City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: September 16, 2024
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Engagement & Recreation Departments Activity Report Current Activities
Kid Power
• We got a visit from Salinas Valley Recycles; they brought worms and talked about what to recycle and how to keep our environment clean. The second week we had the Fire Department visit and they taught the kids about the importance of “Stop, Drop, and Roll” they also taught them about fire safety, smoke alarms and made sure that the kids memorized their address. We had a Mad Science Week where we did a whole bunch of science activities, and we even made homemade ice cream. The last week of camp, we received a visit from Public Works, and they taught the kids about what they do to keep their water clean and the proper way to dispose of grease.
• The Kid Power Team took the first week of August to clean up and start getting ready for Kid Power Afterschool Program.
AGENDA
ITEM
10 • The After-School Program began the second week of August, and the kids have enjoyed it so far.
We make sure our kids get help with homework and reading, but Kid Power also doesn't forget to have fun; we've had crafts, games and they are also swimming every Thursday during August and all through September. We're still working on getting more kids into the program.
City Sports League
• Gonzales youth soccer league registration went very well. We had a total of 129 participants registered in the month of August. Total registered participants are 180. We will have 17 teams amongst our 5 divisions. We have 12 coaches so far. The skills assessments went well. Games are scheduled to start September 13th and 14th.
• Adult co-ed volleyball registration has begun. Registration began August 9 th
. Our season will start
at the beginning of November. We’re hoping to have three divisions in the adult league. The league will run from November 4th to December 19th.
Gonzales Youth Council
• The GYC Commissioners concluded their Summer Fellowship on Tuesday, August 6th by participating in National Night Out. The Commissioners hosted a table and promoted the Gonzales Youth Council to parents and students.
• The GYC Commissioners have prepared a plan for recruitment which involves visiting different classrooms at Fairview Middle School and the High School. Their hope is that these short presentations will allow them to engage with students on a more personal level rather than hosting an assembly. This year, their goal is to ensure their members are a mix of 8th - 12th grade. • The GYC application went live on Friday, August 2nd and will be closing on Monday, September 2 nd, they are scheduled to conduct interviews September 11th through September 13th .
• They are currently scheduled to host their orientation on Saturday, September 21 and kick off their first GYC Meeting on Thursday September 26th.
Recreation/Community Engagement
• The Recreation Department participated in National Night Out and handed out packets that included all the activities we are currently offering including Kid Power Afterschool Program, Movies at the Community Pool, and Senior Activities for the month of August. • Ventura Circus hosted a circus for the first time in Gonzales from August 15th - August 19th. • We continue to partner with Alliance on Aging, the Monterey County Health Department, the Gonzales Adult School, and Taylor Farms Health and Wellness Center to host Senior Art and Cooking Classes.
Aquatics
• The Movie Nights at the Pool have been a success and as a result they will be extended through the end of September. For the month of August, we showed the following Movies: Luca, Home, and Super Mario Bros.
• Currently, the only activities being offered at the community pool include Water Aerobics, Movie Nights, and Pool Parties.
Activities in the Planning Phase
• There was a Special Event Application submitted on behalf of Salinas Valley Health for Saturday October 12th. The event is scheduled to take place at Central Park, and they will be promoting several health-related activities including Zumba, Cancer Resource Center, Flu Clinic, Maternity Resource Clinic, and much more!
• The Recreation Department has begun planning for our October activities which includes our Halloween Movie Night and our Fall Festival.
• This year, our Halloween Movie Night will be held on Saturday, October 19th, we have decided to show the movie Monsters Inc.
• Our Fall Festival will take place on 4th St. on Saturday, October 26th from 4PM-7PM and will include a Trunk or Treat Contest, Vendors, Face Painting and Games for Children.