16-1206_BLENHEIM FACILITY MANAGEMENT_D24_CorrespondenceMatisse Reischl
Subject: FW: Blenheim Facility Management Contract Extension
From: M&M Pattinson
12/6/2016
MAI
Date: December 5, 2016 at 3:59:20 PM PST
To: Derek Reeve <DReeve a sgniutincaP strano.otg>, John Perry <.iPeri, t sanivanca )i%trano.or 3>, Sam
Allevato <SAlicv:ttoQs�juancapistrano.org , Kerry Ferguson <>, Pam
Patterson <Pl'atterson cr.satYjuancal)istrano.org>, "brianmaryott@rnac.com" <brianinarvott(c mac.coin>,
"fariasdistrictl(a_).gmail.com" <fat•iasdistrictltal tzli il.coni>, Brian Maryott <[ ar ott!cctsai�Liartcat�istr ino.org>,
Sergio Farias <SFar as-i).satnjuancap str�ttto.ot'�l,>
Cc: Maria Morris <>, "fs_egles@ocregister.com"
<I's\\ is LlesQocregistcr.com>, Rancho Sierra Vista Dana Smith
Subject: Blenheim Facility Management Contract Extension
Please read my email at the Parks and Recreation Meeting tonight, as well as at the City Council
Meeting on Tuesday.
Thank you,
Mariela Pattinson
Dear Parks & Recreation Commission and the San Juan Capistrano City Council Members
Please consider carefully the decision you are making regarding the Blenheim Riding Park. Many
passionate and dedicated individuals in our unique town have spoken eloquently in support of
extending a long-term lease and keeping this world-class facility in our back yard. Without a
doubt, the riding park is one of the main assets that puts San Juan Capistrano on the map. It is
what makes us well-known throughout the US and the world. It is the perfect accompaniment
to the mission and it's heritage. Our town's character has, since it's founding, been intertwined
with the equestrian tradition. It seems some in positions of leadership want to erase that
legacy.
The question that has not been adequately answered is why some of you are so determined to
get rid of this amazing facility? I see that it brings people to town, fills the hotel rooms in the
area (and hopefully, soon, in town), makes restaurants successful and shops active. Why would
you want to change that? I have been to several meetings and tried to understand this simple
question, with no luck. Is having an economic driver such as Blenheim a detriment to our town
coffers and businesses? What will replace it if it is shut down?
Our daughters both ride and watch the competitions at Blenheim. In fact, we moved to SJC 13
years ago so that we would be near horse facilities. Our whole family has attended many of the
free events, as well as our son playing in soccer tournaments hosted there. We love this open
space that is free for all to enjoy. We are all so lucky!
Can things be improved? Always. But instead just shutting things down, why not work with all
involved to come up with real questions, real concerns, real solutions and act with true good
will to make it better. Come up with creative ideas on how to further share the space. How to
promote what is available more robustly (I almost never see any information about the events
at Blenheim on the City website). This should not be so adversarial. We should all be good
stewards of our town's treasures, by being willing to truly come together and work things out.
To cater to the many diverse needs and passions of our community. Perhaps we live in
adversarial times, but let us all go against the grain and collaborate.
We love San Juan Capistrano, as I am sure you do as well! It is a beautiful town, with so much to
offer. We are growing and changing— make sure it's for the better, not worse. That is your
mandate. We appreciate your service, so please let's work together to make San Juan
Capistrano even better, more welcoming, renowned and special. Let's not be one of the small
towns with small-town politics that overshadow everything else. Because, unfortunately, we
are becoming notorious for that too.
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