Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Participation by Westminster City Council Members to Speak at City’s 2026 Black April Ceremony.
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From: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Requested by: Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen
Prepared by*: Christine Cordon, City Manager
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Consider participation of all City Council members to speak at the 2026 Black April Ceremony and provide direction regarding who is allowed to speak in the program.
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BACKGROUND
This item was requested by Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen.
The City of Westminster annually commemorates the Fall of Saigon by holding a Black April Ceremony at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park on April 30. The event consists of an extensive program that includes music, guest acknowledgements, presentation of memorial wreaths, and speeches. Each council member generally participates by speaking during the ceremony.
As the program currently stands and consistent with council direction provided at the February 25, 2026 (Attachment 1), District 1 Councilwoman Amy Phan West is not programmed to speak as a part of the event.
Acknowledging the importance of the Fall of Saigon to members of the community, culturally and individually, Mayor Nguyen would like the City Council to make a one-time exception to allow all five council members to speak at the Black April event.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Mayor requests the City Council to consider the request and provide direction regarding who will be allowed to speak at the April 30, 2026 Black April event.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Minute Excerpt from February 25, 2026 City Council Meeting
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager