BOARD OF SUPERVISOR'S

Accept donation of San Benito County Seal carved in wood and Present Certificate of Appreciation to Valerie Egland. 

SBC FILE NUMBER: 156

San Benito County Seal

Designed and carved by Valerie J Egland, 2017-2021

The currently used San Benito County Seal is comprised of three elements representing, 1. the Mission San Juan Bautista, 2. the San Benito County shape with a star pinpointing the County Seat of Hollister, and, 3. a Pinnacles rock formation. These elements are within a circular frame of dots (possibly rope).  Heraldry allows for the artistic addition of elements and frame as long as the major parts are in their order.  This allowed for a more inclusive illustration of San Benito County in its historic perspective. 

Elements authenticated were: 

1.    The full image of the geographic boarder of SBC, its geology, rivers and towns, as per authenticated by SBC GIS personnel, Resource Management.

2.    The High Peaks of the Pinnacles as confirmed to be the most recognizable feature of the geologic formation, per the facility Ranger.

3.    The Mission San Juan Bautista in its full architecture in perspective.

Elements introduced and authenticated to produce a more inclusive history of San Benito County at the time of establishment:

1.    The outside perimeter is a double loop of the John Baumgartner, Jr., Reata, replete with Hondo, thanks to Joe Morris, representing the Vaquero Era.

2.    Within the boarder and left, are three Mortars and one Pestle, representing the Indigenous Peoples of this land, as validated by Laynee Bluebird Reyna.

3.    Within the boarder, on the right, is the cattle brand of Mission San Juan Bautista, as authenticated by Jae Eade, SBC CattleWomen.

4.     Within the center starting from the bottom are:

a.     White picket fence of the Castro Adobe bordering the Plaza.

b.    The Plaza

c.     Mission San Juan Bautista, after 1906  and restoration

d.    A typical San Benito County cloud bank

e.    The San Juan Valley, including the San Benito River, Santa Ana Peak, Fremont Peak, and a few of ‘the Rocks’ of old Rancho Larios.

f.      Behind another cloud bank is a typical SBC Oak tree meadow and

g.     The High Peaks of the Pinnacles, within the now Pinnacles National Park

h.    The full geologic and geographic 3D map of San Benito County with the county seat, Hollister, demarcated with gold. 

History:

In 2016, Supervisor Anthony Botelho accepted Valerie Egland’s idea of creating a wood carved county seal that would be more realistic and inclusive for today’s Board Chambers.  In 2017, Supervisor Botelho presented that idea along with my credentials of Masters of Art/Sculpture as corroborated by the SBC Arts Council CEO, Jennifer Laine.

Materials:

The wood used is old growth redwood from a San Benito County water tank, replete with worm holes.  Variously mixed color pigments and Deft Spray Satin finish coat from Hollister Paint. A plywood layered backing serves to stabilize the piece. Biscuit jointing was used for strength, but no attempt at pristine cabinetry was made.  The lettering has a base coat of red with three coats of gilding painted in.

Notes:

1.    The colors and atmosphere are based on how one sees color in the moonlight of San Benito County.

2.    The element of the San Juan Valley reveals the life giving water of our San Benito River, and the fertile valley that has led to our agricultural heritage.

3.    A Benitoite specimen could be inserted in the mining area of the county.

4.    This carving honors all those who have come before us, including Alex Zeller, San Juan Bautista Woodcarver, Painter and Instructor.

5.    My gratitude to all those who aided in the production of this county seal, especially, Supervisor Anthony Botelho, whose appreciation of the Arts and encouragement till the end, made it happen.

6.    May we all find inspiration in this image to excel in building, stewarding and maintaining San Benito County into the future.

Valerie J. Egland

Valerie J. Egland

September 15, 2021