Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to continue National Night Out program, considers contest and limited guidance for gift-card use
Summary
The council gave staff direction to continue the city-supported National Night Out on Aug. 4, 2026, retain the current $150 gift-card support for registered block events, explore a block-party contest and modest promotional guidance for how the cards should be used, and to report back after the event.
The Half Moon Bay City Council on April 7 confirmed city support for National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August and provided staff direction on scope and modest guardrails for city-provided support.
Staff said the program typically registers 20——0 neighborhood block parties and provides a $150 gift card to each registered event; the city averages about 500 participants overall and coordinates visits by public-safety agencies.
Council discussion focused on whether to cap the number of events, whether to extend the benefit beyond city limits (Moonridge historically included as an exception), and on accountability for gift-card use. Council members preferred positive framing—asking recipients to use the cards for event supplies such as paper plates and decorations—rather than a detailed ban on purchases. Several council members also suggested a modest block-party contest to encourage creativity and stronger social media promotion.
Direction and next steps: staff were directed to proceed with planning for National Night Out on August 4, 2026, keep existing city support and the Moonridge exception, consider promotional and contest formats, and provide a report back to council after the event. No formal ordinance or budget change was adopted at the meeting.
