10B
Date: May 20, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Chair and Members of the Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Eirenne O’Neill, Management Assistant | [email protected] Subject: City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee and City Manager – Discuss and Provide Direction on Renaming Toyota Meeting Hall and Accept and File Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee and City Manager that City Council:
1. Discuss and provide direction on the renaming of Toyota Meeting Hall; and
2. Accept and file the January 15, 2025, Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee meeting minutes.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
In April 2014, Toyota Motor Sales announced the relocation of its North American headquarters from Torrance to Plano, Texas, which was completed by 2017. On September 12, 2023, in light of Toyota’s departure, then-Councilmember Griffiths—with City Council concurrence—directed staff to explore the following:
1. Potential renaming of the Toyota Meeting Hall; and
2. Opportunities for sponsorship of the facility through naming rights.
Subsequently, on January 23, 2024, City Council concurred with the Mayor’s recommendation to establish an Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee, appointing a Chair and Committee Members to evaluate the matter.
History of Toyota Meeting Hall
The facility, originally named the City of Torrance Cultural Arts Center Meeting Hall, was completed in 1990 as part of the $12.2 million development of the Cultural Arts Center. Toyota Motor Sales was the single largest private contributor, donating $500,000—approximately $1.2 million in 2024 dollars-representing roughly 4% of the total project cost. In recognition of this 1 10A
City Council
May 20, 2025
contribution, the City adopted Resolution No. 90-7 (Attachment 1), expressing appreciation for Toyota’s support.
In the years following, Toyota continued supporting various City programs and events, including multiple Fourth of July concerts and a $50,000 donation to the Torrance Public Library Foundation.
On July 11, 2000, the City Council formally renamed the facility the Toyota Community Meeting Hall via Resolution No. 2000-88 (Attachment 2), in recognition of Toyota’s contributions and commitment to local cultural enrichment. The facility has carried the Toyota name for over twenty-four years, representing an estimated annual value of approximately $49,500 as of 2024.
Naming Policy Framework
The City’s facility naming policy is governed by Resolution No. 2008-81 (Attachment 3), which permits names that fall under one or more of the following categories:
• Have geographical, topographical, or historical relevance to Torrance; or • Honor individuals who have served the City, State, or Nation in an exceptional manner; or • Recognize significant contributions of land or funding to the City.
Donated funds may be allocated at the discretion of the City Council, unless a specific use is stipulated. The duration of a facility’s name is determined on a case-by-case basis, subject to Council approval.
Other jurisdictions have adopted additional naming criteria. For example:
• Costa Mesa recommends a donation of more than 50% of a facility’s purchase price. • San Diego requires contributions that significantly support construction costs, the donation of more than 50% of facility land, or establishment of a twenty-year maintenance endowment.
Facility Condition and Future Considerations
The City estimates that the Toyota Meeting Hall will require approximately $1.21 million in capital maintenance over the next decade. Major upcoming repairs include:
• Replacement of the fire alarm system and HVAC unit
• Structural repair of the outdoor wooden trellis
In addition, the Civic Center Master Plan—currently under City Council and community consideration—may lead to significant changes to the Civic Center campus, including renovation or relocation of the Cultural Arts Center and Toyota Meeting Hall. 2 City Council
May 20, 2025
Committee Considerations and Options
At its January 15, 2025, meeting, the Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee considered the following options:
1. $1.2 million donation over ten years (full coverage of maintenance needs)
2. $494,519 over ten years (historical average value per year of Toyota's contribution)
3. $605,885 over ten years (50% coverage model)
The Committee had recommended a modified Option #2 with a shorter five-year initial term to allow for flexibility given the ongoing Civic Center Master Plan. The City Council is being requested to discuss and provide direction on the renaming of the Toyota Meeting Hall.
Recommendations
Option 1: Retain Current Name
• Maintain the “Toyota Meeting Hall” name in recognition of Toyota’s historical support and in light of the uncertain future of the facility due to the ongoing Civic Center Master Plan.
Option 2: Rename the Facility
Direct staff to initiate a name change campaign, including one or more of the following:
1. Pursue Naming Rights Sponsorships:
o Seek interested donors or philanthropic organizations and negotiate a naming rights agreement.
2. Set Contribution Thresholds:
o $1.21 million (100%) – Reflects total capital maintenance needs for the next ten years.
o $494,519 (41%) – Reflects Toyota’s CPI-adjusted donation for a five-year period (Committee’s Recommendation)
o $605,885 (50%) – Mirrors donation levels recommended in Costa Mesa and San Diego.
3. Honor Exceptional Individuals:
o Consider renaming the Toyota Meeting Hall in recognition of individuals with exemplary service to the City, State, or Nation.
Option 3: Other Alternative
• City Council may direct Staff to bring forth a subsequent update based additional research inquiries.
3 City Council
May 20, 2025
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 90-7
2. Resolution No. 2000-88
3. Resolution No. 2008-81
4. January 15, 2025 Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes
5. Staff Presentation
4 5
ATTACHMENT 1
6 7
ATTACHMENT 2
8 RESOLUTION NO. 2OO8- 81
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THIS
CITY OF TORRANCE ESTABLISHING POL¡ CIES AND
PROCEDURES FOR THE NAMING OF CITY- OWNED
LAND, BUILDINGS, AND FACILITIES
The City Council of the City of Torrance does hereby resolve as follows
PURPOSE
To establish formal policies as a guide to the City Council in considering ( 1) appropriate names for City- owned land, buildings and facilities; ( 2) whether, and under what circumstances, such land, buildings, and facilities should be named or renamed in honor of individuals; and ( 3) the duration of naming rights of City- owned land, buildings and facilities,
ll SCOPE
This regulation is applicable to all City departments and offices responsible directly to the City Manager. lt is also requested that elective offices and other independent offices and departments of the City comply with these procedures in the interest of administrative uniformity.
POLICY
ln determining the names to be given to City- owned land, buildings and facilities, the City Council will give particular consideration to the following policy guidelines:
The City Council will consider candidate names for facilities whether submitted by Council members, City staff, City agencies, civic organizations, and/ or the general public including names incorporating the name of Torrance where it is deemed important for civic or other reasons for a building or facility to be identified with the City, Names that have recognizable geographic, topographic or historical significance associated with Torrance. ln assessing this type of name, the City Council will take into consideration the recommendations from different bodies such as the Planning Commission or Torrance Historical Society.
City, owned land, buildings and facilities may be named in honor of persons who have served the nation, the State of California and/ or the City of Torrance in an exceptional and distinguished manner; and, where such action is warranted by a contribution or service which is deemed to be of major significance.
The naming of City- owned land, buildings and facilities in honor of a deceased person shall generally not take place until after a minimum of one- year waiting period unless the City Council determines that there are overriding considerations deviating from this policy guideline. This particular policy guideline is not intended in any way to reflect on the merits of any deceased individual who may have been a prominent civic leader. However, it is felt appropriate to establish some type of waiting period to ensure that an individual' s accomplishments or contributions will stand the test of time; and that a decision shall not be made on an emotional basis immediately following a person' s death.
ORIGINAL
9 ATTACHMENT 3
City- owned land, buildings and facilities may be named after individuals or families who have donated the land or funds for the capital project, particularly if such naming is set forth as a condition of the donation.
The City Council may approve the naming of City- owned land, buildings, or facilities based on an organization or individual' s monetary contribution to the City for that purpose. The funds from that contribution may be used for any purpose deemed appropriate by the City Council unless there is a specified use as a condition of the contribution. The duration of the name is on a case- by- case basis at the discretion of the City Council unless othenruise set forth as a condition of the contribution approved by the Council.
The names of City- owned land, buildings and facilities shall not normally þe named in honor of individuals when they have previously been named for other individuals.
However, if the Council deems it appropriate, they may vary from this guideline on a case- by- case basis.
IV. PROCEDURES
Requests for naming or renaming of City- owned land, buildings and facilities shall be filed with the City Clerk for transmittal to the Mayor in writing, accompanied by a statement summarizing the justification for the recommended name( s).
The Mayor fonryards the request to the Chair of the Facility Naming Committee. The Chair schedules a meeting of the Committee to consider the request. The meeting is open to the public and gives members of the community an opportunity to give input to the process. The Committee should schedule the meeting within 30 days of receiving the request.
lf the request is denied by the Committee, no further action is taken, lf the request is approved, the Committee Chair directs staff to prepare a report for the full Council where public input is again received.
The City Council will make its determination as to the naming or renaming of City- owned land, þuildings and facilities at regularly scheduled meetings of the City Council at which staff, representatives of advisory bodies and civic organizations and the general public may offer testimony. lf the request is denied by the Council, no further action is taken. lf the City Council approves the request, staff is directed to go fonvard with implementing the naming of the facility. The steps taken to implement the request will be developed as an internal City process. The decision of the City Council will be final. lntroduced, approved and adopted this 17th day of June, 2008
APPROVED AS TO FORM
JOHN OWS City Attorney
Mayor Frank Scotto
ATTEST:
by
Ronald T, Pohl, Assist City Attorney Herbers, City Clerk 10 TORRANCE CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2008. 81
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF TORRANCE
AYES COUNCILMEMBERS
SS
l, Sue Herbers, City Clerk of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly introduced, approved, and adopted by the City Council of the City of Torrance at a regular meeting of said Council held on the 17"' day of June, 2008 by the following roll call vote:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Date -
è*-"-- åå . Þ¿>:, g
Barnett, Brewer, Drevno, Nowatka, Sutherland,
Witkowsky, and Mayor Scotto.
None.
None.
None,
Herbers
of the City of Torrance
COUNCILMEMBERS
COUNCILMEMBERS
COUNCILMEMBERS
11 1 of 4
January 15, 2025
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AD HOC NAMING OF PUBLIC FACILITIES COMMITTEE
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting convened in a regular meeting on January 15, 2025 at 12:04 pm in the Leroy Jackson Council Chamber
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Mattucci, Committee Member Sheikh
Absent: Committee Member Kaji
Present: Management Associate Carlos Huizar, Management Aide Sara Shor
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Committee Member Sheikh.
3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Chair Mattucci welcomed those in attendance and requested that committee members introduce themselves to the public.
Staff presenting:
Management Associate Carlos Huizar.
4. REPORT OF STAFF ON THE POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Management Associate Carlos Huizar reported that the agenda was posted on Thursday, January 9, 2025, on the City’s website and at 3031 Torrance Blvd.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
5A. City Manager – Discuss and Provide Direction on Potential Policy and Procedure Changes for the Naming of City-owned Land, Buildings and Facilities. Expenditure: None.
Carlos Huizar presented a proposal to modify the naming policy (Resolution 2008-81) to clarify that individuals actively serving in elected, appointed, or employed roles would be excluded from naming eligibility—except in special circumstances at the discretion of the City Council. He also explained this would be formalized through a new 2025 resolution for clarity. Committee Member Sheikh asked how this policy would apply to individuals currently serving in regional or federal roles, such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
12 ATTACHMENT 4
2 of 4
o Carlos Huizar clarified that the policy would exclude such individuals while in office, but they would become eligible once no longer serving.
Chair Mattucci raised the possibility of a one-year waiting period after public service, similar to the existing rule for recently deceased individuals.
o Carlos Huizar noted the City Council retains flexibility to override such time-based criteria on a case-by-case basis. A member of the public suggested including language to ensure consent from individuals or families before naming a facility. o Carlos Huizar responded affirmatively, adding that language could be included in the resolution or application process.
MOTION: Chair Mattucci moved to direct staff to draft a new resolution incorporating the proposed exclusion for active service members, with flexibility for special circumstances.
Seconded by Committee Member Sheikh.
Vote: Motion passed 2-0 (Kaji absent).
5B. City Manager - Discuss and Provide Direction on Application for the Naming of the General Aviation Center (GAC) in Honor of Frank Robinson.
Expenditure: None.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar introduced Item 5B, a recommendation that the Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee discuss and provide direction on an application submitted by the Torrance Airport Commission to rename the General Aviation Center (GAC), located at Zamperini Field, in honor of Frank Robinson.
He stated that the GAC, located at 3301 Airport Drive, is a one-story, 1,800- square-foot facility constructed in 1992. The building currently houses the City’s airport operations office, noise abatement office, a rentable community room, and a pilot lounge.
Carlos Huizar noted that the application was originally approved unanimously by the Airport Commission and submitted to the City in September 2023. He added that Frank Robinson, founder of Robinson Helicopter Company, had made a significant and lasting contribution to the aviation community in Torrance and globally. Robinson also has a street named after him—Robinson Way—in Torrance.
Carlos Huizar explained that the application would be reviewed against the City’s current naming policy (Resolution 2008-81), which outlines three eligibility criteria:
1. Recognizable geographic, topographical, or historical significance to Torrance.
2. Service in an official U.S., California, or Torrance capacity in an exceptional manner; or
3. Contributions of land or funding to the City.
13 3 of 4
Carlos Huizar stated that staff were seeking the Committee’s direction on whether to forward the naming request to the full City Council for consideration. Public Comment: A member of the public, Tom Rutherall, was invited to speak at the podium. Huizar noted that Rutherall had originally initiated the renaming idea. (It should be noted for the record that Mr. Rutherall is now deceased)
Tom Rutherall identified himself as a former Airport Commissioner and helicopter trainer with Robinson Helicopter. He spoke in strong support of the renaming, emphasizing Frank Robinson’s enormous contributions to the community and to STEM education.
“Frank Robinson was so important to this community. The company continues to give back in so many ways. He was one of the originals of STEM education. Naming the General Aviation Center after him would be a due honor.”
Rutherall recounted that the Airport Commission had voted unanimously in favor of the renaming and expressed appreciation that the application was finally being considered.
“I believe he was a legend. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best ways to recognize his contributions to Torrance.” Rutherall also asked for confirmation that Robinson’s passing would meet the one-year waiting period required by the naming policy. Huizar confirmed that Frank Robinson passed away in 2022, making him eligible under the policy.
MOTION: Chair Mattucci and Committee Member Sheikh expressed support for the proposal.
Committee Member Sheikh moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the renaming of the General Aviation Center in honor of Frank Robinson.
Chair Mattucci seconded the motion.
The motion passed by a vote of 2-0, with Committee Member Kaji absent. 5C. City Manager - Discussion on the Renaming of the Toyota Meeting Hall.
Expenditure: None.
Carlos Huizar introduced the item, noting it originated from a 2023 council concurrence request by former Councilmember Mike Griffiths. The request directed staff to explore renaming options for the Toyota Meeting Hall, which was named in 2000 in gratitude for Toyota's $500,000 donation to the Cultural Arts Center (adjusted to $1.2 million in 2024 dollars).
Sara Shor, Management Aide, gave a detailed presentation: She explained the City is considering naming rights partnerships with individuals or philanthropists who could fund capital maintenance needs, estimated at $1.2 million over 10 years.
Staff researched models from San Diego and Costa Mesa, which use donation thresholds (like 50% of purchase or renovation cost) to assign naming rights. 14 4 of 4
Three options were presented:
1. $1.2 million donation over 10 years (full coverage of maintenance needs)
2. ~$494k over 10 years (historical average value per year of Toyota's contribution)
3. ~$606k over 10 years (50% coverage model)
Chair Mattucci voiced support for a shorter initial term rather than 10 years.
Carlos Huizar proposed modifying Option 2 to a 5-year term to reflect this concern and ensure flexibility given the ongoing Civic Center Master Plan.
The naming rights agreement could include a clause to carry naming rights over if the facility is demolished and rebuilt.
The committee also discussed:
ADA improvements and facility modernization
No current donations from Toyota
The Toyota naming was done via resolution, not a formal contract Committee Member Sheikh supported maintaining the name until a new agreement was in place but emphasized financial prudence.
MOTION: Committee voted 2-0 (Kaji absent) to forward the modified Option 2 (5- year term) with a termination clause and relocation rights, along with staff's recommendation, to City Council for consideration.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Mattucci asked if there were any members of the public that wished to speak under the Public Comment section. No members of the public wished to speak at this time.
7. CLOSING REMARKS
Management Associate Carlos Huizar summarized that three items had been discussed during the meeting and confirmed that the Committee’s recommendations would be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
Committee Member Sheikh inquired whether a member of the public, Mr. Pete, had a question. Mr. Pete asked for clarification on how the items would be forwarded.
Management Associate Carlos Huizar confirmed that staff would prepare a future agenda item summarizing the Committee’s recommendations.
8. ADJOURNMENT
At 12:58 pm, the committee voted to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by a vote of 2-0 with Committee Member Kaji absent.
15 RENAMING OF TOYOTA MEETING HALL
Office of the City Manager | Item 10B
May 20, 2025
10B
16 ATTACHMENT 5
Agenda
● Policy and Procedure Changes
for the Naming of City-owned
Land, Buildings and Facilities
● Application for the Naming of
the General Aviation Center
(GAC) in Honor of Frank
Robinson
● Discussion on the Renaming of
the Toyota Meeting Hall
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
Ad Hoc Naming of
Public Facilities
Committee Meeting
January 15, 2025
10B
17 ● Recognizable geographic,
topographic, or historical
significance to Torrance
– OR –
● Persons who have served the
U.S., California, and/or Torrance
in exceptional manner
– OR –
● Individuals, families, or
organizations who have donated
land/funds to the City
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
TORRANCE’S
NAMING POLICY
Resolution No. 2008-81:
10B
18 2023 COUNCIL CONCURRENCE
On September 12, 2023, Former
Councilmember Griffiths received
Council concurrence to direct staff to
explore:
• Renaming the Toyota Meeting Hall
• Having an organization or
philanthropist sponsor the facility
for its naming rights
10B
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
19 ● Recognizable geographic,
topographic, or historical
significance to Torrance
– OR –
● Persons who have served the
U.S., California, and/or Torrance
in exceptional manner
– OR –
● Individuals, families, or
organizations who have donated
land/funds to the City
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
TORRANCE’S
NAMING POLICY
Resolution No. 2008-81:
2023 Council Concurrence
10B
20 OTHER CITIES’ NAMING POLICIES (THRESHOLDS)
City Policy Excerpt
Costa Mesa All parks not adjacent to schools and all recreation and community facilities may be named according to the following:
a. After the donor, be it an individual or group, who/which dedicates land, facilities, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the purchase price to the City of Costa Mesa.
San Diego The threshold for naming or renaming a City Asset for an individual, organization, or business when funding is involved should include a donation agreement and one or more of the following:
i. A significant contribution towards the capital construction costs of the structure; ii. A deed to the City of land for the majority of the City Asset by the donor; and/or iii. A twenty-year endowment for the continued maintenance and operations of the City Asset.
10B
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
21 CONSIDERATIONS: Capital Maintenance
10B
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
• An estimated $1,211,770 required in
capital maintenance within the next
10 years.
• Repair outdoor wood trellis.
• Replace soon-to-be outdated fire
alarm system.
• Replace soon-to-be outdated air
handler unit.
Torrance Facility Condition Assessment
22 CONSIDERATIONS: Civic Center Master Plan
10B
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
23 DISCUSS AND CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS
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O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
Option Description
1. Retain the
Name
Keep the Toyota Meeting Hall name given the uncertain nature of the Torrance Civic Center Master Plan and Economic Feasibility Study and/or as an affirmation of Toyota’s lasting impact despite its departure
2. Rename the
Facility with a
Name
Campaign
Direct staff to initiate a name change campaign and one or more of the following options:
• Seek potential donors and negotiate a naming rights agreement • Set Contribution Thresholds
• Seek exceptional public service individuals for dedication
3. Other
Alternative
• City Council may direct Staff to bring forth a subsequent update based additional research inquiries
24 POTENTIAL DONATION THRESHOLDS
10B
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
Option Amount Term Description
Status Quo $1,200,000.00
($49,452/year*)
24 1/3
years*
Toyota’s initial contribution.
1. $1,211,770.00
($121,177/year)
10 years Mirrors Toyota’s initial contribution. Covers 100% of the expected major capital maintenance costs for 10 years.
2. $494,518.58
($98,903.72/year)
5 years Mirrors Toyota’s effective donation per year. Covers 41% of the expected major capital maintenance costs for 5 years.
(Updated based on Committee Request)
3. $605,885.00
($60,589/year)
10 years Mirrors Costa Mesa and San Diego’s targeted donation thresholds. Covers 50% of the expected major capital maintenance costs for 10 years. 25 RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Accept and File the January 15, 2025, Committee Meeting Minutes for the Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee; and
2. Discuss and Provide Direction on the Renaming of Toyota Meeting Hall
1. Keep the Name
2. Name Change Campaign & Set Contribution Threshold
3. Other Alternatives
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
10B
26 QUESTIONS?
O f f i c e o f t h e C i t y M a n a g e r
10B
27