Item No. 18.
STAFF REPORT
DATE:
August 24, 2026
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED
Sherry Washburn, Senior Executive Assistant
BY:
SUBJECT:
Recognition of Former Mayor/Councilmember Dick Riddell
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Consider and discuss an additional recognition for former Mayor/Councilmember Dick Riddell at Yucaipa City Hall, the Civic Center, or another appropriate City facility or location; and
2. Provide further direction to staff regarding the preferred form and location of the additional recognition and, if appropriate, authorize a budget adjustment commensurate with the project.
BACKGROUNDIDISCUSSION:
On July 13, 2026, former Mayor and City Councilmember Dick Riddell passed away at his home at the age of 101.
Mr. Riddell served the Yucaipa community on the City Council for more than 25 years, from June 1995 through January 2021. During his years of public service, he also served on the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).
Councilmember Bob Miller requested that the City Council consider an additional recognition of Mr. Riddell at City Hall or another appropriate City facility in recognition of his extraordinary length of service and contributions to the Yucaipa community.
Existing City Recognitions
The City of Yucaipa has previously recognized Mr. Riddell for his contributions to the City in several ways.
Flags Lowered to Half -Staff
On July 15, 2026, as a tribute to former Councilmembers Diane Smith and Dick Riddell for their enduring legacies and decades of public service to the Yucaipa community, the City lowered the flags at City facilities to half-staff.
The flags remained at half-staff through the conclusion of their respective memorial services.
Service Walk Recognition
On June 28, 2021, the City Council approved selection criteria for honorees recognized as part of the City's Service Walk. The criteria provide that:
1. The candidate must have served on the City Council, Planning Commission, and/or other City Commissions/Committees;
2. The candidate must have a minimum of 16 years of exemplary service, whether consecutive or broken, to the community as a City Council member, Planning Commission member, other City Commission/Committee member, or combination thereof;
3. A nomination form must be completed by a sitting Councilmember and submitted to the City Clerk for presentation to the City Council for consideration; and
4. The City Council shall select each candidate by simple majority, determine the specific language to be placed on the plaque, and approve the necessary funding.
Mr. Riddell clearly met and exceeded the criteria and minimum service requirements established for the Service Walk and was nominated by a former Councilmember.
His approximate years of service are as follows:
Council/Committee/ Approximate Start Approximate End
Years of Service
Commission Date Date
Planning Commission 1/23/1995 6/1/1995 4 months
City Council 6/1/1995 1/1/2021 25 years, 7 months
Approximately 12
EDAC 1/13/1997 1/8/2009
years
Total
Approximately 25
years, 11 months
On November 14, 2021, the City of Yucaipa held its inaugural Service Walk dedication in front of City Hall and honored former Mayor Dick Riddell.
Mr. Riddell currently has a rock and plaque located within the Service Walk with the following inscription:
CITY OF YUCAIPA
SERVICE WALK
This plaque is dedicated by
The City of Yucaipa in honor of
Dick Riddell
for his 25 years of dedication and
service to the community
El Dorado Ranch Park Recognition
On January 30, 2014, the City of Yucaipa held a dedication ceremony for El Dorado Ranch Park. The City acquired the 334-acre property on Oak Glen Road from The Wildlands Conservancy in 2009, with the requirement that the land remain open space and open to the public.
In recognition of the efforts that helped the City acquire and preserve the property, the names of Yucaipa Councilmember Dick Riddell and Frank Sissons, Chairman of the Yucaipa Valley Conservancy, were etched on a stone monument located at the park.
This recognition further reflects Mr. Riddell's contributions to the preservation of Yucaipa's open -space resources.
City Council Legacy Plaque
In addition to the recognitions described above, the City is currently in production of a custom 42-inch by 48-inch wood and gold framed plaque entitled:
HONORING THE LEGACY OF CITY COUNCIL
The plaque will recognize all former City Councilmembers through individual engraved plates identifying each member by name and dates of service. The plaque is intended to be displayed inside the City Hall lobby.
Mr. Riddell will also be included in this permanent display alongside the City's other former Councilmembers.
Consideration of Additional Recognition
Although Mr. Riddell has received several significant recognitions for his service to the community, Councilmember Miller has requested that the City Council discuss and consider an additional, more prominent recognition of Mr.
Riddell's extraordinary public service.
Given the length of Mr. Riddell's service, his role as a former Mayor and Councilmember, his participation on City commissions and committees, his involvement in the acquisition and preservation of open space, and the role in authoring the City's Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance, the City Council may wish to consider a recognition that commemorates his broader civic legacy.
Potential options for consideration could include, but are not limited to:
• A dedicated commemorative plaque or display at City Hall or the Civic Center; • A memorial bench, tree, or landscaped feature at an appropriate City facility; • A dedicated room or meeting space, if consistent with applicable City naming policies; • An enhanced historical display recognizing Mr. Riddell's more than 25 years of public service; • Renaming a City Park in his name such as Wildwood Park close to his home with its extensive Oak Tree groves.
• An additional commemorative feature at El Dorado Ranch Park or renaming of the park or a specific feature of the park recognizing his role in acquiring and preserving the property; or • Another form of recognition identified and directed by the City Council.
Any proposed permanent naming or dedication would be subject to applicable City policies and procedures and may require additional staff analysis regarding location, design, cost, maintenance, and funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact will depend upon the type, size, location, and materials selected for any additional recognition. If the City Council directs staff to proceed with a specific recognition, staff will return with the appropriate cost information and, if necessary, a proposed budget adjustment for Council consideration.
Attachments
Attachment 1 -
Press Release - Lowering Flags
Attachment 2 -
Service Walk Dedication Article
Attachment 3 -
El Dorado Park Dedication Article
Attachment 4 - City Council Legacy Plaque Rendering
Attachment 5 -
City of Yucaipa Facility Naming Policy
CITY OF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dr. Sean M. Moore
City Manager
City of Yucaipa Lowers Flags
Councilmembers Dick Riddell
in Honor of Former
and Diane Smith
YUCAIPA, Calif. — The City of Yucaipa is deeply saddened by the passing of two dedicated former councilmembers this past week: Dick Riddell and Diane Smith. As a tribute to their enduring legacy and decades of public service to the Yucaipa Community, the City has ordered all flags at city facilities to be lowered to half-staff.
Flags will remain half-staff until after the conclusion of their respective memorial services.
The City of Yucaipa extends its deepest condolences to the families of the former councilmembers.
City of Yucaipa 134272 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399 1 909-797-2489
7/28/2E, 5:30 PN� Riddell is honored for years of public service at service Walk I I newsmirror.net https://www . newsm i rror. net/rid del I-is-ho nored-for-yea rs-of-p u bl is-servi ce-at-service-wa lk/a rti cl e_477dcf86- 677f-11ed-bcde-f3c5a60a94aa.html
Riddell is honored for years of public service at Service Walk
Rachael Gustuson
Nov 18, 2022
Current Yucaipa City Council members honor Dick Riddell, the first on Yucaipa's Service Walk.
Rachael M. Gustuson
The city of Yucaipa held its inaugural Service Walk ceremony on Nov. 14, and it honored former Mayor Dick Riddell.
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7/28126, 5:30 PM Riddell is honored for years of public service at Service Walk I I newsmlrrocnet I 7 In 2021, Yucaipa City Council reviewed and approved the proposed Service Walk for the city. As a part of this process, it was determined that a sitting councilmember could nominate an individual with a minimum of 16 years of services (consecutive or broken) to the community as either a city council member, planning commission member, and city approved commissions/committees.
Local dignitaries and current councilmen gathered on Monday afternoon to honor Riddell for over 20 years of dedicated service to the city of Yucaipa.
Yucaipa Mayor David Avila, who nominated Riddell, provided Riddell's biography and long list of accomplishments.
"Riddell enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17," said Avila. "Like most everyone else who grew up in the Great Depression, he was well prepared for the rigors and discipline of boot camp.
"After boot camp, he was sent to radioman and signalman school then assigned to the Naval Armed Guard. Few people knew what the Naval Armed Guard was. The Naval Armed Guard was established due to the heavy loss of merchant vessels. Mr.
Riddell spent the next four years at sea and in foreign lands fighting in WWII for his beloved country."
He holds an associate of arts degree from San Bernardino Valley College, a bachelor's and master's in management at the University of Redlands.
Riddell worked for the Southern California Gas Company from 1948 to 1988. He was promoted several times and held a variety of management positions, including distribution planning supervisor, division engineer, and division superintendent of the company's eastern division. From 1988 to 1998 Riddell worked as a public relations and marketing consultant by the C.H.J. Engineering Corporation.
After a long and rewarding professional career, Riddell ran for city council in 1995. "Mr. Riddell has always regarded public service as a full-time commitment. As we served on the council together, I watched him devote all of his free time to serving the residents of Yucaipa.
https://www.newsmirror.netldddell-is-honored-for-years-of-public-service-at-service-walklarticle_477dcf86-677f-1led-bcde-f3c5a60a94aa.htm1 2/5
7/28/26, 5:30 PM Riddell is honored for years of public service at Service Walk I I newsmirror.net "He always strived for making Yucaipa a place that people are proud to live in, a city that is safe and fun for families and that provides opportunities for individuals as well as businesses," Avila said.
On council, Riddell wore plenty of hats. He was a city representative on the Board of Directors for SANBAG (now known as SBCTA), OmniTrans, and the San Bernardino County Flood Control Advisory Comm-ittee. He also was involved in multiple projects and initiatives throughout the years, which Avila listed in his speech. 'Today, I have the honor and privilege of recognizing former council member and mayor, Dick Riddell, as the city's first Service Walk recipient;' said Avila. "Mr. Riddell is truly deserving of this recognition. Mr. Riddell not only served on the planning commission from January 1995 to June 1995, but he also served as a council member from June 1995 to January 2021. That is 25 years of service! That deserves a heartfelt round of applause. He was truly a great leader and I will always be grateful for his service."
State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh's representative Michael Glauser presented Riddell with a certificate of recognition.
"We want to acknowledge Mr. Riddell for his unwavering commitment to public service and the contributions that you've made," said Glauser.
Lily Cogan, representative from Congressman Jay Obernolte echoed the remarks and presented Riddell with a certificate.
County Supervisor Dawn Rowe's representative Scott Ward also provided remarks on behalf of Rowe.
"He has lead by example," said Ward.
Dana Rochat spoke on behalf of the Wildlands Conservancy, which Riddell was involved with over the years. He has always championed the environment and preserving open space.
https:ll www.newsmirror.nettriddell-is-honored-for-years-of-public-service-at-service-walklarUcle_477dcf86-677f-11 ed-bcde-f3c5a60a94aa. html 3/5
7/28126, 5:30 PM Riddell is honored for years of public service at Service Walk I I newsmirrocnet "For years, Dick has been a force behind countless major and local trails," she said. "He was one of the first supporters of the Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway project with the Wildlands, and his strong municipal voice, working with the Wildlands helped to create the Sand to Snow and Mojave Trails National monuments which became the largest national monument in the lower 48 states. "This really goes to the character of the man, Dick Riddell, who is humble, courageous and an insightful fiscal conservative. Despite Dick's humble approach, he's truly a philanthropic person, not only financially, but he has also given his life to service - from military to his community."
Riddell addressed guests before the unveiling of the plaque. "I'm just honored and flattered. Especially by the things said by David. Essentially what you said was true but you can't do these things alone," he said. "It takes a lot of people and I've had the pleasure of working with wonderful people, great city council and city staff."
He thanked other key figures in the region, including David Myers of the Wildlands Conservancy.
"(He is) the most amazing man. He surpasses even John Muir in preserving permanent environmental open space in the state of California. Think about that.
More than John Muir. It was with his help, we secured what is now the Wildwood Canyon State Park."
He also credited former State Sen. Jim Brulte for designating it as a state park.
Riddell said a big achievement and milestone for him was helping to obtain El Dorado Park, to be designated as open space in perpetuity. "Frank Sissons was also key in making this happen," he said. "I also need to acknowledge my life-long friend, Congressman Jerry Lewis. He was a great help. He was on the appropriations committee for the United States Congress and he helped get the money for these bridges and crossings. With his help, the federal government has paid for 90% of these crossings. I had lots of help outside the city."
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7/28/26,r5:30 130 Riddell is honored for years of public service at Service Walk i i newsmirror.net He had some advice for the new incoming councilmembers. "Remember that you are beholden to the people of Yucaipa. Be a servant and leader to the people," Riddell said. Many agree that is exactly what he was, for over 25 years while he was on Yucaipa council.
Guests gathered around the large boulder in front of city hall, where Avila unveiled the plaque.
Rachael Gustuson
Editor
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7/2e�26, 5:32PM
El Dorado Ranch Park opens with fanfare I News I newsmirror.net https://www.newsmirror.net/news/el-dorado-ranch-park-opens-with-fanfare/article_fd8b935c-902a-11 e3- 89e1-001 a4bcf887a.html
El Dorado Ranch Park opens with fanfare
Rachael Gustuson
Feb 7. 2014
Sissons, Myers and Riddell look at the new commemorative stone The city of Yucaipa celebrated another park opening, the 334-acre El Dorado Ranch Park on Jan. 30. The park is open to hikers, dogs and horses. https://www.newsmimor.neUnews/el-dorado-ranch-park-opens-with-fanfare/article_ fd8b935c-902a-11 e3-89e 1-001 a4bcf887a.html 1 /3
7/26/26. 6.32 PM EI Oo�atlo Ranch Patic opens wl[h !sofa tc 1 Nawa 1 nawaminonnat ' Yucaipa City Manager Ray Casey welcomed guests and acknowledged key people who made the parks grand opening possible.
He thanked The Wild lands Conservancy, Yucaipa Valley Conservancy, dignitaries District Director to Congress man Paul Cook Matt Knox, San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor James Ramos, Mayor Denise Hoyt, the entire council and landscape architect Steve Frenken, "who has his thumbprint on a lot of things here in the city."
Knox presented a commemorative plaque for the grand opening of the park. "This is a perfect example of getting it right," said Knox. "Just another reason why Yucaipa is a city where families want to move to."
Supervisor Ramos added, "Ifs really a great pleasure to give accolades to the city of Yucaipa for putting this together. This land is rich in culture and this is a pristine area. It's great to share this with generations to come."
To commemorate the occasion, Ramos, who is Serrano, per - formed "The Big Horn Sheep" song to the delight of the audience.
Hoyt greeted the crowd. 'This is another wonderful addition to our community that will benefit our residents for many years to come," she said. "As some of you may know, this park was envisioned many years ago when The Wildlands Conservancy purchased the property to preserve it as open space. In 1998, a grant deed of conservation was placed over the entire 334 acres. One of the dreams The Wildlands Conservancy had was to open this preserved land to the public to enjoy responsibly." Hoyt said the park design was to include a public parking Yucaipa acquired El Dorado Ranch Park from TWC under the leadership of David Meyers in 2009. A year later the property was annexed into the city.
Hoyt said the city was awarded a $121,000 grant from the California Natural Resources Agency. "These grant dollars will be used to install landscaping improvements and trailhead improvements around the parking lot and restroom area making it even more enjoyable for the residents. The upgrades will include numerous trees, shrubs, benches, picnic tables, and additional parking lot improvements," said Hoyt. "This property is benefiting residents in another very important way as well. It is functioning as mitigation for critical flood control and transportation projects throughout the community. In fact, part of this park has already been set aside as habitat conservation area for the Wildwood Creek Detention Basin project. Our plan is to continue to use the El Dorado Ranch Park in this manner as a benefit to the community by providing conservation offsets for other important projects such as bridges and detention basins." Meyers provided insight on the El Dorado Park area as he remembered from many years ago. He recalled the barn owls and the "chora cactus and the alluvial scrub. The alluvial scrub one of the most threatened habitats in the Inland Empire and are indigenous to this area. We have had some noble oaks spring from this valley to protect it. And the noble oaks I'm referring to are Dick Riddell and Frank Sissons." Meyers said he had worked with both Sissons and Riddell for a number of years on multiple conservation projects in the area.
"For generations to come, I want people to know that behind every park there's people behind it that cared.
Ifs what's best in our humanity... Frank and Dick... inspiring people." Following a ribbon cutting, the unveiling of the stone honoring Sissons and Riddell read, "Visionary leaders in protecting Yucaipa open space." Riddell thanked Meyers for the honor and said, "David Meyers is the one we https://www.newsmirror.netinews/el-dorado-ranch-park-opens-with-fanfare/articie_fd8b935c-902a-11e3-89e1-001 a4bcf887a.htm1 213
7/28f26,-5i32T'M
El Dorado Ranch Park opens with fanfare I News I newsmirror.net should be honoring here. Over a million acres throughout California have been preserved thanks to his leadership:'
Riddell said Meyers will be remembered as one of the greatest conservationists of our time, right along with John Muir.
'This has truly been a team effort, and is just another example of how our community benefits from the combined work of many;' ended Hoyt.
Rachael Gustuson
Editor
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CITY OF
HONORING THE LEGACY
CITY COUNCIL
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City of Yucaipa
Policy on the blaming of Facilities [DRAFT]
I. INTRODUCTION
The naming of a facility contributes to the City's sense of its own heritage and is a significant event in the history of the community. Sucli namings demand due consideration and consultation. This policy and related guidelines provide the basic and controlling regulations involved in the naming of facilities (defined below) for individuals or organizations. This document amplifies the City's policy by stipulating the detailed policies and procedures to be observed at the City of Yucaipa.
City Council shall have the authority to approve the naming of City facilities for individuals and organizations. Facilities shall include, but not be limited to, buildings, structures, thoroughfares, areas, or other spaces within facilities.
11. CRITERIA
In naming facilities, due attention must be given to the point that the adoption of names of individuals, families or organizations prominent in the history of the community will contribute to the City's heritage. The guidelines (attached) shall be followed, as well as the following additional criteria:
1. blames of living or deceased individuals may be considered.
2. A name proposed for a future but presently untitled facility so as to recognize a donation to the project may be considered when the donation represents a significant proportion of the value of the facility. For fund raising purposes, a reasonable objective is at minimum 50 percent of the estimated cost of the facility.
3. A name proposed for all or part of a facility that is to be renovated will normally require that the donation cover the full cost of the renovation.
4. A name proposed for a facility component may be considered when the gift is similar to donations received for comparable naming at similar facilities.
5. If a naming is contemplated as part of a fundraising drive, the City Council must be apprised of this fact in advance.
I
III. PROCEDURES
For a significant monetary contribution to the actual construction cost, if for new construction; the entire amount of the replacement or major renovation of a facility; or the fundraising goal:
a. The donation may be made in cash or a legally binding pledge and can be paid over time, usually within five .years of naming the facility, unless other arrangements are made.
b. A portion of the donation may be in an irrevocable trust or other planned gift. c. Qualified contributions are receipted by the City or the appropriate foundation. d. The City of Yucaipa reserves the right to remove names from facilities when the gift remains unpaid beyond the five-year limit or the agreed upon date.
2. Specific contribution levels may be established with either fixed or minimum dollar amounts for sponsorship of other facility components.
a. Such property may include, but not limited to, bardscape, benches, seats, special features, rooms, and outdoor plazas.
b. Amounts for these naming opportunities shall be reviewed periodically by the City Council.
3. When a donation is received for naming, that facility receives a designation that shall last a Iifetime of the facility, subject to paragraph 3 of this rule. a, Demolition or significant renovation shall terminate the designation. b. The individual, family, corporation, foundation (donor) involved in the initial naming may be offered an opportunity to retain the naming before any other naming gifts are considered.
4. City Council shall approve any action causing a name to be removed from an existing facility.
5. Any legal impropriety or other act which brings dishonor to the City on the part of the donor or it corporate donor who is no longer in existence shall make the gift and naming rights subject to reconsideration by the City.
Guidelines for Assigning the Names of Individuals,
Families or Organizations to City Facilities
1. When naming a facility for a person, family, or organization where there is no donation, the proposed honoree shall have achieved distinction in one or more of the following ways:
a, serving the City in a community service capacity with high distinction, or b. by contributing in other exceptional ways to the welfare and reputation of the City, or to the community iti general.
2. When naming a facility for a person, family, or organization where there is a donation to the project or facility, consideration shall be given to the following factors:
a. the significance of the donation to the likely realization or success of a facility project, based on City guidelines and policies, b. the urgency or need for the project, or continuing support for the program, c. the standing of the individual, family, or entity in the community or profession,
d. the nature and duration of the relationship of the proposed honoree to the community.
3. Prior to approving the naming of a facility for a person, family or organization, the City Council shall have a reasonable assurance that:
a. the proposed name will bring additional honor and distinction to the City, b. the recognition implied by the naming is appropriate for the behavior exhibited by the individual, fvnily, or organization, and c, any philanthropic commitments connected with the naming can be realized.