April 28, 2026
Library and Community Services
DATE: April 28, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager
Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director of Community Services
-Recreation
Jene Levine-Snipes, Development Project Manager
Subject:
Accept and Appropriate California Tahoe Conservancy -
Tahoe for All Grant Funds
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $60,000 expenditure is funded by the California Tahoe Conservancy – Tahoe for All grant. The fiscal year 2025-2026 budget for the Community Services Department – Recreation will be increased by $60,000,
and the corresponding grant revenue account will be
increased by $60,000. There is no net change to the
overall City budget.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff requests that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept and appropriate $60,000 in grant funding from the California Tahoe Conservancy Tahoe for All Grant
Program to support the Youth Outdoors Richmond –
Pathways Program, in accordance with the City’s Grant
Administration Policy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to ACCEPT and APPROPRIATE
grant funds in the amount of $60,000 from California
Tahoe Conservancy-Tahoe for All Grant Program Fund;
and AUTHORIZE the City Manager or their designee to
execute the agreement – Community Services
Department/Recreation (Ranjana Maharaj/Jene Levine-
Snipes 510-307-8132).
AGENDA
REPORT
April 28, 2026
DISCUSSION:
The Pathfinders: Youth Outdoors Richmond Weekend Camping Program is a comprehensive outdoor leadership and environmental education initiative designed to remove long-standing barriers to nature access while fostering confidence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship among Richmond youth. The program provides free, three-day camping experiences at Sugar Pine Point State Park in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Activities include hiking, kayaking, stewardship projects, and cultural tours, all of which promote outdoor skills development, environmental awareness, and meaningful connections to nature and local history.
The program will be implemented over a three-year period and will include two camping trips annually, each serving 15 youth and supported by trained recreation staff and mentors, for a total of approximately 90 youth served. Each year, new participants will be enrolled while returning participants will take on leadership roles, further strengthening teamwork and confidence. To prepare participants for these experiences, the program will offer 4–6 pre-trip activities annually—such as gear fittings, outdoor skills clinics, and local practice hikes—engaging an additional 40–60 youth each year.
All program costs, including transportation, meals, equipment, and instruction, will be fully covered.
On December 19, 2025, the City of Richmond applied for funding for the Pathfinders:
Youth Outdoors Richmond Weekend Camping Program. Out of 47 applicants, the program was one of only three selected to receive funding, demonstrating strong alignment with the Tahoe for All Grant Program priorities. On March 20, 2026, the City was awarded $60,000 to support program implementation, with all activities to be completed within the grant term.
City staff requests that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept and appropriate the grant funds and amend the Fiscal Year budget accordingly to support implementation of the Pathfinders: Youth Outdoors Richmond Weekend Camping Program.
This project is a collaborative effort between the City of Richmond Community Services Department – Recreation Division and Youth Outdoors Richmond, with additional support from California State Parks and other community partners.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Grant Award Letter