Proposed monument raises church-state debate

SANTA ROSA — A “religion and government” discussion at the July 12 Santa Rosa city council meeting grew out of a presentation by resident Herman Baca, who wants to build a monument to Our Lady of Guadalupe on the southwest corner of the courthouse square downtown.

Baca’s presentation was of a proposed monument to honor the mother of Jesus, also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe who, many Catholics believe, appeared in a series of apparitions over a number of years. Baca said Guadalupe County was named after her and wants to build a 20-foot monument to her at the corner of Corona Avenue and South Fourth Street paid for with a donation, he said.

Baca already has two architectural renderings for the monument and is seeking the city’s and the county’s blessing to proceed with the project. He said history is the basis for his desire to erect the monument, since the county was named to honor her, although his plans are clearly faith-based as well.

At the end of Baca’s presentation, Luisa Chappell asked if there would be public input before moving forward with the project. Baca welcomed the idea of a public meeting, since it’s “all about history,” he said.

The mayor then directed Community Development Coordinator Heather Dostie to get with Baca and set up a public meeting in two or three weeks to gather public input.

Mary Ann Romero expressed her concern that the separation of “religion and government” was being crossed and suggested instead that the monument be built on private property.

City Attorney Daniel Rubin validated the concerns and asked the mayor and council if he should research the issue, which they agreed he should.