COUNCIL AGENDA : 9/23/2025
FILE : 25-1051
ITEM : 2.11
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
CITY COUNCIL City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: September 17, 2025
SUBJECT: Retroactive Approval of the Golden State Valkyries Flag Raising Sponsored by the Office of Mayor Matt Mahan as a City Council Sponsored Special Event to Expend City Funds and Accept Donations of Materials and Services for the Event
Recommendation
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on September 17, 2025:
(a) Retroactively approve the Golden State Valkyries Flag Raising scheduled on September 16, 2025 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds; and (b) Retroactively 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. (Mayor)
[Rules Committee referral 9/17/2025 - Item B.4]
ROGC AGENDA: 9/17/25
ITEM: B.4
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Mayor Mahan
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: September 11, 2025
Approved:
SUBJECT: RETROACTIVE APPROVAL OF THE GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES
FLAG RAISING SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF MAYOR MATT MAHAN AS A
CITY COUNCIL SPONSORED SPECIAL EVENT TO EXPEND CITY FUNDS AND ACCEPT DONATIONS OF MATERIALS AND SERVICES FOR THE EVENT .
RECOMMENDATION :
1. Retroactively approve the Golden State Valkyries Flag Raising to be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
2. Retroactively accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the event.
3. Place the item on the 09/23/2025 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.
The Golden State Valkyries are the Bay Area’s WNBA expansion team and have made history by reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season, being the first-ever expansion team in the WNBA to do so. The team has energized fans across the region, drawing record attendance and attention to women’s professional sports. Their first ever WNBA playoff game will be played in San José at the SAP Center, bringing both civic pride and economic benefit to the city.
ANALYSIS
The display of the Golden State Valkyries flag is permitted under Council Policy 2-1, Section C.3, Flags Displayed in Conjunction with Official Ceremonial Items: “Other flags may be
ROGC AGENDA: 9/17/25
ITEM: B.4
displayed in conjunction with official actions, ceremonial items, or proclamations of the City Council.”
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 offices, City departments, and the Office of the City Clerk to proceed with the event.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s Website for the September 17, 2025, Rules Committee Agend
a and the September 23, 2025, City Council Agenda.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events re sulting in no changes to the physical environment.