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September 9, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Council Policies: Consider Adopting a City Council Policy on City Asset Naming and Renaming Report Number: 25-0226
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution adopting a City Council Policy on City Asset Naming and Renaming.
SUMMARY
In November 2022, following extensive public outreach and recommendations, the Chula Vista City Council directed staff to develop a formal policy for naming and renaming City assets consistent with the Christopher Columbus and Discovery Park Task Force rec ommendations. This policy creates a process and uniform guidelines for naming or renaming of City assets including, but not limited to, City parks, recreational facilities, and other municipal buildings. This process is meant to ensure transparency and al low for public participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defin ed under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
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DISCUSSION
Progress continues on the comprehensive review of approximately 160 policies adopted by the City Council from 1962 to 2024. These policies serve as the official description of a City procedure, policy, or practi ce. A policy may derive from an ordinance, resolution, administrative regulation, or department policy.
In fall of 2022, the City Manager initiated a review of City Council policies to identify policies for revision or recission, or any new policies that the City Council should consider for adoption. In the spring of 2024, a workgroup including staff from the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney departments was formed to coordinate this effort.
In December 2022, the City Council adopted changes to one policy. In November 2024, the City Council adopted changes to three policies and rescinded four policies. In May 2025, the City Council adopted changes to three policies and rescinded twelve policies. As stated previously, following City Council direction, staff is bringing forward the following policy for City Council consideration.
New City Council Policy
City Asset Naming and Renaming (Policy Number to be Established after Adoption) In November 2022, following extensive public outreach and recommendations by the Christopher Columbus and Discovery Park Task Force (the “Task Force”) (Attachment 2), the Chula Vista City Council directed staff to develop a formal policy for naming and renaming City assets consistent with the Task Force recommendations. This policy creates a process and uniform guidelines for naming or renaming of City assets including, but not limited to, City parks, recreational facilities, and o ther municipal buildings. This process is meant to ensure transparency and allow for public participation.
This proposed policy outlines criteria, conditions, and procedures that govern naming and renaming of City assets in order to maintain their integri ty, to encourage philanthropic giving while acknowledging public investments, and to safeguard against unwanted commercialization of City assets (Attachment 1).
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Councilmembers do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of this action. The fiscal impact of renaming an asset would be presented to Council as part of any future renaming item.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
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There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Asset Naming and Renaming – Proposed New Council Policy
2. Monument Installation and Naming/Renaming City Assets Framework from the Columbus Statue Removal Task Force
Staff Contact: Courtney Chase, Deputy City Manager
Lois Yum, Special Projects Manager