Council considers renaming street to honor local baseball star

During a recent government meeting, the Baldwin Park City Council discussed a proposal to rename Clary Drive in honor of Bernardo Flores, a local Major League Baseball player. The council had previously agreed to dedicate the street to Flores, but the current discussion focused on officially renaming it to \"Bernardo Flores Drive.\"

Flores, a Baldwin Park native, has made significant contributions to the community, particularly through mentoring young athletes. He played for the Chicago White Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals and has been involved with local youth programs, including the East Side Little League. Council members highlighted his dedication to giving back, noting that he provides equipment and resources to local schools and inspires young people to pursue their dreams.

Some council members expressed concerns about the implications of renaming the street. They emphasized the importance of following established naming policies and considering the impact on local residents. Clary Drive has only ten homes, which could minimize disruption, but council members acknowledged that residents would need to change their addresses and other documentation.

The council agreed that it is essential to reach out to residents for their input before making a final decision. They plan to allow residents 45 days to provide feedback on the proposed name change. The council also discussed the importance of recognizing individuals who positively impact the community and suggested that this could be a model for future recognitions.

In conclusion, while the council supports honoring Bernardo Flores, they are committed to ensuring that the process respects community standards and involves resident feedback. The dedication of Clary Drive is set to be completed by the end of November, regardless of the outcome of the renaming discussion.