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Cerritos council approves renaming Shoemaker/Oakcrest for Whitney founding principal after heated debate
Summary
After extended public comment and council debate, the council approved a substitute motion 3‑2 to add commemorative signage at the Shoemaker/Oakcrest intersection honoring Whitney High School founding principal Robert Beal; opponents urged postponement and further vetting.
The Cerritos City Council voted 3‑2 on March 23 to add commemorative signage at the intersection of Shoemaker Avenue and Oakcrest Street honoring Robert Beal, the founding principal of Whitney High School — a decision that drew sustained public comment and divided council views.
Deputy City Manager Ryan Carey described the proposal as consistent with the city’s naming policy and noted the modest cost (about $150–$200 per sign; up to four signs suggested), explaining that the signs would be decorative and would not alter official street names. Staff told the council the intersection is within city jurisdiction and that the matter did not legally require a school‑district approval, though councilmembers discussed whether to coordinate with the ABC Unified School District.
Several residents urged postponement, citing an incomplete staff review and historical controversies linked to the principal. Public commenters included speakers who said the item should be delayed to gather facts and avoid setting a difficult precedent; one said, "Please don't create a situation where a future council will have to undo what you may be doing in recognizing this man." (Kirat Chahan). Others, including Whitman/Whitney alumni and former students, described Beal’s role in building Whitney’s programs and argued the commemoration recognized a meaningful contribution to local education.
Council discussion was lengthy. Councilmember Sei and others argued for postponement to allow additional review and community engagement; Councilmember Pulido and several supporters gave personal testimony about Beal’s impact and advocated proceeding. The mayor offered a substitute motion to approve the naming; the substitute motion carried on a 3‑2 vote.
The council’s action authorizes staff to install commemorative signage acknowledging Robert Beal at the specified intersection; staff advised the signs would be installed on existing signal poles and would not change official street names. No formal cost increase was expected beyond nominal signage expenses, and the city attorney confirmed there is no legal prohibition to such a naming under current policy.
