Dear Editor, 

My name is Luke Phillips, and I’m writing to express my deep concern about the recent decision to rename the Charles Paddock Zoo.

For decades, that name has meant something to the people of Atascadero. It’s not just a label on a map or a sign on a gate — it’s a tribute to a man who built something meaningful from the ground up. Charles Paddock was a county park ranger who began caring for injured wildlife back in the 1950s. By the late ’50s, his small rescue effort had grown into a full-blown menagerie, and in time, that effort became the zoo we know today. In 1980, the city honored his life’s work by naming the zoo after him. That name has stood for over 40 years, and with good reason.

So to see it suddenly changed — with little to no input from the broader public — feels not only disappointing but disorienting. I understand the reasoning given: that “Central Coast Zoo” is more marketable, more geographically descriptive, and might appeal to a wider audience. But I have to question how effective that really is. In this digital age, a quick search tells visitors exactly where the zoo is and what it offers. And honestly, it’s not the name that brings people to a place like this — it’s the experience, the animals, the setting, and the story.

What concerns me most is that the change feels like it dismisses the very story that gave this zoo its character. Charles Paddock didn’t just work there — he made it happen. Removing his name, even if it remains on a statue or a plaza, weakens the recognition of his legacy. It tells a different story — one where modern branding outweighs local history.

I also understand that the Friends of the Zoo support the change, and I respect the time and effort they put into supporting the institution. But I think it’s important to acknowledge the overwhelming public response. My petition to restore the name has gathered over 900 signatures in just a matter of days, and that number continues to grow. These aren’t just online clicks — they’re voices of residents, supporters, and families who care deeply about what this zoo represents.

I believe we all want the same thing: a zoo that thrives, serves the community, and draws people from across the region. But I don’t believe we need to erase our past to achieve that. In fact, I believe the story behind the Charles Paddock Zoo — and the name itself — can be a powerful part of what sets it apart.

I urge the City Council to reconsider this decision. Let’s protect the history that gives our city its character. Let’s keep Charles Paddock’s name on the zoo he created, and send a clear message that Atascadero values its roots as much as its future.

Respectfully,

Luke Phillips

Atascadero Resident