10B
Date: December 2, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee
Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
By: Breanna Hart, Management Aide | [email protected] Subject: Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee and City Manager – Accept and File Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes and Discuss and Provide Direction on Community Outreach Efforts for the Renaming of Columbia Park Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee and City Manager that City Council:
1. Accept and file the September 2, 2025, Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee meeting minutes; and
2. Discuss and provide direction on community outreach efforts regarding the renaming of Columbia Park.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
Background:
On June 17, 2008, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2008-81, which authorized the City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee to establish policies and procedures for naming City-Owned properties, including land, buildings, and facilities. The item aims to guide the City Council in considering the following, potential renaming of Columbia Park to honor Ted T.
Tanouye. For your reference, Attachment 1 provides the full text of the naming policy and procedures.
On April 7, 2025, City Manager’s Office staff submitted a Naming Facilities Application on behalf of Councilmember Jon Kaji. The application requested City Council’s consideration to rename Columbia Park to Ted T. Tanouye Park, in honor of Torrance’s only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Mayor George Chen appointed an Ad-Hoc Naming Committee comprised of Councilmembers Kaji, Mattucci and Sheikh. The Ad-Hoc Committee considered the matter on the September 2, 2025 and forwarded a recommendation to rename Columbia Park to honor Mr.
Tanouye to the full City Council.
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December 2, 2025
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1 On October 7, 2025, the City Council reviewed the Committee’s recommendation, and a majority vote remanded the matter to the Parks & Recreation Commission in order seek further input from commissioners and members of the public.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
At the direction of City Council, the matter was agendized before the Parks and Recreation Commission for their regularly scheduled meeting of November 12, 2025. During the meeting, the Commission received a brief staff presentation on the City’s Facilities Naming Policy, the naming application request timeline and background on both Columbia Park’s history and Mr. Ted Tanouye. The Committee received public input from approximately 14 community members.
Approximately 6 expressed support for the name change, while 8 provided comments opposing it. The public comments included opinions supporting the name change with observations about the City’s support for veterans, military service and the significant Asian and Japanese American communities within Torrance. Opinions were also shared to find alternative names and support for maintaining the current name, and some expressed uncertainty due to their perceived lack of input from Tanouye’s descendants. Additionally, other community members commented on other locations within Torrance that already honor Ted T. Tanouye.
Currently, Ted T. Tanouye is honored at the Ted T. Tanouye Memorial located at 2200 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, near Torrance High School. Additionally, the National Guard Armory at 2505 Cabrillo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501, was renamed the Ted Tanouye National Armory on May 19, 2002. Mr. Tanouye is also honored on the Veterans Memorial Wall situated in front of City Hall at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Maple Avenue.
Following Commissioner questions of community and staff members, several commissioners commented on the importance of additional public outreach and unanimously voted, with Commissioner Wright absent, to recommend further research and increase community outreach to support a more informed decision.
About Columbia Park:
Columbia Park is the largest park in the City of Torrance, Spanning 52 Acres at the northwest corner of 190th Street and Prairie Avenue. Officially named in 1968 after the Columbia Broadcasting Company—due to the presence of the KNX radio tower on the site acquired by the City in phases. In June 1968, Columbia Broadcasting Systems donated 17.2 acres of land to the City of Torrance, which would be memorialized through the parks official naming on July 23, 1968, as an expression of gratitude. This can be found in attachment 4, Resolution 68-164. Columbia Park reached its full size by 1978. The park features a thriving community garden program, which began in January 1975 with 52 plots on one acre. Today, the garden has expanded to 125 individual plots, each measuring 20 by 20 feet, allowing residents to cultivate both edible and ornamental plants. Columbia Park is a hub for youth sports and recreation, offering four lighted soccer fields regularly used by AYSO. A 1.33-mile exercise path winds through the park, providing a scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Notably, Columbia Park is the future site of the World War II Camp Wall Monument, a first-of-its kind national memorial that will honor approximately 125,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in internment camps during World War II. The monument will include engraved granite walls, educational displays, accessible pathways, and support facilities.
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December 2, 2025
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1 About Ted T. Tanouye:
Ted T. Tanouye was born on November 14, 1919, in Torrance, California. He was a lifelong resident of Torrance, attending local schools and notably graduating from Torrance High School in the Class of 1938. In February 1942, Tanouye enlisted in the U.S. Army following Executive Order 9066. On July 7, 1944, he was wounded in action at Hill 140, but after receiving medical attention, Tanouye was sent back into action. Two months later, Tanouye was again wounded and passed five days later, an act of heroism that initially earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. This honor was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor on June 21, 2000, during a ceremony held at the White House, where President Bill Clinton honored 22 Japanese American veterans of World War II, primarily from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Additionally, Tanouye was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on October 5, 2010, following Public Law 111-254, signed by President Barack Obama, which granted the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service the Congressional Gold Medal.
Naming Policy Framework:
The City’s facility naming policy is governed by Resolution No. 2008-81 (Attachment 1), 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.
Facility Future Considerations:
For fiscal years 2025-2026, the City has allocated approximately $5.0 million in capital funds for construction of the World War II Camp Wall Monument and recently received the design concept results from community engagement findings. Additional capital improvement projects anticipated within the subsequent three years include:
Park restroom renovations
Picnic shelter renovations
Playground renovations
Dog Park Construction
Turf Sports Fields; and
Walking path.
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December 2, 2025
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1 Recommendation:
1. Accept and file the September 2, 2025, Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee meeting minutes; and
2. Discuss and provide direction on community outreach efforts regarding the renaming of Columbia Park.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 2008-81
2. September 2, 2025, Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee Meeting Minutes
3. November 12, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Public Comments
4. Resolution No. 68-164
4 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
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ATTACHMENT 1
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 6
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 7
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September 2, 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 September 2, 2025 at 12:01 pm in the LeRoy Jackson Council Chamber
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Mattucci, Committee Member Kaji, & Committee Member Sheikh
Absent: None
Present: Management Associate Carlos Huizar, Management Associate Zulma Gent
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. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
4A. City Manager - Discuss and Provide Direction on Application for the Re- Naming of Columbia Park in Honor of Ted T. Tanouye. Expenditure: None.
Recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council Ad Hoc Naming of Public Facilities Committee discuss and provide direction on the application for the re-naming of Columbia Park in honor of Ted T. Tanouye. Management Associate, Carlos Huizar presented on the re-naming policy (Resolution 2008-81) and the history of Ted T. Tanouye and his relation to Torrance, CA. He also mentions that Columbia Park will house the future Japanese American Camp Wall.
• Committee Member Kaji invited a descendant of Ted T. Tanouye to say a few words in support for the re-naming of Columbia Park. o Descendant of Ted T. Tanouye requests that it would be re- named in his honor, as Ted T. Tanouye has received the only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient as a Torrance
resident.
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2 of 2
• Committee Member Kaji mentions that if supported, the re-naming would fall under optimal timing in conjunction with the Camp Wall.
Additionally, Torrance has a large Japanese-American Community. • Committee Member Sheikh recognized descendant of Ted T.
Tanouye and those who have fought for our country.
• Chairman Mattucci asked for clarification on the process of the public facilities renaming process and costs estimate for the renaming process.
o Management Associate, Carlos Huizar provides clarification and notes that research would be conducted regarding
financial estimate if passed through council.
MOTION: Committee Member Sheikh made a motion to accept recommendations and present findings to City Council. Seconded by Committee Member Kaji.
Vote: Motion passed 3-0.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
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.
6. CLOSING REMARKS
Management Associate Carlos Huizar summarized the items that 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.
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 12:15 pm, Committee Member Kaji made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Committee Member Sheikh. The motion carried by a vote of 3-0. 9 10
ATTACHMENT 3
11 12
13 7-“^- 68 SER: j ( 1)
RESOLUTION NO. 68- 164
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TORRANCE EXPRESSING ITS GRATITUDE
TO COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM FOR ITS
GIFT OF SEVENTEEN ACRES OF LAND TO THE
CITY OF TORRANCE FOR PARK PURPOSES, AND
HEREBY NAMING THE SITE COLUMBIA PARK
WHEREAS, Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, in June 1968, donated to the City of Torrance for park purposes 17. 2 acres of land situated between Hawthorne Boulevard, Prairie Avenue, 186th and 190th Streets; and WHEREAS, this gift constitutes the largest single donation of public land made to the City in its history and, when developed, the site will provide the people of Torrance with their largest park; and
WHEREAS, the many playing fields and other improvements which the City will build there will provide healthy physical activity and recreational outlets for all the people, but especially for the youth of this community ( over one- third of Torrance' s population being 18 or under); and
WHEREAS, the making of such a generous gift is an expression of the awareness of the Board of Directors, Officers and Stockholders of the Columbia Broadcasting System of the need for community recreation;
NOW, THEREFORE, this City Council does resolve as follows:
SECTION 1.
That on behalf of each of its members and all the people of Torrance it expresses its gratitude to the Board of Directors, Officers and Stockholders of Columbia Broadcasting System for their generous gift of park land, and wishes this great corporation con tinued success as the leading television and radio network in the world.
SECTION 2.
That the site is hereby named COLUMBIA PARK as further evidence of this City' s appreciation.
Introduced, approved and adopted on this 2^ rd day of July 1968.
Mayor of the City of Torrance
ATTEST:
ji> t- uu/vKi
City Clerk of the' City of Torrance
Resolution No. 68- 164
Adopted July 23, 1968
o
14 ATTACHMENT 4
fey
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
CITY OF TORRANCE )
ss
I, VERNONW. COIL, 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 23rd day of July, 1968, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEN : Beasley, Johnson, Miller, Sciarrotta, Uerkwitz, Wilson and isen
NOES: C0T3NCILMEN: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None
City Clerk of the Ci^ y of Torrance
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
STANLEY E. REMELMEYER, City Attorney
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