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Review and Discuss Recommended Food and Non-Food Vendors for the  2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, With Any Adjustments.

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Meeting Date:  November 18, 2026

Contact Person/Dept:  Adam Troy/ACM Economic Development, Vitality and Equity

Phone Number:  (310) 253-6011

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

Public Hearing:  []                               Action Item:                     [X]          Attachments:  Yes []     No []

Public Notification:  (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (11/13/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (11/13/2026)

Department Approval:  Tomás Hererra-Mishler, PRCS Director (11/12/2026)

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RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommend that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee Approves Recommendations for Food and Non-Food Vendors for the  2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, With Any Adjustments.

BACKGROUND

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee provides input on the planning and development of the City's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Food and non-food vendors play an important role in enhancing the celebration by providing refreshments, educational resources, cultural experiences, and opportunities for community engagement.

As planning continues for the 2027 celebration, staff have identified several potential vendors and community organizations whose participation could complement the event's programming and support its overall vision.

DISCUSSION

Staff recommend choosing food and non-food vendors to create an engaging and inclusive experience for attendees while celebrating the significance of Dr. King's legacy.

Food Vendors

Based on past celebrations, staff have found that providing food at the event not only enhances cultural experience and encourages community engagement but also offers a thoughtful convenience to attendees, particularly as the celebration is scheduled during traditional dinner hours.

Staff are currently evaluating potential food vendors based on availability, cost-effectiveness, service capacity, and logistical requirements while remaining within the available event budget. The Committee is encouraged to provide recommendations for additional food vendors that staff may consider as part of the selection process.

Non-Food Vendors

Staff have identified potential book vendors whose participation could contribute to the celebration's educational and cultural objectives, including:

•                     Malik Books: A bookstore offering literature and educational resources related to Dr. King's legacy, African American history, and civil rights.

•                     Village Well Books & Coffee: A Culver City bookstore that could support literary engagement and provide educational resources to attendees.

Staff recommends inviting vendors that offer educational books and literature related to Dr. King’s legacy, African American history, civil rights, and social justice. Their participation would provide attendees with an opportunity to purchase relevant educational materials while reinforcing the celebration’s focus on education, culture, and community engagement.

Additional considerations include available event space, vendor placement, operational requirements, and the suitability of participating organizations.

The Committee is encouraged to review staff's recommendations, identify additional food and non-food vendors for consideration, and provide directions regarding vendor participation and priorities. Given the rapidly approaching event dates and the limited time available for coordination, staff recommends that the Committee authorize staff to proceed with selecting and securing vendors based on availability, cost-effectiveness, logistical requirements, and alignment with the celebration's overall vision and available budget, while taking the Committee's recommendations into consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT

The Adopted Budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes funding for catering and supplies needed for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Account 10130280.514100(Community Events & Excursions. Departmental Special Supplies)

ATTACHMENTS

None

MOTIONS

That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:

Approves Recommendations for Food and Non-Food Vendors for the  2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, With Any Adjustments.