TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $2,380, offset by Second Council District One-Time District Priority Funds, transferred from the Citywide Activities Department, to provide contributions of:
• $1,000 to Partners of Parks to support the Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration on June 17, 2023;
• $250 to Love Beyond Limits to support their Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, 2023;
• $130 to Tranquility Counseling Services to support their Daddy Daughter Dance on June 13, 2023;
• $500 to the Little Lion Foundation to support the Long Beach Animal Care Services Pet Fair on July 8 and 9, 2023;
• $500 to the Long Beach Century Club to support the Mayor’s Trophy Charity Golf Tournament on September 14, 2023; and
Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $2,380, to offset a transfer to the City Manager Department.
DISCUSSION
In 2021, President Biden established June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the first federal holiday created since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration was held on Saturday, June 17, at Rainbow Lagoon Park in downtown Long Beach. The program included local and international talent telling the story of Black Americans through song and dance. Attendees also enjoyed a curated vendor village, dance lessons, food trucks, and children's activities. It is important that we celebrate Juneteenth as a time to honor our diversity and support social justice and equity in Long Beach. While it is a celebration of Black culture in the United States, this event also serves as an educational opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the holiday and those who celebrate it.
Love Beyond Limits is a Long Beach 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional enrichment and leadership development opportunities to youth in the greater Los Angeles area and throughout the country. The organization offers youth opportunities to create and mold their own unique experiences through a wide range of educational and leadership activities and resources. On June 18, 2023, Love Beyond Limits hosted a Juneteenth Celebration at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. This event featured guest speakers, live entertainment, food booths, music, poetry, and vendors. A $250 contribution helps Love Beyond Limits host events, such as Juneteenth at King Park, that bring the community together in recognition of important holidays and cultural events.
Tranquility Counseling Services was founded in 2014 with a mission to assist individuals who suffer from hunger, homelessness, and other life issues. They service the greater Long Beach area with a particular focus in advocating for Black equity, and success. Tranquility Counseling Services hosts annual Turkey, Toy, and Backpack giveaways, in addition to bi-monthly food giveaways where they provide food to hundreds of people from all over Long Beach. On June 13th, 2023, Tranquility Counseling Services held their Daddy Daughter Dance to celebrate Father’s Day. This event allowed fathers to bond with their daughters on an individual basis and foster community among each other. The Daddy Daughter Dance is a new addition to Tranquility Counseling Services programming, and this funding will help subsidize the cost of the ticket for low-income fathers.
On July 8th and July 9th, Long Beach Animal Cares Services (LBACS) is hosting its second annual Pet Fair at Marina Green Park. This event is free and hosted in partnership with the Cat Cove and the Little Lion Foundation. This year’s Pet Fair will feature local animal rescues and shelters, pet-focused vendors and small businesses, and many animal welfare educational booths. This event will feature adoptable animals and honor the K9 officers that serve the Long Beach Police Department. A $500 contribution to the Little Lion Foundation supports event costs such as permitting, security, and fencing.
The Long Beach Century Club will host their Mayor’s Trophy Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at Skylinks Golf Course. The Long Beach Century Club is a non-profit organization that supports Long Beach youth who are involved in sports. Since 1957, the mission of the Long Beach Century Club has been to support these athletes and teams when they require financial assistance to enhance program growth and the opportunity to compete. By contributing to support this event, it will help augment their program support in areas such as local amateur sports, educational institutions, and the Special Olympics.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Analyst Joe R. Guerrero on June 14, 2023.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY:
This item is being submitted through supplemental agenda to allow for timely processing of funds.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Manager to provide contributions to Partners of Parks to support the Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration, Love Beyond Limits to support their Juneteenth Celebration, Tranquility Counseling Services to support their Daddy Daughter Dance, the Little Lion Foundation to support the Long Beach Animal Care Services Pet Fair, and the Long Beach Century Club to support their Mayor’s Trophy Charity Golf Tournament. The total appropriation increase of $2,380 in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department will be offset by a decrease of appropriation of Second Council District One-time District Priority Funds in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department. The requested action is anticipated to require a minimal level of staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and have a minimal impact on meeting other City Council priorities.
EQUITY LENS STATEMENT:
Staff will consider issues of equity and access with any program proposals brought forward to ensure the City’s commitment for everyone reaching their highest level of health and potential for a successful life, regardless of background, neighborhood, or identity.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,