CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
August 4, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark J. Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Submittal for a PARKS CALIFORNIA GRANT OPPORTUNITY RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Authorize staff to submit a grant application to Parks California; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff is seeking approval to apply for grant funds for Pomona Pathfinders, a project aimed at providing youth access to California State Parks and Beaches and offering recreational, environmental, cultural, and historical learning experiences..
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On January 27, 2025, City Council approved Resolution 2025-13 accepting a grant award of $28,286 from Parks California to support Pomona Pathfinders.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact in submitting a grant application. There is no grant match.
DISCUSSION:
Parks California is a nonprofit organization and California State Parks’ official statutory partner that is dedicated to expanding programs, amenities, and resources so that people have the opportunity to build lifelong, meaningful connections with nature. As part of the 2026 grant cycle, Parks California is seeking proposals that address transportation barriers to parks, recreational and educational experiences, and provide outreach to underrepresented communities and areas with high transportation needs.
During the 2025 grant cycle, the City was awarded $28,286 for Pomona Pathfinders, a project aimed at providing youth access to California State Parks and Beaches and offering enriching recreational, environmental, cultural, and historical experiences in natural settings. Community Services staff researched the grant guidelines and determined that the City is eligible to apply again for Pomona Pathfinders.
If awarded, grant funding would provide up to $30,000 for expenses associated with drivers and fuel costs for outdoor and nature-based trips utilizing two new, clean-energy 20-passenger vehicles with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility. The vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in fall 2025. The application deadline is August 8, 2025. The award notification will be in December 2025 and the grant period will be from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
Community Services is committed to providing high-quality, meaningful recreational programming that fosters wellness and strengthens the capacity of the community to increase social connection and mental well-being.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals.
Prepared by:
__________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
Approve Grant Application to Parks California