REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Initiate the Process to Identify Potential Nominees to Serve as the 2024 Honorary Holiday Tree Lighter
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
Report
BACKGROUND
Each year, the City of Santa Clara hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Central Park on the first Friday evening in December. For 2024, the event will take place on Friday, December 6. This ceremony is intended to open the holiday season in the spirit of community service.
To that end, a traditional component of the ceremony has been to recognize a Santa Clara individual, family or business as the honorary "Holiday Tree Lighter". As a function of the Parks and Recreation Department, the Department has traditionally asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to help identify and recommend to the Mayor a nominee (or nominees) for this honor. In addition to serving as the official Holiday Tree Lighter, the selected nominee will receive a commendation during the event to recognize and thank them for their service to the Santa Clara community.
The purpose of this item is to request that the Parks and Recreation Commission initiate the nomination process and develop a list of potential nominees to serve as the 2024 Holiday Tree Lighter.
DISCUSSION
As noted above, the Holiday Tree Lighter is to be selected based on their service, generosity and contributions to the City of Santa Clara. As such, the Commission should consider the following in evaluating potential nominees:
1. Is the nominee a resident of the City of Santa Clara?
2. What is the nature of the community service/community benefit that has been provided?
A list of prior nominees is enclosed as Attachment 1. At its September 16, 2024 meeting, it is recommended that the Commission initiate discussion of potential nominees for 2024, together with supporting justification. Staff will then confirm the residency of potential nominees and provide a c...
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