State Bill Aims to Restore ‘Anaheim’ in Angels Team Name
New state legislation would tie the restoration of “Anaheim” in the Angels team name to future deals for Angel Stadium. Assemblymember Avelino Valencia introduced AB 2512, called the “Home Run for Anaheim Act.” He formally announced the proposal on March 25.
What the bill would require
The measure conditions a Surplus Land Act exemption on using Anaheim in team references. If the city receives an exemption for selling or leasing Angel Stadium to the Los Angeles Angels, official materials must call the club the Anaheim Angels. The bill would not apply if the team and city reach a separate naming agreement.
Political and legal backdrop
The stadium sale talks previously collapsed in 2022. A proposed $320 million transaction with a business group led by Arte Moreno was canceled after federal investigators examined former Mayor Harry Sidhu. The probe touched on negotiations Sidhu had led.
After Moreno bought the franchise, he changed its name in 2005 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The city sued over that change. A jury sided with the team, ending three years of litigation and costing the city about $7 million. In 2016 the club began using Los Angeles Angels more commonly in public contexts.
City actions and lease questions
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken asked the city attorney to evaluate whether dropping Anaheim violates the current lease. The lease runs through 2038. City officials also sent a letter asking Angels leadership to confirm whether the team’s name still includes Anaheim.
Surplus Land Act and past obligations
The Surplus Land Act often requires that excess public property prioritize affordable housing. Anaheim had argued the 2022 sale was exempt. The state disagreed and the city later agreed to dedicate $96 million from the sale proceeds to create affordable housing.
The earlier development proposal included 5,175 housing units. Of those, 466 would have been set aside for lower-income families. Plans also called for a seven-acre community park, hotels, retail, offices, and additional housing.
Next steps for the stadium
City staff were directed to consult state officials about navigating the Surplus Land Act for any future sale. Only preliminary conversations have taken place so far. Officials are also awaiting a condition assessment of the 60-year-old Angel Stadium, expected this fall.
Why this matters locally
Valencia represents the area that includes the stadium. He has framed the effort as restoring a historic connection between the team and Anaheim. Supporters point to the club’s roots in the city dating back to 1964 and local memories of the 2002 World Series title.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
