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Cotati approves two $5,000 cultural grants for film festival and Cinco de Mayo event
Summary
The council adopted staff recommendations to award two $5,000 Cotati Cultural Event Small Grants to On Access Productions for the Cotati Hub Film Festival and the Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati for a Cinco de Mayo festival. Staff emphasized scoring criteria including local involvement and sustainability.
Cotati — The City Council approved two $5,000 awards from the 2026 Cultural Event Small Grant Program to support community arts and multicultural events in La Plaza Park.
The programs: Staff presented five applicants and recommended two awardees after review by a staff scoring committee; the recommended winners were On Access Productions to host the Cotati Hub Film Festival and the Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati to host a Rotary Cinco de Mayo cultural festival. Staff said the scoring rubric emphasized creativity, inclusivity, feasibility and local participation; both recommended applications proposed plans to become ongoing, sustainable events that include Cotati residents and businesses.
Applicant comments: Tom Kearney of On Access Productions described his film‑festival experience and plans for family‑friendly screenings, workshops and mentorships. Rotary speakers described a "United for Good" theme and said they planned to build the event into an annual community festival with food vendors, live music and activities. The Rotary had requested $8,000 but said the organization would accept the $5,000 cap and continue fundraising.
Council action: Councilmember moved and seconded acceptance of staff’s two recommended grantees; the council approved on a roll‑call vote with Councilmember Savage, Councilmember Ford and Vice Mayor Harvey recorded as voting 'Yes.' Staff will finalize award paperwork and notify the awardees.
Next steps: Events requiring street closures, fee waivers or other public‑works support were noted as separate approvals and would return to council or staff for specific permits at later dates.
