TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Nicole Tibbet, Community Engagement Manager
DATE: January 30, 2026
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF REQUEST TO CLOSE THE LIBRARY ON
APRIL 17-18, 2026, AND WAIVE APPLICABLE FEES FOR
SAN MARINO PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION’S
FUNDRAISER EVENT, DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Efficient, Responsive, and Effective City Services
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
Inviting and Relevant City Facilities
BACKGROUND
The San Marino Public Library Foundation (Foundation) submitted a Special Event Application (Attachment 1) for Delicious Destinations, a fundraiser event, on Saturday, April 18, from 6 PM – 9 PM at the Crowell Public Library.
In conjunction with the application, the Foundation is requesting cosponsorship and the closure of the Library on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18.
As a co-sponsor, the City is being asked to consider the following in-kind services: city staff time, waiving of permit fees, event promotion (including use of the City logo), and waiving of facility rental fees (the entire Crowell Public Library and the San Marino Community Center kitchen).
As one of the Library’s support groups, the Foundation has presented a variety of activities, including Delicious Destinations, to supplement the funding needs of the Library since 1995. Through these activities, the Foundation has generously funded projects like the replacement of public and staff computers, Tony Chou, Mayor
Calvin Lo, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Council Member
the procurement of the collection management software, and the procurement of the RFID system.
DISCUSSION
The 2026 Delicious Destinations event will transform the first floor of the Library into a cultural food celebration. Event attendees will be able to roam among the interpretation of landmarks and culture while sampling an array of food from other countries.
The fundraising elements of the event include ticket sales, sponsorships, opportunity drawings, a paddle raise, and two separate silent auctions. The ultimate goal of the event is to provide funding for future capital improvement and facility renovation projects, as well as technology upgrades. Given the event’s size and scope, the Foundation anticipates the decoration preparation and transformation to begin on Friday, April 17, and require the full following day up to the event. Clean up and full restoration of the Library is expected by Sunday, April 19 at 1 PM when the Library is scheduled to reopen.
Residents and members of the public will be invited to purchase tickets through the San Marino Public Library Foundation’s website and event page, at the Library, and by mail. Approximately 300 people are expected to attend and bid on silent auction items.
City Council's approval of the closure does not preclude any requirements deemed necessary by staff for the event to take place, such as additional permits, insurance documentation, or a safety review.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The in-kind services requested of the City are expected to have a total fiscal impact of up to $7,469:
• City staff time: part-time staff will be scheduled on Friday and Saturday to support the set-up/event activities, as well as Facilities staff on Saturday – fiscal impact: $1,565
• Waiving of permit fees
o Special Event Permit Fee – fiscal impact: $1,635
o Tent Fire Inspection and permit – fiscal impact: $345 • Event promotion, including use of the City logo – fiscal impact: $0 • Waiving of facility rental fees for the Crowell Public Library and the San Marino Community Center kitchen – fiscal impact: $3,924
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council approve the closure of the Library on April 17- 18, 2026, and waive applicable fees, for the purpose of holding the San Marino Public Library Foundation’s Delicious Destinations event. If the City Council concurs with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to approve the closure of the Crowell Public Library on April 17-18, 2026, and waive applicable fees, for the purpose of holding the San Marino Public Library Foundation’s Delicious Destinations event.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026 Delicious Destinations Special Event Application