Cody Badalato

January 21, 2009
Just wanted to give an update on this…
Staff Recommendation: Rancho Simi has recommended against a memorial. We understand the policy and in many ways agree with it. We are NOT going to continue to try to fight this and are NOT going to go to the meeting, nor should you. Thank you for the support, we will be posting info on a community service soon, and there will be many other ways to celebrate Cody’s life.

January 13, 2009
I have been informed that there is a meeting this Thursday (1/15/09) at 7PM. This is a general Oak Park Committee meeting at the Oak Park Community Center (in the Nature Room), 1000 Kanan Rd. Public Discussion is the first item on the agenda. I am going to try to plead my case to allow us to have some type of memorial, ride or tribute at one of the local parks. It would help if others show up to support the cause. Many thanks.

Here is the current policy, so you know what we are up against:
Memorial plaques, donor bricks, donor walls, etc., shall not be accepted or allowed for the following reasons:
(1) these areas are subject to continued expansion over years;
(2) these areas promote requests for additional donor areas in the same or other parks;
(3) these areas detract from the aesthetic quality of the park;
(4) these areas are subject to vandalism or theft, which may offend the donors;
(5) these areas increase District costs of overall management and maintenance;
(6) these areas create the public expectation that they will remain and be maintained forever, which is simply not possible given the ever changing needs of the residents; and,
(7) these areas decrease in significance to future residents with the passage of time.
The exceptions to this policy are Rancho Tapo Veteran’s Plaza and Strathearn Historical Park and Museum and other circumstances providing an overriding benefit to the entire community.

Conejo Parks & Recreaction
We are also considering an adjacent park system, and they are very receptive and have a program in place. While we would like to do something in Oak Park, we are considering WLV. Conejo Parks & Recreation has a program where you can plant a tree, sponsor a tree, or donate a bench. They don’t allow plaques, but at least there is a program with options.

January 9, 2009

We were hoping to do a park memorial in Oak Park, like a bench, or picnic table and benches. We wanted to create a place where Cody’s friends could play, hang out, reflect, or visit in a positive environment. However, we were shut down by Rancho Simi Rec with the following response:

–
We are very sorry for your loss, but for a variety of reasons, we regret
that we are unable to accommodate your request.
–

I am certain they have good reasons, although we are certain we can develop a methodology that would benefit the entire community, set up guidelines for others and keep everything in good taste. So, if anyone has any pull with Rancho Simi, give a nudge, otherwise, we are open to other ideas.

***update 1-12-08 - someone is working on nudging the park and someone else is working with the school district to see if we can do something there.

We are also working on a Cody Relief Fund & Tribute. We will keep you posted. We know everyone is so eager to help in some way. Thank you for your continued support.

Thanks for the pics Pauline!