COUNCIL AGENDA : 2/24/2026
FILE : 26-198
ITEM : 2.15
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
CITY COUNCIL City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: February 18, 2026
SUBJECT: Approval of Cambodian Heritage Month and Remembrance of the Cambodian Genocide Sponsored by Council District 5 as City Council Sponsored Special Events to Expend City Funds and Accept Donations of Materials and Services for the Events
Recommendation
As recommended by the Rules and Open Government Committee on February 18, 2026:
(a) Approve the Proclamation of Cambodian Heritage Month and Remembrance of the Cambodian Genocide scheduled on April 14, 2026 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
(b) Approve the Cambodian Flag Raising scheduled on April 10, 2026 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (c) Approve the Cambodian Heritage Month Tower and Rotunda Lighting scheduled on April 10-16, 2026 as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (d) 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. (Ortiz)
[Rules Committee referral 2/18/2026 - Item B.5]
ROGC AGENDA: 2/18/26
ITEM:
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Peter Ortiz
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE:
Approved:
SUBJECT: Cambodian Heritage Month & Remembrance of the Cambodian Genocide RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the Proclamation of Cambodian Heritage Month & Remembrance of Cambodian Genocide on April 14, 2026, as a City Council-sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
2. Approve the Cambodian Flag Raising on April 10, 2026, as a City Council-sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
3. Approve the Cambodian Heritage Month Tower and Rotunda Lighting on April 10 to April 16, 2026, as a City Council-sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
4. Approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses, or community groups to support the event.
5. Place the item on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, 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 Cambodian Heritage Month and Remembrance of the Cambodian Genocide will be observed with a flag-raising ceremony sponsored by Councilmember Ortiz on April 10th, 2026.
This event will honor the heritage and contributions of the Cambodian American community in San José.
It will be proclaimed on April 14, 2026, at City Hall and sponsored by Councilmember Ortiz.
The Tower and the Rotunda will be lit in blue, red, and white from April 10 through April 16, 2/12/26
B.5
ROGC AGENDA: 2/18/26
ITEM:
2026, in honor of Cambodian Heritage Month and the Remembrance of the Cambodian Genocide.
ANALYSIS
City Council Policy 7-14, City Hall Event Lighting Policy, Sections B.1, B.3, and C.1, allows Rotunda and Tower lighting in conjunction with proclamations for official actions or ceremonial items, or commemoration of a sporting event involving the City of San José, as approved by City Council. It also allows for extended lighting beyond one cycle between sundown and sunrise.
The raising of the Cambodian Flag is permitted under Council Policy 2 -1, Section C.1, Flags of Governments Recognized by the United States: “Flags of the governments recognized by the United States may be displayed upon the request of the Mayor, a member of the City Council or the City Manager.”
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 February 18th, Rules Committee Agenda and the February 24th, 2026, City Council Agenda.
CEQA
Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.