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Home My WebLink About4.6 - Debra Lucero - UCEF - CA Arts Council Designation - State_Local Partnership.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening attachments, clicking on links, or replying.. From:Debra Lucero To:Ritter, Tami; Connelly, Bill; Kimmelshue, Tod; Teeter, Doug; Durfee, Peter; Clerk of the Board Subject:UCEF - CA Arts Council Designation - State/Local Partnership Date:Monday, April 13, 2026 4:55:24 PM Attachments:Anna Kaster_Letter of Support.docx Bonfire Support Letter.pdf Grants Written_Received by UCEF_SCAC.pdf KZFR Support Letter.pdf monca letter.docx Red Hen Support Letter.pdf Special Events_Projects.docx Dear Board Members: Please accept the attached documents to demonstrate Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation - UCEF's long 24-year history in Butte County at its State/Local Partner to the California Arts Council. Enclosed are: 1. Grants Received 2. Special Projects 3. Letter of Support from monca 4. Letter of Support from Little Red Hen 5. Letter of Support from Bonfire 6. Letter of Support from KZFR 90.1FM 7. Letter of Support from Anna Kaster Thank you. Debra Lucero President & Founder UCEF - Friends of the Arts Grants Written and Received by UCEF – Friends of the Arts • California Arts Council State/Local Partnership Grants – Butte County (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024) • California Arts Council Impact Grant - 2019, 2022 • California Arts Council Statewide/Regional Grant - True North Arts & Culture Alliance (2016) • California Arts Council Veterans Initiative the Arts - Butte County (2016, 2017) • California Arts Council Artists Activating Communi.es – Butte County (2016, 2020) • California Arts Council Artists in Schools - Fairview High School - Butte County (2016, 2017, 2018) • California Arts Council Local Impact – Butte County (2016, 2020) • California Arts Council Professional & Consulting Grant - Arts Summit – Butte County (2016, 2017) • Paciﬁc Gas & Electric Community Vitality Grant - (2014 - 1 of only 10 awarded in California) • California Arts Creating Public Value Through the Arts (2006 --1 of only 12 awarded in California that year; 2012 for True North Tour in Butte, Tehama, Shasta & Trinity counties) • California Technical Assistance Grant (2009, 2012, 2013) • Artists in Schools California Arts Council Grant (2009) • Americans for the Arts (2009) • National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Grant, Butte County, CA (2005, 2011) • City of Chico Arts Grants (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010. 2011, 2025) • City of Chico Economic Development Grants (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) Grants written on behalf of the Shasta County Arts Council – a State/Local Partner to the California Arts Council by Debra Lucero • California Cultural District Designation - Redding, CA (2017-2021) • California Arts Council State/Local Partnership Grants - Shasta County (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) • The McConnell Foundation (Redding Cultural District - 2017-2019) • Horizon’s Foundation - SF Conservatory of Music Presentation in Redding - (2016) • California Arts Council Veterans Initiative the Arts - Shasta County (2016, 2017) • United Way - Shasta County (2016) • McConnell Foundation (Shasta Regional Community Foundation) - (2015, 2016) UCEF-Friends of the Arts Special Events & Projects • Silent Film Festival (Redding & Chico) - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 • ArtsMart, Redding - Artist Collaborative featuring regional artists - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 • Salmon Festival, City of Oroville, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, (25,000 attendees) • Nor-Cal Jazz Festival (Butte, Tehama, Trinity, Shasta, Siskiyou) 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 • TrueNorthArtsCulture.org, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 • Artoberfest (www.artoberfest.org): Countywide Festival of Arts & Culture Working with More than160 Arts, Culture & Heritage Organizations, City of Chico (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) • Bidwell Mansion Community Project, (Run for Bidwell Mansion, March 31, 2012 - raised nearly $140,000) • 6th annual California Cultural & Heritage Tourism Symposium, Chico, CA (January 2010) • La Bella Artists, Butte Creek Canyon, November (2009) • Architecture as Art Video - ﬁlming of 10 architectural ﬁrms for 1078 Gallery exhibition. (2009) • Typing Around Town: A Literary Celebration of Chico (2009) • Award-Winning California State Fair Booth, Butte County (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) • Director, Annies Arts Awards, 7 disciplines honored in music, visual arts, literature, dance, theatre, video & ﬁlm, architecture, Chico, CA (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006) • Chico Glass Fest, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, CA (2008, 2010) • California Glass Exchange Conference, Chico, CA (2008) • California Wildlife Festival, Gridley, CA -- Logo, website, programming concepts, marketing, development, negotiations, inaugural dinner (2008) • Chico Community Banquet (2008) • 3 Painters & Jazz, New Urban Builders (2007) • Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Regional Workshop, (Sacramento County to Oregon) Chico, CA (2007) • Commonpath.org On-Line Artist Community (2006, 2007) • Chico Palio (chicopalio.org) (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) • Upstate California Adventures (upstatecaliforniaadventures.org): Ag, Nature, Heritage Tourism Map of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Colusa counties (2005) • Butte County Cultural Assessment (2005) • The Art of Food & Wine Event, Feather Falls Casino, Oroville, CA (2005, 2006, 2007) • Photographic Documentation, Restoration of Tibetan Temples, Mustang, Nepal (2004) • Land of Ishi Photography Project (2003) • Chico Family Fun Day (cultural emphasis), CSU, Chico (2003, 2005, 2006) Dear Honorable Members of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express strong support for the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), also known as Friends of the Arts, in its application to once again serve as the State/Local Partner for the California Arts Council. The Museum of Northern California Art (monca) has been extremely grateful for the immense amount of art/nonprofit advice; help in promoting our new museum in 2017; and continuing to spread the word through the current newsletter that informs all of Northern California about events in our area. For more than two decades, UCEF has demonstrated exceptional leadership, consistency, and impact in advancing arts, culture, and community development throughout Butte County. monca has benefitted greatly from the exposure and expertise of art and culture events such as the Palio and Artoberfest. The work spans seven artistic disciplines and reaches thousands of community members through programming, outreach, and partnerships. One of UCEF’s most significant contributions is its role as a technical assistance and fiscal sponsor organization, providing free grant-writing workshops, administrative guidance, and insurance coverage to emerging artists and organizations. Their concentration on community building and inclusion is evident in the variety of events produced for ALL sections of the community- both rural and citywide. Because of UCEF’s strong commitment to equity and community engagement, the museum has both learned and partnered with them to create lasting arts memories and educational opportunities relating to its exhibitions. monca has used the strong influence of UCEF to make the community aware of various cultures, the unhoused and an exhibition soon to be created looking at accessibility and art. These efforts reflect a deep understanding of how arts and culture can serve as tools for healing, workforce development, and social connection. In addition, UCEF has successfully brought significant funding into Butte County - $334,000. Given a long-standing track record, broad community reach, it has demonstrated the ability to deliver meaningful outcomes. UCEF is exceptionally well-qualified to continue serving as the California Arts Council’s State/Local Partner. Their work not only enriches the cultural landscape of Butte County but also drives economic development, supports education, and strengthens community resilience. I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to support UCEF’s application and affirm its continued role in advancing arts and culture throughout our region. We need them! Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Pat Macias Executive Director/monca pkmacias@comcast.net hello@reallygreatsite.com123 Anywhere St., Any City+123-456-7890 Little Red Hen 14555 Camaren Park Drive • Chico, CA • 95973 • 530/897-0100 • Fax 530/891-4567 Serving Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities April 6, 2025 Dear Honorable Members of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express my strong support for the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), also known as Friends of the Arts, in its application to once again serve as the State/Local Partner for the California Arts Council. As a Director of Little Red Hen, a community-based program dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through arts, education, and vocational development, I have had the privilege of directly experiencing the impact of UCEF’s work. Through their support, Little Red Hen has been a recipient of valuable equipment and hands-on education in the broadcast arts—resources that have significantly expanded our ability to provide meaningful, skill-based opportunities for the individuals we serve. This partnership has not only strengthened our programming but has also aligned with our broader vision: to continue building sustainable resources through collaboration, including expanded education in grant writing, broadcast media, and the arts. UCEF has played a vital role in helping us move toward that vision by equipping our team with both the tools and knowledge needed to grow and serve our community more effectively. For organizations like ours, this support is invaluable. It creates pathways to sustainability and growth, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to such resources is limited. Given its long-standing track record, broad community reach, and demonstrated ability to deliver meaningful outcomes, UCEF is exceptionally well-qualified to continue serving as the California Arts Council's State/Local Partner. Their support has been instrumental to organizations like Little Red Hen, and their continued leadership will ensure that programs like ours can grow, innovate, and serve even more members of our community. I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to support UCEF's application and affirm its continued role in advancing arts and culture throughout our region. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Gabrielle Green Gabrielle Green Director, Little Red Hen gabrielle@littleredhen.org April 14, 2026 Butte County Board of Supervisors 25 County Center Drive Oroville, CA 95965 Dear Honorable Members of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, I’m writing in strong support of the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), also known as Friends of the Arts, as they apply to once again serve as the State/Local Partner for the California Arts Council. I’m the creator, producer, and host of Bonfire Storytelling, a monthly event that’s grown into something really special over the past three years. UCEF has been there from the beginning as our fiscal sponsor, and I truly don’t think Bonfire would exist in the way it does without their support. They saw the potential early on and helped create the structure that allowed me to build something meaningful and community-centered. I still think about the second Bonfire show, when Debra Lucero told a story. She recognized right away what Bonfire could become, and that kind of instinct speaks to how UCEF operates. They pay attention. They invest in people. They think long-term about what will actually serve the community. UCEF has been doing this work for more than two decades, and it shows. Their leadership is steady, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Butte County. They’ve helped shape a cultural landscape that feels alive and accessible, and they’ve done it with consistency and care. Bonfire is just one small piece of what they support. Their reach is wide, from large-scale events like the Salmon Festival in Oroville to the Nor-Cal Jazz Festival, Silent Film Festival, and ARTober FEST. These aren’t just events, they’re moments where people gather, connect, and feel part of something bigger. They also bring real economic and cultural value to the region. They’ve also proven they can deliver when it comes to funding. Through the Upstate Creative California Corps, UCEF helped bring in more than $334,000 in grant funding for local artists and organizations. That kind of impact matters, and it doesn’t happen without strong leadership and follow-through. Simply put, UCEF knows how to do this work, and they do it well. They understand this community, they show up for it, and they continue to create opportunities that make Butte County a more vibrant and connected place to live. I strongly encourage you to support their application and continue investing in the work they’re doing across our region. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Bonnie Pipkin Bonnie Pipkin Artistic Director of Bonfire Storytelling Email: bonfirestorytellingchico@gmail.com Phone: 718-473-7777 GOLDEN VALLEY COMMUNITY BROADCASTERS KZFR 90.1 FM 341 Broadway Street, Suite 411, Chico, CA, 95928 Website: KZFR.org | Phone: (530)895-0706 April 9, 2026 Butte County Board of Supervisors 25 County Center Drive Oroville, CA 95965 Subject: Letter of Support for Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF) – California Arts Council State/Local Partner Designation Dear Honorable Members of the Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express support for the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), also known as Friends of the Arts, in its application to once again serve as the State/Local Partner for the California Arts Council. As the General Manager of KZFR 90.1 FM, I have observed and appreciate the role UCEF plays in supporting arts, culture, and community development throughout Butte County. For more than two decades, UCEF has demonstrated leadership, consistency, and impact in advancing arts and culture in our region. With 24 years of experience as a California Arts Council State/Local Partner, UCEF brings valuable institutional knowledge and capacity to serve our communities. UCEF’s mission—to promote communication, education, economic development, appreciation, and collaboration through arts and culture—has contributed to meaningful outcomes across Butte County. Their work supports a wide range of artistic disciplines and engages diverse communities through programming, outreach, and partnerships. Their role in providing technical assistance and support to artists and organizations is especially important in a region where access to resources can be limited. By helping build capacity and offering guidance, UCEF contributes to a stronger and more connected arts ecosystem. UCEF’s impact is also reflected in the many events and initiatives they support, which enhance cultural life and contribute to the economic vitality of the region. Given its long-standing track record and ongoing contributions to the arts community, I support UCEF’s continued designation as the California Arts Council’s State/Local Partner. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Grant C. Parks General Manager KZFR 90.1 FM April 14, 2026 Butte County Board of Supervisors 25 County Center Drive Oroville, CA 95965 Subject: Letter of Support for Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF) – California Arts Council State/Local Partner Designation Dear Honorable Members of the Butte County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express strong support for the Upstate Community Enhancement Foundation (UCEF), also known as Friends of the Arts, in its application to once again serve as the State/Local Partner for the California Arts Council. As of previous member of the Salmon Festival Committee and former Feather River Hatchery Manager for 26 years, UCEF has been one of the main reasons the Salmon has become a great success for Oroville. The dedication to the Salmon Festival and many other events in town like Feather Fiesta Days, Light Parade and many other events have made Oroville a destination to many visitors to Oroville. For more than two decades, UCEF has demonstrated exceptional leadership, consistency, and impact in advancing arts, culture, and community development throughout Butte County. With 24 years of experience as a California Arts Council State/Local Partner, UCEF brings a depth of institutional knowledge and proven capacity that is unmatched in the region. UCEF’s mission—to promote communication, education, economic development, appreciation, and collaboration through arts and culture—has translated into tangible outcomes for residents across all ﬁve cities in Butte County. Their work spans seven artistic disciplines and reaches thousands of community members through programming, outreach, and partnerships. One of UCEF’s most signiﬁcant contributions is its role as a technical assistance and ﬁscal sponsor organization, providing free grant-writing workshops, administrative guidance, and insurance coverage to emerging artists and organizations. This support structure is critical in rural and underserved areas, where access to resources can be limited. Through these efforts, UCEF has helped launch and sustain numerous initiatives that might otherwise not exist. Their impact is further reﬂected in the scale and diversity of events and projects they have produced or supported over the years. These include large-scale, community-building events such as the Salmon Festival in Oroville (serving tens of thousands annually), the Nor-Cal Jazz Festival, Silent Film Festival, and Artoberfest—each contributing to regional tourism, economic vitality, and cultural identity. UCEF has also demonstrated a strong commitment to equity and community engagement. Recent initiatives include arts programming for formerly unhoused individuals in transitional housing, youth-focused programs like Creative Futures, and partnerships with schools and community organizations to expand access to arts education. These efforts reﬂect a deep understanding of how arts and culture can serve as tools for healing, workforce development, and social connection. In addition, UCEF has successfully brought signiﬁcant funding into Butte County. For example, through its participation in the California Arts Council’s Upstate Creative California Corps, UCEF helped secure over $334,000 in grant funding for local applicants, further demonstrating its effectiveness as a regional arts leader. Given its long-standing track record, broad community reach, and demonstrated ability to deliver meaningful outcomes, UCEF is exceptionally well-qualiﬁed to continue serving as the California Arts Council’s State/Local Partner. Their work not only enriches the cultural landscape of Butte County but also drives economic development, supports education, and strengthens community resilience. I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to support UCEF’s application and affirm its continued role in advancing arts and culture throughout our region. Thank you for your consideration. Anna Kastner