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FW: Agenda Item 25-395
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 4/22/2025 7:42 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Dakota Phillips < >
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 7:32 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 25-395
You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important Hello,
I hope you are doing well! My name is Dakota Phillips, and I am a board member for Christmas in the Park. I am writing to share my full support for the renewal of our contract with the City of San Jose.
I was born and raised in San Jose and have been involved with this event for as long as I can remember. I grew up waving in the Holiday Parade as one of Santa’s Helpers and spending time with my dad, one of the original exhibit designers, as he brought displays to life in the program building. He always made sure the magic of Christmas was something everyone could experience, no matter their background.
Christmas in the Park has always been a part of my life, and it is the same for so many families across the city and beyond. It is more than just a festive attraction, it is a tradition that brings people together, and a beautiful reflection of the community we all care so much about.
I actually just found out from a colleague of mine who lives in Arizona that he has been planning his annual business trip around visiting Christmas in the Park for over 15 years. Every December, he makes sure to fly in just so he can experience the magic. That kind of dedication speaks volumes about the impact this event has far beyond San Jose.
Aside from the joy it brings, Christmas in the Park also plays a big role in the local economy. The numbers speak for themselves with 700,000+ visitors and nearly $19 million in spending downtown during the season. That is a huge win for small businesses and the city, and it is something we are proud to be a part of.
We are grateful for the continued partnership with the City and hope you will support renewing our contract so we can keep this tradition alive for generations to come.
Thanks so much for your time and consideration!
4/22/25, 9:03 AM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Best,
Dakota Phillips
CITP Board of Directors
4/22/25, 9:03 AM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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FW: Christmas in the Park
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 4/22/2025 7:59 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Stacey Holden
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 10:41 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Christmas in the Park
You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important My name is Stacey Holden. I am a proud board member and past president of Christmas in the Park. As you know, Christmas in the Park brings over 20 million dollars to our downtown businesses. This results in over one million dollars to the general fund. These fi gures are both
tangible and powerful. What’s less tangible is what Christmas in the Park provides to the people of San Jose.
For approximately 40 days, Christmas in the Park provides a place where people come together to celebrate community. The holidays provide a magical backdrop, but make no mistake, Christmas in the Park is about community, and it is a place where everyone is welcome. We showcase diverse organizations and individuals from all over the city and beyond, including accessible friendly days for those who might not be able to otherwise participate, and we do it all without an
admission fee.
Christmas in the Park has provided an invaluable service to the people of San Jose for over 40 years. In our current political and economic environment, people need a sense of community more than ever. Christmas in the Park is needed now more than ever.
I hope you will continue to recognize the true value Christmas in the Park brings to our downtown and to all the people in our community, and I hope that we can continue our important partnership.
Stacey Holden
Board of Directors, Christmas in the Park
4/22/25, 9:03 AM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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FW: Agenda Item 25-395
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 4/22/2025 8:02 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
From: Dale Dimas < >
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 8:13 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Agenda Item 25-395
You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important Dear San Jose City Council Members,
As both a San Jose resident and volunteer I am writing to you today to express my heartfelt support for the renewal of the city contract with Christmas in the Park, a cherished tradition that has become a cornerstone of our community's holiday celebrations. For more than 40 years, Christmas in the Park has transformed downtown San Jose into a winter wonderland, delighting both residents and visitors alike. For many visitors, Christmas in the Park is a family tradition and is available to all free of charge. As one of the event's Santas, I get to personally see in so many faces the holiday magic that is Christmas in the Park.
As you are well aware, this event began in the 1950s as a modest display on the front lawn of the Lima family in San Jose. It has since grown into a beloved holiday festival that features hundreds of community-decorated trees, animated exhibits, and live entertainment. Each year, Christmas in the Park attracts nearly half a million visitors, contributing significantly to our local economy and promoting a sense of togetherness.
Moreover, Christmas in the Park offers substantial educational and volunteering opportunities. It allows schools and community organizations to participate in decorating trees, instilling a sense of pride and community spirit in our youth. It also provides a platform for numerous nonprofit organizations to raise awareness and funds. Christmas in the Park truly represents the “small town heart” that is at the center of Silicon Valley.
The city's partnership with Christmas in the Park is not merely a contract but a commitment to preserving our community's traditions and values. The event's success relies heavily on this partnership, and its absence would leave a void in our city's cultural landscape.
I urge you to consider the profound impact of Christmas in the Park on our community and vote in favor of renewing the contract. Let us continue to support an event that brings joy, unity, and 4/22/25, 9:04 AM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
“Santa” Dale Dimas
4/22/25, 9:04 AM Mail - Agendadesk - Outlook
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