Baldwin Park approves memorial sign and plans to rename Bogart Avenue for fallen officer

Baldwin Park City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to install an honorary memorial sign at the 4200 block of Philhurst Avenue and to rename a portion of Bogart Avenue in memory of Officer Samuel (Sam) Riveros, who died in the line of duty on May 31, 2025.

Staff presentation and options: City staff described three options: (1) place an honorary sign at the Philhurst location (honorary designation that does not change the legal street name), (2) add an honorary sign on Bogart Avenue, or (3) formally rename a portion of Bogart Avenue. The staff report cited the city’s naming policy (adopted July 21, 2021) and a 2024 update to the street‑naming resolution (Resolution 2024‑043).

Council deliberations: Councilmembers expressed concern for residents in the Philhurst area — some of whom continue to experience trauma — and discussed whether an honorary sign at the site of the incident might re‑traumatize neighbors. Others said a visible street designation near City Hall or adjacent to the police station would provide an ongoing reminder for colleagues and the public. Captain Hendricks and police leadership told council that department members supported honoring Officer Riveros and that industry practice is generally to place honorary signage near the site of an incident without renaming the street.

Approved action: Mayor Pro Tem Gina Mayala moved — and Councilmember Emmanuel Lozano seconded — an amended motion to (a) place a memorial sign at the 4200 block of Philhurst Avenue commemorating Officer Samuel Riveros (End of Watch 05/31/2025) and (b) rename a portion of Bogart Avenue as Officer Samuel Riveros (as part of a future memorial dedication at City Hall). The council voted 5–0 to approve both elements.

Implementation notes: Staff said an honorary sign does not change the legal street name and avoids the more extensive public‑engagement and notification process required for a formal renaming; renaming a portion of Bogart Avenue will require additional legal and administrative steps, which staff will pursue in coordination with the planned City Hall memorial dedication.

Ending: The council’s vote advances both immediate recognition at the incident site and a longer‑term street renaming tied to a formal dedication. Staff will return to the council with the specific designs, timelines for signage/rename procedures and a plan for the dedication ceremony.

Quote: "It will provide community healing... I brought this forth to the council because I feel it's very important," Mayor Pro Tem Gina Mayala said in urging the memorial sign.