Submitted By: Beaches, Parks and Recreation
Prepared By: Samantha Wylie, Beaches, Parks and Recreation Director
Subject:
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CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 26-136, APPROVING THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE FY 2026-27 WORK PLAN
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Summary:
At its July 27, 2026, meeting, the Arts and Culture Committee reviewed and recommended a proposed Work Plan identifying six priority areas for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed priorities include public art, cultural events and programming, amphitheater feasibility, funding and partnerships, 2028 Olympics and Centennial planning, and historical resources and collaboration.
Background:
The Arts and Culture Committee serves in an advisory capacity to support and promote arts, culture, history, and creative opportunities within the San Clemente community. As part of the City's annual work planning process, committees identify priority projects and initiatives to pursue during the fiscal year and seek City Council authorization to complete the tasks. The annual Work Plan provides a framework for focusing Committee efforts, coordinating staff resources, and identifying initiatives that may require future City Council consideration.
Discussion:
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan includes the following priority areas:
1. Public Art Improvements and Installations: Continue to identify and support opportunities for public art throughout the community, including utility boxes, murals, artistic crosswalks, statues, and other installations.
2. Cultural Events and Programming: Explore opportunities for participating in cultural events and new programming, including a Tamale Festival.
3. Amphitheater Feasibility: Explore the feasibility of an outdoor amphitheater or community performance venue, including potential locations, uses, and future planning needs. Note: At the August 4, 2026, regular meeting of the City Council, the City Council identified a location and provided staff with specific direction in relation to further development of an existing amphitheater located at Forster Ranch Community Park. Therefore, staff would suggest removal of this item from the Work Plan.
4. Funding, Partnerships, and Sponsorships: Identify grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and other opportunities to support arts and cultural programs and projects.
5. 2028 Olympics and Centennial Planning: Support arts and cultural programming opportunities associated with the City's Centennial and the 2028 Olympic Games.
6. Historical Resource Collaboration and Partnership Efforts: Support collaboration and partnerships that recognize, preserve, and promote San Clemente's historical and cultural resources.
Considerations Identified by Staff:
The proposed Work Plan establishes broad areas of focus while providing flexibility for the Committee to develop individual concepts and recommendations throughout the fiscal year. Implementation will be prioritized based on available staff capacity, funding, partnership opportunities, and coordination with other City initiatives.
Several Work Plan items may overlap with efforts of other City departments, community organizations, and upcoming Citywide planning efforts. Staff will coordinate these activities as appropriate to avoid duplication and maximize available resources.
Of particular note, the City Council has already provided specific direction to staff in relation to further improvements of the outdoor amphitheater located at Forster Ranch Community Park. To avoid duplication of effort or inconsistency with existing direction from the City Council removal of that item from the Work Plan would be appropriate.
Council Options:
• Adopt Resolution No. 26-136, which will approve the Arts and Culture Committee 2026-27 Work Plan and make related findings under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Modify the ACC 2026-27 Work Plan by either (a) removing proposed items or (b) adding items; and adopt Resolution No. 26-136 (specifically removal of any Committee action in relation to an outdoor amphitheater).
• Continue the item with further direction provided to staff and the Committee.
• Deny the Work Plan.
Environmental Review/Analysis:
Approval of the Arts and Culture Committee Work Plan establishes advisory priorities and does not constitute approval of a physical project. Therefore, approval of the Work Plan is not a project subject under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5). Future projects will be evaluated for CEQA compliance, as applicable, prior to implementation.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Arts and Culture Committee Work Plan does not authorize additional expenditures or establish new budget appropriations. Work Plan activities will be undertaken within existing staff resources and adopted budgets where feasible. Should an individual initiative require additional funding or consultant services, staff will return to the City Council for authorization as appropriate.
Potential Action(s):
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If the City Council concurs with the information provided within this staff report, moving this item without modifications would result in adoption of Resolution No. 26-136, which would approve the Arts and Culture Committee Fiscal Year 2026-27 Work Plan as proposed. However, if the City Council would like to modify the resolution to remove any action by the committee in relation to the outdoor amphitheater, the appropriate action would be to modify and adopt Resolution No. 26-136.
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Attachment:
1. Resolution No. 26-136
Notification:
None.