SAW:NXN:KMF
4/16/2026
T-32001.039\ 2301582 1
Council Agenda: 4/28/2026
Item No.: 2.14(a)
DRAFT--Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408)535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
RESOLUTION NO. ______________
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
JOSE AUTHORIZING “FREE USE” OF THE JANET GRAY
HAYES ROTUNDA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 , 2026
FOR THE PRIVATE, INVITATION -ONLY LICK
OBSERVATORY 150 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
HOSTED BY THE OFFICE OF MAYOR MATT MAHAN
WHEREAS, in June 2019, the City of San José (“City”) adopted Schedule of Fees Resolution No. 79138 for the fees and charges for City Hall Facility and Plaza Use; and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 79138 authorizes City Departments to have “Free Use” of the City Hall Facility and Plaza for events that 1) qualify as official City business; 2) are free and open to the public; 3) occur on a Sunday through Friday; and 4) are booked thirty (30) days in advance; and
WHEREAS, the Office of Mayor Matt Mahan will host the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration, a private event at the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda on Saturday, August 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this event is to celebrate the Lick Observatory’s 150th Anniversary and highlight San José’s role in scientific discovery and space innovation from the observatory’s pioneering astronomical research to Silicon Valley’s leadership in technology and aerospace; and
WHEREAS, “Free Use” does not apply to events which are private and not open to the public and events that are held on a Saturday, and, therefore, Council approval is necessary to authorize the free use of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2026; and
SAW:NXN:KMF
4/16/2026
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Council Agenda: 4/28/2026
Item No.: 2.14(a)
DRAFT--Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408)535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
WHEREAS, the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration has been booked more than thirty (30) days in advance, in compliance with Resolution No. 79138; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to allow for the free use of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration because holding the event on a Saturday will maximize participation by invited stakeholders and out-of-region guests, thereby enhancing the event’s impact and advancing the City’s goals of regional engagement and economic promotion; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration qualifies as official City business because it advances the City’s economic development and civic promotion goals by highlighting San José’s role in scientific innovation; celebrates the legacy of Lick Observatory as a globally recognized institution founded in San José and its connection to Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem; and engages regional leaders to elevate the City’s profile and support downtown vitality; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to approve the free use of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2026;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JOSE THAT:
The City Council hereby authorizes the “Free Use” of the Janet Gray Hayes Rotunda for the Lick Observatory 150th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2026, hosted by the Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, as the event provides a public benefit by advancing the City’s economic development and civic promotion goals, highlighting San José’s role in scientific innovation, celebrating the legacy of Lick Observatory, and engaging regional leaders to elevate the City’s profile and support downtown vitality.
SAW:NXN:KMF
4/16/2026
T-32001.039\ 2301582 3
Council Agenda: 4/28/2026
Item No.: 2.14(a)
DRAFT--Contact the Office of the City Clerk at (408)535-1260 or [email protected] for final document.
ADOPTED this _____ day of ___________, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
MATT MAHAN
Mayor
ATTEST:
TONI J. TABER, MMC
City Clerk