ITEM 6-L

City Council Meeting:  May 14, 1991

                                 STAFF REPORT

DATE:     Mayor & City Council

TO:       City Staff

SUBJECT:  RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE ALTERNATE ROUTE FOR KIDS' DAY PARADE

INTRODUCTION

This report recommends that the City Council approve request for a parade on a
route other than the City's authorized parade route (SMMC Section 4241) for
Kids Day on June 1, 1991.

BACKGROUND

In 1985, City Council suggested that Santa Monica organize a Kid's Day program
modeled after an effort initiated by the City of Seattle.  Traditionally held
in Spring, Kid's Day has been sponsored by a number of other cities across the
nation and is usually composed of activities designed to make children feel
special, welcomed and valued by the community.  A Santa Monica Kid's Day was
initiated in 1987 and has become an annual event.

As a result of the 1989-90 budget review process, City Council expressed an
interest in expanding the Santa Monica Kid's Day program.  In cooperation with
the Community Development Department Kids City Project, Kids Day has been
expanded to a "Kids Weekend".

DISCUSSION

Kids Weekend will consist of a Kids City Employment Opportunity Fair, "Dollars
and Sense", for young people ages eleven to eighteen on May 31, where
workshops and training on pre-employment skills will be conducted.  This fair
will also consist of a forum where youth can speak to prospective employers.
Kids Day, June 1, 1991, will include many different activities for children of
all ages such as:  a parade recognizing youth groups or organizations, games
and various activities, a youth silent art auction, contests, tournaments,
prizes, and live entertainment.  Most activities will take place at the pier.

One of the recent additions to Kids Day is a proposed Kid's Day Parade to be
held on Saturday, June 1, 1991.  This parade would allow a diverse
representation of youth groups and organizations to take an active part in the
Kids Weekend celebration.  The entire parade would last approximately one-
half hour.  The following organizations have been invited to participate:
Military Color Guard, Santa Monica High School Band, Mounted Police, Police
Department vehicles, Fire Department vehicles, animated characters and local
celebrities.  The parade will begin at l0:30 a.m. and start in the Santa
Monica City Hall parking lot and proceed north on Main Street to Colorado
Avenue, head west on Colorado, cross Ocean Avenue and proceed on to the pier
ramp to the west end of the pier.  The Santa Monica Police Department will
provide all necessary traffic control.

BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT

Kid's Day Activities will be financed from funds available in Account
#0l-400-539-44013-6626-00000.  All costs will be covered in the $27,649
budgeted for this program.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the alternate parade route for
the Kids Day Parade to be held on June 1, 1991.

Prepared by:  Barbara Franklin-Moran
              Director, Cultural & Recreation Services

              Anita Ybarra
              Recreation Supervisor,
              Cultural & Recreation Services

              Teri Akloff
              Recreation Program Coordinator,
              Cultural & Recreation Services