Title
Don Bolles Ceremonial Sign Toppers
Description
Request City Council approval to install ceremonial sign toppers recognizing Don Bolles at the intersections of 4th Avenue and Clarendon Avenue and 4th Avenue and Osborn Road. The fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs of the ceremonial signs will be funded by the Clarendon Hotel. There is no financial impact to the City.
Report
Summary
The Street Transportation Department received a request to install ceremonial sign toppers to honor Donald "Don" Bolles, a reporter for the Arizona Republic who was killed by a car bomb in 1976. The request was submitted by representatives of the Clarendon Hotel per the Ceremonial Sign Procedure published on the Street Transportation Department website.
During his roughly 10 years as an Arizona journalist, Don Bolles gained a reputation as an in-depth investigative reporter, tracking stories related to land fraud, influence peddling and corruption. His work led to the criminal indictment against four State commissioners for bribery and conspiracy. Bolles also exposed links between Arizona's horse racing industry and the mafia in the 1960s, and while working at the Arizona Republic, published a story that included 200 known mafia members operating in the state, along with their associates. His work also led to legislative action. After wondering why a drunk driver who killed three college students on Interstate 40 in 1971 was allowed a plea deal and later paroled six months early, Don published an interview with the driver. That article pointed out steps the City of Phoenix was taking to curb the rate of drunk driving arrests, which had doubled in four years, and led to stricter DUI laws in Arizona.
In his private life, Don Bolles advocated for special education in Arizona schools, and a provision for their educational accommodations was passed two years ahead of the Federal mandate.
In June 1976, Don Bolles was killed by a car bomb outside the Hotel Clarendon while investigating a story regarding a land deal that presumably connected top-ranking Arizona politicians with the mafia.
This biographical information was based on a compilation of sources, including the Arizona Republic and the Clarendon Hotel.
The blue ceremonial signs will be placed on the sign posts at 4th Avenue and Clarendon Avenue, and 4th Avenue and Osborn Road. These signs will be 8 inches by 30 inches in size and flag-mounted to the existing sign posts.
The Street Transportation Department will enter into an agreement with the requesting private party, the Clarendon Hotel, to establish the costs and maintenance responsibilities of the ceremonial sign toppers.
Financial Impact
The fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs of the ceremonial signs will be funded by the Clarendon Hotel. There is no financial impact to the City.
Location
4th Avenue and Clarendon Avenue, and 4th Avenue and Osborn Road.
Council District: 4
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Street Transportation Department.