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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: August 19, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Tanya Romo, Deputy City Manager
Michael Rosales, Senior Planner
Department: Community Development & Housing Department
Subject: Special Event Fee Waiver in the amount of $4,332.12 for The Non-Profit Chicano Elegance Event at 4th Street.
(Ward 1)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino California, authorize the City Manager to waive fees in the amount of $4,332.12 pursuant to Chapter 3.13 of the San Bernardino’s Municipal Code for Special Event Permit 26-013 for the Chicano Elegance Event taking place September 26, 2026, on 4th Street between North E Street and North Stoddard Avenue.
City Manager's Comments
The City Manager recommends approval of the waiver of fees. I recommend based the event being a unique regional event that will bring recognition to the City of San Bernardino. Alternatively, the City Council could allocate a part of the $1,000,000 in the Cultural Development Fund to offset the fees due to this being an event tied to the Arts.
Executive Summary
The non-profit Chicano Elegance in conjunction with the Arts Connection/Arts Council of the County of San Bernardino has requested a waiver of $4,332.12 in City fees associated with Special Event Permit No. 26-013 for the Chicano Elegance event scheduled for the September 26, 2026, in accordance with Section 3.13 of the City of San Bernardino Municipal Code, associated with permits issued by the City of San Bernardino Community Development and Housing Department and Public Works; for a non-profit event taking place on September 26, 2026 known as the Chicano Elegance event.
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Background
Chicano Elegance brings together communities from across the country, with a strong focus on West Coast neighborhoods and barrios shaped by immigrant families whose shared experiences are reflected in their food, music, traditions, language, and resilience. Through this immersive cultural event, organizers celebrate the richness and diversity of Chicano culture while creating an inclusive space that fosters pride, visibility, and community connection. The event honors Latinidad and Indigenous heritage while highlighting the unique voices, talents, creativity, and achievements of Chicanos; those who embody the identity of being "de aquí y de allá" (from here and from there). By showcasing these cultural expressions, Chicano Elegance promotes cultural appreciation, strengthens community bonds, and affirms the enduring contributions of the Chicano community. The Non-Profit host a variety of the same events taking place in Los Angeles, Denver, and soon across the Pacific to Denmark and Japan.
As a part of the curriculum for Chicano Elegance Wellness Community Gatherings such as the proposed event, are hosted which create space for open dialogue, community healing, and collective well-being through connection, support, and shared experiences as well as collaborations, community support, and the sharing of resources that help uplift and strengthen the vision behind Chicano Elegance through culture, creativity, and collective growth, and a 6 week business academy course designed to empower through expert guidance, strategic growth, and real-world business education led by MBA professionals and supported by the Multicultural Business Alliance is offered to the community.
Discussion
The event will take place on September 26, 2026. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and features vendors, a gallery exhibit for various art, a fashion runway showcase, small car show, a bar venue, and live arts and music.
Associated fees with this event are as follows:
•Special Event Fee: $1,279.20
•Public Works Fee: $3,052.92
Total to be waived: $4,332.12
City of San Bernardino staff involvement includes assistance with the Traffic Control Plan by the Public Works Traffic Control Division, after hours inspections by the Public works team, and administrative hours worked by the Planning Division.
Strategic Targets and Goals
Requesting a waiver of fees would be providing City support for a charitable organization hosting a new community event and establishing the City of San Bernardino as a cultural spot. The City of San Bernardino General Plan Economic Development Policy 4.15.2 states “Continue to promote 'identity-building' events such as 'Route 66', 'Citrus', etc.” The proposed cultural event is unique in nature as it will 3 0
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bring the community together to identify with one another and establish comradery within the community via a cultural event. This aligns with Goal No. 2: Focused Aligned Leadership and Unified Community.
Fiscal Impact
Approval of the fee waiver will reduce FY 2026/27 City fee revenue by $4,332.12, consisting of $1,279.20 in Special Event fees and $3,052.92 in Public Works fees. In addition, the City is expected to incur staff time and other direct costs associated with Planning administration, traffic control review, and after-hours inspections. These costs will be absorbed within the applicable FY 2026/27 departmental operating budgets, and no additional appropriation is required.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino California, authorize the City Manager to waive fees in the amount of $4,332.12 pursuant to Chapter 3.13 ( Waiver or Refund of Fees for a Charitable Organization) of the City’s Municipal Code for Special Event Permit 26-013, the Non-Profit Chicano Elegance Event taking place on September 26, 2026 located on 4th Street between N. E Street and N. Stoddard Road, within the closed Street, and staged at Sole Alley Attachments
Attachment 1 - Special Event 26-013 Fee Waiver application Attachment 2 - Special Event Permit 26-013 Draft/ROW Draft Ward:
First Ward
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
None
CC Eric Levitt, City Manager