TITLE:
title
DONATION OF A MEMORIAL TREE AND A PLAQUE AT ESTANCIA PARK
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DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/MAINTENANCE SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTED BY: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER
CONTACT INFORMATION: ROBERT RYAN, MAINTENANCE SERVICES MANAGER, (714) 754-5123
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of a tree and a plaque to be installed at Estancia Park in memory of Beth and Gladys Refakes.
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BACKGROUND:
The City is in receipt of a letter from Cindy Brenneman requesting permission from this Commission to donate a tree and a plaque to be installed at Estancia Park in memory of Beth and Gladys Refakes (Attachment 1).
According to Ms. Brenneman, Beth and Gladys represented the very best of Costa Mesa. Their dedication to the City and its residents spanned decades, and their volunteerism reached into many different corners of the community. They generously gave their time, energy, talents, and enthusiasm to organizations and causes including the Costa Mesa Historical Society, Freedom Committee of Orange County, City of Costa Mesa Military Affairs Team, Camp Pendleton 1/5 Marine Support, and the First Friday Roadshow, where Beth served as the photographer. Beyond these organizations, they were steadfast advocates for the betterment of Costa Mesa, its citizens, and the community they loved so dearly.
Their connection to Costa Mesa was also deeply personal and historic. Beth and Gladys spent most of their lives on the Eastside of Costa Mesa in their family home, which was purchased in 1950, three years before the City of Costa Mesa was incorporated.
A tree planted near the historic Estancia Adobe would be a particularly appropriate and lasting tribute. It would provide a living memorial in a place connected to Costa Mesa’s history, honoring two women who devoted so much of their lives to preserving that history, supporting our military families, strengthening our community, and serving others.
ANALYSIS:
The request meets the requirements set forth by City Council Policy 800-4 (Attachment 2). Staff has reviewed the proposed location at Estancia Park and determined it to be suitable for the memorial tree and plaque. (Attachment 3). Upon approval by this Commission, staff will work with the donor to schedule the installation.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Commission may deny the request or recommend an alternate location.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The installation of the tree and plaque will have minimal fiscal impact on the City, as the donor will incur the cost.
LEGAL REVIEW:
No legal review is required for this item.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of a tree and plaque to be installed at Estancia Park in memory of Beth and Gladys Refakes.