MONTEREY COUNTY — Construction is underway at the Monterey County Government Center campus on Alisal Street in Salinas as crews install the new Covid-19 Memorial.
The installation, which is part of a community effort to honor those affected by the pandemic, is taking shape along the pedestrian plaza across from the Crime Victims Memorial. The new memorial features a striking design of colored glass panels that serve as a poignant reminder of lives lost and a tribute to the local healthcare workers, public servants and community members who supported Monterey County during the Covid-19 crisis.
“Nearly three years in the making, the memorial will be a place for families to remember loved ones as well as honor frontline workers and those who worked to safeguard our community during the pandemic,” said Maia Carroll, the County’s public information officer, on July 15.
Monterey County lost 940 residents to Covid-19 during the pandemic. The memorial project, funded through donations over the past three years and managed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, has garnered support from numerous local organizations and individuals.
Contributions are still being accepted, with major donors including Supervisor Luis Alejo, Taylor Fresh Foods Inc., Monterey County Office of Education, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Salinas Valley Health Foundation, Salinas Valley Health Medical Staff, Santa Lucia Rotary Foundation, Salinas Rotary Club, Natividad Medical Foundation Inc. and Nicholas M. Pasculli.
“Each life lost to Covid-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, friends and surrounding community,” said Alejo, who was a driving force behind the memorial project.
Designed to reflect Monterey County’s diversity, the memorial features five transparent colored panels representing the county’s five districts. Each panel is composed of multiple pieces of colored glass in varying tones of the same hue. Additional elements include solar lighting, landscaping and a seating bench for visitors.
The project’s total cost is approximately $340,000, with completion expected in early August.
Collaborators on the project include Shelby Hawthorne Glass of Sand City, Paul David Partnership, BFS Landscape Architects and R.F. Koeber Inc. serving as the contractor.
