Four plaques have been installed on the pillars of the Santa Fe Bridge. The plaques were designed by local resident Dana Lubich who won a $1,000 prize from the City of Visalia in a call to artist sent by the Arts Consortium.

Dana Lubich was born in Rhode Island, raised in Silicon Valley, and moved to Visalia in 1983. In the 1940’s, his grandfather, Robert L. Morris, owned the General Petroleum distributorship, the Morris Butane Service, both located on Mineral King, and started the first Mobil service station at Mineral King and Mooney Boulevard. With so many of his grandfather’s business interests tied to Mineral King, Lubich jumped at the chance to contribute to the Santa Fe Road Bridge, which crosses Mineral King. He was one of eight Tulare County residents who submitted renditions. A committee comprised of visual artists and City representatives selected Lubich’s renderings to be placed on the bridge pillars on the Santa Fe Overcrossing. The Visalia Arts Consortium unveiled the winning designs for the bronze plaques to for the Santa Fe Overcrossing at the September 20th City Council meeting at the Visalia Convention Center. City Council Member Warren Gubler presented a $1,000 prize to Lubich.

Lubich said he strove for simplicity in his designs. One entitled “Time Capsules” marks the bridge pillar with two time capsules sealed in it. The other three, entitled “Highway 198-Santa Fe,” “Valley of Plenty” and “Gateway to the Sequoias”, showcase the history of the Santa Fe Railroad and State Highway 198, agricultural heritage, and Visalia’s nickname from those heading to our beautiful mountains. This has been more than an artistic endeavor. This effort has allowed Lubich to connect with his family’s history in Visalia. He considers it a privilege to have put the finishing touch on the Santa Fe Overcrossing. Lubich’s other creative interests include photography and writing, specializing in aerospace and local history.