04-03-2012 CC RPT 08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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U� City Council Memorandum City 4"Arts & Innovation TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: APRIL 3, 2012 FROM: RIVERSIDE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM ITEM NO: 8 SUBJECT: TRUJILLO ADOBE SITE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY ISSUE: That the City Council receive the site assessment summary of the Trujillo Adobe property. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive the site assessment summary of the Trujillo Adobe property and provide direction to the City Manager as deemed necessary. BACKGROUND At the December 13, 2011 City Council meeting, descendants of the Trujillo family and representatives from the Old Spanish Trail organization presented information on the Trujillo adobe structure and expressed concerns with the current state of the Trujillo Adobe. They requested the City Council to consider acquiring the site and help preserve the history for the community. Following their comments, Councilmember Andy Melendrez requested staff conduct an assessment and report their findings to City Council. In fulfillment of its public trust, the Riverside Metropolitan Museum (RMM) serves as steward of collections which include personal property and real property. The RMM is currently responsible for the stewardship of three historic sites: 1) the National Historic Landmark Harada House; 2) the National Register Main Museum; and 3) the National Register Heritage House. This preliminary assessment of the Trujillo Adobe was completed by RMM staff in consultation with the City's Historic Preservation Officer and Building Official. The following is a summary of their observations and findings: Trujillo Adobe History La Placita de los Trujillos, established in 1845, on the easterly bank of the Santa Ana River was the earliest community in what became Riverside County. It was founded by a diverse group of New Mexicans led by Lorenzo Trujillo. In 1846, settlers arrived from New Mexico and established the community of Agua Mansa on the westerly bank of the Santa Ana River. The two communities became known as San Salvador, named after the Catholic parish priest whose church was located in Agua Mansa. The great flood of 1862 destroyed all the adobe homes in the two communities. After the flood, a descendent of Lorenzo Trujillo (who had died in 1855) built the Trujillo Adobe (Adobe). •