TITLE:
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DONATION OF A MEMORIAL TREE AND PLAQUE AT LIONS 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:
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Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services Commission accept the donation of a tree and plaque to be installed at Lions Park, in memory of Richard 'Dick' W. Jantzer.
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BACKGROUND:
The City is in receipt of a letter from Anita Hooper, Becky Larsen, and Stella Guild (Attachment 1) requesting approval from this Commission to donate a tree and plaque at Lions Park in memory of Richard 'Dick' W. Jantzer. The request includes the following plaque language: "In Loving Memory of Richard 'Dick' W. Jantzer."
Mr. Jantzer was a long-time Costa Mesa resident, who owned his own Real Estate and Property Management company in the city. He was a Purple Heart recipient while serving in the Army during the Vietnam War. After graduating from Penn State University, Mr. Jantzer started the Orange County Chapter of the PSU Alumni Association and was an active board member until 2023. His volunteerism continued with his long-time involvement with the Knights of Columbus where he held several positions, including Grand Knight.
Mr. Jantzer had a special place in his heart for children, especially those who came from challenging backgrounds. He served as an advocate for CASA 'Court Appointed Special Advocates' and was a long-standing supporter of Mary's Path and Project Cuddle in Costa Mesa.
For most of this life, Mr. Jantzer lived and served in the City of Costa Mesa. The requestors have chosen Lions Park as it reflects Mr. Jantzer's love for children and connection to Penn State University, whose mascot is a lion. The requestors felt it would be fitting for the memorial to be in a park with an active playground where children are experiencing carefree joy.
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