Politics & Government

Letter to the Editor: SM's New Park Should Be Called ...

A titular proposal for the 6-acre park being built at the Santa Monica Civic Center.

Long-time community activist Jerry Rubin submitted the following letter to the editor to Santa Monica Patch on Wednesday night:

Certainly, the official name that is given to the 6-acre park being built in our is very important. That is why I'm suggesting it be called what many people are already calling it when referring to that will be coming soon: "Santa Monica Civic Center Park."

Some are suggesting names such as "Santa Monica People's Park" or "Santa Monica Central Park." With due respect to the wonderful parks [those names allude to], Santa Monica is an innovator, not an imitator.

And, with the internationally renowned group designing it, the park itself will be what is inspirational and exciting, so the name of the park need only be one that is honorable, dignified and location-based.

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Years ago, I'm sure there were some that felt "" would be a poor name for our concert-and-performance venue, but that name has honorably stood the test of time.

This is our Santa Monica Civic Center! And the definition of "civic" has a positive community meaning. One definition says, "Of or relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city or local area."

With the name "Santa Monica Civic Center Park" (or "Santa Monica Civic Park"), people from all over the country and around the world will know Santa Monica is proud to have a world-class, environmentally friendly and beautiful park smack-dab in the heart of our Santa Monica Civic Center.

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What do you think the new park should be named? Please put your suggestions in the comments box below.


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