September 24, 2024
City Council
DATE: September 24, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana
Subject:
Renaming the Section of Spring Street South of Cutting
Boulevard to Pedie Perez Avenue to Memorialize the Life of Richard “Pedie” Perez III
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The foreseeable financial impact is staff time and the cost of signage
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 10, 2024 – Adopted a Resolution of Intent to
rename a section of Spring Street to Pedie Perez Ave.
September 19, 2023- Proclamation honoring the life of
Richard “Pedie” Perez, III
September 19,2023 - Approved an art project to include
two decorative refuse receptacles
December 1, 2020 – Adopted Richmond's Ordinance No.
29-20 N.S.- Community Police Review Commission
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Renaming the Section of Spring Street South of Cutting
Boulevard to Pedie Perez Avenue to Memorialize the Life of Richard “Pedie” Perez III
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
HOLD a public hearing to rename the section of Spring
Street South of Cutting Boulevard to Pedie Perez Avenue to memorialize the life of Richmond “Pedie” Perez III - Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-620-6743).
AGENDA
REPORT
September 24, 2024
DISCUSSION:
As a City Councilmember, I acknowledge the profound grief and ongoing pain of the Perez family and friends, who have endured a heartbreaking loss that has deeply affected our community. Richard "Pedie" Perez III's untimely death serves as a painful reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of every member of our community, especially when it comes to interactions with law enforcement.
I commend and acknowledge the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of Richard "Pedie" Perez III's parents and grandparents who, in the face of immeasurable grief, have tirelessly worked to bring about positive change, advocating for significant legislation and ordinances to promote transparency, accountability, and improved police-community relations.
Their advocacy includes support for:
1. SB 1421 - Peace Officers: Release of Records
2. AB 392 - California Act to Save Lives
3. SB 2 - Police Decertification Act
4. Richmond's Ordinance No. 29-20 N.S. - Community Police Review Commission I acknowledge and appreciate the initiative taken by the Richmond Police Department in incorporating Richard "Pedie" Perez III's story and legacy into its Cultural Compatibility training for new officers, promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and preserving the sanctity of human life.
To honor the life and memory of Richard "Pedie" Perez III, the proposed renaming of the section of Spring Street south of Cutting Blvd to Pedie Perez Avenue in tribute, would serve as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the need to strive towards change that fosters a relationship of trust and respect between its law enforcement and the community they serve.
Part of the process for a street name change is as follows: The Recreation and Parks Commission (“Commission”) recommends the name change and that recommendation is then made to the City Council. Due to quorum issues, the Commission has not met to make such name change recommendations. As an alternative, the Chair of the Commission sent a letter to the City Council advising that the Commission is unable to review this request due to the lack of active Commission members to achieve a quorum.
I am committed to the principles of justice, transparency, and community trust, acknowledging the challenges and complexities of such incidents and recognizing the imperative for reconciliation and healing.
September 24, 2024
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution of Intent
Attachment 2 – Map of Spring Street South of Cutting Boulevard Attachment 3 – Street Renaming Public Hearing Announcement Attachment 4 – Letter from Recreation and Parks Commission Chair re: Name Change