Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Special Event Permit Application from President Ngo Dinh Diem Memorial Society and Coalition of the Republic of Vietnam Veteran Associations in Southern California to hold a Memorial for President Ngo Dinh Diem on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, 14180 All American Way.
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From: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Gina Nunes, Community Services & Recreation Supervisor
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Approve the Special Event Permit Application, subject to the stated conditions.
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BACKGROUND
President Ngo Dinh Diem Memorial Society and Coalition of the Republic of Vietnam Veteran Associations in Southern California are requesting use of Sid Goldstein Freedom Park for a Memorial for President Ngo Dinh Diem on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. (includes set up and clean up time). The actual event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The anticipated number of participants is 300.
The event consists of speeches, singing, and a salute. The applicant will use amplified sound, hang banners, flags and event signage, and set up canopies and chairs for guests. The applicant is also requesting use of electricity and restrooms provided at the park for the duration of the event.
Staff will discuss compliance with City codes and ordinances with the applicant.
To preserve the safety of the public and ensure the event is conducted in a safe manner, the application (Attachment 1) was routed to city departments for the development of conditions. The Community Services & Recreation Department, Risk Management, Community Development Department (Building, Planning, and Code Enforcement Divisions), Public Works Department (Traffic Engineering and Field Operations Divisions), and Police Department (Special Operations Division) collaborated to create a detailed list of conditions for approval (Attachment 2).
As required by Westminster Municipal Code Section 9.61.080, the applicant will be required to submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of two million dollars per occurrence and two million dollars in the aggregate, naming the city, the city council, boards and commissioners, its officers, employees or agents as a named additional insured during the term of the permit. The applicant will also provide a $2,500 security/cleaning deposit.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
If approved, the Community Services and Recreation Department will move forward with the applicant for the special event.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Special Event Permit Application
2. Conditions of Approval
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager