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Bell Gardens approves FY 2026–27 events calendar, affirms facility rental rules
Summary
The Bell Gardens City Council unanimously received and filed the fiscal 2026–27 citywide special events schedule and a report on facility rentals, approving summer events, a July 2 Independence Day celebration with fireworks, and guidance on rentals and fee schedules.
On June 22, 2026, the Bell Gardens City Council received and filed the Recreation and Community Services department’s report outlining the citywide special events schedule for fiscal year 2026–27 and a separate report on facility availability and rental procedures. Both actions passed by unanimous roll call votes (5–0).
Director Liz Nava described a calendar of events budgeted in the FY26–27 general fund, including weekly "Summer Nights" concerts and movies (alternating Thursdays, activities beginning about 6 p.m. with movies/concerts starting at 7:30 p.m.), an Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 2 with activities at 6 p.m. and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. featuring "Gabrileto y la Verdad," a city fair on Aug. 4, Fiesta (El Grito) on Sept. 12, a Skate Jam on Sept. 25, the Eddie Cochran Memorial car show on Oct. 3, a Halloween laser show on Oct. 31 (moved from earlier in the summer), and holiday events in December. Nava noted some dates — for example the family fishing derby — depend on partner agencies and are subject to change.
Nava also explained facility reservation rules: some outdoor spaces are free on a first-come, first-served basis when not rented; synthetic turf fields are available for public use when not reserved, while natural grass fields are limited to rentals to protect the surface. She said applications and required paperwork must be submitted in person at one of the city's offices and that fees vary by event type, duration and additional services (cleaning, equipment); nonprofit organizations receive discounted rates on a case-by-case basis. "We are limited to only hosting it at one location," Nava said when asked about additional viewing parties for soccer matches, adding staff could prioritize the game itself if council directs them to host more viewings.
Council members discussed logistics, costs and resource coordination with neighboring cities, including the possibility of reserving a date in July to accommodate a high-profile match. After discussion the council moved and seconded to receive and file both reports; the city clerk recorded five yes votes and each motion passed 5–0.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve consent items 10.1–10.3: passed 5–0. - Motion to receive and file Item 11.1 (citywide special events schedule): passed 5–0. - Motion to receive and file Item 11.2 (facilities, rental and availability report): passed 5–0.
Next steps: staff will post or update the recreation department’s fee schedule and coordinate logistics for events; council raised no additional conditions during the meeting.
