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ACTION ALERT: The Monterey Planning Commission will hear the appeal to save the Cooper-Molera Adobe Mural.
 
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 Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationists
SAVE THE COOPER-MOLERA ADOBE MURAL
Planning Commission Meets
TUESDAY April 10,  7 pm  
City Council Chambers
580 Pacific St., Monterey 
Dear Friends of the Cooper-Molera Adobe and the 1895 ”A. A. Manuel Hay & Grain” Mural,
Many of you have indicated support for saving the historical public art mural on the Cooper-Molera Adobe. Unfortunately, the Monterey Historic Preservation Commission approved changing the Mural to a commercial sign on March 8th.  

Four members of the Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationists (AMAP) have appealed the Monterey Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) decision to allow the 1895 “A. A. MANUEL HAY & GRAIN” historical interpretive Art Mural replicated by California State Parks in 1990 to become an oversized commercial sign. 

Please see the 1895 sign, the currently existing replicated art mural of it, and the proposed replacement of all of the mural’s text which removes the historic context and authenticity.

We currently enjoy a rare example of the creative signage of the end of the 19th Century and should treasure it.  It tells the story of downtown Monterey 120 years ago. (See the brief history below.)

CA State Parks wisely chose this vibrant sign to attract people down the street to the Cooper-Molera Adobe.  It’s a remarkable replication of the original art and was paid for with public funds (our tax dollars).  And it’s still in excellent shape despite the heavy construction around it.

Please help save the A. A. Manuel Mural by attending and/or speaking in support of our appeal at the Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 at 7pm, Monterey City Hall. (#2 on the agenda), or send an email.

Some talking points are at the link below:
Heritage Art or a Commercial Billboard? TALKING POINTS

And please write a letter or email in support of our appeal to SAVE THE “A.A. Manuel Hay & Grain Mural” to:
Monterey Planning Commission
City Hall-Planning Office
580 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Email: caraker@monterey.org
 
And note or place in the subject line: 
“Re: Appeal of the HPC Decision to allow the Cooper Molera Adobe Art Mural to become a Commercial sign”

Thank you for your support to save our historical public art mural.
 
Above, the commercial billboard stripped of historical context.
Below is the Herald story on the 1990 publicly funded restoration.  

A bit of history on A.A. Manuel from AMAP President Nancy Runyon:
Augustine A. Manuel began traveling for a dry goods house in Southern France at the age of 11.  At age 17 he settled in Monterey and began work on a ranch in Carmel Valley. He became a partner in the general merchandise business of Honore Escolle (after his Pioneer Bakery in the Cooper store) and married his daughter. 

The Escolles were one of the oldest and most prominent early Monterey families. Manuel studied languages during his business experience in various part of Europe and was a versatile linguist. He served on the school board and as a city trustee. 

State Parks chose this vibrant sign to attract people down the street in 1990 and chose colors that were available in 1895.
AMAP’s Mission is to:
*Educate the community about the value of recognizing, preserving, securing, and displaying the Monterey area’s historic assets for public benefit.
*Support activities which interpret and share the Monterey area’s rich cultural heritage with residents and visitors.
*Encourage residents to be advocates for ideas, programs, and plans which contribute to the understanding of the Monterey area’s cultural, ethnic, artistic, and architectural legacy.
 
Help Us Preserve the Monterey Area’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage
Renew or join at this page on our website.

Contact: Nancy Runyon 831.649.8132 or email info@amap1.org
Copyright © 2018 Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationists, All rights reserved.

AMAP
P.O. Box 2752
Monterey, CA 93942-2752
amap1.org 
Contact us: info@amap1.org 

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Association of Monterey Area Preservationists · Alliance of Monterey Area Preservationists · P.O. Box 2752 · Monterey, CA 93942 · USA

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