DATE: August 25, 2026
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, 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. Approval of the recommended action will allow Board approval to celebrate and recognize the proposed celebrations. 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 within the Attached Department Celebration Forms.
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 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.
The Department requests Board approval to celebrate and recognize the following events:
Hispanic Heritage Month (September)
Celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans
Dia De Los Muertos (November 2, 2026)
The Day of the Dead traditional celebration involving family and friends paying respect to those who have passed away
Ramadan (February or March)
Observed by Muslims as a month of communal prayer, reflection, and the study of the Quran
Arab American Heritage Month (April)
Celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month (May)
Recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States
The attached Department Celebration Forms include additional information regarding the aforementioned holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months the Department requests approval to recognize or celebrate. The events listed 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
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Department Celebration Forms
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander