January 20, 2026
Department
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Shasa Curl, City Manager
Patrick Seals, Administrative Chief
SUBJECT:
Celebration of Life Event for Betty Reid Soskin in
Conjunction with Black History Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City of Richmond does not charge itself for use of its own facilities, but staff time will be needed for utilizing the Richmond Auditorium. Any costs associated with this
event will come from the City Manager’s Office existing budget of $12,000 (Account Code: 01131013-400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In honoring the life and legacy of Betty Reid Soskin in conjunction with Black History Month, the City Manager is requesting authorization to host a historic celebration of life event at the Richmond Auditorium for the community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the waiver of fees associated with the use of
the Richmond Auditorium in the month of February 2025
to host a celebration honoring the life of Betty Reid
Soskin; AUTHORIZE City staff to support the planning
and hosting of the historical acknowledgement;
APPROVE the use of City funds to support the public
event during Black History Month; and APPROPRIATE
an amount not to exceed $12,000 – City Manager’s
Office (Shasa Curl 510-620-6512).
AGENDA
REPORT
January 20, 2026
DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 2025, the City of Richmond received the somber news of the passing of retired National Park Service Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, a longtime Richmond resident and nationally revered public servant. In recognition of Ms. Soskin’s extraordinary life, historic contributions, and enduring impact on the City of Richmond and the nation, City staff proposes to co-host a Celebration of Life event to honor her legacy.
City staff recommend scheduling the event in early 2026 with a preference for February 2026. This timeframe is especially meaningful, as it aligns closely with the anniversary of her passing and allows the City and community to come together in reflection following the holiday season. The proposed celebration would serve as an opportunity to honor Ms. Soskin’s life, her decades of service, and her commitment to ensuring that historically underrepresented stories are preserved and shared.
While details of the event are still being finalized, the proposed components of the Celebration of Life may include the following:
Formal acknowledgment by the City of Richmond recognizing Betty Reid Soskin’s historic role as the oldest serving National Park Service ranger in the United States and her contributions to the Rosie the Riveter / World War II Home Front National Historical Park. This recognition may include proclamations, a slide show, and a public display featuring photographs and information highlighting her life, work, and achievements.
Remembrances and testimonials from elected officials, community organizations, colleagues, and members of the public to share reflections and remembrances, either in person or through pre-recorded video tributes.
Potential performances by local artists or cultural groups to add a celebratory and reflective dimension to the event.
Reception with light refreshments and beverages, allowing attendees to gather and honor Ms. Soskin’s legacy together.
City staff recommend hosting the event at the Richmond Auditorium during workday hours. While the estimated cost for use of the facility is approximately $6,610 (excluding a $3,000 refundable deposit), as a City-sponsored event, the City of Richmond would not charge itself for use of the space. For transparency and informational purposes, the typical facility costs that would otherwise apply are outlined below:
January 20, 2026
Items Total
Application $50
Kitchen Use $206
Hourly Event Rate (9 hours @ $642/hour) $5,778
Podium $36
Rectangle Tables (30 @ $4.00/table) $120
Round tables (30 @ $4.00/table) $120
Chairs (300 @ $1.00/chair) $300
ESTIMATED TOTAL $6,610
Given the scope and significance of the event, City staff time will be required to support both planning and day-of operations. The City Manager will remain mindful of daily operational needs while coordinating staff participation. Auditorium staff may assist with event setup, technical support, and on-site coordination. Additionally, staff may develop a commemorative piece highlighting Ms. Soskin’s life and contributions, either for presentation during the service or for future broadcast on Richmond’s television channel, ensuring her legacy is preserved for future generations.
It is important to note that any associated costs for items such as food, beverages, decorations, and programming will be covered through existing departmental budgets or supported by external fundraising or partnerships. In total, the City Manager seeks authorization to spend up to $12,000 to support this historical commemorative event.
Betty Reid Soskin dedicated her life to public service, education, and historical preservation. Through her work with the National Park Service, she played a significant role in broadening the public understanding of the World War II home front by ensuring that the contributions and experiences of African Americans, women, and working families were accurately represented and preserved. Her work brought national recognition to Richmond’s historical significance and reinforced the City’s role as a leader in inclusive and comprehensive historical interpretation.
Ms. Soskin’s legacy continues to have a lasting impact on residents, visitors, and public servants. Her commitment to public education, civil rights, and historical accuracy reflects values that align closely with the City of Richmond’s mission and community priorities. City staff believe it is appropriate and necessary to formally recognize her life and service through a City-supported Celebration of Life.
By co-hosting a Celebration of Life in honor of Betty Reid Soskin, the City of Richmond seeks to acknowledge her contributions, honor her legacy, and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and the preservation of shared history for current and future generations.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None.