FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 18, 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
Prepared by: Director of Recreation and Parks
SUBJECT: Presentation of the Summer 2023 Class of Hometown Heroes
That the City Council be presented with the Summer 2023 Class of Honorees for the Hometown Heroes program. This program acknowledges the contributions of Santa Maria residents who have served or are currently serving in the military, veterans of the United States military, first r esponders, or essential workers. The program aims to recognize their tireless efforts and the sacrifices they have made in serving the community. The honorees will be celebrated by displaying a celebratory banner that features their photograph and branch o f service, serving as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for their selfless service. I urge the City Council to receive this presentation and join me in honoring these outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in our community.
BACKGROUND:
The collaborative efforts of the Santa Maria American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars #2521, and the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department led to the creation of the Santa Maria Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program. The program was modeled after similar recognition programs implemented by cities across California.
Initially, the program focused on recognizing active military and veterans of the United States military. However, the program has expanded to include first responders and essential workers. This expansion of the program reflects the City's appreciation for the selfless dedication of these individuals, who have gone above and beyond in serving the community during challenging times.
DISCUSSION:
As part of the Hometown Heroes program, the banner featuring the Summer 2023 Class of Honorees will be displayed along south College Road in the Bradley Square area for six months, starting from July 2023. To further recognize the outstanding efforts of these individuals, each honoree or their family/sponsor will also receive a City Council "Certificate of Acknowledgment and Appreciation."
The deadline for nominations for the Summer 2023 Class of Honorees was May 19, 2023.
The recipients of the program will be announced during the City Council meeting on July 18, 2023, where their contributions to the community will be celebrated. This recognition 2 and appreciation for the honorees serve as a testament to their selfless service and dedication to making a positive impact in the Santa Maria community.
Fiscal Considerations
The Hometown Heroes program is a sponsored initiative in which individual sponsors cover the costs of the banners. As such, there is no direct cost to the City. The program reflects the c ommunity's appreciation for the service of active military, veterans of the United States military, first responders, and essential workers, and the generosity of the sponsors enables the program to continue recognizing and honoring these individuals.
Alternatives
The City Council has the option to not recognize the Hometown Heroes program at this time.
Impact to the Community
Numerous communities throughout the country have implemented comparable programs to acknowledge the contributions of their local a ctive and discharged military personnel, veterans, first responders, and essential workers. These initiatives serve as a reminder to the public of the critical services provided by these neighbors who work tirelessly to safeguard our freedoms, protect live s, and maintain the safety and well -being of the community on a daily basis.