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Board directs staff to adopt county facility-naming policy; carve-outs for leased/funded sites included
Summary
Staff proposed a countywide facility-naming policy to create a transparent review panel and process; supervisors raised concerns about naming after individuals and asked for carve-outs for leased or contractually named properties such as the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex; the board directed staff to return the policy incorporating exclusions and other refinements.
County staff presented a draft countywide facility-naming policy on Aug. 11 that would standardize review, public outreach, and Board oversight for naming county assets, while keeping the board as the final authority.
John Snively of Public Works said the existing naming policy is limited (policy G-148 on memorials; G-149 for Natividad) and described a proposed review panel in the CAO’s office that would vet donor-funded requests, new construction naming proposals, and requests to rename existing assets. Snively said the objective was “Create a process that's transparent and inclusive.”
Board members raised a range of concerns: potential costs for developing signage and a brand-standards book (a $15,000 estimate was discussed), whether donor-funded naming conflicts with equity goals, and the practical need to exclude facilities that already operate under leases or third-party naming agreements. Chair Askew said she was personally “not interested in opening the door to ... naming county assets after people,” while others argued that exceptions are rare and that the board should retain final authority. Several supervisors asked staff to ensure the policy includes an explicit carve-out for facilities with contractually granted naming rights (e.g., Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, Rancho Cielo) and for properties controlled under long-term leases.
After public comment raising concerns about a flood of naming requests and potential impacts on local fundraising, the board directed staff to return with a final draft that includes language excluding facilities with naming language in existing contracts/leases; the motion passed unanimously.
