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DATE: |
December 10, 2024 |
02 |
SUBJECT
Title
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM:
SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21.2111 OF CHAPTER 21 AND ADDING SECTION 21.2214 TO CHAPTER 22 OF TITLE 2, DIVISION 1 OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES RELATING TO ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND PUBLIC DANCES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On October 22, 2024 (01), the Board of Supervisors took action to further consider and adopt the Ordinance on December 10, 2024.
Fraternal orders and veterans’ organizations serve an important role in San Diego County. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters in San Diego County are vital parts of the military and veteran community. Their membership consists of active, honorably discharged officers, or enlisted persons who have served in a foreign war, insurrection, or expedition recognized by the authorization or the issuance of a United States military campaign medal.
Fraternal organizations focus on community and charity. Some organizations serve the families of deployed service members, host adopt-a-veteran programs, provide freedom grants to serve veterans and/or military members in need of support or services, provide local student scholarships and student drug awareness. These programs are often supported through events which include entertainment or dancing.
Today’s board action seeks to amend the San Diego County Code to exempt organizations identified in 26 U.S.C. 501 subdivisions (c)(8), fraternal beneficiary societies, orders, or associations; (c)(10), domestic fraternal societies, or associations; and (c)(19), organizations of past or present members of the armed forces (including VFWs), from the requirement to obtain an entertainment and public dance license. The ordinance aims to grant these organizations an exemption from certain licensing requirements, enabling them to better host events that promote camaraderie and cultural engagement.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JOEL ANDERSON
Consider and adopt the Ordinance (unless ordinance is modified on second reading):
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21.2111 OF CHAPTER 21 AND ADDING SECTION 21.2214 TO CHAPTER 22 OF TITLE 2, DIVISION 1 OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE OF REGULATORY ORDINANCES RELATING TO ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND PUBLIC DANCES.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Supporting organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) locations with this exemption promotes equity by providing crucial resources and a sense of community for veterans from diverse backgrounds. These spaces serve as vital hubs where veterans can access mental health support, job training, and social services, helping to level the playing field for those who have sacrificed for their country. By fostering an inclusive environment, VFW locations empower all veterans, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to reintegrate successfully into civilian life. This commitment to equity not only honors their service but also strengthens our communities as a whole.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The proposed amendment to the San Diego County Code aligns with principles of sustainability by fostering community resilience and support for veterans and their families. By exempting fraternal and veterans' organizations from entertainment licensing requirements, the ordinance encourages these groups to host events that strengthen social bonds, promote cultural engagement, and enhance the well-being of community members. Such gatherings not only celebrate the contributions of veterans but also support local economies through increased participation in community activities. Ultimately, this initiative promotes a sustainable community fabric where individuals can connect, collaborate, and uplift one another, ensuring a thriving environment for all.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is minimal fiscal impact associated with these recommendations. The estimated total revenue loss ($5,000) from the $348.00 annual Entertainment fee, $124.00 annual manager fee and $249.00 annual renewal for Public Dance can be absorbed by Sheriff’s Licensing. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Fraternal orders and veterans’ organizations serve an important role in San Diego County. For example, VFW’s primary mission is to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans, and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and to promote Americanism through education in patriotism and service to local communities. VFWs achieve this is by serving as a special place for veterans, service members, and their families to connect, support each other, and engage in community activities.
The U.S. Congress has recognized the important contributions and the unique role that VFWs serve by issuing the organization a congressional charter, codified in Title 36 of the United States Code.
Fraternal organizations focus on community and charity. Some organizations serve the families of deployed service members, host adopt-a-veteran programs, provide freedom grants to serve veterans and/or military members in need of support or services, provide local student scholarships and student drug awareness. These programs are often supported through events which include entertainment or dancing.
Today’s board action seeks to amend the San Diego County Code to exempt organizations identified in 26 U.S.C. 501 subdivisions (c)(8), fraternal beneficiary societies, orders, or associations; (c)(10), domestic fraternal societies, or associations; and (c)(19), organizations of past or present members of the armed forces (including VFWs), from the requirement to obtain an entertainment and public dance license. The ordinance aims to grant these organizations an exemption from certain licensing requirements, enabling them to better host events that promote camaraderie and cultural engagement.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
The County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of community engagement, support for local organizations, and the promotion of inclusive events. By providing an exemption for organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFWs) to obtain entertainment licenses, we can enhance their ability to host community events that foster camaraderie, celebrate veterans' contributions, and enrich local culture. This alignment with the county's goals can strengthen community ties and ensure that veterans have the necessary resources to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant fabric of our society.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL ANDERSON
Supervisor, Second District
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Ordinance Amending Section 21.2111 of Chapter 21 and Adding Section 21.2214 to Chapter 22 of Title 2, Division 1 of the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Relating to Entertainment Establishments and Public Dances (Clean Copy)
Attachment B - Ordinance Amending Section 21.2111 of Chapter 21 and Adding Section 21.2214 to Chapter 22 of Title 2, Division 1 of the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Relating to Entertainment Establishments and Public Dances (Informational Copy)
Attachment C - Summary of Proposed Ordinance