Council approves donation of border fence panels
CALEXICO — The Calexico City Council on Wednesday approved a donation from the U.S. Border Patrol of a few sections of the soon-to-be replaced international border fence that is adorned with the 2.2-mile “Border Metamorphosis” mural.
The federal agency’s donation of the panels is the result of a memorandum of understanding between it and the city’s Arts Commission that specified actions would be taken to ensure the preservation of the mural should the underlying border fencing be replaced.
The five council members voted unanimously to accept the donation, citing its historical significance to the city as well as to the federal government, which authorized its installation in 1998.
Arts Commission member Carmen Durazo, who was instrumental in the mural’s installation, invited city officials to a pending meeting where they can brainstorm how and where to display the panels. The mural was created in the wake of the installation of the border fence to counter the geographic division that resulted from the fence’s installation in 1997, and its impact on a city with long-held economic, cultural and familial ties to Mexicali, Durazo said.
“We are friends even though a fence may separate us,” Durazo said.
The “Border Metamorphosis” mural was created with the help of 1,500 volunteers and represents a friendship bracelet that incorporates geometric designs resembling a 3,400-year-old Olmec jade axe handle said to be a symbol of communication.
A three-mile segment of outdated border fencing west of the downtown port of entry is scheduled for replacement next year in order to help improve the safety of Border Patrol agents.
At a glance
Former city manager and school board member Henry “Hank” Legaspi was recognized by the city for his years of service to the community. Legaspi was a World War II veteran, an Imperial Irrigation District employee of more than 40 years and Calexico Unified School District board member. He passed away on Oct. 11. Multiple family members were in attendance to receive the plaque from the city.
Public Safety dispatcher and Calexico native Leo Miramon was recognized as the city’s Employee of the Quarter. An employee since 2007, Miramon had also been a Calexico Police Explorer as a teenager. The recognition came with a $150 cash prize.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy was recognized by the city on its 90th anniversary. Multiple representatives of the parochial school were in attendance to receive the honorary plaque from the city, which they thanked for welcoming the parish into the community. The school had three students enrolled when it opened and today has 435 students enrolled.
The city declared Monday through Oct. 31 as Red Ribbon Week, as part of a national effort to combat alcohol and substance use among youth through drug prevention and information campaigns.
The City Council declared the month of October as Fire Prevention Month, encouraging residents to adopt fire prevention practices at home and to develop and practice a home fire escape plan that identifies two exits from a home in time of emergency.