City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-01545 9/16/2025
Honorary Street Sign Topper for Sign Helen “Maggie” O’Mara File ID: 2025-01545
Location: Northeast corner of 34th Street and Truckee Way, and Southeast Corner of 34th Street and Northside Row, District 5
Recommendation: Pass a Resolution: 1) approving content and placement of Honorary Street Sign Topper for Helen “Maggie” O’Mara where street sign toppers will be installed at the Northeast corner of 34th Street and Truckee Way, and the Southeast corner of 34th Street and Northside Row; and 2) waiving the Sign Topper Policy’s 60-day notice requirement to mail the notice of intent to place sign toppers (Council Resolution 2016-0358).
Contact: Cesar Narvaez II, Assistant Engineer, (916) 808-7873, [email protected]; Ofelia Avalos, Engineering Manager, (916) 808-5054, [email protected]; Department of Public Works.
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: On October 25, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-0358 approving the City Honorary Street Sign Topper Policy. This policy provides an avenue for the recognition of historic or significant neighborhoods and the contribution of distinguished citizens by placement or installation of a street sign topper on street sign poles. The resolution also stipulates that City Council shall approve the sign topper content and placement by adoption of a resolution.
The Department of Public Works received the Honorary Street Sign Topper request from the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA). The request is to recognize and honor Helen “Maggie” O’Mara. The street sign toppers are proposed to be installed at the Northeast corner of 34th Street and Truckee Way, and the Southeast corner of 34th Street and Northside Row. The specific locations are shown in Exhibit A. The street sign topper design and appearance are shown in Exhibit B.
File ID: 2025-01545 9/16/2025
Helen O’Mara, widely known as Maggie, was an ardent bicycle enthusiast and advocate along with her husband Thomas Harrington. The couple met while working together at Caltrans and married in 1999. They shared a love of bicycling and had a passion for improving bike transportation safety.
Maggie started bicycling in 1991 as a resident of the City’s Tahoe Park neighborhood. As president of Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association, she was outspoken about the lack of safe bicycling infrastructure throughout the city and was instrumental in having bike racks installed at Tahoe Park neighborhood. Most recently, during the pandemic, Maggie was active in helping to shape the Active Streets Pilot project and was instrumental getting bike lanes installed on 34th street under Highway 50 Freeway. Maggie was a long-time member of SABA and served on its Board of Directors. Maggie was also affiliated with Civic Thread (previously known as Walk Sacramento). Later, Maggie became the Bicycle Safety Coordinator for Caltrans.
This request is widely supported by various local agencies, the area neighborhood and the City. For this reason, the Department of Public Works requests the City Council to waive the Sign Topper Policy’s standard 60-day notice requirement to mail the notice of intent to place sign toppers.
Upon City Council approval of the Resolution for Street Sign Topper for Helen “Maggie” O’Mara, the applicant shall submit and obtain approval from Public Works for a Revocable Permit for the actual placement or installation of the street sign toppers. Public Works will process the Revocable Permit application under City Code Section 3.76 - Revocable Permits and Resolution No. 81-845 Approving General Provision for Revocable Permits. Additionally, the applicant will also submit a request to the Public Works for installation of these sign toppers on the existing street name signs at the Northeast corner of 34th Street and Truckee Way, and the Southeast corner of 34th Street and Northside Row, as shown on Exhibit A.
Policy Considerations: This action is governed by Resolution No. 2016-0358 approving the City Honorary Sign Topper Policy, City Code Section 3.76 - Revocable Permits and Resolution No. 81-845 Approving General Provision for Revocable Permits.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable
Environmental Considerations: California Environmental Qualty Act (CEQA): In accordance with Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, no environmental review is necessary because there is no possibility that the recommendations in this report may have a significant effect on the environment and the action consists of a minor alteration to existing facilities or structures.
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: None.
File ID: 2025-01545 9/16/2025
Rationale for Recommendation: Helen “Maggie” O’Mara has made significant cultural, historical and humanitarian contributions to the City. The locations for placement of street sign toppers and the street sign topper design and appearance conform with the City Street Sign Topper Policy.
Financial Considerations: The City’s Honorary Street Sign Topper program is revenue neutral for the City. Groups who nominate neighborhoods or individuals for recognition through Topper placement will be required to reimburse the City for staff costs, fabrication, placement, and maintenance of Toppers.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
Version Dated 10/16/19
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 -
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
September 16, 2025
APPROVAL OF HONORARY STREET SIGN TOPPER FOR HELEN “MAGGIE” O’MARA
BACKGROUND
A. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-0358 approving the City Honorary Sign Topper Policy. This policy provides an avenue for the recognition of historic or significant neighborhoods and the contribution of distinguished citizens by placement or installation of an honorary street sign toppers on street sign poles.
B. The City received a request for sign toppers from the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates through the City’s Honorary Street Sign Topper program. The street sign toppers will be installed at the Northeast corner of 34th Street and Truckee Way, and the Southeast corner of 34th Street and Northside Row in the City of Sacramento.
Helen “Maggie” O’Mara has made significant cultural, historical, and humanitarian contribution to the city.
C. This request is widely supported by various local agencies, the area neighborhood and the City. The Department of Public Works requests the City Council to waive the Sign Topper Policy’s 60-day notice requirement to mail the notice of intent to place sign toppers.
BASED ON THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE BACKGROUND, THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The content and placement of Honorary Street Sign Toppers for Hellen “Maggie” O’Mara as identified in Exhibit A and to be designated as provided in Exhibit B are approved.
Section 2: The 60-day notice requirement to mail the notice of intent to place sign toppers is waived.
Table of Contents:
Exhibit A – Topper Sign Location Map
Version Dated 10/16/19
Exhibit B – Topper Sign Design
EXHIBIT A – STREET SIGN TOPPER LOCATION MAP
LEGEND:
Street-Alley Intersections where Street Sign Toppers for Helen “Maggie” O’Mara are proposed installed
Version Dated 10/16/19
EXHIBIT B – STREET SIGN TOPPER DESIGN AND APPEARANCE