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TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to consider: (1) approving a $7,500 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the 605 All Star Band, which will march in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2025; (2) authorizing the City Manager or designee to coordinate with the 605 All Star Band and the City of Lakewood on a moving street closure for a practice parade march on December 1, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and
(3) approving the City to provide in-kind services to assist with the practice parade.
DATE: May 28, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On April 14, 2024, Thomas Philips, a Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD) music teacher and the band director of the 605 All-Star Band, submitted a donor request letter to the City seeking donations for the 605 All-Star Band. The 605 All Star Band, representing approximately 500 students from Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Gahr, John Glenn, La Mirada, Mayfair and Norwalk high schools, has been selected by The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association to march in the 136th Rose Parade on January 1, 2025. According to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, the Rose Parade airs nationally to an audience of more than 50 million viewers, is broadcasted internationally in more than 170 countries, and garners a live audience of more than 700,000 spectators annually. Thousands of audition videos are submitted each year, and the Association has narrowed the field of participants for the 136th Rose Parade to 20 bands, which includes the 605 All Star Band led by Mr. Thomas Philips, band director at Mayfair High School.
The 605 All-Star Band is seeking donations to offset its per student participation costs of $572. The band is estimated to be as large as 500 students from 8 participating schools. The estimated number of Bellflower High School students that will participate in the Rose Parade performance is 75 students. As such, the City Manager is recommending a $100 donation per Bellflower High School student, for a total contribution of $7,500 in Cannabis Education Funding to the 605 All-Star Band.
The City Manager is proposing to utilize cannabis education funding for the City’s donation because being in a high school band provides students with a structured and supportive environment that encourages discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. The commitment to regular rehearsals and performances helps keep students engaged in positive activities, reducing idle time that might otherwise be spent on risky behaviors. Additionally, the camaraderie and peer support found within the band can reinforce healthy lifestyle choices, further deterring students from experimenting with illicit and illegal drugs.
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Staff Report – 605 All-Star Band Donation Request
May 28, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – Continued
Additionally, the letter from Mr. Thomas Philips also requests support from the cities of Bellflower and Lakewood to jointly work together to provide street closures and Public Safety support to divert and/or hold opposing traffic for a practice march on December 1, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The proposed practice route will depart from Ron Yary Stadium at Bellflower Middle/High School on Alondra Boulevard going west and will then head south on Woodruff Avenue down to South Street. The parade will then travel west on South Street and conclude at Mayfair Park. City in-kind expenses to support the proposed practice parade on December 1, 2024, are estimated to be approximately $10,000, as multiple city departments including Public Safety, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation would assist in the development, coordination, and execution of the practice parade march.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) If appropriate, approve a $7,500 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the 605 All-Star Band; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to coordinate with the 605 All Star Band and the City of Lakewood on a moving street closure for a practice parade march on December 1, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and
3) Approve the City to provide in-kind services to assist with the practice parade; or
4) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed donation includes $7,500 in Cannabis Education Funding (Account No. 037-43036-2510) and an estimated $10,000 in in-kind contributions from the Public Works Department staff, Public Safety Department staff, and Parks and Recreation Department staff.
ATTACHMENT
605 All Star Band Donor Letter ....................................................................................... 3 -2-
April 14, 2024
Dear Cities of Bellflower (Mayor Dan Koops) and Lakewood (Vice Mayor Todd Rogers):
I want to say “thank you” for having city staff meet with myself and my colleagues last month as we presented our projects to both cities to promote and fundraise for the 605 All Star Band. This “super band” will march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 2025.
I am officially asking both cities to work together to help build a parade that will march through both cities on December 1, 2024, beginning at 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
The parade will be departing from: Ron Yary Stadium on Alondra Ave. going east and then heading south on Woodruff Ave. The parade will then go west on South Street and disbanding at Mayfair Park. We are asking for both cities to advertise on social media, send press releases, make posters and banners to help promote the local high schools (Artesia, Bellflower, and Mayfair), and the 500 students who will participate in the parade. We are requesting your combined efforts for street closures and Sherriff’s support to help divert and hold opposing traffic as the parade marches through this planned route.
To offset the participation costs of $572.00 per student, we are asking for a donation to each of the three high schools from each city. The band may be as big as 500 from all 8 schools participating, but our three schools have approximately 75 students each who have signed up. Any amount to help offset their expenses would be appreciated.
The other band directors and I look forward to assisting both cities for this once in a lifetime endeavor for students. Thank you in advance for both Bellflower and Lakewood working together to create an amazing hometown parade to promote the band, our students, civic pride and our two great cities.
Thank you,
Thomas Philips
Band Director
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ALL-SIM? BAND