Safety Wellness and Youth Committee Memorandum
TO: SAFETY, WELLNESS AND YOUTH COMMITTEE DATE: JANUARY 19, 2022 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 2
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: NAMING REQUEST FOR THE COMMUNITY ROOM AT BOBBY BONDS PARK IN HONOR OF FORMER COUNCILMEMBER ANDY MELENDREZ – DIRECT SUBMITTAL ISSUE:
Consideration of a request to officially name the Community Room at Bobby Bonds Park in honor of Andy Melendrez.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee recommend approval of the naming of the Community Room at Bobby Bonds Park in honor of Andy Melendrez, to the full City Council.
BACKGROUND:
On February 18, 2021, Past-President of the Riverside Arts Academy Board of Directors Mrs. Collette Lee submitted an application (Attachment 1) requesting the Community Room or Auditorium at Bobby Bonds Park be named in honor of Andy Melendrez. The application states, “The Riverside Arts Academy Board of Directors respectfully requests the City Council to consider this request”.
On May 17, 2021, with Chair Feola, Vice Chair Iverson, and Commissioners Fairfax, Cardullo, and Jester present, they unanimously voted to move the naming of the auditorium at Bobby Bonds Park in honor of Andy Melendrez to City Council.
On June 3, 2021, the Eastside Neighborhood Committee discussed the naming of the auditorium or Community room, received input from the community, and recommended naming the Community Room in honor of Andy Melendrez.
In July 2021, the community painted a mural in the community room and dedicated it in honor of Andy Melendrez’ commitment and service to the Eastside community.
On November 17, 2021, the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee approved a motion for Staff to provide additional public outreach and bring it back to the Committee for review.
On December 16, 2021, the Eastside Neighborhood Committee rediscussed the naming of the Community room, received additional input from the community and confirmed the recommendation to officially name the Community Room in honor of Andy Melendrez.
In naming public land, buildings and facilities, the City Council and its advisory bodies shall consider criteria set forth in the Administrative Manual: Naming of City-owned Land, Buildings and Facilities. A stated criterion is “...Commemorating individuals who have served the City in an exceptional manner with such honor bestowed posthumously, except in cases deemed extraordinary. The person must be an outstanding, long-time City leader…” Additionally, “…All names selected shall be acceptable and meaningful to a majority of the neighborhood/community where the park or recreation facility is located.” DISCUSSION:
Former Councilmember Andy Melendrez has served the City of Riverside since 2006. He has been a councilmember, a leader, and an advocate for the Eastside and Canyon Crest neighborhoods.
As stated on the naming application, Andy Melendrez has been a champion and a strong supporter of the arts with continued leadership and advocacy. Andy Melendrez envisioned the arts coming to the City through the Riverside Arts Academy (formerly known as the Eastside School of the Arts). He brought opera, California Riverside Ballet, and joined forces to help create classical ballet opportunities to the under resourced children of the Eastside.
In addition to the Riverside Arts Academy, Andy Melendrez was involved in the Eastside HEAL Zone representing both public and private sectors, school districts, and health clinics to bring healthy behaviors to the community.
Mr. Melendrez also assisted in bringing the skate park to the Eastside and has been paramount in advocating for the community.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The naming request supports City Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation and specifically goal 1.1, to “Strengthen Riverside’s portfolio of arts…provide lifelong learning programs…and expand community partnerships...” This action also aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The naming request required community engagement.
Equity – The naming request emphasizes the importance of Riverside’s racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity.
Fiscal Responsibility – The Riverside Arts Academy Board of Directors will pay for all costs to associated with the naming of the Community Room.
Innovation – Naming the Community Room in honor of Andy Melendrez will recognize his innovative vision in bringing arts to the City.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Educating and engaging the youth of Riverside promotes sustainability, by preparing youth for educational advancement with the arts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with naming the Community Room at Bobby Bonds Park in honor of Andy Melendrez.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
Facility Naming Application
City of Riverside Administrative Manual: Naming of City-owned Land, Buildings and Facilities and Resolutions Eastside Neighborhood Committee Meeting Agenda on 6-3-2021 Eastside Neighborhood Committee Meeting Agenda on 12-16-2021 Melendrez Naming Request ● Page 2