Legislation Details

File #: HIST-19578    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Consent Agenda
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 6/4/2012 Final action: 6/4/2012
Title: Approval of Three Special Permits to Allow Animals in Veterans’ Memorial Park for Entertainment Purposes on August 24, 25 and 26, 2012 during the Fiesta La Ballona.
Attachments: 1. Approval of Three Special Permits to Allow Animals - C-2__12-06-04__PRCS__CITY COUNCIL__Approve Permits-Fiesta Animals - FINAL.pdf
City of Culver City, California Agenda Item Report Meeting Date: _06/04/12_ Item Number: C-2 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Three Special Permits to Allow Animals in Veterans’ Memorial Park for Entertainment Purposes on August 24, 25 and 26, 2012 during the Fiesta La Ballona. Contact Person/Dept.: Dan Hernandez, PRCS Director Phone Number: (310) 253-6655 Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No [] Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [] Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date: _______________ Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – City Council (05/30/12); (Email) Freckle Farms (05/30/12); (Email) Culver City Police Department (05/30/12); (Email) Fiesta La Ballona Committee (05/30/12); (Email) Fantastic Fig (05/30/12); Department Approval: Dan Hernandez (05/23/12) City Attorney Approval: Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (05/30/12) Chief Financial Officer Approval: Jeff Muir (by M. Noller) (05/30/12) City Manager Approval: John M. Nachbar (05/30/12) RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council approve special permits to allow animals in Veterans’ Memorial Park for entertainment purposes on August 24, 25 and 26, 2012 during the Fiesta La Ballona to: (1) Freckle Farms for a petting zoo and pony rides; (2) the Culver City Police Department for a K-9 dog demonstration; and, (3) Fantastic Fig and his cat Newton for “walk-around psychic magic.” BACKGROUND: The Fiesta La Ballona (“Fiesta”) began in 1951 as a week long festival in honor of the City’s heritage. The Fiesta is a celebration with events that evoke pride and remind residents of Culver City’s impressive past while enhancing a sense of community. For the public’s enjoyment, the City Council has routinely approved special permits for animals for the Fiesta La Ballona event in years past. Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) 9.10.055(A) states: § 9.10.055 PROHIBITIONS. Within the limits of any public park it shall be unlawful for any person: A. Having charge, care, custody or control of any dog, except as permitted by § 9.10.400 or § 9.10.600, or other animal, fowl, or reptile to cause, permit or allow the same to be within the limits of any public park within the City, unless such person shall have obtained a special permit from the City Council to conduct an entertainment or exhibition in which an animal is a participant. (emphasis added) City of Culver City, California Agenda Item Report (Note: § 9.10.400 relates to the Rules and Regulations of the Off-Leash Dog Park and § 9.10.600 relates to Designated Dog Paths.) DISCUSSION: For several years now, the petting zoo and pony rides have been two of the most popular children’s attractions during the Fiesta. In addition, performances by the Culver City Police K-9 dogs have been featured at the Fiesta for many years and are enjoyed by people of all ages. For the first time this year, the Fiesta La Ballona Committee has added a new attraction, Fantastic Fig and his cat Newton. According to information posted on his website at www.fantasticfig.com, Fantastic Fig performs “walk-around psychic magic,” a fascinating combination of magic tricks, mind reading and dancing that captivates young and old alike. Staff is requesting that the City Council approve special permits to allow animals in Veterans’ Memorial Park for entertainment purposes on August 24, 25 and 26, 2012 during the Fiesta La Ballona to: (1) Freckle Farms for a petting zoo and pony rides; (2) the Culver City Police Department for a K-9 dog demonstration; and, (3) Fantastic Fig and his cat Newton for “walk-around psychic magic.” If approved, these special permits will pertain only to the applicants and their specific requests to allow animals in the park for entertainment purposes; pursuant to CCMC 9.10.055(A). No other animals will be allowed in Veterans’ Memorial Park. FISCAL ANALYSIS: Approval of special permits allowing entertainment animals will have no additional fiscal impact to the City other than a small percentage of the fee the public pays to ride the ponies and pet the animals. This income will total less than $1,000 and will be deposited into the Community Events - Fiesta La Ballona / Miscellaneous Revenue account. MOTION: That the City Council: Approve special permits to allow animals in Veterans’ Memorial Park for entertainment purposes on August 24, 25 and 26, 2012 during the Fiesta La Ballona to: (1) Freckle Farms for a petting zoo and pony rides; (2) the Culver City Police Department for a K-9 dog demonstration; and, (3) Fantastic Fig and his cat Newton for “walk-around psychic magic.”