'Star Trek' Inspires Certain Street Names in California

Sacramento County contains street names inspired by STAR TREK.

JUNE 7, 2023 - In the vibrant neighborhoods of Sacramento County, California, street names often take on unique and interesting themes. Like in many other cities, developers have the creative freedom to choose names that reflect their vision for the area. In the Florin area of Sacramento County, there is an intersection that captures the imaginations of science fiction enthusiasts and Star Trek fans alike.

As initially reported by KTXL Fox 40, you'll find the intriguing intersection where Klingon Court and Romulan Court meet. Yes, you read that correctly. These street names are inspired by the iconic American science fiction television series, Star Trek. If you're a true Trekkie, the names “Klingon” and “Romulan” will immediately resonate with you.

For the uninitiated, Klingons are one of the many alien races in the Star Trek universe. These formidable warriors have been featured prominently throughout the franchise, and one of the most notable Klingons is Worf, who appeared in multiple Star Trek films and series. On the other hand, the Romulans are another fictional alien race that also plays a significant role in various Star Trek series and films.

As intriguing as it may sound, there isn't a clear answer as to why this particular intersection was bestowed with such iconic names. The neighborhood itself has been around for decades, and the developer responsible for the naming decision remains elusive, making it impossible to trace the exact motivations behind these choices.

According to Sacramento County spokesperson Matt Robinson, the streets in question were developed by Mark III, a prominent developer known for creating residential neighborhoods in the area. Interestingly, Mark III also developed other neighborhoods in the vicinity, featuring space-themed street names that further embrace the sci-fi spirit. Close to the Klingon and Romulan intersection, you can find Galaxy Parkway, Uranus Parkway, Altair Parkway, Sky Parkway, Nova Parkway, Planet Parkway, and Satellite Parkway. The entire area seems like a cosmic tribute to the wonders of the universe.

While Sacramento County boasts one Star Trek-themed intersection, there is another one that lies about an hour and a half south, in the city of Turlock. This intersection, found just off Highway 99, bears the names Picard Lane and Warp Drive. Picard Lane pays homage to the beloved character Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation and, more recently, the streaming series Star Trek: Picard. Picard, played by the esteemed actor Patrick Stewart, captivated audiences with his leadership aboard the USS Enterprise. On the other hand, Warp Drive derives its name from the fictional "warp speed" travel featured in the show.

So, why do these sci-fi-themed street names exist in Sacramento County? The process of naming streets in the area involves developers submitting their plans to Sacramento County, including their proposed street names. The county then carefully reviews and approves these plans, ensuring that the chosen names are unique enough to avoid confusion for emergency responders and postal workers. It's important to prevent names that sound or are spelled similarly to existing streets in the area.

Unfortunately, due to the passage of time and changes within the company that developed the neighborhoods, it has been challenging to locate individuals who were involved in the naming process. There are many who feel the mystery behind these streets only adds to their allure and charm.