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Approve the Run of Show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 with Adjustments, if Any.
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Meeting Date: December 17, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/ Senior Management Analyst
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - MLK Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee (12/11/2025); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (12/11/2025)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson, PRCS Deputy Director (12/11/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee approve the run of show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 with adjustment, if any.
BACKGROUND
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) is tasked with advising Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) staff with the planning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for 2026. With the timeline of the event two months away, staff has put together a draft of the run of show for the Advisory Committee to discuss on what are appropriate events and at what time they will accrue.
DISCUSSION
Staff is presenting the final draft of the Run of Show for the Advisory Committee’s review and approval (Attachment 1). At this stage, the schedule has been fully populated and now serves as the finalized structure, timing, and flow of activities for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. As part of this final approval, the Advisory Committee will have the opportunity to confirm the order of the elements included, such as performances, speakers, presentations, and recognitions. This review will help ensure that the sequence and timing support a cohesive and engaging program. In addition, the Advisory committee will have to opportunity to choose the roles they would like to assume during the event and the time that role should arrive to the venue.
• Onsite- Trouble Shooter - 1
• Nonfood Vendor Coordinator - 1
• Food Vendor Coordinator - 2
• Entertainment Coordinator - 3
• Guest Services Liaison - 2
A staging plot (Attachment 2) has been included for the Committee’s consideration. This layout is intended to assist in visualizing stage placement, equipment needs, performer transitions, and overall technical flow to ensure that all logistical components align with the finalized Run of Show. Staff is recommending that the stage elements be placed on the basketball court and utilize the theater style seating for the audience. This layout will offer the best acoustics and most flexible transitions.
The Advisory Committee should also consider the operational logistics necessary to support a smooth and successful event. This includes establishing arrival and setup times for staff, technical crews, and vendors so that all components are in place before the program begins. Staff and technical teams should arrive early to oversee site preparation, conduct sound checks, confirm equipment placement, and address any unforeseen needs. Vendors should be scheduled to arrive with adequate time for setup without interfering with sound checks, rehearsals, or guest arrival. A dedicated technical rehearsal period should be established for performers to test sound levels, staging, and transitions. Clear timelines for performer arrival, setup, and breakdown should also be identified to support organization and efficiency throughout the event day.
Lastly, the Advisory Committee will use this time to review two requests submitted to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department regarding potential program components or services for future events:
• Heroes of Color
o Freight of Humanity is a civic art workshop created by Heroes of Color, LLC. Participants design cardboard freight boxcars that tell their families’ stories of migration, heritage, and belonging. When connected, the boxcars form a unified train, a powerful visual reminder that individual journeys contribute to a shared story.
o The project’s message is universal and resonant across communities. It is well-suited for MLK Day, Juneteenth, or any celebration focused on identity, unity, and connection.
o The workshop is turnkey, affordable, and adaptable to youth, families, and intergenerational groups.
• A Matterworks Production
o A local, Black-owned video production agency specializing in filming event performances.
o A Matterworks Production is operated by a husband-and-wife team.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes $27,000 in funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in General Fund Account 10130280.514100 (Community Events & Excursions/Departmental Supplies) and in General Fund Account 10130280.619800 (Community Events & Excursions/Other Contractual Services).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-12-17 - ATT 1 MLK Jr. Celebration 2026 Draft Run of Show
2. 2025-12-17 - ATT 2 MLK Jr. Celebration 2026 Stage Plot
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the Run of Show; for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 with Adjustments, if any.