Originally named Stewart Street Park, in 2016 the park was renamed to honor Joe Gandara, a local resident who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for his actions during World War II.

[1] After the clay mine was abandoned, the City of Santa Monica elected to use the space as a landfill for construction debris.

[3] Among other names, local residents proposed that Stewart Street Park be renamed to honor Private Joe Gandara, a local resident who had died during World War II.

[3] President Barack Obama had recently awarded Gandara the Medal of Honor posthumously as Gandara's contributions had previously been overlooked due to his Hispanic heritage.

[6] During many summers, Gandara Park hosts "Jazz on the Lawn", a collection of musical acts and food offerings.