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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 65C • Mita'I� IPo n February 7, 2017 City Council Meeting Correspondence 65C - COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENTS AND APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 Date of Sender/Representative Agency Corresp. In support of item. 1. 2/4/2017 Hilary McCreery, Board Treasurer Makara Center for the Arts 2. 2/6/2017 Lorena Ohls Santa Ana Resident 3, 2/6/2017 Jeanette Rubio Santa Ana Resident 4, 02/07/2017 Marytza Rubio, Founter and Makara Center for the Arts and Santa Ana Executive Director Resident Received after 3:00P.M. In support of item. 5, 02/07/2017 Erica Vicario ,Arts Coordinator Orange County Educational Art Academy 6. 02/07/2017 Catherine Quinn, BSN, RNC, Concern America MPH, Coordinator of Field Operations 7, 02/07/2017 Fatima Avalos Santa Ana Resident I:1Agendas12017 AgendaslExhiblts-Correspondence 2017\.Exhibits_201702-07_Correspondence_65C dsc Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Hilary McCreery < Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2017 9:22 AM To: eComment Subject: Letter in Support of Makara Center for the Arts - CEPG Categories: Correspondence Dear Mayor Pulido and City Council Members, My name is Hilary Holley and I'm a Librarian as well as Board Treasurer of Makara Center for the Arts, an arts & culture nonprofit based in Santa Ana. For the past 10 years, I have worked with various nonprofit arts organizations, museums, and libraries, including PEN Center USA, the UCLA Library, Claremont Museum of Art, and currently Oceanside Public Library in north San Diego County. Serving on the board of Makara has provided me an opportunity to get to know Santa Ana as a city and community. I have come to understand that it is a vibrant and inclusive place, home to a wide variety of residents that represent families who have lived here for decades and newer arrivals looking to shape the future of the community. I know that Makara's mission is tooted in both serving and celebrating this unique community and as the City moves forward with an economic and municipal revitalization, Makara will contribute to this exciting new era by ensuring that all residents have easy access to arts and culture resources and programming. I have known and worked with Marytza Rubio, Executive Director of Makara, for many years and am consistently impressed by her passion for her community and her drive to make a difference there. I am confident in her ability to lead our organization to success and make a lasting impact on the City. Makara is one of the community organizations that was recommended to receive funding through the one -tune Community Enhancement Program Grant. The rating panel recommended our organization to receive between $35,000 - $38,000 for our Lending Library & Art Center. While this represents less than 1% of the city's budget surplus, this funding will enable our organization to serve over 3,000 Santa Ana residents in one year. Makara's professional development programs will support the city's continued economic development, and the Lending Library will contribute to crime prevention by providing an after-school haven for youth to enrich themselves through art and literature. With the CEPG funding, we look forward to establishing a Lending Library & Art Center and building a network of Little Free Libraries in the city to complement the city's efforts in increasing education and wellness for its residents. Providing residents with free access to education and literature will only further the city's goals to increase public safety, engage youth, and provide economic development opportunities for residents. Libraries and arts organizations seek to inspire, educate, and connect residents and are dedicated to cultivating a physical space for the community to meet and exchange ideas. Now more than ever, there must be a place in the community for this kind of dialogue as well as a space to engage with each other and express ourselves creatively. By providing this space, as well as access to resources and programming, libraries and arts organizations have the unique ability to transform lives and make a measurable difference in the community. The initiatives that Makara has set out to achieve will benefit residents of Santa Ana and encourage the intellectual and artistic growth of the City, as a whole. Thank you for your commitment and service to Santa Ana. I look forward to meeting you at a future Makara event. Respectfully, Hilary Holley Librarian, Oceanside Public Library Board Treasurer, Malcara Center for the Arts Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Lorena Ohls < Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 8:17 AM To: City Council; eComment Subject: Support of our Youth - from SA Resident Attachments: Letter to Mayor Pulido.pdf Categories: Correspondence Dear Mayor Pulido, My name is Lori Ybarra Ohls. I am a third generation Santa Ana resident and 4th generation Mexican American. I am writing to request that you support funding local community youth programs through the Community Enhancement Program Grant, particularly in light of recent events across the city and the nation. Some would have you believe that because the city's federal funding is potentially in danger, that consideration of community youth programs is not a priority. Some may have you believe that because Santa Ana has taken a stand as a Sanctuary City during these turbulent times, that our police force is the primary priority. I am not alone in asserting that it is because of these recent events, not despite them, that the need to support community youth programs is so very critical. I believe Santa Ana and its residents deserve the leadership and vision of a Mayor and City Council that demonstrates strength, hope and supports the future of this city — which is our youth. This stance is in bold contrast to the fear and insecurity that some would choose as a platform. My grandfather came to this country from Zacatecas when he was 3 months old. He became a U.S. citizen on his way to Normandy, where he fought in World War II and then the Korean War. He was welcomed and proud to fight as an American for this country. His portrait is included with many others on the mural in Logan Square. My father, Raymond Ybarra, raised me to serve my community, just as served his country during the Vietnam War; just as my uncle served as an investigator for the District Attorney's office; and like my many cousins, aunts and uncles who serve as teachers, social workers, lawyers and youth leaders here in Santa Ana and Orange County. The City of Santa Ana and our country has given much to my family and, in return, we have worked hard to give back. Please do not deny today's young people that same opportunity. The City of Santa Ana is in the very special position to stand up for its citizens and its youth. Or, we have option to fold under fear, dismiss the opportunities to build up our youth and our community. I ask that you and the City Council choose our future. On behalf of the many young people I have had the privilege to serve; through the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Girls Inc., the American Red Cross and through KidWorks, please be the leader that you were elected to be — and support our youth by funding the critical programs that work to create this future for our youth. I look forward to your leadership and support this Tuesday. Warmest regards, Lori Ybarra Ohls Santa Ana Resident Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Huizar, Maria Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 2:45 PM To: eComment Subject: ECOMMENT - CEPG, Item 65C Categories: Correspondence Please enter into the record. Thank you. From: Benavides, David Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 2:44 PM To: Huizar, Maria <MHuizar@santa-ana.org> Subject: Fwd: CEPG, Item 65C Comment on agenda item. P. David Benavides Councilman, City of Santa Ana 714.647.6900 dbenavidesnasanta-ana.org Begin forwarded message: From: <charabiana,aol.com> Date: February 6, 2017 at 2:11:24 PM PST To: <mpulidogsanta-ana.org>, <mmartinezgsanta-ana.org>, <vsarmientonsanta-ana.org>, <Jsolorio(a= santa-ana.org>, <dbenavidesnsanta-ana.org>, <jvil✓ legas agsanta-ana.org>, <stinajero santa-ana.org> Subject: CEPG, Item 65C Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council Members: RE: 02/07/17 City Council Meeting, CEPG, Item 65C, Option 1 B I have been a resident of Santa Ana for approximately 40 years. Today I am writing to offer my full support for the CEPG for the top nine applicants. I believe these grants will greatly help our community. These organizations have proposed worthy projects that will not only improve our communities, but also have the potential to attract additional investments and funding. In addition to the programs, another important benefit is the positive fostering of strong relationships and shared objectives. I strongly believe that volunteerism and participation in community organizations makes our City of Santa Ana more vibrant and strong; the bonds and sense of community that are formed should not be underestimated. The fact that so many organizations choose to make a commitment and invest time, resources, and energy in Santa Ana should be supported. Specifically, I am excited about Makara Center for the Arts. This organization aims to provide literary access by way of a lending library and to create interest and participation in literary and other arts in Santa Ana. Truly, books provide an entrance to the rest of the universe. 1 recall the very first story,"Aladdin's Lamp", that had the effect of transporting me to another world. Throughout my childhood and into adulthood, books have been my companions. Our daughters were read to and frequent trips to the library and bookstores were part of our family's outings. 1 believe that Makara can be another vital resource in Santa Ana to provide access to books and also broaden interest in literary activities — reading, creative writing, book discussions — and contribute to the strengthening of our cultural and intellectual infrastructure. I believe that such activities have the potential to create a ripple effect, benefiting individuals, families, and communities. I urge you to continue your commitment to community organizations that serve our residents and neighborhoods by voting in favor of the CEPG. Jeanette Rubio Mitre -Ramirez, Norma From: Marytza Rubio <marytza@makaracenterarts.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 3:29 PM To: eComment Subject: Community Enhancement Program Grant Dear Mayor Pulido & City Council, My name is Marytza Rubio and I atn a writer and lifelong Santa Ana resident. I recently founded Makara Center for the Arts, one of the nine nonprofits recommended to receive funding through the Community Enhancement Program Grant. Makara's mission is to provide community access to arts & culture in Santa Ana, and our primary program is a Lending Library & Art Center. We aim to support the City by providing access to free education and literature, and encouraging all residents to explore their imagination and creative potential. We will achieve this by offering a dynamic library collection of global arts & culture books and periodicals, foreign language literature (Spanish, Vietnamese, Khmer), and professional development resources. Additionally, we intend to further expand access to literature by establishing a citywide network of Little Free Libraries. Last November, Makara was thrilled to have partnered with the Illumination Foundation to bring the 50,000th Little Free Library in the world to Santa Ana! This is a significant global milestone and an effective way to encourage reading and share resources: to date, over 500 free books have been distributed to the Willard neighborhood. The nine nonprofits recommended to receive CEPG funding offer vital services to thousands of Santa Ana residents in health, education, gang prevention, arts & culture, and recreation. The $500,000 to be allocated for community organizations represents a fraction of the city's budget surplus, yet will yield a tremendous return on investment for the City. Thousands of Santa Ana families and individuals will be positively impacted by this one-time funding, and this investment will have a positive ripple effect on our community for years to come. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Marytza Rubio Founder & Executive Director Makara Center for the Arts Marytza K. Rubio I Founder & Executive Director Makara Center for the Arts I na Makes Arts Mitre-Ramirez, Norma From: Huizar, Maria Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 4:42 PM To: eComment Subject: ECOMMENT - In support of Option 1B, item 65C: CEPG Attachments: Vicario (OCEAA) letter CEPG.pdf Categories: Correspondence For upload to Granicus tomorrow morning. From:Vazquez,Yasmin Sent:Tuesday, February 7, 2017 4:40 PM To: Huizar, Maria <MHuizar@santa-ana.org> Subject: FW: In support of Option 16, item 65C: CEPG Forwarding per Councilmember Benavides. Yasmin Vazquez Executive Assistant City of Santa Ana I City Manager's Office 20 Civic Center Plaza I Santa Ana,CA 92701 714-647-5200 I vvazauez@santa-ana.org From: LeGuin, Elisabeth [mailto:leguin©humnet.ucla.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2017 4:10 PM To: Pulido, Miguel; Sarmiento, Vicente; Martinez, Michele; Solorio, Jose; Benavides, David; Villegas, Juan; Tinajero, Sal Subject: In support of Option 16, item 65C: CEPG Dear Mayor and City Council, Please see the attached letter urging you to vote Yes on Option 1B of Item 65C, the grant disbursals of the CEPG. 1 °�NGE c0UNTk .. C9 E A Lit i aianal Arts Pc°d February 6, 2017 Honorable Santa Ana City Council and Mayor: This letter is in support of El Centro Cultural de Mexico. We have had the privilege of partnering together to provide rich experiences for our students and families. Their unique contributions to our school have helped us reach our mission to nurture all learners through the arts, language and culture. With the help of El Centro we were able to provide all students with small class workshops that introduced them to the style and history of Fandagos. El Centro also hosted a student assembly and a month long partnership which ended with a family community concert. Students of all ages were invited to sing and join in the Son Jarocho community, These events help us build community in our school and strengthen partnerships with our city. By interacting with members of our community we are able to build a strong foundation and appreciation of what makes us unique. For the last 10 years our school has participated in Noche de Altares. We have watched the event grow and it is one of our favorite community activities that we participate in each year. Our students make connections to culture,language and their city. All of our students create a piece of art that is displayed at our altar and our teachers encourage the understanding of the tradition. Thanks to El Centro, the event has become a highlight for our families. We feel fortunate that we can partner to strengthen and encourage student involvement in their community. Santa Ana is a special place and with partnerships like El Centro we look forward to engaging our students and families through the arts, culture and language. We feel fortunate that we have been able to offer these experiences with El Centro's help and look forward to sharing more with our students and families. Sincerely, Erica Vicario Arts Coordinator Orange County Educational Arts Academy 0 Mitre-Ramirez, Norma From: Huizar, Maria Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 4:43 PM To: eComment Subject: ECOMMENT - In support of Option 1 B, on Item 65C for Community Arts Grant to El Centro Attachments: CQ letter for 65c option 1 B.pdf Categories: Correspondence EComment for upload tomorrow morning. From:Vazquez, Yasmin Sent:Tuesday, February 7, 2017 4:38 PM To: Huizar, Maria<MHuizar@santa-ana.org> Subject: FW: In support of Option 1B, on Item 65C for Community Arts Grant to El Centro Forwarding per Councilmember Benavides. Yasmin Vazquez Executive Assistant City of Santa Ana I City Manager's Office 20 Civic Center Plaza I Santa Ana, CA 92701 714-647-5200 I yvazquezPsanta-ana.org From: Benavides, David Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2017 4:37 PM To: Vazquez, Yasmin Subject: Fwd: In support of Option 1B, on Item 65C for Community Arts Grant to El Centro Yasmin, Could you please forward all the emails/letters on this and any other agenda items to the City Clerk? Thanks P. David Benavides Councilman, City of Santa Ana 714.647.6900 dbenavides@santa-ana.org Begin forwarded message: From: Catharine Quinn <cquinn(a,,concernamerica.org> Date: February 7, 2017 at 1:55:00 PM PST To: <mpulido! santa-ana.org>, <vsarmiento(at,,santa-ana.org>, <mmartinez! santa-ana.org>, <JSolorio@santa-ana.org>, <dbenavides@a,santa-ana.org>, <jvillegasng,santa-ana.org>, 1 <stinaj erog Santa-ana.org> Subject: In support of Option 1B, on Item 65C for Community Arts Grant to El Centro Thank you for your support and time with this. In peace, Catharine Quinn Cat Quinn, BSN, RNC, MPH Coordinator of Field Operations Concern America 714-953-8575 cquiimc concernamerica.org www.concemamerica.org www.Facebook.com/ConcernAmericainc www.youtube.com/ConcernAmericainc 2 February 7,2017 Dear Santa Ma City Council and Mayor Pulido, It is with great honor that 1 write this letter in favor of voting For the item 65C option 1 B. As a community member whose son has participated in many of EL Centro's events, daughter has been in the Wooden Floor,and as an employee of a local non profit, I have seen the need to have many options in our community that highlight different aspects of the arts in order to support the different personalities and needs of our youth, El Centro's programs offer a unique opportunity for youth to engage in a traditional art form,Son Jarocho,a style of music and dance that conies from rural communities in the southern part of Mexico, The spirit of using the funds allotted For the community arts outreach programs and having all groups benefit from them is the way to bring our community of Santa Ana together. Voting For Option I B allows the city to reach more youth, particularly those that would not have had access to this opportunity elsewhere. Both of my children have benefited from the incredible work happening with El Centro,The Wooden Floor,and other community organizations,and I am grateful that these opportunities have been made available to them. I hope that you will all vote in favor of 113 to continue and strengthen that community bond throughout the city. Thank you for your time and leadership on this issue. / Cathari e Quinn, BSN, RN, MPH Mitre-Ramirez, Norma From: Fatima Avalos < Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 6:22 PM To: eComment Subject: Community Enhancement Program Grant 65 C Attachments: Speech.pdf Categories: Correspondence 1 Good evening Mayor Pulido and Council Members. My name is Fatima Avalos and I live in Santa Ana I am here to ask that you approve the Community Enhancement Program Grant, specifically for Delhi Center (Item 65C). I was a Junior Leader in the 2016 Summer Enrichment Camp that is part of the grant funded program that Delhi Center submitted for consideration. As a Junior Leader I helped to supervise the children in the program and learned how to teach the classes that were offered. I also helped with the lunches, set-up and clean-up, and I was very involved with the end-of-summer production. Although I was required to volunteer a minimum of 100 hours, I actually worked a total of 153 in half hours and I exceeded all of the requirements because it was such a great program. It was a lot of fun but also a lot of hard work. As a Junior Leader, I participated in field trips to businesses and colleges, I developed a portfolio with a resume and goals and objectives, and I attended many workshops and educational sessions with incredible guest speakers who motivated and encouraged me. I received a stipend at the end of the program but that wasn't the best part. The best part was that I was hired by Active Learning who is a partner with Delhi Center in the program. I currently work in the Santa Ana schools at different sites in the after-school program. I help supervise and teach students in a variety of classes. I also work at events, staffing an information and resource table and I am a valuable member of the team because of my bilingual abilities. The program gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and I am now also a wrestling coach at Tustin High School. Being a Junior Leader at Delhi Center gave me a boost of confidence and I know I can do anything I set out to do. I learned a lot and I am applying what I learned in my new jobs. I know I will be able to continue to pursue my dreams through more learning experiences at Delhi Center which will lead me to better and better jobs in the future. Please approve the Community Enhancement Program grant for Delhi Center and the other applicants. Together these organizations can help make Santa Ana a better place to live for us all. Thank you.