15-0602_CREER_F16_Correspondence 2Maria Morris
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Thursday, April 30, 2015 8:45 AM
Maria Morris
Derek Reeve; Pam Patterson; Sam Allevato; Kerry Ferguson; John Perry
6/2/2015
F16
Subject: · CREER's Request to Extend Lease-Agenda item -TBD, May 5 City Council Meeting
TO: Hon. Derek Reeve, Mayor-<dreeve@sanjuancapistrano.org>
Hon. Pam Patterson, Esq., Mayor ProTem-<ppatterson@sanjuancapistrano.org>
Hon. Sam Allevato-<sallevato@sanjuancapistrano.org>
Hon. Kerry K. Ferguson-< kferguson@sanjuancapistrano.org>
Hon. John Perry-<jperry@sanjuancapistrano.org>
DATE: April28, 2015
FROM: Mary D, President
SJC Friends of the Library
SUBJ: CREER's Request for Lease Extension-Agenda item Number: TBD
I am writing in support of CREER's lease renewal and suggesting it be a five-year rather than a two-year commitment if at all
possible. It would be hard to conceive a better use of the tiny space above Stone Field; it's in the heart of the community
CREER serves and it seems to suit CREER, though I don't know how they are able to do so much in that tiny space; that is a
remarkable achievement in and of itself. Let's do all we can to help them continue their good work.
CREER is a tremendous and invaluable community asset-and a great friend to this community and in particular to its at-risk
youth. Its staff.and volunteers are absolutely dedicated to the youth of this community. CREER staff, volunteers, teachers and
sponsors should be heralded and their contributions applauded. CREER has made a significant difference to this town in the
few short years of its existence. They currently teach approximately 900 students/month in after-school educational
programs-in that small space, rotating them in/out efficiently and getting dramatic results yielding higher test scores in
school. Last summer, they taught >650 students in summer programs-with volunteer teachers.
In addition, CREER is a good neighbor. They are a neighbor of ours and better neighbors one could not have. They are
ALWAYS there for us at special events with 5-8-10 or more volunteers whenever needed -from early morning till late at night
-without fail and without complaint. And not just for us-recently, with the help of Ricardo's Place but without any fanfare
or publicity, they raised over $1,100 for neighboring families who were the victims of a tragic fire some months ago.
The lease comes up at a the beginning of CREER's summer season, when they have to either (a) take time from their core
mission, which is to run after-school and summer educational programs for at-risk kids; or (b) from recruiting for teachers for
their summer session, which further taxes already severely limited resources. Other non profits have five-year or longer leases
with the City; why not CREER? Budgeting for a longer-term lease would make doing a five-year plan easier so the price of rent
would be set for the full period, without having the stress of worrying about finding a new place if the rent is increased. The
rent {$1.09/sq.) appears to be based on commercial rates for light industrial facilities; a lower nonprofit rate that takes into
consideration the City's educational investment in its youth would be in the better interest of San Juan Capistrano and its
residents per se. Can we provide them the same benefits as we do to the Boys & Girls Club? They do similar work for a more
at-risk population; they do it very well-and their students' test score show what a good investment it truly is.
It's a win/win for the City, the community at large and for CREER. Help CREER help our children. The investment in our kids is
well worth it.
Respectfully,
Mary D, President
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SJC Friends of the Library
THE Bookstore-on Historic El Camino Real
31495-A El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
, THE Bookstore Phone: (949) 493-2688
THE Bookstore Hours: Man-Sat: 10-5 I Sun: 12-5
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