Hawthorne council debates line between city-sponsored events and councilmember-hosted gatherings

Mayor Pro Tem opened a discussion of the council’s May 27 direction that city-sponsored events be distinguished from events hosted or funded by individual elected officials. "This is a personal event organized by council member Manning," he said, arguing that use of the city logo and checks payable to the City risked confusing the public and exposing the city to liability.

Councilwoman Katrina Manning said she has held similar events for years and that most sponsorships were raised through third parties; after extended debate she agreed to remove the city logo from future materials and indicated she would accept responsibility for organizing the gathering as a personal event. "I will go on my own," Manning said during the discussion, adding she would not use the city logo going forward.

Why it matters: The debate focused on three practical risks identified by several council members and the city attorney: misleading the public about whether an event is city-sponsored; donor confusion when checks are made payable to the City; and the legal exposure of city finances and staff if invoices or vendor payments become the city’s obligation for what is essentially a private event.

Outcome and next steps: Council voted to allow the immediate, already-planned Mother's Day event to proceed while directing the city attorney and city manager to provide an accounting and legal guidance on how donations and invoices will be handled to avoid city liability; staff were also instructed to ensure future flyers and communications do not use the city logo or otherwise imply city sponsorship when an event is privately organized. The council also reaffirmed that the city manager retains authority to determine which events the city will sponsor based on capacity and resources.

Context: The exchange highlighted broader tensions about council-level coordination of community events, consistent application of council policy and the operational burden on staff when council members solicit sponsorships or request last-minute city support.

Ending: Councilmembers said they hoped the city attorney and manager would provide a clear administrative memo and an accounting for any funds received so the matter does not recur.