Newman youth dance troupe asks city for occasional plaza use for practices and cultural events

Members of West Side Fiesta Mexicana asked the Newman City Council on Oct. 14 for permission to use the city plaza occasionally for rehearsals and cultural demonstrations, saying the group’s activities support youth mentorship and local businesses.

The request came during the meeting’s public comment period. Olivia Esquivez Gonzales, who said she lives at 719 West Mariposa Street, introduced the troupe and said the group has been using the plaza for practices when their regular venue was unavailable. “We want to become ally with the city and with the business in the community to be able to do events throughout the year,” Gonzales said. Student members Mariana Placencia and Rita Abrego Juarez described the troupe’s role in preserving Mexican heritage and building confidence among participating youth.

The troupe and its parents asked the council to allow “occasional practices and cultural representations” on plaza or park space and said they are willing to follow any city permitting requirements. The parents’ letter filed with the council said community members frequently stopped to watch and expressed appreciation for the performances.

City staff acknowledged the request and said there is an existing process for unsanctioned use of plaza space that requires proof of insurance and adherence to permitting guidelines. “There’s some real risk and liability to allowing people to do those functions on city property like that without having the proper insurance,” a city staff member said, adding staff would work with the group and that Ally (Ally/Ally Mendoza) has been handling the item. The city noted that city-sanctioned events such as the farmers market and seasonal celebrations are covered by underlying insurance through the city or the chamber of commerce.

Speakers emphasized the troupe’s community benefits: mentors and instructors teach students as young as 2 years old, and the group reported that seven people trained through the program have been employed as instructors. The troupe said their events also help bring customers to local restaurants that have struggled financially.

Council members did not take formal action but asked staff to follow up with the troupe to explain the permitting steps. The city indicated staff would confer with Ally Mendoza and provide additional information to the group.

City staff said they will continue working with the troupe to explore options that protect taxpayer liability while allowing community cultural events.