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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/06/06 - Item 13 - Written Communication 2Sheree Kansas From: Max Branscomb < Sent: Friday, .lune 02, 2017 1:58 PM To: Mary Salas; John McCann; Patricia Aguilar; Steve C. Padilla; Mike Diaz Cc: Max Branscomb; Subject: How layoffs severely damage communities. Immorality of cutting jobs Dear Mayor Casillas Salas and City Council Members, During the 2011 economic downturn the highly -regarded chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, Dr. Constance M. Carroll, spent four hours talking with my SDSU doctorate cohort about managing a budget crisis. To our surprise, the first thing she said is that layoffs would never happen as long as she was in charge. Dr. Carroll was blunt. She said laying off good workers was "unethical," "immoral," intellectually lazy" and "destructive to communities." Her evidence, and the evidence of social and business research going back to the 1950s, has consistently shown that layoffs can damage an organization with effects that last a decade or even a generation. Please consider the empirical research on layoffs: From the Wharton School of Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania How Layoffs Hurt Companies" Severe damage to the reputation and perceived competence of the organization Unintended costs and consequences that negate salary savings Punishment" for board members and elected officials by shareholders and voters Investing in people and innovation is consistently good for the organization Conclusions: "The toll of layoffs is high. Layoffs begat lower productivity and profit." Layoffs may look good on paper because they have an immediate effects on costs. Yet in reality there are a lot of costs that layoffs impose on organizations." From the Magellan International Executive Search Firm Significant indirect costs often wipe off the direct savings of layoffs. Loss of experience causes lasting damage to the organization Trust and loyalty in surviving employees is generally severely damaged or completely destroyed. Conclusions: "The books look great for two or three quarters, and then things don't get done." From the University of Colorado at Boulder Layoffs create malaise, suspicion and turnover among surviving employees. Loss of trust and respect for leadership who authorized layoffs in the broader community Conclusions: "Productive employees are far more likely to leave jobs in environments of downsizing, fearing that they may be next if another downturn happens." Written Communication Item #13 From Simon Fraser University Layoffs are detrimental to the long-term effectiveness of an organization. Layoffs reduce buy -in by surviving employees Layoffs create fear, dissention and destroy the foundations of trust required in a high -functioning organization. Negative public perception of the organization will damage its reputation and the reputations of its leaders Employee and community loyalty are severely damaged, sometimes irreparably Conclusions: "Layoffs can be perceived as a violation of the psychological contract between an organization and its employees, resulting in decreased trust and greater stress in the workplace." From the Harvard University School of Business Layoffs are seldom successful Community members perceive layoffs as -a symptom of mismanagement by top-level leaders Downsizings are symptomatic of flawed strategies that inevitably produce below -par results. Conclusions: "Executives should carefully consider all options for coping with a downturn before letting workers go. The smartest organizations make sure they are addressing the right issues in the right ways before they jettison jobs." From the University of Michigan Layoffs introduce serious stressors and social pathogens into the community Layoffs increase levels of humiliation, despair, hopelessness, moodiness, anxiety, erratic behavior, panic, rage, self-doubt, malaise and cynicism Layoffs are directing related to sharp decreases in self-esteem, self-worth and motivation Layoffs are directly related to increases in alcohol consumption, drug abuse, domestic violence, divorce rates and rates of suicide Laid off women suffer a 25 percent increase in severe depression, men 21 percent High levels of alienation, de -valuation of other members of the community and tendency to socially withdraw create the underpinnings of violent behavior Conclusions: Layoffs are devastating to individuals, families and communities. The psychological input required by laid off individuals and their family members to approach pre -layoff functionality are colossal. My thoughts: Chula Vista has slowly but steadily been shaking off the "Chulajuana" label hung on us in the 1970s. The city has a well-earned reputation of being well-run, fair and progressive. It was be a shame to undo that with a rash decision. My suggestion would be to rescind threats of layoffs and stay the course on the city's plan to add fire stations and fire personnel in the near future as grants and other sources of funding become available. We can wait another year or two to build the fire stations without damaging our community. Respectfully, Max Branscomb Max Branscomb, Ed.D. Written Communication Item #13 Professor of Journalism Advisor for Student Publications Southwestern College Written Communication Item #13 I Sheree Kansas From: Sharron Half < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 11:15 AM To: Leslie Wolf Branscomb; Patricia Aguilar Subject: Fw: URGENT Call to Action - Chula Vista Arts At Stake On Friday, June 2, 2017 5:03 PM, Jill Galvez < Dear Historic Homeowners, Friends and Neighbors, Please urge Pat Aguilar, our current District 2 representative to keep the commitment she made on September 1.3, 2016, -when -she voted to approve the -Chula Vista Cultural -Arts -Master -Pan -and -5 - year implementation program. Pat skipped the crucial budget meeting and did not advocate for us. It is imperative that she attends the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 6, at 5:O0pm, and supports our community's expectations of a thriving, culturally rich city and a balanced budget. This Tuesday, without your strong urging, the Cultural Arts Program Manager position will be cut! Lynnette Tessitore-Lopez has already received her pink slip. This is not right. Chula Vista is the 14th largest city in California and has only one paid position to manage cultural arts. We have amazing volunteers, artists, and art advocates in our city, but volunteers alone are not enough. We need Lynnette to continue her leadership role in bringing thriving, artistic events and culture to Chula Vista, Thank you for your help. You can email the entire council in the links below, and meet us at the Chula Vista City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 6, at 5:00pm at 476 4th Avenue, in the council chambers. Sincerely, Jill Galvez Written Communication Item #13 3 The cutting of the Cultural Arts Program Manager position in the City of Chula Vista will result in detrimental impacts to projects and programs citywide. These programs include vibrant performances, exhibits, parades, festivals, and meaningful artistic experiences -for young people and life-longlearners. Partner/Funded organizations: CYT, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Youth Symphony, High Tech High Chula Vista, Are San Diego, Bonita Vista High, Chula Vista High School, Old Globe, Museum. of Contemporary Art, Friends of the Chula Vista Library, South Bay Community A Services, Chula Vista Elementary School District, On -Stage Playhouse, California Ballet, Boys and Girls Club of Chula Vista, Chula Vista Rotary, Arts for Learning, Fern Street Circus/San Diego Puppetry, Parade Band Foundation, SouthBay Front Artists, Chula Vista Art Guild, Chula Vista Ballet, in addition to many individual artists (this past year alone!) Your attendance at the Council meeting is very important. Make your voice heard! Join us on Tuesday, June 6th at Spm. City of Chula Vista- Council Meeting Make Your Voice Heard Written Communication Item #13 Email Councilmemher Stephen Padilla City of Chula Vista - District 3 About the San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition (SDRACC) 3 E 6 About the San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition (SDRACC) 3 Written Communication Item #13 Email I Website The San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition was founded in 1989 as a collaborative membership entity of arts & culture organizations in San Diego County. Its mission and purpose are: To lobby and advocate for appropriate funding levels for arts & culture to support new and ongoing projects throughout San Diego County To lobby, advocate and promote the awareness and importance of arts & culture throughout San Diego To serve as an information resource entity to benefit all arts & culture institutions in San Diego County Rising Arts Leaders, SDRACC, 2850 Womble Road #f100-615, San Diego, CA 92106 SafeUnsubwribe'-11' {recipienl'semaiD Forward this cinail I Urtdatc Pro flic I About ou€° setvic.cgrm ides Sent by sandieP-oracc(ir)Pmail.com in collaboration with x Try it free today THIS IS A TEST EMAIL ONLY. This email was sent by the author for the sole purpose of testing a draft message. If you believe you have received the message in error, please contact the author by replying to this message. Constant Contact takes reports of abuse very seriously. If you wish to report abuse, please forward this message to abusep_constantoontact.com. 4 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Jane Merrill < Sent: Friday, lune 02, 2017 10;00 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: SAVE Cultural Arts Manager position Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am writing on behalf of the hundreds of families and their children who participate in San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory's Community Opus Project in Chula Vista. We have a simple request: Please continue to fund the City of Chula Vista's Cultural Arts Manager position! When we launched the Community Opus Project in 2010, the city did not have a Cultural Arts Manager. There was no single person connecting all of the cultural arts activities across the city to each other or to city resources. That all changed when Lynnette Tessitore was hired as the city's Cultural Arts Manager. Our students, families, and partners have benefitted immensely since the creation of this position. The most substantial example of the impact of having a Cultural Arts Manager is evident in our annual Viva Musica celebration. Viva Musica is the culminating festival and concert event of the Community Opus Project. It was originally a small event in a private backyard. In collaboration with Ms. Tessitore, Viva Musica moved to Memorial Bowl in Memorial Parr last spring and returned for a second year just two weeks ago. Over 1000 Chula Vista children, parents and family members from across the city gathered for this free afternoon of performances, activities, and celebration. With Ms. Tessitore's involvement, Viva Musica included interactive opportunities with the Chula Vista Fire Department and a fire truck, Parrs and Recreation, and numerous community performers such as Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista and and La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego . We could not have gathered so many different partners to participate in Viva Musica because we wouldn't have even known where to start seeking these partners. As the Cultural Arts Manager, Ms. Tessitore is working with Written Communication Item #13 all of the city's cultural groups and regularly bringing us together to complement each other's efforts and enrich the community. This is only one example of the essential benefits delivered to the residents of Chula Vista by the Cultural Arts Manager. Please do not set back the City's great cultural arts work of the past two years by eliminating this essential position. Dalouge Smith President and CEO San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory lane Merrill Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lynda Reynolds < Sent: Saturday, lune 03, 2017 8:44 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Please vote to save this program? Lynda Reynolds Sent from my iPad I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: nadia alvarez < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 4:24 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Chula Vista Arts ear Councilrnember Patricia Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Matt < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 7:27 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the -goals -of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Max Branscomb < Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 6:52 PM To: 'Leslie Wolf Branscomb; Patricia Aguilar Subject: RE: **NEED LETTERS** re: Chula Vista budget Chula Vista has done so much in recent years to develop its artistic aesthetic and encourage creativity among its citizenry. I think it would be a_jarring and unfortunate change of direction were this to be true. Max Branscomb, Ed.D. Professor of Journalism Advisor for Student Publications Southwestern. College From: Leslie Wolf Branscomb [ Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 6:48 PM To; Pat Aguilar Cc: Max Branscomb Subject: Fw: **NEED LETTERS** re: Chula Vista budget Pat, 1 thought you should see this chain of emails. This is the unintended fallout from the council's directive last Tuesday (the meeting you and the Mayor missed) to find another $2 million to fund another 12 firefighter positions. I don't know if it is true that anyone is being laid off yet, as the staff has yet to come back to the Council with another proposal, but as a councilmember you should know that this is the information that is being circulated to the public. Leslie Wolf Branscomb Forwarded Message ----- From: Max Branscomb < To: 'Leslie Wolf Branscomb' < Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 3: 10 PM Subject: FW: **NEED LETTERS** Is this true? Lynnette creates a lot of extra work for arts advocates in the community, but I certainly don't want to see her laid off. We need someone smart and energetic in that position. Max Branscomb, Ed.D. Professor of Journalism Advisor for Student Publications Southwestern College From: Silvia Lugo Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 2:58 PM To: Vallo Riberto; William Kinney; Perry Vasquez; Max Branscomb; Jeff Nevin; Rachel Hastings Subject: **NEED LETTERS** Importance: High Written Communication Item #13 Good afternoon Friends, I was informed last week that Lynnette Tessitore, the Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Chula Vista, will be laid off this Friday. 1 am working with Lynnette to gather letters of support to deliver to the City Council next week. The Cultural Arts Manager has been a HUGE supporter of the ARTS at Southwestern College. We have forged a strong relationship with City and it is a disappointment that our City Council is moving to eliminate her position (among others) to fund 24 new fire fighter positions. I would ask that you ask the City Council to study budget instead of eliminating a position that has become a critical partnership for SWC. The letter does not have to be long. Please email them to me by Monday 615 or before. Thank you! From: Lynnette Tessitore[ Sent: Friday, May 26, 2017 3:49 PM To: Lynnette Tessitore Subject: FYI Some of you may already know, but for those that do not, I wanted to reach out to let you know that at Tuesday's Council meeting, budget decisions were discussed that would have very significant impacts on City programs. due to take effect June 30th. Management is working on developing solutions that would be the least impactful, but at this time, it is not known how they will find the additional $2.5 million necessary to meet Council's goal. As with many things in today's world, it is a very difficult time here at the City but please know that we are doing what we can to continue to serve the community. For those that applied for this year's PVAG grant, you should hear something mid- June. With respect to the budget and what it may mean for the future, we will know more when it is discussed again at Council June 6th . I want to also take this time to thank each of you for the support that you have shown me over the last two years and for all that you do to make Chula Vista a better place! I am in awe of your commitment and amazing talent and consider myself blessed beyond words to have worked with many of you. Best always, L Lynnette Tessitore Cultural Arts Manager City of Chula Vista 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 VISIT: Cultural Arts r- c@ChulaVistaArts Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas Subject: FW: PLEASE DON'T CUT FUNDS FOR THE ARTSM From: Jonathan Burgess < Date: June 5, 2017 at 10:10: 31 PM PDT To:<dnorris a,chulavistaca.gov>, <msalasgchulvistaca.gov>, <ghalbert rr,chulavistaca.gov>, mccann chulavistaca.ov>,<spadilla(cz,chulavistaca.gov>, <pa uigllar(cr,chulavistaca.gov> Subject: PLEASE DON'T CUT FUNDS FOR THE ARTS!!! Hello my name is Jon Burgess, I currently study music education at Biola university and I would like to officially plead on behalf of the city of ChulaVista. Please do not cut funding for the arts, adults and students alike need these programs. Statistics have shown that schools with these programs have higher graduation rates than those who don't and it keeps these students from getting into problematic circumstances. If you don't care about the facts though listen to my story, I struggled with depression in high school and suffered from suicidal thoughts, that was one of the darkest times of my life, but thanks to the relationships I made within the music programs I was involved in and the love I had built for playing trumpet helped me out of those dark days. Chances are there are many other students who are in the same dilemma that I was and if that's the case, then if there's even a chance that these programs could dissipate due to lack of funding, then it won't be good. So please do not cut funding, but instead support the city manager's balanced budget that was presented on May 23, 2017 that addresses the concerns of public voiced emails {96 of them) and does not result in cuts to the cultural arts and other city programs and services. Thank you for your time, please take what I have said into consideration. Jon Burgess Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Luanne Hulsizer < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 5:24 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: A Request to Consider Retaining Budget Allowances for Economic Development Staff & the Communication Manager Dear Councilmember Diaz, Considering the challenges that the City Manager and Council currently face to bring in a balanced budget for FY 2017- 18 that accommodates the request to increase the amount of firefighters to protect Chula Vista, I am extremely concerned about the impacts that the proposed staffing cuts from Economic Development and Communications will have on Chula Vista and the Third Avenue Business District. Both the City -of Chula -Vista -and TAVA are benefiting from the leadership, staff, and new programs approved by City Council over the past two years through Economic Development Department and the City's Communications Manager. Although program expenses associated with these two departments may not be able to be funded in the next fiscal year, I believe that it would be a disservice to the City and its constituents to eliminate the positions associated with these departments as it relates to business attraction, tourism, and sales tax revenue. I can personally speak to the efforts made by Communication's Manager Anne Steinberger to work with TAVA and I on grass root marketing collaborations that benefited both entities and maximized our exposure to the public prior to the City's promotional campaign this spring. In addition, Anne is very well connected to the South Bay community and is capable and enthusiastic about working with SCEDC and the Port of San Diego in creating opportunity to bring awareness of Chula Vista to San Diego County residents without fiscal impact. Additionally, under the leadership of Economic Development Director Eric Crockett, Craig Ruiz has provided many of our new and existing Third Avenue property owners and tenants with the information they need to move quickly through the City's permit process thus bringing about our current revitalization of the district faster. Eric and Craig have also been instrumental in the creation of the Third Avenue Small Business Loan program that was approved by Council as well as the Outdoor Dining Guidelines that many of our businesses have enacted or are considering. If the Council chooses to eliminate the Senior Economic Development Specialist, this will only serve to -remove the necessary support that the department manager needs to continue the momentum of new development on Third Avenue and throughout Chula Vista. As a business professional working within Chula Vista, I am requesting that the City Council consider providing direction to the City Manager's office to propose an option to not eliminate these vital positions so abruptly, and if possible an option that would allow the City to progressively increase the number of needed firefighters over the next two fiscal years. Respectfully submitted, Luanne Hulsizer Luanne Hulsizer, Executive Director Third Avenue Village Association Written Communication Item #13 a Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Diaz, Maya < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:29 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Cultural Arts Program Manager Dear Councilmember Mike Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Regards, Maya Diaz General & Instrumental Music CVESD Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Patricia A. McQuater < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:10 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Honorable Councilmember Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I/We respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. As a former resident of Chula Vista who still appreciates it's leadership status in the San Diego region, l ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Warm regards, Patricia A.c ater° Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: iD Family < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 8:08 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Support in Arts and Culture in Chula Vista Dear Honorable Councilmember Mike Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Music and the arts program has made a great and positive impact on my life. I will be in the 6th grade next school year and would love to continue the music and arts programs in our community. Thank you. Respectfully, Nya Delcastillo- Festejo - OPUS Community Program Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Howard Diaz < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:37 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Cultural Arts Program Manager Dear Councilmember Mike Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. l ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Regards, Howard Diaz Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Amanda Fellhauer < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:30 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Arts funding Dear Councilmember Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. l ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. My -son, -Myles, is a student who has benefited from the arts. He has a music -and -an -art teacher at his elementary school (Wolf Canyon) and he has participated in the OPUS music program for the last two years. All of these arts experiences have made him more excited to go to school and learn. The OPUS program has provided him the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and feel the excitement when performing for others. There have been numerous studies that show the benefit to music education in children's personal and academic growth. Please reconsider cutting funding to the arts programs. Chula Vista has been leading the way in bringing back the arts to schools. Don't go backwards and deny the children what they truly enjoy and love. Think of the children of Chula Vista as you make your decision. Thank you, Amanda Fellhauer Community member and parent of an awesome trombone player Sent from my iPhone Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Jonathan Aquino < Sent: Monday, June fly, 2017 8:46 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Cultural Arts Program Manager Dear Councilmember Mike Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your continuing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectfully request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as it would have detrimental effect to the residents of the city. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the city administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without impacting the city's cultural arts program negatively. hank You, Jonathan Aquino Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Ellery Sablan < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:53 PM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Cc: Benjamin Maley Subject: Please do not cut arts funding Importance: High Hello all, My name is Ellery Sablan, I am currently a student at Biola University in La Mirada studying commercial music. Recently, an acquaintance of mine who also attends and studies music at Biola informed our conservatory of plans to cut arts funding in the city of Chula Vistaand asked -us for help. From personal experience, I have seen many fine arts programs cut -and the negative effects that result from doing so. I am from the island of Guam, a US territory in the Pacific that receives a certain amount of funding from the US government in order manage the structure of the island. To increase other areas in the budget, the government on Guam has taken money from the cultural and arts programs of schools or has shut down these programs entirely. Many of the schools on island are public and are attended by students whose families are low-income. A majority of Guam's students are creative children who seek to better their musical or artistic talents; the fine arts programs within the schools are usually the only artistic outlets that these kids are able to participate in. By cutting funding or removing these programs, the government would be diminishing chances for the youth to develop their potential. Also, by cutting arts funding within the city, citizens who seek these programs would be encouraged to go elsewhere, perhaps to the point of moving to a new Iocation to do so. I cannot stress the importance of keeping the arts programs funded. The arts encourage healthy emotional and mental development are and essential to building the culture and voice of a community. I would ask that you all consider adopting the City Manager's balanced budget that was presented to Council on May 23rd, 2017. Thank you, Ellery S. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: RevelynSoriano < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:43 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Chula Vista Arts Program Dear Councilmember Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Revelyn Soriano Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Paul Maley < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:45 PM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar, Mike Diaz Subject: Budget vote June 6 To the members of the Chula Vista City Council: The arts are a vital part of the life and culture of Chula Vista. As a 17 year resident of this community, and as both a professional theatre artist and arts educator in the schools of Chula Vista, I urge you to maintain if not increase funding to the arts. The arts enhance the quality of life in our community, open doors of opportunity for students from our community, -and draw others to visit, play, and shop in our community. The arts provide a benefit across the board and must be supported. I support a balanced budget that does not result in cuts to Cultural Arts and other City programs and services. Thank you for hearing the voice of the people and for voting to support what deserves to be supported. Paul Maley Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Family Maley < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:44 PM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Subject: Budget vote June 6 To the members of the Chula Vista City Council: The arts are a vital part of the life and culture of Chula Vista. As a 17 year resident of this community, and as both a professional theatre artist and arts educator in the schools of Chula Vista, I urge you to maintain if not increase funding to the arts. The arts enhance the quality of life in our community, open doors of opportunity for students from our community, and draw others to visit, play, and shop in our community. The arts provide a benefit across the board and must be supported. I support a balanced budget that does not result in cuts to Cultural Arts and other City programs and services. Thank you for hearing the voice of the people and for voting to support what deserves to be supported. Sharon Maley 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sent: Monday, lune 05, 2017 9:58 PM To: Mike Diaz Cc: Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Mike Diaz, We are writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. We respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. We ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you..../Pie & Sol Roque 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Pridmore, Crystal < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 10;01 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Please Support CV Arts! Dear Councilmember Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. As a music teacher for CVESD, I see the direct impact vital programs such as Opus and the community Festivals have on my students. The growth, success, and development of my students depends on the continuation of these programs through the inclusion of a Cultural Arts Program Manager. Thank you. Crystal Pridmore Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Anjanette Maraya-Ramey < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 10:28 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Diaz: Thank you for your support of the arts. I urge you to preserve the Cultural Arts Manager and ensure critical arts programs continue in Chula Vista. The arts have the power to save and change lives as it did for me. Having grown up in South Bay, I know first hand the importance of access to arts programs for at -risk youth in promoting a sense of belonging, self- esteem, confidence, and discipline. Please save the arts. Kids and families are counting on you. Warmest regards, Anjanette Maraya-Ramey 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Jeff Nevin < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 11:35 PM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Mike, the arts are part of make our community so vibrant. Please don't go through with the drastic cuts to Chula Vista arts that have been proposed. We need this funding, it makes Chula Vista a better place to live, Jeff Nevin Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Alan Cassell Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 7:48 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Importance: High Councilman Diaz My name is Alan Cassell, I am a resident of Chula Vista, a business owner in Chula Vista, as well as a commercial property owner and developer of over 36,000 sq ft on Third Avenue in the Third Avenue Village. I am writing you today because I have become aware of the budget cut that is aimed at nearly eliminating the Economic Development team -as well as eviscerate -the Cultural Arts program. The Economic Development team led by -Eric Crockett. and Craig Ruiz has been a vital partner in our successfully converting blighted and aged properties into more positive locations along Third Avenue, in addition, their assistance with our tenants and their business development has been a huge -asset. I beg the council to reconsider these reductions aimed at these programs and extend your timeline so that an alternative solution can be reached. I understand the importance of the Fire Department but I also believe that the growth and image of Chula Vista is seriously at stake and that this move will set the city back many steps in the perception that it is a great place to do business. Sincerely, Alan Cassell Chula Vista resident Chula Vista commercial property owner Chula Vista business owner Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Kumagai, Zoe < Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:06 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Zoe Kumagai Music Teacher Roaebank Elementary School 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lori Bahn < Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:16 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: the ARTS I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Lori Bahn I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Todd Schultz < Sent:: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:18 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. And to respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. Please adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Although I do not work or live in Chula Vista, the Symphony has many attendees, subscribers, patrons and donors who do live in your city, and I know how valuable arts and arts education are to them and their children. I also would like to personally invite you, as our guest, to a San Diego Symphony Orchestra performance. On June 30, we open our summer season on the Bay, and the programming is attracting record audiences. From Star-Spangled Pops, Wynonna Judd and Herb Alpert to Leslie Odom Jr., Sergio Mendes, Tony Bennett, Angelique Kidjo, Ozomatli and Amos Less, Bayside Summer Nights certainly has something that might interest you. And we'd love to show you the venue and share our plans the site. The upcoming winter season will feature not only our classical and jazz series, but also one of my favorites —Eugenia Leon. Please join us for a concert, if you're able, and I'll look forward to seeing you then. Thank you. Todd Todd Schultz Vice President for Institutional Advancement San Diego Symphony Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Paula Gonzalez < Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:47 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Cultural Arts Program Manager Dear Councilmember Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not out the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a out would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. My two sons are part of the Community Opus project. This is an amazing program I am afraid will be affected by cutting the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager. I write this as a resident of Chula Vista and a small business owner on Third Avenue Village. sincerely, Paula Gonzalez 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Carol Manifold < Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:49 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Diaz, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Carol Manifold President, Choral C-onsortium of San Diego President, SACRAIPROFANA Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council Member Diaz, Arlene D < Tuesday, June 06, 2017 8:49 AM Mike Diaz Save Chula Vista Arts Programs!!! I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. I grew up in Chula Vista, then moved to dynamic art/culture-rich cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles & New York. Returning home to care for aging parents and discovering the growth in the region of San Diego's art/culture scene, including plans to revitalize Downtown Chula Vista, was exciting! It is an area of great potential that could draw articulture audiences of all kinds if developed well. We need the Cultural Arts Program Manager role to be a leader and keeper of the vision with the Mayor and City Council t ! ! Thank you. Arlene Damasco 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Alexandra Kritchevsky < Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 9:33 AM To: Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Diaz: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager. Such a cut would have detrimental impact on the residents of Chula Vista. This position raises the profile of Chula Vista and ensures the City has a place at the arts table through membership and active participation in County -wide professional networks. These networks are also increasingly involved in state groups like the California Arts Council and nationally (ex. Americans for the Arts), giving Chula Vista the opportunity :to be part of an even larger arks and culture narrative. Additionally, this position has made the grant process more open and accessible to many more people and organizations, including local artists. The new technical assistance also provides tools and resources for the future, which are particularly vital for the success of individual artists and small organizations who might not have professional grant writers on staff/in their volunteer bank. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you, Alexandra Kritchevsky Grants Manager, La Jolla Playhouse Executive Committee Member, Rising Arts Leaders San Diego Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas Subject: FW: Arts funding From: Michael Buckley < Date: June 5, 2017 at 9:53: 25 AM PDT To: "dnorriskchulavistaca.gav" <dnorrisgehulavistaca.ffov>, "msalaskchulavistaca.gov" msalaskehulavistaca.gov>, "ghalbertg6ulavistaca.gov" <ghalbert@chulavistaca.gov>, mccann chulavistaca.goy" <jmccann cgchulavistaca. og_v>, "spadillanchulavistaca, ov" s adilla chulavistaca. ov>, "pa u lar@chulavistaca.gov" <paguilargchulavistaca.Rov>, mdiazgchulavistaca.goy" <mdiaz(a,chulavistaca.goy> Cc: " Subject: Arts funding Dear Mayor and City Council Members, As a full time professor in the Theatre Arts Department at Southwestern College, I see first-hand the appalling toll that years of Arts funding cuts have had on the students of Chula Vista. Students enter my classroom with little to no basic knowledge of the fundamentals of Theatre, Music, Dance and Visual Art. This could perhaps be expected of general education students, but this deficit is apparent in even the most dedicated Arts students. I understand that you will be voting tomorrow on whether to defund recently funded Arts programs in Chula Vista. I urge you to adopt the City Manager's balanced budget and to NOT cut Arts funding in Chula Vista! The arts are not "extra curricular". They are the synthesis of all scientific, literature and historic knowledge and how it interacts with the human spirit. The Arts are quite literally the answer to the one question that all the other disciplines raise, "so what does this all mean?". Cut the Arts and you remove the "human" from. the Humanities. Leadership means doing the right thing, not always the expedient thing. 1 urge you as a true leader to do the right thing and give the students of Chula Vista the chance to be exposed to a world class Arts Education, It's the very least we owe them. Thank you, Mike Buckley Professor of Theatre Arts Southwestern College Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Campbell < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:11 AM To: Sheree Kansas Subject: Budget Proposal Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time resident of Chula Vista I respectfully request you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. I personally have seen the impact of arts education on young people and believe in it's value for our community. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Susan Campbell 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: E Peirson < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 6:59 AM To: Sheree Kansas Subject: ChulaVista ARTS Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time resident of Chula Vista I implore you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and .services. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Evelyn Peirson I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Clausen < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12:54 AM To: Sheree Kansas; Donna !Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Subject: Concern for Proposed Cuts to Arts & Culture Budget! Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a concerned citizen of San Diego with a strong believe in the benefit of arts to our city - I encourage you not to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. The arts are vital to a city - both fiscally and educationally - and l hate to see to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people lose this. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. Susan Clausen Susan Susan Clausen CLAUSEN COMMUNICATIONS Public Relations Specialist Connecting the Conim:mity - 0 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Veronica Murphy < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12:20 AM Subject: Chula Vista Arts & Other Community Funding Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time former resident of Chula Vista and a concerned citizen of San Diego with strong ties in the South Bay I implore you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. I am also the mother of a firefighter in Santa Monica and I know how critical proper equipment is for the safety of first responders and the community at large. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Veronica Smith I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello Mrs. Councilwoman, EVE, CORINNE < Monday, June 05, 2017 11:11 AM Patricia Aguilar Save Chula Vista Arts Programs I would like to reach out to you concerning the talks of cutting the cultural arts program. This would be a grave injustice to our children to remove this amazing program from our schools. I have two sons in the Chula Vista School District. My eldest in HS is an engineering student who enjoys those types of activates and has been able to thrive in this area with the programs he's had available. My youngest who is his own person is more artistic. As a parent it is my position to help my children grow and advance in the fields that are positive and harness their strengths. If these programs are cut, where to the many children who love the arts and culture go? I am asking to please consider the many children who thrive in these programs. Our artistic children should be encourage as much as the others. Please consider a future where the arts and culture are not embraced. If we do not nurture our children our future in the arts what will that future look like. We need both academia and arts. It is not a want it's a need. If you have any questions please reach out to me. Thank You, Corinne Eve AT&T Business Integrated Solutions - San Diego, CA Rethink Pass6le 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas Subject: FW: Save Chula Vista Arts! Adopt the City Manager's Balanced Budget! From: Ruff Yeager < Date: June 5, 2017 at 12:13:28 PM PDT To: "dnorris chulavistaca. ov" <dnorris &chulavistaca.gov>, "msalas chulavistaca. ov" msalaskchulavistaca.goy>, "ghalbert cgchulavistaca.gov" <glialbert a chulavistaca.gov>, imccanngchulavistaca.gov" <jmccann(cr,chulavistaca. og_v>, "spadillachuI vistaca.gov" spadillakchulavistaca.gov>, "pa_«g ilarkehulavistaca.gov" <paguilargchulavistaca.gov>, mdiaz chulavistaca. ov" <mdiaz@chulavistaca.gov> Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts! Adopt the City Manager's Balanced Budget! Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am a full time professor in -the Theatre Arts Department at Southwestern College and a professional freelance theatre artist. I have interacted with the arts in Chula Vista on many different levels: as an actor, director, writer, and educator. As a freelance artist I realize the power that art has to enrich and act as a positive change agent in our community. As an educator, I do my utmost to instill a passion for the arts in my students. However, many students enter my classroom with little to no basic knowledge of the fundamentals of Theatre, Music, Dance, and Visual Art. It is imperative that community members (young and old alike) are provided cultural activities that educate, enlighten, and inform.? I understand that you will be voting tomorrow on whether to defund recently funded Arts programs in Chula Vista. I urge you to adopt the City Manager's balanced budget and to NOT cut Arts funding in Chula Vista! The arts are not "extra curricular". They are the synthesis of all scientific, literature and historic knowledge and how it interacts with the human spirit. The Arts are quite literally the answer to the one question that all the other disciplines raise, "so what does this all mean?". Cut the Arts and you remove the "human" from the Humanities. Leadership means doing the right thing, not always the expedient thing. I urge you as a true leader to do the right thing and give the students of Chula Vista the chance to be exposed to a world class Arts Education. It's the very least we owe them. Thank you, Ruff Yeager Professor of Theatre Arts Southwestern College Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Donna Norris Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12:12 PM To: Sheree Kansas Subject: Fwd: Cutting arts funding Donna R. Norris, CMC City Clerk Begin forwarded message: From: < Date: June 5, 2017 at 11:59:39 AM PDT To: <dnorrisnchulavistaca.gov>, <msal,asa chulavistaca.jzov>, <ghalbert(aechulavistaca gov>, imccann(c.)chulavistaca gov>, <spadilla&chulavistaca.gov>, <paguilar@chulavistaca.gov>, mdiaz@chulavistaca. gov> Subject: Cutting arts funding Dear Chula Vista Council members: The arts have literally changed the lives of many students I know. As a former drama teacher, I have been told by former students that if they had. not had music, theater, dance, band, art and other programs they might not have lived through their high school years, literally. To consider cutting such programs is, in my opinion, tantamount to taking away the lifes' blood of our community. The arts are one of the few things in our world at the moment that continue to offer hope and respite from a much -less -than -perfect world. They give people a reason to move forward and to communicate; the arts create community and foster it, honor diversity, and encourage cooperation, skills that will be sorely needed in the trying times to come. Please remember all of this when you are considering cuts to programs. Humanity's track record hasn't always been stellar, but the arts have survived every era of every tragedy in man's history. There's a reason for that. Sincerely, Laura Preble former Sweetwater Union High School district teacher Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Webmaster Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2017 7:47 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: City of Chula Vista: Contact its - Web Notification for Council Member Aguilar A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted. Form Name: Council Member Aguilar Date & Time: 05/ 31/2017 7:46 PM Response #: 93 Submitter ID: 26442 IP address: 174.68.109.17 Time to complete: ._1..min., 6 sec. Survey Details Page 1 Please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions by filling out the form below First Name Steve Last Name Wood Email Address Comments May 31, 2017 Dear Councilmember Aguilar, During the most recent City Council meeting there was discussion about the funding of an additional fire unit on the east side of Chula Vista, at a cost of $2.0-$2.5 million. To fund this, that dollar amount would need to be reallocated from elsewhere, presumably from numerous other, smaller departments in the city. I am requesting that you fully consider all options before removing funding from the other sources, particularly the Cultural Arts Program. Lynnette Tessitore and her small, efficient staff have done wonders for the local arts community over the last 2 years by organizing artistic events and heavily promoting those events and other events throughout the city. E Recall that not long ago (2008), Chula Vista was dubbed as one ofthe nation's 10 Most Boring Cities by Forbes magazine. Citizens left the city in the evenings and on weekends, as there was nothing to do here -or so they thought. The Cultural Arts group has revived the arts and the arts community in town to the point where I now know about more Chula Vista events taking place than I can possibly attend--& I do attend a lot of them. During the events I attend, I see the joy in the faces of both adults and children whose lives are enriched by the engaging experiences of music, dance, the written word and the other arts that transcend all cultural and economic levels. I would be pleased to send you hundreds or thousands of the photographs I have taken over the last couple of years if you would like the documentation. Please allow Lynnette Tessitore and her Cultural Arts staff to continue their dynamic progress. Thank you. Steve Wood 1 Written Communication Item #13 Thank you, City of Chula Vista This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management 5ystemT . Please do not reply directly to this email. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lynne Jennings < Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2017 8:42 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilwoman Aguilar, Having lived in Chula Vista for 40 years, and been involved in the arts for even longer, it was a great delight to attend the arts meeting last February and learn that the City was finally beginning to devote funding to the arts. It has always seemed a shame that for a city as large as Chula, that there are so few opportunities either for giving or attending performances. We primarily have to go elsewhere in the county. Lynnette gave .all the attendees at the meeting hope that things were finally changing -for the -better -and now, suddenly to hear that, although the proposed budget was balanced without effecting the arts, the city wants to eliminate Lynnette's position, and thus all hopes for growing the arts here in our community. Yes, we need fire protection and police protection and decent roads and the list goes on and on but the arts are equally essential to a healthy, vital and vibrant community. Please, please, please do all you can to foster and grow the arts program. It would be a wonderful and positive step forward for Chula Vista! Yours, Lynne Jennings, Exec. Dir. San Diego Guild of Puppetry Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Roderick < Send: Thursday, June 01, 2017 10:11 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmernber Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectfully request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have a detrimental impact on the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Roderick Reinhart Cultural Arts Commissioner Sent from my Wad Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Patricia Frischer < Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2017 11:28 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, We am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. We respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. We ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. with kindest regards, Patricia Patricia Frischer, San Diego Visual Arts Network www.SDVisualArts.net SmART Collector, SD Art Prize, www.sdvan.net/app CONNECT TO THE NETWORK - SDVAN An amazing visual arts resource website - www.SDVisualArts.net - offers interactive directory listings and an events calendar. Please join our mailing list. This is the only site designed exclusively for the VISUAL ARTS in the SAN DIEGO region.With over 2500 resources, SDVAN gets over one million hits a year and 4-5000 unique visitors a month. hftp://facebook.com/sdvan hftp://twitter.com/SDVAN 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: jessica baker-denson < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 7:10 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear council member Aguilar, 1 am writing to as you to reconsider cutting the Cultural Arts Manager position. The arts are needed in our society now more than ever. Sincerely, Jessica Denson Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Elva Mellor Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 7:33 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs This is Chulal! without arts?? Do not cut this position. The arts are what makes Chula Vista be what it is - a city that cares about all aspects of living. Thank you, Elva Mellor 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Kirin Macapugay Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 8:36 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your leadership and ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectfully ask you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. I hope you will.co.ntinue to support the position of Cultural -Arts Program Manager. As the former chair of the Cultural Arts Commission, I saw firsthand the impact this position has on the way we utilize the arts for economic and social development in our city. Because of the arts and its infusion with other key projects, we transform Chula Vista into a vibrant city, not just the "bedroom town," people believe it to be. I am happy to address further questions you may have. I hope l and the the other residents of Chula Vista can Count on you. Thank you, Kirin Macapugay Former Chairwoman of the Chula Vista Cultural Arts Commission Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Roy Lozano < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 8:49 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Cc: Roy Lozano Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Patricia Aguilar, As a resident of Chula Vista (Bonita) I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. 1 respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista, myself and family included. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Thank you, Roy Lozano, Vice President NOTICE —This message and any attached files may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged or proprietary. It is intended only for use by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this message in error. Any dissemination, copying, use or retransmission of this message or attachment, or the disclosure of any information therein, is strictly forbidden. Western Bay Sheet Metal, Inc. does not represent or guarantee that this message or attachment is free of errors, virus or interference. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and delete the message. Any views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of Western Bay Sheet Metal, Inc. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Councilmember Aguilar, Shelton, Lauren < Friday, June 02, 2017 10:57 AM Patricia Aguilar Save Chula Vista Arts Programs am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. 1 ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Lauren Shelton Follow us on: Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: patriciagmaxwell . < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 11:05 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you n©t cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Patricia Maxwell I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Judy Sharp < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 11:11 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, We are writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. We respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista.We ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you Judy Sharp and the staff of California Ballet 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lechuszaaquallo, Carolyn< Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 11:13 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Hello Ms.Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectfully request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have a detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Carolyn Lechusza Aquallo Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Gray, Lauren < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 11:35 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula !lista Arts Programs Councilmember Patricia Aguilar, My name is Lauren Gray and I am currently a theatre teacher through the Chula Vista Elementary School District. I also work as a director and teacher through Christian Youth Theater, a local non-profit children theater organization. I have lived in Chula Vista my entire life and have always been involved in the arts. I believe the arts make a tremendous impact on people's character, social interactions, speaking skills, creativity, mind growth, movement, and much much more. I have seen students that were so afraid to speak come out of their shell and interact with peers and perform through performing arts classes. I have seen students who have struggled in school excel in art, music, and drama, making the students feel successful and motivated to do better in other subject areas. I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. This is an area that is very near and dear to my heart. As a child, before I began theatre I struggled to fit in with my classmates. I struggled with social interactions and had a hard time making friends. Once I discovered theatre, something changed in me. I was able to express myself in new ways and meet people that were like minded. I grew as a performer over the years and as a person. I learned empathy and sympathy. I now see my own students learn to understand the feelings of others through acting and theatre exercises. Thank you for your time, Lauren Gray Drama Teacher Liberty and Sunnyside Elementary Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Ellen Schauer < Sent: Friday, lune 02, 2017 12:41 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Cc: Lynnette Tessitore Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am a life-long Chula Vista resident and Great Grandmother, who was recently blessed in my retirement years to find I have latent artistic talents. Tuesday night I will have the honor of being presented with the Gayle McCandliss Visual Arts Bravo Award. This is truly one of the highlights of my newfound art career and will greatly enhance my art credentials, allowing me many more opportunities to further contribute and work toward enhancing the arts in my hometown of Chula Vista. I am truly saddened to now hear that the City's Cultural Arts program is in budgetary jeopardy. The Arts can do great things for our City and the Cultural Arts Program Manager has done great things for the Arts!! I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you so much. Sincerely, City of Chula Vista McCandliss Arts Award Recipient, Ellen Schauer Sent from Esch Fine Arts Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lorraine Fisher < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 12:52 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectfully request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goal of employing more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Lorraine E. Fisher Assistant Director of Development Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS www.lfiec.org San Diego Center for Jewish Culture www.sdcjc. org ETNA--..IL41 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Ullo, Amberlynn (ES) < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 12:45 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Patricia Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista; a sector that is an important part of our community as well as an educational experience for me and my family personally. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would -have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Amberlynn Ullo District Manager at ADP The, 94-e_17Z X co rvpi I covJdl * a, re rpt xs penptell y xfii 4t`w :g a r aw 2 .o E;Fi3z-E'_c Fin -n.. n ADP Is Proud To Be Fortune Magazine's #i Most Admired Payroll Service and to have been added to Forbes magazine's list of The World's Most Innovative Companies. Written Communication Item #13 Big Thinking for Small Business RUN Powered by ADP, http://www.adp.com/rundemo2/`/`hr4illindex.htmi This message and any attachments are intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of the message is not the intended recipient or an authorized representative of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, notify the sender immediately by return email and delete the message and any attachments from your system. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Virginia Sywyj < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 2:07 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the city Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to rack the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Virginia F. Sywyj Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Corral, Beatriz < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 4:1.3 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Council member Patricia Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. IMe respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. 1/\Ne ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Beatriz Corral Los Altos Elementary VADA Resource Teacher I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Walter < Sent: Friday, lune 02, 2017 4:28 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs June 2, 2017 Councilmember Aguilar, I am opposed to the proposal of cutting the Cultural Arts Program Manager position in the City of Chula Vista. I understand that cutting the Cultural Arts Program Manager position was not part of the budget as approved on May 23rd Arts opportunities are an incentive for visitors to come to Chula Vista, and the myriad programs currentlybeing__ overseen by this Manager enhances the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of Chula Vista. It would be a black eye to the Mayor and City Council if the position was removed. I might add that Lynnette Tessitore Lopez, currently in that position, is a skilled and enthusiastic manager for these opportunities. I repeat, I am opposed to the proposal of cutting the Cultural Arts Program Manager position in the City of Chula Vista. Please reconsider this unfortunate proposal. Susan D. Walter 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Alan Ziter ( Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 4:29 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: FW: Please Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, As senior executive staff of the NTC Foundation overseeing the development of the 26 - building ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, we are concerned about the proposal coming before City Council on Tuesday to eliminate the Chula Vista Cultural Arts Manager from the budget. Thanks to Lynette Tessitore Lopez's leadership and initiative, Chula Vista as San Diego County's 2nd largest city is on the threshold of being a leader in arts planning and programming in San Diego County. It's commendable that you and other Chula Vista leaders have recognized the importance of the arts in community development, city planning, quality of life and celebrating the diversity of the neighborhoods. The elimination of this staff position dismantles everything that Chula Vista has achieved over the last several years to create a distinct cultural identify, a recently approved Arts Master Plan, extensive free and diverse arts programs in the community, as well as job opportunities for Chula Vista artists. Taking arts out of the city visioning, planning and programming is a big step backwards. In addition, Lynette has been a cultural ambassador for Chula Vista, always at the table of civic discourse throughout the entire County, including as a member of the Steering Committee for the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition. We also appreciate her efforts to increase Liberty Station's involvement in the Chula Vista cultural community. We respectfully ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget that includes the Cultural Arts Manager position, and not negatively impact Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you for your consideration. Lisa Johnson, President & CEO Alan Ziter, Executive Director NTC Foundation/ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station NTC Foundation/ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station C o -Chair, San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Lucy Lopez < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 4:29 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Patricia, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Lucy Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Jonathan phillip < Sent. Friday, ,lune 02, 2017 5:06 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: 1 am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. 1 ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach.the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Jonathan Phillip Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Chris Butcher < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 5:08 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs! Importance: High Dear Councilmember Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. In our tough times, arts, culture and the programs and projects related to them, are what become the glue to a community. PLEASE keep the position intact so that the quality of these programs can continue to thrive and flourish! Thank you. Chris Butcher I Regional Vice President — Sandler Partners Former Board Member— National City Chamber of Commerce PARTNERSki America's Fastest Growing Private.Gompanies emf 201D 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Peter Watry < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 6:48 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Item #1.3 Pat — I join Jill and others who do NOT want the Cultural Arts program cut. You know how I feel about the waste of the fire department spending 95% of their time racing the ambulance to some medical alert. As I've told you before, I have never seen the fire engine beating the ambulance by more than 60 seconds coming down Second Avenue. Neither had Jerry Scott on E Street. I have also challenged you to document one instance when a 60 -second delay would have caused harm. Anyway, I encourage you keep Chula Vista a balanced community, enjoying the cultural aspects of Chula Vista as well the other aspects of life here. The total value of the proposed cuts in the budget, in my opinion, far outweighs the value of another fire engine and 12 more firemen. Peter Watry Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Katherine Hoyt < Sent: Friday, June 02, 2017 8:46 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: arts & culture I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Katherine Hoyt I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Steve Goldkrantz < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 8:11 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Council Member Aguilar, On April 25, 2017, the City Council of Chula Vista voted to make Chula Vista a "Welcoming City." Without re- examining the political or legal implications associated with such a decision, one thing is clear, Chula Vista historically has been known to a "welcoming place" for decades. In the early part of the 20th Century, Italian and German immigrants came here to escape the racism and prejudices they found on the East Coast. Similarly, after World War Two, Jews, Holocaust Survivors and veterans alike, found their way to Chula Vista because it was a place in which they could safely raise their children and -send them to school. At such time, Jews were not allowed to own property in the North County areas. The common theme is that Chula Vista is a city based on culture and diversity. As the City of Chula Vista strives to be a symbol of diversity and a place where all are welcome, it is critical that we have programs built around cultural empathy and awareness. Such programs, focused around the arts, should not only be regarded with the utmost importance, but even as keystones in developing community partnerships. One cannot have a "welcoming" environment without community events which not only build bridges amongst groups within the city but also a higher degree of mutual understanding. Cultural arts and diversity programs also help reduce crime. With the downgrading of certain narcotics crimes in the State of California, the potential for youth involvement in street crimes is certainly a concern. As we enter into the summer months and schools are no longer in session, we, as a City and a community, need to ensure that the youth of our City as well adults in need, have opportunities for things to do and places to go in order to feel a sense of pride in oneself as well as in one's hometown. Hence, cultural arts and diversity type programs not only enhance those with an appreciation of the arts, but also support the positive direction of growing communities. It is my understanding, that the City Council is considering to eliminate cultural arts and diversity programming including the position of the Cultural Arts Program Manager. I believe this to be a mistake. While I sincerely appreciate the need for a balanced budget in government, we cannot divest ourselves of the community by removing programs which serve to enhance the interest of the public - projects that also attract visitors, investors, and other benefactors. When we do so, this level of involvement will go where such opportunities do exist. The development and furtherance of community based programs requires a public face, someone who has earned the pubic trust. Lynette Tessitore is such a person. The success of the recent Holocaust awareness and book signing event is testament to the potential success of the program under her leadership. Ms. Tessitore was and continues to be instrumental in the Historic Site project for Site #103, Temple Beth Shalom prior St. John's Episcopal Church) and the direction of a proposed, future Holocaust Museum and Veterans Center in Chula Vista. Without her, the prior accomplishments in Jewish cultural awareness as well as future intended endeavors would not be possible. I ask that the City Council vote in favor of retaining Ms. Tessitore as the Cultural Arts Program Manager. I strongly believe that Ms. Tessitore will play a vital role towards the Written Communication Item #13 success of important projects that will not only preserve culture and history, but also honor those who built our City, including her own ancestors. In conclusion, the City of Chula Vista is a rapidly growing community, not only in geography but in the depth of its diversity. For Chula Vista to stand out, cultural empathy and engagement in the arts will be vital in order to integrate both long standing and new residents. While a balanced budget is essential for a City, a balanced approach is the foundation for building a strong community. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Steven Goldkrantz Concerned Citizen and Chula Vista Resident Sent from my iPad Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Walter < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 8:46 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs June 3, 2017 I wish to add my name and voice to the collective civic opinion that cutting the position of the Cultural Arts Manager is in any way a good idea for the city of Chula Vista and it's residents. It strikes me as the height of absurdity that the 2nd largest city in the county would not need the benefit of centralized leadership in terms of its arts projects and cultural profile. Charlie Berigan 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Pierre Blocker < Seat: Saturday, June 03, 2017 9:50 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember, I/We am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. 1/We respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I/We ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Pierre Blocker Sent from my iPhone Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Eli Shefter < Sent: Saturday, .lune 03, 2017 1:50 PM To: Mary Salas Cc: John McCann; Patricia Aguilar; Steve C. Padilla; Mike Diaz Subject: Funding for Cultural Arts Manager Position Mayor Mary Salas and Chula Vista Council Member, Five years ago I wife and I became aware of the Musical Program that The San Diego Youth Symphony SDYS) started in the Chula Vista Schools (OPUS program). We were so taken by it that we have made significant contributions to it through the SDYS. Of all the programs for which the SDYS is involved, this is the only one that touches our hearts, even though we do not live in Chula Vista. We have not only seen the very positive effects on the CV students involved in the OPUS program but on their families and further on the community. The students of CV are fortunate that your city has the vision to realize the importance of funding for the arts and education for the future of our society. Your leadership in pushing the importance of art education has put you in the national spotlight; keep it shining. Sincerely, Eli Shefter Ph.D. and Elizabeth C. Lancaster M.D. 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Gabriela Hernandez < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 2S6 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save the Arts Dear Councilmember Sra. Patricia Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Sent fi•om Yahoo Mail on Android 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Adrienne Herman < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 5:05 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember (Patricia Aguilar): VWe am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. IIWe respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. VAe ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Bernie Kulchin < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 5:08 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Fwd: Cultural Arts In Chula Vista Dear Councilmember Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a'cut would have a detrimental impact on the residents of Chula Vista. I am asking you to adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the city administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impaccting Chula Vista Cultural Arts Programs. Thank You Bernie Kulchin I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: TShara Parker < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 5:17 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Hi Patricia, Dear Mary, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you, T'Shara Parker Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Seligman, Jonathan < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 5:48 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Councilmember Aguilar I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. As a Chula Vista music teacher, I have seen great whole -person growth from the students at my site. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Jonathan Seligman Casillas Elementary 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Julia Running < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 8:32 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, I am writing to personally thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Julia Running Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Phyllis < Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2017 10:53 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager Dear Councilmember Patricia Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you, Respectfully Yours, Phyllis Magdadaro I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Eric Cohen < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 6:42 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Budget Consideration - Cultural Arts Manager Dear Councilmember Aguilar: Now is NOT the time to abandon the arts and leave the city without a Cultural Arts Manager. The arts are critical to our communities — particularly for our children. As a member of the board of the San Diego Youth Symphony, I've seen — though our work with the Community Opus Project - the difference music can make in a child's life. More importantly, the difference music can make in a community. Please give your choice careful consideration. Thank you, Eric Cohen Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas Front: Patti Groulx < Sera: Sunday, June 04, 2017 10:55 AM To: Mary Salas; John McCann; Patricia Aguilar; Steve C. Padilla; Mike Diaz Subject: Cultural Arts Cuts As a resident of Chula Vista for over 20 years and a mother of a Chula Vista Elementary School district child, I was disappointed to learn that Cultural Arts funding, specifically the Cultural Arts Manager position, are on the chopping block for next year's budget. In 2016, you adopted the Chula Vista Cultural Arts Master Plan. Cutting the Cultural Arts Program Manager position will result in detrimental impacts to projects and programs citywide as the Commission itself would not be able to sustain the program or continue to function as necessary to uphold the City's commitment to CAMP. I can't imagine Chula Vista without vibrant school and community performances, exhibits, parades, festivals and meaningful artistic experiences for young and old. The recent Community Opus performance at the Memorial Bowl was very well attended and our guests from outside of Chula Vista were very impressed with Chula Vista's VAPA support. Just yesterday, I posted this on Facebook: The music scene in Chula Vista Schools is really popping. Casillas Harmonics singing with Switchfoot. Now Bonita Vista Highschool's Dream Machine is one of 5 school's groups that has been selected to perform with Foreigner. Chula Vista is really embracing the arts!" Chula Vista recently launched a promotional campaign to change people's minds about the county's second- largest city. Mayor Mary Casillas Salas was quoted in the UT "THIS is Chula" encourages people to take another look at what Chula Vista offers and to correct any misperceptions." Well, to me and I'm sure many others MY Chula has a vibrant VADA program. Cutting funding to the arts is sending the wrong message. Let's keep our commitment to the arts! Sincerely, Patti Groulx Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Carol Nottley < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 11:09 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar:: I am writing you on behalf of the Chula Vista Art Guild, a nonprofit agency who has provided over 70 years of crevice tot he community of Chula Vista. We ask that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager from the budget as it will have a detrimental impact on the residents of our City. Although Chula Vista is a major and growing City, there has been no coordinated plan to bring the Arts to the community. In the short time since the Cultural Arts Plan was approved, significant progress has been made to identify and coordinate the many small groups within our City who provide a range of arts programs. While we support the goals of the firefighters, we ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed budget and find other means to support those goals without negatively impacting the Chula Vista Arts programs. Thank you for your consideration. Carol Nottley, President Chula Vista Art Guild, Inc. Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: art guild < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 12: 13 PM To: Art Guild Subject: URGENT - Chula Vista Cultural Arts Program Needs Our Help Dear Members and Friends, On Tuesday, June 6, the City Council will meet on budget issues. A revision to the City Manager's proposed budget will eliminate the position of Cultural Arts Manager, held by Lynette Tess ito re -Lopez. This would be a major setback to the arts in Chula Vista. Since the Cultural Arts Plan was approved by the City Council, significant progress has been made in coordination and collaboration of the many small organizations that struggle to provide arts to the community. Losing the support of the City would be detrimental to all arts programs, including our own. Letters and calls have been made to the various Council Members and the Mayor. What is needed now is community attendance and input at the Council meeting. If you can join us at the meeting, please be there at 4 prn to make sure you have a seat. The more of us that attend the more attention will be paid to our input. Please call me if you have questions. I hope to see you there. Thanks Carol Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas Froin: .Jennifer Rodriguez Sent: Sunday, ,tune 04, 2017 6:36 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: re: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Sincerely, Jennifer Rodriguez 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Bob & Glenda < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 7:43 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar, ' I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. There are already very few cultural arts opportunities in our city. We must often drive all the way to north county to attend concerts. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Sincerely, Glenda McKibben 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sandy Scheller < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 11:43 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Cc: Lynnette Tessitore Subject: Saving the arts and culture Dear Councilmember Aguilar: My name is Sandra Scheller, a resident of Chula Vista for most of my 62 years of living. My education began at F St. School, Vista Square Elementary, Chula Vista Jr. High, Chula.Vista High School, Southwestern Jr. and then San Diego State. This coming Tuesday I will have the pleasure of receiving the literacy Gayle McCandliss Award. I am so humbled that my book, Try To Remember Never Forget, A memoir of Holocaust Survivor Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax will be recognized. As you can see from the title, _my mother is a Holocaust survivor. thought I was going to lose her 2 years ago so it was so important for me to document her life so that others could learn that Holocausts of any fora can not be tolerated. Just so you know, we recently spoke at the Chula Vista Library which was coordinated by the Cultrual Arts Manager. We thought we would be lucky to see 20 or 30 people show up on a Thursday at 5:00pm. Imagine our pleasant surprise when over 250 people attended with standing room only and people waiting outside the room just to hear about Ruthie surviving the holocaust. Also we spoke at Hilltop High, which was coordinated by the Cultural Arts Manager. I believe Ruthie was so loved by these students and it gave her such hope to know she could remind students to never allow bullying and to enjoy the freedom of The Untied States of America. These talks for Ruthie give her hope because she does not have to hide her past, her religious belief and can remind students to work hard and stay creative. In my book you will learn and see how ART saved my mother's life as she would take bread crumbs and roll them into little dolls or making jewish stars from the bullet metal shavings to help her keep faith and hope alive is such dismal times. With so many survivors from other countries it was the universal language of ART that bonded the survivors such as painting with any thing they could find, playing instruments at the entrance of Auschwitz and yes, making costumes from the clothing of those that passed as they would put on plays to show the Red Cross that concentration camp life wasn't so bad. My mom faced. Dr. Mengele 6 times and -her reason for surviving was because she passed his inspection. Had she wore glasses, had a blemish or even looked pale, this could have been the end of her life. My mother relied heavily of her artistic ability to remain creative and stay calm during a time that death surrounded her. After getting out of the camps I believe that Ruthie swore each and everyday of her life that it would be filled with happiness, creativity and know that she and my father would raise a family in the most amazing paradise they could find. That paradise just happen to be Chula Vista. In 1961 my mom won 2nd place in the singer sewing design award, again because of her artistic ability. As for me, I won numerous awards on my clarinet and oboe skills in high school and at Southwestern studied theater arts and silversmithing. I was most fortunate to be on Sesame St in the 70's and Reading Rainbows, a children's education show on PBS. My point is that my skills were taught to me in Chula Vista. My piano teacher was on F st, my dance classes were at the rec center on Parkway and I was most fortunate to study flamenco here in this fabulous city. As I moved to Las Vegas I applied what I learned in Chula Vista at my job with Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas. As I retired I knew that coming back to Chula Vista would be the only choice because of what this wonderful city offers. The artistic community in Chula Vista has received such incredible recognition and truly is one of the most innovative communities because of it's organization. We can not afford to have the position of Cultural Written Communication Item #13 Arts Program Manger cut from the city. With so much culture between the hispanic and native American arts we would starve and strangle Chula Vista. I personally have seen more art in this city between dance cultures, music events and visual arts. Do not make the mistake of taking programs away have an impact on so many. We speak many universal languages in Chula Vista. We speak music, painting, and dance. These languages are the voices of angels and as a welcoming city, unlike any other city, these languages need to be coordinated as they have been so beautifully coordinated as of now. I beg you to continue to grow our city artistically and I promise I will be there to graciously volunteer in any way i can so that students of all ages know that Chula Vista is the place to be. Respectfully, Sandra M. Scheller City of Chula Vista McCandliss Arts Award Recipient www.tr\/toremembernev_erforget.com Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Aurora Cudal < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 11;47 PM To: Mary Salas Subject: Chula Vista Arts I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. IMIe respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. God bless, Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera, D.Hum. (h.c.) President, Congregational Tower Residents Association I can do all things through Christ, the source of my strength." Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Mario Lopez < Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2017 11:51 PM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councelmenber Patricia Aguilar, I am writhing you to thank you for your ongoing support of Arts and Culture in the City of Chula Vista. I know you realize what a detrimental impact cutting the position of Cultural Arts Program manager will have on the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Managers proposed balanced budget and work with the city administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters whiteout negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you for your support, Mario Lopez Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Ruth Sax < Sent: Monday, lune 05, 2017 12:19 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Cc: Lynnette Tessitore Subject: Keeping art alive Attention: Councilmember Aguilar: Having the ability to artistic express the inner soul to make an external expression through music, visual and performing arts, and literacy expression. Opportunity with proper guidance and coordinating programs. Performances that allow others to learn and grow from what is being seen. Expression of the arts must be seen and heard. This is HOPE and now is not the time to remove hope from our welcoming community. In order to grow food it must be nurtured, tended and protected from dangerous elements. ART also needs to be nurtured, tended and protected so that we can have food for our brain and soul. Please don't take away the arts program in Chula Vista. Too many people depend on it. With most respect for our beautiful city, Maxwell Scheller and Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Veronica Murphy < Sent: Monday, lune 05, 2017 12:20 AM Subject: Chula Vista Arts & Other Community Funding Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time former resident of Chula Vista and a concerned citizen of San Diego with strong ties in the South Bay I implore you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula. Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. I am also the mother of a firefighter in Santa Monica and l know how critical proper equipment is for the safety of first responders and the community at large. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Veronica Smith I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Clausen < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12:54 AM To: Sheree Kansas; Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Subject: Concern for Proposed Cuts to Arts & Culture Budget! Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a concerned citizen of San Diego with a strong believe in the benefit of arts to our city -1 encourage you not to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. The arts are vital to a city - both fiscally and educationally - and I hate to see to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people lose this. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. Susan'Clausen Susan CLAUSEN COMMUNICATIONS Public Relations Specialist Connecting the Community - ra I Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: E Peirson < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:04 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Chula Vista Arts Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time resident of Chula Vista I implore you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23; 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Evelyn Peirson 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Susan Campbell < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:10 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Budget Proposal Dear Chula Vista Mayor and Councilmembers, As a long time resident of Chula Vista I respectfully request you NOT to vote to cut the Arts & Culture budget in Chula Vista. Bringing the arts to the citizens of Chula Vista, especially the young people, is critical to the vitality of the city and its residents. I personally have seen the impact of arts education on young people and believe in it's value for our community. Please adopt the City Manager's balanced budget as proposed on May 23, 2017 that retains the arts budget along with other city programs and services. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Susan Campbell Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Grojean, Theresa < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 7:55 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Aguilar: I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Tfieresa Grojean SchoofSecretary CasiC(.a.s ECementary School Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Michael T. Meacham < Sent: Monday, lune 05, 2017 8:59 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Arts Funding & Progressive Values Hope all is well with you & Nick! Since retiring I have not chimed in on any specific policy issues but these are unusual times. Given the national leadership liberal values are under siege and it's up to local governments to carry the baton and potentially distinguish themselves as progressive cities. The past few decades have made it clear that targeted thoughtful arts funding is not only good for a City's soul but its economy. I believe the Arts, Climate, libraries & Community Design are a few of the places that CV has the opportunity to lead & distinguish itself on a state & national stage if ourleadersconsistently champion -them. Please support the increase if not restoration of the Arts program! Thank you Sent from my !Phone Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Duchicela Galvez < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 8:S8 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Fwd: CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM Dear Councilmember Aguilar I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you, not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Duchi Galvez Chula Vista Resident SAVE PAPER, THINK BEFORE YOU PRINT, GO GREEN! Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Michael Buckley < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 9:53 AM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Cc: Subject: Arts funding Dear Mayor and City Council Members, As a full time professor in the Theatre Arts Department at Southwestern College, l see first-hand the appalling toll that years of Arts funding cuts have had on the students of Chula Vista. Students enter my classroom with little to no basic knowledge of the fundamentals of Theatre, Music, Dance and Visual Art. This could perhaps be expected of general education students, but this deficit is apparent in even the most dedicated Arts students. I understand that you will be voting tomorrow on whether to defund recently funded Arts programs in Chula Vista. I urge you to adopt the City Manager's balanced budget and to NOT cut Arts funding in Chula Vista! The arts are not "extra curricular". They are the synthesis of all scientific, literature and historic knowledge and how it interacts with the human spirit. The Arts are quite literally the answer to the one question that all the other disciplines raise, "so what does this all mean?". Cut the Arts and you remove the "human" from the Humanities. Leadership means doing the right thing, not always the expedient thing. I urge you as a true leader to do the right thing and give the students of Chula Vista the chance to be exposed to a world class Arts Education. It's the very least we owe them. Thank you, Mike Buckley Professor of Theatre Arts Southwestern College Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Bernadette Rollins < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 10:48 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Cultural Arts Program Dear Councilmember Patricia Aguilar: Thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. With respect, I am asking that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager. A cut such as this will have a detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista, and those that have participated in the recent programs that reached many others outside of Chula Vista as well. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista Cultural Arts programs. Thank you. Sincerely, Bernadette Rollins Grandmother of 4 grandchildren that enjoy visual and performing arts, participants of performing arts and visual arts, parents that support visual and performing arts that are residents of Chula Vista. 1 Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Stephens, Melissa < Sent: Monday, lune 05, 2017 11:09 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Councilmember Patricia Aguilar, 1/We am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I/VVe respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. IIVVe ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you. Melissa Stephens 5th grade teacher Casillas Elementary Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Marianne Arcaina < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 11:12 AM To: Patricia Aguilar Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts Programs Dear Council Member Patricia Aguilar, I am writing to thank you for your ongoing support of arts and culture in Chula Vista. I respectively request that you not cut the position of Cultural Arts Program Manager as such a cut would have detrimental impact to the residents of Chula Vista. I ask that you adopt the City Manager's proposed balanced budget and work with the City administration on a phased approach to reach the goals of more firefighters without negatively impacting Chula Vista cultural arts programs. Thank you, Marianne Arcaina P. S. This was a program my son wanted to be a part of and it has been such a joy seeing these kids do something they really love. Get Outlook for iOS Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Linda Libby < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 10:44 AM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar; Mike Diaz Subject: Pass the balanced budget from May 23rd Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I understand that you will be voting tomorrow on whether to defund recently funded Arts programs in Chula Vista. I urge you to adopt the City Manager's balanced budget and to NOT cut Arts funding in Chula Vista! The arts are not "extra curricular". They are the synthesis of all scientific, literature and historic knowledge and how it interacts with the human spirit. The Arts are quite literally the answer to the one question that all the other disciplines raise, "so what does this all mean?". Cut the Arts and you remove the "human" from the Humanities. I am an arts educator at Bayfront Charter High School in Chula Vista and can attest to the stunning impact that theater, dance & arts classes have had on my students. Yes - Math & English and Science are crucial to their education but the arts programs are the draw that gets many students out of be and into the classroom each day. Arts build empathy and provide a place to learn teamwork and creative problem solving. Communication and confidence are fostered through the arts. There is no "heart" without "art." Leadership means doing the right thing, not always the expedient thing. I urge you as a true leader to do the right thing and give the students of Chula Vista the chance to be exposed to a world class Arts Education. It's the very least we owe them. Thank you, Linda Libby Performing Arts Teacher Bayfront Charter High School Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12:00 PM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar, Mike Diaz Subject: Cutting arts funding Dear Chula Vista Council members: The arts have literally changed the lives of many students I know. As a former drama teacher, I have been told by former students that if they had not had music, theater, dance, band, art and other programs they might not have lived through their high school years, literally. To consider cutting such programs is,in my opinion, tantamount to taking away the fifes` blood of our community. The arts are one of the few things in our world at the moment that continue to offer hope and respite from a much -less -than -perfect world. They give people a reason to move forward and to communicate; the arts create community and foster it, honor diversity, and encourage cooperation, skills that will be sorely needed in the trying times to come. Please remember all of this when you are considering cuts to programs. Humanity's track record hasn't always been stellar, but the arts have survived every era of every tragedy in man's history. There's a reason for that. Sincerely, Laura Preble former Sweetwater Union High School district teacher Written Communication Item #13 Sheree Kansas From: Ruff Yeager < Sent: Monday, June 05, 2017 12;13 PM To: Donna Norris; Mary Salas; Gary Halbert; John McCann; Steve C. Padilla; Patricia Aguilar, Mike Diaz Subject: Save Chula Vista Arts! Adopt the City Manager's Balanced Budget! Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am a full time professor in the Theatre Arts Department at Southwestern College and a professional freelance theatre artist. i have interacted with the arts in Chula Vista on many different levels: as an actor, director, writer, and educator. As a freelance artist I realize the power that art has to enrich and act as a positive change. agent in our community. As an educator, I do my utmost to instill a passion for the arts in my students. However, many students enter my classroom with little to no basic knowledge of the fundamentals of Theatre, Music, Dance, and Visual Art. It is imperative that community members (young and old alike) are provided cultural activities that educate, enlighten, and inform.? I understand that you will be voting tomorrow on whether to defunct recently funded Arts programs in Chula Vista. I urge you to adopt the City Manager's balanced budget and to NOT cut Arts funding in Chula Vista! The arts are not "extra curricular". They are the synthesis of all scientific, literature and historic knowledge and how it interacts with the human spirit. The Arts are quite literally the answer to the one question that all the other disciplines raise, "so what does this all mean?". Cut the Arts and you remove the "human" from the Humanities. Leadership means doing.the right thing, not always the expedient thing. I urge you as a true leaderto do the right thing and give the students of Chula Vista the chance to be exposed to a world class Arts Education. It's the very least we owe them. Thank you, Ruff Yeager Professor of Theatre Arts Southwestern College Written Communication Item #13