Concerns have arisen regarding financial discrepancies in the ongoing renovations of Guadalupe’s historic Royal Theater, leading city officials to investigate the project’s accounting. During a meeting on February 10, 2026, the Guadalupe City Council faced questions about inconsistencies in expense reporting related to the theater’s renovation project.
Established in 1939, the Royal Theater has long served as a central hub for the community, and efforts to revitalize it have been underway for several years. The discussion about the project’s financials has repeatedly led to conflict between council members and city staff.
During the latest meeting, Interim City Administrator David Trujillo informed the council that project manager Tom Brandeberry would not deliver a comprehensive financial report as expected. Instead, Trujillo provided a brief status update, indicating that the investigation into the discrepancies was still ongoing. “This isn’t a full comprehensive report,” he stated, emphasizing the complexities involved.
In a previous council meeting, city staff highlighted a significant discrepancy in the reported soft costs. While the total was listed as $2.9 million, the items accounted for only approximately $2.2 million. Trujillo explained that the inconsistencies appeared to stem from improper coding of invoices. “These invoices are all over the place,” he noted, adding that multiple charges were often incorrectly attributed to the Royal Theater project.
As the meeting progressed, Trujillo shared printed documents that detailed some of the invoices in question. Mayor Ariston Julian responded to the information by saying it was “clear as mud,” illustrating the confusion surrounding the financial reporting.
Councilmember Whitney Furness pressed Trujillo for a detailed report on the project’s expenses, expressing frustration over the continuous delays in receiving clear information. “With the last year of me asking these questions, is it possible to get a comprehensive report of what’s been spent and where it’s been spent?” Furness inquired.
Trujillo acknowledged the need for clearer communication, asking Furness to specify what information was needed. “I don’t want to keep doing this over and over,” he remarked, highlighting the challenge of reconciling the differing financial records from Brandeberry and the city.
The public comment segment of the meeting included feedback from local resident Mira Beyeler, who expressed her dissatisfaction with the ongoing uncertainty. “It is frustrating for us to ask for updates and have it continually be delayed,” she stated, voicing the community’s desire for transparency.
In response to Beyeler’s concerns, Mayor Julian indicated that the city is working diligently to resolve the issues. “There’s been some changes in our staffing. There are changes in our financial system, and we’re trying to get to the bottom of that,” he assured, stressing the city’s commitment to transparency.
As Guadalupe continues to navigate these financial discrepancies, the community remains hopeful for clarity and accountability in the Royal Theater project’s funding. The historical significance of the theater underscores the importance of resolving these issues promptly.
