REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Eric G. Parra, Interim City Manager
PREPARED BY: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
title
Approve the formal naming of parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane as “Vella Park,” as recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission
body
Statement of Issue:
Parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane has not yet been formally named. The Community and Library Services Commission recently made a recommendation to name it “Vella Park” in honor of fallen Police Officer, Nicholas Vella.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve the naming of parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane, “Vella Park,” in honor of fallen Police Officer Nicholas Vella, as recommended by the Community & Library Services Commission.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approved the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The parkland at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane is a 1.7-acre neighborhood park built in 2018 by Shea Homes in conjunction with the development of the Parkside Estates Community. In 2019, the park was dedicated to the City, consisting of a playground, walking paths, passive areas, picnic shelter with tables, bench seating, public art, and a restroom building. The park landscaping and restrooms are maintained by the Homeowners Association (HOA), while the hardscape, playground, picnic shelter and other equipment is maintained by the City. Up until now, this park has not been formally named and has been informally listed as “Parkside Estates Park” on the City’s website.
On September 13, 2023, the Community & Library Services Commission approved the activation of the Park Naming and Memorials Committee (PNMC). As part of that action, Vice Chair Lolly McHardy and Commissioners Lisa-Lane Barnes and Laura Costelloe were appointed to serve.
In December 2023, the public was notified of the naming opportunity through a posting in the “HB Wave” newspaper. Additionally, 2,031 letters were delivered to all homes within a 1,500-foot radius of the park.
Per Resolution 2017-25, the naming of parks and park amenities is vetted through the Community & Library Services Commission. On January 9, 2024, the PNMC held a public meeting to deliberate on the topic. Three public comments were received, including naming suggestions for Mr. Frank Ciarelli, honoring the history of the Tongva Native American Tribe who once inhabited the area, and fallen Officer Nicholas Vella. The PNMC voted to unanimously recommend the park be named after Officer Vella.
On February 7, 2024, the Community & Library Services Commission deliberated and also unanimously approved the recommendation to formally name the parkland “Vella Park.”
Nicholas (Nick) Vella was born in Whittier, CA on March 11, 1977 to his parents John and Marcella Vella. He lived in Mexico City with his family during his early high school years and eventually graduated from St. Margaret’s High School in San Juan Capistrano with the class of 1995. While at St. Margaret’s, Nick was a dedicated Tartan who played basketball and football and sang in the Highlander Chorale.
Nick began serving the public by working as a lifeguard at the Laguna Niguel city pool. In 2002, he was hired by the City of Laguna Beach as a seasonal beach patrol officer, which eventually led Nick to a career in law enforcement when on December 8, 2003, Nick became an officer for the Laguna Beach Police Department. He worked in Laguna Beach for nearly five years, when his ultimate goal to fly helicopters led him to the City of Huntington Beach. Nick was hired as an officer for the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) on April 15, 2008, and a few months later was married to his wife, Kristi.
While at HBPD, Nick served as a Patrol Officer, a SWAT Officer, a SWAT Sniper, and for the last six years, was assigned to the Air Support Unit. Additionally, Nick represented the police department with the highest degree of professionalism in the community and participated in events such as Operation Surf, Baker to Vegas, Adaptive Freedom Foundation, the Huntington Beach Police Officers’ Foundation, and Wounded Warriors.
On February 19, 2022, Officer Nicholas Vella was selflessly serving the City of Huntington Beach when he was taken from us far too early. Nick led a true hero’s life and was a civil servant until the very end. Nick is survived by his wife Kristi, daughter Dylan, father John, mother Marcella, brother John Arthur and countless extended family members, including his law enforcement family.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution 2017-25 - Name of City Parks, Park Features and Community Facilities.
2. PowerPoint naming of the parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane.