HomeMy WebLinkAboutDeclaration of May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in Hunt o^ 2000 Main Street,
of 5ODA.D tie Huntington Beach,CA
r ti 92648
S City of Huntington Beach APPROVED 7-0
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File #: 26-385 MEETING DATE: 5/5/2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-15 Declaring May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in
Huntington Beach
Statement of Issue:
On April 21, 2026, the City Council authorized staff to bring forth a resolution declaring May 7, 2026
as Theodore Roosevelt Day in Huntington Beach.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-15, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach
Declaring May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in the City of Huntington Beach."
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff otherwise.
Analysis:
On April 21, 2026, the City Council requested that staff bring forth a resolution declaring May 7, 2026
as Theodore Roosevelt Day in Huntington Beach.
The date marks the anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's first visit to California in 1903 during his well
-known nine-week "Great Loop" tour-one of the most memorable presidential journeys in American
history.
The year 1903 is also notable for several milestones in American history, including the Wright
brothers' first flight, the first World Series, and the introduction of the teddy bear, named after
Roosevelt.
Historical Significance
May 7, 1903 is meaningful for several reasons:
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 2 Printed on 4/29/2026
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File #: 26-385 MEETING DATE: 5/5/2026
1. First Official Recognition
This would be the first time a city in California officially sets aside a day to honor Theodore
Roosevelt, whose impact on conservation and national parks is still felt today.
2. Connection to Huntington Beach's Beginnings
In that same month in 1903, Henry Huntington purchased Pacific City, which eventually became
Huntington Beach. This shared timing creates a strong historical link between Roosevelt's visit
and the city's founding.
3. Influence on Conservation
During his 1903 trip, Roosevelt spent three days camping in Yosemite with naturalist John Muir.
That experience helped shape his commitment to conservation and the protection of public
lands.
4. A Deeper Historical Connection
The story of Yosemite's preservation goes back to Abraham Lincoln in 1864, influenced by
photographer Carleton Watkins. Watkins had ties to Collis Huntington, whose railroad was
later passed on to Henry Huntington. These connections highlight how local and national
history are closely linked.
It's also worth noting that in the 1930s, the Pacific Coast Highway running through Huntington Beach
was named Roosevelt Highway in his honor. Designating May 7 as Theodore Roosevelt Day would
help reconnect with that history and encourage continued appreciation for conservation and
environmental stewardship.
Recognizing this day would honor Roosevelt's legacy while also tying into the celebration of the
nation's 250th anniversary.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will
not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2026-15
City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 2 Printed on 4/29/2026
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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HUNTINGTON BEACH DECLARING MAY 7, 2026
AS "THEODORE ROOSEVELT DAY"
IN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
WHEREAS, May 7th marks the anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's first visit to
California in 1903 during his well-known nine-week"Great Loop"tour which was one of the
most memorable presidential journeys in American History; and
The year 1903 is also notable for several milestones in American history, including the
Wright Brothers' first flight, the first World Series, and the introduction of the teddy bear, named
after Roosevelt; and
In the same month in 1903, Henry Huntington purchased Pacific City, which eventually
became Huntington Beach. This shared timing creates a strong historical link between
Roosevelt's visit and the City's founding; and
During his 1903 trip, Roosevelt spent three days camping in Yosemite with naturalist
John Muir. That experience helped shape his commitment to conservation and the protection of
public lands; and
The story of Yosemite's preservation goes back to Abraham Lincoln in 1864, influenced
by photographer Carleton Watkins. Watkins had ties to Collis Huntington, whose railroad was
later passed onto Henry Huntington. These connections highlight how local and national history
are closely linked.; and
In the 1930s, the Pacific Coast Highway running through Huntington Beach was named
Roosevelt Highway in his honor. Designating May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day would
help reconnect with that history and encourage continued appreciation for conservation and
environmental stewardship; and
Recognizing this date would honor Roosevelt's legacy while also tying into the
celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary.
To recognize a day of celebration and honor the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the City
Council desires to establish May 7, 2026 as "Theodore Roosevelt Day" in the City of Huntington
Beach.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby
resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. May 7, 2026 is hereby declared to be"Theodore Roosevelt Day"in the
City of Huntington Beach.
26-17997/411673
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of May , 2026.
INITIATED AND APPROVED: Mayor, C yKeon
ti
Manager Mayor Pro T Butch Twining
g Y g
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Councilman, Do enn
(2@vtat)V11,0-14.____
City Attorney
Councilwoman, Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark
Councilman, Pat Bums
Coun ► n a Willi.
o man, w ru
2
Res. No. 2026-15
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss:
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH )
I, LISA LANE BARNES, the duly elected, 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 a Regular meeting thereof held on May 5, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES: Gruel, Kennedy, Twining, McKeon, Burns, Van Der Mark, Williams
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: None
, � v (‘ /77-vri
City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the
City Council of the City of
Huntington Beach, California
Mr. Amory Hanson
8102 Ellis Avenue
Apartment 121
Huntington Beach CA 92646
May 5, 2026
The Mayor Of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach CA 92648
My Dear Mister Mayor,
I would like to express my support for Item XXI,the resolution declaring Theodore Roosevelt day in Huntington
Beach.
Sincerely Yours,
Mr.Amory Hanson
CC:The Honorable E.M.Twining
CC:The Honorable Patrick Burns
CC:The Honorable Andrew Gruel
CC:The Honorable Donald C.Kennedy
CC:The Honorable Grace Vandermark
CC:The Honorable Chad Williams
SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION - Meeting Date: 5/5/2026 Item No. 21 (26-385)
r''`ilNTINST 2000 Main Street,
PoF�"`� Huntington Beach,CA
City of Huntington Beach APPROVED 6-0-1
9K
6 �\o UEL—RECUSED)
�UUNr tP✓,' GR
File#: 26-363 MEETING DATE: 4/21/2026
Subject:
Item Submitted by Mayor McKeon - Declaration of May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in
Huntington Beach -
Recommended Action:
Recognize the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and bring forth a Resolution to declare May 7, 2026 as
Theodore Roosevelt Day in Huntington Beach.
Attachment(s):
1. Declaration of Theodore Roosevelt Day - Memo
City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 1 Printed on 4/15/2026
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418
CITY OF
kc.„
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Vt#11, City Council Meeting — Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Mayor McKeon
Date: April 21, 2026
Subject: DECLARATION OF MAY 7, 2026 AS THEODORE ROOSEVELT DAY IN
HUNTINGTON BEACH
ISSUE STATEMENT
This proposal recommends designating May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in
Huntington Beach, California. The date marks the anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's
first visit to California in 1903 during his well-known nine-week "Great Loop"tour—one of
the most memorable presidential journeys in American history.
The year 1903 is also notable for several milestones in American history, including the
Wright brothers' first flight, the first World Series, and the introduction of the teddy bear,
named after Roosevelt.
Historical Significance
May 7, 1903 is meaningful for several reasons:
1. First Official Recognition
This would be the first time a city in California officially sets aside a day to honor
Theodore Roosevelt, whose impact on conservation and national parks is still felt
today.
2. Connection to Huntington Beach's Beginnings
In that same month in 1903, Henry Huntington purchased Pacific City, which
eventually became Huntington Beach. This shared timing creates a strong
historical link between Roosevelt's visit and the city's founding.
3. Influence on Conservation
During his 1903 trip, Roosevelt spent three days camping in Yosemite with
naturalist John Muir. That experience helped shape his commitment to
conservation and the protection of public lands.
4. A Deeper Historical Connection
The story of Yosemite's preservation goes back to Abraham Lincoln in 1864,
influenced by photographer Carleton Watkins. Watkins had ties to Collis
Huntington, whose railroad was later passed on to Henry Huntington. These
connections highlight how local and national history are closely linked.
It's also worth noting that in the 1930s, the Pacific Coast Highway running through
Huntington Beach was named Roosevelt Highway in his honor. Designating May 7 as
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
419
Theodore Roosevelt Day would help reconnect with that history and encourage continued
appreciation for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Recognizing this day would honor Roosevelt's legacy while also tying into the celebration
of the nation's 250th anniversary.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Request staff bring forth a resolution at the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting declaring
May 7, 2026 as Theodore Roosevelt Day in Huntington Beach.
2000 Main Street,Huntington Beach,CA 92648 I www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
420
From: diannef22Civahoo.com
To: suoolementalcomm( surfcity-hb.orq
Subject: Agenda Items 25,26,27,New(28)
Date: Monday,April 20,2026 4:38:36 PM
Item 25 Please vote to defeat this item. After reading the background information, it
ems like quite the convoluted stretch to try to make a connection between
Huntington Beach and President Theodore Roosevelt. Furthermore, Theodore
Roosevelt was a Progressive and a Conservationist. This Council has actively tried to
restart oil drilling in HB and intended to allow a massive light show to disrupt the
wildlife in Central Park. Nothing in Theodore Roosevelt's biography matches with the
goals of this Council and this item is clearly an attempt to distract from what you have
been and will be doing.
Item 26: Please vote to defeat this item. It is NOT the job of the Council to be
reviewing the City's lease portfolio. If there is a desire to look at the leases, pass an
item asking staff to compile the information and make recommendations to the
Council so the Council can discuss all of the information at a public meeting, not
behind closed doors in an ad-hoc session. Please return to basic good governance.
Item 27: Please vote to defeat this item. Again, this item is attempting to use a closed
door, ad-hoc committee to do the work of City staff. It is the job of City Staff to write
RFPs and to receive, and evaluate the subsequent proposals. After the professional
staff has evaluated the proposals, they will present their findings to the Council for
public discussion and guidance for the staff to proceed. In this case in particular, it
seems the resulting contract will be in the neighborhood of $700,000 and moving
forward on that requires public input and public discussion.
New Item (28?): I am very much in favor of this item. It is clear that Wolffhaus
engaged with the City due to his personal relationship with at least one
councilmember. Even after all these weeks, the Wolffhaus website is still not up. Is
that the kind of prompt, responsive work we should expect if the contract is issued to
his company? I am very interested in watching the discussion of this item to make
sure the public has a full understanding of what has transpired so far with our money
and what some councilmembers were ready to just give away without any competition
or public discussion.
Thank you,
Diane James
SUPPLEMENTAL
COMMUNICATION
Meeting late: yl2_11 2-40
Agenda Item Na; _ 1