TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $3,000 offset by the Sixth Council District One-time District Priority Funds transferred from the Citywide Activities Department, to provide contributions of:
• $2,500 to the Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple to support the 2nd Long Beach Vesak Day on May 6, 2023;
• $500 to AOC7 to support the 9th Annual Literacy Fair on May 20, 2023; and
Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $3,000 to offset a transfer to the City Manager Department.
DISCUSSION
The Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple is supporting the 2nd Long Beach Vesak Day, taking place on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Vesak is a celebration that commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, and his passing into nirvana. Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. The General Assembly of the United Nation, by its resolution 54/115 of 1999, recognized internationally the Day of Vesak to acknowledge the contribution that Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has made for over two and a half millennia and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity. This day is commemorated annually at the UN Headquarters and other UN offices. In the United States, it has become the occasion for a common celebration that unites different Buddhist traditions and schools, Asian and non-Asian, immigrant and convert.
The city of Long Beach alone has more than a dozen Cambodian temples within its city limits, including many built after 1975. The Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple is the largest of these temples in Long Beach. This temple is registered as a 501 (c)(3) Religious Organization. Located on 2100 W Willow St, the land for this temple was purchased in 1988 under the leadership of Reverend Kong Chean. Vesak Day takes place in the month of May, which is Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Long Beach is committed to honoring all its people, and celebrating our diversity, accomplishments, and history. It is important to honor and support APIA history and holidays in May.
AOC7 is hosting the 9th Annual Literacy Fair on Saturday, May 20, 2023. AOC7 is a neighborhood organization founded to improve the overall quality of life within their community. AOC7 stands for Anaheim, Orange, Cherry & 7th St. The event includes a goal of giving away 3,000 new books to children in the community, as well as providing free food, resources, music, art, raffles, and creative activities for the whole family.
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.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY:
This item is being submitted through supplemental agenda to allow for timely processing of funds.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUELY SARO, COUNCILWOMAN
SIXTH DISTRICT