v . 0 0 5 P a g e | 1
January 20, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Grant Application: Authorize the Submittal of a Grant Application for the 2025 -2026 Whale Tail Grants Program
Report Number: 23-0334
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Parks and Recreation
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution authorizing (1) staff to submit a grant application for the 2025-2026 Whale Tail Grants Program; and (2) the City Manager to execute related grant documents.
SUMMARY
The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program funds projects that connect people to the California coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. As part of the application process, the California Coastal Commission requires applicants to receive authorization to submit a grant application and to authorize the City Manager to execute all related grant documents. Staff are requesting City Council’s authorization for both actions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The pr oposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the state CEQA Guidelines because it will not result i n a physical change in the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
P a g e | 2
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program was established in 1998 to support projects that connect the public with California’s coast through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences, with an emphasis on engaging communities that face barriers to accessing coastal and marine education.
With this authorization, the Department of Parks and Recreation proposes a project that combines education and art to increase community interest in and understanding of Chula Vista’s ecosystem and coastal environment. The project wou ld provide Chula Vista families and youth with educational and creative opportunities through workshops, art sessions, and the installation of bilingual educational signage. This project is estimated to be $28,799, which is anticipated to be fully offset by the grant if awarded.
Staff are requesting City Council authorization to submit the grant application and to authorize the City Manager to execute all related grant documents. If the grant is awarded, the Department will return to City Council with a future action to accept and appropriate the grant funds.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff have reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and have found no property holdings within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(7) or (8), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.).
Staff are not independently aware and have not been informed by any City Council member of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution authorizes staff to submit an application, therefore there is no fiscal im pact resulting from this resolution. Should the Grant be awarded, staff will return with a future action to accept and appropriate funds based on the award amount.
It is anticipated that the fund s received from the California Coastal Commission would fully fund the proposed project, offsetting proposed costs of the grant program, and resulting in no net fiscal impact to the General Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-2026 Whale Tail Competitive Grants Program Guidelines Staff Contact: Frank Carson, Parks and Recreation Director