Future Of Iconic Bay Area Landmark Secured

LAFAYETTE, CA — The future of an iconic Bay Area landmark is no longer uncertain thanks to a donation of the property on which it resides.

The 1.9-acre lot on Thompson Road where the Lafayette Hillside Memorial was erected in 2006 has been purchased and will be gifted to the nonprofit organization that manages the memorial, its Board of Directors announced Wednesday.

Lara and Steve Dutto, longtime residents of the area, also purchased another 3/4-acre parcel of the eastern lot off Oak Hill Road. The Duttos acquired the property in 2023 under the name Oak Hill Place LLC and have formally recorded an easement to protect the memorial while the process of transferring the title is completed.

"We are grateful to accept this generous donation and for the independence it gives the LHM Board as we look to the future of the Memorial," said Lynn MacMichael, chair of the board.

The decision was made with the community's support. The Board conducted a survey and hosted workshops to gather input from Lafayette residents, workers and visitors. The overarching finding was that the memorial continues to have meaning and is valued by 90 percent of those interviewed.

"After evaluating the feedback, the board felt confident moving forward by accepting this donation and the notion of preserving— even improving—the memorial long term," Board member Kay James said.

When the property went on the market last year, two of the three offers were contingent on the removal of the memorial.

Lara Dutto explained their motivation to buy the property.

"I have volunteered on the site many times and was a board member for some years," Lara said. "While my role has changed, I continue to be inspired by the founding vision, which is to prompt public and individual reflection on the tragic costs of war. This message remains acutely relevant and brings pause and gratitude to me daily."

When it was installed in 2006, the Lafayette Hillside Memorial sought to remember the American soldiers who died serving in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

"At that time, the late Johnson and Louise Clark owned the property and gave us permission to place the markers as part of a grassroots protest," said Board member Janet Thomas, who has been involved with the memorial from the start.

Facing state Highway 24 and the Lafayette BART station, the iconic landmark comprises hundreds of crosses and other wooden symbols blanketing the prominent hillside in recognition of national service and encouraging personal and public reflection on the unintended, unseen and unexamined costs of war

In 2018, the Lafayette Hillside Memorial organization was established as a 501c3 nonprofit to preserve and enhance the memorial's site and significance.

"Knowing that the change of ownership of the property could have signaled the end of the memorial, our goal has been to ensure that the Board of Directors has autonomy to decide the Memorial’s future," Lara said.

Over the years, the memorial has become a sacred place for Blue and Gold Star Families, some of whom make an annual pilgrimage to the site. It is an impactful and inclusive living memorial that requires ongoing active stewardship to replace the symbols as they deteriorate over time.

"We rely on community participation," Board Treasurer Mike Munnelly said. "Right now, our volunteers have initiated a new wave of energy, including an exciting Eagle Scout Project and a plan for planting daffodils."

All are welcome to attend the site's annual Memorial Day vigil and workdays on Veterans Day and Martin Luther King Day.

"For anyone looking for a meaningful service opportunity, join us ..." Munnelly said.

The organization's website, Lafayettehillsidememorial.org, has more information.