Staff Report
Parks and Community Events Commission
Item No. 2.F
Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Sponsors: Antonio Baciu, Commissioner, Angel Herrera, Commissioner Title: 2026 Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theater
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) approve the continuation of the 2026 Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theater from June 12 through July 31, 2026, and authorize allocation of $1,100 from the PACE Small Events budget and forward the program and funding request to the City Council for final consideration and approval.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) is dedicated to promoting community engagement and enhancing awareness of the city’s park resources. As part of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget, PACE was allocated $10,000 annually to support small- scale events in city parks. Funds may be used for services, materials, or a combination of both, with proposals reviewed and recommended by PACE before City Council consideration.
Over the past several years, PACE has supported the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theater by providing dedicated volunteers. Each year the event shows record-breaking attendance. The program creates fun, safe, and affordable summer activity for the community.
DISCUSSION:
The Free Movies for Kids Summer Program continues to provide a fun, safe, and accessible summer activity for children and families in the community. Hosted at the Mary Pickford Theatre, the program offers free weekly movie screenings along with complimentary popcorn and water for attendees.
The program will run for (8) eight weeks, with shows scheduled every Friday from June 12 through July 31, 2026. As in previous years, PACE Commissioners have supported the program by volunteering to distribute and collect movie passes, as well as assist with ushering duties inside the theater.
Additionally, as in past years, each attendee will receive a complimentary bottle of water in a small popcorn.
To offset the event costs, “Dinner with Patsy” and Live Happy have generously donated $1,000 to the city to participate in the funding of this program.
Event Details:
Based on coordination with Mary Pickford theatre management, the estimated cost for refreshments is $250 per movie, serving approximately 100 attendees per showing.
Program Costs
250 per movie x 8-weeks = $2,000 Total Program Cost
Sponsorship
Dinner with Patsi $ 500
Live Happy $ 500
Total Sponsorship $1,000
PACE Funding Request
Program Support: $1,000
Flyers Outreach Materials: $ 100
Total Funding Request from PACE $1,100
Additional cost saving measures have been implemented for the 2026 season. The program has transitioned to a smaller theatre with a capacity of 152 seats, reducing the need for larger large-scale outreach. As a result, only 50 Flyers will be produced this year, compared to approximately 500 in previous years, helping to reduce overall program costs.
The program continues to build on prior success by providing a positive, no cost summer activity that encourages community engagement and supports families. It also strengthens partnerships with local businesses and organizations through sponsorship opportunities.
The programs listed below are included on tonight's agenda for consideration by the Commission and have not yet been approved. The funding amounts shown represent proposed allocations, and the chart below reflects a potential budget scenario if all programs are approved.
Event Name Location Funding Request
Yoga in the- Park Amphitheater $ 3,100
Halloween Dog Contest Panorama $ 500
Free Movies for Kids Summer Mary Pickford $ 1,100
Paint with PACE Library $ 1,200
Feliz Navi Dog Esperanza $ 500
PACE FY 26/27 Annual Allocation Amount $10,000
Total Proposed $ 6,400
If approved as proposed, the remaining PACE Small Events budget for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 will be $3,600.
FUNDING SOURCE:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2026-2027 Summer Kids
Free Movies
100-500-510-
511-8300-8301 MO3511 $1,100 One Time
2026-2027 Total $1,100