Tom Truax / 6/21/03 (Solstice)
I have read the discussion to date. I think the artwork is good.
As the committee chair prefers, I think we can decide on size after agreeing on
a location. It appears the possible locations include:
- The location where Bruce impacted and died
- The location where he last launched from (Walt's Point)
- The point that bears his name (Bruce's Point)
- The most prominent peak on the Ojai range as seen from the Ojai Valley
(Chief's Peak)
- At launch below Chief's Peak
All have pro and con. Since there is no current interest expressed in
the first two options, I won't discuss them.
Option 3 (Bruce's Point) would be my preference
- Pro
- This point already bears his name
- You can see it framed between the trees in his front yard from his house
- A design that incorporates a worthy flag / streamer
- would be visible from his house, from town and from the air
- is functional
- Less prone to vandalism
- Con
- It would require a deliberate pilgrimage to view the plaque
- Installation would be more difficult and likely cost more
- It may be more prone to damage by fire
- Details
- I would propose using Benson's artwork on a plaque as he proposes
- Scout the site to select a location on a rock face on the top of the
point
- Clear the brush about 10 on all sides to reduce heating from fire
- Incorporate a post base for a changeable 15' flexible / UV resistant
flag pole to carry a 7' streamer
- Pre fabricate and hike out to install. If material is too heavy to
hike, then we could drop it via tandem glider delivery
- Bi-annual maintenance could be viewed as either pro or con.
Option 4 is good also, but he would be sharing the peak with other memorials.
It's an easy 10 minute hike up a good trail with some mild rock climbing at the
top. I don't think the suggestion that it may be hard to get to is valid.
Option 5 is also appropriate, but I prefer option 3 & 4. Option 5 is
probably the easiest to implement and view the plaque.
Although I have my opinion, I can support whatever is chosen. I would
lobby for option 3 and am willing to participate in the work party.