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APPROVED BY
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BY: JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
DATE: OCTOBER 10, 2023
SUBJECT: PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF A PLAQUE AT FURMAN PARK
COMMEMORATING THE 55 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARPENTERS
FIRST RECORDING DEAL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss the placing of a plaque at Furman Park to commemorate the 55 1h anniversary of the Carpenters first recording deal. The plaque would be presented during the 55th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for April 24-28, 2024 in Downey and later installed by City Staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
Authorize the purchase and installation of an 8"x10" dedication plaque at Furman Park to commemorate the first recording deal signed by The Carpenters.
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The Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental sibling duo of Richard and Karen Carpenter who became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They won three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award. Although originally born in Connecticut, they moved to Downey in 1963.
A collection of Carpenter fans from all over the world have created an informal fan convention to celebrate the 55 th Anniversary of The Carpenters first record label signing with A & M Records in 1969. The celebration is set to take place April 24-28, 2024, with over 100 attendees and will be hosted in Downey. During the celebration, fans will visit various local Carpenter landmarks both in Downey and the surrounding Southern California region. In 1969, the Carpenters signed their first recording deal with A & M records and one landmark will be Furman Park which holds Carpenter historical significance, as it is the location that Karen Carpenter first sang in public during an organized talent show.
DISCUSS PLACING OF A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE FOR THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
CARPENTERS FIRST RECORDING DEAL
OCTOBER 10, 2023
PAGE 2
At the July 25, 2023 City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to work with the organizers of the 55t" Anniversary event regarding a commemorative plaque to be placed at Furman Park regarding Karen Carpenter's first public performance.
ANALYSIS
Over the last couple months staff have met with organizers of the 55th Anniversary event regarding the commemorative plaque, and developed a recommendation.
It is proposed that a 8"x10" bronze commemorative plaque would be presented to the fans during the 55th Celebration on Saturday, April 27, 2024 as part of the event festivities.
The plaque would later be installed on the exterior of building 3 at Furman Park by City staff. The cost for the plaque and installation will be $750.
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Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in the appropriation of $750 from the General Fund to account 10-4-4310-0886.