Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim) Introduces AB 2512 To Restore The Anaheim Angels Name

• Eric Lopez
• Communications Director
• (916) 319-2068
• [email protected]

Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) introduced AB 2512, legislation that specifies if the City of Anaheim receives a surplus land exemption for the sale or lease of Angel Stadium, the Angels would be required to use the name "Anaheim Angels" in any lease, deed of sale, or promotional materials. The requirement would not apply if the city and the team reach a separate agreement on the name.

"I grew up rooting for our Anaheim Angels just like thousands of families across Anaheim and Orange County. Anaheim has been home to this franchise for nearly 60 years. Residents built the stadium, packed the stands, and cheered with their rally monkeys all the way to a World Series title in 2002. That history belongs to our community, and the team's name should too," said Assemblymember Valencia (D-Anaheim).

"Anaheim taxpayers paid for the name of their city to be included in the team's name, and the citizens of Anaheim deserve that recognition," said Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana).

"I want to thank our hometown Assemblymember, Avelino Valencia, for introducing AB 2512. The City of Anaheim and the Angels organization have been partners since 1964, when the city built Anaheim Stadium. I believe it's important that we use the opportunity of making changes to the Surplus Land Act or a team sale to recognize our city's important and longstanding partnership," said Ashleigh Aitken, Mayor of Anaheim.

"Naming the team after its host city, Anaheim, is critical. It carries real economic value, worth hundreds of millions of dollars in branding and recognition. But, more importantly, it brings the people of Anaheim together, which builds pride and resiliency that delivers lasting social, and municipal benefits. Naming it after Los Angeles, a rival sports city, sends a clear message to the world that the actual host city, Anaheim, is secondary and not worthy of carrying the team name. I want to thank Assemblymember Valencia for bringing this bill forward," said Tom Tait, former Mayor of Anaheim.

"When our Angels won the World Series in 2002, I was serving the City of Anaheim as mayor. I saw firsthand what that championship meant to our city and its residents. Watching the Angels drop Anaheim from their name was a loss for our community. I'm proud to stand with Assemblymember Valencia in support of his bill, to help bring that name home," said Tom Daly, former Mayor of Anaheim.

The Anaheim Angels name represents one of the most celebrated chapters in Orange County sports history, culminating in the franchise's only World Series title in 2002. In 2005, despite fan opposition, the team's name changed to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over the city's objection, and by 2016, Anaheim was dropped entirely. AB 2512 is a home run for Anaheim, ensuring that legacy and civic identity are recognized if the city extends public resources as part of a new stadium agreement.

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Assemblymember Valencia proudly represents the 68th Assembly district which includes the cities of Anaheim, Orange and Santa Ana. Valencia chairs the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee.