Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee Meeting

Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee Meeting Notice & Agenda Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting City Council Chamber, 491 North M Street, Tulare, CA 93274 www.tulare.ca.gov Meetings of the Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee are open to the public at the physical address listed above. You may attend these meetings in person or remotely through the City’s official remote platform as described below. Members of the public may address the Committee on matters regarding Cesar Chavez Memorial Park. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to complete a Public Comment Card and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. You may also submit written comments via e-mail to cityclerk@tulare.ca.gov. Please include your name and reference the agenda item you are commenting on, if any. Written comments received that do not specify an agenda item will be marked for the Public Comment section of the agenda. Emails received by noon on the date of the meeting will be provided to the Committee at the meeting and made part of the record of proceedings but will not be read aloud. Comments by the public are limited to three minutes per speaker. When called upon to speak, begin by stating your name and city of residence. Meeting agendas and related documents are available at www.tulare.ca.gov/agendas. Copies are also available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 411 E. Kern Avenue, Second Floor, during regular business hours. Individuals who require accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services necessary to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk's Office at (559) 684-4200 or cityclerk@tulare.ca.gov. The e-mail subject line should read "ADA Accommodation Request" or "Language Assistance" and the e-mail should include your name, address, telephone number, and a description of the request. Remote Participation Link to Join: https://bit.ly/4ucjD98 Telephone Number: (669) 900-6833 Meeting ID: 884 4921 9409 Persons attending the meeting remotely will have the opportunity to provide comments at the appropriate times during the meeting. To speak during a public comment period, press *9 on your phone to raise your hand or click “Raise Hand” in the webinar. At the appropriate time, you will be prompted to unmute yourself and asked to identify yourself when providing public comment. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PUBLIC COMMENT - Members of the public may address the Committee on matters regarding Cesar Chavez Memorial Park. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker, for a maximum of thirty minutes per item, unless otherwise extended by the Committee. For those that wish to provide public comment while attending the meeting remotely, press *9 on your phone to raise your hand or click “Raise Hand” in the webinar. City of Tulare Page 1 of 2  Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee Meeting Agenda Wednesday, July 15, 2026 3. GENERAL BUSINESS 3.1 Review Community Feedback Survey and Consider Recommendations. Recommended Action: Receive and review the results of the community feedback survey; discuss options for the existing park monument signage; provide staff direction regarding the next steps in the Committee's review process; and discuss and/or adopt recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding park naming and monument signage. 4. ADJOURNMENT AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING AGENDA I, Melissa Wilcox, hereby certify, in conformance with Government Code Sections 54954.2, that the foregoing agenda was posted for public review on Friday, July 10, 2026. Melissa Wilcox, CMC, CPMC Chief Deputy City Clerk City of Tulare Page 2 of 2  Item #: 3.1 General Business Staff Report Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee Date: July 15, 2026 Department: Community Services - Parks Submitted by: Chris Orr, Community Services Director Agenda Title: Review Community Feedback Survey and Consider Recommendations RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive and review the results of the community feedback survey; discuss options for the existing park monument signage; provide staff direction regarding the next steps in the Committee's review process; and discuss and/or adopt recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding park naming and monument signage. SUMMARY At its June 4, 2026 meeting, the Cesar Chavez Memorial Park Review Committee directed staff to conduct a community outreach effort regarding potential renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park. The Committee also directed staff to return with recommendations regarding the existing park monument signage, if the park were renamed. Community Feedback Survey Following the Committee's direction, staff developed and distributed a community feedback survey that was available online from June 16, 2026 through June 30, 2026. The online survey, which was available in both English and Spanish, was promoted through the City's website, social media platforms, and other community outreach efforts including shared with the two school districts and posting flyers at various City facilities. A total of 211 responses were received. There were 0 responses received for the Spanish version. The community feedback survey asked residents if they would like to see the park renamed and, if so, which names they would most support. Survey results indicate: • Approximately 96% of respondents identified themselves as Tulare residents. • Approximately 74% of respondents supported renaming the park, while approximately 26% preferred retaining the existing name. • If renamed, Lincoln Park received the greatest level of support (approximately 45%) among the naming options provided by the Committee. • The next highest levels of support were received for: o Farmworkers Park (approximately 24%) o Sí Se Puede Park (approximately 23%) o Freedom Park (approximately 18%) • Forty-three respondents submitted additional name suggestions or comments through the open- ended question. Many comments favored returning the park to its historical name of Lincoln Park because of its connection to Lincoln Elementary School, while others suggested recognizing local educators, community leaders, agricultural heritage, or the broader farmworker movement. Monument Signage Options During the June 4 meeting, the Committee indicated that if the park were renamed, the existing monument signage should remain, with modifications. Staff has identified the following options for Committee consideration: Option 1 (Staff Recommendation) Retain the existing monument while replacing the park name displayed on the monument with the new park name approved by the City Council. All artwork, historical imagery, and references to the farmworker movement, including Cesar E. Chavez, would remain intact. Add an additional interpretive panel on the sign to provide the context and information on the renaming process. Option 2 Retain the monument in its current form with no modifications. Option 3 Replace the monument with a new monument reflecting the new park name. Staff believe Option 1 best preserves the historical significance of the monument while accurately reflecting any future park name approved through the public process. Committee Recommendation and Next Steps The community outreach process, as directed by the Committee, has been completed. The survey results are intended to inform the Committee's deliberations and assist in determining the appropriate next steps. Following discussion, the Committee may choose to: • Determine that sufficient public input has been received and develop recommendations regarding the future name of the park and the existing monument signage for consideration by the Parks and Recreation Commission; or • Direct staff to conduct additional public outreach, gather further information, or return with additional options before the Committee makes its recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Commission. FISCAL IMPACT & FUNDING SOURCES There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This action does not constitute a “project” pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST Staff is not aware of any conflicts of interest. LEGAL REVIEW This item does not require legal review. PUBLIC NOTICE This item does not require a public hearing and was noticed as a part of the agenda. ALTERNATIVE ACTION 1. Approve the recommendations as presented 2. Modify the recommendations 3. Continue the discussion and provide additional direction to staff. ATTACHMENTS 1. Community Feedback Survey Results Reviewed/Approved:  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q1 211 responses Are you a resident of Tulare? Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q2 207 responses Do you think Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park should be renamed? Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q3 203 responses If the park were renamed, which two names would you most support? (Select up to two) Farmworkers Park Freedom Park Lincoln Park Sí Se Puede (translates to ​“Yes We Can” or “It Can Be ​Done”) Park Unity Park Other 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q4 If you selected “Other,” please provide your suggested name and why. Answered: 43 Skipped: 168 # RESPONSES DATE 1 El Barrio Park. This neighborhood was known a el Barrio in its early days. Let's preserve this 6/29/2026 7:17 AM legacy that many good folks from the area that made Tulare what it is today and in the future. 2 It’s Lincoln park. 6/25/2026 3:34 PM 3 Tim Williams park or Pauline Friedman park 6/24/2026 3:34 PM 4 These are allegations and the stories surrounding the allegations just do not make sense. It 6/24/2026 2:40 PM does not add up that now all of a sudden she makes these claims, I just do not trust it. I am not a fan of Cesar Chavez as I feel he antagonized the situation with farm laborers, rather than help in a positive manner, but he did still make a huge impact on our communities. However, we can't just erase history either. 5 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez 6/23/2026 8:48 PM 6 Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez 6/23/2026 8:48 PM 7 United Farmworkers Park 6/23/2026 1:23 AM 8 Lincoln park 6/22/2026 8:05 PM 9 the park's name should mirror the school it is attached too:) 6/22/2026 7:43 PM 10 Patricia Hillman Park, for everything she does for education and the community. 6/21/2026 12:41 PM 11 Tim Williams Park. Tim was a longtime Lincoln School teacher and principal for over 40 years 6/19/2026 11:15 AM ending his career in 2010. He has since passed away in 2020. During his career and beyond as his health allowed, he sought to positively impact the Lincoln School community. Never one to seek recognition or do things for community praise, but rather, to make a positive difference for others, his impact I know left an indelible mark on countless children and families in the Lincoln School community for generations. I feel it would be a fitting tribute for the park to be named after him. Thank you for your consideration. 12 Delores Huerta Park 6/18/2026 3:49 PM 13 The consideration of a name change is prudent, given the concerns voiced by Tulare citizens. 6/18/2026 10:25 AM Thank you for the opportunity to provide input. 14 Delores Huerta Park 6/18/2026 7:26 AM 15 Pauline Friedman Park 6/18/2026 7:14 AM 16 Richard “Kiki” Torrez Park 6/17/2026 9:36 PM 17 De La Cruz Park, after Jessie De La Cruz. She was an icon of the farm worker movement and 6/17/2026 6:54 PM embodied the conviction that ordinary people have within them the ability to do extraordinary things 18 I selected Lincoln Park because it fits the theme of parks that accompany schools in Tulare. 6/17/2026 4:45 PM The school district owns the park and reps suggested Lincoln Park. Just because the city mows the grass doesn't mean they have skin in the game. If the city wants to pitch in they can start by keeping homeless off the tables so my family and I feel comfortable even visiting the park. I doubt they would allow overnight sleeping at their shiny new toy Zumwalt. 19 Nettie Washington Park 6/17/2026 4:32 PM 20 Garden land park … we are surrounded with farm land and gardens 6/17/2026 4:11 PM 21 Name it after the street is on. Naming it after a person always has a risk when said person 6/17/2026 4:10 PM falls off their pedestal. Or, name it after the school it's adjacent to (therefore "Lincoln Park"). By the way, I don't live in Tulare, but I have in the past plus I've taught in Tulare for 29 years.  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form 22 Founders Park It recognizes the people who established and grew the city. 6/17/2026 3:49 PM 23 Please note that this park is owned by Lincoln School and has always been associated w/ the 6/17/2026 2:13 PM school itself, so calling it Lincoln Park makes very logical sense. ~Longtime Lincoln Educator Aaron Gomes (559) 331-0045 24 Dolores Huerta Park 6/17/2026 2:05 PM 25 In honor of our Superintendent Ira Porchia Park 6/17/2026 1:34 PM 26 Dolores Huerta Park! 6/17/2026 12:51 PM 27 Ira Porchia Legacy Park 6/17/2026 12:18 PM 28 Monarch Park or Dreamers Park 6/17/2026 12:15 PM 29 MLK Park Kennedy Park United Play 6/17/2026 12:10 PM 30 Jalen Brunson Park 6/17/2026 12:09 PM 31 Honor the natives the land was taken from! Whichever lived closest to the Tulare City area. 6/17/2026 12:08 PM Koyeti Park Yandanchi Park Chunut Park Wukchumni Park 32 As someone who has lived in the community and also attended Lincoln as well as my children. 6/17/2026 12:02 PM I think these names are great but I would love to recognize Mr. Williams who was a amazing principal at Lincoln school for many years and cared and loved for the students the school and the surrounding community. 33 Yokut Park 6/17/2026 11:57 AM 34 Linkin Park 6/17/2026 11:56 AM 35 Valley Harvest Park - Honoring the strong roots of our Valley Farmworker Legacy Park - 6/17/2026 11:05 AM Honoring the Tulare legacy of farmworkers and agriculture 36 Garden land park…. Meaning a garden of different cultures and a farm land area 6/17/2026 9:39 AM 37 Dolores Huerta Park 6/17/2026 8:35 AM 38 Bardsley park 6/17/2026 7:14 AM 39 Fe en manana park 6/17/2026 6:45 AM 40 My concern are the homeless sleeping on the grass inside the fenced park and close to the 6/17/2026 1:33 AM kids playground. I walk/jog around there with my 6 year old riding her bike and she says why are they here and smoking. The park is for families to take their children but it is unsafe, dirty to use. Please fix this problem. Make parjs great again! 41 Many towns are changing the name of Cesar Chavez to other names, so yes Tulare should do 6/16/2026 11:55 PM the same. Does it have to be a person's name. If so one of the greartest Tularean's was Bob Mathias and I know the stadium is named after him. Can it be just a name other than a person. I think Sunshine Park, since we live where the sun shine's a lot and it is hot. Something simple and easy. 42 Dolores Huerta 6/16/2026 10:31 PM 43 TIM WILLIAMS COMMUNITY PARK AFTER EX LINCOLN PRINCIPAL! 6/16/2026 6:14 PM  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q5 203 responses Are you interested in attending the next Committee meeting in person? Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%  Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Park Community Feedback Form Q6 202 responses Would you like to receive a reminder about future Committee meetings? Yes No 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%