The 2017 Agreement between the City and Sunset Cultural Center, Inc. (SCC) provides that the City shall have the right to use the theater and lobby for up to twelve (12) full days each fiscal year without charge, as long as the spaces have not already been committed to rental customers by SCC.

Executive Summary

AIM  Youth Mental Health is a local non-profit that supports youth mental health in Monterey County, through research, access to care, and empowering youth. AIM Youth Mental Health reached out to the City in January to formally request Council to consider granting them 1 (one) free use day of the Sunset Center in connection with their community event, the "AIM Ideas Lab Youth Presentation and Awareness Design Challenge Reception" scheduled for May 1, 2024 (Attachment 2). This event is designed to empower youth to share their perspectives on the mental health challenges they face today.

The event will celebrate local youth involved in two programs:

• AIM Ideas Lab: High school students receive mentorship to identify mental health solutions. A kickoff event on December 11th saw 11 mentors and 123 high school applicants (representing 37 high schools) participate. At the reception, students will present their research findings during an AIM Ideas Lab Youth Panel.

• AIM Awareness Design Challenge: Middle and high school students express mental health challenges creatively. The 7th Annual AIM Design Challenge commenced on January 12th, with artwork to be judged, framed, and displayed at the reception. Winners in each category will share their message with the community.

The Sunset Center offers an ideal venue to host this event showcasing AIM youth, their research, and inspiring art. Granting AIM Youth Mental Health one (1) Sunset Center Free Theater Day will result in significant savings in facility use fees for this organization, and help provide a memorable evening for local youth and families, reflecting months of collaboration to enhance youth mental health. 

Recommendation

Staff requests that Council consider adopting the attached Resolution, which will grant one (1) of the City's Free Use Days of the Sunset Cultural Center Theatre and Lobby for AIM Youth Mental Health to host a community event.