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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Award of an In-Kind, Off-Cycle Special Events Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to Chabad of Culver City for its Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting Event and Designate the Event as City-Sponsored.

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Meeting Date:  November 16, 2026

Contact Person/Dept:  Edgar Varela/Economic and Cultural Development 

Phone Number: (310) 253-5752

Fiscal Impact:  Yes []    No [X]                                                                      General Fund:  Yes []     No [X]

Attachments:   Yes []  No [X]

Public Notification:   (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/12/2026)

Department Approval:  Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (11/03/2026)

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RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the City Council award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 to Chabad of Culver City for its annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting event and designate the event as City-sponsored.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

On October 13, 2026, Chabad of Culver City requested the City Council agendize a request for an in-kind event sponsorship relative to its annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting event slated for December 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  The request includes the use of the Town Plaza (The Culver Steps lower plaza) public space. The event is free and open to the public.

The Chabad of Culver City annual menorah lighting has become a special community tradition, bringing together families, local residents, and City leaders to celebrate. This year will also feature a performance by the Echo Singers of Echo Horizon.

Chabad of Culver City has been serving the community since 2017. They offer holiday celebrations, family events, children’s programming, and other services and educational programs for the entire community.

If approved for sponsorship, the display of the menorah and related lighting event would be a secular, seasonal celebration to complement the City’s other winter decorations and festivities.

City Sponsorship

To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in City Council Policy No. 2502 (Special Event Grant Program), confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less.  This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a coverage of fees, or any combination thereof. The City may also consider approving an in-kind marketing sponsorship to help build awareness about the event.  The Council Policy require both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied.

The proposed event meets the criteria for City Sponsorship if the City Council approves a sponsorship of at least $1,000 as an in-kind marketing sponsorship. As a requirement of City sponsorship, the organizers must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor in all promotional materials. In addition to the in-kind marketing, Chabad of Culver City would like to use public space on Town Plaza.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. The request can be accommodated with current staffing resources relative to the promotion of the event through the City’s marketing platforms and website.

ATTACHMENT

None.

recommended action

MOTION

That the City Council:

Award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 to Chabad of Culver City for its annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting event and designate the event as City-sponsored.