[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6088712,"mediaKeyId","2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247","parentId",2879844,"title","Votes at a glance: Recreation Commission actions April 2, 2025","audioSeconds",4437,"startMs",127000,"endMs",4564000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=127&end=4564","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_127000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088712/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Recreation-Commission-actions-April-2-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088712-9a38321706c3d0a18d0706f75ccf1e3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=ZSqRFjaYtPnFUc0RDeUvwECEdTHdhGOBHZfyVB8tmIgRPruTrmNzFYbMouBbbqhJh2s8Wp62K-2nY0NoBGDZ1rHwSeSCcTNTW1ZgKqNZS1yvfbkXAr9HV-PkrV9lPlH2BolEUQhrpKnS1NklpdUSVI0djeWuU81rvIbl1Klc9JipmjXYB-Ox1DkEt4eJTzR2zTix34xLoclEVlijllYdMLThwhvhv4A5prpN2ktjUg6b1th1IUMe7n4nA0~wrdaUBd428Ya-wTGlElJfOCRe~gpt4WdHYzsGg0vDjMF~-rh-9U3T7liHeRFm5LL2qQwCR-hYrJPELb9VmL8r-K2QTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Escalon CA","date","2025-04-05T01:01:14.67Z","article","The Escalon Recreation Commission recorded these formal actions on April 2, 2025. Vote tallies were taken by voice; the transcript records passing motions with no named opposing votes. Where a mover or seconder is not explicitly identified in the transcript, the entry notes that detail as not specified.

- Approve minutes (special meeting March 5, 2025): Motion to approve passed by voice vote; mover/second not specified in the transcript.

- Approve minutes (regular meeting March 5, 2025): Motion to approve passed by voice vote; mover/second not specified in the transcript.

- Soccer age alignment (agenda item 6): Motion (approved) — keep Tiny Tots (ages 3–4); adopt MLS Go divisions using the school-year method; permit NYSA option for older (U17) players under calendar-year rules. Motion passed on voice vote. Staff directed to finalize registration language and partner logistics.

- Coach-pitch relief for 10U softball (agenda item 7): Motion (approved) — adopt Attachment 3 (coach-pitch relief after walks) for 10U games played after April 21 (described in staff report as the first half of the season only). Applies to Escalon-hosted games when both coaches agree prior to the game.

- Little League information gathering (agenda item 9): Motion (approved) — authorize information gathering and possible form submittal to the national Little League organization to explore forming an Escalon-area Little League district (intended to cover 10U and above, and establish a parent-run board). Motion passed by voice vote; staff to collect documentation and return with details.

Notes: The transcript shows all motions passed on voice votes and does not record individual named yes/no tallies. Staff will follow up where implementation or further documentation is required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Escalon Regular Recreation Commission Meeting, April 2, 2025 6:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","On April 2 the Escalon Recreation Commission approved minutes, adopted a soccer age-grouping package, approved a temporary 10U softball coach-pitch relief (Attachment 3) for games after April 21, and authorized information gathering to explore forming a local Little League district.","taxTitle","Escalon City, San Joaquin County, California","taxId",71475,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088716,"Commission hears broad complaints about practice scheduling and field shortages; staff to explore earlier field access and school partnerships",948,6182000,7130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=6182&end=7130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_6182000.jpg","/articles/6088716/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Commission-hears-broad-complaints-about-practice-scheduling-and-field-shortages-staff-to-explore-earlier-field-access-and-school-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088716-fe2476296d22870446978d6a543cd6b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=IdirvPNTKDHmemW6UCPa1f01npTjD6FvtwkxVoXdyutx4-g6wA-d94tZjZ~MssO84VAPUeU2j97vePZwEl~po5KOLlD-4MFlSEI~5FFJtTPf-w-4uiXIbq4cZwO1KNDi21lL6FPLyg5l-PHVrgojm7LjNgLQOM4~f9dbUuHG6QmPdlSCAmOn6x~U8dhM9gVLgNDrdMZcpyXjYn-cKQgiBh59dq2tQrJIsdJy9ZBFhFrCemSDCL8FPKPL-zfBcHFQap-RTXLs2kMCi7RtFl5bE6SQ-VD4iaGP38~HEt09KMpNiSLUDcuxnojyYh3l4uGr29674H5rdtmpDwRdHZ5CJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A broad discussion on April 2 highlighted persistent practice-scheduling conflicts across baseball and softball teams after league changes and a new scheduling process. Commissioners, staff and coaches said the result has left several teams with inadequate or no weekday dirt-field practice times.

Recreation staff described the problem as driven by the move between leagues, field scarcity and the scheduling sequence used this year. Staff said approximately seven softball teams were most affected and that the overall program has about 40 teams, meaning reassigning slots creates winners and losers. Jaylen French said, \"practices...are screwed up\" and that any mid-season reset would leave other teams disadvantaged.

Coaches and parents characterized the shortage as a significant barrier to development. Coach Randy Waters' teams were repeatedly cited as having no weekday dirt-field practice slot; several commissioners said guaranteeing at least one dirt-field practice per team would be a reasonable minimum. Resident-coach Kevin Hall suggested refereeing and practice consistency are part of the same broader program-quality issue and urged a referee clinic and improved communications.

After extended discussion commissioners asked staff to pursue several immediate steps: (1) consult with the volunteer who prepares Bridal/Crandall fields about earlier Friday or weekday access and whether volunteers could be enlisted to assist field preparation, (2) ask the school district and individual schools (including Lake Van Allen and junior-high yards) about additional available practice space, and (3) pilot opening some fields as early as 4 or 4:30 p.m. to relieve weekday demand. Staff said they will report back quickly and that any changes would aim to preserve at least one guaranteed on-field practice per team.

No formal motion to reset the entire schedule was made. Staff will pursue the outreach and return to the commission with options; commissioners said they may call a special meeting if the short-term outreach does not produce relief for teams who currently have no field practice.","Commissioners and coaches described widespread practice conflicts after a league change and scheduling process; staff were directed to consult volunteers who maintain fields, contact the school district about extra space and consider opening fields earlier in the afternoon as a short-term relief measure.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088721,"Commission approves temporary coach-pitch relief for walks in 10U softball; change applies after April 21",1556,4594000,6150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=4594&end=6150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_4594000.jpg","/articles/6088721/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Commission-approves-temporary-coach-pitch-relief-for-walks-in-10U-softball-change-applies-after-April-21","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088721-f2d3907589398f7c7cdc7eedfbf8ed5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=g9Th9uONzN9bxg0GGNqVvM0vTaRPk6JzLvAwAs1K89z5kGrNqDn0U1jKj2nK0a9QL4UbT40d-XCSVPzk8GCW52XwlgyCZhUw76mI~73I85PLI~LvHacRIXlN-6rJ1tcUlF~s9LciLgacTQjYlmr692zxGqKexKiKulkxe-1YHQITNqbu4AHR8OIomW58bCx43Zj-BMG07LvGJ4UyqrTtLfYgmgrWKufLotTm2QOUSmOJRhkaZsUTQPBdwo5OaHk2ogUiUPLqgiyUupy~mF8dSdiAmux0PC7P~5VnZ4ln~Ju2Xe7UoXvWJdBxGv5sTAwrWfCU~MzLbZVIfqH68qwujQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escalon Recreation Commission approved a temporary rule modification on April 2 allowing coach-pitch relief after walks in the 10-and-under softball division for games played after April 21.

Staff presented the issue and circulated sample language (Attachment 3) after a coach raised concerns that young pitchers' inconsistency was producing many walks and extended innings. Recreation staff summarized the proposal: after a batter receives a walk, the coach would step in and deliver up to two pitches; if the batter makes contact the play stands, if not the batter would be out under the sample wording.

Coach Erin Calderon, who raised the concern, described testing a similar approach in a game: \"I struck out half my team because I wasn't practicing in that way. But I do see the benefits. It did keep the game going...but I do think there should be some type of limit,\" she said, favoring a partial-season approach to balance player development and game flow.

After discussion about fairness and coach agreement before games, Commissioner Showalter moved to adopt Attachment 3 limited to games played after April 21 (described in the staff report as \"first half of the season only\"). The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote; the transcript records no named opposing votes.

Staff said the change applies only to Escalon teams and that, if coaches do not mutually agree before a game, the adopted sample rule would not apply. Staff also noted that some outside leagues (such as Modesto teams) follow different rules and that interleague games may remain governed by the visiting league's rules.","After a staff report and coach input, the recreation commission approved a modification allowing coaches to step in with two pitches after a walk situation in 10-and-under softball for the portion of the season after April 21; the motion referenced staff-provided Attachment 3 and passed by voice vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088725,"Recreation commission keeps 'Tiny Tots,' aligns MLS Go divisions to school year and allows NYSA option for oldest players",1657,2908000,4565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=2908&end=4565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_2908000.jpg","/articles/6088725/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Recreation-commission-keeps-Tiny-Tots-aligns-MLS-Go-divisions-to-school-year-and-allows-NYSA-option-for-oldest-players","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088725-381dd900807fefe7693622e39e4de901/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=hrlZFEYtoJT8t0LL7TmzshUnoY7LEov-fKzv4bBdXj7EOAuvc59T1rdujpLnieWecNw9kvVr18d68-GH29h2MdDGPwgoga1Q1PDGTYZYRB4lpgaD5emEK70XypJI9Na81R76PkjsyipfBtGNli2xj5od9M4JzG-PTmya6uhbcDxsfMrOQ1rho0DreMfjODwFl8CbN7WNF6VFutNo4VJkET-wl5~luDG5UJRFB95amWDoH5NiSpjWVU0ei3O2gxy4xaA1BLXF-zJGxmsBJfyfeeRiTViHMKOvp7ox78C-i-zpG546TiofMr4fGEk3EGsAXKNF24~i5AwFMYJFHCqqbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Escalon Recreation Commission voted April 2 to keep the Tiny Tots soccer division and to use a school-year age method for MLS Go divisions while permitting an NYSA option for the oldest players.

Staff presented background on two competing approaches: the school-year method (age as of Aug. 1) and the calendar-year or birth-year method used by some outside programs. Staff said national governing bodies have recently shifted back toward the school-year approach, and recommended the commission keep the existing school-year alignment for most local divisions while offering older players an NYSA option.

Commissioner Showalter moved for a package approach that retained Tiny Tots (3–4), used MLS Go under a school-year age count and allowed the NYSA option for the U17/older bracket following NYSA's calendar-year rules. The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote; the commission recorded no opposing members on the transcript.

Staff said the practical effect for families is that Tiny Tots will remain an introductory program for 3- and 4-year-olds; 4-year-olds will have the choice to remain in Tiny Tots or move to U6. For older players the NYSA option means that a family could choose to enroll a 14-year-old in Escalon's school-year division or in the NYSA calendar-year U17 group if the city fields such a team. Staff also said MLS Go or NYSA jerseys and kit distributions differ by program and that registration platform and fee arrangements will be worked out by staff if the commission pursues partnership enrollment.

Staff postponed opening general registration by a few days to allow the commission discussion, and said registration will open once staff finalizes the age-grouping language and confirms partner logistics.","Commissioners directed staff to keep the Tiny Tots program (age 3–4), adopt MLS Go divisions using the school-year method and permit older players the option to play in NYSA on a calendar-year basis; the motion passed on a voice vote.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088730,"Escalon basketball survey finds refereeing, practice space and game length as top concerns; staff proposes digital clock and ref guidance",1156,1498000,2654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=1498&end=2654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_1498000.jpg","/articles/6088730/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Escalon-basketball-survey-finds-refereeing-practice-space-and-game-length-as-top-concerns-staff-proposes-digital-clock-and-ref-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088730-c57bb35ec3a378457778edee06a13749/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=DwwI-SQ3-sBdV5TPvBJXB8lf9DWoDAeGgWMANda0Bl4Ip1B3Gmme0fbIZE4stgiCLm6oYlwsFjRui8eC2kubjhI3b0ej-NR8aTy2TeVhuMVJvSSZp5EneyHusWUH5Aiqzl1HEp42wmcVRixy7HjglqbFt853Nvw3JBa1czhMuZ70URtxQ7g3GFwOuGX1CR9GQWRvV16ZkAmd3Vfbt8Xv4pnD3Dp7EDofMOBSUNMiIt5LaHluhpyyaJTVXpTCItsAPJM-7oH4y2uqj8j~5Tjvo-w9pV9eujmBvxvtYsvtZjv03W-A1uZrAIWAN30oaveMLvOz1urQuPHE~~kUsfHPNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City recreation staff presented a summary of the basketball season survey on April 2, reporting 11 coach responses and 26 parent responses and identifying consistent refereeing, practice space and game length as the most frequent concerns.

Recreation staff member Jaylen French summarized the results: \"We had 11 responses from coaches and 26 responses from parents,\" and said parents rated the overall experience around 3.69 out of 5 for basketball while coaches rated coach experience and communication higher (coaches' experience 4.45 out of 5; communication 4.36).

Survey respondents repeatedly asked for more consistent refereeing. Several coaches and parents said they observed week-to-week variability in calls, and some suggested pre-season ref guidance or a short referee training session. Recreation staff said they will \"sit down with the high school and the professional refs...and kind of talk about expectations and philosophy of the game and how they should be called.\" The commission supported that step.

Parents and coaches also asked for more practice opportunities. Staff noted the city rents the gym and typically does not have additional court time available; volunteers sometimes provide ad hoc practices. Commissioners and coaches suggested at least one dedicated practice session per team or adding one week to the season to allow a practice-only session so coaches can teach fundamentals.

Coaches and parents raised logistical suggestions that staff said they will explore: adding a portable digital clock to the old gym, adjusting picture times (some said 7 a.m. is too early), staggering picture days and coordinating game lengths to better match available facilities. Commissioner Hogan proposed the digital clock as a \"quick win.\" Another coach recommended pre-season referee orientation so refs understand expectations and can be more consistent.

Staff told the commission it will investigate the cost and logistics of a digital clock, coordinate referee guidance with the high school and explore options for one practice session per team; staff said any changes that require facility or schedule adjustments will be returned to the commission for approval.","After surveying parents and coaches following the 2025 basketball season, staff reported 11 coach responses and 26 parent responses; recurring complaints concerned inconsistent refereeing, lack of practice facilities and short game times. Staff proposed a digital clock, ref guidance and exploring at least one dedicated practice session per team.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6088733,"Escalon recreation staff wins $2,500 coaching grant; warns community pool likely closed",284,541000,825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247&start=541&end=825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2879844-3a3f2b1e4340ebd6a923a082dfccc247/thumbnail_541000.jpg","/articles/6088733/Escalon-City/San-Joaquin-County/California/Escalon-recreation-staff-wins-2500-coaching-grant-warns-community-pool-likely-closed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088733-de8951458a2709c55cf7c5ce0a968840/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180559&Signature=W7GQA9WQAgC6ZSnpXQXiTQUWdABNjvSML8ng~cj10z~96cqtQY5pAYaUVQpmsjrc-tvpfw3eYiSlD7~-ENGhdK-aHW0AWLCLVxo1gcdcg08NH6dDvhkiKIBYrRGKDxg9DU~0TiROYSB4DrOMw5iZj-hkWgRMZkezGzL1biqnGMk7ENvYIRz5aPTYi3CTiB9OM1ToFdXTi-qkKvH0qg1BC4w0iPczA0nw4LzoITp~iuu2I4bo5Z0G4o4PSCR2J1byMRN-l07fxtli2Zl1hkblljzH54D5BpEAZgpfdcF~KBEbBEvyP3zZt9e3M2s~uFqLfKI6-UajA~7MPcFFYnDD~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recreation staff reported the city received a $2,500 grant from the National Recreation and Park Association and outlined program and participation changes on April 2.

Recreation staff member Jaylen French told the commission, \"We did receive a $2,500 grant. The intent of the program is to train as many coaches as possible.\" French said the grant would be used to offset coach registration or provide gift cards to encourage up to 100 coaches to complete a training program tied to national coach-development goals.

French and other staff also described enrollment trends that show declines among older youth. To retain older players, staff said the department is exploring partnering for the older age bracket — an option that would place an Escalon team into an outside league so older players can compete at higher levels. French emphasized any such option would be voluntary and dependent on numbers: if the city cannot form at least three teams at a given level, that division may not run.

On facilities, staff said field space is an increasing constraint and that the department is discussing potential partnerships with the Escalon Unified School District to expand practice space. French told commissioners the adult softball season added two teams this year, raising the total to about 12 adult teams and occasionally requiring doubleheaders.

Commissioners and several coaches flagged safety and training requirements. French noted that more programs now require concussion, CPR or background checks, and that some volunteers have pushed back on fingerprinting. The grant is intended to increase coach training availability and reduce these friction points.

In closing his monthly report, French told the commission the community pool partnership with the school district is no longer active: \"the community pool is no longer active, and I do not think will be active into the future,\" he said, adding that the city and district no longer maintain the partnership and that the pool will likely not open this year.

Staff said they will continue to update the commission as the NYSA/MLS Go age questions and school-district facility talks progress.","Staff reported a $2,500 National Recreation and Park Association grant to subsidize coach training, said participation falls in higher youth age brackets and floated partnering with outside soccer leagues; staff also told the commission the community pool will not open this year and that field space is increasingly constrained.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Recreation Commission actions April 2, 2025

Commission hears broad complaints about practice scheduling and field shortages; staff to explore earlier field access and school partnerships

Commission approves temporary coach-pitch relief for walks in 10U softball; change applies after April 21

Recreation commission keeps 'Tiny Tots,' aligns MLS Go divisions to school year and allows NYSA option for oldest players

Escalon basketball survey finds refereeing, practice space and game length as top concerns; staff proposes digital clock and ref guidance

Escalon recreation staff wins $2,500 coaching grant; warns community pool likely closed