Attachment E
CASTLE-GREEN
April 5, 2024
Dear City Council,
Castle Green residents and homeowners were recently informed of a proposed option to change the Dayton Street name between Raymond and Fair Oaks and another option on Morton Avenue at a City Council meeting on April 15th. Several of our constituents have reached out with the hope that the Dayton Street option can be removed as a possible action and a different path can be taken to honor the R&B band "Troop." Dayton Street is included in the Old Pasadena Historic District, a Nationally Registered Historic Landmark that also includes Castle Green and Hotel Green. Any change to a Landmark should require a standard that is part of policy not subjective.
Street name changes are rarely the appropriate measure taken for these types of commemorations. The City of Pasadena has done it rarely in the past few decades. Once was to honor the then CEO of Parsons, who tragically died in a plane crash while on a mission with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the Balkans after that part of the world had been destroyed by war. The section named for him was the portion of the street in front of the Parsons building. Of course, there is the portion of Ramona named for Thurgood Marshall after his death. Then there is the La Loma Bridge renamed for longtime Pasadena resident and former California state attorney general, John Van de Kamp. Historically, the City has honored other Pasadena persons or events with a plaque of some sort referencing the part of Pasadena where that person was born or lived or created the culturally or historically important time period for which they are being honored. The City's Public Monument Policy makes it clear that such a City-wide honor must not only be reviewed for its significance, but it also states that the honors should be posthumously by at least five years.
The Castle Green's constituency has no issue with honoring Troop or anyone else, but the standard to change a street name, particularly one as historic as Dayton, should be very high. We hope that you will consider leaving Dayton Street as Dayton Street and seek another way to honor the request. Thank you for your consideration.
Castle Green HOA
99 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena California 91105
?KPASADENA
HRTAG
PRESERVATION ] ADVOCACY [ EDUCATION
160 NORTH OAKLAND AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91101-1714
P 626.441.6333
WWW.PASADENAHERITAGE.ORG
April 8, 2024
Pasadena City Council
City of Pasadena
100 North Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, California 91101
Re: Street Name Change - Dayton Street to Troop Way
Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of the City Council,
Pasadena Heritage is concerned about the proposed name change of Dayton Street - one of Pasadena's most important and historic streets. We support the Castle Green HOA's position on this subject and raise a number of questions.
We understand that there have been a few recent dedications that have benefitted from council involvement. The La Loma Bridge was rededicated to honor John Van de Kamp who lived nearby for many years during his decades of public service, the new stage at Playhouse Village Park was named to honor Van Halen, and the new pool at Robinson Park was named to honor the late John Kennedy, We also note that a plaque honoring Van Halen was installed at the Civic Auditorium in 2021 because the band played there several times (14 or more) before they became world famous. We think these dedications made sense based on the legacy of the people they honor. We suggest this proposed rededication needs Council scrutiny so that appropriate recognition can be determined.
We would certainly support a tribute to Troop in a way that reflects their connections and/or contributions to Pasadena, The proposal raised a number of questions for us including: Is there any connection between the group and this segment of Dayton Street? Is there a location in Pasadena where Troop performed that might be a better location to celebrate?
We hope the Council can find an appropriate way to recognize Troop, but suggest that this does not seem to be a logical or suitable location given the important history of Dayton Street.
Sincerely,
\&^^^^^^
Susan N. Mossman
ExecutfVe Director
Andrew Salimian
Preservation Director
P RE S E RVATI 0 NADVOCACYEDU CAT I ON
McMlillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Henry G
Friday, February 16, 2024 3:24 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Public Comment - 2/26/24 Agenda Item proposed "Dayton" street name change Some people who received this message don't often get email from?rn why this is important ^] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know {he content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more....
Re: February 26,2024,5:30 p.m. - Street Name Change - Dayton Street to Troop Way - from Fair Oaks Avenue to Raymond Avenue
As a longtime resident of the Castle Green (since 1994) I am writing my objections to the proposed name change to Dayton St.
The block is on the National Register of Historic Places and also a Pasadena Historic Monument and these street names like Dayton have direct historic context and relevance tied to that history - not to mention Central Park - whereas the musical group has zero connection to Dayton street nor this historic, protected area.
What value are those designations to this important historic site within Old Pasadena if not to protect the complete integrity of the heritage assets?
I read an item on the proposal from a Keisha Wilkins, the marketing manager at the Canyon in Montclair and associated with Visionary Media Entertainment, so perhaps this proposal is nearly a marketing ploy? Nevertheless, there are no doubt many other worthy groups and people to honor, if Troop does warrant such major recognition, there must be some other method and/or place too do so without co-opting the heritage of the Hotel/Castle Green block qnd Central Park setting and context?
Respectfully,
Henry Galas
Sent from my iPad
2/26/2024
Item 19
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NAACP
Pasadena Branch
May 20, 2024
Office of the Mayor and City Coundl
lOON.GarfieldAve.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Attention: Mayor Victor Gordo
Einail: kMdrKarifliii ci;yi.)tpa.sadena.iict
RE: PROPOSED STITIEET NAME CIIANGE TO TROOP WAY - DAYTON STREET BETV^'EEN FAIR OAKS AVENUE AND RA\rMOND AVENUE
Dear Victor
I'm reaching out to urge your support for renaming the Dayton Street segment next to Central Park to "Tioop Way. As a lifelong fsin and supporter of Troop, I believe tliis gesture would honor not just a music group, but a legacy that has resonated with people worldwide.
Growing up in Pasadena and surrounding areas Troop's music was the soundtrack of my Ufe. Their hits filled the airwaves and brought our commuiiity together during tough times. Whether it was cruising down Colorado Boulevard or hanging out at Central Park, Brookside Park, orjackie Robinson Park, Troop's melodies were always there, providing comfort and joy.
But Troop's influence extends far beyond our city linaits. Their music has touched the hearts of fans across the globe, uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Renaramg a street after Troop would be a global recognition of their impact on music and culture.
AdditioaaUy, Troop's presence in Pasadena embodies the spirit and pride ofoiir city. Alien, a member of Troop, coined the acronym TROOP, which stands for Total Respect of Other People, reflecting their commitment to spreading positivity and unity' throiigh their music.
Moreover, Troop members have made significant contributions to the niusic iadustty. Steven, for instance, has earned several Grammy awards for his exceptional work as a producer and songwriter. His contribudons to hits like "No Air," "Take You Down," "Gots Ta Be," and "Sony 2004" among others, highlight the talent and versatility within the Troop brotherhood. Each member of Troop is not only a phenomenal perfonner but also a skilled songwriter and producer, showcasing the depth of talent widiin the group.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
^JP<5^
Alien Edsoa
President, NAACP Pasadena Branch
595' L-tiA-coLi^. Ave./ Ski-te 103, pasBofeiA.n, c-A^iios 62& 7^3-1253, i^aflc.ppasHrieiA-ci@gi^i.atL.c.oi^., lA.ciRc.ppflsaoleiA^i.org
RECEIVED
202iiMAY28 AM 8=26
CiTY CLERK
CITY OF PASADENA
AJB ENTERPRISES, INC.
rai,aaena,CA 91103
May 19,2024
City Council
City of Pasadena
RE: Street Name Changing - Dayton
I want to bring up an issue that was brought to my attention a couple of weeks ago regardingstreet nanie changing, i.e., a portion of Dayton Street in Old Pasadena. First of all there is aOld Pasadena Streetscapes and Alley Walkways Concept Plan which addresses streets andalleys in the District and was adopted by the City Council on July 24, 1995. Now I'm surethat most of the new city employees, and new members of the citizen committees andcommissions are unaware of this plan,, however, that does not excuse them from doing theappropriate research before suggesting items for Old Pasadena without doing their homeworkand working with the District before running off and making recommendations withoutconsultation with the Old Pasadena Management District, along with City Staff.
The idea that we need to find a place to put a name because they were a member of a group ofmusicians here in the City of Pasadena, is constantly coming up and I do understand that therecould and should be acknowledgment of these various individuals and groups that were partof the music and art scene here in Pasadena. However, we should not continue to go aroundthe City and name change just to put a name somewhere, with no relevance with that location.
Then there is the cost of this project and who is going to pay for it. Is the City going to payfor all of Old Pasadena directories, that are throughout the District showing visitors wheresomething is located, i.e., Dayton Street. This could be a bit expensive and certainly notwithin the budget of the Old Pasadena Management District, but the signage must be keptcuiTent. I also do not recall any entertainment venue on that portion of Dayton Street. Ibelieve that you will find it is the southern portion of the Castle Green and their parking lot,while across the street is Central Park. There doesn't seem to be any connection to Troop. Irealize that you cannot go around the City putting a sign up for every entertainer or group,however acknowledgement is great and appreciated by the public so put it where it isappropriate and the public can find it.
Pasadena City Council
May 19,2024
I believe that the commission that made this recommendation, might want to look at settingup a permanent display for all acknowledgements of musical, entertainment and artisticgroups from Pasadena, at the Civic Center,, next to the Civic Auditorium, which would be amore appropriate location. There are large patios, in and around that venue and a lot ofpeople go to events there and everyone could find these accolades to the popular musical andentertainment individuals or groups that have lived and worked in the City of Pasadena. Theexhibit should be built to accommodate new groups or individuals, as it becomes warrantedand recommended by whatever Commission is in charge of this acknowledgement. That waythere would be room for all of the recommended "oldies" and the "new comers". You knowthat this group, hopefully, will grow as we go through the years and you cannot continue tochange names of streets or places when another group comes around that need thisacknowledgement. The City has to think ahead and plan for the future.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Marilyn Buchanan
Current Resident of Old Pasadena
McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Wu-Bowman, Yannie
Thursday, May 30, 2024 8:33 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse; Jomsky, Mark; Robles, Sandra Olmos, Tony; Markarian, Kris; Colon, Cristina; Maue, Brent 5-28-24 Bryant Williams comment - Rename Dayton Street changed to "Troop Way" Good Morning, please see below for the inclusion of 6-3 comments.
I will also include a print out of this to Attachment E before publishing. Thank you.
Regards,
Yannie
From: Bryant Williams
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 5:09:16 PM
To: Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Markarian, Kris <[email protected]>; Gordo, Victor <[email protected]>; Maue, Brent <[email protected]> Cc: I AM LOVE 333
Subject: Rename Dayton Street changed to "Troop Way"
Hello and Good Morning, City of Pasadena Council Members! My name is Bryant Williams and I would like to have you all take a moment from your busy schedule to read and act on behalf of Recording Artist "Troop" to please rename Dayton Street to "Troop Way". I myself have worked in the Music Industry for over 25 years, and I strongly believe that since recording artist "Troop" grew up in the area of Dayton Street in Pasadena, and always mentions Pasadena where they are from in all their Concerts and shows, that they deserve their roses to have Dayton Street renamed to "Troop Way". Troop has been recognized by many fans in Pasadena as well as worldwide for having three number-one singles as well as ten top-ten singles on the Billboard Record Charts! Their music is loved by me and many fans worldwide as well as their loyal fans in Pasadena! Troop and their fans worldwide and especially in the City of Pasadena, have a special love for Troop and their beautiful songs that are timeless hits!" So please give Troop their rosesthatthey very much deserve and their growing up in Pasadena by renaming Dayton Street to " Troop Way". I believe that by renaming Dayton Street to "Troop Way" will bring much more positive attention to the City of Pasadena and make it known that Pasadena opened up the doors for Troop to get what they VERY MUCH DESERVE!
Note: I would like to have this letter submitted for public comments please! Pasadena Council Members, I Thank you for your valuable time in reading this letter and to act in good and a very positive way to give Troop their roses in this beautiful, diverse and loved City of Pasadena! Thank you for your attention:
Sincerely, Bryant Williams
Bryant Williams (Supreme Entertainment)
Manhattan Beach CA 90266
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