Placentia proclaims 2026 its centennial year, unveils plans for yearlong commemoration

Mayor Vanka presented a proclamation Tuesday night declaring calendar year 2026 “Placentia’s centennial year,” saying the observance will include events, educational initiatives, public art and heritage projects to celebrate the city’s 100th anniversary.

The proclamation, read into the record by Vanka, notes that Placentia was incorporated on Dec. 2, 1926, and that a centennial steering committee — supported by subcommittees and volunteers — will coordinate a yearlong slate of programs to "honor our shared past and shape the future of our beloved city." The council rose for a photograph with the proclamation after it was read.

Councilmember Smith, who highlighted the city’s youth pledge program earlier in the meeting, said the youth pledge and other civic-engagement initiatives will be part of centennial programming. The city administrator introduced Annika Peisher, an El Dorado High School senior who will intern part time with the city; the mayor and council welcomed her to City Hall.

The proclamation invites residents, businesses, faith-based organizations and nonprofit and public partners to participate in centennial activities. No vote was required on the proclamation; it was offered as a formal recognition and ceremonial observance. The council adjourned the meeting after routine business and asked residents to watch the city calendar for centennial events and volunteer opportunities.