Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
DEDICATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. STREET (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
The Mayor has requested that the City Council consider renaming and dedicating E. 192nd Street in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in special recognition of his legacy as both a civil rights and environmental justice leader.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
APPROVE the renaming of E. 192nd Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE no action.
IV. BACKGROUND
Martin Luther King, Jr. is universally known and celebrated for his achievements in basic human rights and equality.
Proposed - Martin Luther King Avenue
The proposal is to rename E. 192nd Street, between Avalon Boulevard and Main Street, to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. The renaming of a street can create issues for residences and businesses subject to the name change. However, renaming of E. 192nd Street would have minimal impacts on residences and businesses as only two entities would be impacted - Victoria Park and Victoria Golf Course. The County recently announced a major repurposing for the Victoria Golf Course, including converting portions of the existing golf course to soccer fields, tennis courts and community buildings. The renaming of 192nd Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street would be prominently visible from two of Carson’s major thoroughfares - Main Street and Avalon Blvd., - and at a high profile location as the reconfigured Victoria Golf Course becomes a destination.
Every major city on the United States has a street, avenue or boulevard named in the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Carson does not. Mayor Robles thought that as Carson celebrates its 50th Anniversary since incorporation and as we approach the 50th memorial service since Dr. King’s assassination, what better way to commemorate both than by renaming 192nd Avenue in his memory.
The proposal is to rename E. 192nd Street, between Avalon Boulevard and Main Street, to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. Streets named after Dr. King can be found in many cities in the United States, in every major metropolis and even in other countries. As of 2014, over 900 streets are named after Dr. King in 42 states and Puerto Rico. California cities include Berkeley, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento and many, many others.
The renaming of streets is no small/minor fete. Individuals and families living in communities develop strong emotional and nostalgic ties to street names, especially names in their own neighborhoods. In the case of E. 192nd Street, it is the location of only two addresses - Victoria Park and Victoria Golf Course. Not only would such a name change not have an impact on neighborhood addresses, the timing of it is well aligned with the planned major repurposing for the Victoria Golf Course, including converting portions of the existing golf course to soccer fields, tennis courts and community buildings. The renaming of 192nd Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street would be a fitting tribute.
Dedication Event
The national holiday for Dr. King is Monday, January 15th. Staff is proposing Tuesday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m. for the date and time for the park to be dedicated to the community. Having such a hallmark event the day after the federal holiday would be less expensive than holding it on the 15th (due to no requiring overtime pay), and would not conflict with any planned activities of residents and officials.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
Signs will cost approximately $1,000.00 and will be installed by staff.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Aerial Map of Victoria Park (Pg. 3)
1.
Prepared by: Kenneth C. Farfsing, Ciy Manager