Monument to be Named in Rico Family’s Honor

The Vacaville City Council voted to name a well-known area of town in honor of Richard Rico and his family. At a previous city council meeting, Councilmember Chapman proposed renaming the area in front of the School Street Bridge flag monument, where the annual Merriment on Main tree lighting occurs, to the “Rico Monument.”

This follows the city’s established policy for naming facilities after individuals with at least ten years of notable community service, according to a city staff report.

About the Rico Family

Since 1924, when 15-year-old John Rico left Vacaville High School to join the Vacaville Reporter, the Rico family has played a pivotal role in documenting and supporting the City of Vacaville. John and his wife, Grace, purchased the newspaper in 1942, and in 1973, their son Richard took over, transforming the Reporter from a weekly publication into a daily newspaper. Richard also wrote the popular “At Ease” column for nearly 70 years and contributed to the community with his artwork and public service.

In 2002, Richard sold the paper but continued writing a weekly column for another 20 years. In 2023, he published a collection of his columns in a book titled Follow My Lede, which was dedicated to the Vacaville Museum.

A lasting symbol of Richard’s contributions is the three-flag monument he created in 1983 for Vacaville’s centennial. The site now hosts the annual Merriment on Main Tree Lighting event, a cherished holiday tradition. To honor the Rico family’s decades of service, the community has proposed a plaque and QR code at the monument, offering more information on the family’s history and impact on Vacaville.

Requirements for Naming City Property

The City of Vacaville has rules about who city property can be named after.

According to city staff, to have city property in Vacaville named after a living person, the individual must have at least ten years of significant community service or contributions. Their efforts should have enhanced the quality of life for residents, preserved the city’s history or culture, made exemplary contributions, or helped in the acquisition or development of land.

Additionally, a study must be completed to assess the individual’s background and qualifications. City staff submitted the completed study on the Rico family’s background.

Commentary

Having grown up in Vacaville, Rico’s Reporter was the only newspaper I knew. I love his story and the daily delivery of the Vacaville Reporter is a nostalgic memory of my own. Members of the city council seemed to share that sentiment with commentary directed to the Rico family which included the following:

“I’m very excited to be in this position to do my part to make sure that legacy is left, not just for the family and their contributions, but for the meeting of community and how that particular space will always be the center and heart of our City of Vacaville.”
– Councilmember Michael Silva

“A very well deserved honor”
– Councilmember Jeanette Wylie

“I’m really excited to be able to honor the Rico family. I’m very grateful for what you have given our community and continue to give our community.”
– Councilmember Roy Stockton

“This is a very well deserved recognition. A big part is not just how involved your family has been involved but how involved you continue to be.”
– Councilmember Jason Roberts

“You’re iconic. The Rico family is iconic and very philanthropic. Anyone who is near you, and Richard, and the entire family, you only know how to give. You only know how to express yourself in trying to make Vacaville the greatest place ever.”
– Mayor John Carli

Councilmember Sarah Chapman, who initiated the dedication, shared her personal story of moving to Vacaville and the Rico family’s support of her as she embarked on her career of civic service. In her motion, she included, “I appreciate my colleagues’ willingness, and understanding, and belief, and just being knowledgeable of the contributions the Rico family made to the City of Vacaville.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the dedication to the Rico family. The plaque and associated webpage is planned to be unveiled prior to the Merriment on Main tree lighting ceremony scheduled for December 3rd.