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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: August 20, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Eric Levitt, City Manager
Department: City Manager’s Office
Subject: Approval of Fee Waiver and City Support Services for the Route 66 Rendezvous Event (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-361, Authorizing the City Manager to waive special event fees for Route 66 Rendezvous and provide support services from Police, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation.
Executive Summary
The Route 66 Rendezvous, an event in downtown San Bernardino, is organized by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce (SBACC) in collaboration with the City of San Bernardino. City staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2025-361, granting the City Manager authority to waive fees associated with the event and to allocate city support services from Police, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation.
Background
The Route 66 Rendezvous is a long-standing, car culture festival that draws thousands of residents and visitors to San Bernardino’s downtown core. Past events have been produced by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of San Bernardino and features classic car exhibitions, live entertainment, vendor booths, and family-friendly activities.
On September 1, 2018, the City Council approved a formal services agreement with the SBACC for the 2018 Rendezvous Back to Route 66 event, which clearly defined the scope of City support services such as police presence, public works support, sanitation, and street closures, as well as the Chamber’s responsibilities including event planning, securing vendors, marketing, and compliance with all permits and insurance requirements.
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On December 15, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-304, establishing a framework that authorizes the City Manager to reduce or waive special event-related fees for designated downtown events of cultural and economic significance, including Route 66 Rendezvous.
Discussion
Waiving special event fees and providing in-kind City support will enable effective planning and execution of the Route 66 Rendezvous, ensuring essential resources are available while minimizing operational challenges and costs. Support will be delivered through departments such as Police, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation.
The Route 66 Rendezvous is a multi-day, large-scale event in downtown San Bernardino that demands coordinated efforts across departments to ensure public safety, traffic control, sanitation, and logistical efficiency.
This annual celebration attracts thousands of visitors to the downtown area, boosting local business revenue, increasing hotel stays, and positioning San Bernardino as a key destination along historic Route 66. Featuring live entertainment, food vendors, arts and cultural showcases, and interactive experiences, the Rendezvous creates a family-friendly atmosphere that builds community pride and engagement.
Beyond its cultural impact, the event strengthens ties among residents, businesses, and community organizations. By advancing downtown revitalization, supporting economic growth, and enhancing the City’s image as a vibrant and inclusive community, the Rendezvous remains both a cultural centerpiece and an economic catalyst for San Bernardino.
2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request for aligns with Strategic Target #2 – Focused, Aligned Leadership and Unified Community by fostering civic pride and strengthening local partnerships.
Target #3 – Improved Quality of Life through coordinated public safety and community programming. Target #4 – Economic Growth and Development by promoting San Bernardino as a destination and activating the downtown core.
Fiscal Impact
Although final fee estimates are not available at the time of this reports publishing, staff does not anticipate the total to exceed the City Manager’s signing authority. The City Manager will include an update on expenses Mayor and City Council update a final cost breakdown of fees associated with this special event fee waiver.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No. 2025-361, Authorizing the City Manager to waive special event fees for the Route 66 Rendezvous and provide support services from Police, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation.
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Attachments
Attachment 1 Resolution No. 2025-361
Ward:
All Wards