City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 4 March 24, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 5.4
DATE: March 24, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Designating the “Sister Cities International Plaza” Within Old Alvarado Park and Recognizing the Contributions of the Union City Friends of Sister Cities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution designating the plaza area within Old Alvarado Park as the “Sister Cities International Plaza” and formally recognizing the contributions of the Union City Friends of Sister Cities organization.
This action is limited to the naming of a specific feature within Old Alvarado Park and does not rename the park itself. The proposed designation reflects the City’s commitment to fostering global relationships and recognizing the community-based efforts that have supported the Sister Cities program.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This item aligns with Goal C: Economic, Community Development, and Public Safety, and Goal E: Communication and Outreach.
BACKGROUND
In 1985, the City established its first Sister City relationship with Pasay, Philippines. Over the years, the Sister Cities organization has matured and established itself as an independent non-profit, the Union City Friends of Sister Cities, which continues to work with Union City to celebrate cultural traditions and build new relationships with cities from around the world. Today, the City has nine Sister Cities and one Friendship City that is managed by the Union City Friends of Sister Cities. The City’s participation is limited to sponsoring a membership in the Sister Cities International organization and providing a framework for the Sister City twinning celebrations. Cultural events and ongoing relationship-building are lead by the Union City Friends of Sister Cities. Since 1992, former Councilmember Pat Gacoscos has served as the President of the Friends of Sister Cities non-profit organization.
Agenda Item No. 5.4
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 4 March 24, 2026 4
5 Old Alvarado Park, is a historic community park that is located at 3871 Smith Street at Watkins Street. Fronting Smith Street is a plaza area that is anchored by a gazebo in the center. This area is frequently used for community gatherings and events.
The park has a unique historical context related to naming. Previous efforts to rename the park generated community concern, including input from the Al Rose family, which dedicated the land for the benefit of Old Alvarado residents. As a result, the park name was ultimately restored to Old Alvarado Park.
On April 10, 2024, the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed a proposal to designate the plaza area and unanimously supported forwarding a naming concept to the City Council for consideration. However, the item did not proceed at that time due to sensitivity regarding park naming and the park’s historical context to serve the residents of Old Alvarado.
In August 2024, improvements were made to the plaza area, including the installation of ten Sister Cities benches in advance of the Sister Cities event, establishing the area as a gathering space associated with the City’s international partnerships.
Former Councilmember Pat Gacoscos, who has been instrumental in maintaining strong ties with Union City Friends of Sister Cities, has expressed a preference that the plaza be named to highlight the organization's work and legacy.
Agenda Item No. 5.4
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5 DISCUSSION
The proposed designation is limited to a park feature and does not rename Old Alvarado Park, thereby preserving the park’s historical identity and original land dedication.
The name “Sister Cities International Plaza” reflects the City’s commitment to international partnerships and recognizes the contributions of the Union City Friends of Sister Cities organization in fostering cultural exchange and community engagement.
The Park and Recreation Commission previously reviewed and supported the concept of designating the plaza and forwarded the item for City Council consideration. While the item was not advanced in 2024, subsequent improvements to the plaza area, including the installation of ten Sister Cities benches, have further established the space as a focal point for Sister Cities-related activities.
The current proposal formalizes the plaza's identity in a manner consistent with prior Commission direction and community expectations. Staff would further recommend that Pat Gacoscos be identified on the plaque as the President of Union City Friends of Sister Cities, who has overseen the Sister City plaza bench project.
The City’s adopted policy on the naming of Park and Recreation facilities provides that park names are intended to remain permanent once established and that the City Council retains final authority over naming decisions. Consistent with this policy, the proposed action is limited to designating a feature within Old Alvarado Park rather than renaming the park itself.
FISCAL IMPACT
Costs associated with signage and installation are anticipated to be minimal and will be absorbed within existing departmental budgets.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution designating the plaza (gazebo area) within Old Alvarado Park, located at 3871 Smith Street, as the “Sister Cities International Plaza; and
2. Recognize the contributions of Pat Gacoscos, President, Union City Friends of Sister Cities organization.
Prepared by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Submitted by: Thai Nam Pham, City Clerk
Attachments
1. April 10, 2024 Park and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Agenda Item No. 5.4
City Council Staff Report Page 4 of 4 March 24, 2026 4
5 2. Draft Resolution