Mount Gipper

(Jennifer Harper/Inside the Beltway) – Fourteen presidents have mountains named after them. Former President Ronald Reagan could be next on the rarefied roster: Two efforts are under way to place a “Mount Reagan” on the map before Feb 6, 2011 — what would have been Mr. Reagan’s 100th birthday.

Citizen Outreach Foundation is determined that peak be in Nevada, and kicks off their “naming project” Saturday in Las Vegas, featuring local Reagan historian Craig Shirley as keynote sepaker.

“President Reagan’s many achievements, especially victory in the Cold War, warrants this type of honor,” says Mr. Shirley.

There’s lofty interest in California as well.

In a petition before the federal U.S. Board on Geographic Names, local Christian activist Arthur Mijares has proposed that 3,849-foot high “Mount Diablo” in Contra Costa County be renamed for Mr. Reagan. He denounces as “derogatory and profane” the current name, the Spanish word for “devil.”

County supervisors review the case Monday and have until March 31 to respond. Supervisor Gayle Uilkema of Lafayette, a member of the legislative committee, is less than thrilled.

“I would prefer not to disturb the historical significance of the mountain,” she told the press. “The name Mount Diablo has been part of this county for a very long time.”