FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 20, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Interim Director of Recreation and Parks Angela Oslund
SUBJECT: Santa Maria’s Hometown Heroes
The City Council will r eceive a presentation of the Summer 2024 Class of Honorees for the Hometown Heroes program, recognizing Santa Maria residents who are actively serving in the military, veterans of the United States military, first responders, or essential workers. This rec ognition will include the display of a celebratory banner featuring the honoree’s photograph and branch or classification of service.
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Maria Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program was established through a collaboration between the Santa Maria American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars #2521, and the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. Inspired by similar recognition programs across California, the City developed its unique Santa Maria Style Hometown Heroes initiative. Initially, the program honored active military personnel and veterans of the United States military. However, in response to the ongoing public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the program has been expanded to include the City’s first responders and essential workers who have worked tirelessly to save lives and ensure the safety of the community.
DISCUSSION:
In addition to having their banner displayed along South College Road in the Bradley Square area for six months starting in July 2024, each honoree or their family/sponsor will receive a City Council Certificate of Acknowledgment and Appreciation.
The deadline for nominations for the “Summer 2024 Class of Honorees” was June 28, 2024, and the recipients will be announced at the City Council meeting on August 20, 2024.