TITLE
Recommendation to rename the El Dorado Park West Senior Center the “Dr. Thomas J. Clark Community Center,” in recognition of the legacy, contributions and services of former Long Beach Councilman and Mayor, Thomas J. Clark. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
On September 28, 2021, the Government, Personnel and Elections Oversight Committee approved a recommendation submitted by Committee Chair Supernaw, to consider renaming the El Dorado Park West Senior Center, the “Dr. Thomas Clark Community Center” (Attachment A). The motion passed unanimously and was then referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration as the next step in the re-naming process.
On October 21, 2021, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the recommendation to forward the item to the City Council for approval. Representatives from the 4th District City Council Office, as well as Dr. Clark’s daughter, were in attendance in support of the motion.
Tom Clark was the consummate public servant. After two years in the military, he enrolled at Long Beach City College where he excelled in academics and was a Track and Field athlete. In the early 1950’s, he earned B.S., O.D., and M.S., degrees at the University of California, Berkeley and opened his optometric practice in Los Altos in 1953.
Prior to being elected to public office, Dr. Clark served on the Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission). In the early 1960’s, Dr. Clark led the Commission’s effort to secure a bond for the purchase of the land that is now El Dorado Park West. It is safe to say that without his efforts, the open space we enjoy today would have been developed for commercial purposes.
In 1966, he was elected to the Long Beach City Council for the Fourth District where he served for 30 years (1966-1996), including three terms as Mayor of Long Beach (1975-1978, 1978-1980 and 1982-1984). From 1981 - 1982, he served as President of the League of California Cities.
After Dr. Clark r...
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