The Chula Vista City Council meeting on December 3, 2024, focused primarily on preparations for the upcoming 60th Starlight Parade, a cherished community event that aims to promote civic pride and engage local families. Mayor Mary Salas expressed her excitement about the parade, recalling her personal history with the event and highlighting its significant turnout last year, which exceeded 50,000 attendees.

The meeting featured several speakers who outlined the enhancements planned for this year's parade. Notably, the event has been moved back to Saturday, December 14, to accommodate family attendance and avoid conflicts with other local festivities. The parade will also include a new route starting at I Street and 8th Avenue, allowing for more seating and better viewing for families.

Michelle Clock, the communications manager, detailed the promotional efforts for the parade, emphasizing outreach in both English and Spanish. The city is utilizing various advertising platforms, including Spotify and social media, to ensure broad community awareness of the event and its changes.

Steve Clayton from Sound Skills, the event production team, shared exciting details about the entertainment lineup, which includes live performances and the screening of the holiday movie "Elf" on a large inflatable screen. The festival will also feature a kids' zone, food vendors, and a storefront decorating contest for local businesses, encouraging community involvement and festive spirit.

Public safety was a key topic, with Agent Carter from the police department outlining the measures in place to ensure a safe environment for attendees. This includes road closures, increased police presence, and the use of bike racks for crowd control. The department is prepared to manage the expected large crowds and maintain emergency access along the parade route.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of city staff, local businesses, and community members to create a memorable and safe Starlight Parade, reinforcing its role as a beloved tradition in Chula Vista.