Butte County selects local arts partner after contested public debate, board splits 3–2

The Butte County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on April 14 to designate a local arts agency eligible to apply to the California Arts Council’s State‑Local Partnership Program for a two‑year term.

Staff presented two eligible applicants: Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (USF, also known as Friends of the Arts) and the State Theater Arts Guild (STAGE), which operates the historic State Theatre in Oroville. County staff said both organizations met the county’s eligibility requirements — nonprofit status, a principal place of business in California, and at least two years of countywide arts programming — and recommended a two‑year designation to align with the state funding cycle.

Public speakers backed both applicants. Cindy Daniluk, executive director of the State Theater Arts Guild, told the board the group has “infrastructure, experience, and community partnerships necessary to meaningfully expand and strengthen the arts across Butte County,” citing recent events and youth programs the organization hosts. Deborah Lucero, representing Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation, urged continuity and technical assistance functions, saying USF brought $334,500 into the county in 2024 through nine grants and emphasizing that USF’s countywide service model supports smaller groups with grant writing and capacity building.

County Counsel told the board she had not been asked to investigate conflicts of interest and that, on its face, both applications met the eligibility criteria the board set when it established the local selection process.

Board members questioned capacity, countywide reach and whether a venue‑based organization could deliver the program’s countywide technical assistance requirements. Supporters of STAGE argued the theater’s asset would bolster countywide programming and provide a physical hub; supporters of USF said the county benefits more from a partner focused on distributing technical assistance and expanding access beyond a single venue.

After debate and competing motions, the board approved a two‑year designation by a 3–2 vote. The designee will be eligible to seek the State Local Partnership grant funding (staff said the designee may apply for a baseline award and then leverage that work to expand countywide grant opportunities). The board asked that the unsuccessful applicant be encouraged to reapply in two years.

The board’s action authorizes the chair to sign the designation and sets the term to match the state grant cycle. The county staff packet notes a baseline award opportunity of $75,000; staff explained that additional funding opportunities may be available to leverage the initial designation.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.