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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19D - PLANS 2010 BICENTENNIAL FIESTAS PATRIASREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 5, 2009 TITLE: PLANS FOR CITY SPONSORED 2010 BICENTENNIAL FIESTAS PATRIAS EVENTS CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ^ As Recommended ^ As Amended ^ Ordinance on 1 S` Reading ^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ^ Implementing Resolution ^ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Confirm Staff's recommendation to initiate plans for the City to organize and produce the celebration/cultural activities of the 2010 Bicentennial Fiestas Patrias and authorize the Mayor to establish a City Council 2010 Bicentennial Fiestas Patrias Ad Hoc Committee. DISCUSSION September 16, 2010 will mark the 200th anniversary of Father Hidalgo's call (El Grito) for Mexico's independence from Spain. The Independence Day Festivities (Fiestas Patrias) has been a positive community event supported by the downtown businesses and the community for the past 21 years. This event has included a downtown fiesta and carnival, a parade, and an El Grito Ceremony. There have been various private and public organizers including the City, the former Downtown Business Association, the Business Improvement District and private organizations. In light of the significance of the Fiestas Patrias Bicentennial, staff recommends that the City formally organize the celebration and cultural activities of the events which will include the September 16th downtown fiesta, El Grito Celebration at Santa Ana Stadium, and the Fiestas Patrias Parade. Other activities may include a Cinco de Mayo celebration and city-wide Mexican cultural events highlighting the historical significance of the El Grito Bicentennial. The City's sponsorship and management of 19D-1 2010 Fiestas Patrias October 5, 2009 Page 2 this event will ensure maximum civic involvement and a minimal adverse impact on public resources. In years past, various organizations have organized the Fiestas Patrias, including the City, and have contracted with a commercial promoter to operate the event. It is recommended that this same course be followed for 2010. It is also recommended that the planning of the parade and the El Grito Ceremony at Santa Ana Stadium be integrated with the Fiestas Patrias Fourth Street Festival to ensure the fiesta revenues are available to cover public costs for public safety and traffic management generated by the parade and the El Grito Ceremony. Staff will establish a community participation system to ensure that all stakeholders including the Mexican Consulate, downtown merchants, property owners and civic groups are actively engaged in the planning and implementation of the activities. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this request. 19D-2