Attachment B: Staff Analysis of Name Suggestions Received and Analysis Staff reviewed the name suggestions for compliance with the City's Naming Policy and provides this information to inform the public and decision makers on qualifying names for the park.
Key
Name aligns with the City's Naming Policy (City Council Policy Number 7-5). The Parks and Recreation Commission can recommend one of these names to the City Council. The City Council can also adopt one of these names.
Name does NOT align with the City's Naming Policy (City Council Policy Number 7-5) Name qualifies, but was combined (Similar names were combined into one name for voting)
# Proposed Name
(As submitted by
respondent)
Reasoning
(As submitted by respondent)
Does Name Align with the City’s
Naming Policy?
(Staff analysis)
1 1343
(The survey respondent did not
state the reason for this name
suggestion.)
Yes, because it is a geographic description and
refers to the park’s address at 1343 The
Alameda. However, it is questionable whether
the use of a number is an appropriate name for a
park.
2 Alameda or
Hanchett Park
Because of the location. Yes, because it references the geographical location of the park by referencing the
neighborhood surrounding the park and the
nearby streets.
3 Alameda Parklet It tells the location. Yes, because it references the geographical location of the park by referencing one of the
neighborhoods surrounding the park and the
nearby streets.
4 Billy De Frank Park Billy De Frank Center is down the street and is another way to show
that San José, particularly The
Alameda, is a welcoming
neighborhood to all.
Yes, because Billy De Frank is an individual
that has been deceased for more than five years.
William Price (a.k.a. Billy De Frank) was a
popular African American LGBTQ+ activist1.
5 Bird Park Laurie Bird leads the Hanchett
community association, and she
has been diligent in her support of
the community.
No, the person is not deceased.
6 Camino Park Using the Camino Real. Whatever
you pick, don’t pick a person’s
name as you’ll have to rename it
in a few years when we learn they
did something wrong.
Yes, because it references a geographical
reference point, the El Camino Real. The
Alameda becomes El Camino Real as it heads
north into Santa Clara and up the peninsula.
7 Cato Park “Cato” means knowledgeable and
wise. Great name especially if you
have a learning vibe.
No, because it does not align with the policy
criteria.
8 Corner Pocket on
the ‘Meda
It’s a cute way of saying what it
is.
Yes, because it references the geographical
location of the park by referencing The
Alameda.
9 Fairground Relate to history. This name is too similar to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds located on Tully Road.
1 Information on William Price from the Billy De Frank LGBTQ+ Community Center:
https://www.defrankcenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=35
The name would otherwise qualify because it
references a historical geographical reference
point near the park site, the original fairgrounds
site, known as “Agricultural Park,” located
between The Alameda, Race Street, Park
Avenue, and Hester Avenue2.
10 Fossey Park Dian Fossey went to SJSU and
helped with Gorilla conservation.
Yes, because Dian Fossey is an individual that
has been deceased for more than five years.
Dian Fossey is well known for her work with
gorilla conservation. She attended San José
State University when it was known as San José
State College3.
11 Frank Delos Wolfe
Park
Frank Delos Wolfe is the famed
San José architect who built many
of the great homes and bungalows
in Hanchett Park. The look and
feel of this area is literally his
design. He is not honored
anywhere in the city that I am
aware of, what better place than
one of the neighborhoods he has
such a distinct mark on.
Yes, because he is an individual that has been
deceased for more than five years.
Frank Delos Wolfe was a well-known architect
that designed many homes in the San José area
in the Neoclassical, Prairie, and the Spanish
Revival styles4. He partnered with Charles
McKenzie to design homes in Hanchett Park 5.
12 Frank Fiscalini Frank was the prior
councilmember and is responsible
for establishing the Billy De Frank
Center on the Alameda.
No, unable to confirm nominee is deceased.
13 Fredericksburg
Garden
As we grow, we need to make a
connection with our community’s
history. It gives us a connection to
our essence, our soul.
Yes, because refers to a historical prominent
geographic feature or local reference point.
The Fredericksburg Brewery, later known as the
Fredericksburg Brewing Co, stood on the
Alameda between 1869 and 19186.
14 Fredericksburg
Park
Historical. Area used to be a
brewery named Fredericksburg.
Yes, because it refers to a historical prominent
geographic feature or local reference point.
2 History of Shasta Hanchett Park, San José: https: https://historysanjose.org/history-of-the-shasta-hanchett-park- neighborhood/
3 Biography of Dian Fossey: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dian_Fossey 4 History of Frank Delos Wolfe’s architectural projects in the San José area:
https://www.pastheritage.org/Wolfe.html
5 Brief summary of Frank Delos Wolfe’s work in San José in partnership with Charles McKenzie:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Delos_Wolfe
6 History of the Fredericksburg Brewery: https://www.brewerygems.com/fredericksburg .htm
See note about the Fredericksburg Brewery
above.
15 Geographic
Reference Point
Alameda Park No, because it does not align with the policy criteria.
16 Hanchett Park (Twenty respondents suggested this
name. Fourteen individuals cited
the geographical location as the
reasoning for this name suggestion,
pointing to the street name and
adjacent neighborhood name. Two
individuals identified the name as
historical. One individual noted
that “we don’t really have a park in
the Hanchett Park neighborhood so
this could be fitting.” Two
individuals referenced Lewis E.
Hanchett, the original developer of
Hanchett Residence Park.0
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett
contained in Attachment C7.
17 Hanchett
Community Corner
(The respondent did not provide a
reasoning for the name
suggestion.)
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
18 Hanchett
Neighborhood Park
(The respondent did not provide a
reasoning for the name
suggestion.)
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
19 Hanchett Parklet Because this is the entrance to the Hanchett Park neighborhood.
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
20 Hanchett Plaza Named for location and purpose. Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
7 References to Attachment C refer to the attachment included with the September 13, 2022 City Council memorandum.
21 Hanchett Pocket
Park
(Two survey respondents
suggested this name.) It is true to
the location and scale of the park.
Named for the neighborhood.
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
22 Hanchett Park or
Shasta Park
(The respondent did not provide a
reasoning for the name
suggestion.)
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
23 Joey Franco Park
Local market once located next to
the park.
Yes, because it references a former geographic
reference point, the PW Supermarket8. Joey
Franco, one of the owners of the supermarket,
has been deceased for more than five years9.
Very little information was found on Joey
Franco. More research should be done to
determining his contributions.
24 John McLaren Park
Relevant to Hanchett Park
neighborhood.
Yes, because he is an individual that has been
deceased for more than five years.
John McLaren was the landscape architect that
designed the streetscapes for the Hanchett
Residence Park development in 190710. He is
better known for his design of Golden Gate
Park in San Francisco11.
25 Iola Williams
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/iola_
williams
No, an individual who has not been deceased
five years or more.
Iola Williams could be considered for a future
park naming. Iola Williams was a civil rights
activist and was San José’s first African-
American City Councilmember. She passed
away in 201912.
26 Muwekma Ohlone
Park
It honors the people who lived
here before.
Yes, because it reflects a name of historical
significance – the original habitants of the area.
8 Articles regarding the PW Supermarkets and Joey Franco: https://www.metroactive.com/features/columns/Silicon - Alleys-Grocery-Stores-13th-and-Washington-San-Jose.html and https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/blog/2010/09/pw_makes_it_official_-_theyre_closing.html 9 Obituary for Joseph P. Franco: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mercurynews/name/joseph-franco- obituary?id=27898953
10 Historical and descriptive data on the architectural significance of five residences in Hanchett Resid ence Park along Martin Avenue by the Historical American Buildings Survey: https://tile.loc.gov/storage - services/master/pnp/habshaer/ca/ca0900/ca0969/data/ca0969data.pdf 11 Article on John McLaren, “The Man Who Planted Two Million Trees” https://www.kalw.org/show/crosscurrents/2019-09-25/john-mclaren-the-man-who-planted-two-million-trees 12 Article on Lola Williams after her death in 2019: https://sanjosespotlight.com/iola-williams-first-african- american-councilwoman-in-san-jose-dies/
The Muwekma Ohlone inhabited the Santa
Clara Valley area for thousands of years before
Spanish settlers arrived13.
27 New Vision It has an open, inviting, and
creative feeling to it!
No, because it does not align with the policy
criteria.
28 Ohlone Lands Perhaps this is a starting point to
integrate the park.
Yes, because it reflects a name of historical
significance – the original habitants of the area.
The Muwekma Ohlone inhabited the Santa
Clara Valley area for thousands of years before
Spanish settlers arrived.
29 Ohlone Park (or
Muwekma Ohlone
Park)
A nod to honor those who came
long before us.
Yes, because it reflects a name of historical
significance – the original habitants of the area.
The Muwekma Ohlone inhabited the Santa
Clara Valley area for thousands of years before
Spanish settlers arrived.
30 Park on the
Alameda
Because this is what it is. Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name.
31 Pat Tillman Park SJ native who left a football
career to join the Army after 9/11.
This would be a more logical
naming choice if we had been able
to build a park at the corner of
Park and Tillman Avenues, but
perhaps it could be considered
here.
Yes, because he is an individual that has been
deceased for more than five years.
Pat Tillman was born in Fremont, California
then later attended middle school and high
school in San José14.
32 Rachel Carson Park
Rachel Carson wrote “Silent
Spring” and brought about the
ecology movement and the ban on
DDT.
Yes, because she is an individual that has been
deceased for more than five years. However, it
is not clear what connection Rachel Carson has
to this specific park site.
33 Rose Bush Park
Referring to the Rose Garden This name is too similar to the name of the San José Municipal Rose Garden located on Naglee
Avenue.
The name would otherwise qualify because it
references a prominent local reference point, the
Rose Garden.
34 Roses
It fits with the neighborhood. This name is too similar to the name of the San José Municipal Rose Garden located on Naglee
Avenue.
The name would otherwise qualify because it
references a prominent local reference point, the
Rose Garden.
35 Shasta Hanchett
Green
Ties to the neighborhood location. Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
13 The Ohlone in Santa Clara: https://libguides.scu.edu/ohlone 14 Brief biography on the life of Pat Tillman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
36 Shasta Hanchett
Historical Parking
Lot…not!
It’s in the Shasta Hanchett
neighborhood. It was historically a
parking lot. The reference point is
that is now a parking lot.
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
37 Shasta Hanchett
Park
(Three survey respondents
suggested this name “It’s the
name of the area and also a fun
play on words.” “That is the name
of the neighborhood this park will
be in.”
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E Hanchett in
Attachment C.
38 Shasta Hanchett
Pocket Park
(Two survey respondents
suggested this name “It’s right
next to the entrance to Shasta
Hanchett Park. Clear geographical
identity” and “Reflects location
and historic site.”
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
39 Shasta Park
(Two survey respondents
suggested this name.)
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and a
neighborhood name.
40 Shasta-Hanchett
Lock in the ‘hood branding’. Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment D.
41 Shasta Hanchett
Park, Hester Park
Something simple that indicates
where it is
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name. However, this name may
have implications that do not align with the
City’s commitment to racial equity.
Note: See the research on Lewis E. Hanchett in
Attachment C.
42 Something Hispanic
could be
appropriate. Paseo
Park…
It is a nod to the Spanish history
of the area but also means “walk”
which suggests the spot is looking
to make things more pedestrian
friendly.
No, because no specific name was suggested. It
does not align with the policy criteria.
43 Something honoring
history of San José
and the Alameda
No, because no specific name was suggested. It
does not align with the policy criteria.
45 Streetcar Bend The Alameda used to have
streetcars that went all the way to
SF. This area represents the only
major bend in that path. This
would be a good name (and
plaque) to have in the area to
commemorate the loss of a public
good (accessible transport) with
the installation of another.
Yes, because of a historical geographic
reference point and a historic prominent feature.
The Alameda had a rich history of trolley
service from 1868 until 193815. The San José
and Santa Clara Railroad, which operated along
The Alameda, was the first interurban railroad
service in the state16.
46 Susan O’Malley
Park
I knew Susan O’Malley when she
was working at the Institute of
Contemporary Art in San José.
She was an artist herself and was
born and raised in San José. She
passed away in 2015. Her legacy
should not be forgotten.
Yes, because she is an individual that has been
deceased for more than five years.
Susan O’Malley was a local artist and former
curator of the San José Institute of Art. She was
born and raised in San José17.
47 Sycamore Park or
Quercus Lobata
Trees that are symbolic for the
area.
Yes, because it references prominent
geographic features – the trees in the area.
More research should be done to confirm
whether these tree species are prominent in the
area.
48 The Alameda Park (Two survey respondents
suggested this name.) “Wordplay,
non-controversial, easy to
remember”
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name.
49 The Alameda Pocket
Park
It is where it is located and it
indicates the type of park it is.
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name.
50 The Alameda
Square
(The survey respondent did not
state the reason for this name
suggestion.)
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street and
neighborhood name.
51 The Alameda-Julian
Parklet
Explains location and size. Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name.
52 The Beautiful Way
Park
The Beautiful way was an original
nickname for The Alameda and
has history, symbolism, and
significance. “The Alameda is
known as California’s first true
road, sometimes called ‘The
Beautiful Way.’ Originally built to
link the Pueblo of San José with
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references a nearby street.
The first known reference of The Alameda as
“The Beautiful Way” was in an 1878 poem18. It
is also later referenced in the Mercury News in
15 History of Trolley Service: https://historysanjose.org/plan-your-visit/history-park/trolley-barn/ 16 History of the Alameda in San José: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alameda,_San_Jose 17 Susan O’Malley, a voice for art, dies at 38: https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/03/07/susan-omalley- a-voice-for-art-dies-at-38/
18 “An Arboreal Song of the Alameda (The Beautiful Way)”:
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t5p84vf0t&view=1up&seq=16&skin=2021
Mission Santa Clara, it became a
vital artery of transportation and
commerce over two centuries.”
Mercury News
https://www.mercurynews.com/20
14/01/26/the-alamedas-makeover-
san-joses-snipers-alley-could-
again-be-beautiful-way/
190919 and in a 1910 article of the San
Francisco Chronicle, titled, “The Lost Beautiful
Way: The Old Alameda of Santa Clara
Mission.” More recently, it is referenced in the
title of the book, “The Alameda: The Beautiful
Way,” published by The Alameda Business
Association in 2006.
53 The name of the
native tribe in this
area to remind
people of what was
here before
To remind people of what was
here before.
Yes, because it reflects a name of historical
significance – the original habitants of the area.
The Muwekma Ohlone inhabited the Santa
Clara Valley area for thousands of years before
Spanish settlers arrived.
54 The organizers of
Hanchett Park
development
It is because of them that the place
exists.
No, because it does not align with the policy
criteria.
55 The Zone on the
Alameda
The Zone is a reference to ‘the
place’ to visit. The Alameda is the
location.
Yes, because of the geographic reference point.
The name references nearby streets and a
neighborhood name.
56 Urban Outfitters (The survey respondent did not
state the reason for this name
suggestion.)
No, because it does not align with the policy
criteria.
57 Velodrome Park (Two survey respondents
suggested this name.) “An
homage to San José Burbank
Velodrome – The public art could
be an old fashion bike, and the
terraced seating could be angled
like the track.”; “It references the
historic bicycle raceway that once
stood near the site in 1895. It’s a
nod to our San José history that
ties into the current
“reintroduction” of cycling (i.e.,
bicycle lanes) in our city. It will
engender questions about the
name itself and thus promote
further discussion about San
José’s past and future. Reference:
https://www.sourisseauacademy.o
rg/ “The Valley’s Love Affair
Yes, because it reflects a historic geographic
reference point.
"Velodrome” references the San José Burbank
Velodrome bicycle racing track that operated
between 1935 and 194120. The original track
was located at the San José Agricultural Park
near The Alameda and Race Street21.
19 San José Mercury News, July 4, 1909 pages 2 and 18: San José Mercury News (San José , California), July 4, 1909: 2. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-
view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A1126156B6E3010F0%40EANX-NB- 1149AE5D8BE3BF38%402418492-1149AE5EC35005C0%401.
20 A history of bicycle track racing in San José: the Burbank Velodrome years, 1935-1941:
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1740&context=etd_theses 21 Historical information about San José’s First Velodrome: https://bikesiliconvalley.org/2011/01/blast-from-the- past-bicycles-in-the-news-in-1938/
With the Bicycle” by Ralph M.
Pearce, 2017
58 Water on Earth Rumbling in the heart. No, because it does not align with the policy criteria.
59 Wheelman Park A velodrome was located at the
old agricultural grounds at this
location. The Garden City
Wheelman were established in
San José in the early 1900s.
Cycling is a health vibrant activity
and is relevant today as it was
when it was the height of
technology when the club was
formed.
The name “Wheelman” references a San José
cycling club from the 1890’s, known first as
“The Garden City Cyclers” and later renamed
as the “Garden City Wheelmen22.” The club
organized rides, races, and outings throughout
the Bay Area23.
22 Garden City Wheelmen: https://www.wooljersey.com/wiki/Garden_City_Wheelmen 23 Garden City Wheelman vs. Sanson Wheelmen of Stockton, October 26, 1919:
https://calisphere.org/item/9ee8191137fa2cf5aeb013259c931fc5/