16-0719_NEW TURTLE ISLAND_F13_Correspondence 5Matisse Reischl
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting for tonight - July 19, 2016 - Re: New Turtle Island
From: SAMANTHA HAMMER'
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2016 4:33 PM
To: pater'son(a)sanivancapistran_o_.org; Kerry Ferguson; Derek Reeve; Sam Allevato; John Perry
Cc: ; Laura Stokes
Subject: City Council Meeting for tonight - July 19, 2016 - Re: New Turtle Island
Dear Mayor Paterson and City Council Members,
7/19/2016
F13
My letter to you today is in full support of New Turtle Island which includes the owner, Patrick Piatt and
Program Manager, Genevieve Herzog.
I am a very lucky recipient of the special grant of money which allowed me to experience in full, the planning
department and having the opportunity to work with Laura Stokes. I put my name on the list to be a
recipient of the grant monies in 2011. At that time, there was a two year wait because the list of people
ahead of me needing grant assistance was quite large.
In 2013 I was notified that it was now time and based upon my application, I could meet with the New
Turtle Island folks to see fully if I would qualify for up to $20,000 in improvements to bring my house up to
code. You can't imagine the excitement I felt.
Laura Stokes was a great support for the city to for those of us needing questions and concerns answered.
My next step in the process was to work with Genevieve who was so supportive. There seemed to be over 75
pages to complete for the State of California and we met on a couple of occasions. All went so well. When
the approval came in to proceed, I met with at least 5 different contractors all of whom where a part of
the New Turtle Island approved contractors. Each had to be licensed in several categories and fully insured.
I met with Patrick Piatt on many occasions while he viewed my home, did inspections and honestly was well
informed and educated knowing what should be done and taken care of in a mobile home. He was always
available to answer calls or questions and stayed in close touch with me and my home throughout the process.
I had an interior design business and I know all too well about things that can go wrong. I don't think there
is anything perfect and often times things have glitches and good vendors do all they can to take care of
these glitches.
The grant monies offered to those of us lucky enough to qualify is such a blessing. And most importantly,
having someone like Patrick Piatt and Genevieve Herzog on ones side is very important. San Juan Capistrano
needs this company to continue their support to our community. I am very grateful to the city and to the
State of California and my gratitude and thanks go to New Turtle Island.
I hope each of you on the council can fully recognize this wonderful service, gift, and great staff of support
and continue to bring this gift to those others who can really benefit.
Sincerely,
Samantha Hammer