CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
October 6, 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: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF POMONA TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE WHALE TAIL GRANTS PROGRAM THROUGH THE CALFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-107 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE WHALE TAIL GRANTS PROGRAM THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION; and, 2) 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:
Adoption of the Resolution (Attachment No. 1) will allow staff to submit a grant proposal for the Whale Tail Grant Program through the California Coastal Commission.
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 match requirement.
DISCUSSION:
The California Coastal Commission created the Whale Tail Grants Program in 1998 with funding from purchases of the California’s Whale Tail License Plate. In 2014, the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund was added to the California State tax return’s Voluntary Contributions section to provide taxpayers the option to contribute to the Whale Tail Grants Program. In 2021, $10 million in one-time funding was allocated for this program through the State budget. Nearly all of the 2021 funds will be expended after this grant cycle. A total of approximately 1.5 million will be allocated this year and requests may be up to $50,000.
The intent of the program is to fund projects that connect people to the California coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. After a thorough review of the grant guidelines, eligibility, and criteria, staff confirmed the City's eligibility to apply. Staff would like to submit a proposal for a 24-month project aimed at providing up to 50 youth, ages 13-18, with coastal adventures, skill-building experiences, field trips to watersheds, educational workshops featuring the marine ecosystem with a focus on conservation, environmental stewardship, and the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on job experiences.
Approval of this action will allow staff to submit a grant application for the Whale Tail Grants Program by December 15, 2025. There is no grant match and award announcements are expected in February 2026. The grant period is March 2026 through April 2028.
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 and Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community – Goal M: Improve safety and cleanliness at parks and public spaces.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – Resolution No. 2025-107
Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for the Whale Tail Grants Program