LA HABRA : Council Adopts Rules on Naming City Sites

Prompted by a request to change the name of a local park, the City Council has adopted rules governing the naming of public facilities.

City Council members voted unanimously last week to place restrictions on such actions to avoid conflicts in the future.

Under the policy, no city administration buildings--specifically City Hall, the fire and police stations, the city yard or buildings in the Civic Center--may be renamed. Parks may not be renamed after living people, but they may be renamed for a deceased person a year after her or his death.

The council realized it lacked a policy on naming city facilities when the La Habra Host Lions Club asked the council to rename El Centro Park after Ramon T. Hornbuckle.

The request came in March, shortly after the death of Hornbuckle, who had been active in the Lions Club and in community charity work. At the time, the council decided not to act on the request.

Lions Club officials said they soon will resubmit the proposal. Hornbuckle, who was best known for his work through the Lions Club, loved El Centro Park, said Chuck Overbey, a club spokesman.

“Ray should be honored,” he said. “He was a man who served his community for more than 30 years in many ways and literally worked seven days a week doing things for people.”

Hornbuckle was instrumental in providing eyeglasses to poor children. Over 30 years, he raised more than $2 million to benefit the needy. On a more whimsical note, he also made and gave away wind chimes to people who needed cheering, Overbey said.

Mayor William D. Mahoney said he would not oppose renaming the park the El Centro-Ramon T. Hornbuckle Park.