Frosh Shop update: parking plan near completion; mural idea faces site and funding questions

The advisory committee reviewed an emailed update from a project contact, Zav, that said the group now controls the full Frosh Shop parcel and will submit a parking plan to county reviewers, which would allow the lot to open fully once approved. Zav told the committee he intends to organize a community "barn-raising" to build a shade structure needed before the site opens for programming. He also reported continued interest in a mural on the parcel’s retaining wall and asked whether the arts council could advise on grants or fundraising to support it. The nut graf: The item was an operational update — staff said the outstanding task for opening the lot is county review of the parking plan; mural possibilities were discussed but face technical and funding constraints (wall construction, ownership/permissions and suitable funders). Committee members noted several constraints for a mural project: the retaining wall is rough concrete/cinder-block style and was previously judged difficult for paint murals; the parcel has multiple owners which has complicated past efforts; permissions and wall material may make paint murals impractical. A committee member suggested considering mosaics or community-built material projects and involving summer-camp participants as part of community input. On funding, staff said large state arts grants (e.g., California Arts Council or NEA) are highly competitive and would take time; the group discussed the T‑Mobile small-town grant (about $50,000) as a potential fit because it favors physical, shovel‑ready projects. Staff advised that fundraising led by the site contact is a practical option and that arts council staff could help with project scoping and management if fundraising proceeds. Ending: Staff said they would pass the committee’s technical feedback to Zav, flag potential funders for his consideration, and notify the committee if a formal project proposal or funding request is brought forward.