First Night Monterey funding

The First Night director said being the only nonprofit zeroed out 'makes my heart stop,' called the event essential public safety infrastructure, and noted the city would pay far more for public safety without it.

A 30-year teacher and First Night board member, he argued the arts are healing for underserved communities and that cutting them is a costly mistake.

A First Night founder, he noted $35,000 is three ten-thousandths of the deficit and urged the city to treat First Night like the Fourth of July, plus suggested green infrastructure bonds.

An eight-year First Night volunteer, she described the joy families get from the alcohol-free celebration and asked the council to keep funding it.