To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A CITY FACILITY NAMING POLICY.
ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. CC-2611-100, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A CITY FACILITY NAMING AND RENAMING POLICY
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE RENAMING OF GENERAL EATON PARKETTE AND PERRY PARK TEEN CENTER
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 8,2026, staff presented a proposed draft of a City Facility Naming and Renaming Policy to the City Council. The draft policy was developed by the Naming Policy Subcommittee, which included Mayor Light, Councilmembers Obagi and Behrendt, Waterfront and Community Services Director Elizabeth Hause, and Assistant to the City Manager Jane Chung. Following the presentation, the City Council provided feedback and directed staff to present the item to the Public Amenities Commission.
On October 14, 2026, staff presented the proposed draft Policy to the Public Amenities Commission. Staff is now returning to the City Council with a Resolution for formal adoption of the Policy, which incorporates the feedback provided by both the City Council and the Public Amenities Commission.
In addition, this item allows the City Council to discuss renaming General Eaton Parkette and Perry Park Teen Center, which were prior Council referrals to staff.
BACKGROUND
The City Facility Naming and Renaming Policy (Policy) establishes the criteria and procedures for naming and renaming City-owned facilities, with all naming actions identified as a discretionary act of the City Council. It outlines eligibility criteria for recognizing individuals, community contributions, donors, and corporate sponsors; establishes a vetting process for proposed honorees and corporate naming rights; and defines procedures for naming and renaming eligible City facilities. The Policy also identifies naming and renaming restrictions, and provides a process for revoking naming rights when an individual’s or corporation’s action no longer align with City values or community standards.
Staff presented the proposed draft Policy to the City Council on September 8, 2026, and the Public Amenities Commission on October 14, 2026. Based on feedback and questions received during those meetings, the following key revisions have been incorporated into the Policy:
• Added a provision clarifying that all actions requiring City Council approval under the Policy are subject to the voting requirements established by the City Charter.
• Replaced the “Park Structure” definition with a reference to the City’s Commemorative Donation Program to clarify that park amenities covered under the program are not subject to the Policy.
• Added a provision and procedures addressing the renaming of local historical landmarks.
• Revised the Public Amenities Commission’s role to be advisory, limiting it to reviewing applications and providing advisory recommendations to the City Council.
• Added a footnote explaining the Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment methodology.
• Removed the public notice of intent requirement, as public notice will be provided through the City Council agenda posting process when a naming or renaming item is scheduled for consideration.
General Eaton Parkette
On January 8, 1973, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5114, which formally named the parkette located at 1710 Huntington Lane and 1721 Harriman Lane as the General Eaton Parkette. The naming honored Major General Homer O. Eaton Jr, a U.S. Army officer, former vice principal at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, influential contributor to the early development of the California ROTC program, and a Redondo Beach resident. His military career included service through the ranks, culminating in his command of the California National Guard’s 40th Armored Division, which he led through major portions of the Korean conflict, earning multiple Presidential Unit Citations and personal decorations from General Douglas MacArthur.
On August 8, 2025, the City Council made a referral to staff to bring a discussion item regarding renaming the southern portion of General Eaton Parkette, located along Harriman Lane, as the Joseph “Joe” Dawidziak Parkette. Mr. Dawidziak served in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve until he retired in 2003. During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, an investigator for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, and a private investigator. In 1991, he was elected to the Redondo Beach City Council and later served on the City Charter Review Commission. He has been credited with playing a significant role in saving the North Branch Library. Mr. Dawidziak passed away in 2025.
Perry Park Teen Center
Established in 1994, the Teen Center served as a place to provide a safe, supervised space for teens outside of school hours. After providing service to the community for more than 25 years, the facility was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Planning for its reopening was guided by the Youth Commission in 2024 and 2025 and informed by extensive community outreach and engagement efforts that helped shape the design, amenities, and look and feel of the facility. The Teen Center officially reopened on September 25, 2025.
During the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget development process, the City Council made a referral to staff to bring a discussion item regarding the renaming of the Teen Center as the Michael “Mike” Webb Teen Center. Mr. Webb served the City of Redondo Beach for 31 years, including 20 years as the elected City Attorney and 11 years as City Prosecutor. During his career, he led and supported several major prosecutorial, public safety, and community initiatives, including the implementation of a gang injunction (which helped improve safety at Perry Park), a large-scale undercover operation that resulted in numerous felony convictions, and the creation of a local anti-terrorism agency that was later adopted by the State of California. He also played key roles in efforts to shut down the AES power plant and to advance the City’s approach to homelessness, including helping create an award-winning homelessness response program.
Should the City Council approve the Resolution establishing the City Facility Naming and Renaming Policy, the renaming of the southern portion of General Eaton Parkette and the Perry Park Teen Center would require a majority vote of the City Council. If approved, staff would return with separate resolutions to formally adopt the renaming of the two sites.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office prepared the report, the Naming Policy Subcommittee developed the Policy, and the City Attorney’s Office reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council approves the renaming of either facility, signage replacement costs would be incurred. For General Eaton Parkette, the cost of a new sign would vary depending on the selected material type. A typical park sign is estimated to cost approximately $4,000, including manufacturing and installation by City staff. For the Perry Park Teen Center, sign replacement costs would depend on the selected material and design. Replacing the existing triangular concrete monument sign is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $25,000. Alternatively, new lettering could be installed on the building façade facing Grant Avenue and at the front entrance for an estimated cost of $5,000 to $6,000. There is currently no dedicated funding in the Adopted Budget for FY 2026-27 for replacing the signs at either location.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. CC-2611-100 City Facility Naming and Renaming Policy