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Council approves $5,000 grant to Calimesa Youth Baseball despite $3,000 guideline cap
Summary
The council voted 3–2 to give Calimesa Youth Baseball & Softball a $5,000 community grant from the city’s $15,000 program budget. Council debate centered on fairness and program viability; staff said the applicant has secured over 200 signups and additional fundraising.
The Calimesa City Council approved a $5,000 community grant to Calimesa Youth Baseball & Softball in a 3–2 roll call vote after debate over whether the council should exceed the program’s $3,000 guideline cap.
City staff explained the community grant program (FY 2025–26 budget $15,000) and said only one complete application was received this cycle from the league’s president, Howard Reeves. Staff and the finance committee confirmed the league had sufficient signups to move forward, and staff noted the $3,000 guideline may be exceeded at council discretion.
Mayor Cervantes, who moved the recommendation, and other supporters said the league has made significant progress on fundraising and signups (staff cited about 200 registrants) and that an extra $2,000 would improve startup viability for equipment and officials. Councilmember Garcia warned about the optics and fairness of raising the award above the stated $3,000 cap, saying the guideline exists to ensure predictable and equitable distribution. The final roll call vote was: Kundiff yes; Garcia no; Molina yes; Mayor Pro Tem Manley no; Mayor Cervantes yes.
Staff will issue the award and work with the league on scheduling and field access; the city manager noted short‑term steps (signage and coordination with neighboring districts) and a longer‑term online scheduling system is under evaluation to manage field use.
