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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Award of $3,076 in Off-Cycle Special Event Grants and Designation of the Jazz Hands for Autism Spring 2022 Concert ($1,076) and Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry ($2,000) as City-Sponsored Events, as Recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Event.
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Meeting Date: April 25, 2022
Contact Person/Dept.: Francisca Castillo/PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6645
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/20/2022)
Department Approval: Armando Abrego, PRCS Director (04/13/2022)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) award $3,076 in off-cycle special event grants and designate the Jazz Hands for Autism Spring 2022 Concert ($1,076) and Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry ($2,000) as City-Sponsored events, as recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (2) authorize the City Manager to administratively approve applicable City permits and licenses needed to conduct the event.
BACKGROUND
Due to the suspension of 2020’s Special Events Grant Program application cycle, the City Council is currently considering off-cycle special event support requests as outlined in the Special Events Grant Program Policy. In Fiscal Year 2022/2023, the Special Events Grant Program will resume its annual cycle.
Both the Jazz Hands For Autism Spring 2022 Concert and Taste of the Nation were referred by the City Council to the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Subcommittee) for consideration of their off-cycle Special Events Grant Program and City-Sponsorship requests. On March 24, 2022, the members of the Subcommittee, Vice Mayor Vera and Council Member McMorrin, indicated their support/recommendation for Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry. On April 12, 2022, The Subcommittee indicated their support/recommendation for the Jazz Hands For Autism Spring 2022 Concert.
DISCUSSION
Jazz Hands For Autism 2022 Spring Concert
The Jazz Hands For Autism Spring 2022 Concert, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 11 AM, on the second-floor plaza of the Culver Steps in downtown Culver City. The concert will be approximately 90-minutes long. The organization anticipates that there will be 10 - 12 performers before a small audience. The event will include a small reception for musicians and audience members to meet afterward.
Jazz Hands For Autism is a music education and vocational program that is aimed at providing music-based education, training and seeking music industry-related job opportunities for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Jazz Hands For Autism approaches teaching individuals with autism from areas of their strengths. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was founded in 2014 by Executive Director Ifunanya Nweke. Jazz Hands For Autism is based in Culver City, CA, and has continued to create access for those on the spectrum.
Jazz Hands For Autism’s semi-annual concert series showcases the musical talents of the students, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. This concert provides a safe opportunity for musicians to explore new ways to share their artistic voices with the world and develop on-stage confidence. Additionally, students and attendees alike can come together and find a sense of community with others in the region who appreciate music, inclusion, and uplifting artists with disabilities.
Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
The City of Culver City has sponsored Taste of the Nation for over 15 years. This will be the 31st year that Taste of the Nation will be held at Media Park. Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 5, 2022, from 12 PM to 6 PM (event set-up starts at 9 AM). Attendance is estimated at approximately 400 - 600 participants throughout the day. Ticket prices are $95 for General Admission and $25 for Children.
Participants will enjoy exceptional eats, curated drinks, entertainment, and more. Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry will feature dozens of the LA-area’s top tastemakers and renowned No Kid Hungry chef supporters from across the country who are lending their talents and passion to end childhood hunger in America. There will be 40 food and beverage vendors and a DJ on-site with amplified sound.
Proof of COVID vaccination is required and there will be security on-site throughout the duration of the event (including the night before), and a hired police officer during the event. The event will take place at Media Park including the walkways. Canfield Boulevard will be completely closed for 48 hours, starting the day before the event and all day, event day. Media Park will be fenced to monitor and control who is inside the event. The event organizers, Share Our Strength, are encouraging participants to use public transportation.
Summary of Previous City Support and Current Recommendation
The table below displays past support along with the level of support recommended by the Special Events Grant Program Subcommittee.
Itemization of Anticipated Expenses
City Sponsorship
To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.330.040.B.7.b.ii and City Council Policy No. 2502 (Special Events Grant Program), confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a coverage of fees, or any combination thereof.
The CCMC and Policy require both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied. Additionally, City Council Policy requires that in order for an event to be considered City-sponsored, the City Council determine, by specific action, that the above criteria have been met.
These events meet the criteria for City sponsorship. As a requirement for event sponsorship, the organizers for the events must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor of the events in all promotional materials.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Adopted Budget includes $25,000.00 for the Special Event Grant Program (Account No. 10116100.517560). On August 23, 2021, the City Council approved a carryover of $22,493.50 in Fiscal Year 2020/2021 funds in this account resulting in a total of $47,493.50.
Previous Special Events Grant Program awards this fiscal year include:
The City Council may wish to consider using $3,076 of the $10,601 remaining to support these events. If so awarded, the remaining amount available for other off-cycle special events grants will be $7,525.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Award $3,076 in off-cycle special event grants and designate Jazz Hands for Autism Spring 2022 Concert ($1,076) and Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry ($2,000) as City-Sponsored events, as recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to administratively approve applicable City permits and licenses needed to conduct the event.