Council opts for plaque to honor Norma S. Alvarez at Glendale Community Center after mixed public input

The council considered a proposal to rename the Glendale Community Center in the Ocotillo district for Norma S. Alvarez and reached consensus to follow the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission’s recommendation to install a commemorative plaque instead.

John Kennedy, director of Parks and Recreation, summarized the outreach that staff carried out under the city’s renaming policy: staff mailed bilingual postcards to approximately 1,800 residents within three‑quarters of a mile of the center, provided ballot drop‑off at the center and maintained online survey access. Kennedy reported staff received 997 total submissions, but after removing duplicate online entries the tally was 203 unique ballots (50 paper ballots at the center and 153 non‑duplicated online responses). Of those 203 non‑duplicated votes, 115 (57%) supported renaming the center to the Norma S. Alvarez Community Center and 84 supported retaining the Glendale Community Center name; four votes nominated other individuals.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted unanimously to recommend retaining the Glendale Community Center name and honoring Alvarez with a plaque; commissioners said a plaque would recognize Alvarez’s contributions while avoiding a naming precedent citywide. Kennedy reported estimated signage costs of $16,000–$20,000 to rename the exterior facility and an estimated $3,000–$3,500 to produce and install a commemorative plaque.

Council discussion was split. Supporters of renaming emphasized the community sentiment in Ocotillo and said Alvarez led early fundraising and community organizing for the center; others cited the commission’s recommendation, the risk of setting a naming precedent and budget prudence. After discussion the council reached consensus to follow the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission’s recommendation and install a plaque honoring Norma S. Alvarez; staff was asked to plan a dedication ceremony and notify the family.

No ordinance or renaming deed was adopted at the workshop. The unanimous direction was to produce and install a plaque and return with details about the dedication event.