City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Andrew Gruel, C ouncilman
Date: September 16, 2025
Subject: EXPLORE THE TERMINATION OF THE SYMPHONY OF FLOWERS EVENT
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
The Symphony of Flowers was initiated to provide seasonal programming and community engagement. While the event was designed with good intentions, it has not achieved the desired alignment with Huntington Beach.
As stewards of public resources, it is critical that City events reflect fiscal responsibility, strong community support, and alignment with our civic priorities. The Symphony of Flowers has required significant staff time, public safety allocations, and l ogistical costs without generating commensurate community benefit.
Feedback from residents has consistently reflected concerns that the event did not capture the character of Huntington Beach or provide the type of seasonal experience residents value. In light of current budgetary constraints and the need to focus on core services, it is appropriate to sunset the Symphony of Flowers and free resources for programs that better serve the community.
This action does not preclude the City from exploring new community events in the future. Staff and community partners may bring forward alternative proposals that are more cost -effective, sustainable, and reflective of the values and character of Huntington Beach.
Termination of the Symphony of Flowers will eliminate ongoing City expenses associated with staffing, equipment, permitting, and public safety. These savings can be redirected toward higher- priority community programs.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct staff to explore steps to terminate the Symphony of Flowers event.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in S ection 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item