That the City Council consider a request from the American Legion Post 267 to reduce or waive the remaining facility rental fees for its 100th Anniversary dinner to be held on April 11, 2026, at the La Habra Community Center. 

The La Habra American Legion Post 267 was established in 1926. Their mission is to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, the military, and communities through devotion to mutual help. As a Congressionally chartered organization, its core mission is to "strengthen the nation" by serving those who served, advocating for benefits, and mentoring youth. La Habra American Legion Post 267 focuses on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. In 1998, they partnered with the City to host the first annual Veterans Day Celebration. They also often participate in City events and host a booth at the Fourth of July Spectacular, Community Open House and Concerts in the Park. Other important community activities hosted by Post 267 are the Memorial Day Ceremony, Flag Day Ceremony, Police & Fire Awards Luncheon, and Flag Retirement program. This group of volunteers also coordinates the annual Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Flag Football game at La Habra High School and arranges for local high school students to attend Boys State, a week-long summer leadership program in Sacramento to learn about the three branches of government. 

This year, the La Habra American Legion Post 267 is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is planning to host a free dinner, with alcohol, on April 11, 2026, at the La Habra Community Center. Mr. Doug Guimond, Commander of Post 267, has been working with City staff to schedule and secure the facility for approximately 100 or more guests. Under normal circumstances, a local non-profit organization hosting an event of this size and duration at the City's Community Center would be charged approximately $2,570 in facility rental fees; however, due to the City's history of support and partnership with Post 267, staff were able to waive much of the normal facility rental fees and only kept fees for direct costs, such as staff time for those employees working during the event and the fees charged for private security services, since the event includes alcohol. These reduced fees totaled $770 for a 13-hour rental period.

At the Regular City Council Meeting held on January 20, 2026, Mr. Guimond spoke during public comments and asked for consideration that these remaining fees also be waived. 

As indicated above, a non-profit organization renting a City facility for the proposed size, duration and use being proposed by Post 267 would be assessed fees as follows:
 

Facility Rental	$1,300
Stage set-up	$200
Catering kitchen	$300
Facility attendants (staff)	$520
Security guard (due to alcohol being served)	$250
TOTAL TYPICAL FACILITY RENTAL FEES	$2,570

Pursuant to prior City Council policy, the City's facility rental program is intended to be full cost recovery and all related expenses covered by usage fees. However, the City has made exceptions for local non-profit organizations that are actively involved in the La Habra community. These collaborations allow City staff to reduce much of the normal fees and help reinforce the City's mission as "a caring community". Typically, fees associated with direct costs to the City are assessed to non-profit organizations.

Staff has already waived approximately $1,800 in normal rental fees for the proposed Post 267 event. If the City Council directs staff to waive the remaining $770 in fees, the total revenue impact to the City will be approximately $2,570. It should be noted that other local non-profit organizations who apply to rent City facilities in the future may request the same full fee waiver.