To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: A resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza colonizing expedition of 1775-1776.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza colonizing expedition of 1775-1776.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
None
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
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The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF A resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza colonizing expedition of 1775-1776.
WHEREAS, in 1775 - 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza led an expedition of some 240 women, men and children on an epic journey from, present-day Nogales, Arizona to the San Francisco Bay Area to establish the first non-Native settlement there, and
WHEREAS, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail spans 1,200 miles, linking history, culture, and recreation across the southwestern United State and California, serving as an enduring tribute to the people, places, and histories shaped by this historic journey, and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the 250th Anza Expedition, the National Park Service is partnering with land managers, organizations, counties and the East Bay Regional Park District to recognize the significance of this anniversary, and
WHEREAS, Anza led a contingent of soldiers to explore the East Bay and travelled through Contra Costa County from April 1 to April 4, 1776, where they contacted numerous Native tribes, investigated the Bay and camped along the way. Anza and Father Pedro Font produced full accounts of the trip as well as excellent maps, and
WHEREAS, the 250th commemoration offers an important opportunity to honor Hispanic, Native and Afro-Latine heritage, recognize the impacts of colonialism on indigenous people, and promote understanding of the complex historical narratives that have shaped our region, and
WHEREAS, the County of Contra County is proud to acknowledge the historic Anza Trail in our area, including the Delta de Anza Regional Trail and the Marsh Creek Trail, and is committed to preserving and promoting this inclusive history, and
WHEREAS, the County of Contra County is partnering with the National Park Service to replace and update existing auto tour signs directing drivers along the county roads to historic, interpretive, and recreation sites along the historic path, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the County of Contra Costa hereby recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition of 1775-1776 and expresses its sincere appreciation to the National Park Service and the East Bay Regional Park District for their efforts to share the history and manage this trail, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of supervisors supports its continued commitment to public education, historic preservation and equitable storytelling through its support of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.