1 David Yakobson
From: Laverne Ross <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 4:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Laverne Ross
Subject: Addendum Request Juneteenth Discretionary Funding Proposal for June 9, 2026 Council Agenda
EXTERNAL
Dear City Clerk and Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers, Please accept the attached and embedded request as an
Addendum for inclusion on the June 9, 2026 City Council Agenda. This Addendum contains JCISM’s discretionary
funding request in support of the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and its associated community programs.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued support of community-centered cultural programming in Santa Monica.
Respectfully, LaVerne Ross Founder and President, JCISM Founder, Santa Monica Juneteenth Celebration
equest for City Council Discretionary Funding
To: Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council
From: JCISM and the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Planning Partners Submitted by: LaVerne Ross, Founder and President Funding Request: $15,000
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2 On behalf of JCISM and the Planning Partners of the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, we respectfully request
consideration of a discretionary funding allocation in the amount of $15,000 to support community programs and
services associated with this year’s Juneteenth Celebration and related educational initiatives.
For thirty-four years, the Santa Monica Juneteenth Celebration has served as a cultural, educational, and community-building event that brings together residents of all ages and
backgrounds to commemorate freedom, honor history,
promote unity, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our city, state, and nation.
The requested funding would be allocated as follows:
1. Juneteenth Celebration Entertainment Equipment Support – $5,000 Funds will assist with stage entertainment, cultural
presentations, educational programming, sound equipment, technical support, and related event expenses necessary for the thousands of attendees expected to participate in the 34th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.
2. Educational Scholarships for Underrepresented Graduating High School Students – $2,000
Funds will support scholarships awarded to deserving
graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated
academic achievement, leadership, community service, and perseverance while pursuing higher education opportunities.
3. Accessibility Assistance for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired – $4,000 Funds will be utilized to purchase equipment and accessibility resources that enhance participation and inclusion for deaf and hearing-impaired individuals attending community
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3 programs and educational events. This investment supports the City’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion for all residents.
4. Community Services Initiative – $3,000
Funds will support a children’s craft and storytelling initiative led by community storyteller and arts facilitator LaVerne Ross.
This program will provide free, culturally grounded craft activities and guided storytelling sessions that promote literacy, creativity, and youth engagement. Funding will cover materials, supplies, and facilitation to ensure full accessibility for families throughout Santa Monica.
Community Impact
The Juneteenth Celebration has become one of Santa
Monica’s longest-running cultural observances and continues to provide meaningful educational programming,
family-friendly activities, historical presentations, youth engagement opportunities, and cultural enrichment for
residents and visitors alike.
This funding request will strengthen the City’s investment in:
Cultural and historical education
Youth achievement and scholarship opportunities
Accessibility and inclusion
Community engagement and civic participation
Family-oriented programming
Cross-cultural understanding and unity
We respectfully request the City Council’s support of this funding proposal and thank you for your continued
partnership in preserving and advancing the legacy of
Juneteenth within the Santa Monica community.
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4 Respectfully submitted, LaVerne Ross Founder and President, JCISM Founder, Santa Monica Juneteenth Celebration
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