City staff reported that Cathedral City received an implementation grant from the state Arts in California Parks program to support programming and public art at Esperanza Park under the 'Hope Rising' banner.

"The grant is for $98,000," said the city presenter, describing funding that will largely support Desert Recreation District (DRD) staff time, materials, performers and other event costs. Staff said the grant will underwrite a series of four events focused on themes of past, present, future and community coming together, plus a community-involved mural on the restroom building facing CB Link.

How the project will proceed: staff said they partnered with DRD and Cynthia Barcato, community services supervisor, to develop the successful application. The city used an online call-for-artists platform called CAFE and received 148 applicants from across the nation; commissioners and the Public Arts Commission will narrow that field to a top three who will develop concept proposals, receive stipends, and present concepts to the community and the commission before staff recommends an award to City Council.

Local outreach and equity: staff said the application did not apply a formal weighting for local artists but noted proactive local outreach (gallery distribution lists, Perez Art District contacts and prior local projects) and that other city programming has prioritized local and regional artists for exhibitions and festivals.

Public involvement and programming details: staff described plans for a mural that would include community painting elements and said DRD will take a leading role in scheduling programming to avoid summer heat and coordinate with existing park operations.

No action required: the commission received the update; staff and the Public Arts Commission will continue review and community outreach as concepts are developed.