HomeMy WebLinkAbout25 2021 Independence Day CelebrationSTAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2021
PREPARED BY: Vanessa Mager, Management Analyst
REQUEST: Receive and file an informational update regardirg
Independence Day Celebration. ml
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, receive and file informational update.
Strategic Plan
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Approval of Palm Desert's 2021 Independence Day Celebration would help address the
following priorities as specified in the 2013-2033 Strategic Plan, Envision Palm Desert —
Forward Together.
— Economic Development Priority 3: Create and attract entertainment and events to
enhance and expand the Palm Desert economy and lifestyle.
Background
At its regular meeting on April 8, 2021, the City Council approved the execution of a one-year
agreement with Pyro Spectacular Inc., including the approval of a deposit payment of $20,000
in preparation for the 2021 Independence Day Celebration. At that time, the staff report
indicated that State and County guidelines prohibited any large gatherings, and thus the event
would include fireworks only. Governor Newsom announced on April 6 that he aimed for a
June 15 reopening date for California, but he gave no specific direction regarding what impact
that would have on large gatherings.
Analysis
Since the meeting on April 8, much has changed in the fight against COVID and the California
Department of Public Health has issued new guidance on what a post -June 15 re -opening
would look like. This includes the following:
1. Capacity limitations will be eliminated.
2. Physical distancing requirements will be eliminated.
3. Masking will follow CDPH Masking Guidance. The County anticipates this will be
updated to be in alignment with CDC guidance as of June 15.
4. Attendees of large indoor mega -events (5,000 people or greater) will have to show
proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test (self -attestation is allowed).
June 10, 2021 - Staff Report
Receive and file an information update regarding the 2021 Independence Day Celebration
Page 2 of 2
5. The state recommends that attendees of large outdoor mega -events (10,000 people
or greater) show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test (self -
attestation is allowed).
6. Travel requirements will align with CDC and CDPH travel advisories.
Based on these guidelines Staff is planning a scaled -down version of the City's traditional
Independence Day Celebration. The event is likely to draw between 5,000 and 8,000
attendees within the 70-acre Civic Center Park. Festivities will include two live onsite radio
remotes, shuttle service for attendees between the Gardens on El Paseo and the park, food
trucks, and a 20-minute firework display synchronized to patriotic music simulcast on local
radio stations.
Since this is an outdoor event and as we are anticipating 5,000 to 8,000 attendees the above
guidance would not apply. Currently we are awaiting updated masking guidance for after June
15 and thus we will continue to monitor and be sure to communicate to all attendees ahead
of the event and at the event.
The College of the Desert continues to be a wonderful partner and has once again agreed to
allow the City to use its sports complex to launch the fireworks. However, this year College
of the Desert will not be opening its parking lots to the public. Parking will be available at Civic
Center Park, as well as at the Gardens on El Paseo, with shuttle service to the park. The
fireworks can be seen from up to five miles away, which allows them to be viewed from many
places throughout the City.
Fiscal Analysis
Budget for this event was approved at the April 8, 2021 City Council Meeting in the amount
of $60,000.
LEGAL
REVIEW
N/A
DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT FINANCIAL
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW
Tkovv.as Sou.Le
Robert W. Thomas Soule
Hargreaves Public Affairs
City Attorney Manager
Marl i,w ALv-a-v-ez
Martin Alvarez
Director of
Economic
Development
Janet M. Moore
Director of
Finance
City Manager, L. Todd Hileman: L. Todd I- itevu.avk,
ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER
Andy Firestine
Andy Firestine
Assistant City
Manager