Miss Garcia reported to the commission on Dec. 1 that seven of eight lodging-tax grant applicants were funded for the year and summarized recipients and intended uses. "We got the biggest grant, one of the biggest grants I've ever received for general operating support for $16,000," she said, referring to the Downtown College Place Association award.

She said other recipients included regional organizations such as Fort Walla Walla Museum, Powerhouse Theater and Visit Walla Walla. The Walla Walla Movie Crush festival received $1,000 for general operating support; Miss Garcia said she believes it is the festival's tenth annual event.

Miss Garcia also outlined Winterfest programming scheduled by the city: giveaways for every child attendee, an "elfification" station, a market at Lions Park with local and tribal vendors, a firefighter-led Santa Station with crafts and activities for children, and a two-hour live set by Calico Bones. "Every single kid that attends is gonna get some kind of present," she said, urging promotion of the event.

Commissioners and the newly introduced city administrator offered thanks for the event planning. Miss Garcia invited questions and confirmed the commission's next meeting dates as reflected in the staff calendar.