FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 17, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager W. David Rowlands
BY: Recreation and Parks Director Alex Posada
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Application for 2024 Whale Tail Grant
Description:
The City Council will consider approving a grant application from the Recreation and Parks Department to the California Coastal Commission.
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.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution approving the application for Whale Tail Grant Program fundin g from the California Coastal Commission.
BACKGROUND:
The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail® Grants Program was established in 1998 to support projects that connect the public with the California coast through education, stewardship, and outdo or experiences. The program is funded primarily through the sales of the Whale Tail® License Plate, as well as the Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund. Grants focus on education, stewardship, and habitat restoration with an emphasis on reaching underserved communities.
DISCUSSION:
The Whale Tail® Grant provides a unique opportunity to enhance our community's environmental awareness and connection to coastal resources. If awarded, the grant will fund programs aimed at educating Santa Maria residents, particularly from underserved communities, about the importance of coastal preservation and climate resilience. The proposed project will include beach clean -up events, educational workshops on climate change impacts on coastal areas, and collaboration with local schools to integrate coastal stewardship into their curriculum.
Alternative(s)
The City Council can choose not to approve the Resolution. This would result in the City of Santa Maria missing the opportunity to apply for the Whale Tail® Grant funds , 2 potentially limiting the scope of environmental education and stewardship programs that could benefit residents.
Fiscal Considerations
The Whale Tail® Grant can fund up to $50,000 for eligible projects, including education, community engagement, and ste wardship activities. If the grant is awarded, project expenses will be reimbursed. The Recreation and Parks Department will be responsible for overseeing the budget and ensuring that all expenses comply with the guidelines.
There will be no additional fiscal impact on the City’s General Fund.
Impact to the Community
The approval of this Resolution and subsequent application for the Whale Tail® Grant will provide Santa Maria residents with valuable educational and stewardship opportunities related to coastal and marine environments. The project aims to inspire community engagement in protecting natural resources and to foster a greater understanding of the environmental challenges facing California's coastline, particularly in the face of climate change. Additionally, the project will benefit youth by offering hands -on learning experiences that connect them with broader environmental and conservation efforts.