CC SR 20211019 06 - Ken Dyda Civic Center Property Naming
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 10/19/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to name the Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
property in honor of Councilmember Ken Dyda.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 2021-__ a resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, California, renaming the Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
property to the Ken Dyda Civic Center and naming the driveway leading into the
Civic Center as Ken Dyda Way.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: NA
Additional Appropriation: NA
Account Number(s): NA
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Resolution No. 2021-___ (page A-1)
B. June 1, 2021, City Council Staff Report
C. August 3, 2021, City Council Staff Report
D. August 26, 2021, Civic Center Advisory Committee Staff Report (page D-1)
E. September 9, 2021, Civic Center Advisory Committee Staff Report (page E-1)
F. City Council Policy No. 37 (page F-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro Tem
Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor Ken Dyda
by renaming a City facility to honor him for his tremendous legacy of service. The City
Council considered the following options on June 1, 2021 (Attachment B):
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• Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Grandview Park
• City Hall
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
No final decision was made at that meeting, but potential locations were narrowed. The
City Council directed Staff to return with additional information on Grandview Park, Civic
Center/City Hall alternatives, or a to-be-determined historical society museum site as
possible renaming locations/facilities. These options were considered by the City Council
on August 3, 2021 (Attachment C).
At that meeting the following potential names and locations were considered by the City
Council:
o Ken Dyda Civic Center
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park and Civic Center
o Ken Dyda Hall of Administration at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Building (or Offices)
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Wing
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Building
The City Council, on a unanimous vote (Councilmember Dyda recused himself), approved
naming all or a significant portion of the Civic Center site after Councilmember Dyda. The
City Council indicated that the selection of the City Hall buidling or all or a portion of the
Civic Center property would be particularly appropriate given his contribution to the
founding of Rancho Palos Verdes and his decades-long involvement in city government.
That evening, the Council directed Staff to have the Civic Center Advisory Committee
(CCAC) provide a recommendation on a) what portion (or the entirety) of the Civic Center
site should be named for Councilmember Dyda; and b) what the name should be.
The CCAC received a report and discussed various options at its August 26, 2021 ,
meeting (Attachment D). Options included the following:
• The CCAC discussed naming the Civic Center complex the Ken Dyda Civic
Center. Several CCAC members favored this option and mentioned that the
shortness of the name would make it easy to say and remember.
• An additional option was to also name the driveway providing ingress and egress
to the Civic Center as Ken Dyda Way. Currently, this driveway does not have a
name.
The CCAC directed staff to research whether naming the driveway would necessitate a
change to City Hall’s current address of 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard. The CCAC also
asked City Manager Mihranian to speak with Councilmember Dyda about his thoughts on
being honored and the two options discussed above.
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Staff provided the following responses to the CCAC at its September 9, 2021 meeting
(Attachment E),
• City Manager Mihranian spoke with Councilmember Dyda on August 30. City
Manager Mihranian noted that Councilmember Dyda was very humble about this
potential honor and said he was accepting of either or both the Ken Dyda Civic
Center and the Ken Dyda Way options.
• The Civic Center driveway is on City property and is not a public road. Therefore,
the City Council could choose to officially name the driveway without affecting City
Hall’s official address, which would remain as 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
That evening, the CCAC made the following recommendations for the City Council’s
consideration:
1) Rename the Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center the Ken Dyda Civic Center.
2) Name the currently unnamed Civic Center driveway Ken Dyda Way.
3) Officially include Councilmember Dyda on a future City Wall of Honor.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Financial Impact
The precise costs associated with renaming these facilities have not been determined for
the above-mentioned options but are not expected to be exorbitant or a determining
factor. Most of the costs are anticipated to be the replacement of street and on-site signs,
and informational material, including entrance signs, rules signs, wayfaring signs,
letterhead, and flyers. Staff time would be required to update documents and social media
information, the City website, and other information online.
City Council Naming Policy
Per City Council Policy No. 37 “Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments
and Other Memorials” (Attachment F), the naming of City facilities in honor of individuals
or community organizations will be a rare event and will be considered under the following
conditions:
1. The individual, a family, or a community organization has made exceptional
contributions to the City, including one or more of the following: a) financial gifts, b)
public service as an elected official, c) public service as a community volunteer, or
d) long term sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the
individual or community organization and the City facility.
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3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/ organization needs to b e
evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility. Individuals and organizations
that have made contributions of regional or community -wide significance may be
considered for naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a particular area or
neighborhood may be considered for the naming of facilities that serve these areas
or neighborhoods within the City, including recreational and other amenities within
City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period of at least three
(3) years shall have passed following the death of such person to allow perspective
and an appropriate period of reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate an individual to have a
City facility named in his or her honor, and the determination will be made by the
City Council.
The City has previously named facilities after notable residents including former Mayors
Robert E. Ryan, Marilyn Ryan, and John McTaggart, City founder Fred Hesse Jr., and
Randal Simmons, a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer slain in the line of duty.
While Councilmember Dyda does not meet all the above conditions, the City Council has
expressed a desire to recognize him now for his many civic accomplishments and
contributions to the City including leading the incorporation of the City. If considering
whether an exception is acceptable, the City Attorney has opined that the City Council
can consider an exception to City Council Policy No. 37 via resolution.
The Wall of Honor is is part of the City Council Policy No. 37 (Attachment E). Section III
states the Wall of Honor will “memorialize the names of distinguished community leaders
who have made substantial contributions to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.” The policy
states that persons nominated for inclusion of the Wall of Honor will be deceased and wi ll
not have been previously honored by other actions such as having a facility named in
their honor. The location of the wall has not been determined, although the Civic Center
is a likely and suitable location.
Councilmember Dyda’s Accomplishments and Background Information
• Co-founder of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Served 13 years on the City Council with multiple terms as Mayor and Mayor Pro-
tem. Mayor: 1978-79 and 2015-16. Mayor Pro Tem: 1973-75 and 1977-78.
• Incorporation of Municipalities in California. Authored the sta te legislation that
modified the voting process for incorporation. (Caused the change of similar
legislation in 28 other states.)
• Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society. (1975) Co-founder & Past
President.
• Peninsula Symphony Association - Past President and Member of the Board of
Directors.
• Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts. Authored the state legislation creating the
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districts.
• Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Don Wallace Radio Ranch Museum. Co-founder and Past Chairman.
• Southern California Association of Governments. Past City representative.
• South Bay Sanitation District. Past Member of the board of directors.
• City representative to the Contract Cities Associat ion, introduced performance-
based contracting for Sheriff’s Department services.
• The 5th Sanitation District. Past Member of the Board of Directors.
• RPV VOICE. Founder and Past Chairman of the Board.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Financial Advisory Committee. Past Chairman and Member.
• San Pedro Peninsula YMCA Indian Guides. Past district chairman.
• Boy Scout Troop 276. Committee Chairman.
• Grandview Country Club Estates Homeowners. President.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations. Member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes View Restoration Commission. Past member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes 2002 Goals Report. General Chairman.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Compatibility Committee.
• Palos Verdes Bridge Club. Chairman.
• Member of the Save Our Coastline (S.O.C.) Executive/Policy Committee.
• Chairman of the Fourth City Petition Campaign Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Steering Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Election Committee.
• Chairman and Researcher of the Fourth City Financial Feasibility Report.
The full llist of City projects and initiatives Councilmember Dyda has led or played a
significant role in is too lengthy to include here. His dedication to finding a solution for the
ongoing Portuguese Bend Landslide has been a particular passion.
In addition to his civic accomplishments, Councilmember Dyda worked 35 years for North
American Aviation (now Boeing) and five years for Northrop Grumman. He received a
bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of
Technology, did graduate-level study in math, physics, and astrodynamics at UCLA, and
is an instrument-rated private pilot. He has consulted with NATO, the United States Naval
Training Devices Center, the United States Air Force, and Flight Safety Inc. Among
numerous professional affiliations and accomplishments, he has lectured at Cambridge
University and was recognized on the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Walk
of Fame.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action, thereby not proceeding with renaming a facility after
Councilmember Dyda.
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2. Recommend alternate City facilities.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2021-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, RENAMING THE CIVIC
CENTER PROPERTY KEN DYDA CIVIC CENTER AND NAMING
THE CIVIC CENTER ENTRY DRIVEWAY KEN DYDA WAY
WHEREAS, On April 6, 2021 the City Council considered naming a facility in honor
of current City Councilmember and former Mayor Ken Dyda in honor of his legacy of
service; and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2021 the City Council considered a number of possible
locations and facilities to name in honor of Councilmember Dyda; and
WHEREAS, on August 3, 2021 the City Council approved naming all or a portion
of the Civic Center site after Councilmember Dyda for his contribution to the founding of
Rancho Palos Verdes and his decades-long involvement in local government; and
WHEREAS, on August 26, 2021, the Civic Center Advisory Committee, at the
direction of the City Council, discussed which part(s) of the Civic Center should be named
in honor of Councilmember Dyda and what the names should be; and
WHEREAS, on September 9, 2021, the Civic Center Advisory Committee
recommended changing the name of the Civic Center to the Ken Dyda Civic Center; and
to name the driveway leading into the Civic Center Ken Dyda Way; and
WHEREAS, City Council Policy No. 37. Section 4 of City Council Policy No. 37
which outlines procedures for the City Council to name City facilities in honor of individuals
or community organizations, notes that when considering naming a City facility after an
individual, a period of at least three (3) years shall have passed following the death of
such person to allow perspective and an appropriate period of reflection; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has opined that the City Council can consider an
exception to City Council Policy No. 37 via resolution; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The City Council finds the above recitals are true and correct and
incorporated herein by this reference. and
Section 2: The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes approves an
exception to City Council Policy No. 37 to permit the naming of designated City facilities
in honor of City Councilmember Ken Dyda; and
Section 3: The City Council approves renaming the Civic Center property the
Ken Dyda Civic Center; and
Section 4: The City Council approves naming the existing Civic Center driveway
the Ken Dyda Way; and
Section 5: This resolution shall be effective on December 15, 2020. The City
Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
A-1
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 19th day of October 2021.
___________________
Mayor
Attest:
____________________
Teri Takaoka, City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I, Teri Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that
the above Resolution No. 2021-_ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said
City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on October 19, 2021.
____________________
Teri Takaoka, City Clerk
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/01/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to consider a potential City facility to be named in
honor of Councilmember Ken Dyda.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Provide Staff direction on a potential City facility to be re-named in honor of
Councilmember Ken Dyda.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: NA
Additional Appropriation: NA
Account Number(s): NA
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. City Council Policy No. 37
BACKGROUND:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro
Tem Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor
Ken Dyda by re-naming a City facility in his honor as a means of thanking him for his
tremendous legacy of service. While the Point Vicente Interpretive Center was
mentioned as a potential candidate, a commitment was not made that evening as the
Council directed Staff to return at a future date with more information to consider.
Tonight’s report is intended to provide a list of potential City facilities that could be
renamed for the City Council’s consideration.
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DISCUSSION:
The City has previously named a number of facilities after individuals, including former
Mayors Robert E. Ryan, Marilyn Ryan, and John McTaggart, City Founder Fred Hesse
Jr., and Randall Simmons, an LAPD officer slain in the line of duty.
Per Council Policy Number 37 (Attachment A), concerning Individual/ Organizational
Recognition, the naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event and will be considered under the following conditions:
1. The individual, a family, or a community organization has made exceptional
contributions to the City, including one or more of the following: a) financial gifts,
b) public service as an elected official, c) public service as a community volunteer,
or d) long term sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the
individual or community organization and the City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/ organization needs to be
evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility. Individuals and organizations
that have made contributions of regional or community- wide significance may be
considered for naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Ind ividuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a particular area or
neighborhood may be considered for the naming of facilities that serve these
areas or neighborhoods within the City, including recreational and other amenities
within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period of at least
three (3) years shall have passed following the death of such person to allow
perspective and an appropriate period of reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate an individual to have
a City facility named in his or her honor, and the determination will be made by the
City Council.
Councilmember Dyda does not meet the above conditions, but there is a desire to
recognize him now for his many civic accomplishments and contributions to the City,
including:
• Co-Founder of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Served 13 years on the City Council with multiple terms as Mayor & Mayor Pro-
tem. Mayor: 1978-79 and 2015-16. Mayor Pro Tem: 1973-75 and 1977-78.
• Incorporation of Municipalities in California. Authored the state legislation that
modified the voting process for incorporation. (Caused the change of similar
legislation in 28 other states.)
• Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society. (1975) Co-founder & Past
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President.
• Peninsula Symphony Association - Past President and Member of the Board of
Directors.
• Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts. Authored the state legislation creating the
districts.
• Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Don Wallace Radio Ranch Museum. Co-founder and Past Chairman.
• Southern California Association of Governments. Pa st City representative.
• South Bay Sanitation District. Past Member of the board of directors.
• City representative to the Contract Cities Association, introduced Performance.
Based Contracting for Sheriff Services.
• The 5th Sanitation District. Past Member of the Board of Directors.
• RPV VOICE. Founder and Past Chairman of the Board.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Financial Advisory Committee. Past Chairman & Member.
• San Pedro Peninsula YMCA Indian Guides. Past district chairman.
• Boy Scout Troop 276. Committee Chairman.
• Grandview Country Club Estates Homeowners. President.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations. Member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes View Restoration Commission. Past member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes 2002 Goals Report, General Chairman.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Compatibility Committee.
• Palos Verdes Bridge Club. Chairman.
• Member of the Save Our Coastline (S.O.C.) Executive/Policy Committee.
• Chairman of the Fourth City Petition Campaign Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Steering Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Election Committee.
• Chairman and Researcher of the Fourth City Financial Feasibility Report.
The number of City projects and initiatives Councilmember Dyda has led or played a
significant role in is too lengthy to include here. His dedication to solving the Portuguese
Bend Landslide issue has been a particular passion.
In addition to his civic accomplishments, Councilmember Dyda worked 35 years for
North American Aviation (now Boeing) and five (5) years for Northrop. He received a
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, did
graduate-level study in Math, Physics, and Astrodynamics at UCLA, and is an
instrument rated private pilot. He has consulted with NATO, the United States Naval
Training Devices Center, the United States Air Force, and Flight Safety Inc. Among
numerous professional affiliations and accomplishments, he has lectured at Cambridge
University and recognized on the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Walk of Fame.
A 60-year resident of the Rancho Palos Verdes area, Councilmember Dyda is married
to Lorraine and has two children and two grandchildren.
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Potential City Facilities to Rename:
• Point Vicente Interpretive Center: This premier whale watching site opened in
1984 and was expanded in 2006. The site provides spectacular opportunities to
view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale from December through April.
The site is a very popular destination with visitors from throughout the world, and
its current name is well-branded, so a name change may cause some temporary
confusion.
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center: This multi-purpose room
features tremendous ocean and Catalina Island views. This would be similar to
the honor bestowed upon former Mayor and 20 -year Councilmember John
McTaggart who had the Hesse Park Multi-purpose Room named in his honor as
the John McTaggart Memorial Hall and Council Chambers in 2013. The City
Council recommended that if the Council Chambers were ever re-located, it
would still be named for Mayor McTaggart.
• Grandview Park: This 18-acre, open space park offers beautiful views and
informal walking trails. It is located near Councilmember Dyda’s long-time home.
• City Hall and/or Upper Point Vicente/Civic Center: Currently in the midst of a
Civic Center Master Plan process, this 17-acre site offers spectacular ocean
views from multiple locations and includes the current City Hall complex. The
park grounds, City Hall, or the entire complex could be named for
Councilmember Dyda.
While all the options would be fitting tributes to Councilmember Dyda’s legacy, the
selection of all or a portion of the Civic Center property would be particularly appropriate
given his contribution to the founding of Rancho Palos Verdes and his decades-long
involvement in City Government.
If considering whether an exception is acceptable, the City Attorney has opined that the
City Council can consider an exception via resolution.
Staff can return with detailed cost estimates and associated logistics following Council
direction.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action, thereby not proceeding with naming a facility after Councilman
Dyda.
2. Recommend additional City facilities.
3. Take other action as deemed appropriate.
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CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 37
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 01/07/03 (Amended 9/15/09, 12/20/11, and
4/20/21)
SUBJECT: Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments and Other
Memorials
________________________________________________________________
POLICY:
I. City Facilities
It shall be the policy of the City Council to name City facilities in the following
manner:
General
The policy of the City is to name facilities in a manner that will provide an
easy and recognizable reference to the City’s residents and visitors.
Geographic Location
Whenever possible, City facilities will be named for their geographic
location. The geographic location may be based on the identification of
the facility with a specific place, neighborhood, street, topographic or other
natural feature, such as a drainage course, tree or plant species, or
historical precedent.
Individual/Organizational Recognition
The naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event, and will be considered under the
following conditions:
1. The individual, a family or a community organization has made
exceptional contributions to the City, including one or more of the
following: a) financial gifts, b) public service as an elected official, c)
public service as a community volunteer, or d) long term
sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the
contributions of the individual or community organization and the
City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/organization
needs to be evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility.
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of
regional or community-wide significance may be considered for
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 2 of 4
naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a
particular area or neighborhood may be considered for the naming
of facilities that serve these areas or neighborhoods within the City,
including recreational and other amenities within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period
of at least three (3) years shall have passed following the death of
such person to allow perspective and an appropriate period of
reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Council Member may nominate an
individual to have a City facility named in his or her honor, and the
determination will be made by the City Council.
City policy does not preclude additional opportunities for recognition that
may be created in the future. For instance, the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center is planned to include exhibits that may be funded by individual or
corporate donations. Recognition of such donations may include a donor
wall within the Interpretive Center, or recognition of a contributor’s
sponsorship of a specific exhibit.
II. Monuments and Other Memorials
It shall be the policy of the City Council to allow the placing of monuments and
other memorials on City properties under the following guidelines:
Monuments
Monuments in honor or in memory of persons may be permitted, in
rare cases, on City property with permission of the City Council under
the following conditions:
1. The person memorialized is closely associated with the area where
the monument will be located. The person memorialized is known
to, and revered, by a significant number of City residents.
2. The monument design is discreet and unobtrusive and designed to
blend into the surrounding area. A small plaque on a large rock (4
cubic feet) would be appropriate. The location of the monument
will be determined by City staff with approval of the City Council.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the monument will
be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The monument is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by
maintenance personnel.
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 3 of 4
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the
monument and may remove it at any time for any reason with
permission of the City Council.
Benches or Trees
Benches or trees in honor or in memory of deceased persons may be
placed in City parks, or other City spaces, at the discretion of the City
Manager under the following conditions:
1. The bench design, or tree species, will be determined by the City
and the location of the bench or tree will be selected by the City.
2. A relatively small plaque (5” x 8”), with inscription or other written
memorial information may be placed on the bench or near the tree.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the bench or tree
will be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The bench, or tree, is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by maintenance
personnel.
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the bench
or tree and may remove it at any time for any reason without
replacement.
III. Wall of Honor
It shall be the policy of the City Council to establish a “Wall of Honor” under the
following guidelines:
Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor will memorialize the names of distinguished
community leaders who have made substantial contributions to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes under the following conditions:
1. Persons nominated for the “Wall of Honor” shall have been
dedicated community leaders who have contributed significantly to
the quality of life offered by the City and realization of the vision
expressed in the original General Plan. The honoree must have
had a significant presence in the community throughout a good
portion of their life and should have made notable impacts on
sustaining the quality of life of the residents of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 4 of 4
2. Persons nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor” will be
deceased and will not have been previously honored by other
actions of the City such as facilities named in their honor or other
memorial.
3. When a person is nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor”
staff should consult with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library
District, local historical society or other appropriate sources to
determine the significance of the individual’s contributions to the
community and report these findings to the City Council.
4. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate a
citizen to be included on the “Wall of Honor.” The determination of
the persons who will be included will be made by the City Council.
5. The location of the “Wall” and the format of names and inscriptions
shall be established by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has lacked a uniform policy to assist the City
Council and to guide staff in the naming of City facilities, including parks and
open space areas, buildings, streets and other public amenities. In addition,
there have been no formal policies or guidelines for honoring City leaders, nor for
memorializing persons whose loved ones simply want to provide a remembrance
in the form of a bench or tree.
Although the City has had no formal policy for naming public facilities and sites in
honor of persons, there are precedents. Fred Hesse Park and Community
Center is named for a City founder, Robert Ryan Park is named for a former
Mayor and Councilmember and Vanderlip Park is named for an original
Peninsula landowner. There is a GPS monument at Portuguese Point named in
honor of Dr. Perry Ehlig. There is a trail below Ocean Terrace Drive known as
the McBride Trail in honor of the man who constructed it. There are also three
small memorials, one near Ladera Linda Community Center, one at the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center and the other near Inspiration Point that honor
persons who died prematurely. Finally, there have been numerous requests
from individuals to install park benches or plant trees in memory of deceased
loved ones, many of which have been granted.
The development of a Policy to guide the naming of City facilities, the permitting
of monuments, benches and trees is intended to enable these processes to be
conducted in an equitable, objective and consistent manner. In addition, the
establishment of a “Wall of Honor” will offer a new formal opportunity for honoring
community leaders.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 08/03/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to consider a potential City facility to be renamed in
honor of Councilmember Ken Dyda.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Provide Staff direction on a potential City facility to be renamed in honor of
Councilmember Ken Dyda; and,
(2) If deemed acceptable, direct Staff to return at the October 19, 2021 meeting with
a resolution to memorialize the renaming of a City facility after Councilmember Ken
Dyda.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: NA
Additional Appropriation: NA
Account Number(s): NA
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. City Council Policy No. 37 (Page A-1)
B. June 1, 2021, City Council Staff Report (Page B-1)
BACKGROUND:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro Tem
Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor Ken Dyda
by renaming a City facility to honor him for his tremendous legacy of service. The City
Council considered the following options on June 1, 2021:
• Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Grandview Park
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
C-1
• City Hall
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
No final decision was made at that meeting, but potential locations were narrowed. The
City Council directed Staff to return with additional information on Grandview Park, Civic
Center/City Hall alternatives, or a to be determined historical society museum site as
possible renaming locations/facilities.
The City has previously named facilities after notable residents including former Mayors
Robert E. Ryan, Marilyn Ryan, and John McTaggart, City founder Fred Hesse Jr., and
Randal Simmons, a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer slain in the line of duty.
Per City Council Policy No. 37 (Attachment A) concerning Individual/ Organizational
Recognition, the naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event and will be considered under the following conditions:
1. The individual, a family, or a community organization has made exceptional
contributions to the City, including one or more of the following: a) financial gifts, b)
public service as an elected official, c) public service as a community volunteer, or
d) long term sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the
individual or community organization and the City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/ organization needs to be
evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility. Individuals and organizations
that have made contributions of regional or community -wide significance may be
considered for naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a particular area or
neighborhood may be considered for the naming of facilities that serve these areas
or neighborhoods within the City, including recreational and other amenities within
City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period of at least three
(3) years shall have passed following the death of such person to allow perspective
and an appropriate period of reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate an individual to have a
City facility named in his or her honor, and the determination will be made by the
City Council.
While Councilmember Dyda does not meet all the above conditions, the City Council has
expressed a desire to recognize him now for his many civic accomplishments and
contributions to the City including leading the incorporation of the City. If considering
whether an exception is acceptable, the City Attorney has opined that the City Council
can consider an exception to City Council Policy No. 37 via resolution.
C-2
DISCUSSION:
Potential City Facilities to Rename
• Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall Building: Given Councilmember Dyda’s legacy
of service, his contributions in forming the City, his years on the City Council, and
his profound impact on City policies and governance, naming City Hall in his honor
is perhaps the most appropriate option. The current RPV City Hall could be named
for Councilmember Dyda with the caveat that any new City Hall in the future would
also be named in honor. This is similar to a previous naming opportunity involving
the Hesse Park Multi-Purpose Room, which was renamed the John McTaggart
Memorial Hall and Council Chambers in 2013 in honor of former Mayor and 20-
year Councilmember John McTaggart. The City Council at that time recommended
that if the Council Chambers were ever relocated, it would still be named for Mayor
McTaggart. City Hall and the Civic Center property are currently in a Master Plan
process which is expected to take at least several years to complete.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Hall of Administration at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Building (or Offices)
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Wing
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Building
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center: This 17-acre site is also part of the
current Civic Center Master Plan process and would be a fitting tribute to
Councilmember Dyda’s service to the City. The City Council has the option to
name just the park grounds after Councilmember Dyda or the entire complex,
which would include City Hall.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Civic Center
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park and Civic Center
• Grandview Park: This 18-acre, largely undeveloped park offers sweeping views
and informal walking trails and is located near Councilmember Dyda’s longtime
home. While a beautiful location, Grandview Park does not have the same
connection and resonance with Councilmember Dyda’s legacy of City service.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Park
o Ken Dyda Grandview Park
C-3
• Historical Museum: Councilmember Dyda has long supported the development
of a permanent museum to display RPV and Peninsula-related historical artifacts,
primarily from the Rancho De Los Palos Verdes Historical Society, an organization
he co-founded. Although a location for a permanent building for the Historical
Society has yet to be identified, approved and funded, either Lower Point Vicente
Park near the existing Point Vicente Interpretive Center or at Upper Point Vicente
Park as part of the Civic Center Master Plan project are potential sites being
explored. While this component may be considered by the City Council in the
future, the time needed to complete design, public outreach, reentitlement review,
and construction would likely take years to complete. Moreover, there is no
guarantee that such sites would be approved. Thus, this option does not align with
Council’s stated desire to honor Councilmember Dyda in a timely fashion.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Historical Museum
o The Ken Dyda Peninsula Historical Museum
While all the options above would be fitting tributes to Councilmember Dyda’s legacy, the
selection of the City Hall Buidling or all or a portion of the Civic Center property would be
particularly appropriate given his contribution to the founding of Rancho Palos Verdes
and his decades-long involvement in city government. All of the naming options, with the
exception of the historical museum, could be achieved within six months.
Financial Impact
The precise costs associated with renaming these facilities have not been determined for
the above-mentioned options but are not expected to be exorbitant or a determining
factor. Most of the costs are anticipated to be the replacement of street and on-site signs,
and informational material, including entrance signs, rules signs, wayfaring signs,
letterhead, and flyers. Staff time would be required to update documents and social med ia
information, the City website, and other information online. Staff can return with detailed
cost estimates and associated logistics once a location is selected.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action, thereby not proceeding with renaming a facility after
Councilmember Dyda.
2. Recommend additional City facilities.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
C-4
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 37
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 01/07/03 (Amended 9/15/09, 12/20/11, and
4/20/21)
SUBJECT: Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments and Other
Memorials
________________________________________________________________
POLICY:
I. City Facilities
It shall be the policy of the City Council to name City facilities in the following
manner:
General
The policy of the City is to name facilities in a manner that will provide an
easy and recognizable reference to the City’s residents and visitors.
Geographic Location
Whenever possible, City facilities will be named for their geographic
location. The geographic location may be based on the identification of
the facility with a specific place, neighborhood, street, topographic or other
natural feature, such as a drainage course, tree or plant species, or
historical precedent.
Individual/Organizational Recognition
The naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event, and will be considered under the
following conditions:
1. The individual, a family or a community organization has made
exceptional contributions to the City, including one or more of the
following: a) financial gifts, b) public service as an elected official, c)
public service as a community volunteer, or d) long term
sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the
contributions of the individual or community organization and the
City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/organization
needs to be evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility.
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of
regional or community-wide significance may be considered for
C-5
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 2 of 4
naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a
particular area or neighborhood may be considered for the naming
of facilities that serve these areas or neighborhoods within the City,
including recreational and other amenities within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period
of at least three (3) years shall have passed following the death of
such person to allow perspective and an appropriate period of
reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Council Member may nominate an
individual to have a City facility named in his or her honor, and the
determination will be made by the City Council.
City policy does not preclude additional opportunities for recognition that
may be created in the future. For instance, the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center is planned to include exhibits that may be funded by individual or
corporate donations. Recognition of such donations may include a donor
wall within the Interpretive Center, or recognition of a contributor’s
sponsorship of a specific exhibit.
II. Monuments and Other Memorials
It shall be the policy of the City Council to allow the placing of monuments and
other memorials on City properties under the following guidelines:
Monuments
Monuments in honor or in memory of persons may be permitted, in
rare cases, on City property with permission of the City Council under
the following conditions:
1. The person memorialized is closely associated with the area where
the monument will be located. The person memorialized is known
to, and revered, by a significant number of City residents.
2. The monument design is discreet and unobtrusive and designed to
blend into the surrounding area. A small plaque on a large rock (4
cubic feet) would be appropriate. The location of the monument
will be determined by City staff with approval of the City Council.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the monument will
be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The monument is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by
maintenance personnel.
C-6
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 3 of 4
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the
monument and may remove it at any time for any reason with
permission of the City Council.
Benches or Trees
Benches or trees in honor or in memory of deceased persons may be
placed in City parks, or other City spaces, at the discretion of the City
Manager under the following conditions:
1. The bench design, or tree species, will be determined by the City
and the location of the bench or tree will be selected by the City.
2. A relatively small plaque (5” x 8”), with inscription or other written
memorial information may be placed on the bench or near the tree.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the bench or tree
will be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The bench, or tree, is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by maintenance
personnel.
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the bench
or tree and may remove it at any time for any reason without
replacement.
III. Wall of Honor
It shall be the policy of the City Council to establish a “Wall of Honor” under the
following guidelines:
Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor will memorialize the names of distinguished
community leaders who have made substantial contributions to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes under the following conditions:
1. Persons nominated for the “Wall of Honor” shall have been
dedicated community leaders who have contributed significantly to
the quality of life offered by the City and realization of the vision
expressed in the original General Plan. The honoree must have
had a significant presence in the community throughout a good
portion of their life and should have made notable impacts on
sustaining the quality of life of the residents of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
C-7
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 4 of 4
2. Persons nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor” will be
deceased and will not have been previously honored by other
actions of the City such as facilities named in their honor or other
memorial.
3. When a person is nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor”
staff should consult with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library
District, local historical society or other appropriate sources to
determine the significance of the individual’s contributions to the
community and report these findings to the City Council.
4. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate a
citizen to be included on the “Wall of Honor.” The determination of
the persons who will be included will be made by the City Council.
5. The location of the “Wall” and the format of names and inscriptions
shall be established by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has lacked a uniform policy to assist the City
Council and to guide staff in the naming of City facilities, including parks and
open space areas, buildings, streets and other public amenities. In addition,
there have been no formal policies or guidelines for honoring City leaders, nor for
memorializing persons whose loved ones simply want to provide a remembrance
in the form of a bench or tree.
Although the City has had no formal policy for naming public facilities and sites in
honor of persons, there are precedents. Fred Hesse Park and Community
Center is named for a City founder, Robert Ryan Park is named for a former
Mayor and Councilmember and Vanderlip Park is named for an original
Peninsula landowner. There is a GPS monument at Portuguese Point named in
honor of Dr. Perry Ehlig. There is a trail below Ocean Terrace Drive known as
the McBride Trail in honor of the man who constructed it. There are also three
small memorials, one near Ladera Linda Community Center, one at the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center and the other near Inspiration Point that honor
persons who died prematurely. Finally, there have been numerous requests
from individuals to install park benches or plant trees in memory of deceased
loved ones, many of which have been granted.
The development of a Policy to guide the naming of City facilities, the permitting
of monuments, benches and trees is intended to enable these processes to be
conducted in an equitable, objective and consistent manner. In addition, the
establishment of a “Wall of Honor” will offer a new formal opportunity for honoring
community leaders.
C-8
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/01/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to consider a potential City facility to be named in
honor of Councilmember Ken Dyda.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Provide Staff direction on a potential City facility to be re-named in honor of
Councilmember Ken Dyda.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: NA
Additional Appropriation: NA
Account Number(s): NA
ORIGINATED BY: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Cory Linder, Recreation and Parks Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. City Council Policy No. 37
BACKGROUND:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro
Tem Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor
Ken Dyda by re-naming a City facility in his honor as a means of thanking him for his
tremendous legacy of service. While the Point Vicente Interpretive Center was
mentioned as a potential candidate, a commitment was not made that evening as the
Council directed Staff to return at a future date with more information to consider.
Tonight’s report is intended to provide a list of potential City facilities that could be
renamed for the City Council’s consideration.
C-9
DISCUSSION:
The City has previously named a number of facilities after individuals, including former
Mayors Robert E. Ryan, Marilyn Ryan, and John McTaggart, City Founder Fred Hesse
Jr., and Randall Simmons, an LAPD officer slain in the line of duty.
Per Council Policy Number 37 (Attachment A), concerning Individual/ Organizational
Recognition, the naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event and will be considered under the following conditions:
1. The individual, a family, or a community organization has made exceptional
contributions to the City, including one or more of the following: a) financial gifts,
b) public service as an elected official, c) public service as a community volunteer,
or d) long term sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the
individual or community organization and the City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/ organization needs to be
evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility. Individuals and organizations
that have made contributions of regional or community- wide significance may be
considered for naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Ind ividuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a particular area or
neighborhood may be considered for the naming of facilities that serve these
areas or neighborhoods within the City, including recreational and other amenities
within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period of at least
three (3) years shall have passed following the death of such person to allow
perspective and an appropriate period of reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate an individual to have
a City facility named in his or her honor, and the determination will be made by the
City Council.
Councilmember Dyda does not meet the above conditions, but there is a desire to
recognize him now for his many civic accomplishments and contributions to the City,
including:
• Co-Founder of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Served 13 years on the City Council with multiple terms as Mayor & Mayor Pro-
tem. Mayor: 1978-79 and 2015-16. Mayor Pro Tem: 1973-75 and 1977-78.
• Incorporation of Municipalities in California. Authored the state legislation that
modified the voting process for incorporation. (Caused the change of similar
legislation in 28 other states.)
• Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society. (1975) Co-founder & Past
C-10
President.
• Peninsula Symphony Association - Past President and Member of the Board of
Directors.
• Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts. Authored the state legislation creating the
districts.
• Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Don Wallace Radio Ranch Museum. Co-founder and Past Chairman.
• Southern California Association of Governments. Pa st City representative.
• South Bay Sanitation District. Past Member of the board of directors.
• City representative to the Contract Cities Association, introduced Performance.
Based Contracting for Sheriff Services.
• The 5th Sanitation District. Past Member of the Board of Directors.
• RPV VOICE. Founder and Past Chairman of the Board.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Financial Advisory Committee. Past Chairman & Member.
• San Pedro Peninsula YMCA Indian Guides. Past district chairman.
• Boy Scout Troop 276. Committee Chairman.
• Grandview Country Club Estates Homeowners. President.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations. Member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes View Restoration Commission. Past member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes 2002 Goals Report, General Chairman.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Compatibility Committee.
• Palos Verdes Bridge Club. Chairman.
• Member of the Save Our Coastline (S.O.C.) Executive/Policy Committee.
• Chairman of the Fourth City Petition Campaign Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Steering Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Election Committee.
• Chairman and Researcher of the Fourth City Financial Feasibility Report.
The number of City projects and initiatives Councilmember Dyda has led or played a
significant role in is too lengthy to include here. His dedication to solving the Portuguese
Bend Landslide issue has been a particular passion.
In addition to his civic accomplishments, Councilmember Dyda worked 35 years for
North American Aviation (now Boeing) and five (5) years for Northrop. He received a
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, did
graduate-level study in Math, Physics, and Astrodynamics at UCLA, and is an
instrument rated private pilot. He has consulted with NATO, the United States Naval
Training Devices Center, the United States Air Force, and Flight Safety Inc. Among
numerous professional affiliations and accomplishments, he has lectured at Cambridge
University and recognized on the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Walk of Fame.
A 60-year resident of the Rancho Palos Verdes area, Councilmember Dyda is married
to Lorraine and has two children and two grandchildren.
C-11
Potential City Facilities to Rename:
• Point Vicente Interpretive Center: This premier whale watching site opened in
1984 and was expanded in 2006. The site provides spectacular opportunities to
view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale from December through April.
The site is a very popular destination with visitors from throughout the world, and
its current name is well-branded, so a name change may cause some temporary
confusion.
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center: This multi-purpose room
features tremendous ocean and Catalina Island views. This would be similar to
the honor bestowed upon former Mayor and 20 -year Councilmember John
McTaggart who had the Hesse Park Multi-purpose Room named in his honor as
the John McTaggart Memorial Hall and Council Chambers in 2013. The City
Council recommended that if the Council Chambers were ever re-located, it
would still be named for Mayor McTaggart.
• Grandview Park: This 18-acre, open space park offers beautiful views and
informal walking trails. It is located near Councilmember Dyda’s long-time home.
• City Hall and/or Upper Point Vicente/Civic Center: Currently in the midst of a
Civic Center Master Plan process, this 17-acre site offers spectacular ocean
views from multiple locations and includes the current City Hall complex. The
park grounds, City Hall, or the entire complex could be named for
Councilmember Dyda.
While all the options would be fitting tributes to Councilmember Dyda’s legacy, the
selection of all or a portion of the Civic Center property would be particularly appropriate
given his contribution to the founding of Rancho Palos Verdes and his decades-long
involvement in City Government.
If considering whether an exception is acceptable, the City Attorney has opined that the
City Council can consider an exception via resolution.
Staff can return with detailed cost estimates and associated logistics following Council
direction.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Take no action, thereby not proceeding with naming a facility after Councilman
Dyda.
2. Recommend additional City facilities.
3. Take other action as deemed appropriate.
C-12
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 37
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 01/07/03 (Amended 9/15/09, 12/20/11, and
4/20/21)
SUBJECT: Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments and Other
Memorials
________________________________________________________________
POLICY:
I. City Facilities
It shall be the policy of the City Council to name City facilities in the following
manner:
General
The policy of the City is to name facilities in a manner that will provide an
easy and recognizable reference to the City’s residents and visitors.
Geographic Location
Whenever possible, City facilities will be named for their geographic
location. The geographic location may be based on the identification of
the facility with a specific place, neighborhood, street, topographic or other
natural feature, such as a drainage course, tree or plant species, or
historical precedent.
Individual/Organizational Recognition
The naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event, and will be considered under the
following conditions:
1. The individual, a family or a community organization has made
exceptional contributions to the City, including one or more of the
following: a) financial gifts, b) public service as an elected official, c)
public service as a community volunteer, or d) long term
sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the
contributions of the individual or community organization and the
City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/organization
needs to be evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility.
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of
regional or community-wide significance may be considered for
C-13
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 2 of 4
naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a
particular area or neighborhood may be considered for the naming
of facilities that serve these areas or neighborhoods within the City,
including recreational and other amenities within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period
of at least three (3) years shall have passed following the death of
such person to allow perspective and an appropriate period of
reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Council Member may nominate an
individual to have a City facility named in his or her honor, and the
determination will be made by the City Council.
City policy does not preclude additional opportunities for recognition that
may be created in the future. For instance, the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center is planned to include exhibits that may be funded by individual or
corporate donations. Recognition of such donations may include a donor
wall within the Interpretive Center, or recognition of a contributor’s
sponsorship of a specific exhibit.
II. Monuments and Other Memorials
It shall be the policy of the City Council to allow the placing of monuments and
other memorials on City properties under the following guidelines:
Monuments
Monuments in honor or in memory of persons may be permitted, in
rare cases, on City property with permission of the City Council under
the following conditions:
1. The person memorialized is closely associated with the area where
the monument will be located. The person memorialized is known
to, and revered, by a significant number of City residents.
2. The monument design is discreet and unobtrusive and designed to
blend into the surrounding area. A small plaque on a large rock (4
cubic feet) would be appropriate. The location of the monument
will be determined by City staff with approval of the City Council.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the monument will
be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The monument is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by
maintenance personnel.
C-14
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 3 of 4
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the
monument and may remove it at any time for any reason with
permission of the City Council.
Benches or Trees
Benches or trees in honor or in memory of deceased persons may be
placed in City parks, or other City spaces, at the discretion of the City
Manager under the following conditions:
1. The bench design, or tree species, will be determined by the City
and the location of the bench or tree will be selected by the City.
2. A relatively small plaque (5” x 8”), with inscription or other written
memorial information may be placed on the bench or near the tree.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the bench or tree
will be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The bench, or tree, is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by maintenance
personnel.
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the bench
or tree and may remove it at any time for any reason without
replacement.
III. Wall of Honor
It shall be the policy of the City Council to establish a “Wall of Honor” under the
following guidelines:
Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor will memorialize the names of distinguished
community leaders who have made substantial contributions to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes under the following conditions:
1. Persons nominated for the “Wall of Honor” shall have been
dedicated community leaders who have contributed significantly to
the quality of life offered by the City and realization of the vision
expressed in the original General Plan. The honoree must have
had a significant presence in the community throughout a good
portion of their life and should have made notable impacts on
sustaining the quality of life of the residents of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
C-15
City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 4 of 4
2. Persons nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor” will be
deceased and will not have been previously honored by other
actions of the City such as facilities named in their honor or other
memorial.
3. When a person is nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor”
staff should consult with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library
District, local historical society or other appropriate sources to
determine the significance of the individual’s contributions to the
community and report these findings to the City Council.
4. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate a
citizen to be included on the “Wall of Honor.” The determination of
the persons who will be included will be made by the City Council.
5. The location of the “Wall” and the format of names and inscriptions
shall be established by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has lacked a uniform policy to assist the City
Council and to guide staff in the naming of City facilities, including parks and
open space areas, buildings, streets and other public amenities. In addition,
there have been no formal policies or guidelines for honoring City leaders, nor for
memorializing persons whose loved ones simply want to provide a remembrance
in the form of a bench or tree.
Although the City has had no formal policy for naming public facilities and sites in
honor of persons, there are precedents. Fred Hesse Park and Community
Center is named for a City founder, Robert Ryan Park is named for a former
Mayor and Councilmember and Vanderlip Park is named for an original
Peninsula landowner. There is a GPS monument at Portuguese Point named in
honor of Dr. Perry Ehlig. There is a trail below Ocean Terrace Drive known as
the McBride Trail in honor of the man who constructed it. There are also three
small memorials, one near Ladera Linda Community Center, one at the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center and the other near Inspiration Point that honor
persons who died prematurely. Finally, there have been numerous requests
from individuals to install park benches or plant trees in memory of deceased
loved ones, many of which have been granted.
The development of a Policy to guide the naming of City facilities, the permitting
of monuments, benches and trees is intended to enable these processes to be
conducted in an equitable, objective and consistent manner. In addition, the
establishment of a “Wall of Honor” will offer a new formal opportunity for honoring
community leaders.
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CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: 08/26/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of an appropriate naming tribute at the Civic Center site to honor City
Councilmember Ken Dyda.
RECOMMENDED COMMITTEE ACTION:
Recommend an appropriate naming tribute at the Civic Center site to honor City
Councilmember Ken Dyda.
STAFF COORDINATOR: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. August 3, 2021, City Council Staff Report (page A-1)
B. City Council Policy No. 37 Excerpt (page B-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro Tem
Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor Ken Dyda
by renaming a City facility to honor him for his tremendous legacy of service. The City
Council considered the following options on June 1, 2021:
• Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Grandview Park
• City Hall
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
No final decision was made at that meeting, but potential locations were narrowed. The
City Council directed Staff to return with additional information on Grandview Park, Civic
Center/City Hall alternatives, or a to-be-determined historical society museum site as
possible renaming locations/facilities. These options were considered by the City Council
on August 3, 2021 (Attachment A). The City Council, on a unanimous vote
(Councilmember Dyda recused himself), approved naming all or a significant portion of
the Civic Center site after Councilmember Dyda. The Council directed Staff to have the
Civic Center Advisory Committee provide a recommendation on a) what portion (or the
entirety) of the Civic Center site should be named for Councilmember Dyda; and b) what
the name should be.
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Below is the Civic Center and City Hall information that was reviewed by the City Council
on August 3
• Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall Building: Given Councilmember Dyda’s legacy
of service, his contributions in forming the City, his years on the City Council, and
his profound impact on City policies and governance, naming City Hall in his honor
is perhaps the most appropriate option. The current RPV City Hall could be named
for Councilmember Dyda with the caveat that any new City Hall in the future would
also be named in honor. This is similar to a previous naming opportunity involving
the Hesse Park Multi-Purpose Room, which was renamed the John McTaggart
Memorial Hall and Council Chambers in 2013 in honor of former Mayor and 20-
year Councilmember John McTaggart. The City Council at that time recommended
that if the Council Chambers were ever relocated, it would still be named for Mayor
McTaggart. City Hall and the Civic Center property are currently in a Master Plan
process which is expected to take at least several years to complete.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Hall of Administration at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Building (or Offices)
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Wing
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Building
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center: This 17-acre site is also part of the
current Civic Center Master Plan process and would be a fitting tribute to
Councilmember Dyda’s service to the City. The City Council has the option to
name just the park grounds after Councilmember Dyda or the entire complex,
which would include City Hall.
Potential Names:
o Ken Dyda Civic Center
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park and Civic Center
The CCAC’s recommendation is not limited to the suggested names or the precise
sections of the Civic Center site listed above.
This item is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on October 19, 2021. This
schedule affords the CCAC the opportunity to further discuss this item at its regular
September meeting if desired.
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Additional Information:
City Council Naming Policy
The City has previously named facilities after notable residents including former Mayors
Robert E. Ryan, Marilyn Ryan, and John McTaggart, City founder Fred Hesse Jr., and
Randal Simmons, a Los Angeles Police Department SWAT officer slain in the line of duty.
Per City Council Policy No. 37 (Attachment B) concerning Individual/ Organizational
Recognition, the naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event and will be considered under the following conditions:
1. The individual, a family, or a community organization has made exceptional
contributions to the City, including one or more of the following: a) financial gifts, b)
public service as an elected official, c) public service as a community volunteer, or
d) long term sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the
individual or community organization and the City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/ organization needs to be
evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility. Individuals and organizations
that have made contributions of regional or community-wide significance may be
considered for naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a particular area or
neighborhood may be considered for the naming of facilities that serve these areas
or neighborhoods within the City, including recreational and other amenities within
City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period of at least three
(3) years shall have passed following the death of such person to allow perspective
and an appropriate period of reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate an individual to have a
City facility named in his or her honor, and the determination will be made by the
City Council.
While Councilmember Dyda does not meet all the above conditions, the City Council has
expressed a desire to recognize him for his many civic accomplishments and
contributions to the City, including leading the incorporation of the City. If considering
whether an exception is acceptable, the City Attorney has opined that the City Council
can consider an exception to City Council Policy No. 37 via resolution.
Councilmember Dyda’s Accomplishments and Background Information
• Co-Founder of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
• Served 13 years on the City Council with multiple terms as Mayor & Mayor Pro-
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tem. Mayor: 1978-79 and 2015-16. Mayor Pro Tem: 1973-75 and 1977-78.
• Incorporation of Municipalities in California. Authored the state legislation that
modified the voting process for incorporation. (Caused the change of similar
legislation in 28 other states.)
• Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society. (1975) Co-founder & Past
President.
• Peninsula Symphony Association - Past President and Member of the Board of
Directors.
• Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts. Authored the state legislation creating the
districts.
• Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Klondike Canyon Landslide Abatement District. Past member.
• Don Wallace Radio Ranch Museum. Co-founder and Past Chairman.
• Southern California Association of Governments. Past City representative.
• South Bay Sanitation District. Past Member of the board of directors.
• City representative to the Contract Cities Association, introduced Performance.
Based Contracting for Sheriff Services.
• The 5th Sanitation District. Past Member of the Board of Directors.
• RPV VOICE. Founder and Past Chairman of the Board.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Financial Advisory Committee. Past Chairman & Member.
• San Pedro Peninsula YMCA Indian Guides. Past district chairman.
• Boy Scout Troop 276. Committee Chairman.
• Grandview Country Club Estates Homeowners. President.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners Associations. Member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes View Restoration Commission. Past member.
• Rancho Palos Verdes 2002 Goals Report, General Chairman.
• Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Compatibility Committee.
• Palos Verdes Bridge Club. Chairman.
• Member of the Save Our Coastline (S.O.C.) Executive/Policy Committee.
• Chairman of the Fourth City Petition Campaign Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Steering Committee.
• Chairman of the S.O.C. Election Committee.
• Chairman and Researcher of the Fourth City Financial Feasibility Report.
The number of City projects and initiatives Councilmember Dyda has led or played a
significant role in is too lengthy to include here. His dedication to solving the Portuguese
Bend Landslide issue has been a particular passion.
In addition to his civic accomplishments, Councilmember Dyda worked 35 years for
North American Aviation (now Boeing) and five (5) years for Northrop. He received a
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, did
graduate-level study in Math, Physics, and Astrodynamics at UCLA, and is an
instrument rated private pilot. He has consulted with NATO, the United States Naval
Training Devices Center, the United States Air Force, and Flight Safety Inc. Among
numerous professional affiliations and accomplishments, he has lectured at Cambridge
University and recognized on the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Walk of Fame.
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Financial Impact
The precise costs associated with renaming these facilities have not been determined for
the above-mentioned options but are not expected to be exorbitant or a determining
factor. Most of the costs are anticipated to be the replacement of street and on-site signs,
and informational material, including entrance signs, rules signs, wayfaring signs,
letterhead, and flyers. Staff time would be required to update documents and social media
information, the City website, and other information online. Staff can produce detailed
cost estimates and associated logistics once a precise location is selected.
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1
CIVIC CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: 09/09/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration of an appropriate naming tribute at the Civic Center site to honor City
Councilmember Ken Dyda
RECOMMENDED COMMITTEE ACTION:
Recommend an appropriate location(s) and name(s) at the Civic Center site to honor
City Councilmember Ken Dyda
STAFF COORDINATOR: Matt Waters, Senior Administrative Analyst
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. August 26, 2021, Civic Center Advisory Committee Report (page A-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On April 6, 2021, during the City Council’s review of City Council Policies, Mayor Pro Tem
Bradley expressed a desire to honor current Councilmember and former Mayor Ken Dyda
by renaming a City facility in recognition of his tremendous legacy of service. The City
Council considered the following options on June 1, 2021:
• Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Sunset Room at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center
• Grandview Park
• City Hall
• Upper Point Vicente Park/Civic Center
No final decision was made at that meeting, but potential locations were narrowed. The
City Council directed Staff to return with additional information on Grandview Park, Civic
Center/City Hall alternatives, or a to-be-determined historical society museum site as
possible renaming locations/facilities. These options were considered by the City Council
on August 3, 2021. The City Council, on a unanimous vote (Councilmember Dyda
recused himself), approved naming all or a significant portion of the Civic Center site after
Councilmember Dyda.
The following potential names and locations were included in the August 3 City Council
report.
o Ken Dyda Civic Center
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park
o Ken Dyda Upper Point Vicente Park and Civic Center
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2
o Ken Dyda Hall of Administration at Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Building (or Offices)
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Wing
o Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall – Ken Dyda Administration Building
The Council directed Staff to have the Civic Center Advisory Committee (CCAC) provide
a recommendation on a) what portion (or the entirety) of the Civic Center site should be
named for Councilmember Dyda; and b) what the name should be.
The CCAC received a report and discussed various options at its August 26, 2021
meeting (Attachment A). Options included the following:
• The CCAC discussed the possibility of finding a way to honor Councilmember
Dyda’s devotion to mitigating the Portuguese Bend Landslide but did not identify a
way to do so.
• The CCAC discussed naming the Civic Center complex the Ken Dyda Civic
Center. Several CCAC members favored this option and mentioned that the
shortness of the name would make it easy to say and remember.
• An additional option was to also name the driveway providing ingress and egress
to the Civic Center as the Ken Dyda Way. Currently, this driveway does not have
a name. The question arose whether this would necessitate a change to City Hall’s
current address of 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard. This driveway is on City property
and is not a public road. Therefore, the City Council could choose to officially name
the driveway without affecting City Hall’s official address.
City Manager Ara Mihranian spoke with Councilmember Dyda on August 30 to discuss
an appropriate name. Councilmember Dyda was very humble about this potential honor
and said he liked both the Ken Dyda Civic Center Drive and the Ken Dyda Way options.
This item is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on October 19, 2021. This
schedule affords the CCAC the opportunity to further discuss this item at its regular
September meeting if desired.
The precise costs associated with renaming these facilities have not been determined for
the above-mentioned options but are not expected to be exorbitant or a determining
factor. Most of the costs are anticipated to be the replacement of street and on-site signs
and informational material, including entrance signs, rules signs, wayfaring signs,
letterhead, and flyers. Staff time would be required to update documents and social media
information, the City website, and other information online. Staff can produce detailed
cost estimates and associated logistics once a precise location is selected.
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CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 37
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 01/07/03 (Amended 9/15/09, 12/20/11, and
4/20/21)
SUBJECT: Naming of Public Facilities and Placing of Monuments and Other
Memorials
________________________________________________________________
POLICY:
I. City Facilities
It shall be the policy of the City Council to name City facilities in the following
manner:
General
The policy of the City is to name facilities in a manner that will provide an
easy and recognizable reference to the City’s residents and visitors.
Geographic Location
Whenever possible, City facilities will be named for their geographic
location. The geographic location may be based on the identification of
the facility with a specific place, neighborhood, street, topographic or other
natural feature, such as a drainage course, tree or plant species, or
historical precedent.
Individual/Organizational Recognition
The naming of City facilities in honor of individuals or community
organizations will be a rare event, and will be considered under the
following conditions:
1. The individual, a family or a community organization has made
exceptional contributions to the City, including one or more of the
following: a) financial gifts, b) public service as an elected official, c)
public service as a community volunteer, or d) long term
sponsorship agreements.
2. There should be a well-defined connection between the
contributions of the individual or community organization and the
City facility.
3. The significance of the contribution from the individual/organization
needs to be evaluated in relation to the impact of the City facility.
Individuals and organizations that have made contributions of
regional or community-wide significance may be considered for
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 2 of 4
naming of facilities that serve the entire City. Individuals and
organizations that have made significant contributions to a
particular area or neighborhood may be considered for the naming
of facilities that serve these areas or neighborhoods within the City,
including recreational and other amenities within City parks.
4. When considering naming a City facility after an individual, a period
of at least three (3) years shall have passed following the death of
such person to allow perspective and an appropriate period of
reflection.
5. Only a current Mayor or City Council Member may nominate an
individual to have a City facility named in his or her honor, and the
determination will be made by the City Council.
City policy does not preclude additional opportunities for recognition that
may be created in the future. For instance, the Point Vicente Interpretive
Center is planned to include exhibits that may be funded by individual or
corporate donations. Recognition of such donations may include a donor
wall within the Interpretive Center, or recognition of a contributor’s
sponsorship of a specific exhibit.
II. Monuments and Other Memorials
It shall be the policy of the City Council to allow the placing of monuments and
other memorials on City properties under the following guidelines:
Monuments
Monuments in honor or in memory of persons may be permitted, in
rare cases, on City property with permission of the City Council under
the following conditions:
1. The person memorialized is closely associated with the area where
the monument will be located. The person memorialized is known
to, and revered, by a significant number of City residents.
2. The monument design is discreet and unobtrusive and designed to
blend into the surrounding area. A small plaque on a large rock (4
cubic feet) would be appropriate. The location of the monument
will be determined by City staff with approval of the City Council.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the monument will
be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The monument is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by
maintenance personnel.
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 3 of 4
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the
monument and may remove it at any time for any reason with
permission of the City Council.
Benches or Trees
Benches or trees in honor or in memory of deceased persons may be
placed in City parks, or other City spaces, at the discretion of the City
Manager under the following conditions:
1. The bench design, or tree species, will be determined by the City
and the location of the bench or tree will be selected by the City.
2. A relatively small plaque (5” x 8”), with inscription or other written
memorial information may be placed on the bench or near the tree.
3. Costs of design, installation and maintenance of the bench or tree
will be determined by the City and borne by the requestor at the
discretion of the City. Only City personnel or City contractors may
perform work on City property.
4. The bench, or tree, is only a marker and is not a place of worship, a
cemetery or official gathering place. Flowers, and other
memorabilia are not permitted and will be removed by maintenance
personnel.
5. The City is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the bench
or tree and may remove it at any time for any reason without
replacement.
III. Wall of Honor
It shall be the policy of the City Council to establish a “Wall of Honor” under the
following guidelines:
Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor will memorialize the names of distinguished
community leaders who have made substantial contributions to the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes under the following conditions:
1. Persons nominated for the “Wall of Honor” shall have been
dedicated community leaders who have contributed significantly to
the quality of life offered by the City and realization of the vision
expressed in the original General Plan. The honoree must have
had a significant presence in the community throughout a good
portion of their life and should have made notable impacts on
sustaining the quality of life of the residents of Rancho Palos
Verdes.
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City Council Policy No. 37 for Naming Public Facilities
Last Amendment: December 20, 2011
Page 4 of 4
2. Persons nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor” will be
deceased and will not have been previously honored by other
actions of the City such as facilities named in their honor or other
memorial.
3. When a person is nominated for inclusion on the “Wall of Honor”
staff should consult with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library
District, local historical society or other appropriate sources to
determine the significance of the individual’s contributions to the
community and report these findings to the City Council.
4. Only a current Mayor or City Councilmember may nominate a
citizen to be included on the “Wall of Honor.” The determination of
the persons who will be included will be made by the City Council.
5. The location of the “Wall” and the format of names and inscriptions
shall be established by the City Council.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has lacked a uniform policy to assist the City
Council and to guide staff in the naming of City facilities, including parks and
open space areas, buildings, streets and other public amenities. In addition,
there have been no formal policies or guidelines for honoring City leaders, nor for
memorializing persons whose loved ones simply want to provide a remembrance
in the form of a bench or tree.
Although the City has had no formal policy for naming public facilities and sites in
honor of persons, there are precedents. Fred Hesse Park and Community
Center is named for a City founder, Robert Ryan Park is named for a former
Mayor and Councilmember and Vanderlip Park is named for an original
Peninsula landowner. There is a GPS monument at Portuguese Point named in
honor of Dr. Perry Ehlig. There is a trail below Ocean Terrace Drive known as
the McBride Trail in honor of the man who constructed it. There are also three
small memorials, one near Ladera Linda Community Center, one at the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center and the other near Inspiration Point that honor
persons who died prematurely. Finally, there have been numerous requests
from individuals to install park benches or plant trees in memory of deceased
loved ones, many of which have been granted.
The development of a Policy to guide the naming of City facilities, the permitting
of monuments, benches and trees is intended to enable these processes to be
conducted in an equitable, objective and consistent manner. In addition, the
establishment of a “Wall of Honor” will offer a new formal opportunity for honoring
community leaders.
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