APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER KAPLAN
RESOLUTION TO (1) COMMEMORATIVELY RENAME THE
INTERSECTION OF BROADWAY AND GARNET STREET AS ‘BRUCE
LEE WAY’ AND (2) AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF A PLAQUE
HONORING BRUCE LEE, PURS UANT TO THE POLICY AND
PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED BY OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 77967 C.M.S.
WHEREAS, California Government Code secti on 34091.1 allows a jurisdiction by resolution to name a new public street or to rename an existing public street; and
WHEREAS, the naming of a new public street or the renaming of an existing public street is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970; and
WHEREAS, the City Council will occasionally honor the contributions of an outstanding individual with commemorative street names or by the renaming of a public street such as with Joe Morgan Way, Herbert Guice Way, Peter Van Kleef Way, Dr. Huey P. Newton Way, Deontae Bush Way, Dorothy King Way, and Too $hort Way; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Oakland City Council Resolution No. 77967 C.M.S. (passed July 15, 2003), the City Council may, on its motion, consider the renaming of a public street as a tribute to an individual or as a result of a significant event or activity, if one of the following criteria is met: (1) the individual has positively impacted the lives of a nation or the world; or (2) the name change is related to an economic development or redevelopment activity; or (3) The renaming commemorates a significant historical event; and
WHEREAS, the City Council may commemorate a nominee either by: (a) retaining the existing street name and installing commemorative plaques or signs; or (b) renaming the existing street for the individual and installing new street signs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Bruce L ee (b. November 27, 1940 – d. July 20, 1973), in life and death, has contributed to the common good and betterment of the City of Oakland, and stands as one of the most influential figures of the 20 th century; and
WHEREAS, it is on-site at 4157 Broadway in Oakland where Lee and his training partner, James Yimm Lee, founded their studio. Originally named the "Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute", the studio and Lee exemplified many traits held dear to Oaklanders, such as tolerance, health,
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discipline, and community. Lee’s studio welcomed students of all races and creeds and served as the location in which Lee would create his hybrid style of martial arts known as Jeet Kune Do; and
WHEREAS, Lee’s skills and prominence in the martial arts world garnered a massive following of students, including legends in acti ng and sports such as Steve McQueen, James Coburn, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; and
WHEREAS, here in Oakland, on the site we wish to honor, Lee would meet his long-time business partner, Ed Parker, a prominent promot er and organizer in American Martial Arts.
Through the partnership with Parker, Lee would star in films such as Enter the Dragon and Game of Death, showcasing his talent to a global audience. L ee would also star in the television series The Green Hornet; and
WHEREAS, despite his untimely passing in 1973, Lee's legacy continues to thrive through his hybrid creation of Jeet Kune Do, his influential writings on martial arts and pieces of prose on life. Lee’s global influence began at the Jun Fan Gung Institute in Oakland, and this City Council intends to honor the site and life of Bruce Lee, an Oaklander whose infl uence lives on well after death.
WHEREAS, the City Council intends to honor Bruce Lee’s contribution to the Oakland community and the world by retaining the existing street name, adding an honorary street name, and installing commemorative street signs or plaques; and WHEREAS, the City Council intends that the costs associated with such a commemorative act, $1200.29 pursuant to the City of Oakland’s Master Fee Schedule, will be borne by the office of Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council hereby approves the commemorative renaming of the intersection of Broadway and as ‘Bruce Lee Way’ while retaining the primary street name Broadway; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council directs the City Administrator to proceed with the commemorativ e designation of ‘Bruce Lee Wa y’ and placement of street sign(s) or plaque(s) to that effect on Broadway at Garnet Street upon payment of costs.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California