Pasadena City Council
October 21, 2024

Department of Public WorksPROPOSED OPTIONS TO RECOGNIZE RHYTHM AND BLUES MUSIC GROUP, TROOP City CouncilOctober 21, 2024Item # 15 Department of Public WorksRecommendations1.Find that the proposed options to recognize Troop are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301; 2.Review and select amongst four proposed options to recognize a rhythm and blues music group, TROOP; or3.Provide alternate direction.2 Department of Public WorksBackground•Applicant – Ms. Keisha Wilkins•Recognition of rhythm & blues (R&B) group, TROOP>September 2023 – original request to rename Catalina Avenue, Maple Street to Villa Streetnot supported by affected residents of the block>April 15, 2024 – Council considered 2 street rename optionsDayton Street - Fair Oaks to Raymond AveMorton Avenue - Hammond St to MountainDirected staff to continue the public hearing and bring forth consideration of renaming Dayton Street as the only option>June 3, 2024 - Council resolved to recognize TROOP in a meaningful way; directed staff to return with additional options3 Department of Public WorksTROOP -R&B Group•Acronym for ‘Total Respect of Other People’•Formed 1988 in Pasadena, TROOP members include:>Rodney Benford; Jon Jon Harreld; Steve Russel; Allen McNeil; Reggie Warren (passed away in 2020)•Three number-one singles and ten top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart•Performed at various Pasadena venues>Talent shows at Pasadena high schools during formative years>Practicing at Robinson Park Recreation Center for over 35 years >Rose Bowl>Local community functions; e.g. Northwest Renaissance in 20074 Department of Public WorksRecognition OptionsSeptember 2024 – Ms. Wilkins letter of support for consideration of the following options:•A- Renaming Dayton Street to Troop Way, between Fair Oaks Ave & Raymond Ave•B- Plaque within Central Park, corner of Fair Oaks Ave & Dayton St•C- Renaming the Dance Room at Robinson Recreation Center to Troop Room•D- Plaque on the wall of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium5 Department of Public WorksOption A - Renaming Dayton Street 6 • TROOP practiced their dance moves at Central Park• Jon Jon Harreld performed in Pasadena Jazz Festival • City Street Renaming Process, with noticing guidelines in compliance with Cal. Streets & Highways Code• Notice of June 3rdPublic Hearing mailed to properties within 1000’ radius and public comments collected• Impact to delivery address for Green Hotel property, 39 E Dayton• Subject to City Council approval Department of Public WorksOption B –Plaque @ Central Park NW Corner 7 • Criteria & process for appropriateness per City’s Public Monument Policy –• Compatibility and impact to existing uses; liability/safety; aesthetics; maintenance• Subject to recommendation of Recreation & Parks Commission prior to Council approval• Design of plaque to be determined and later approved by Recreation & Parks Commission • TROOP practiced their dance moves at Central Park• Jon JonHarreldperformed in Pasadena Jazz Festival held at the Park Department of Public Works
Option C -Renaming Dance Room @ Robinson Recreation Center 8 • Naming criteria/process per City’s Public Park & Recreational Facility Naming Policy • Geographical location; Cultural or historical significance to neighborhood/City; Contribution to the community or state or country• Notice for Public Input to property owners within 1000’ radius, Dist #3 HOAs and stakeholders• Subject to recommendation of Recreation & Parks Commission prior to Council approval • TROOP has practiced at Robinson Park for over three decades• TROOP members continue to practice in the Dance Room Department of Public WorksOption D - Plaque at Civic Auditorium 9 • Existing wall plaque honoring Eddie Van Halen, donated by Pasadena 4 Van Halen in 2021 • Similar plaque recognizing TROOP at the same location• Criteria/process per City’s Public Monument Policy• Subject to recommendation of Recreation & Parks Commission prior to Council approval Department of Public WorksRecreation and Parks Commission RecommendationsOctober 1, 2024 Commission Meeting•Reviewed three proposed recognition options>Renaming [Dayton] streets not under the purview of the Recreation and Parks Commission •Considered public input and heard public comments >Robinson Recreation Center named after Mack and Jack Robinson; Renaming any rooms would diminish the magnitude and intent to honor the legendary brothers in a holistic sense>Petition submitted by Castle Green residents objecting to renaming of Dayton Street for historical and logistical reasons •Unanimously recommends Option D, to install a plaque on the exterior wall of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium>Envisioning space can become a designated location to honor significant musical, cultural and artistic contributions10 Department of Public WorksQuestions & Comments
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