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Authorize the County’s contribution of $1,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the following organizations, including Buckingham SHIELD ($500) for their Sober Grad Night program and Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.) Hope ($1,000)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Mashburn requests that the Board authorize the County’s contribution of $1,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the following organizations, including Buckingham SHIELD ($500) for their Sober Grad Night program and Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.) Hope ($1,000).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
District 5 has identified two local non-profit organizations for which to contribute its non-county contribution allocation:
Sober Grad Night - Buckingham SHIELD ($500)
Graduation night is statistically one of the most dangerous nights in a young person’s life. Sober Grad Night events, held throughout Solano County and across California, are traditionally parent-sponsored celebrations organized in partnership with local high schools. The concept was developed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in 1985 in response to the alarming number of graduating seniors who were celebrating with unsupervised parties involving alcohol and drugs, often resulting in tragic consequences.
The purpose of Sober Grad Night is to provide graduating seniors with a fun, safe, supervised, and substance-free, all-night celebration on graduation evening. These events offer students a memorable way to mark this important milestone while ensuring their safety during a high-risk time.
Community support is essential to sustaining this valued tradition for our seniors each year. A donation to Buckingham SHIELD will help fund their high school’s safe and sober graduation celebration, ensuring students enjoy a memorable final night of high school and return home safely to begin the exciting journey into adulthood.
T.E.A.M. Hope ($1,000)
Following three successful years, Suisun City will once again host its popular Cinco de Mayo Festival in 2026. The fourth annual celebration will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Suisun City Historic Waterfront. This collaborative community event brings residents together in a vibrant, multicultural celebration that highlights the diversity and spirit of Solano County.
This year’s festival will feature live entertainment, local vendors and craft booths, nonprofit and community information booths, and a custom car, truck, and motorcycle show. Local businesses and restaurants will also be showcased. The event is open to all and offers an opportunity for families and community members to come together to celebrate culture, heritage, and community pride.
The mission of T.E.A.M. Hope is to organize and co-sponsor community projects and events that benefit children, veterans, and the broader community. Sponsorship funds will support the Suisun Downtown Historic Waterfront’s 4th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival, a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. This festive occasion brings together history, cuisine, music, and community, honoring the rich traditions of Mexico while fostering cultural appreciation throughout Solano County.
Cinco de Mayo, observed annually on May 5, commemorates Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. The festival serves as an opportunity to celebrate this historic milestone while strengthening community connections and cultural understanding.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the FY2025/26 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $75,000; $15,000 to each supervisorial district, to allow Board members to support community service programs. The Board directed County Counsel to provide guidelines on how to recommend funding for qualifying agencies or programs.
1. Each supervisor must submit the proposed expenditure to County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller for initial review.
2. The Board must approve the expenditure by a majority vote.
3. The Board must determine that the expenditure is for a public purpose.
4. The Board may authorize an expenditure of public funds to a nonprofit organization so long as the County retains ultimate control over the exercise of judgment and discretion of the intended program.
5. To ensure accountability, all expenditures are subject to periodic audit by the Auditor-Controller; and
a) If the recipient provides an activity, program or service (“activity”), it shall provide an activity report within 30 days of the activity that states the number of persons attending (if applicable) or participating activities carried out, feedback from participants (if applicable) and benefits of the activity. The recipient’s failure to provide a report may result in its being considered ineligible for future funding.
b) If the recipient is purchasing property or making improvements, it shall use the funds for only the specified purposes and allow representatives of the county to inspect and/or audit the purchase or the contractor’s performance, the facility or the portion improved with the funds and/or the records pertaining to the expenditures. The recipient shall retain for inspection and audit purposes all books, receipts, documentation, and other records of the expenditures for three (3) years from date of receiving funds.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The expenditure totaling $1,500 from District 5 is included in the Department’s respective FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize this expenditure; however, this is not recommended as this is consistent with Board policy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was prepared in coordination with the County Administrator’s office, County Auditor/Controller’s office, and County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION