TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $2,000 offset by the Sixth Council District One-Time District Priority Funds transferred from the Citywide Activities Department to support the Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple for the Long Beach Vesakha Day; and
Decrease appropriations of the Sixth Council District One-time District Priority Funds in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $2,000 to offset a transfer to the City Manager Department.
DISCUSSION
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.
The event date is May 15, 2022. Vesakha Day is a celebration that commemorates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, and his passing into nirvana. It is named for the month of May and is celebrated on the full moon, when the Buddha's mother is said to have given birth to him in a garden in the Himalayan foothills while en route to her parents' home. Vesakha is the most important holiday in the Theravada Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia, though its observance varies from culture to culture. 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. Vesakha Day takes place the month of May which is Asian and Pacific Islander American Month. As Long Beach is committed to honoring all its people, and celebrating our diversity, accomplishments, and history, it is important that we take the time to honor and support APIA history and holidays in May.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY:
This urgent item is being submitted through supplemental agenda to allow for timely funds processing.
FISCAL IMPACT
Due to time constraints no fiscal analysis was conducted.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUELY SARO, COUNCILWOMAN
SIXTH DISTRICT