PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAF REPOR
Agenda Item #12.B
Meetin Date: September 1, 2026
TITLE:
Renaming Palisades Park to Mary Ann Reiss Park
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution renaming Palisades Park to Mary Ann Reiss Park.
DISCUSSION:
On August 18, 2026, the City Council directed staff to return with an item to rename Palisades Park into Mary Ann Reiss Park in honor and recognition of Reiss’s 30 years of elected service to the City of Pismo Beach.
A public park provides a particularly meaningful setting for this recognition. Parks are places where residents and visitors gather, enjoy the community, and create lasting memories. Naming the park in honor of Mayor Pro Tempore Reiss would provide a lasting acknowledgment of Reiss’s commitment to public service and dedication to the Pismo Beach community.
The proposed renaming recognizes not only Reiss’s 30 years of elected service, but also Reiss’s historic role as the City's first directly-elected Mayor and longstanding commitment to community service.
If approved, City staff will update appropriate City records, signage, maps, and other references to reflect the new park name.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) renaming Palisades Park to Mary Ann Reiss Park.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is a minor fiscal impact associated with staff’s recommendation to rename the park by replacing the current park signs and other miscellaneous references in City records and public informational materials. This renaming is estimated to cost less than $15,000 in total. There are sufficient funds within the City’s FY 2027 General Fund general contingency budget to support this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
Prepared by:
Jorge Garcia, City Manager
City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 9-1-2026 12.B-1
RESOLUTION NO. R-2026-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH,
CALIFORNIA RENAMING PALISADES PARK TO MARY ANN REISS PARK WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach recognizes the extraordinary contributions of individuals whose dedication and public service have strengthened the community and advanced quality of life for its residents, businesses, and visitors; and WHEREAS, Council Member Mary Ann Reiss has devoted 30 years of elected service to the City of Pismo Beach, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the community and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ann Reiss made history as the first directly-elected Mayor of the City of Pismo Beach, marking a significant milestone in the City’s civic history; and WHEREAS, Mary Ann Reiss’s leadership, dedication, and years of service have left a lasting and meaningful legacy in the City of Pismo Beach; and WHEREAS, Palisades Park is a valued public space within the city and is an appropriate location to recognize Mary Ann Reiss’s enduring contributions to the community and legacy of public service; and
WHEREAS, renaming Palisades Park as Mary Ann Reiss Park will provide a lasting public tribute to a citizen whose three decades of elected service have helped shape the City of Pismo Beach and whose example reflects the City’s values of community involvement, civic leadership, and service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach hereby renames Palisades Park as Mary Ann Reiss Park, in recognition and appreciation of Mary Ann Reiss’s 30 years of elected service to the City of Pismo Beach.
UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 1st day of September 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Council Agenda 9-1-2026 12.B-2
Attachment 1
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Kirkwood, City Clerk
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the City of Pismo Beach on _______________________.
________________________
Erica Kirkwood, City Clerk
Council Agenda 9-1-2026 12.B-3
Attachment 1