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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-04-19 - AGENDA REPORTS - CMTY GRANT PGM FUNDING REQUEST (2)AGENDA REPORT Ci Manager Approval Item to be presented by: Raquel Garcia, -u. UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: APRIL 19, 1994 SUBJECT: COMMUNITY SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM, ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUESTS DEPARTMENT: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES BACKGROUND On the meeting of March 22, 1994, the City Council directed the Community Services Grant selection committee to reconvene to consider the SCV Youth Orchestra request for emergency funding. The committee also received other requests. These requests were discussed and a recommendation was formulated based on the request and eligibility to the community services grant funding criteria. There is an available emergency reserve balance of $19,750. The Council has previously approved grant awards in the amount of $50,750. The following list outlines the agency request, amount requested and committee recommendation SCV Orchestra Foundation Requested amount $5,440 To provide operational expenses for Santa Clarita Youth Orchestra which serves seventy (70) youth. The organization is experiencing a shortfall in expected fundraising revenues. Funding is needed to continue program. Recommendation: Provide $1,500 to the Santa Clarita Youth Orchestra. These funds will assist the foundation in costs associated with relocating to another site for their annual fundraising event. Since their regular site for their annual fundraising event was impacted by the earthquake, staff has informed the agency to contact FEMA for possible assistance. 2. National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD) Requested amount $3,430 To provide a program called "Safe Homes." This program empowers parents, schools and the community to establish drug free zones where the use of drugs are no longer considered the norm and where teenagers can socialize safely. APPROVED Agendo item: Recommendation: Provide $3,430 to NCADD to begin this very innovative program. During the review selection phase of the grant, this agency was asked by the committee to resubmit a proposal for consideration which would involve the community, coordinate resources and provide community outreach. 3. United Mothers for Santa Clarita Requested amount $2,500 To provide for incorporation costs for United Mothers for Santa Clarita incorporation and non-profit status. Recommendation: Provide $3,000 to United Mothers for Santa Clarita to pay for incorporation costs. This newly formed organization has been very active and enthusiastic in working with the community and also assisting in accomplishing the City's Newhall Revitalization Plan goals. In March, United Mothers for Santa Clarita began free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the SCV Service Center. These classes emphasize learning basic communication skills in the English language and strive to teach practical English. In the future, they will also do an educational 10 week series on parenting classes; emphasizing gangs/drug prevention, understanding youth problems, improving parent/youth relationship to name a few. 4. Santa Clarita Repertory Theater Requested Amount $5,000 Recommendation: Provide $3,000 to Santa Clarita Repertory Theater. The Santa Clarita Repertory Theater is an integral part of providing community cultural activities that in past years has been funded by the Parks and Recreation Department. RECOMMENDATION City Council to approve committee's recommended awards totaling $10,930 of available community services grant emergency reserve to SCV Youth Orchestra Foundation, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, United Mothers for Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Repertory Theater. ATTACHMENTS Request letters from agencies councftomservxg Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra Foundation A non-profit organization in cooperation with the Santa Clarita Community College District College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita, California 91355-1899 (805) 259-7800 February 24, 1994 Santa Clarita City Council City of Santa Clarita 21444 Golden Triangle Road Santa Clarita, California 91355 Dear Council Member, Our organization is experiencing a crisis and we are asking for your help. Our primary fund-raising event, The SCV Wine Classic, was to have been held at California Institute for the Arts, on June 18. As you know, CalArts was damaged in the earthquake, and the event may have to be cancelled. The loss of this event, which typically provides about half the total funds needed for a year's operation, is critical to the continuation of our community's Youth Orchestra. This year, as in previous years, our volunteer board has actively searched for other venues for this fund-raiser, without success. Therefore, we are asking for the City's help in one of two ways: suggestions for a suitable venue in our Valley that will accomodate approximately 400 to 600 people; on Saturday evening, June 18, and/or reconsidering the grant application we submitted in December for $5,440. We understand that not all of the money assigned for community grants was awarded, so if there is further information we can provide*that would result in our being considered for an award, please let us know. There is tremendous support in this community for athletic programs which channel the energy of our youth and help prevent future societal problems. However, music, art and --{ether cultural activities also provide positive outlets for the creative energy of youngsters during the critical pre -teen and teenage years, and we must ensure that these types of programs continue to he offered. Our community is respected for the quality education it provides. The Youth Orchestra is another of those high quality programs that helps make Santa Clarita such a great place to live. The elementary schools do a great job of getting our kids off to an early start in music. The teachers and administration recognize the value of instrumental music education - for its development of self-discipline, for improved test scores in all academic disciplines, and as an important outlet for children who have difficulty communicating in more prosaic ways. The junior high schools continue the work begun earlier, but unfortunately; there are no orchestral programs in our high schools. For teenagers who want to continue Coffege of the Canyons Santa Clarita City Council February 24, 1994 Page Two playing classical music, the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra is the only option and the loss of it would significantly impact the music education and social life of these young people. We are currently serving about 70 youngsters, all of whom are serious about improving their instrumental skills. As a result they spend three hours every Saturday studying and playing the music of classical composers and many additional hours practicing during the week. We need your help and support to ensure we can call either of us to arrange a meeting to discuss crisis. During regular business hours, Sue Bozman 3604 and Sally Angel at (818) 781-9922. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Susan Bozman President Sally g An� el - , Chair, Grants Committee CC: George Pederson, Mayor JoAnne Darcy, Mayor Pro -Tem Jan Heidt, Council Member Carl Boyer, Council Member Jill Klajic, Council Member George Caravalho, City Manager continue this program. Please how we might best meet this may be reached at (805) 253- .NCA.} .j NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE. OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, INC. March 21, 1994 Mr. Rick Putnam Director, Parks, Recreation and Community Services 21441 Golden Triangle Road Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Dear Mr. Putnam, 14557 FRIAR STREET, SUITE 107 VAN NUYS, CA 91411 818/997-0414 FAX 8181997.0851 HEARING IMPAIRED • TDD B1B1997-0670 RECEIVED MAR 2 4 1994 Parks, Recreation & Community Services Administration Thank you for this opportunity to apply for funding through the Community Services Grant Program. Included is a Concept paper,outlining a "Safe Homes".project that we propose for the Santa Clarita Valley. We will naturally he available to answer any questions re- garding this project or the National Council on Alcoholism. Additionally, if it would faciliate the decision making pro- cess we would be happy to make a presentation. Again, thank you. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Sincerely, Al Jeffries Executive Director CC: Raquel Garcia NEWHALL OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SAN FERNANDO O� FICL 24410 Walnut $I. 4'�,? W,w St C) 3: .+AUL NUenati Ohl f 9132+ V1, N1rr,; C', ?t ;1. _,i -A (AAPN7Y ® NUAL90 14557 FRIAR STREET, SUITE 107 • VAN NU 8181997--0414 NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE FAX 81819 9 7 0851 OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY,. INC. HEARING IMPAIRED • TDD 8181997 0 6 70 SAFE HOMES CONCEPT PAPER NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ALCOHOLISM & DRUG DEPENDENCE - SANTA CLARITA VALLEY The objective of this project, that we propose to do in colla- boration with DAPEC and the local school districts are twofold. First, we intend to empower parents, schools and the community tc establish alcohol and drug free zones where the use of alcohol and other drugs are no longer considered the "norm" and where teenagers can socialize safely. The use of alcohol and other drugs by our youth is a significant problem. Two out of three teenagers have used alcohol before their sixteenth birthday and one out of eight has used marijuana by the same age. Problems directly related to the use of alcohol and other drugs are the number one cause of death among young people. Drug use is the 'leading cause of crime amoung teens. Drinking under the age of 21 is against the law. Use or possession of illicit drugs is against the law. Driving while intoxicated is against the law. Serving a minor is a criminal offense and adults are potentially liable for negative consequences which may result. Any Santa Clarita Valley parent with a child over the age of five will be ask to participate in this program. Parents will be educated with credible information about alcohol and other drugs. Parents, school and community leaders will be brought together to access under age alcohol related problems. Problem liquor outlets and sales to minors will be identified and technical assistance will be provided. We will conduct parent training work shops on giving a party, attending a party, liability, pledge cards and safe rides.. Parents will be ask to pledge that they will not allow parties or gatherings in their homes when they are not there. They will be ask to not serve nor allow young people to consume alcohol in their homes or on their property. And, they will not allow the presence of any illegal drug in their home or on their property. The benefits of this program are that Safe Home parents can feel comfortable having their children attend parties and gatherings at a Safe Home. Safe Home Parents will be able to access a list of other parents supporting this concept. Young people will get the message that parents are "in charge" and are taking initiative to deal with alcohol and drug problems. NEWHALL OFFICE- AUMINISTRATtVE OFFICE SAN FERNANDO OiFF.GE 2441b Valn 1 S! ` 4 _7 Fria- S1 P.P. Bo I 80b h vYS l gt�j3.f Na16 Calif 91411 `+n F r 1 Hlo, CaLI 91"401 •+5_ r L„ Li7,J.J:Y CF CT f t.Cufir':,.E e rCaWAMS, F '4:7ri r.F o i PAGE 2 SAFE HOMES CONCEPT PAPER The second phase of this project will be to develop a network of security or "Safe Haven Homes" in the Santa Clarita Valley especially in those neighborhoods adjacent to schools, parks and other areas where young people congregate. The purpose of these homes will be to provide a Safe Haven where any young person fearing kidnapping, assault or any other threat to their life can go immediately for help and security. This network of Safe Havens, at least one to a block, will be identified with flags/window placards or other designations easily identified by children or by those persons who may potentially harm them. We will undertake a school training program to educate all young people on•�-_lie access of Safe Havens. Additionally, we will aid in identifying Safe Haven Homes and participate in the training of parents and families an how to provide a Safe Haven environment. y .w SAFE HOMES CONCEPT PAPER PROPOSED BUDGET I. Personnel Total A. Salaries 1. Staff time to coordinate 'community meetings and to develop and provide trainings for community, schools, young people, parents. 8 hours a •' week @ $10.00 per hour ;x 26 weeks $ 2,080.00 II. Non -Personnel A. Printing 1. Flyers, brochures, pledge cards, window placards $ 600.00 B. Flags 1. Design and provide $ 400.00 C. Postage $ 250.00 D. Milage $ .50.00 E. Telephone $ 50.00 .,TOTAL $ 3,430.00 S LURTORI—SCOTTrSUND ID:SQ5-294-0810 March 21, 1994 Rick Putnam Director of Parks Recreation & Community Services 21444 Golden Mangle Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Subject: Community Services Qpnt Emergency Reserve Dear Rick: MRP, 21'94 16:46No.023 P.p As ybu well know United Mothers foPSatrta Clarita have been involved with the community serving as liaisons for the Latino people in the City of Santa Clarita. Our goals are to set up English lessons and parenting classes where needed in the community., Beginning with E. Newhall and in conjunction with the Sta. Clarita s Sheriffs station we are now in the process of setting up the Neighborhood Watch Program in that area as well. Because we know the Spanish language and understand the culture in the area, we can send the CiWs message to the people. We want theta to know what is expected of them, if they want to make this city their home they must become involved with their children's education and they must educate themselves as well. Our group really believes in what we are doing and we're really excited for Santa Clarita's future. We want to push community pride in everything we do. Also, keep in mind that our group is open to everyone. On March 5, 1994 we held our monthly meeting, our guest was Trudy Robinson, Attorney at Lew. We asked her to provide us with information on how we could go about obtaining our non-profit status. She has done 1 believe four non-profit status in the past. We asked her to proceed with the steps necessary so we can become incorporated and that is where we are at She did a name check on us and we will register our name as follows: UMSC V, dba. United Mothers for Santa Clarita- United Mothers for Sts. Clarity would like to request that we be considered in the oity's plan for a grant in the amount of $2,500.00 to cover the inoorpoi4on costs. We appreciate the interest and support you've shown us in the past, so here's to the greatest little city in the United States, Sincerely yours, fUrgte Jaramtllo President of United Mothers for Sta. Clarity. cc: Laurene Weste Raquel CJarcia •ii The Santa Clarila March 21, 1994 Repertory Theatre Rick Putnam Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services City of Santa Clarita Dear Mr. Putnam, 24415 Arcadia S1.. Newhall, CA 91321 r � , ,� X594 .ion & lSt amo� �Y RQ�t a�tn paCKSeCVt�es � This is a letter requesting support from the Community Services Grant program. Encouraged by your sense cooperation and willingness to explore partnerships within our community, we thank you for this opportunity to submit this letter at this late date. The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre (SCRT) is the only professional theatre organization based in and serving the Santa Clarita Valley. We believe that theatre is a participatory event in which both actors and audience choose to examine and experience our world. Theatre not only exists as an essential part of the cultural environment of our community, but also offers grace and passion to the quality of life. The SCRT has dedicated itself to a threefold purpose: 1) To maintain a quality repertory theatre of trained professionals in the Santa Clarita Valley. Through the exploration of classic dramatic works and contemporary plays we seek to add to the quality of life and the cultural diversity of the Santa Clarita Valley, 2) To conduct our Educational Outreach Program - not as a secondary leg - but as a co -functioning core of its theatre. Through a series of supported touring programs we can re -activate the passion for live performance and shared communication in the minds and hearts of young people. 3) To evolve into a professional regional theatre with its own performing space. The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre is dedicated to high levels of artistic quality and pursuing the art of supporting and exploring the world in which we live. We are home to over 28,000 K-12 public school students, 8% of who are limited English speaking Eighty-three percent of these LEP students are Spanish speaking. The audience for SCRT's Educational Outreach Program was 18,000 in 1992/93. This represents virtually all ninth grade high students and 85% of all elementary students. Elementary students are given the opportunity to experience an annual bilingual (Spanish) play. rhe Summer Theatre Festival audience reflects the socioeconomic and ethnic make up of the valley. 2,200 attended the 1993 summer season in the parks throughout Santa Clarita, 150 seniors enjoyed A Winters Dale at the SCV Senior Center. The arts in young people, we believe, creates well-rounded individuals. Art has the potential to bring together people through a shared common experience. Theatre brings the rich sense of story telling, listening, an oral history. Gently weaving a story without the use of special effects and a video game joy stick. In a time where so many people are talking about values and reaching our young people, art and specifically theatre can be used as a rich source of those lessons. Through use of the old stories, fables, folk lore, fairy tales mythology and great literature from around the world, The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre creates original work that transcends the boundaries of political views, religious morals, and cultural differences and rather focuses on the elements that bind us together as a human community, as people. Friendship, partnership, individuality, sharing unique talents and backgrounds, honesty, perseverance, courage, compassion, The Santa Clarita Valley is far removed from the rich cultural base of Los Angeles and being so lends to not receive the exposure to cultural events and specifically theatre performances for local schools and community parks throughout the valley. Recognizing the diminished concentration of the arts in schools and the diminishing funds available for cultural performances in schools and the community, SCRT works with foundations and area business to raise the necessary dollars to bring these important programs to our community. Our Bilingual production is less about the language barrier and is focused on the deeper communication between people, moving past cultural or language barriers and reaching to the bond that unite us as a community. Our presentation of Romeo and Juliet presented for all ninth grade students in the valley, focuses not on the traditional aspect of a classic love story but as an example and the all to contemporary warning of hatred; violence and impetuous behavior in young people. The Living History Theatre focuses on positive models from our past and follows the old tradition of oral history; passing on stories and history person to person. The Summer Theatre Festival has been presenting free performances of Shakespeare for the last four years and has recently started presenting the only source of professional contemporary work in the valley.: SCRT works with professionally trained theater artists and all actors, directors, designers and production personnel are compensated for their services. Currently there is no full time paid staff. The two administrative positions are at this point volunteer the Producing -Artistic Director and the Director of Educational Outreach. Our programs reached over 20,000 students in over 80 school and community performances in 1993. The enthusiastic support received from the community and from local school districts is testament to our programs' positive impact. The response from teachers and administrators to our Educational Outreach Program has been overwhelmingly positive as is evidenced by the increasing requests for performances. The Educational Outreach Program, outlined in the attached sheet, seeks to enhance the appreciation of theater in younger audiences and to strengthen their understanding and concern for the ever changing world around them. As we continue to lay the ground work for a professional regional theatre in this valley and contribute to the cultural environment of our community we would like to request the participation of the City of Santa Clarita in the form of a Community Services Grant under the heading of Community Outreach and Youth Services. We believe SCRT is one of the furthest reaching cultural Organizations in the Valley and is certainly one of Southern California's fastest growing theatre companies. In the spirit of trying to forge creative partnerships in order to present our programs, we would like to suggest the following support in the following manner: Two full page advertisegients in the City's brochure during the year. These greatly enhance our public visibility arid expand abdience development and contributor program efforts. $1,500 cash donation 'I he entire grant would be assessed at $5,000. The City would receive recognition as a member of Director Circle ($5,000 - $9,999), in all our programs and publications in which our other supporters are listed. If you need any additional information, please contact me at 206-7170 and 1 will be glad to provide it to you. I thank you for your consideration. I look hearing from you. Sincerely; avid Itann Stears, 'roducing Artistic Director THE SANTA CLARTTA REPERTORY THEATRE The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre is continuing its highly successful Educational Outreach Program for the students of the Santa Clarita Valley. This program, as outlined below, will continue to enhance the appreciation of live performance in younger audiences and broaden their understanding and concern for the world around them. The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre uses the California Framework for History and Social Science and the Framework for Language Arts as guides for its programs and presentation. S.C.R.T.'s Educational Outreach Program complements instructional learning for students of all ages. The Bilingual Children's Show Our largest reaching production is designed to transcend the cultural differences of our diverse community by focusing on the similarities that bring us together as people. The goal of this production is to generate greater acceptance and mutual respect between students. Emphasizing language as a primary barrier of communication, the production intends to create a common ground for understanding. Containing both English and Spanish speaking characters, productions are adapted from fairy tales and stories whose themes are universal to all cultures. The Bilingual Children's Show is specifically targeted for ages 5 - 12." The Bilingual Children's Show has been presented in all 28 elementary schools in the Santa Clarita Valley and is intended to coincide with major community festivals during April and, May (Valencia Arts and Sports Festival). Last year's production The BremenTown Cantadores was based on the classic Grimm's Tale The Bremen Town Musicians and focused on partnership and individual strengths serving a community. Selections from Romeo and Juliet This show is an introduction to the poetic language and imagistic text of Shakespeare. By "fleshing out" the characters, the text takes on`more significant meaning for the students. Selected pivotal scenes, which emphasize plot structure, dramatic movement and theme of the play are presented uncut so as not to pull focus from the text. The impetuous nature of this timeless story is our focus; tragedy caused by characters' failure to think before acting. Introductions and transitions guide and focus students toward a greater understanding of theme and action of each scene. This production ties into the curriculum for ninth grade students studying the play in English classes. This production's presented annually - at each of four senior high schools in the Santa Clarita Valle y Living -History Theatre The Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre's newest addition t'. Educational Outreach Program is directly linked to curricular activities and uses the California Department of Education Frameworks for History -Social Sciences and Language Arts as guides for material selection. S.C.R.T. collaborates with theatre artists and educators to create dramatic presentations, bringing to the stage historical figures; real, legendary, or mythical, from both our immigrant and Native American ancestors. Living History Theatre is presented for grades 4 - 8 and tours the schools in the fall. Last year's production was a one -woman show presenting Kate Shelly, a young girl who, at the age of fifteen, became a folk hero in Iowa when she saved the Mid Night Express from falling off the washed out Iowa bridge. Study guides accompany each show outlining the plot, themes and issues covered in the production. Study guides also include discussion questions and class activities for teachers to use with their students. The entire Educational Outreach Program '94 is expected to reach more than 18,000 students during the year. The overwhelming response to this program ensures its continued success well into the 90's; it is a program that the Santa Clarita Repertory Theatre is proud to be able to provide.