BRENTWOOD – Standing as a symbol of patriotism following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the barn along Vasco Road with a painted U.S. flag on its side was dismantled after officials found the structure to be “unsafe.” Now, efforts are underway to preserve the colorful remains.
After multiple evaluations, staff at the East Bay Regional Park District determined the barn was “unsafe, in disrepair, and at risk of collapse.”
On Monday, park staff carefully dismantled the facade bearing the flag, which was painted by Brentwood resident Paul Fontaine in 2001.
The barn at the Vasco Hills Regional Preserve was taken over by the park district in 2010. The district bought the land in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy for habitat preservation.
“It was determined at that time that the barn was beyond repair. Additionally, repairs and construction are also prohibited by a conservation easement established when the property was purchased,” noted the park district in a statement on Monday.
Over the past year, the district stated that it has been working with Brentwood to preserve the flag facade.
“This project reflects the strength of community partnership. The Flag Barn facade has deep meaning for many residents, and we are proud to work with the City of Brentwood to preserve this piece of local history,” said East Bay Regional Park District Deputy General Manager Max Korten in a statement.
The cost of dismantling and transporting the facade was funded by the park district.
According to Brentwood, city staff also helped dismantle the barn utilizing specialized tools and equipment to remove and preserve its siding.
“This careful process was done to protect an important piece of Brentwood’s history and community pride,” the city said. “The City will explore future reconstruction or display plans in coordination with community partners and stakeholders.”
The flag panels are now in Brentwood’s possession and will remain in storage until the city’s future Agricultural Innovation Center is built, said Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer.
Meyer said the city hopes to incorporate the flag into the design of the new facility. Meyer said it has had a significant impact on residents.
“Anytime we drive over at Vasco, and I think most people say this too, it’s kind of how you know you’re almost home as you drive by it,” said Meyer. “It’s always this reminder that despite any differences, despite any politics, we can unite.”
Fontaine, a retired sergeant from the San Jose Police Department, said he was saddened by the news of the barn’s dismantling.
“My heart just sank, because for somebody who painted it, somebody who sat on that ladder, somebody who had so much pride put into it and did it for every single person that lived out there to see it,” Fontaine told this news organization. “It hurts, but I also understand that it needed to be done. I have no animosity, I have no problem with what they’re doing.”
In 2001, Fontaine was a member of the San Jose Police Department’s graffiti task force unit. On his commute to work, he would pass the barn, which he said was often defaced with graffiti, drawings, and foul language, which frustrated Fontaine.
Following the terrorist attacks, Fontaine said he wanted to convey a message of hope. After receiving permission to do so, he spent four days painting the flag.
“People were frustrated, sad, and wanting to do something but didn’t know what to do, and I was sick of seeing the graffiti there, and I thought, man, that is the perfect canvas for a flag,” he said.
He said he slept in his truck at night while working on the painting to safeguard it from being vandalized.
“I’m very happy that it brought so much happiness and pride to everybody. This is what makes me feel good, and that’s why I did it,” said Fontaine. “It’s not just for me, and so I’m just proud that everybody got to share the flag and everybody got to see it.”