TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of the City’s Plans to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary (Not Budgeted) (Parks and Recreation Director Leyman).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction on the City’s plans to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This item is not budgeted. Fiscal implications will be based on City Council direction for programming costs. Preliminary estimates are attached.
BACKGROUND:
At the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting, the City Council requested that staff explore several potential programming ideas to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary.
DISCUSSION:
Staff reviewed the concepts and conducted preliminary research regarding feasibility, logistics, staffing needs, and potential costs. Because the ideas were presented at a conceptual level and were not accompanied by detailed implementation plans, the information included in this report reflects preliminary estimates intended to inform City Council discussion and provide a general understanding of potential impacts.
Incorporation into July 5, 2026 Concerts in the Park
One option would be to incorporate America 250 recognition elements into the existing July 5 Concerts in the Park event, which already includes the annual Salute to the Troops program. Programming elements could include an opening performance, recognition of a commemorative poster contest winner, and brief remarks from speakers. Potential programming options include:
Opening Performance
An opening performance could occur prior to the scheduled performance by the Satin Dolls. Possible performers could include a military band or patriotic ensemble such as:
• 1st Marine Division Band
• Navy Band Southwest
• 40th Infantry Division Band
Costs and availability would need to be confirmed. Generally, military bands do not charge for their performances, but they are usually the main attraction and not an opener.
Tiger Squadron Flyover
The Tiger Squadron precision formation flying team currently has availability to conduct a flyover during the event. The team may provide one to three aircrafts, subject to availability, at an estimated cost of approximately $300 per aircraft. The City would require Aviation Liability Insurance with limits of no less than $10 million, confirm pilot licensing, and ensure compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Availability would need to be confirmed.
Participation by Historical and Patriotic Organizations
Sons of the American Revolution (Los Angeles Chapter - “Sons of Liberty”)
The Sons of Liberty is the Los Angeles branch of the Sons of the American Revolution, is a historical, educational, and patriotic organization that promotes appreciation for American history, citizenship, and national symbols. Membership is limited to individuals who can document direct descent from a Revolutionary War Patriot. The organization has been contacted regarding possible participation but has not yet responded.
Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a women’s volunteer service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The Redondo Beach and Los Angeles chapters have expressed interest in participating in a commemorative event at no cost. Participation could range from hosting an informational booth to appearing in period attire and interacting with attendees to provide historical education.
Staff Resources and Event Coordination
Additional staff coordination would be required to manage performer logistics, scheduling, and coordination with the City’s contracted stage management company. Staff would also coordinate the poster contest announcement and facilitate any speakers scheduled between performances.
Estimated Cost Considerations
Costs would depend on the scope of additional programming and technical requirements, including:
• Performance fees for additional performers
• Additional stage management and technical support
• Potential additional staffing hours
• Possible extended event hours
If the event start time were moved significantly earlier to accommodate additional programming, the stage management vendor may need to install stage infrastructure the day prior to the event, which would significantly increase costs.
Manhattan Beach Boulevard Parade Option
A community parade along Manhattan Beach Boulevard from Target to Polliwog Park prior to the July 5 Concert in the Park was explored. This parade would be similar to the parade held during the City’s Centennial celebration but would not close Sepulveda Boulevard. Participation from civic organizations, schools, and community groups would be anticipated.
Preliminary Cost Estimate - breakdown attached
Staff consulted with relevant departments and developed a preliminary estimate of approximately $120,000 to support the parade.
Operational Requirements
• Closure of approximately 11 streets along the route
• Installation of solid traffic barriers
• Approximately 192 overtime hours of Police Department sworn officer and CSO staffing
• Approximately 192 hours of CSC security staffing
• Approximately 16 hours of Fire Department staffing
• Approximately 64 hours of regular time and 64 hours of overtime for Public Works support for no-parking notices, traffic control devices, and barricade deployment
Logistical Challenges
Installation of Meridian barriers would require significant setup time and result in extended closure of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. This could impact surrounding residential streets and may also affect parking access for attendees arriving for the Concert in the Park event.
Traffic Engineer Zandvliet and Police Lieutenant Benjamin indicated that a parade route along Redondo Avenue between Marine Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard would have less impact on surrounding traffic and residents and would reduce costs.
Additional Commemorative Ideas Explored
Staff also reviewed several additional concepts for recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary.
Commemorative City Lapel Pin
A limited-edition lapel pin featuring a temporary America 250 design could be produced and distributed as a commemorative item.
Depending on the quantity, prices range from $1.05 each for a quantity of 5,000, to $1.75 to $3.15 each for a quantity of 100.
America 250 Poster Contest
This concept was presented to staff as a potential partnership with a service organization to coordinate a community poster contest recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary.
Staff recommends administering the poster contest internally. Given the limited timeline, coordinating the contest through an external service organization would introduce additional administrative complexity and could delay implementation. However, staff could partner with an external group or panel of community members to serve as jurors for the submitted designs, which would provide an impartial process for selecting the winning entry.
The selected poster could be used to promote the City’s America 250 celebration activities, including the July 5 Concerts in the Park event.
Staff Resources
Administering, marketing, and executing the poster contest would require approximately 50 staff hours. Tasks include developing contest guidelines, conducting marketing and outreach, receiving and organizing submissions, coordinating jury review, announcing the winner, and managing printing and distribution of the final poster.
Estimated Cost for poster printing and distribution: approximately $1,000
American Flag Light Pole Banners
Installation of American flag banners on light poles, potentially including a series highlighting U.S. Presidents, could provide a visual commemoration throughout the City.
Existing Flag Locations
The City’s existing contract with Utopia Worldwide includes 71 utility pole locations throughout the City where flags may be installed.
• Cost to reinstall flags at all locations: approximately $2,000
Polliwog Park Amphitheater
Polliwog Park currently has 14 light posts within the amphitheater area, each with dual-sided flags (28 flags in total).
• Replacement cost: up to $522 per post depending on the condition of the existing hardware (includes two flags)
Additional Installations
Additional installations on new utility poles along Manhattan Beach Boulevard could also be added. Estimated cost: $261 per location.
Water Tower Logo
Repainting the City’s water tower with an America 250 design would represent a significant capital project requiring coordination across multiple departments and a substantial budget.
The most recent repainting of the water tower, completed in 2024, cost approximately $1.2 million and required approximately four years from planning through completion. Any repainting or installation of a large-scale graphic treatment (such as a vinyl wrap) would require extensive scaffolding and infrastructure due to the tower’s size and location.
Additionally, the previous painting project generated noticeable impacts in the surrounding neighborhood during construction, and similar work could raise community concerns related to construction disruption.
Estimated Cost and Timeline
Estimated costs based on the previous project include:
• Scaffolding: approximately $650,000
• Paint coating: approximately $767,000
• Application of logo: approximately $13,500
Estimated project timeline: approximately six months to one year once construction begins. Given the planning, procurement, and construction timeline required, completing a repainting project in advance of the July 2026 celebration would likely not be feasible.
Alternative Option
As a lower-cost and less disruptive alternative, staff could explore temporary uplighting of the water tower using red, white, and blue lighting to create a patriotic visual element during the celebration period. This option would not require extensive infrastructure and could be implemented more quickly.
Ferris Wheel at Lower Pier Parking Lot
Another concept proposed was installing a temporary ferris wheel with red, white, and blue lighting in the Lower Pier Parking Lot. This attraction could provide a highly visible celebratory element during the holiday weekend and attract additional visitors to the downtown area. The local vendor contacted can provide the ferris wheel on July 5th for approximately $12,000 per day, including delivery, rental, generator and staffing.
Closure of the lower pier lots would result in parking meter revenue losses of approximately $3,000 per day and reduce available parking for visitors and downtown business patrons. Additionally, closure of the Pier parking lot in the summer season would likely not be supported by the California Coastal Commission. Alternative locations, such as Polliwog Park could be explored.
Mobile American History Exhibit
Staff explored the potential for hosting a traveling American history exhibit for approximately one week prior to July 5 at locations such as the Manhattan Heights Community Center, Polliwog Park, the Library, or Pier Plaza. Staff reached out to the operator, however, there was no availability.
Funding Considerations
If the City Council directs staff to pursue some or all of these concepts, staff anticipates that a portion of the costs could potentially be offset through community sponsorships and fundraising efforts from residents and local businesses. Staff has begun exploring whether organizations such as LoveMB or other community groups may be interested in assisting with fundraising coordination.
PUBLIC OUTREACH:
After analysis, staff determined that public outreach was not required for this issue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Parade Cost Estimate
2. American Flag Holiday Placement Map
3. Power Point Presentation