PURPOSE:

Pursuant to City Council direction given at the July 29, 2003 Council meeting, staff is requesting that the Council discuss the proposed renaming of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport and United States Post Office (Olive Avenue Branch) in honor of the late legendary entertainer, Mr. Bob Hope.

BACKGROUND:

Not only did Mr. Bob Hope entertain millions throughout the world through his lengthy career in show business, he was a true American and community hero.  He selflessly gave thousands of hours of support to entertaining our troops, both domestically and abroad.  Along with those efforts, Mr. Hope was a true friend and supporter to the community of Burbank.  One of his most noteworthy local contributions was participating in a fundraiser at the Starlight Bowl for the construction of the �Requiem� art piece located at Johnny Carson Park.  This art piece, as part of our Art in Public Places Program, is dedicated to the Defenders of the Constitution � something that Mr. Hope also lived his life defending through his dedication to serving our troops and the American people.

A grass roots community effort has developed with tremendous local support to request that the Burbank City Council work to sponsor the renaming of a public facility in Mr. Hope�s honor.   Most notably, members of the community have suggested that the City Council consider pursuing the option of working to rename the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport the �Bob Hope Airport� and work with our local United States Congressional Representatives to sponsor legislation at the federal level to rename the United States Post Office (Olive Avenue Branch) the �Bob Hope Post Office.� 

To this end, staff has been in contact with the Executive Director of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, the office of United States Congressman Adam B. Schiff, and with staff from the Cities of Pasadena and Glendale to determine how to move forward with the renaming of the Airport and Post Office if this recommendation is approved by Council.  In regard to the proposed renaming of the Airport, should the Council move to support such an effort, and the Councils of the Cities of Glendale and Pasadena also support this recommendation, the Airport Executive Director would assume the responsibilities, legal and otherwise, to pursue the renaming of the Airport in honor of Mr. Bob Hope.  Once the appropriate forms and legal documents are prepared for the renaming, the Councils of all three cities would be required to ratify such change.

Staff has also contacted the Washington, D.C. office of United States Congressman Adam B. Schiff, in regard to preparing legislation that must be passed by both Houses in order for a United States Post Office branch renaming to be finalized. 

Finally, there has been strong support from the family and friends of Mr. Bob Hope in support of such renaming efforts.  The family believes that this action would be a welcome and fitting tribute to the memory of an individual who dedicated his life to  bringing joy, happiness, laughter, and support to millions around the world.  Michael Hastings has been in contact with the family of Mr. Hope and has asked for a letter on their behalf supporting the use of his name for the renaming of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport.

ANALYSIS:

Once deliberation of renaming the facilities in honor of Mr. Bob Hope takes place and a determination is made to move forward with such efforts, the Council should review the sample letters prepared by staff.  In the matter of the renaming of the Airport, sample letters have been drafted to the President of the Airport Authority indicating the Burbank City Council�s support of this renaming effort and to the City Councils of Glendale and Pasadena asking them to support this renaming effort (see Attachments I and II).  In the matter of the renaming of the United States Post Office (Olive Avenue Branch) a sample letter has been prepared from the Council to United States Congressman Adam Schiff requesting that the appropriate renaming process begin. (see Attachment III).

RECOMMENDATION:

It is staff�s recommendation that the City Council initiate discussion on this matter, review the proposed letters, and direct staff as necessary in pursuing the renaming of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport and United States Post Office (Olive Avenue Branch) in honor of Mr. Bob Hope.

VTW:vtw

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