TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Toni J. Taber, CMC
CITY COUNCIL City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: October 31, 2023
SUBJECT: Approval of Tower Lighting for Diwali Celebration Sponsored by Districts 8 and 10 as a City Council Sponsored Special Event
Recommendation
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on October 25, 2023:
(a) Approve the Diwali Celebration Tower Lighting scheduled on November 12-18, 2023 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds; and (b) Approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the event.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Candelas and Batra)
[Rules Committee referral 10/25/2023 - Item B.6]
COUNCIL AGENDA: 10/31/2023
ITEM: 2.12
FILE NO: 23-1520
RULES COMMITTEE AGENDA:
ITEM:
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Domingo
Candelas
Councilmember Arjun Batra
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: 10/19/2023
APPROVED:
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF TOWER LIGHTING FOR DIWALI CELEBRATION ON NOVEMBER 12-18, 2023, SPONSORED BY DISTRICTS 8 AND 10 AS A CITY
COUNCIL SPONSORED SPECIAL EVENT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the Diwali Celebration Tower Lighting on November 12-18, 2023 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
2. Place the item on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, Council Agenda for action.
BACKGROUND
On February 1, 2005, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 72517 which requires Councilmembers to submit a memorandum to the Rules Committee regarding proposed City Council sponsored Special Events and the proposed use of any funds in Special Events Accounts.
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is a celebration that holds a significant place for our Indian American community here in San Jose . The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” During Diwali, families come together to illuminate their homes with colorful lamps and candles, creating a spectacle that brightens up the night sky. It is a time when community members and families exchange sweets and gifts, symbolizing the bonds of friendship and goodwill. Delicious traditional dishes are prepared and enjoyed, adding to the festivities.
Homes are decorated, and floors inside and ou t are covered with rangoli, consisting of elaborate designs made of colored rice, sand, or flower petals. Families also clean and decorate their homes to welcome good fortune. This cultural festival is marked by a sense of unity, with people from various b ackgrounds coming together to share in the joy and festivity. Diwali emphasiz es the 10/25/2023
B.6
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
Subject:
Rev 1/2018
significance of togetherness, the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewal of hope for the future. It is a celebration of culture and community that brings people cl oser, as well as fostering an atmosphere of harmony and inclusiveness.
ANALYSIS
City Council Policy 7-14, City Hall Event Lighting Policy, Sections B.1 and C.1 allows Tower lighting in conjunction with proclamations for official actions or ceremonial items as approved by City Council. It also allows for extended lighting beyond one cycle between sundown and sunrise.
Approval by the City Council of the event will ensure compliance with the Council's prior direction regarding Council Special Events. Approval of this memorandum will enable Council Districts 8 and 10, City departments, and the Office of the City Clerk to proceed with the lighting.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s Website for the October 25th, 2023, Rules Committee Agenda and the October 31st, 2023, City Council Agenda.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.
Reviewed by:
TONI J. TABER, CMC
City Clerk
For questions, please contact Toni Taber, City Clerk, at (408) 535-1260.