REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Eric McCoy, Fire Chief
Jennifer Villasenor, Community Development Director
PREPARED BY: Kevin Justen, Senior Management Analyst Christopher Kennedy, Economic Development Project Manager
Subject:
title
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-02 Approving Application(s) for Whale Tail Grant Funds from the California Coastal Commission
body
Statement of Issue:
City Council approval is requested to adopt Resolution No. 2026-02 authorizing the City to submit two applications for Whale Tail Grant Funding from the California Coastal Commission. One application is proposed by the Community Development Department and the second is proposed by the Fire Department.
Financial Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with submitting the Whale Tail Grant applications. If awarded, each application would receive $50,000, for a total of $100,000 in grant funding. No City match or cost share is required. For the Community Development Department project, Visit Huntington Beach has allocated $65,000 to support the project through its Tourism Enhancement Program budget.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-02, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Approving the Application(s) for Whale Tail Grant Funds from the California Coastal Commission.”
end
Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program funds projects that connect people to California’s Coast and watersheds through education, stewardship and outdoor experiences. Eligible projects often focus on coastal literacy, environmental awareness, and public access.
For Fiscal Year 2025-2026, staff from the Fire Department and Community Development Departments are proposing two separate projects, each requesting $50,000 in grant funding.
Community Development Department Proposal
The Community Development Department proposes an Interpretive Education Project on the Huntington Beach Pier, developed in partnership with Visit Huntington Beach. The project would create a self-guided, interactive interpretive walking tour to educate visitors about marine life, coastal ecosystems, and Huntington Beach’s surf culture and heritage.
This project would incorporate durable interpretive signage with digital enhancements to engage visitors and promote environmental stewardship at one of California’s most iconic public coastal landmarks. If awarded, grant funds would be used to reimburse eligible costs associated with the design and installation of the interpretive elements.
Fire Department Proposal
The Fire Department proposal would support the City’s Beach Ranger Coastal Education Program, which serves youth from the Oak View community. This program introduces participants to the ocean environment and focuses on water safety and awareness, safe beach activities, aquatic animal identification, and basic water skills and environmental education.
Grant funds would reimburse eligible operating and personnel expenses necessary to conduct and support the program.
Council Action Required
City Council approval is required to:
• Support submission of the two grant applications
• Authorize the City to enter into grant agreements with the California Coastal Commission if funding is awarded
• Designate authorized representatives to execute related agreements
Accordingly, staff recommends adoption of a resolution approving two Whale Tale Grant applications in the amount of $50,000 each.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2026-02
2. Whale Tail PowerPoint