Lafayette Hillside Memorial to Receive Donation of the Land It Sits on

Lafayette, CA, October 1, 2024 –Today, the Board of Directors of the Lafayette Hillside
Memorial (LHM) announced that it will be receiving a donation of the property upon which its
many crosses reside. The gift includes a 1.9-acre lot on Thompson Road and a 3⁄4 acre portion
of the Eastern lot off Oak Hill Road.

Lara and Steve Dutto, long-time residents of the area, purchased the property in 2023 under the
name Oak Hill Place LLC. The Duttos have formally recorded an easement to protect The
Memorial while the process of transferring the title is completed.

LHM Chair of the Board Lynn MacMichael said, “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.” The decision was made with the support of the community. 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%
of those interviewed. Board Member Kay James notes, “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.”

When the property went on the market in 2023, two of the three offers were contingent on the
removal of the memorial. Lara Dutto explained their motivation, “I have volunteered on the site
many times and was a board member for some years. 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.” Lara added, “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.”

Beginning in 2006, the Lafayette Hillside Memorial sought to remember the American soldiers
who died serving in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The iconic landmark consists of hundreds of
crosses and other wooden symbols on a prominent hillside facing Highway 24 and the Lafayette
BART station. Board Member Janet Thomas, who has been involved with the Memorial from the
start, recalls, “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.” Over the years, the Memorial
has become a sacred place for Blue and Gold Star Families, some of whom pilgrimage to the
site annually.

The LHM 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,”
explains Board Treasurer Mike Munnelly. “Right now, our volunteers have initiated a new wave
of energy, including an exciting Eagle Scout Project and a plan for planting daffodils. For anyone
looking for a meaningful service opportunity, join us for our annual workday on Veterans Day.

This year, it will be held on Monday, November 11, from 10:00-1:00. All are welcome. And all
supplies are provided.”

About The Lafayette Hillside Memorial
Erected in 2006, crosses and symbols blanket a regionally visible hillside in Lafayette, CA to
recognize national service and encourage individual and public reflection on the unintended,
unseen, and unexamined costs of war. The impactful and inclusive “living memorial” requires
active stewardship and community participation as the symbols deteriorate over time and are
continually being replaced. In 2018, the Lafayette Hillside Memorial organization was
established as a 501c3 nonprofit to preserve and enhance the site and significance of the
memorial. All are welcome to the Hillside Memorial’s annual Memorial Day vigil. Workdays held
on Veterans and MLK Days provide meaningful service opportunities for volunteers. Visit
http://www.lafayettehillsidememorial.org to learn more about the Lafayette Hillside Memorial and its
Board of Directors or to volunteer