COUNCIL AGENDA : 9/22/2026
FILE : 26-1017
ITEM : 2 .1 1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Toni Taber, MMC
City Clerk
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: September 18, 2026
SUBJECT: Retroactive Approval of Various Events 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 September 16, 2026:
(a) Retroactively approve the Back to School Bash scheduled on August 1, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (b) Retroactively approve the National Night Out scheduled on August 4, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (c) Retroactively approve the Lowrider Day scheduled on September 6, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (d) Retroactively approve the Mexican Independence Day El Grito Event scheduled on September 15, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
(e) Retroactively approve the Mexican Flag Raising scheduled on September 15, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds. (f) Retroactively approve the Mexican Independence Day Tower and Rotunda Lighting scheduled from September 15 to 21, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
(g) Retroactively approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses or community groups to support the events.
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment. (Ortiz)
[Rules Committee referral 9/16/2026 - Item B.4]
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Peter Ortiz
SUBJECT: SEE BELOW DATE: September 9th, 2026
APPROVED :
SUBJECT: RETROACTIVE APPROVAL OF VARIOUS EVENTS 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
1. Retroactively approve Back to School Bash held on August 1st, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Event and approve the expenditure of funds and the purchase of items as raffle prizes.
2. Retroactively approve National Night Out held on August 4 th, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Event and approve the expenditure of funds and the purchase of items as raffle prizes.
3. Retroactively approve Lowrider Day held on September 6 th, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
4. Retroactively approve the Mexican Independence Day El Grito Event scheduled on September 15th, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
5. Retroactively approve the Mexican Flag Raising on September 15th, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
6. Retroactively approve the Mexican Independence Day Tower and Rotunda Lighting from September 15 - 21, 2026, as a City Council sponsored Special Event and approve the expenditure of funds.
7. Retroactively approve and accept donations from various individuals, businesses or community groups to support the event.
8. Place the item on September 22nd, 2026, Council Agenda for action.
BACKGROUND
On February 1, 2005, the City Council adopted Resolution 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 4 events were/will be free, open to the public, and sponsored by Councilmember Peter Ortiz.
ROGC AGENDA: 9/16/26
ITEM: B.4
ANALYSIS
National Night Out, held on August 4th, 2026, brought together residents, neighborhood associations, community partners, and public safety personnel across District 5 to strengthen relationships, promote neighborhood safety, and build stronger connections between residents and those who serve their communities.
The District 5 Back 2 School Bash, held on August 1st, 2026, helped local students and families prepare for the new school year by connecting them with school supplies, community resources, and family-friendly activities while bringing the East San José community together to celebrate and support our students.
San José Lowrider Day, held on September 6th, 2026, brought together hundreds of lowriders, families, artists, and community members at San José City Hall to celebrate the history, culture, artistry, and legacy of lowriding. In partnership with the United Lowrider Council and community partners, the event created a welcoming space to honor a tradition deeply rooted in San José’s Chicano and Latino communities while celebrating the generations who have kept lowrider culture alive.
Mexican Independence Day El Grito will be held on September 15, 2026, at San José City Hall, sponsored by Councilmember Peter Ortiz. Council District 5 is partnering with the Consulate of Mexico and Viva Cultura Collective to host this special event, which includes a flag raising ceremony to honor the heritage and contributions of the Mexican American community in San José. The event strengthens connections between city officials and the community while highlighting culture, music, art, economic development, and social activities.
Additionally, it provides a unique opportunity for community members to experience Mexican culture, access critical resources, and enjoy an evening of activities and live music.
To further enhance the celebrations taking place, the City Hall Tower and Rotunda was lit from September 15 - 21, 2026, in green, white, and red to commemorate of Mexican Independence Day.
Council Policy 2-1, Section C.1, allows “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.”
City Council Policy 7-14, City Hall Special Event Lighting Policy, Sections B.1 and C.1 allows Tower lighting in conjunction with the Rotunda lighting, which may be displayed in conjunction with 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 events will ensure compliance with the Council’s prior direction regarding Council Special Events. In observance of existing fundraising disclosure requirements, Councilmember Peter Ortiz will report any cash or in-kind donations received for the event on their Disclosure of Fundraising Report (DFR-1). Approval of this memorandum will enable Council District 5, City departments and the Office of the City Clerk to proceed with the event. Any cash donations received will be processed pursuant to the City’s normal financial and budgetary procedures.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST
The Office of the City Clerk will post the item on the City’s Website for September 16th, 2026, Rules Committee Agenda and September 22nd, 2026, City Council Agenda.
CEQA
CEQA: Not a Project, File No. PP17-011, Temporary Special Events resulting in no changes to the physical environment.
Reviewed by:
TONI J. TABER, MMC
City Clerk
For questions, please contact Toni Taber, City Clerk, at (408) 535-1260.