COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks
DATE: July 1, 2025
SUBJECT: Presentation – Summer 2025 Hometown Heroes Recognition
The City Council will receive a presentation of the Summer 2025 Class of Honorees for the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program
BACKGROUND:
The Santa Maria Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program was created in partnership with the Santa Maria American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars #2521, and the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. Modeled after similar recognition programs across California, the initiative was developed to honor Santa Maria residents who are actively serving in the United States military or are veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Banners featuring the honorees’ photographs and branch of service will be displayed along South College Drive in the Bradley Square area for a six -month period beginning in July 2025.
The deadline for nominations for the Summer 2 025 Class was May 30, 2025. Honorees are being formally recognized at the July 1, 2025, City Council meeting.
DISCUSSION:
During the presentation, staff will introduce the Summer 2025 Class of Hometown Heroes and share a brief overview of the program’s p urpose and community impact. A visual slideshow will display each honoree’s banner, including their name, photograph, and branch of military service. Following the presentation, the Mayor will present each honoree, or their family/sponsor, with a Certificate of Acknowledgment and Appreciation recognizing their dedication and service to the United States Armed Forces.
The banners will be displayed along South College Drive in the Bradley Square area through December 2025.