AgdaPkt 2004-01-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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[REPORT To the Honorable Mayor and City Council and the Redevelopment Agency Board From the City Manager and the Executive Director January 5, 2004 Subject 2004 Sea Otter Classic International Cycling Event Recommendation That the City of Redwood City and the Redwood City Redevelopment Agency host the 2004 Sea Otter Classic Elite Road Stage Race, a proposed wodd class bicycle race, and authorize a budget appropriation for public support and in-kind services in an amount not to exceed $25,000 from the 2003-2004 Redevelopment Agency Budget. Background Redevelopment is most often a partnership with the pdvate sector, where public funds are used to generate private investment for the public good by creating an atmosphere where business can thrive. The elimination of blight often requires an investment not only in physical improvements, but in programs and activities that promote and market an area in order to attract customers and investors. An annual program of special events in the Downtown is one of the ways to create just such an environment. Last year, the Redevelopment Agency partnered with Sea Otter Classic, LLC to host a special event which brought great activity and publicity to Downtown--the 2003 Sea Otter Classic Elite Road Stage Race. The Sea Otter Classic is headed by Mr. Rick Sutton, a Redwood City resident. The Sea Otter Classic was attended by approximately 3,000 to 4,000 spectators and over 40 media representatives. There were two races, a men's and a women's, both of which started Downtown, proceeded into a race loop in the Redwood City hills, and culminated in a finish Downtown in front of the Fox Theater. The event brought extensive coverage of Redwood City to Bay Area television stations KGO, KRON, and KTVU, as well as the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury-News, and the Sacramento Bee. The issues raised by some of the male cyclists during last year's race have been addressed and are discussed later in this report. Last year's race served as an extension of the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, which is entering its 14th year. The Monterey race is North America's largest cycling festiva~ and is considered the global season opener for all forms of racing and recreational riding. Over 10,000 mountain bike, road bike, and BMX athletes, including Olympic, wodd, and national champions, and 50,000 spectators attended the 2003 event. Over 200 international media representatives attended in producing over 300 million impressions. Outdoor Life Network televised a one-our special on the race in 2002. As stated, the race in Redwood City is an extension of the Sea Otter Classic north into the San Francisco Peninsula. Ultimately, Mr. Sutton's goal is to host a twenty-day race in California similar to the Tour de France. By adding days and miles to the front-end of the four-day Monterey festival, it is anticipated that a promotional "freight train" of international