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Alcala, Abigail From:Marisela Guzman <mari.g.9783@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, October To:eComment; Valerie Amezcua; Bacerra, Phil Subject:Crossing Guards - SAUSD Hello Madam Mayor Amezcua and Esteemed Council Members, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Marisela Guzman, I am a 40 year resident of Ward 4. I am writing to you as both a concerned parent and as a dedicated citizen of the city of Santa Ana. I wish to address an issue of paramount importance to the safety of our children and the community as a whole - the provision of crossing guards at our schools. As you all recall, several months ago, a group of parents, including taxpayers like myself, diligently lobbied fr a crossing guard to be adddinged at Jefferson Elementary School. This effort was in response to the safety concerns of our children and all students at Jefferson. We understand that the construction work taking place at our school increased the hazards during drop-off and pick up times. We understood that this situation was temporary and were assured that the need for a crossing guard would be re-evaluated once the construction was completed. However, it has come to our attention that the promised reassessment never took place. Instead, we were informed that our location, along with several other schools, would not receive crossing guards. This news is deeply concerning, as the safety of our children should be a top priority for our community. I invite each of you to visit Jefferson Elementary during the morning drop-off period between 7:45 and 8:00am. By doing so, you will witness firsthand the chaotic and hazardous conditions that our children, parents and community members face. It is crucial to recognize the urgency of this matter, as our children;s safety is at risk every day Furthermore, I cannot help but think that your unique perspective, Mayor Amezcua, as an ex-board member of SAUSD, could serve as a valuable bridge to enhance collaboration between the City of Santa Ana and the school district. The safety of our most vulnerable residents- our children- is at stake, and your influence could make a significant difference in ensuring their protection. I understand that budget constraints have led to a need to collaborate with SAUSD to share the costs of crossing guards. While I appreciate the desire to find cost-effective solutions, I firmly believe that, as a taxpayer, my hard earned money should be used to fund essential services such as crossing guards in my city. We should not compromise on the safety of our children. Moreover, I am deeply concerned that all joint meetings with SAUSD have been canceled this school year. It is imperative that we establish open lines of communication and cooperation between our city and the school district to address these safety concerns effectively. Collaboration between the City of Santa Ana and SAUSD is vital in finding a solution that safeguards our children and maintains the integrity of our community. This school year alone, I have personally witnessed two near-accidents involving my own children. These incidents have shaken me to the core and have compelled me to advocate for change. We cannot afford to wait for a tragic event to occur before taking action. 1