HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/7/2025 Item 6h, Pease
Andy Pease <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Erica Ruvalcaba; Demetrio Morales-Salazar
Subject:Support for Consent Item 6h
Dear Mayor and Council -
As Board Secretary for the Latino Outreach Council, I am writing in support of Consent Item 6h regarding
the waiver of certain event fees for 501c3 nonprofits. As a non-profit organization and presenter of the
annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, we greatly appreciate your consideration and approval of this item!
The Dia de los Muertos event will be held in Mission Plaza on Nov. 1 this year, from noon-4:00. The event
will include Aztec dancers, Ballet Folklorico and Mariachis, a costume parade, several ofrendas (altars),
face painting, food and craft vendors and community booths. There is no entry fee, and last year it was
estimated that about 1,200 people participated throughout the afternoon. It is a fabulous celebration of
life and culture, and we are delighted to bring it to San Luis Obispo.
As you can imagine, there are many costs involved, including all performers, the sound system, supplies
for decorations and altars, event insurance, trash and recycling, extra toilets, etc. Many costs are
specific to the venue and related requirements - use of Mission Plaza, public works fees for the closure
of the Broad St. dog leg, use of the History Center parking lot, use of parking meters along the dog leg,
city review of the public safety plan, and the bike valet as required. We solicit grants and sponsors to
cover costs and, hopefully, enough funding to support our scholarship program for Latine students at
Cuesta College.
We plan for these event expenses, but as costs continue to rise, we do become concerned about the
ongoing viability of such an effort. Within that context, the proposed reduction in city fees is enormously
beneficial and helps ensure the ongoing success of this beautiful festival that attracts visitors from
throughout the region.
Thank you to city staff for reaching out to our organization to review the proposed changes during
development, and thank you to all for your ongoing support!
Andy Pease
Board Secretary
Latino Outreach Council
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