New Fees for After-School and Sports Programs
Summary
The city's free after-school and middle school sports programs would start charging fees this fall — $125/month for after-school care and $75 per sport — because federal CDBG money is gone and costs have climbed. The middle school sports program would also shrink from five days a week to three, and a paid third-party coach would lead training. It all still needs City Council approval through the budget process.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Fees would bring in roughly $190,000 a year, replacing a $50,000 CDBG loss and helping cover rising staffing and supply costs that have pushed the program budget to about $300,000.
Families who keep using the programs would get longer hours, STEAM activities, and better sports coaching at prices still below neighboring cities.
Lower-income families who don't qualify for subsidized school-district programs could be squeezed, and middle school sports families would lose Tuesday and Thursday coverage.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Oct 5, 2026
Summer camp sold out all ten weeks with 951 enrollments and long waitlists, and the after school program now runs until 6 p.m. with STEAM activities at four elementary schools. Commissioners asked whether raising fees could pay for more counselors and expand capacity, since demand clearly outstrips supply.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Jun 16, 2026
Families who qualify by income will get half off the city's After School and Middle School sports programs.
San Gabriel City Council Meeting - Jun 2, 2026
Most city fees rise 3%, but after-school programs will now charge $30/week per child and the middle school program $75/season — the result of the city declining federal CDBG funds that required immigration-status documentation. The council directed staff to create a low-income assistance program using LA County guidelines.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Jun 1, 2026
The city's free after-school program (four elementary sites, 45 kids each) may start charging $30/week this fall, with a 10% multi-child discount and income-based scholarships. Middle school sports would cost $75/session. It goes to city council with the budget — partly because the school district just killed most of its own after-school options, so the city program may get slammed with demand.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - May 4, 2026
Outgoing Commissioner Huang described her 150-member pickleball group, court crowding at Smith Park, and neighbor sound complaints since sound barriers went up. The commission agreed to explore adding a citywide sports event to the work plan.
Community Service Commission (Regular) - Apr 6, 2026
The city's free after-school and middle school sports programs would start charging fees this fall — $125/month for after-school care and $75 per sport — because federal CDBG money is gone and costs have climbed. The middle school sports program would also shrink from five days a week to three, and a paid third-party coach would lead training. It all still needs City Council approval through the budget process.
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