Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations from various community partners totaling $179,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, as well as in-kind donations for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Concert in the Park event. (Erin O’Brien, Business Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of monetary donations from various community partners totaling $179,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, as well as in-kind donations for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Concert in the Park event.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The purpose of this staff report is to recommend that the City Council authorize the acceptance of:
1. In-kind and monetary donations for the annual Concert in the Park event.
2. A monetary donation in the amount of $150,000 from Stripe to support the electrification of the Parks Division’s handheld maintenance equipment.
In-kind and Monetary Donations for Concert in the Park
The annual Concert in the Park took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Orange Memorial Park and drew a crowd of more than 6,700 attendees. Community members of all ages enjoyed musical performances, including Grammy Award winning headliner Ozomatli. The event also featured 48 vendor booths, community performances, food and refreshments, and a lively Family Fun Zone.
Thanks to an in-kind donation from Parking Company of America (PCA), free rides were offered on the South San Francisco Free Shuttle. Staff collaborated with PCA to establish a special Concert Day route and schedule. Sponsorships such as these enable staff to enhance event offerings and maintain a high-caliber experience for the community.
The event received $29,000 in monetary donations. Genentech donated $25,000, qualifying as a Benefactor level sponsor and continuing its strong tradition of community support. At the Patron level, donors contributing $2,000 each included Kaiser Permanente and Alan Naguit of State Farm Insurance Company. Kaiser Permanente remains a valued community partner. The event this year welcomed a new contributor, local State Farm agent, Alan Naguit. Having attended high school in South San Francisco, Mr. Naguit fondly recalled participating in the Day in the Park celebration as a student musician and expressed enthusiasm about supporting this year’s event.
Monetary Donation from Stripe for Electrification of Parks Maintenance Equipment
The Parks Division, thanks to an introduction from the Mayor, has been in discussions with Stripe regarding a donation to advance the City’s sustainability efforts through the electrification of small handheld equipment traditionally powered by gas. Stripe has committed a donation of $150,000 to support the purchase of battery powered equipment and the installation of charging infrastructure at the Corporation Yard.
This investment will fund the acquisition of electric weed whips, chainsaws, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and similar tools. The Parks Division currently has many electric trucks and an electric ride-on mower and continues to look for more electrification opportunities. This donation represents a significant step forward in the City’s broader electrification and sustainability goals. In 2024, California banned the sale of new gas-powered small engines; effectively forcing maintenance crews to move toward electric options as equipment wears out. Not all small engines have a one for one replacement yet, but this donation will put the City far ahead of other municipalities by helping acquire equipment and build the infrastructure needed to support an electrified maintenance operation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Receipt of these donations has no impact to the City’s General Fund. The funds will offset the cost of enhancing community events and advancing the Parks Division’s sustainable maintenance operations.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of these donations contributes to the major focus areas addressing quality of life as well as infrastructure and the environment. Key strategies include delivering services and amenities to address community needs and delivering sustainable solutions to strengthen and maintain the City’s infrastructure.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations from various community partners totaling $179,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, as well as in-kind donations for Parks and Recreation Departments programs and events.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates the generosity of community members and local organizations whose contributions strengthen the City’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural, and social well-being; protect and enhance the physical environment; and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open spaces and facilities.