DATE: December 9, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Joe Prado, Director, Department of Public Health
SUBJECT: Department Celebrations and Recognitions
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Department of Public Health to recognize and celebrate holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months as described in Attachments A through E, per Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
Administrative Policy No. 81 was approved to govern department celebrations and recognition of holidays, themes, events, days, weeks or months as approved prior to their occurrence by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation. The purpose of this agenda item is to seek Board approval to celebrate and recognize the events submitted by the Department of Public Health (Department) in Attachments A through E. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended action, the Department will not officially and publicly celebrate or recognize the holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months, described in Attachments A through E.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Any event or observance in which the Department intends to incur expenses will be brought to your Board for approval in accordance with Administrative Policy No. 80.
DISCUSSION:
On June 10, 2025, your Board discussed department sponsorships and financial contributions to community events. Direction was given to the County Administrative Officer (CAO) to create a process for approval of events that County departments may participate in or contribute funding towards. Additionally, your Board directed the CAO to return at a later date to discuss and recommend what County departments may officially recognize or celebrate.
On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided direction on an approval process for County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months.
On September 9, 2025, Administrative Policy No. 81 - Department Celebrations and Recognitions was approved by your Board and allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation, prior to their occurrence.
Attachment A through E includes additional holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months the Department requests approval to recognize or celebrate. The events listed in the Attachments are recognized through social media posts, internal or external newsletters, and informational materials that can be themed around the observance, to raise awareness of Public Health messaging and bolster community connection. Some of the events are voluntary workplace events and celebrations that involve no staff time but allow employees to celebrate together during meal and rest periods.
The Department’s goal in celebrating workplace and community events is to foster a positive and engaging environment that strengthens employee and community wellness and connection. The Department’s Worksite Wellness Committee coordinates events that provide employees with opportunities to engage in positive social interactions with their colleagues, fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the workplace while supporting physical and mental well-being. These events have been shown to positively impact employee satisfaction, as reflected in departmental survey results.
The Department participates in broader community celebrations and observances throughout the year, recognizing the various traditions and values that reflect the communities we serve. By acknowledging and participating in these events, the Department demonstrates its commitment to being an engaged community partner and building meaningful connections that extend beyond the workplace, as well as supporting our continued efforts to promote, preserve, and protect the well-being of all residents of Fresno County.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #7, September 9, 2025
BAI #9, August 5, 2025
BAI #11, June 10, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Attachment A - Hanukkah
Attachment B - Kwanzaa
Attachment C - Hmong New Year
Attachment D - Lunar New Year
Attachment E - Black History Month
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander