REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of a Historic Resource Designation for the Tiburcio V?squez Gravesite Located in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery
Report
SUMMARY
The Historical and Landmarks Commission (HLC) initiated the nomination of the gravesite of Tiburcio Vasquez, located within Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, for designation as a local landmark. The designation is consistent with the historical and cultural importance criteria established in the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and HLC eligibility criteria.
At its April 2, 2026, meeting, the HLC conducted a public hearing to consider the nomination of the gravesite of Tiburcio Vasquez for designation as a local landmark and recommended that the City Council approve the designation. The City Council makes the final determination as to whether the subject property is eligible for inclusion on the City's Historic Resource Inventory (HRI).
Once the City Council approves the designation, the HLC may consider opportunities for memorialization at the gravesite.
BACKGROUND
The gravesite of Tiburcio Vasquez is located within the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. The HLC initiated the nomination of the gravesite of Tiburcio Vasquez for designation as a local landmark.
At its March 5, 2026, meeting, the HLC considered the designation of the gravesite of Tiburcio Vasquez as a local landmark pursuant to Chapter 18.130 - Historic Preservation of the Zoning Ordinance (Historic Preservation Ordinance). Following discussion, the HLC voted to move forward with nomination of the gravesite for local landmark designation at a subsequent meeting.
At its April 2, 2026, meeting, the HLC reviewed the nomination of the gravesite for designation as a local landmark under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. City Historian Lorie Garcia provided a detailed biographical account of Tiburcio Vasquez (Attachment 1) to inform the Commission's consideration. Following discussion and review of the applicable criteria, the ...
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