that they felt their oversight was not needed. Regrettably, across all of that time, never once was a 2009 Public Arts Policy brought to the attention of the Veterans Foundation. Candidly, the fact that a 2009 Public Arts Policy appeared on the scene two years later and two business days prior to our November 4, 2014 presentation to Town Council is incredulous to me given the considerable time and effort on behalf of the many volunteers putting voluntary hours into this endeavor. Furthermore, I also find it uncanny that a policy which is for art that is gifted and /or loaned to the town, is used as a vehicle to create even more work on behalf of a very talented and dedicated crew of individuals when in fact, it is not the Veterans Foundation intention to gift or loan its memorial art to the town. The Foundation's intention is to follow the Cupertino model; which is to maintain ownership of the memorial under the authority of the Veterans Foundation; which ultimately protects the Town itself. The Arts Commission in review of the Veterans Memorial took issue with the fact that there was a desire to locate art in the center of the plaza and in fact, and in one discussion appeared to challenge the integrity of the artist commissioned by the Foundation by suggesting that the artist only wanted to place a sculpture in the center spot of the plaza for his own ego. Any competent professional artist would recognize that the center of the plaza is the most aesthetic location for a piece of art. Interestingly, in the same discussion, it was obvious that the commission itself, clearly recognized the value of that center location based on its own evaluation, and should therefore have refrained from demeaning the artist by simply recognizing the same fact. Most arts commissions are tasked with the mission to evaluate the quality of any proposed work of art, not to edit the content or subject matter. The Los Gatos Arts and Cultural Commission challenged the use of realistic figures in the statuary and have gone as far as recommending that no statuary exist on the plaza and that the statuary be located elsewhere including one suggested location in a place of little to no exposure. The Arts and Cultural Commission recommended that no walls of recognition plaques be mounted to the blank side walls facing the plaza which were intended to recognize the names of Los Gatos local veterans and first responders and major donors. And the Arts and Cultural Commission recommended that a central walk leading to the plaza and signage denoting the Los Gatos Civic Center also be removed from the design. In the end, what remains are arbors upon a plaza which make for a lovely art gallery party gathering spot where a 1 (b upon one can sell his or her artistic creations. 1 applaud the Commission's creativity in suggesting that the Veterans Foundation should fund infrastructure enhancements to the town that provide outdoor extensions to the Museums art gallery space. Interestingly, years ago, one of America's presidents, President Ronald Reagan faced a similar issue with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1980, Congress authorized the construction of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial, thanks to the dedication of Vietnam veterans who sought a fitting memorial to those who were killed in action. Along the way, they were convinced that a panel of art and architecture experts, none of whom was a Vietnam veteran, should select the design. An article titled How Ronald Reagan Saved the Vietnam Veterans Memorial appeared in the Washington Post this past Veterans Day. And 1 quote: "The park purists, the arts community and the anti - Vietnam War activists, all of whom favored the simple, sheer, stark funerary architecture, objected vociferously. [to the statuary which included the American flag, a heroic statue of three service members and an inspiring inscription.]" The Commission on Fine Arts rejected a plan and went as far as decreeing that the "flag and statue be'shunted off out of view' and'in the trees. "' The Veterans objected profusely. Sound familiar? Regan's secretary of the interior, Jim Watt, wrote asking to be advised when the design was final so he could give expeditious approval. Watt took a beating in the press for his boss, something he was accustomed to doing. Then he got a call in which the word came down through William Clark from President Reagan who said, "I have just been meeting with the president, and he has read the story in this morning's paper and wants you to stand tall and never back up." Agreement was reached that the American flag would stand atop and behind the apex of the Vietnam Memorial wall; the realistic figurative statue of "Three Fighting Men" would be centered upon and face the wall. The Vietnam Women's realistic figurative statuary followed some time later. Today, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the greatest memorials ever to be erected in America. The Veterans Foundation has demonstrated that it has been more than accommodating to the wishes of the Arts and Cultural Commission in meeting their demands. Now, as time approaches for a final decision, I encourage you to work together with your Veterans, to create an artistic and civic contribution for the citizens of Los Gatos in the form of a memorable and moving tribute to those who served. Simply put, l encourage you to vote yes on the statuary that the Veterans Foundation has proposed and vote yes on the Civic Center plaza center for its location. Thank you for listening Ellen Manzo Board Director Los Gatos Veterans Foundation Writing this on behalf of her own accord. (Signed page follows; original included for print clarity.) t upon one can sell his or her artistic creations. 1 applaud the Commission's creativity in suggesting that the Veterans Foundation should fund infrastructure enhancements to the town that provide outdoor extensions to the Museums art gallery space. Interestingly, years ago, one of America's presidents, President Ronald Reagan faced a similar issue with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 1980, Congress authorized the construction of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial, thanks to the dedication of Vietnam veterans who sought a fitting memorial to those who were killed in action. Along the way, they were convinced that a panel of art and architecture experts, none of whom was a Vietnam veteran, should select the design. An article titled How Ronald Reagan Saved the Vietnam Veterans Memorial appeared in the Washington Post this past Veterans Day. And I quote: "The park purists, the arts community and the anti- Vietnam War activists, all of whom favored the simple, sheer, stark funerary architecture, objected vociferously. [to the statuary which included the American flag, a heroic statue of three service members and an inspiring inscription.]" The Commission on Fine Arts rejected a plan and went as far as decreeing that the "flag and statue be'shunted off out of view' and `in the trees. "' The Veterans objected profusely. Sound familiar? Regan's secretary of the interior, Jim Watt, wrote asking to be advised when the design was final so he could give expeditious approval. Watt took a beating in the press for his boss, something he was accustomed to doing. Then he got a call in which the word came down through William Clark from President Reagan who said, "I have just been meeting with the president, and he has read the story in this morning's paper and wants you to stand tall and never backup." Agreement was reached that the American flag would stand atop and behind the apex of the Vietnam Memorial wall; the realistic figurative statue of "Three Fighting Men' would be centered upon and face the wall. The Vietnam Women's realistic figurative statuary followed some time later. Today, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the greatest memorials ever to be erected in America. The Veterans Foundation has demonstrated that it has been more than accommodating to the wishes of the Arts and Cultural Commission in meeting their demands. Now, as time approaches for a final decision, I encourage you to work together with your Veterans, to create an artistic and civic contribution for the citizens of Los Gatos in the form of a memorable and moving tribute to those who served. Simply put, I encourage you to vote yes on the statuary that the Veterans Foundation has proposed and vote yes on the Civic Center plaza center for its location. Thank you for listening. len Manz Board Dire Los Gatos Veterans Foundation Writing this on behalf of her own accord. 1 41 i How Ronald Reagan saved the Vietnam Veterans Memorial `Three Fighting Men' redeemed `a black trench that scars the Mall' This Veterans Day, thousands will visit the National Mall and its war memorials. Multitudes will visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but few will know why the memorial features not just the funerary wall, with the names of the 58,286 killed in Vietnam, along a path that, according to one official website, gives "the sensation of walking into a grave," but also a heroic "Three Fighting Men" statue, the American Flag and an inspiring inscription. The surprising answer is: Ronald Reagan. Reagan was passionate about the Vietnam War and especially those who fought it. In August 1980, he declared: "[Vietnam] was, in truth, a noble cause [Those] who died in that cause fought as well and as bravely as any Americans have ever fought in any war. They deserve our gratitude, our respect and our continuing concern." Those remarks were reminiscent of two radio addresses he delivered in February 1978 discussing a report rebutting charges about the military's conduct in Vietnam: "Finally, history is catching up with what has to be our most lied - about war ... Do you have the feeling we should apologize to those young men of ours who fought [there] so bravely under so many handicaps and with so little appreciation ?" In 1980, Congress authorized the construction of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial, thanks to the dedication of Vietnam veterans who sought a fitting memorial to their comrades -in -arms. Along the way, however, they were convinced that the design should not be selected by them but by a panel of art and architecture experts, none of whom was a Vietnam veteran. In May 1981 came the winning design — two black walls of granite that descend into a gravelike depression and meet at an angle. It infuriated many veterans. It is "abstract, anonymous, inconspicuous, and meaningless [and] so ;51� unfulfilling that no memorial would be a better alternative," said Scott Brewer. Tom Carhart saw "a black trench that scars the Mall [with b]lack walls, the universal color of shame and sorrow and degradation." Wrote Jim Webb, it is "a black hole," and "a very strong, nihilistic statement regarding the war." Officials stonewalled the objecting veterans, but in January 1982, Reagan's secretary of the interior, Jim Watt, wrote asking to be advised when the design was final so he could give expeditious approval. The letter was code, of course. Mr. Watt was siding with the objecting veterans and wanted major changes. All hell broke loose. The park purists, the arts community and the anti - Vietnam War activists, all of whom favored the simple, sheer, stark funerary architecture, objected vociferously. Mr. Watt was accustomed to taking heat for policies his boss favored. After Mr. Watt took a beating in the press, he got a call from William Clark, who said, "I have just been meeting with the president, and he has read the story in this morning's paper and wants you to stand tall and never back up." Soon, then -Sen. John W. Warner, Virginia Republican, helped reach a compromise, which included the American flag, a heroic statue and inspiring inscription. The flag would stand atop and behind the apex of the wall; the statue would be centered upon and face the wall. Frederick E. Hart, a remarkably accomplished and largely self- taught sculptor, whose design for the.monument ranked third but who had submitted the top - ranking sculpture, was commissioned to produce the statue. Mr. Watt visited his downtown studio as he created "Three Fighting Men," using Marines from Quantico, Va., as his models. Meanwhile, the attack on the compromise continued. Maya Lin, who designed the wall, accused Hart of "drawing mustaches on other people's portraits." She was not alone. The Commission on Fine Arts rejected the compromise and decreed that the flag and statue be "shunted off out of view" and "in the trees " Mr. Watt summoned Hart to his office to ensure the two new elements were in their rightful places. That did the trick. The commission agreed to the final compromise. On Nov. 11, 1984, Reagan made his first official appearance at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial when he spoke at the dedication of the "Three Fighting Men" In his diary, he wrote: "I briefly addressed 100,000 people for the acceptance of the Memorial statue. It was quite an event, and I hope it finally makes up for the way the Vietnam [r]eturnees were treated when they came home." On Veterans Day 2014, a visitor may stand beneath the American flag and read the inscription that Mr. Webb wrote for its base, which bears the seals of the five military services: "This flag represents the service rendered to our country by the veterans of the Vietnam War. The flag affirms the principles of freedom for which they fought and their pride in having served under difficult circumstances." Lifting his eyes, the visitor can look back at the "Three Fighting Men," who appear to be staring at the wall beyond, and be reminded of who those brave men were and what they did long ago and far away. Thank you, President Reagan. Read more: htt p : / /www.washingtontimes.com/news /2014 /nov /10 /pendley- how - reagan- saved - the- vietnam- veterans- memo /#ixzz3OgKXhOgO (1 From: Michael Frangadakis rmailto :miketheareek@earthlink.netl Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 9:54 AM To: Council Cc: Christina Gilmore; Jackie Rose Subject: Los Gatos Veterans memorial and Support Foundation - - -TO LG COUNCIL JAN 14, 2015 To Mayor Jensen and The Council Members of Los Gatos, A little over two years ago during a Town Council Meeting Honoring Los Gatos Rotary, I reminded the Council that they were the only major municipality in Santa Clara County without a tribute to their veterans. As a Rotarian since 1978 and Chairman of Operation Yellow Ribbon supporting our local military in the middle east I felt it was time to re- introduce a long lost important aspect to the integrity of the Town. As you may know the currant Rec Center was originally The Los Gatos Veterans Memorial Library. The day after that meeting, Mayor Rice at the time called me and said that he agreed. He said my idea was a long time coming and it would solve the problem of the broken down ugly fountain on the Plaza. I accepted the invitation to form a board and build the memorial. The people who joined our committee are some of the most wonderful and dedicated folks I have ever worked with. On behalf of My Board, please grant our request and let those who honor freedom stand proud and tall with Your Memorial in the middle of TOWN CENTER PLAZA where it belongs. Thank you, Mike Frangadakis Michael Frangadakis, Founder /President Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos National Guard Vet Affairs Co. Commissioner mikethecreek(o)earthlink. net (408) 210 -8625 4 VETERANS MrMO RIM x 511Pr1)R1 FOUNDATION 01 105 UATOS www.honoravet.oro 'I• From: John Lochner (maiitomapaloc(ftmail.com] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 10:02 AM To: Council Subject: Veterans Memorial I am a 61 year resident of Los Gatos. My wife and I have been blessed with five children who are all grown and have families of their own with five grand children. They all attended the schools in Los Gatos. I had a General Construction business in Los Gatos for over 30 years. I became involved in the Los Gatos business community and served from 1972 thm 1980 on the Town Council. I was honored to be Mayor in 1975 and again in 1980. I have been a member of the Los Gatos Lions since 1959 and continue as Treasurer. I became involved with the Veterans Foundation about a year ago and presently serve on the Board. As a Veteran, I wanted to be a part of this organization that is committed to serving Veterans. I wanted to be a member of this Community that wanted to remember past and present members of the military. As we interviewed artists from around the country, it became apparent that we could provide a suitable Veterans Memorial at the Civic Center fountain area that would be world -class and something that the community would embrace and hold close to their hearts. A real Memorial to those who have given their lives as well as past, present and future Veterans can be a reality in Los Gatos. The location is critical if this is to be an attraction to those wishing to honor our Veterans. The educational value to our children is extremely important. I urge the Town Council to approve this location and the proposed Memorial as presented. There is a tremendous amount of work for the Foundation to do in fundraising and preparing the project for final approval. I sincerely hope that the Council not delay this or refer it to committee but stand up and be counted as one who cherishes the freedom that we have and honor those who have made this possible. Sincerely, John B. Lochner l, Attachments: Veterans Memorial.pdf From: Tim Latshaw [ mailto :TeamFordyce(d)sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2015 10:04 AM To: Council Subject: Veteran's Memorial in the Town of Los Gatos - Attn: Christina Gilmore Hi Christina Gilmore, Attached is my letter about the Veteran's Memorial in the Town of Los Gatos. Thank you, Ila- Wimberly P.O. Box 800 Los Gatos, CA 95031 Los Gatos Town Council RE: Veterans Memorial January 14, 2015 I am writing this letter to express my support for a veterans' memorial in the Town of Los Gatos. To begin, I want to thank members of the Veterans Memorial Foundation for their dedication, hard work, perseverance, and creativity. As a Vietnam veteran and son of WW2 veteran who served two years in the South Pacific, I am grateful for the commitment of members of the Foundation. I support recommendations of the Foundation in terms of the message, images and location of the proposed memorial. A veterans' memorial needs to make its statement in clear, consistent and unequivocal terms - reflecting real veterans, their proud traditions, and the support of their home town. Our Country has lots of great traditions - none more fitting than the loyalty and support of citizens for those who served and sacrificed for freedom's sake. This is a time for the Town Council to do the right thing the right way. We have lived in Los Gatos for 40 years. Our family has lived in Town since the early 1920's. I commend the Town for its preservation of traditions and history. Sincerely, Donald C. Wimberly 0 January 14, 2015 Los Gatos Town Council 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 RECEIVED Pe,. 7De Grerieci JAN 15 2015 11' 00 "1 MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL Subj: Letter of Support in Favor of VM &SF Location & Design Submitted by: John S. Bond, D.M.D. I am a retired Navy Captain as well as a retired Los Gatos Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, having practiced in Los Gatos for over 20 years. My wife was a long time teacher at Saint Mary's School and both our children graduated from Los Gatos High School. We know Los Gatos well. It is from this perspective that the following statement is submitted. What is being proposed is not a "War Memorial ". As a veteran I can tell you that no one hates war more than a Soldier, Sailor or Airman who has experienced war, often loosing life, limb and /or good "buddies ". It is a Veterans Memorial and needs to be referred to as such. Originally, on approaching the Town Council, there was a realization that something needed to be done to revitalize the concrete plaza above the Town Chambers. The Veterans Memorial Foundation, during its formative stages. received support and encouragement relating to the design and improvement of the Plaza area as a possible location for creating a Memorial recognizing and honoring our Veterans. Early on, it was the unanimous consensus of the Founding Members of the Foundation that the Memorial had to be both highly visible and also noteworthy of the men and women it honored. Restrictions early on were made on what could, and mostly could not, be done in the lawn area and flag poles surrounding the Town Chambers. All things considered plans focused on the Plaza Area which was the most obvious choice in view of its uninviting, unaesthetic, and generally unused nature. Recently, an interest in the Plaza Area has been expressed by the Museums of Los Gatos, recently renamed the New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), for their development and use. after essentially having been given the old library spaces adjacent to the Plaza. Considering the historical nature of the Museum, it is difficult to understand why the upgraded area incorporating the Veterans Memorial could not be shared with them as outlined by the current design, eliminating the fountain (30+ feet in diameter) and downscaling the size and shape of the proposed Memorial. It would seem that a "Bridge" could be built between the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation and the New Museum in developing and using the Plaza area. It is my understanding that the Arts and Architecture Commission is opposed to any kind of statues and more open to some sort of abstract art design. I would submit that the Veterans being remembered and honored are not abstract beings. Rather they were and are real beings with very real contributions to our local and national history. Nothing threatening or glorifying war is proposed. Rather figures representing and honoring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, both genders and all nationalities is our fervent hope. There is nothing abstract about our past history, current events or future, regardless of what it may hold in store. For these reasons I feel strongly that it would serve Los Gatos well, nestled between our New Library and the New Museum to erect a Monument to our past, current and future Veterans. A place to quietly reflect and remember those who helped in the past to make it all possible. A place to give thanks for those currently serving. A place to educate our youth and future generations of their heritage, as well as what they too may be called upon to sacrifice to pass on the gift of freedom. I strongly urge the Los Gatos Town Council to both support and assist The Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation in recognizing and thanking our Veterans for their many sacrifices. liy Submitted, John S. Bond, D. D. CAP USNR -Re jsbond§ johnsbonddmd.com a la"