REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL September 26, 2019 FROM: ESMERALDA SORIA Councilmember LUIS CHAVEZ Councilmember SUBJECT ..Title RESOLUTION - Of support, petitioning the California State Legislature to designate State Route 168, beginning at the interchange with State Route 180, to honor and commemorate the legacy of Former City Councilwoman Esther Padilla. ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended Council approve the resolution petitioning the State Legislature to designate State Route 168, beginning at the interchange with State Route 180 to honor and commemorate the legacy of former Fresno City Councilwoman Esther Padilla. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In recognition of Esther Padilla's service to the City of Fresno, dedication to advocacy, farm work social justice and community outreach in the Central Valley it is recommended the Fresno City Council adopt a resolution petitioning the State Legislature to honor and commemorate a portion of State Route 168 in her name. This resolution will be sent to the State legislature in support of the pending Assembly Resolution to designate a portion of State Route 168 as the Esther Padilla Memorial Highway. BACKGROUND Former Councilmember Esther Padilla, in addition to her dedication to the residents of the City of Fresno, played a key role in the ensuring the construction of both Highway 180 and 168 by providing swing votes that led to funding of both highways. Esther was the first ever Latina elected to the Fresno City Council. Esther dedicated her life supporting and advocating for Fresno residents. Dedicating this portion of the State Route 168 will honor her service to our community. Assembly Resolution 139 as introduced on September 12, 2019, would designate a portion of State Route 168 as the Esther Padilla Memorial Highway. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS This approval is not a project for the purposes of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. FISCAL IMPACT N/A