April 6, 2005

Cynthia Kurtz

City Manager, City of Pasadena

117 E. Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91109

Subject: Renaming Eaton Wash Park

Dear Ms. Kurtz:

As we approach the opening of the first new park in 30 years there is an opportunity
to pick a unique name which more closely reflects the area history and local neighborhood
wishes. Our neighborhood association, whose territory borders the new park at 2036 East
Orange Grove Blvd, is hereby proposing the name Viña Vieja Park.  We respectively
request the City Manager’s office to commence the process to rename the park in
accordance with the City of Pasadena’s Public Park and Recreational Facility Naming
Policy.

Viña Vieja meets the city’s Public Park and Recreational Facility Naming Policy criteria
c. “Cultural or historical significance to the City or surrounding neighborhood”.  Residents
who have lived in the neighborhood since before the northern portion was developed into
homes in the 1940s remember an active vineyard.  The area of the park was still referred
to as “La Viña” up until its lease for nursery use in the 1960’s.  Longtime resident Albert
Barrios remembers parents urging children to “go play in La Vina”, the vacant land with
remnants of grape vines.  It’s a nice thought that the area will once again become a safe
place for neighborhood children to play.  Proposed by Vivian Perez, a 77 year resident of
our neighborhood, and voted overwhelmingly as the top choice by our association
members, the name Viña Vieja is both historically meaningful and unique.

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Laura Ellersieck, President
East Eaton Wash Neighborhood Association
Phone:  [suppressed]
E-mail:  eewna@earthlink.net
Postal mail:  [suppressed]

cc: Councilman Steve Haderlein