To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE NAMING OF THE HERONDO OPEN SPACE PARK AREA LOCATED AT HERONDO STREET AND CATALINA AVENUE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 16, 2026, the Mayor and City Council directed staff to return with a discussion item regarding the naming of the Herondo open space park area located at Herondo Street and Catalina Avenue. Recent park naming examples include Gateway Parkette in 2016 (via Resolution No. CC-1609-089) and the Ito Family Open Space, which was renamed from Flagler-Ripley Parkette in 2021 (via Resolution No. CC-2107-077).
Naming and renaming actions have typically been completed through City Council resolution. Staff is seeking City Council direction on identifying the name for the new Herondo open space park area and following direction would return with a resolution for City Council consideration of approval on July 14, 2026.
This action is independent of the Strategic Plan Goal 5.2 objective to establish a Mayor and City Council Subcommittee to develop a City Park and City Facility renaming policy. Staff anticipates scheduling the proposed policy discussion in late summer or fall.
BACKGROUND
In 2019, Southern California Edison (SCE) completed a Method of Service study confirming that power lines within the 190th Street right of way could be removed or relocated following the retirement of the AES power plant. This determination created an opportunity for the City to evaluate the corridor for potential passive open space development. In 2021, the City initiated discussions with SCE regarding the licensing of approximately 5.1 acres of right of way along Herondo Street and Catalina Avenue, an area that had been largely underutilized aside from occasional overflow parking and construction staging.
A License Agreement with SCE was negotiated to allow the City to develop two parcels along Herondo Street and Catalina Avenue into a passive park space. The Agreement commenced on June 1, 2022, with a five-year term. The project was designed to create a traversable public area featuring decomposed granite pathways and native landscaping. Full development of the site is expected to occur in two phases, with Phase 1 addressing improvements on the upper/eastern portion of the site and Phase 2 addressing the western portion of the property to North Francisca Ave.
The City submitted its land license application in July 2021, receiving approval in April 2022. Architerra Design Group (ADG) was retained to prepare the final design and construction documents. The project included the installation of pedestrian pathways, native plantings, irrigation and storm drainage systems, site furnishings, and stormwater collection features intended to transform the area into an urban passive nature park.
City staff worked closely with SCE over a two-year period to ensure compliance with right of way requirements. In January 2024, SCE directed the City to divide the project into two phases due to the size of the site. Phase 1 plans were revised accordingly, and SCE granted approval to proceed with contractor bidding in February 2025. The project was advertised in March 2025, and five bids were received. Marina Landscape, Inc. submitted the lowest responsible bid at $946,560.50.
Staff consulted with SCE regarding the proposed naming of the site, and SCE expressed no concern. Following Council’s discussion/direction, staff would return with a resolution to formalize the naming of the Herondo open space park area on July 14, 2026.
COORDINATION
The City Manager’s Office coordinated with the Community Services Department to prepare this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager