An acrimonious split between National Park Service and the company that provides concessions at Yosemite is leading to name changes at some of the park’s most famous venues, and to California legislation in response.
On March 1st, the Awahnee Hotel is one of several sites changing its name after almost a century. It’ll become the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, because the outgoing concessionaire holds the “Awahnee” trademark.
Democratic Assemblyman Adam Gray says that shouldn’t happen.
“A review of the facts seems to indicate there’s blame to go around on a number of parties in this situation,” he says. “But we want to set the record straight that this will not happen in California in relation to state parks going forward.”
The bill, introduced by Gray and other Assembly members, would prohibit companies from trademarking names of park venues, and it would stop the state from contracting with companies that hold such trademarks.
This wouldn’t apply to Yosemite, since it’s a national park.
The National Association of Concessionaires has taken no position on the legislation.
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