Civic Engagement project

 

Civic Engagement Project: El Monte 

Jazmin Cardoso 

10/27/2025

Phase 1: The Site - El Monte, California. 

The City I chose was El Monte, California. Although I was not born here, I was raised in this place. I grew up in a small town, a Latin Hispanic Community. Due to it being a small city, there weren't many murals that could be used to learn from. There was more graffiti, or what it was called, "tagging" on the walls, affecting a lot of buildings, mostly businesses. Growing up, I never paid attention to many murals or signs, due to the lack of knowledge and education in my family. They had different points of view that, in a way, shaped my point of view and drew my attention away from it. 

EL Monte is at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. The city was the first settlement in Southern California. It was founded by U.S. citizens in the early 1850s. Over the years, the city's structure and layout have improved. It now has more murals, more colors in the city, and community members are more aware of their surroundings. 

The city was actually memorialized in a song written by Frank Zappa. 

Phase 2: Field Work - The Findings in El Monte 

Statue of Liberty (1986)

The image above is a piece of public art that is popular in the city of El Monte. This statue, which is similar to the Statue of Liberty that resides in New York, is located in front of the El Monte Police Department. Dedicated to the people of El Monte during the city's 75th anniversary celebration, the Statue of Liberty replica in front of the El Monte Police Department represents freedom and civic pride.

In 1986, a local immigrant dentist gave the community a 30-foot fiberglass replica of the Statue of Liberty. This gesture was an homage to the liberties and opportunities that the United States, and particularly El Monte, provided for him and his family.

The Mural of the Sergeant and Officer (2023) 

Sergeant Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who tragically died in the line of duty in 2022, are shown on the mural honoring slain El Monte police officers. It is a potent homage to their sacrifice and a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement personnel encounter daily. Sergeant Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana were friends and family to many individuals who reside in the city of El Monte. Officer Joseph Sanatana was a friend of the family. A memorial wall was unveiled in June 2023 at a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of their deaths. The celebration, which featured a police helicopter flyover and was attended by family members, community leaders, and other officers, highlighted the profound respect and sorrow felt across El Monte.

The Eagle 

A dedication "to those who served," the bronze eagle statue in front of the El Monte Police Department stands for honor, watchfulness, and tranquility. The bronze bald eagle in the statue is perched on a stone base with its wings extended slightly, giving the impression that it is on guard. The eagle is a fitting honor for law enforcement since it is a historic symbol of strength, independence, and protection. "In memory of those who serve that the world might live in peace" is written on the statue's base. This statement celebrates all those who commit their life to public safety and peacekeeping, not just fallen cops.

The "Time Piece" 

Renowned artist Donald Lipski created the 30-foot-tall stainless steel clock tower known as the "Time Piece" sculpture at the El Monte Metro Bus Station. It serves as both a useful watch and an eye-catching piece of public art by fusing traditional transit symbols with contemporary design.
Made by renowned artist Donald Lipski, who is well-known for his vast public art pieces.
Three double-sided clocks are suspended from the sculpture's sweeping stainless steel arch by a network of thin steel cables. The clocks appear to be floating in space as a result.
At the station's entrance plaza, the entire building stands thirty feet tall, making it a noticeable landmark.

Phase 3: Critical Analysis

After analyzing the type of art that is found in the city of El Monte, I came to realize that the city values its members who protect the community. In El Monte, public art is a potent tool for cultural identification, historical remembrance, and civic expression. These installations, which range from commemorative paintings to patriotic emblems, showcase the city's ideals, diverse population, and changing urban environment.

The Replica Statue of Liberty is considered a Civic Identity and Symbolism. 
Its creative Purpose was meant to be a localized reworking of national principles; this 30-foot fiberglass model was donated by an immigrant dentist. El Monte's municipal pride is anchored in the larger story of American freedom by its placement in front of City Hall.

Its presence during the city's 75th anniversary celebration strengthens El Monte's reputation as a destination of opportunity by connecting individuals thanks to shared memory.

This piece achieves depth through its context, turning a well-known emblem into a poignant homage to the immigrant experience, despite the fact that some people might consider duplicates to be unoriginal.

There are parts of the city that are covered in graffiti, which some people may consider art. It is not accepted nor considered art by the city itself. It is seen by the city as disrespectful to the residents and the community.

Phase 4: Proposal

There is potential for El Monte to grow into more interactive, inclusive, and culturally reflective forms of public art, but it already has a solid base of civic and memorial works.

I've spent my entire life in the city of El Monte. I now have a better understanding of the city's history and culture. I believe that murals and other artwork that the locals can relate to would greatly enhance the city. Spanish-speaking Latin-Hispanics make up a large portion of the city's population. The city is rich in cultural traditions. 

Having to choose the type of artwork would be difficult. But if it were up to me, I would recommend more murals. A mural that is rich in culture. The city of El Monte is rich in culture, especially among the Latin, Asian populations. 

The city would benefit from murals in many ways. For example, it will maintain public areas lively and provide a stage for local performers. As well as it can increase the visibility and pride of up-and-coming talent.

This mural would look fantastic in a variety of settings. For instance, "The Valley Mall," which is located in the center of the city and is well-known to many. There is a lot of culture, diversity, and affection in this little outdoor mall.

Valley Mall is not a conventional enclosed mall; rather, it is an outdoor shopping area. This arrangement promotes community engagement and foot traffic.

The neighborhood is well-known for its diverse range of stores and restaurants, which feature American, Asian, and Latino influences. From apparel stores and herbal shops to family-run bakeries and eateries, you can find it all.

With a strong feeling of local pride and affordability, Valley Mall is regarded as one of El Monte's friendliest communities.

Final Reflection 

The city of El Monte is very small and has gotten popular over the years. Although it is a small size of its community, it is rich in culture and diversity. Examining El Monte's landmarks and public artwork reveals a city steeped in culture, history, and community. From the "Time Piece" sculpture to the Statue of Liberty replica, each piece is more than just ornamental; it is a significant representation of the city's ideals and development.

El Monte's embracing of opportunity and freedom is reflected in the Statue of Liberty in front of City Hall, particularly when viewed through the perspective of immigrant appreciation. The bronze eagle statue and the mural of slain police nearby serve as somber reminders of public duty and sacrifice, turning public areas into places of resiliency and commemoration. 

Resources 

• Roadside America. “Statue of Liberty Replica – El Monte, California.” , . Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

  Historical Marker Database. Statue of Liberty Replica – El Monte, California. HMdb.org,. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

• Roadside Architecture. Statue of Liberty Replicas. Roadarch.com, . Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
• Dovarganes, Damian. A Mural Honoring Fallen El Monte Police Officers. Alamy, 26 July 2023. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
• Metro Art. Time Piece by Donald Lipski. Metro Art Los Angeles. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
• Urbanize LA. El Monte Moving Forward with Plan to Revitalize Its Downtown. Urbanize LA. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.