AGENDA TITLE:
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Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing Lodi Junior Giants (PRCS)
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MEETING DATE:
July 15, 2026
PREPARED BY:
Emerson Yellen, Deputy Director, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Mayor Ramón Yepez will present a proclamation recognizing the Lodi Junior Giants program for its commitment to providing free, inclusive youth baseball and softball opportunities that promote teamwork, character development, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Junior Giants program, established by the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, is the nation's largest free, noncompetitive youth baseball and softball program. Serving youth ages 5 through 18, the program emphasizes the values of teamwork, integrity, leadership, confidence, health, and education while eliminating financial barriers to participation by providing uniforms, equipment, and programming at no cost to families. Today, more than 24,000 youth throughout California, Oregon, and Nevada participate annually in Junior Giants.
The Lodi Junior Giants program has long been a valued community tradition. For many years, the league was led by longtime Commissioner Russ Lake, whose extraordinary dedication to youth athletics and community service earned him induction into the Junior Giants Hall of Fame in 2024.
Three years ago, the City of Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department assumed responsibility for operating the Lodi Junior Giants program, ensuring that this important community resource would continue to serve local youth while honoring the strong foundation established by Russ Lake. Since that time, the Department has continued to grow the program while maintaining its focus on inclusion, sportsmanship, and positive youth development.
This year marks another significant milestone with the addition of a dedicated Special Olympics Division. Lodi is one of the inaugural communities selected to participate in the Junior Giants and Special Olympics Northern California partnership, expanding opportunities for youth with intellectual disabilities to experience the joy of baseball and softball in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
The continued success of the Lodi Junior Giants program is made possible through the dedication of City staff, volunteer coaches, team parents, community partners, and families who generously invest their time to create meaningful experiences for hundreds of local youth each summer.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.