Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />Honorable Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers <br />Please accept this letter of support from Los Amigos of Orange County for a city lease extension for the <br />Centennial Education Center. The City of Santa Ana has had a long forward -thinking tradition of joint - <br />use facilities that allow publicly owned facilities and spaces owned by multiple agencies to be of <br />maximum benefit to our communities. There is no better example of the value and impacts of such <br />agreements then the City's leasing arrangement with RSCCD and Centennial Education Center. <br />Over 10,000 students are served every year with access to free classes and programs for young students, <br />older students, immigrant and long-term residents to learn basic vocational skills and develop sought after <br />job -preparation skills. In addition to the direct educational benefits the CEC brings to the community, the <br />presence of CEC at Centennial furthers a strong and vibrant presence of residents that contributes to a <br />safer, more active community park. Lastly, through the joint -use lease, the City's assets are further <br />bolstered as maintenance, upkeep, and beautification of the space is tended to by the CEC itself. A full <br />win-win in difficult budget times where parks & recreation maintenance budgets are often strained. Let us <br />not risk interrupting such an essential community partnership that benefits so many residents in dire need <br />of support that not builds on the assets already in our community but expands those assets through <br />educational programming. Let's build up our community's efforts to help itself and not create obstacles <br />that hinder their self -determined spirit! <br />If Los Amigos can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact us directly via email or phone. <br />With hope and appreciation, <br />Dr. Jose F. Moreno <br />President, Los Amigos of Orange County <br />