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CC - Discussion and Direction to the City Manager Regarding the Illumination of the Veterans Memorial Building in Blue and Yellow, the Colors of the Ukrainian Flag.
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Meeting Date: March 7, 2022
Contact Person/Dept: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/02/2022)
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar (03/02/2022)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council discuss illuminating the Veterans Memorial Building in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag; and, if desired, provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate, including City Council’s preferred duration of the lighting display.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Several government buildings, from court houses and city halls to bridges and landmarks across Europe and the United States are turning their spotlights to blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine, as that country battles the invading Russian Army. The battle is continuing in Ukraine, and the United Nations says that more than 500,000 refugees have fled the country since fighting began. The colors in the Ukrainian flag are said to symbolize the blue skies and the yellow wheat fields that characterize the country.
Members of the American Ukrainian community have joined their neighbors to rally in support of Ukraine and in protest of Russia's invasion.
At the February 28, 2022 City Council Meeting, there was consensus to agendize a discussion to illuminate the Veterans Memorial Building Tower in blue and yellow as a show of support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion. In the past, the Veterans Memorial Tower has been illuminated with different light effects at various times, including celebrating holidays, supporting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, honoring the memory of George Floyd, and spotlighting the Culver High School graduating class.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to change the lighting scheme of the Veterans Memorial Building Tower lights to blue and yellow.
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Discuss the illumination of the Veterans Memorial Building Tower in blue and yellow in solidarity of the people of Ukraine; and,
2. Provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate, including the City Council’s preference as to the duration of the lighting display.