Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved as amended naming recommendations for new and exist PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 Minute Time Limit) 27 Speakers COUNCIL COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENTS - LIAISON REPORTS, AB 1234 REPORTING, AND OPENNESS IN NEGOTIATIONS DISCLOSURES O'Connell, Sullivan, Hardy, Delgleize, Peterson reported CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Fred Wilson reported on the Breitling Huntington Beach Air Show scheduled for Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23; with the anticipation of large crowds and lots of traffic, attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle. Shuttle information can be found on the City's website CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Reviewed and adopted Minutes Recommended Action: Review and adopt the City Council/Public FinancingAuthority regular meeting ,. minutes dated October 3, 2016, as written and o'rfile in the office of the City Clerk. Approved 7-0 2. Received and filed4he City of Huntington Beach Strategic Plan Updates n - Recommended Action T:2 . Receive and File-the Six,Month Strategic Objectives. Approved 7-0 3. Approved as amended naming reccammendations for new and existing parks made by the Community Services Commission Recommended Action: Approve recommendations from the Community Services Commission to: A) Retain the name of Arevalos Park; and, B) Retain the name of Wardlow Park; and C) Return to the Community Services Commission to consider naming the new park developed at the former Lamb School site as William and Elizabeth Lamb Park; D) Consider alternative locations for parks honoring Delbert A. "Bud" Higgins Park and Frank L. Ciarelli Approved as amended 7-0 -3- City Council/PFA Action Agenda— Monday, October 17, 2016 Dept. ID CS16-024 Page 1 of 3 Meeting Date: 10/17/2016 ag-_t 1S 4nqu� CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REQUEST FOR. CITY COUNCIL ACTION MEETING DATE: 10/17/2016 SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager PREPARED BY: Janeen Laudenback, Director of Community Services SUBJECT: Approve naming recommendations for new and existing parks made by the Community Services Commission: retain the name Arevalos Park, re-name Wardlow Park to Frank L. Ciarelli Park, and name the newly developed City Park at the former Lamb School site as Delbert A. "Bud" Higgins Park Statement of Issue: Consistent with City policy, the City Council is asked to approve the naming recommendations from the Community Services Commission for Arevalos Park, Wardlow Park, and the new park constructed at the former Lamb School site. Financial Impact: Not applicable Recommended Action: A) Approve the recommendations from the Community Services Commission to name the new park developed at the former Lamb School site as Delbert A. "Bud" Higgins Park; and, B) Retain the name of Arevalos Park; and, C) Re-name Wardlow Park as Frank L. Ciarelli Park. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the recommendations from the Community Services Commission and direct staff accordingly. Analysis: The Community Services Commission recently took action to address the naming of three City Parks. They referred the naming of the newly developed park at the former Lamb School site and the potential re-naming of Arevalos Park and Wardlow Park to the Park Naming and Memorials Committee. The new park was developed on 2.6 acres of land the City purchased from the Fountain Valley School District (FVSD). The property was improved into a neighborhood park by the developer as part of the residential project on the remaining portion of the former school grounds. Since the time of acquiring the property and throughout the development process, the 2.6 acre area was referred to as "Lamb" Park, however, it was never officially named. Resolution 2004-90 establishes policies for the naming of new City parks. The Resolution also includes a policy that parks adjacent to schools be named the same as the school. The public school which Arevalos Park was named HB -27- Item 3. - I Dept. ID CS16-024 Page 2 of 3 Meeting Date: 10/17/2016 after sold over a decade ago by FVSD and is now a private school. The school which was adjacent to Wardlow Park was demolished to make way for residential development. Therefore, the potential re-naming of these two park sites were also taken into consideration by the Park Naming and Memorials Committee. The Park Naming and Memorials Committee conducted three public meetings to address the naming of the three parks. Meetings were conducted on October 1, 2015, March 16, 2016, and July 27, 2016. Notices for the meetings were posted per Brown Act requirements, including postings in the local newspaper, on HBTV-3, the City's website, and bulletin board, in addition to announcements posted at each of the parks. Over the course of the three public meetings, the Committee received background on the individuals the schools were named after. While the schools and the adjacent parks are located within the City of Huntington Beach, they are within the Fountain Valley School District. At the time of the schools being developed, FVSD policy was to name schools after Fountain Valley founding fathers. All three, Robert B. Wardlow, Andres R. Arevalos and William D. Lamb were recognized for their history in the area. Biographical summaries of each are provided in Attachment 1. The names of two former Huntington Beach residents were also brought forward by the public for consideration. Staff and the Committee received a request to name the park at the former Lamb School site after Frank Sauer. Several written communications were received from residents in support of Mr. Sauer, which describe Mr. Sauer as a long time resident, playing an important role in the community through his participation in youth sports. However, no detailed biographical information was received. The second individual, Frank Lee Ciarelli, was a long time resident and former City employee. Consideration for Mr. Ciarelli was brought forward under public comments at the March 16 and July 27 meetings. Additionally, family members provided a biographical summary of Mr. Ciarelli for the Committees review, along with supplemental biographical information provided by the Historic Resources Board (Attachment 2). Members of the Arevalos family were also in attendance at both the March 16 and July 27 meetings in support of keeping the park named after Andres R. Arevalos and provided history during public comments. During their review, the Park Naming & Memorials Committee felt that more specific criteria be considered to justify the significance and level of impact an individual or event had on the City. They directed staff to reach out to the Historic Resources Board (HRB) to assist with providing additional criteria based upon Resolution 2004-90, as well as recommendations on individuals that might be worthy of recognition. At their May 18, 2016, meeting, the HRB developed a list of criteria and recommendations (Attachment 3). The information from the HRB was reviewed by the Committee and utilized in formulating their recommendation. On August 10, 2016, the Park Naming and Memorials Committee made its recommendation to the Community Services Commission for the naming of the three parks. The Committee recommended that the park at the former Lamb School site be named after Delbert A. "Bud" Higgins. Mr. Higgins' and his family have a long history in the City. He played an important role in introducing the sport of surfing in Huntington Beach. He was the first Lifeguard Chief in the City and is credited with developing the Lifeguard Department. The HRB also listed Mr. Higgins at the top of their list for recognition. The Committee also recommended that Arevalos Park retain its name in honor of Mr. Arevalos due to his role in the agriculture industry that included portions of Huntington Beach. Mr. Arevalos moved to Fountain Valley in 1924. The school adjacent to the park was named in his honor in Item 3. - 2 HB -28- Dept. ID CS16-024 Page 3 of 3 Meeting Date: 10/17/2016 1964. In their recommendation, the HRB also noted the significance the Arevalos family and their representation of the Latin community that play an important role in the history of both Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach. Their recommendation was to retain the park name in his honor. Lastly, the Committee recommended that Wardlow Park be re-named in honor of Frank L. Ciarelli. Mr. Ciarelli was a long-time resident and former employee of the City. He moved to Huntington Beach in 1934, at age six, and lived in the City until his passing in 2015. He played a role in the surf culture and was extremely active over several decades with the youth sports programs in the City. Mr. Ciarelli was also mentioned for consideration as part of the HRB recommendations. The Community. Services Commission approved the Park Naming and Memorials Committee recommendations at their regular meeting on August 10, 2016. Per Resolution 2004-90, the naming of City parks is to have the concurrence of both the Community Services Commission and City Council (Attachment 4). There are three main policies in the Resolution for park naming: • That parks adjacent to schools be named the same as the school. • That if an entire park or sizable portion of a park, which is not adjacent to a school, is donated by an individual or family, it may be named after the donor. • That if the park is neither adjacent to a school nor donated, all or in part, it may be named after past Huntington Beach mayors who are no longer members of the City Council ("former mayors"). In addition, other individuals, including past council members or other names may be proposed. The names of these persons may be considered when their unique contributions have had a City, State or National impact, are marked by excellence and are worthy of honor. Based upon the criteria in the last bullet point above, many City parks have been named in honor of former Mayors. While not in the current Resolution, past practice was to give priority to the oldest living former Mayor no longer on City Council. Attachment 5 includes a list of former Mayors and their term year. The Community Services Commission took this information into consideration as part of their review however they were in support of the Park Naming and Memorials Committee's recommendation. Environmental Status: Not applicable Strategic Plan Goal: Improve quality of life Attachment(s): 1) Biographical Summaries — Park Namesakes 2) Frank L Ciarelli Biographical Summaries 3) HRB Report to Community Services — Park Naming Committee 4) Resolution 2004-90 5) Former Mayors List HB -29- Item 3. - 3 AT7�4CFIIVlENT Al Biographical Summaries — Park Namesakes Fountain Valley School District In the early 1960's, Fountain Valley, along with neighboring communities, experienced a population boom. The District acquired bonds and State monies to purchase land, and in 1964 five (5) schools were built. They included the now closed Robert B. Wardlow Elementary, Andres R. Arevalos Elementary and William D. Lamb Elementary. Fountain Valley schools are consistently named after founding members of the City, with the exception of one middle school, which is named after a war hero. However, he had prominence within the community as well. Of the subject schools, Wardlow was the only one to donate land for which a school was built. Arevalos Andres R. Arevalos entered the United States from Mexico when he was 17 years of age and began working on the railroads in Los Angeles. In 1916, he came to Fountain Valley where he built his farm and became a prominent member of the community. Andres R. Arevalos Elementary School was built in 1964. It closed in 1988. The park was named after the school and consists of 2.58 acres of parkland, including a playground and green areas. The park was developed in October 1971 and dedicated in 1972. Wardlow Of Scotch descent, Robert Bruce Wardlow was born in Bloomfield, Davis County, Iowa, on December 30, 1856. He came to California in 1875, beginning work near Los Angeles. He added to his land by purchased 160 acres on section 30, Fountain Valley, in 1883, acquiring more land as time went on. He moved to his property in Fountain Valley in 1896, and at once instituted improvements in the area and developed the land, which was of crude conditions. One of his provisions for the general well-being of the valley was the erection of a large and thoroughly equipped hall at Talbert, Orange County. He was well known and well regarded within the area. In 1900, he donated an acre of land for the first school, which was Fountain Valley School, built in 1921 and located at Talbert and Bushard (currently, the Fountain Valley Senior Center). This was the only school until 1964 when Robert B. Wardlow Elementary was built along with four other schools through the assistance of bonds and State funds. The park was named after the school and consists of 8.361 acres, including picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields and green areas. It was developed and dedicated in 1966. Lamb Of Irish decent, William D. Lamb, was born in Onondaga County, NY, on July 1, 1849. He came to California in 1869, settling in Orange County, and was an early pioneer of Fountain Valley, engaging extensively in ranching. In 1892, he had the largest farm in the area after purchasing 780 acres from the Stearns Rancho Company, for which he once worked, at $9 per acre. The Lamb family, which included William's father and at least two brothers, were prominent people within Southern California. William D. Lamb School was built in 1964 through funds acquired by bond and the State funds. The park has been referred to as Lamb Park, although never officially named. It consists of 2.598 acres of parkland. Item 3. - 4 HB -30- ATTACHM E N T 2 Biographical Summary — Provided by Ciarelli Family FRANK LEE CIARELLI 1929-2015 Frank Ciarelli lived in Huntington Beach from 1934 until is death in 2015. He married Sue Ciarelli his wife for 65 years. Frank also raised his family of three children; Paula, Tony, and Rocky. His three children also raised families in Huntington Beach that include seven grandchildren; Nick, Keely, Allison, Maryn, Katelyn, Felicia, and Tony. All three generations attended Huntington Beach High School. There are also eight great grandchildren in the Ciarelli Family. Frank basically was raised on the beaches in Huntington Beach. You could say he was the start of"Surf City". He was a great waterman both surfing and body surfing. He was part of the "Boys of 55" that started the surf culture in town. Frank was also a city lifeguard from 1944-57 starting at the age of 14. He took two years off for military service in 1947 and 48. From 1958-61, Frank was part of the street maintenance crew moving on to oil inspector from 1961-69. He then became a city inspector for construction, gas, and electricity until he retired in 1993. Frank also ran the weed abatement program in Huntington Beach for over 30 years. Frank worked for the city of Huntington Beach for 48 years. Ciarelli was also involved in the sports of basketball, baseball, and swimming. He was part of the 1946 Sunset League Championship football team at Huntington Beach High School. The team lost in the semi-finals of CIF. Growing up around sports led Frank to coaching recreation sports in Huntington Beach from 1958-69. He coached flag football, basketball, baseball, softball, and track. He coached city All-Star flag football teams that traveled to Needles, Ca, and also All-Star basketball in 29 Palms, Ca. Both of these tournaments featured teams from all over Southern California and Huntington Beach always produced top tier teams coached by Frank Ciarelli. If you were raised in Huntington Beach from the late 50's to the early 70's, Frank Ciarelli probably had some kind of influence on your life. Whether it was youth sports or working for the weed abatement program, Frank was teaching you discipline and work ethic. Along the way, he was always teaching you to have fun in life. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, the Ciarelli Family HB -3 1- Item 3. - 5 Biographical Summary — Provided by Historic Resources Board FRANK CIARELLI Frank Ciarelli was born into a vibrant family,the youngest of eight children, in a "farmhouse by the Santa Ana River" in 1929. For years,the local newspapers reported on the many visitors and events that took place in their Huntington Beach home. Frank's maternal grandfather, who'd lived in the west since 1882, claimed to have known Wyatt Earp and the James Gang. His maternal grandmother was half Cahuilla Indian. Frank Ciarelli cherished his Native American heritage remaining a tribal member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Frank grew up attending Huntington Beach schools where he continually excelled as an athlete in several sports especially football. His first job was as a Huntington Beach life guard, hired by Delbert "Bud" Higgins, the city's first lifeguard who, together with Gene Belshe, had much earlier founded surfing in Huntington Beach. Frank loved the sport.Years later—after proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1947 through 1949—he joined Bud and 28 others to form the HB Surf Club. Later known as the "Boys of 1955", they are widely credited for laying the "groundwork for Huntington Beach to become one of the greatest surf communities in the world." His most enduring athletic contributions, however, were actually made to the "Girls of Summer", coaching three fabled women's softball teams from the 1940s through the 1960s—the Kittens,the Lynx and the Orange Lionettes. He first joined the Kittens at the request of his wife, Sue, who was then a player on that team. He went on to coach the Buena Park Lynx before ultimately joining the Lionettes— a legendary team who won numerous national titles. He went on to manage the national All-star team in 1967 which included players from at least six other states in addition to California. Ciarelli's commitment to women' athletics was remarkable. Although women's softball became popular during the Second World War, legislation to recognize and provide equal opportunities to women's as well as men's sports did come until many years later. Frank worked for the City of Huntington Beach for nearly 50 years, accepting jobs from street maintenance to oil and construction inspector, until he retired in 1993. For several years, he was charged with weed abatement. Far from merely pulling up dandelions, weed abatement included managing various troubling challenges posited by the natural world. One particularly horrific example occurred in 1970 when Huntington Beach was forced to battle the onslaught of the "false cinch bug". It was a tiny insect but when combined into countless hordes it seemed "as if the ground is moving in the direction of the migration" terrifying the public. Ciarelli noted that women "have been vacuuming their houses three times a day and they still can't get rid of these things". He decried pesticides, championing his city crew's efforts to create physical barriers instead. For weeks, he directed crews to dig tunnels and channels until the march of these creatures was halted. When Frank Ciarelli passed away in 2015, he was deeply mourned by the Huntington Beach community. Hundreds of people he had known, led or simply cheered on gathered in a procession downtown and to the end of the pier. Clearly, his was a life and legacy to be remembered. Item 3. - 6 HB -32- ATTACHM ENT #3 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD REPORT TO COMMUNITY SERVICES, PARKS NAMING COMMITTEE In response to a request made by Mr. David Dominguez of Community Services to provide suggestions for use by the Parks Naming Committee,the Historic Resources Board has prepared the attached report. There are three sections: I- Introduction and Summation 2- Criteria Used 3- Background and Justification for Selected Candidates 4- Specific Comments Relative to Arevalos, Wardlow and "Lamb" Parks H B -33- Item 3. - 7 INTRODUCTION SUMMATION _L ._.,..3__ _t xL.. vv.,-.__:.. Resources_..__.-. Board ...i__•-_Jt.z.._ 4._.,.. t,....,...., ,...i...,sa ._,-a t,3e nnernlleFs o idle ;;isto is Resources Boar v are pleased to tla e Ueen ask,e€,t �o suggest candidates for potential use by the Parrs Laming Committee and hope this report may prove useful, As noted in the following explanation of criteria used to derive these suggestions, Huntington Beach is blessed to have been home to many exemplary individuals. Omissions are the inevitable by-product of the human mind and the limits of time in which to prepare this type of report and no name was purposefully left off. If further information is sought regarding individuals whose names were not included,the HRB will be happy to provide whatever additional research may be deemed useful. Recommended Candidates Short biographies and supporting documentation are attached when not otherwise provided elsewhere. Delbert G. "Bud"Higgins—Mr. Higgins is at the top of this candidate list.The HRB recommends, in the strongest possible terms,that his name be given to a park. in fact,we would earnestly urge consideration that the new beach front park be named in his honor. William H, Gallienne--Secretary Manager of the Chamber of Commerce,Community Leader Celia Ward Young Baker—WWII veteran, First Female Huntington Beach Municipal Judge, Respected Jurist Frank Ciarelli—educator and coach. Additional Recommendations There are many exemplary individuals associated with our past who have left lasting legacies. it would be impossible to name parks after them all. The HRB would encourage the PNC or other responsible body to consider naming other structures or locations for some of them,many of whom are clearly connected with a specific such location. Item 3. - 8 HB -34- Park Naming Criteria Parks rnav be named for events.such as Discovery Well Park,distinguishing features such as Lake Park, physical locations such as Bluff Top Park,or even shape such as the former Circle Park. In evaluating potential park naming suggestions,the Historic Resources Board has made no recommendations for these kinds of designations believing that any such names will emerge with the fullness of time as new park sites are identified. Instead,the HRB has focused on identifying individuals who might be good candidates for memorialization through park naming. Recognizing the many citizens of Huntington Beach who have distinguished themselves, made exemplary contributions to the community or are otherwise note-worthy,the HRB first attempted to outline criteria for these suggestions. First, given the number of outstanding individuals who have resided here,the HRB considered only those whose contributions or experiences either augmented city life or represented it in some noteworthy way. Thus, individuals of incredible stature may be omitted if their experiences were outside of Huntington Beach. Second,the issue of"uniqueness"or"sameness"was considered, "Sameness"is defined as having an attribute that by definition may qualify someone for this recognition such as the current policy of naming parks for former mayors. However, it also encompasses the important characteristic of representation of a broader highly significant group. For instance,ethnicity or periodicity could be factors. "Uniqueness"refers to an individual's singular importance as a contributor to the community or for some individual achievement. "Uniqueness"also includes consideration of potentially underrepresented minorities,such as those based on race or gender. In considering a unique candidate,their experience,contribution or organization should constitute and demonstrate a lasting legacy. The specific institution or event may no longer exist, but the heritage of their actions should be identifiable. The notion of whether the candidate's family remained in the area was briefly considered as a criterion. It was discarded because memorialization stems from an individual's achievements and is independent of family then or now. HB -35- Item 3. - 9 Delbert G. Higgin.s Delbert G."Bud" Higgins was an iconic figure who served the City in numerous important ways throughout his life. Born in 1907,"Bud" Higgins'family moved to Huntington Beach in 1909, the year the City was born and, in many ways, he and it grew up together. He held various important positions,created practices and protocols that shaped his field,was repeatedly heralded as a hero,documented the city's past,and through his own boosterism, and his seminal contributions to surf culture,was a critical figure in establishing our community's identity as"Surf City." His legacy is immense and enduring. He attended elementary and high school here. Although he loved all sports, he particularly developed a life-long passion for the ocean. While completing high school,he began working as a part:time life guard. He continued in that position after joining the Southern California Edison Co. and continued at jobs both until 1932. Curing these years,he and his good friend Gene Belshe "discovered"the sport of surfing when they met Nuke Kahanamoku and several other Hawaiians who were making a movie in Corona del Mar. At Higgins'invitation,they came to try out the waves in Huntington Beach. Using their advice,Bud and Gene constructed their own surfboards in 1927. Made of"kiln dried redwood",they were cumbersome specimens 10 feet long.Higgins recalled: "We were both lifeguards during the daytime so many of the local boys learned to ride these two boards." They became so waterlogged with use,they had to be dried in a towel room and new coats of varnish were added continually. Other boards of various construction were subsequently made and by 1930,enough surf boards existed in the area that Newport Beach hosted a surfing contest. Huntington Beach hosted the next one in 1933. Clearly,the early interest of Bud and Gene in the sport of surfing and the building of their early boards was foundational to the continuing development of surfing in our city and ultimately its identity as"Surf City" In 1933, Bud was named the first fulltime Lifeguard Chief,a position he held for 19 years. Enuring that time, he developed the department itself—working to deploy lifeguards strategically,encourage skill development and refine rescue practices with significant success. Although he would have never have called himself a hero,he and his team performed countless services to the injured while risking their own personal safety. A particular example was documented in news accounts of July, 1943. When the pilot of a P-38 aircraft flying along the coast ejected from his burning plane,it crashed onto the beach.The ensuing scene was horrific as"the beach throng turned into a frenzied mob as screaming women sought to beat out with their hands,blazing bathing suits of children sprayed with 2 Item 3. - 10 HB -36- burning fuel." Police Chief Blossom remembered the near immediate arrival of Higgins followed by Array ambulances and others. Higgin's team immediately set about offering aid to the injured, As attention turned to recovering the wreckage, "Life Guard Chief Bud Higgins dived into the surf time after time and attached heavy tow lines to bits of landing gear blown n »f-C-....n k-- ,:..... act" 1t3�.3 y'c�i��w aas�r t�sc �:rfi��ii%01 �vaiNa��. The newspapers frequently carried reports on the activities of Higgins` lifeguards as Huntington Beach hosted increasing numbers of visitors, The number of people and the nature of their injuries and "narrow escapes" made interesting reading as swimmers good and bad were plucked from riptides or even calm waves. It was with a heavy heart that Higgins reported in August 1947 that the William L.Cain of Whittier had drowned. Higgins used the experience to analyze and strengthen lifesaving practices. It is a noteworthy credit to him and his team that it was the first drowning since 1938. Bud's enthusiasm for the city and its coast was infectious. He taught others to swim and encouraged competition in aquatic circles. In 1947,for instance,he assembled an "array of ace swimmers" for the Southern California Lifeguard Championship. He declared "Every crew on the coast is loaded for this event.-And we've got the cream." Held at the Los Angeles Olympic swimming stadium before an enormous audience,the Huntington Beach team entered every event and brought home the title. Higgins was later shown displaying the impressive trophy to a local bathing beauty_ His most famous piece of showmanship—and one which clearly garnered attention for the city —occurred during the Huntington Beach July 4'h celebrations each year. Throngs of visitors would crowd the beach to watch a flaming man leap from into the sea. it was Higgins performing his signature stunt clad in fireproof suit doused in alcohol,his face protected by petroleum jelly.once alight,he jumped from a platform 50' above the pier into the ocean below. For much of those years,Higgins had served as a member of the volunteer fire department.in 1952,he was named the city's fire chief. As he had done as Lifeguard Chief,he worked to strengthen the department which was already well established by this time as well as to encourage public awareness of fire safety. He supported the city in this capacity until his retirement in 1967. Almost immediately, Higgins was appointed City Historian. It was a fitting assignment for a man who had experienced first-hand the growth and story of the community. Bill Reed, Public Information officer,later noted that Higgins was"the authority on Huntington Beach." Mayor Ted Bartlett concurred. As City Historian, Higgins gathered information and commented on 2 H13 -37- Item 3. - 11 numerous aspects of our city's past, He authored a valuable history of surfing which is regularly cited today and even wrote of the provenance of a city piano. When Delbert Higgins died in 1982, he left an unparalleled legacy of service, He is remembered by many,and is survived here by family members. Even those who never knew him enjoy the fruits of his many labors. Without Delbert G."Bud" Higgins,"Surf City"would not be what it is today. 3 Item 3. - 12 HB -38- William < Gallienne 1kfiIIi�m W r,-Alliona`a a nntiatp of tha iclAnd of Ct➢arnfip�f ripvntpri Most of his Pra fPc,,inn;;I Iifp to the City of Huntington Beach. This outstanding service, coupled with his personal involvement in many aspects of community life, underscore his importance to the developing history of Huntington Beach. Following his death in 1965, Mayor Donald Shipley declared "No resident more than Bill typified and was a part of the life of the city of Huntington Beach. His energy and dedication to duty was exemplary." Shipley particularly noted Gallienne's role in both the Fourth of July and Christmas parades,both of which have long remained cherished events in this community. Gallienne arrived with his parents in Huntington Beach at the age of 15 in 1910 when the city was only a year old. He remained here for the rest of his life. His early jobs included a stint at Eader's Bakery(a pioneer family for whom a school and a park are now named) and, like so. many others,employment at Standard Oil. Later, he owned a gas station on the corner of Main Street and Olive Avenue. His extensive professional contributions were made during his important 30 year tenure as Secretary-Manger of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce. His unwavering commitment to the business community and the broader city were repeatedly demonstrated throughout those years. In 1943, he was elected Vice President of the Western Institute of Commercial Trade Executives. Representing trade executives from eleven western states,the federal government increasingly relied on chambers in these areas for various support activities during war time. Clearly,this appointment reflected well on Gallienne,but also on Huntington Beach and the reliable stability of it business community. Ultimately, he became president of the California Chamber of Commerce Managers,a member of the Orange County Fair Board, secretary of the Orange County Coast Association and secretary of the local unit of the Urban Land Institute. Gallienne was known for his role in many Huntington Beach events,including his"Twin-O-Rama Contest"which was held for several years and brought participants from throughout the region. Gallienne's most enduring legacy lies in his important role in developing and perpetuating the now famous Fourth of July celebrations and later,the city's Christmas parade as well. Dubbed "El Generalissimo"for his leadership and organization of these events, Mayor Shipley observed:"The eity's Fourth of July and Christmas parades were an inspired part of his life and the life of this city." HB -39- Item 3. - 13 Callienne was also active in the community life of Huntington Beach. He was a talented trumpet player who often appeared as a soloist with the Huntington Beach !Municipal Band. He proudly€ed the Choir of the First Christian Church. He regularly performed in musical productions throughout Orange County and was nicknamed "Impressario"as a member of the county Chorai--)QQe€ iu( iris "Vel Le1'1CA' V0)Ce. He also enjoyed his long membership in the local Elks Lodge. His lifetime of service clearly renders William H.vallienne as worthy of remembrance. As !Mayor Shipley observed."He will be greatly missed and long remembered because many of the things he did have and will become a part of the life of this city." Item 3. - 14 H B -40- Celia W. Young Baker Celia W. Young Baker carve to Huntington Beach with her family as part of the great wave of post-war migrants to the area—both she and her husband were veterans. As such,she and her ialnlEy are representative of !his iUUla[68lU of this timne. rti,evvccer,she is personally';;.".ry significant for her role and contributions as the first ferrule judge of the Huntington Beach City Court.Subsequently,she became the only female Municipal Judge in Orange County when she was elected to that office covering the then newly formed West Orange County Judicial District. New York native Celia W.Young Barer attended the University of Buffalo,studied law for a time at George Washington University and worked briefly for a New York legal firm. She joined the Navy in 1943 as a WAVE(Women Accepted for Volunteer Service)where she met and married her first husband, Ferry Command Pilot Carl F.Young. Following the war,daughters Carol and Linda were born. Carl was transferred to Long Beach and the family moved west. In 1946,Carl and Celia Young purchased their first property in Huntington Beach—Lots Six and Seven of Tract No. 1156.Though they later purchased sundry interests in other properties,she and her husband Carl, by this time a contractor,built their personal residence here at 628 Hartford and moved in immediately. Only a year later in 1947, Celia who had never actually completed formal legal training,took and remarkably passed the California Bar Exam and set up private practice from her Hartford Street home in Huntington Beach. In 1948, her office moved to a courtroom in City Hall when she was unanimously elected by the city council to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge Charles P. Patton.She was first female judge of the Huntington Beach City Court. She was elected the only female judge for the Western Change County Municipal Court when that jurisdiction was created in 1953. Two years later, her first husband passed away leaving her a single mother as well as a respected jurist.She subsequently married George Baker moving away from the Hartford Street house, but never moving away from Huntington Beach where,as a veteran,she remained a proud member of the American Legion Post 133. During her remarkable career, Celia W.Young Baker served in various volunteer capacities and was invited to speak on numerous legal panels. Known as fair and thorough,she presided over countless trials from murder, assault,arson and wiretapping to molestation and domestic abuse. Willing to accept change and to look for new ways of encouraging responsible behavior, she was one of the first judges to embrace the notion of"traffic school" especially for juvenile offenders. One of her more humorous cases which captured the public eye involved a dog named Shelty,who was accused of violating a Seal Beach ordinance forbidding dogs from barking. His defense argued unconstitutionality.Celia Young Baker agreed while Shelty supposedly barked a delighted "Woofl"in response. 1-I13 -41- Item 3. - 15 Celia Young Baker retired from the bench on November 8, 1972 purposely tinning her departure with an upcoming election which allowed the peoples rather than the Governor,to select her successor. Somewhat surprisingly,she did not consider herself a judicial path-maker by virtue of her sex or even as having been treated differently as a result of it. The only time she recognized it as an issue occurred years earlier when a p0ieniial client exPectiitg C.VV.Youngto be a man he hoped would handle his divorce,stalked out declaring"I've had enough of women!"Still,she must have had something of an uphill battle as a female judge during all her years of dispensing justice. When her departure left newly appointed judge Betty Lou Larnoreaux, also of Huntington Beach, as the only woman judge in Grange County,the local newspaper documented Lamoreaux`s swearing in ceremony in an article entitled "Skirts Beneath Black Robe...New Judge for grange County" devoting the first paragraph to her "becoming eye shadow and lipstick" "striking earrings",and"auburn hair that can be brushed into several styles." When she passed away in 1998, her funeral services were held at the Church of Retigious Science on Main Street in Huntington Beach. Noted former Mayor Norma B. Gibbs presided over her memorial. Clearly, Celia W. Young Baker was-actually and comparatively—a true Huntington Beach pioneer. Item 3. - 16 HB -42- SPECIFIC COMMENTS RELATIVE TO AREVALOS, "LAMB" PARK In the Parks and Recreation Master- Flan of 2016,the benefits of parks and recreation as specified by the California Park and Recreation Society were listed.Among these were"increase cultural unity"'and "strengthen community image and sense of place."(p.19) In keeping with these statements,the HRB would encourage the renaming of parks only when there is a clear and significant reason for doing so. However obsolete these names may be, they are the names by which these parks are known by members of the communities surrounding them.Changing these names could be seen as counter-productive to strengthening community image and sense of place. Currently,the names of three such sites are being considered by decision-makers. One of these could also be seen to reflect cultural unity. AREVA OS PARK The story of Arevalos Park and the man for which it was named have been well documented by city staff. It appears as the example for the neighborhood park type in the P&R Master Plan (p.32). Mr.Arevalos was a humble man whose home was technically in Fountain Valley although he maintained a very modest plot of farmland across the municipal borderline in Huntington Beach. Under discussion is the idea that he was a Fountain Valley pioneer, not associated with Huntington Beach. Interestingly,a 1948 news article about a Fountain Valley Pioneer Families picnic(held at our own Lake Park) included the names of numerous worthy notables,sadly not one of which was Latina/o and did not include the Arevalos. It was not until this park was named that recognition was given to this family and through them to the many others of their time and place who contributed to the development of both Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach. Mr.Arevalos is known to have lived and worked in both cities. Many other such families have done so as well. In fact,the censuses of Huntington Beach from 1910 through 1940 show those families with Latina/o surnames increasingly moved away from the beach and the city's Main Street core and toward Fountain Valley. Despite a few "pockets",this community increasingly blended into one without regard for any invisible borderline between the cities. Mr.Arevalos is representative of this entire community. Local historian and assistant county archivist,Chris lepsen, has written in favor of name retenion. Southland journalist,Gustavo Arellano has done so as well. Public response has been very supportive of retaining the name. The HRB respectfully suggests that no name change be considered for Arevalos Park at this time. 1113 -43- Item 3. - 17 WARDLOW PARK The biography of the man for which this park is named has been well documented by city staff. Of Arevalos,Lamb and Wardlow, Wardlow appears the individual most closely and exclusively associated with Fountain Valley. However, recognizing that this is the name the surrounding community recognizes for this park,the HRB respectfully suggests that it be changed only if some more compelling reason for doing so emerges. "LAMB" PARK Other than community recognition of this piece land colloquially named "Lamb Park",this is not a named park nor is it even designated as a park site. Community recognition is an important aspect with former students of the now long defunct and demolished Lamb Elementary School maintaining a social media presence.As with Arevalos Park, material documenting Mr. Lamb's association with Huntington Beach has been prepared by city staff. It has been supplemented by material prepared by Chris lepsen and submitted to the Parks Nanning Committee. While the HRB urges consideration of community identification with the name,it does seem the most amenable to a "name change"givers its lack of designation. Item 3. - 18 HB -44- ATTACHM E NT #4 RESOLUTION NO. 2 0 0 4-9 0 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ESTABLISHING ITS POLICY FOR THE NAMING OF CITY PARKS, PARK FEATURES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND REPEALING CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS WHEREAS, the City has established a vigorous program to provide suitable park and recreation areas for its residents; and, It is desirable that appropriate names be selected for the City's parks and that the City recognize donations of park/pier furniture and/or park play equipment, and that a policy be adopted by the City Council to accomplish this purpose, NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby resolve as follows: 1. That the policies contained in this resolution shall be instituted for the naming of the City's parks, part:features and community facilities, and to recognize donations of park/pier furniture and park/play equipment. 2. That parks adjacent to schools be named the same as the school. 3. That if an entire park or sizable portion of a park which is not adjacent to a school is donated by an individual or family, it may be named after the donor. 4. That if the park is neither adjacent to a school nor donated, all or in part, it may be named after past Huntington Beach mayors who are no longer members of the City Council ("former mayors"). In addition,other individuals, including past council members,or other names may be proposed.The names of these persons may be considered when their unique contributions have had a City, state or national impact, are marked by excellence and are worthy of honor. 5. That in addition to parks, other community facilities such as lakes, park features of Huntington Central Park, structures (other than restrooms and benches), groves of trees, walkways, playing fields, group camp and picnic sites, gardens, play equipment areas, meadows, amphitheaters, vistas, bridges and wildlife refuges may be named after former mayors to honor them for their service to the City. 6. . That if park or pier furniture such as picnic tables, benches,trash cans, or play equipment is donated by an individual,civic organization, family or business, the donor may receive recognition by having the name of a person, family or business placed on the donation. Examples: (a) A donation in memory of a relative could be given to the City for a pier.bench with the following options: 04resoinaming parks/9/28/44 I HI3 -45- Item 3. - 19 Resolution No. 2004-90 1. The name only, including the year; 2. In honor of (individual's name), including the year; 3. In memory of (individual's name), including the year. (b) a modular piece of play equipment and a park bench could be funded by a donation from a company with the bench placed immediately adjacent to a new tot lot with the inscription"This tot lot is donated to the City of Huntington Beach by Company . 7. That if a business or other entity offers to pay the City in exchange for the City naming a facility or park after the business,then the City may enter into an agreement for the same. The agreement must be prepared by the City Attorney and approved by the City Council. 8. That only one park,park feature or community facility shall be named for an individual. 9. That all recommendations for park/pier memorial naming shall have the concurrence of the Community Services Commission and the City Council. 10. That Resolution No. 2001-64 and all other resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on.the 15th day of November , 2004. 4� t Mayor REVIEWED AND APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM: r City�ministrator 6y City ttorney �1 ( tt I /1") �0,, INITIATED AND APPROVED: Ju Di r ct of Community Ser-6 04resa/naming parks/9.127/04 2 Item 3. - 20 HB -46- Res. No. 2004-90 STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ) I, JOAN L. FLYNN the duly appointed, qualified City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council at an regular meeting.thereof held on the 15th day of November, 2004 by the following vote: AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Hardy, Boardman, Cook, Winchell NOES: Green ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None City rk and ex-officio Clk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California HB -47- Item 3. - 21 ATTACHMENT #5 , FORMER MAYORS LIST NAME TERM YEAR Former Ma ors-Livirt ,.ram y�, 9� Don MacAllister 04/16/1979 Don MacAllister 04/18/1983 Gil Coerper 12/04/2006 Gil Coerper 12/04/2006 Shirley Dettloff 12/01/1997 Ron Shenkman 04/17/1978 Grace Winchell 12/07/1992 Dave Sullivan 12/04/1995 Grace Winchell (appointed) 02/02/2002 Dave Sullivan 12/06/2005 Robert P. Mandic, Jr. 04/19/1982 Robert P. Mandic, Jr. 11/18/1985 Joe Carchio 12/01/2010 Linda Moulton-Patterson 12/06/1993 Jim Silva 12/02/1991 Dave Garofalo 12/06/1999 Victor Leipzig 12/05/1994 Cathy Green 12/01/2003 Cathy Green 12/01/2009 John Erskine 11/16/1987 Thomas Mays 11/20/1989 Debbie Cook 12/03/2001 Debbie Cook 12/03/2007 Pam Julien Houchen 12/04/2000 Connie Boardman 12/02/2002 Connie Boardman 12/01/2012 Keith Bohr 12/01/2008 Jill Hardy 12/06/2004 Don Hansen 12/01/2011 Jill Hardy 12/01/2014 Matthew Harper 12/01/2013 Jim Katapodis 12/01/2015 Former Mayors`Decsed No;Park Joseph Vavra 02/17/1919 Lawrence R. Ridenour 04/21/1924 Samuel R. Bowen 04/16/1928 Willis H. Warner 04/20/1936 Jake R. Stewart 04/19/1966 Jack Kelly 11/21/1983 Jack Kelly 12/01/1986 Wes Bannister 12/05/1988 Item 3. - 22 HB -48- Huntington Beach City Council October 17, 2016 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 RE: Consent Calendar item #3 Park renaming: Arevalos, Wardlow and Lamb I urge the City Council to retain the names of the park sites for Arevalos, Wardlow and Lamb, all of which are long-held community names for recreation areas, noted on municipal, County and other public agency documents. I think the basis for renaming these parks is invalid and erases community history that means something to residents. These parks hold the names of Orange County pioneers, with histories that go back more than a century, a time when there were few municipal boundaries. An argument that anyone is "Fountain Valley history does not recognize there was no Fountain Valley at the time any of these pioneers arrived and that the Huntington Beach Township was very small. Historic names should not be changed when school district or municipal boundaries change, or we'll lose all sense of local history. Arevalos Park— Please support the recommendation to retain the name. Attached is a chronology with information regarding Andres Arevalos connection to local history, his connection with Henry Huntington as a traquero, and the importance of this history in the broader historic context of Mexican Americans. Wardlow Park—This park was officially named Wardlow Park by the Huntington Beach City Council in 1966, with an official dedication as Wardlow Park on May 16, 1966, per City records, copies of which are attached. Lamb Park—The Lamb family owned land in and farmed in Huntington Beach and are a pioneer family dating back to the late 19th century. I have attached an overview of the inspiring Lamb family history. I would recommend retaining the name, but with one change: I suggest the park be named William and Elizabeth Lamb Park. Elizabeth Lamb's story is equally inspiring and the women pioneers of this area should also be recognized. I do not object to future park naming for the candidates discussed on the agenda and am familiar with their histories. I believe there will be other naming opportunities in the future and that these community members deserve sites that are closer to the ocean, which is their particular history. Mary Urashima Huntington Beach, CA RECEIVED FRO,4 AS PUBW RECORD FCO c,t ';:ii.P�IEETiNG OF-moo --i CCTV CI RK C5 IC -- �_D ,Cry r Ef�a 2 Andres Arevalos — timeline 1880 — Born in Jalisco, Mexico 1882 —Chinese Exclusion Act,the first law implemented to prevent a specific ethnic group from immigrating to the United States. The law did not apply to Mexican immigrants,who were viewed as a potential labor force. 1905—Arrival in United States 1908—Moved to Talbert(present day Fountain Valley) 1909—Employed by Pacific Electric Railway as section hand for the Engineering Department. HISTORIC CONTEXT: Created and owned by Henry E. Huntington, Mexican Americans were the predominant labor force for the Pacific Electric Railway and referred to as "traqueros." The peak of traquero employment programs took place between 1880 and 1915, right before the Mexican Revolution and federal restrictions placed on Mexican immigration by the 1930s. Traqueros were hired in part as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which reduced the number of Chinese immigrants who had worked on railroad projects. 1910 —Mexican Revolution begins 1916 —Mexican Americans during the Mexican Revolution HISTORIC CONTEXT: Conflict in and with Mexico prompts tension for Americans of Mexican ethnicity. Official minutes from the City archive—the City Marshall informed the Huntington Beach Board of Trustees (city council)that"the merchants of the town were asking for some protection on account of the large Mexican population because of unsettled condition between the two countries and it was moved by Trustee Tarbox seconded by Trustee Chapin and carried that City Marshall be authorized to employ a Deputy to act as Patrolman." 1926—Purchased home in Colonia Juarez (Lot 42, 10332 Calle Madero), a housing development in unincorporated Orange County created as a segregated community for Mexican Americans. Andres Arevalos was one of the first residents of this new community. HISTORIC CONTEXT: An era when communities segregated by ethnicity were accepted. The 1920s saw the rise and influence of the Ku Klux Klan in Orange County. Klan members were elected to city councils. There were approximately 1200 Klan members in Orange County in the mid-1920s,with an anti-Catholic and anti-minority agenda. When Samuel R. Bowen ran for Huntington Beach City Council in 1928, it was on an anti-Klan slate. 1929—Mexican repatriation HISTORIC CONTEXT: In 1929,the US government began a campaign of repatriating, or sending back to Mexico, both Mexican immigrants and their American-born children.The Immigration and Naturalization Service conducted a series of raids, arresting immigrants and their children and deporting them. Between 1929 and 1939, an estimated 400,000 to 1 million Mexicans and Mexican Americans left the United States. 1930—Andres Arevalos retires from Pacific Electric Railway HISTORIC CONTEXT:The time of the Great Depression. 1942 —Bracero program HISTORIC CONTEXT:The Bracero program was established as a result of the labor shortage created by World War II and pre-war Mexican repatriation. Many Americans citizens left railway and agricultural jobs for newly created, and better paying,jobs in wartime industry. In order to address this labor shortage, the United States government signed a guest worker agreement with Mexico. From 1942 to 1964, approximately 4.5 million worker contracts were signed, allowing Mexicans to fill the labor shortages in agriculture and the railroad industry. Officially,worker contracts guaranteed employment and a minimum wage as well as providing housing and workmen's compensation. In practice, many employers violated the terms of the contracts by refusing to pay wages, providing substandard housing, or challenging the authenticity. (Source: University of California—Berkeley) 1953 —Operation Wetback HISTORIC CONTEXT: In 1953, the Immigration and Naturalization Service began a campaign, Operation Wetback(in reference to the Rio Grande River that immigrants crossed to enter the United States)to deport undocumented Mexican immigrants.One year later,the INS had deported more than 1 million Mexican immigrants. 1957—City of Fountain Valley incorporated HISTORIC CONTEXT: In 1957, local farmers and the Artesia Growers Association petitioned the City of Huntington Beach for a Use Variance to permit a labor camp for Mexican Nationals located at (approximate corner of Ellis and Goldenwest). The camp was permitted with a capacity of 300 people, with a six-foot fence topped by two strands of barbed wire. Workers were to be transported back and forth to farms, and locked inside the camp at night with an armed guard. By 1960,the camp capacity had been increased to 500. 1964—Fountain Valley School District broke ground for the Andres R.Arevalos Elementary School 1965 -Andres R.Arevalos Elementary School dedicated HISTORIC CONTEXT: In 1965, Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (the Hart- Celler Act). The 1965 Act represented the first time a quota had been set for the Western Hemisphere, allotting 170,000 slots for immigrants from countries in the Eastern Hemisphere (with quotas established per country) and 120,000 for those from the Western Hemisphere (with no limits for specific countries). This act officially ended the Bracero Program. (Source: University of California—Berkeley) 1966—Andres Arevalos passes 1988—Arevalos R. Elementary School closes �7 r EA - :a t p`-T f+.it I.r- '" C': �"iY h¢s a'g3, nt !"; y tr bm t t,d :# 1 yvfit c :t t o:4 -S. i r ;`a�i, `.�= ra r :x s � v : a. �}7-I't:•� .1 .. .s= _ !:7 _ — i i _. *�.. , "=•'E! :3P s/ ,..i; 3 e+ `"°%``y �. pit) e 4._..'C i) f..]'."a. to a vg r a e' ,i�. C "=�sr. � tii�ram+ �, i a.,,--i t,t "t ij f Wardlow Park — Huntington Beach City Council minutes December 6,, 1965 The Glerk presented transmittal from the Director of Pablic Works of Plans and Specifications and resolution adopting the prevailing wage rates for the development of four municipal park sites knowrl an Brunswtck Park, Sciroeder Park, Sunshine Park and Ward-lour Park. On motion by Welch, second Gisler, Council approved the Plans and Specifications for the development of Brunswick Park, Schroeder Park, Sunohine Park and Wardlow Park. Motion carried. On motion by Welch, second Gisler, Resolution No. 2272 - 1A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NONTTNATON BEACH ESTA3LISHMAG THE GENERAL PREVAILING RATI OF HOURLY WAGES FOR EACH CRAFT OR TYPE OF WORENAN OR MECHANIC NEEDED FCR THE GRZDING, !MPROVEMENT A.ND DTVBLOPMzN-!-- OF THE FOLLOWTXG MENICIPAL PARE SITE3 : BRUWSWICK PARK, PARK, SUNSHINE PARK AND WARDLOW PAPA, ALL 1S THE CITY OF HUNTINOTON BEACH, GAIIFORNIA, " which had her 8tofore been submitted to the Council and read by them, was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES Councilmen; Welch, Gisler, Stewart , Lambert , Shtpley NOES: counc ilmen; None AIRSENT Council.renz None On watien by Lambert , second Gisler, Council. atithorized the City Clark to advertise for bids for the development of four larks in the City. motion carrie-J , May 16,, 1966 Page #11 7- Minutes, May 16, 1966 CITY PARK DEDICATION PROGRAMS Recreation and Parks Director Norman Worthy addressed the Council and presented details of the park dedication programs scheduled for June 7, 1966, at Col. Jack Greer Park, Robert B. Wardlow Park, C. Fred Schroeder Park and Earl T. Irby Park. Mr. Worthy requested Council to attend if possible and that one of them present the dedication address. William D. and Elizabeth Lamb !e n ^ William D. Lamb Motherless at age four, on his own at age 11 Born in Onondaga County, N. Y., he was left motherless at the age of four, and lived for a time with an uncle near Grand Rapids, Mich. When he was eleven years old he set out to make his way alone, working his way through to Omaha on railroad grading work. Learning to read at age 14 When he was about fourteen years old his father came up from the South and the two crossed the plains in a Mormon freight train. At that time he had not even learned to read, for his life had been so full of toil that there had been no time for schooling, but after reaching Salt Lake City he managed, even in the midst of many duties, to learn the alphabet and acquire the rudiments of an education. Land in the peatlands When William and Elizabeth Lamb arrived in Southern California, William Lamb earned a living by chopping and hauling wood, Elizabeth and their child making their home in a covered wagon. Over time, they would own land in what is now Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley. It was said "they were always among the most progressive farmers of the community, as their place was always equipped with the latest inventions in farm machinery that could be obtained, and the example of their enterprise meant much for the progress and welfare of their neighborhood." Mr. Lamb bought a squatter's claim of 160 acres four miles from Huntington Beach, but in 1879, after they had lived there four years, litigation arose and he and other claimants to adjoining tracts were dispossessed, the Los Bolsas Company winning the suit. His next purchase was forty acres of the Stearns ranch. In 1892, he closed the deal for 720 acres of the Los Bolsas ranch. Managing Los Bolsas Land Company, innovating local irrigation Mr. Lamb was the resident manager of the Los Bolsas Land Company and other large ranches, and through his work much improvement was made on the tracts under his charge. He early saw the necessity for drainage and irrigation, and with several associates purchased a dredger, the first of its kind in this territory, and thus completely revolutionized the early methods of carrying on this work. Self taught After he had embarked in business for himself he employed a man to keep his books, and paid him an extra salary for his personal instruction in reading, arithmetic and the general principles of business, this arrangement continuing for three years: after that he was able to superintend every detail of his extensive business interests for himself and with marked success. Elizabeth Lamb Prominent local land owner "An extensive land owner, well endowed with this world's goods, and highly respected and loved for her many beautiful and sterling traits of character is Mrs. Elizabeth Lamb, widow of the late William D. Lamb, prominent pioneer citizen of Southern California. Her life has indeed been rich in varied experiences in that sort of interest and adventure that was the accompaniment of pioneer days, nor has it been unmixed with hardships, some of them being almost unbelievable." (Armor, 1926) Arrival in America When Elizabeth was thirteen years of age she traveled to America from Liverpool, England, in 1863, with two sisters and a brother. They made their way across the country by train and oxen team, arriving in Salt Lake City after six months of travel. There, she met and married William Lamb. Mother of nine children Elizabeth Lamb was the mother of nine children, of whom Hugo Lamb and Earl Lamb also were ranchers at Huntington Beach. At the time Samuel Armor wrote his history of Orange County in 1926, Elizabeth Lamb was living on her 720-acre ranch southeast of Huntington Beach. Samuel Amor noted that, "Like her husband, (Elizabeth) had only the most limited opportunities to secure an education, but this was fully made up through the practical business experience and 'hard knocks' of pioneer days...she is active and interested in the management of her properties and extensive business interests. A woman of great force of character, withal kindly and considerate, she is greatly beloved by her family and a large circle of friends. A true type of the pioneer woman, her life is a record of accomplishment and good deeds that will leave their beneficent influence on the generations to come." W.D. Lamb and the taming of the Santa Ana River In 1907, W. D. Lamb was a key player in the fight regarding the formation of the Newbert Protection District, formed to "solve the greatest problem that portion of Orange County has to face, the overflow of the Santa Ana River during wet seasons." (Source: Santa Ana Register, May 22, 1907) One of the five polling places for the Newbert Protection District was included in the "W.D. Lamb neighborhood" for a vote on taming the Santa Ana River in the lowlands of what is now southeast Huntington Beach in 1907. The Lamb name Orange County historian and archivist Chris Jepsen states, "The Lambs' name once appeared on a large ranch, a major road, a railway stop, a canyon, and a school (the street we now know as Magnolia Avenue was called Lamb Road, and there was even a "Lambs"' stop on the Pacific Electric Railway's Talbert line at the corner of Bushard and Garfield )." Today, all that remains of the Lamb family's pioneer contribution is "a fraction of an old school yard" known for over 50 years as Lamb Park.