UPDATE: Public Money Will Provide Nearly Half Cost Of "Inaugural Celebration Commemorating Inauguraton Of Mayor Garcia" And Other LB Elected Officials; LB Harbor Commission Approves $20,000 At June 30 Meeting, Proceeds Above Event Costs Will Benefit LB Non-Profit Children Today

(UPDATE: June 30, 2014, 7:05 p.m.) -- In less than thirty seconds, without comments or discussion from Commission members, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners voted 4-0 (Wise absent for entire meeting) to approve the item below.

(June 30, 2014, 5:10 p.m.) -- LBREPORT.com has learned that nearly half the cost of what organizers call an "Inaugural Celebration" to be held at Long Beach Arena's Pacific Ballroom to [invitation text] "commemorate the inauguration of Mayor Robert Garcia and the newly elected leadership of Long Beach" may be paid using public money being sought later today from the Port of Long Beach.

The item, as agendized by Port staff on the June 30 LB Harbor Commission agenda, is a request for Harbor Commission approval of a "Request for Sponsorship: Children Today's Inaugural Celebration: $20,000."

Earlier today, LBREPORT.com sought and obtained from the Port a copy of the Request for Sponsorship submitted by Children Today, a Long Beach based non-profit. The group's application for Port funding states that the total project cost of the one-time event [the "inaugural celebration"] is $50,000. The request states that other firm funding commitments for the event have been received from the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau ($10,000), Union Bank ($10,000) and Union Pacific ($5,000).

The Children Today website contains a form labelled "City of Long Beach Inaugural Celebration hosted by Children Today".which states in pertinent part: "All profits from the Inaugural Celebration benefit the 501(C)(3) non-profit Children Today." An inaugural invitation likewise states that "all profits" from the inaugural celebration will benefit Children Today. In other words, it appears that the costs of the event must first be met before Children Today receives net proceeds and the $20,000 being sought from the Port would actually go toward covering the underlying costs of the "inaugural celebration."

The Port's Request for Sponsorship form submitted by Children Today states in pertinent part: "Requested funds from the Port of Long Beach would help underwrite this Inaugural Celebration fundraiser, with proceeds going to provide critical child care, preschool, and family support services to children and families experiencing homelessness."

Asked on the Request for Port Sponsorship how the project [the inaugural celebration] would support the Port's goals and objectives, Children Today stated: "The fund-raiser will help struggling families obtain housing and economic stability. With respect to community outreach, this Inaugural Celebration's high profile and large attendance numbers ensures the Port's sponsorship will reach a wide audience."

The Port has previously given Children Today three $2,500 sums in Nov-Dec. 2011, 2012 and 2013 for annual Holiday Cheer events.

An accompanying agendizing memo by Port staff [first visible online earlier today] states:

Date: June 30, 2014
To: Board of Harbor Commissioners
From: Michael Gold, Director of Communications and Community Relations
Subject: Sponsorship Request
Requested Action
It is requested that the Board of Harbor Commissioners approve Children Today's Inaugural Celebration event in the amount of $20,000. (Communications -- M. Gold)
Background
Children Today will host an Inaugural celebration commemorating the newly elected leadership on July 15. The inaugural celebration fundraiser will bring together stakeholders, members of government, service sector, and the business community to provide critical funding to operate Children Today's two child care facilities serving children and families experiencing homelessness in Long Beach. Approximately 700-1,000 people are expected to attend the event. Participation in the event will promote the Port of Long Beach as a strong community partner and highlight our social responsibility efforts. At the $20,000 level, the Port will receive a reserved area with lounge seating, recognition as a major event sponsor and a one-page premier ad in the 2014 Commemorative program. This is the event's first request for sponsorship.
It is requested that the Board of Harbor Commissioners approve Children Today's Inaugural Celebration event in the amount of $20,000.
Recommended by: Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Acting Deputy Executive Director
A.J. Moro, P.E., Acting Executive Director

The Children Today website describes what a $20,000 contribution would provide:

[Children Today website text] Gold Cabana Sponsor - $20,000 (limited to 4 sponsors); Superior size party Cabana (10' x 20') with lounge-style seating; Hosted wine; Recognition as major event sponsor; Full page premier ad in 2014 Commemorative Program

The "Inaugural Celebration" will follow a ceremonial swearing-in that, to our knowledge for the first time, is being scheduled for the Terrace Theater. Historically, ceremonial, non-substantive swearing-ins have been routinely held in the City Council Chamber. The actual legal swearing in's are usually performed in the City Clerk's office a day or so before elected officials start their terms of office. It's currently unclear how much the Terrace Theater event costs will be and who will pay them.