16-0503_ECOLOGY CENTER, THE_E1a_Correspondence Packet 5Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center -Lease Agreement
From: Marin Vaughn [ _
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 11:33 AM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: The Ecology Center -Lease Agreement
To Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerri Ferguson:
5/3/2016
Ela
I am writing this message in support of the proposed 20 year lease agreement to allow The Ecology
Center to continue their important work at the Congdon House in San Juan Capistrano. The Ecology
Center provides real, approachable and actionable solutions for residents and visitors to improve their
lives and reduce their environmental impact. As an educational hub, The Ecology Center provides a
really unique learning experience for future generations and in 2015 alone, impacted over 30,000
students, educators and parents through the many school program offerings, including the Grow Your
Own school garden initiative and Eco -Labs field trips.
The Ecology Center is a genuine asset to the San Juan Capistrano community and more broadly, a
true treasure in Orange County. As a parent, I seek out experienced and passionate people and
places to help me take a thoughtful approach and help me to model the values that I want to instill in
my children. The Ecology Center is one of those special places, full of the special people, that
continue to look to as a resource for my family on our journey toward a sustainable and an intentional
way of living.
Sincerely,
Marin Vaughn
Correspondence
Packet 5
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center - lease agreement
-----Original Message -----
From: James Sieger
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 1:40 PM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: The Ecology Center - lease agreement
Maria,
5/3/2016
Ela
My wife and I are in support of the twenty year lease agreement for the Ecology Center. In this day
and age our youth need as much exposure as possible to the many ways that we can all work
together to conserve our world's resources.
Please tell Councilman Allevato that Jim Sieger says Hello(Tiffany and Sams Activities Director,
SCHS).
Jim Sieger
Marco Forster Middle School Principal, Retired Tove Sieger
Sent from my iPhone
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: Support for The Ecology Center
From: Andrew Sieger _
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 11:53 AM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: Support for The Ecology Center
Dear Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerri Ferguson,
I am writing to support the 20 year lease agreement between San Juan and The Ecology Center.
5/3/2016
Ela
Over the past 6 years, I've watched with excitement and pride as the Ecology Center has become an enriching
and integral part of the San Juan and South OC community, and a favorite place to visit, learn, and spend time
in the gardens or at events with friends and family. As a San Clemente/San Juan native, I'm excited by the
prospect of a 20 year commitment that will allow the center to grow as a community and regional resource, and
importantly, keep the Kinoshita property agricultural and community oriented. What an incredible asset The
Ecology Center has become!
Thank you for your past support of the center, and please approve the 20 year lease of The Ecology Center!
Andrew
Andrew Sieger
Architect
Capistrano Unified School District
Excellence in Education
CnIP1sTRa1410 San Juan Elementary School
31642 EI Camino Real • San Juan Capistrano • California 92675
(949) 493-4533 . FAX (949) 240-9174
May 3, 2016
Hon. Pam Patterson, Esq., Mayor
Hon. Kerry K. Ferguson, Mayor Pro Tem
Hon. Sam Allevato
Hon. John Perry
Hon. Derek Reeve
Dear Honorable City of San Juan Capistrano Council Members:
This letter is in support of The Ecology Center's lease in San Juan Capistrano. San Juan
Elementary School has collaborated with The Ecology Center for more than 4 years to develop,
create, and implement an Edible Learning Garden at our school. The staff at The Ecology Center
has teamed with our teachers and parents to establish a vision, so that students will benefit from
hands-on science activities and a well-established interactive food garden for many years to
come.
Our classes have taken field trips to The Ecology Center to participate in their informative and
well-managed programs. Students and staff have been motivated to not only manage our own
school garden, but have also created gardens in their own homes. Teachers have benefited from
the standards-based lessons that were provided and the staff has been at our school many times to
help us implement the curriculum.
Our students continue to benefit and learn about water conservation using the barrels that we
installed in our garden to capture rain water. They have also learned how to grow their own food
with planting guides and composting bins. Attached are images of our garden and learning murals
that were all created by volunteers who gained their inspiration at The Ecology Center. Our
garden is truly a sustainable learning environment.
Please consider providing your support for The Ecology Center. Our partnership has changed the
school community and made us more responsible citizens as we continue to teach new
generations to grow their own food, conserve water, and appreciate the local ecology. Please feel
free to contact me if you would like additional information or if you have any questions.
'Sincerely,
' /; �'' ✓
Silvia Mazzeo Pule
Principal
5/3/2016
Ela
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center
From: Margot r
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 10:43 AM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: The Ecology Center
Dear Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerri Ferguson,
5/3/2016
Ela
I'm writing in support of The Ecology Center, and the renewal of a 20 -year lease. I've had incredible
experiences at the space and find it to be a life -changing force that drive great value in the community.
In 7 short years, The Ecology Center has built a national destination - from a dirt lot and a once abandoned farm
house. They are thought leaders in water conservation as well as sustainable food and gardening. As you can see
with this recent article on the cover of the Food section of the OC Register last week, they attract world leaders,
like Alice Waters - one of the most famous chefs in the world to lead their upcoming farm dinner to raise funds
for their school garden program which provides mentorship for all San Juan Capistrano schools.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/waters-713621-farm-gardens.htm].
We thank you for your support and look forward to more programming at The Ecology Center for many years
to come.
Sincerely,
Margot Stephenson
Social Media Strategist
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center -Lease Agreement
From: Marin Vaughn
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 11:33 AM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: The Ecology Center -Lease Agreement
To Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerri Ferguson:
5/3/2016
Ela
I am writing this message in support of the proposed 20 year lease agreement to allow The Ecology
Center to continue their important work at the Congdon House in San Juan Capistrano. The Ecology
Center provides real, approachable and actionable solutions for residents and visitors to improve their
lives and reduce their environmental impact. As an educational hub, The Ecology Center provides a
really unique learning experience for future generations and in 2015 alone, impacted over 30,000
students, educators and parents through the many school program offerings, including the Grow Your
Own school garden initiative and Eco -Labs field trips.
The Ecology Center is a genuine asset to the San Juan Capistrano community and more broadly, a
true treasure in Orange County. As a parent, I seek out experienced and passionate people and
places to help me take a thoughtful approach and help me to model the values that I want to instill in
my children. The Ecology Center is one of those special places, full of the special people, that
continue to look to as a resource for my family on our journey toward a sustainable and an intentional
way of living.
Sincerely,
Marin Vaughn
5/3/2016
,w r
SAN JUAN CAPISTPANO Ela
' Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
RE: Agenda item ExA — Support Lease Extension for The Ecology Center
Mayor Patterson and Members of the City Council:
I am writing to encourage you to support a long-term lease extension for The Ecology Center.
The Ecology Center is an indispensable asset for the City of San Juan Capistrano. Their unique programming,
ability to bring in new audiences and their fantastic care for and improvements to the historic Congdon House
are all reasons that we hope will encourage you to create a long lasting agreement to ensure they remain in
San Juan.
The Ecology Center's educational opportunities are great today but are becoming increasingly important as
time goes on. As we strive to conserve water and lessen our impact on the environment, this facility offers
residents and businesses a wealth of great and easy-to-use information on how to make meaningful progress
in those efforts.
In addition, their many events and programs bring a unique demographic into San Juan Capistrano. During
recent visits, I met people from all over Southern California who might not have visited San Juan if not for the
draw of this great facility. Many of the visitors become volunteers and begin making frequent trips to our
community — often patronizing local businesses during their time in town.
Finally, it is worth noting what tremendous stewards of the historic property The Ecology Center has been.
The house and surrounding property look amazing and are have been cared with the same passion and
enthusiasm that drives their entire operation.
Please renew the agreement with this outstanding community partner and do so in a way that allows them to
fully invest in their San Juan Capistrano location. They've done amazing things already but I'm genuinely
excited to think about what they can accomplish without the limitations of short term lease agreements.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the 300+ local businesses we represent, I thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,`
•� 1. `�• ��.
Mark Bodenhamer
San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce
Matisse Reischl
5/3/2016
Ela
Subject: FW: SUPPORT: 20 -year lease agreement with The Ecology Center and the City of San
Juan Capistrano
-----Original Message -----
From: Kirk Vartan
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 1:17 PM
To: Pam Patterson; Kerry Ferguson; Sam Allevato; John Perry; Derek Reeve
Cc: Maria Morris;
Subject: SUPPOR 1: 20 -year lease agreement with The Ecology Center and the City of San Juan
Capistrano
Dear Mayor Pam Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ferguson:
As life in our society continues to struggle to utilize the resources around us effectively, Evan Marks
and The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano are leaders is creating a better community. The
work to create food and substantial community benefit for residents and visitors is so important as we
face the challenges ahead. Localizing our food production will notably help create better communities,
but it will help to protect our food security in our regions.
I am located up in San Jose/Santa Clara area and we are looking to replicate and emulate the
incredible work of the Ecology Center and make it a reality up in northern California. Our country and
the world look to California for innovation and to help lead us in sustainable practices. This is a
perfect example of what is needed.
Please, allow them to have a 20 -year lease with your city (and give them like four 20 -year options on
the property). The work they are doing is inspiring others and providing a path for us all. These are
the kinds of project/programs we all need in our cities so we can be healthy and to begin to reverse
the lack of community engagement. Create a sense of place like this is a jewel for your city and any
city that adopts this kind of Center.
I look forward to the good news tomorrow when I hear you have extended their lease.
Kind regards,
Kirk Vartan
San Jose, CA (native New Yorker)
cc: City Clerk Maria Morris
A Slice of New York
A New York Experience in the Bay Area
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd. (San Jose)
1253 W EI Camino Real (Sunnyvale)
SJ: (408) 24 -SLICE / SV: (650) 938-NYNY
www.aSliceOfNY.com
www.911 memorial.ora
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center Lease
From: Tony de Witte [
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 1:27 PM
To: Maria Morris
Subject: The Ecology Center Lease
5/3/2016
Ela
To Mayor Pam Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Kerri Ferguson, et al,
As a resident of San Juan Capistrano, at Rancho Del Avion on Alipaz St., I'd like to make it known
that I am in full support of the city extending its lease agreement with the Ecology Center at the
Kinoshita Farm. Rancho Del Avion is right across the street. And for many years I have taken
advantage of the Center's resources and educational programs. My grade school daughter has also
benefited from the many programs geared toward kids on ecology, conservation, and
horticulture. The Ecology Center is a prized asset to our community and I for one would like to see it
stay. It makes me proud that San Juan Capistrano is one of the few cities in our area to offer an
enterprise such as this and at such a historical site!
Tony de Witte
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Matisse Reischl
Subject:
FW: Please vote yes to renew TEC lease
From: evan marks
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 3:13 PM
To: Derek Reeve
Cc: Maria Morris
Subject: Please vote yes to renew TEC lease
Dear Derek,
5/3/2016
Ela
Tonight you will be discussing and voting on the renewal of the lease agreement with The Ecology Center. I
respectfully ask for your support of the lease agreement.
The Ecology Center board of directors, staff and myself have been and continue to be committed to being good
stewards of this property and having this educational, community facility be a special asset for San Juan
Capistrano.
As you know, we have an immense amount of pride for preserving the cultural and agricultural heritage of this
great community. In seven short years, The Ecology Center has become a trusted local, regional and national
model of stewardship best practices for our shared community. We are excited to continue our partnership with
the City of San Juan Capistrano - to build a strong, long-term educational resource for our community. I humbly
request you vote in favor of The Ecology Center agenda item to approve staff recommendation on the renewal
of the lease agreement.
Sincerely,
Evan Marks
[-'.van Marks 1 EAccutive Direclor
32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
i3. f) VI/ i4 ; 1223 TheEcologyCenter.org
Facebook I Instagram I Twitter
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center - lease agreement
From: Save San Juan Capistrano
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 2:48 PM
To: Maria Morris; Pam Patterson; Kerry Ferguson
Subject: The Ecology Center - lease agreement
Mayor Patterson and Mayor Pro -Tem Ferguson -
Please consider renewing the lease for The Ecology Center for 20 years in San Juan Capistrano,
5/3/2016
Ela
It's now more critical than ever to keep open space and ecological/environmental/agricultural areas available in
our town center for the community to enjoy.
Evan Marks and The Ecology Center have done a great job educating the community and surrounding
communities about the impact we all contribute to our environment and how we can help one another.
Thank you for considering this lease extension.
-Pam Z
San Juan Capistrano resident for over 20 years
Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: The Ecology Center
From: Wahlquist, Gary
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 3:55 PM
To: Maria Morris
Cc: evan marks I
Subject: The Ecology Center
Dear Mayor Patterson and Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson,
5/3/2016
Ela
I understand that you are considering entering into a lease agreement with The Ecology Center during your city council
meeting tonight. I've had the benefit of meeting Evan Marks and experiencing the unique offerings at The Ecology
Center. Evan is truly a pleasure to know and work with. He is passionate about what he does and the benefits he works
to provide to both the community and the environment. The programs offered at The Ecology Center are of the highest
quality. I was very impressed with the thoughtfulness and creativity behind the various projects they pursue.
I can't think of a better person or organization for you and your city to support and partner with. My hope is that you
continue to enjoy the wonderful relationship forged with The Ecology Center, allowing them to be a committed
community member in San Juan Capistrano for years to come.
Warm regards,
Gary Wahlquist I Public Affairs Manager, Global Development I Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Phone: 714-781-1530 1 Cell: 818-397-4133 1 gary.wahlqtjist@disriey.com