TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
PREPARED BY: Crystal Arora, Management Analyst - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT: title
Accept Donations for and Review the 2023 Santa Stops Program and Discuss Plans for 2024
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Accept donations from three entities, totaling $13,500, for the 2023 Santa Stops Program;
Review the activities of the 2023 Santa Stops Program; and
Provide direction to staff for programming the 2024 holiday activities.
recommendationbody
PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
During the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting, Council Member Holliday requested and received consensus from the City Council to bring an item to a future City Council meeting to provide an update on his meetings with the community regarding the "Santa in the City" events.
At the August 1, 2023, City Council meeting, the City Council directed staff to proceed with planning the 2023 Santa Stops program (Vote: 3-2)1.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
Donations
For the 2023 Santa Stops Program, the City of Murrieta (City) received financial donations from three entities to help support the cost of the event, totaling $13,500. Per City policy, these donations need to be formally accepted by the City Council and incorporated into the City's budget. The three donations to be accepted are shown below.
Discussion
Since 1994, the Community Services Department (CSD) has coordinated a wide variety of month-long holiday activities known as "Murrieta Holiday Magic". One event has been conducted under various names, such as Santa Stars, Santa Visits, and Santa Stops. Holiday Magic includes a tree lighting event at Town Square Park, Festival of Trees, Donuts with Santa, a toy and food drive, a home decorating contest, and a "Letters to Santa" program. As the City population has continued to increase, the Holiday Magic festivities ...
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