Corps
spokesperson Dena O'Dell said in an email that“We are working
with Riverside County to enter into a license agreement for the mural
to be repainted,” she added, that the Corps’ Los Angeles District would
be willing to meet with mural supporters to discuss a restoration plan.
In anticipation of the litigation concluding, Rep. Ken Calvert,
R-Corona, secured $2.5 million in federal dollars to remove the
lead-based paint on the spillway, with the goal of clearing the way for
repainting in the same dimensions as the original mural, Calvert
spokesperson Jason Gagnon wrote in an email.
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is
leading the effort to replicate the bicentennial mural, Gagnon wrote.
He added that a replacement mural will require a non-federal entity to
apply for a permit and pay for the repainting. (That cost will be
assumed by a 501-C3 Non profit, without government, or public monies)
County spokesperson Brooke Federico said in an email that the flood
control district is “committed to working with federal and local
partners to get the mural restored.”
We are hoping to have the Bicentennial “200 Years of Freedom” Mural
back and re-painted by next Fourth of July. We have an upcoming court
hearing, and after that we can put the final touches on an agreement
with the Army Corps of Engineers.
CLICK ON PIC BELOW TO VIEW OUR VIDEO ON RUMBLE
~ THE
BICENTENNIAL~
History
of the Mural
On
June 17 1976 the Prado Dam Bicentennial Mural was completed. On
May 11th 2016, just weeks from it's 40th anniversary, the students who
designed and painted it are coming back! They will be meeting at
the mural site with elected officials from Chino, Chino Hills,
Eastvale, Norco, and Corona - along with other mural supporters.
After
the gathering at the mural, the consultants will meet for a workshop
with the Army Corps of Engineers at their near by offices, to discuss
the Bicentennial Mural's Eligibility for the National Register of
Historic Places.
We all look forward
to sharing goals that allow for the Bicentennial mural to be preserved
for present and future generations.
~
Historical Information About The Mural ~
Prado
Dam Mural, Corona CA
If
you weren't there or your memory is a little fuzzy, the U.S.
Bicentennial was the most massive volunteer movement in peacetime
history. Ten years in the making, there were 60,000 events
planned across the Country. KTLA-5 reporter Dave Mecham, said it
best, "1976 was like the 4th of July on steroids and celebrated
throughout the entire year".
Encouraged
by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration in the summer of
1976, a group of Corona High School Students were inspired to do their
own thing. They designed and painted the Prado Dam Spillway with
a Bicentennial theme. As soon as the paint dried, the
mural, that's six times the size of Mt. Rushmore, was embraced by the
community.
Bicentennial
Memorabilia
Individuals,
Indian Tribes and various groups were all invited to tell their stories
for the Bicentennial. From this participation came a greater
learning experience and Americans added to their knowledge of history.
The creation of the Bicentennial Mural was truly a community effort,
with the Spirit of
dedication, patriotism and friendship. From the moms who fed the
30 students who participated, to all the volunteers who selflessly
worked to make the mural a reality. As the mural is in clear view
of some 300,000 vehicles that pass by it daily, it has literally
inspired millions.
Sadly over the years, the mural has lacked a maintenance program.
Various groups like the Boy Scouts have had their offers of repairs
turned down. In May of 2014 there was a Public Notice on the L.A.
Army Corps Website, stating they would be wiping out the Prado Dam
Mural without determining if Historic properties are present or
engaging the public. On August 6th 2014, the Corps Public Affairs
specialist stated there are no plans to repaint the spillway.
Then on October 15th 2014 the Corps announced they would seek public
input on a replacement Mural. It was now clear that the Corps did
not recognize the historical significance of the mural.
Because
of the outpouring from a Petition drive by the Public and their elected
officials calling for the mural to be preserved, the L.A. Army Corps Of
Engineers held a Public meeting at the Corona Preforming Arts Theater
on April 9th 2015. Over 300 mural supporters attended and
unanimously supported the History and significance of the Mural.
The supporters were told by the Committee that there passion was heard
loud and clear.
Mural
Supporters at Corona Performing Arts Center
It
was an amazing night! 50 supporters got up to speak, even city
council members voiced their support for the mural. One of the
supporters was present during the 1938 flood of the former City of
Prado. Then a young man stood up and said he would be 83 for the
Countries Tricentennial and he wanted the Bicentennial Mural preserved,
the applause was inspiring!
Top
of the Prado Dam Spillway
To the dismay of the public, on June 8th 2015, the Army Corps placed
equipment on top of the Prado Dam spillway, to destroy the Bicentennial
Mural.
Supporters
Go to Federal Court For an Injunction
Just
hours before the Mural was to be destroyed, Attorney Eric Bjorgum,
representing the Mural
Conservancy of LA and Mural artist Ron Kammeyer went to Federal court
and got a temporary
injunction, halting the murals' destruction. On August 25th
2015 Federal Judge Jesus Bernal
handed down the court’s decision that plaintiffs have met the standard
for entry of a
preliminary injunction stopping further work on the Bicentennial
Freedom Mural pending the
final resolution of the case.
Since the Judges
decision, the Army Corps has agreed to assess the eligibility of the
Mural for the National Record Of Historic Places, in consultation with
the California State Historic Preservation Office. Both parties
have now agreed to put on hold their Federal case until this important,
Section 106, review of the Mural is completed. Over the next few
months, consulting parties and the Public will weigh in on the Historic
significance of the Mural.
The
Bicentennial Mural heroes above, deserve our appreciation and
support! Starting from left, Isabel Rojas-Williams,
Executive Director of the Mural Conservancy of L.A. Next is Eric
Bjorgum Pasadena Attorney and advocate for Murals. Next is Ron
Kammeyer, Mural Artist and he is standing next to the original Mural
Painters and now members of the Bicentennial Freedom Mural
Conservancy. Left to right, Jackie Cherrington, Terry Smith,
former Corona High activities director David DiPiaolo and Jackie Travis.
The Mural Conservancy
of L.A. is a non-profit organization, that is passionate about
murals. Without their hard work and diligence, the Bicentennial
Mural would have been lost for all time.
You
can show your support for the fine work the Mural Conservancy of L.A.
is doing for the Bicentennial Mural, by becoming a MCLA member.
It's only $20! (Just Click on the link above)
We would love to
hear from you, please leave comments on the petition page or Facebook
page. Or write us at: savemural@gmail.com
Snail Mail:
BFMC (Bicentennial Freedom Mural Conservancy)
P.O. Box 78136, Corona, CA 92877
You can still sign the petition and leave comments on the petition.
This
website and effort to protect and restore our patriotic rights is done
in the name of the Most High God and by His Provision We further
claim the Prado Dam Spillway in the name of Jesus for the continued
display of the bicentennial mural and the message of freedom it gives
to all Americans that pass by. Mural and website protected by the
cross of Christ.
