Moraga buries a time capsule on its 50th anniversary of incorporation – November 12, 2024

By Vera Kochan Excerpt from Newsletter 2025 Q1

The Town of Moraga pulled out all of the stops in order to commemorate and celebrate its 50th anniversary of incorporation during 2024. One of the highlights was the burial of a time capsule loaded with items of importance to the community.

We officially became a town on November 12, 1974, and a small handful of citizens formed an Ad Hoc Committee dedicated to bringing awareness to the rest of the residents that 50 years had gone by since that day, and it needed to be acknowledged. The first meeting was held in August 2023, and consisted of then Mayor Renata Sos, Vice Mayor Teresa Onoda, residents Susan Sperry, Holly Hartz, Ana Moon, and myself, in addition to Town Manager Scott Mitnick, and Parks and Recreation Director Mackenzie Brady.

As we went around the table suggesting things we could do, Moon mentioned a cookbook; Hartz wanted a parade (which Onoda worked on with her); Brady felt banners hanging at strategic intersections and official T-shirts bearing a 50th anniversary logo would be fitting; Sperry would decorate the library’s display case with 1974-related items and orchestrate the Historical Society’s quarterly newsletters to inform members of events that led to the Town’s incorporation; and I wanted to have a time capsule — something that would have historical impact both now and 50 years into the future. As Moraga Historical Society President, and 80-year resident, Sperry confirmed this time capsule would be the Town’s first.

In June 2023, before the Ad Hoc Committee was formed, the Town Council approved a $25,000 initial budget appropriation to serve as “seed money” for the year-long 50th anniversary celebration. The time capsule itself cost approximately $3,000. I chose one made of stainless steel that would stand the test of time and could be reused by future generations with a minor amount of buffing. Its dimensions are 48” long x 40” wide and 16” deep. I did some research beforehand by contacting two other cities who had purchased from the company we chose (Heritage Time Capsules). The Smithsonian Institute also had high praise for their products.

There were 35 separate contributions to the time capsule with over 126 individual items placed. Empty, the stainless steel capsule weighed 103 lbs., and full it’s most likely close to 170 lbs. Our capsule was nearly filled to the brim.

The time capsule project would not have been as successful as it was without the items contributed by the following individuals and organizations: 2024’s Mayor Teresa Onoda, Vice Mayor Steve Woehleke, Council Members Renata Sos, Kerry Hillis, and David Shapiro, Town Manager Scott Mitnick, Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee, Moraga Police Department, Moraga-Orinda Fire District, Moraga Public Works Department, Moraga Planning Department, Moraga Parks and Recreation Department, Moraga Library, Moraga Historical Society, East Bay Regional Park District, Art in Public Spaces, Moraga Park Foundation, Moraga Education Foundation, Be the Star You Are!, Moraga Garden Club, Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley, Moraga Community Foundation, Moraga Junior Women’s Club, Moraga Citizens Network, Rotary Club of Moraga, Moraga Lions Club, iKind, The Saklan School, Camino Pablo Elementary School, Los Perales Elementary School, Donald L. Rheem Elementary School, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, Campolindo High School, and Saint Mary’s College.

While there is no real monetary value to the objects that went into the capsule, there is great sentimental value. As I drove around town making contribution pick-ups for six months, I was humbled by what each person or organization was putting into the capsule. Many of the items were a result of board or club member meetings, and I could feel the pride when those items were entrusted to me. In every case, I sensed that the givers were hoping that it was good enough for such an important inclusion. The variety and creativity of the items placed into the time capsule was beyond what I had hoped for.

In order to prevent decay to any items placed in the capsule, a Preservation Kit containing desiccant packets, acid-free envelopes and clear bags was ordered. No staples, paperclips or other rusting metals were included. No food items or liquids were allowed, and the public works crew lined the burial hole with gravel for drainage in addition to placing a visqueen tarp over the top of the capsule just prior to filling the hole with dirt. The time capsule itself has a rubber seal lining the edges of the lid.

During the burial ceremony, which took place in front of the Council Chambers, we were honored to have speeches by two of Moraga’s original council members who were elected into office in 1974: former Mayors Sue (McNulty) Rainey and Barry Gross. Additional short speeches by the entire Town Council, Town Manager, and Cherise Khaund (field representative for Rebecca Bauer-Kahan) were made before hard hats and golden shovels were passed out in order to begin burial of the capsule.

The party-like atmosphere was well-attended by town staff and folks who had the time to drop by for the 2pm event on a beautiful sunny day. Town Bakery catered the hot appetizers, desserts, and beverages while balloons danced merrily in the breeze. Posters of all the capsule items graced the area so that attendees could see what others had contributed.

A few weeks later, Diamond K of Lafayette donated the rock that would mark the spot of burial. A plaque was attached to the rock with verbiage that was written as a gentle reminder of when the capsule should be dug up and reopened: “On this day, November 12, 2024, the Town of Moraga celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Incorporation by burying a time capsule beneath this rock. We entrust the opening of this time capsule to the Moraga of tomorrow, and know that 50 years from now, when the Town celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2074, Moraga’s pride will still be strong.” It was purposely buried under the lawn in front of the Council Chambers so that anyone attending town meetings would always spot the plaque and perform a mental countdown of its opening.

As with any monumental endeavor, there are those that played a supporting role in making the ceremony itself come off without a hitch. Special thanks to Susan Sperry, Moraga Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp and his staff, Jeanet Lara, Kyle Salvin, Jose Limon, Ruben Ochoa, Manny Rivera, and Raul Serrano. Also, thanks to Julie Stagg and MHS Board Member/Digital Assets Coordinator John Kaiser for filming the entire Time Capsule Ceremony and making it available for viewing on the MHS website: Moragahistory.org (click on the Moraga History heading and go to: Moraga 50th Anniversary where you can also view the September 28 Moraga Parade video created by Bill Kelley). Photos of time capsule contents are also included on the website.