DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sally Gomez, County Librarian
SUBJECT: Department Celebration and Recognition
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Library to recognize and celebrate Diwali, in compliance with Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost (NCC) associated with the recommended action. The recommended action requests Board approval to recognize and celebrate Diwali, for five years or until approval is rescinded by the Board, in compliance with Administrative Policy No. 81 (AP 81). This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the celebration or recognition of Diwali, the Library will not officially and publicly celebrate or recognize the observance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no NCC associated with the recommended action. Costs associated with program supplies and implementation will be covered within Org 7511. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Library Org 7511 FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget and are funded through Measure B library sales tax revenue.
DISCUSSION:
On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided direction for an approval process for celebrations by County departments. On September 9, 2025, your Board approved AP 81 – Department Celebrations and Recognitions, which allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those celebrations that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution, proclamation, or through the agenda item process prior to their occurrence. In accordance with AP 81, the Library is requesting to recognize and celebrate Diwali.
Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Diwali is celebrated as the festival of lights, during which homes are decorated with candles. Diwali projects the rich and glorious past and teaches its observers to uphold the true values of life. Diwali is celebrated with worshi...
Click here for full text