19C - RECIEVE AND FILE MILITARY OPTIONS

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Receive and File: Military Recognition Options Update September 15, 2020 Page 2 Launch a Digital Registry for Santa Ana Residents to Share Contact Information of Veterans As a way for military veterans to share their contact information, staff has set up a form on our City website where residents who have served in the Armed Forces can self -report their basic contact information (name, address, email, and phone number) and their service information (branch of service, entry date, and discharge date). The form is accessible at www.santa-ana.org/form/veteran-registry-form. Implement a Banner Program and Consider Corporate Sponsorship to Pay for the Banners Cities across the United States utilize their street light and utility poles to display commemorative banners to recognize their residents who have served in the U.S. military. To implement these types of programs, it is common that the custom street banners display the name, branch, and year that the individual served, and are placed along main roads throughout the cities. The City of Santa Ana could utilize its existing street light/utility pole banner program to implement this option. Staff estimates that the cost for each banner, which includes the printed banner, display hardware, installation, and removal, is approximately $275 per banner. There is no funding source identified for this item. Establish a Veterans Museum To celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans, to honor their sacrifices, and to educate and inspire the community through their stories and personal experiences, in 2016 Orange County government officials established Heroes Hall —a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served in the U.S. military. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually, with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans. Housed in a renovated 1942 Santa Ana Army Air Base barracks building, Heroes Hall consists of 3,600 square feet of exhibition space, as well as the Medal of Honor Courtyard and Orange County Walk of Honor (which was relocated from the Orange County Civic Center in 2016). Veterans museums, such as Heroes Hall, serve as place -based hubs for the public to engage in learning about local military veterans, access collections for educational purposes, and participate in civic dialogue. Although it is located outside of city limits, Heroes Hall serves the Santa Ana community. At this time, staff recommends that the City Council not consider establishing a veterans museum in Santa Ana. As an alternative, the City can find ways to support Heroes Hall, such as by providing a one-time or on -going donation. Pursue Military Recognition Programming for Upcoming Fourth of July Events For the past several years, the City of Santa Ana has hosted an annual Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Park. The purpose of the event is to provide shared space for the community to celebrate and recognize the independence of the United States, as well as to commemorate those who have served in the U.S. military and have fought for and preserved the freedoms that residents enjoy. Currently, as part of the Fourth of July celebration's programming, U.S. military veterans in attendance are invited to gather at the main stage area to be recognized. Members of the Santa 19C-2