REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MIGUEL A. ARIAS, Councilmember
District 3, City Council
BY: GABRIELA OLEA, Chief of Staff
District 3, City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Actions Pertaining to the California/Tupman Park Mural Project and the Warnors Theatre infrastructure improvements
1. ADOPT a finding that the California/Tupman Mural Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 - New Construction of Small Structures
2. ADOPT a finding that the Warnors Theatre infrastructure improvements project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 - Existing Facilities.
3. ***RESOLUTION - Adopting the 4th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2026-159 to Reallocate $49,600 from the Public Works Department to the City Council Department for a Mural Project at California Tupman Park and Warnors Theatre Infrastructure Improvements (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following items: (1) Adopt a finding that the California/Tupman Mural Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures); (2) Adopt a finding that the Warnors Theatre infrastructure improvements project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities); (3) Adopt the 4th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2026-159 to reallocate $49,600 from the Public Works Department to the City Council Department for a mural project at California Tupman Park and Warnors Theatre infrastructure improvements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This action is to reallocate $49,600 from the Public Works Department to the City Council Department. Of the $49,600 total, $43,150 will be for a mural project at California Tupman Park, and $6,450 will be for replacing the ticket booth glass at the historic Warnors Theatre.
BACKGROUND
On October 1, 2024, Councilmember Miguel Arias received a tour of the historic Warnors Theatre. During the tour, it was apparent that immediate repairs were needed, and Nicole Owens, the Executive Director of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, shared a repair list for the theater. In October 2024, City Council District 3 appropriated $86,900 from the Public Works Department to
the City Council Department for the Warnors Theatre Roof Repair Project. The Warnors Center for the Performing Arts was a grant recipient of the 2024 and 2025 Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture cycles. Warnors Theatre has successfully hosted a diverse array of performances, attracting both residents and visitors to Downtown Fresno. The appropriation to the City Council Department for the Warnors Theatre ticket booth glass replacement will ensure the historic theatre receives the repair needed to maintain its historic integrity and provide a great experience for the Fresno community during its planned shows.
In 2022, a new tot lot was installed at California Tupman Park. In 2023, new picnic tables, a barbecue grill, trash receptacle, and an accessible pathway were installed. In 2025, a new shade structure, picnic tables, and concrete masonry unit (CMU) block wall were installed. The appropriation to the City Council Department for the California Tupman Park Mural Project will add a colorful touch to the significant investment made to the park over the years. The mural will be painted on the CMU block wall that was added to the park in 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Based on the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15303, the California Tupman Park Mural Project is exempt from the provisions of CEQA, and no further assessment is required.
Based on the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301, the Warnors Theatre Ticket Booth Glass Replacement project is exempt from the provisions. Class 1/15301 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures or facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. As such, this project is exempt from the provisions of CEQA, and no further assessment is required.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented as this item does not involve the bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the FY26/27 Council District 3 Infrastructure Budget.
Attachment: 4th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution