HomeMy WebLinkAbout02. Public Comment of Letters of Support for CoCo San Sustainable Farm (Handout)Ti-em z . December 6, 2012 (Handoul) Co c6sus tlmue- Members of the Board and Board Members - Elect: Fa rh'1 Please find attached copies of all correspondence and a -mails I have received recently concerning the Contra Costa Sustainable Farm proposal. I have responded to each, saying that their letter and comments would be forwarded to all of you. Elaine Cc: General Manager District Counsel Communication Services Manager Environmental Services Division Manager Elaine Boehme From: Diane Sprouse <dsprouse @berkeley.edu> Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 4:19 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: Proposed Sustainable Farm Dear Ms. Boehme: I appreciate your forwarding this letter to the Board of Directors. Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Martinez, CA Dear Members of the Board: I have just learned of the CC San Sustainable Farm. This is an exciting and worthy project, and will provide a vital and much needed resource for the Food Bank. Low - income Contra Costa families will benefit from the healthier, more nutritious fruits and vegetables that will be produced on the Farm. I understand that it will also serve as a resource for school children and, offer community residents an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, and it is already engaging a supportive group of volunteers. I have lived in Concord for 33 years, and I enthusiastically endorse this proposal Regards, Diane Sprouse December 5, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, As a parent and Pleasant Hill resident, I am writing to the District Board regarding the proposed CoCoSan Farm project currently under review. The board should support this proposed Farm project for the following reasons: 1. The land under consideration is currently non - productive. Growing crops is more beneficial than just doing weed abatement. 2. Alternative uses are limited by the location and surrounding uses. Selling the land outright would remove the District from having influence in its future use. 3. Additional infrastructure investment by the District for the Farm would be minimal. The non - profit nature of the Farm would access areas of funding that are not be available to the District. 4. The multi - discipline approach of the non - profit organization will bring additional educational opportunities to the District that otherwise would require more District resources. ( From Fields of Dreams: "Build it and they will come...) 5. Finally, few other opportunities are available within the county to bring such a project to fruition. The District should seriously consider the multifaceted nature of this proposal, and vote to bring to our community a unique resource. Thank you. Stephen Hoeft 54 Janin PI Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523 Elaine Boehme From: carolynphinney @comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 3:31 PM To: Ann Farrell Cc: Elaine Boehme; Jim Nejedly (Jim.Nejedly @garaventaent.com); 'Dave Williams' (dwilliam @ebmud.com); causeycccsd @gmail.com; Tad Pilecki (tadcrib @sbcglobal.net); bhockett@sbcglobal.net, mariommen @comcast.net; mcgill @mms- inc.net Subject: Re: Farm Proposal Next Steps Dear Ann, It is my understanding that the public can write to the Board of a public agency at any time. Thanks, Carolyn From: "Ann Farrell" <AFarrella- centralsan ora> To: carolynphinney(a)comcast net Cc: "Elaine Boehme" <EBoehme(cDcentralsan org >, "Jim Nejedly (_Jim. NeiedlyCaD-garaventaent com)" <Jim.NeiedWD-garaventaent com >, "'Dave Williams' (dwilliam(aebmud.com)" <dwilliam(a--)ebmud.com>, causevcccsd(aD-gmail.com, "Tad Pilecki (tadcrib(&sbcglobal.net)" <tadcrib(c- sbcalobal.net >, bhockettna.sbcglobal.net, mariommen(Dcomcast net, mcgill(upmms- inc.net Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 1:42:41 PM Subject: Farm Proposal Next Steps We continue to receive emails from the public who have the expectation that there is a matter before the Board on one of the next meetings regarding your farm proposal. As you may know from the conversation at our Board Real Estate Committee, the next steps regarding future use of the Kiewit Parcel are to do a land use study to evaluate alternative uses and their compatibility with the current zoned land use and with our operations as well as to look at environmental impacts. This work is expected to take several months. In the mean time, we are continuing to work on completion of the fill project at the Kiewit parcel, which is expected to be completed in about six months. Thus, there is no plan to take this matter to the Real Estate Committee or a vote of the full Board for several months. When the matter is agendized at either a Committee or Board meeting, we will inform you. Sincerely, Ann Farrell General Manager CCCSD 925/229 -7302 Elaine Boehme From: Pat Baker <patlynnbaker @gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 12:02 AM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: CC San Sustainable Farm: Letter of support to CCCSD Board Dear Ms. Boehme, Could you pass along this letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to the CCCSD board? I know they will be voting on this matter soon. Thank you, Pat Baker December 4, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, I have resided in Lafayette and Walnut Creek since 1969. For the last 13 years have I have lived in Rossmoor. One major development over the past 43 years, has been a steadily increasing emphasis on eating organic foods. Each of my children feeds only organic foods, including free range, grass fed protein sources to their children. I fully support providing land on Imhoff Drive in Martinez, as well as land on other sites in our county, to be set aside to grow and distribute organic foods to persons who live in this area. I encourage you to vote for this proposal. Thank you, Pat Baker 1116 Running Springs Road, #3 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 925 - 945 -0404 baker p(cD-sbcglobal.net Elaine Boehme From: Marian Shostrom <msmarian49 @gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 8:20 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm - -letter of support to CCCSD Board From: msmarian490- cimail.com Subject: Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm - letter of support to CCCSD Board Date: December 4, 2012 To: Elaine Boehme EBoehme(aD-centralsan.org December 4, 2012 Dear Ms. Boehme, Could you pass along this letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to the CCCSD board? I know they will be voting on this matter soon. Thank you, Marian Shostrom December 4, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, My husband and I are 11 year residents and homeowners in Pleasant Hill. We moved from San Francisco to live a more sustainable life in a Cohousing community. We are thrilled at the opportunity to participate in the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to be located on Imhoff Drive in Martinez. This project creates a way for our family and friends to engage in learning about and actually participating in sustainable agricultural practices. It's a wonderful community project that is so needed in our suburban living environment. I can see that this would be a great way for community members of all ages to participate in learning, sharing, and community service. If we can introduce our children to sustainable agricultural practices, it will lead to a lifetime of better understanding, diet, health, and behavior. And it is an opportunity for multi - generational cooperative learning as well. This project is a very appropriate application of CCCSD resources that will provide water, available land and educational opportunities for promoting sustainable gardening habits. I urge the CCCSD board to support the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. Marian Shostrom 2264 Lisa Lane Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925 - 827 -5605 msmarian49Ca�gmail com z Elaine Boehme From: Mangohappiness <mangohappiness @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 7:30 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: In support of a sustainable farm in Martinez Ms Boehme and the Board of the CCCSD: I wholeheartedly support the movement to sanction 5 acres of District land for the creation of a public sustainable farm, and I would also buy produce from this farm. Not only would the farm be a public service by contributing to the diets of school kids, people getting their food from the food bank, etc. but it could be a great teaching site and an inspiration to new gardeners. Thank you very much, Lisa Mikulchik 1175 Plaza Drive Martinez Elaine Boehme From: Carlyn Obringer <carlyno @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2012 12:33 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm - letter of support to CCCSD Board Dear Ms. Boehme, Could you please pass along this letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to the CCCSD board? I know they will be voting on this matter on Thursday. Thank you, Carlyn Obringer Dear CCCSD Board Members: I am writing as a rate -payer and Concord homeowner to express my support for the CoCo San Sustainable Farm Project. I find the prospect of the formation of the Contra Costa Sustainable Farm to be very exciting! Such a project would enable Central County residents to have the unique opportunity to learn about and engage in sustainable agricultural practices, right in their own back yard! In particular, this project would provide students of all ages with the chance to gain experience with sustainable agriculatural practices and plant the seed for a sustainable water and agricultural future for generations to come. I hope that you will carefully review this project and choose to support it! Many thanks for your consideration, Carlyn Obringer 2992 Bella Drive Concord, CA 94519 Elaine Boehme From: carolynphinney @comcast.net Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 12:13 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: Re: Contra Costa Sanitation Sustainable Farm Hi Elaine, Please note to the Board that Edi Birsan is Concord City Council Member, Elect. thank you, cp From: "Edi Birsan" <EdiBirsanC@_ astound net> To: eboehmeRcentralsan.org Sent: Saturday, December 1, 2012 12:01:07 PM Subject: Contra Costa Sanitation Sustainable Farm Dear Board Members, I not only reside in the district but I am also deeply dedicated to the improvement of our community and a strong proponent that we can lead the way. One of the most important aspects for a community is to show to its youth and future leaders that there are direct impacts on other members of the society by actions we can take and that the employment of long term thinking has an immediate local action item. In the subject of sustainable communities, reduced pollution and increased health factors you have a golden opportunity here to make just such a combination come to life by supporting the sustainable farm project. As a community leader, the demonstration that we can act and be effective is vital to promoting the whole area by: 1. Increasing quality food sources for our school children 2. Teaching tangible life skills that can be translated to backyard gardens and other community efforts 3. Taking action to reduce pollution through eliminating excess transportation 4. Get community involvement as a group for a neighborhood product and community pride 5. Increase water use productivity 6. Removing potentially blight attracting lands and replacing them with productive land use Additionally the role that Central Sanitation can take in such an innovative project will be a boon to the District's influence and support from the community that will help it sustain support during future efforts at innovation that may be recommended by the District in other areas of its concern. As such support for the project is a Win -Win for the community and the District. Edi Birsan Community Service Director Concord - Diablo Rotary Edi Birsan Nvww.Pu1se0f1Concord com CCCSD Board of Directors 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Central San Board Members, I am a long -time Contra Costa resident, environmental professional, and city planner dedicated to serving the greater public good. I am writing on behalf of my fellow Central San rate- payers and the community members of Concord who will benefit tremendously from the Contra Costa Sustainable Farm (CCSF). With my strongest possibly endorsement, I ask the Board to provide the land and water for the CCSF on the former Kewitt Property in Martinez. The public land and the recycled water entrusted to Central San could be transformed into a multi - beneficial project that would greatly advance the mission and reputation of Central San. I am confident that the CCSF will be a highly successful project that will reflect well on CentralSan through the farm's substantial, multiple public benefits. My confidence is based on proven expertise of UC Master Gardener Bethallyn Black, M.A., who directed the Marin County version of this project, and who will direct all operations of the CCSF. Bethallyn's extensive, well regarded knowledge of integrated pest management, organic gardening, and horticulture will ensure that CCSF is run with excellent day -to -day and long -term management, no doubt making project a tremendous success. Additionally, CentralSan's own recycled water program manager and engineer, Melody La Bella and Don Berger, will also lend their expertise and guidance to this flagship project. I am adding my name to the impressive roster of environmentally- and community- minded East Bay voices for the greater public good, including Mark DeSaulnier, George Miller, Alice Waters, and the Earth Island Institute. We ask you, the Board of CentralSan, to use everything at your disposal to make this ingenious, creative, and impressively multi- benefit project a reality. We have been impressed by the wide range of co- benefits of project, including: • Large -scale recycled water safety and feasibility demonstration • Teaching and demonstration of organic /IMP gardening methods for all ages • Fresh, unprocessed nutritious foods to the Contra Costa Solano Food Bank and schools • Solar powered mechanical devices demonstration • Basic to advanced vegetable growing, tailored to Contra Costa soils and climate • Nutrient cycling through composting Contra Costa County needs the CCSF to help achieve a sustainable future for ourselves and our successors, and it is incumbent upon CentralSan to support the CCSF. Thank you, Ms. Delilah Leval 5450 Kirkwood Drive #K -4 Concord, CA 94521 Elaine Boehme From: Hamill Sue <sue007 @att.net> Sent: Monday, December 03, 2012 12:44 PM To: Elaine Boehme Cc: Carolyn Subject: Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm - letter of support to CCCSD Board Dear Ms. Boehme, Could you pass along this letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to the CCCSD board? I know they will be voting on this matter soon. Thank you, Sue Hamill December 3, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, My husband and I are 12 year residents and homeowners in Walnut Creek. Our move here was from a much more rural area of California and the thought of an opportunity to participate in the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to be located on Imhoff Drive in Martinez is very exciting. This project creates a way for our family and friends to engage in learning about and actually participating in sustainable agricultural practices. It's a wonderful community project that is so needed in our suburban living environment. I wish this learning opportunity had been around when I home schooled my daughter! I can see that it would be such a great way to present an interdisciplinary teaching module - along with being a kinetic learning experience, which is not only the most fun, but has the greatest retention rate. If we can introduce our children to sustainable agricultural practices, it will lead to a lifetime of better understanding and behavior. And it might also help a few older folks learn a thing or two. This project is a very appropriate application of CCCSD resources that will provide water, available land and educational opportunities for promoting sustainable gardening habits. I urge the CCCSD board to support the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. Sue Hamill 2625 Venado Camino Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 2879127 sue007 )-att.net cc: Carolyn Phinney Elaine Boehme From: Patrick Von Behren <pat.vonbehren @gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2012 9:06 PM To: Elaine Boehme Cc Carolyn Phinney Subject: In Support of Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm December 2, 2012 From: Patrick L. Von Behren To: The Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 eboehme(cr-centralsan.org Dear Central Costa County Sanitary District Board of Directors, Please consider this letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm located at Imhoff Drive in Martinez. Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm is an exciting project in the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, and it will provide multiple benefits to the broader community. This project fills an important need in our community by creating a center where people, such as my own family, will have the opportunity to participate in and learn about sustainable agricultural practices. This project is a wise use of CCCSD resources that would otherwise be underutilized. The core of the project is sustainable agriculture that will provide food for local schools, filling a need for healthy food for children. Using available reclaimed water and available CCCSD land, it will not only provide food, but also educational opportunities and it will promote sustainable gardening practices. It will serve as a vehicle for teaching sustainable green agricultural habits and will provide hands on experience in organic and sustainable farming for students and for the general community. Since it is in an urban setting, near the schools it will serve, it helps in the effort to produce food locally with lower transportation costs with fewer carbon emissions. Please vote to support the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm for the good of local community. Sincerely, Patrick L. Von Behren, PhD 16 Vita Ct. Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523 cc: Carolyn Phinney CCCSD Board of Directors 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Central San Board Members, I am a long -time Contra Costa resident, environmental professional, and city planner dedicated to serving the greater public good. I am writing on behalf of my fellow Central San rate- payers and the community members of Concord who will benefit tremendously from the Contra Costa Sustainable Farm (CCSF). With my strongest possibly endorsement, I ask the Board to provide the land and water for the CCSF on the former Kewitt Property in Martinez. The public land and the recycled water entrusted to Central San could be transformed into a multi- beneficial project that would greatly advance the mission and reputation of Central San. I am confident that the CCSF will be a highly successful project that will reflect well on CentralSan through the farm's substantial, multiple public benefits. My confidence is based on proven expertise of UC Master Gardener Bethallyn Black, M.A., who directed the Marin County version of this project, and who will direct all operations of the CCSF. Bethallyn's extensive, well regarded knowledge of integrated pest management, organic gardening, and horticulture will ensure that CCSF is run with excellent day -to -day and long -term management, no doubt making project a tremendous success. Additionally, CentralSan's own recycled water program manager and engineer, Melody La Bella and Don Berger, will also lend their expertise and guidance to this flagship project. I am adding my name to the impressive roster of environmentally- and community- minded East Bay voices for the greater public good, including Mark DeSaulnier, George Miller, Alice Waters, and the Earth Island Institute. We ask you, the Board of CentralSan, to use everything at your disposal to make this ingenious, creative, and impressively multi- benefit project a reality. We have been impressed by the wide range of co- benefits of project, including: • Large -scale recycled water safety and feasibility demonstration • Teaching and demonstration of organic /IMP gardening methods for all ages • Fresh, unprocessed nutritious foods to the Contra Costa Solano Food Bank and schools • Solar powered mechanical devices demonstration • Basic to advanced vegetable growing, tailored to Contra Costa soils and climate • Nutrient cycling through composting Contra Costa County needs the CCSF to help achieve a sustainable future for ourselves and our successors, and it is incumbent upon CentralSan to support the CCSF. Thank you, Nis. Delilah Leval 5450 Kirkwood Drive #K -4 Concord, CA 94521 Elaine Boehme From: David Turner <uhuru33 @gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 3:11 PM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: RE: EBMUD reaching out to our community Dear EBMUD, I recently learned about your organic farming and growing demonstrations near your plant in Concord. As a 35 year resident of Contra Costa County this is the first effort I've become aware of that involves outreach to our entire community. The idea of providing nutritious food for our schools and teaching community residents about the use of re- cycled water and land use is exactly what your agency should be doing. This is the first time I've been made aware of your efforts in these areas. I sure hope you will expand on these efforts in the future. Thank you for being an environmentally conscious member of our community. David Turner 7 Corte Bombero Orinda, CA. 94563 510 333 5733 BE HERE NOW. Elaine Boehme From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear CCCSD Board Members: Safran Daniel <danielsafran @yahoo.com> Friday, November 30, 2012 3:03 PM Elaine Boehme CoCo San Sustainable Farm I am writing as a rate -payer and Pleasant Hill homeowner to whole - heartedly support the CoCo San Sustainable Farm Project. This project is an excellent example of green economic development that well serves our community and creates a model that could be emulated 'elsewhere. CCCSD has been a leader in pollution prevention and education; this project is consistent with the agency's mission and builds even stronger relationships with the community There are so many advantages: 1) A green jobs incubator 2) A source of wholesome food for our children and those in need 3) An educational experience in sustainability for children and adults 4) A living science laboratory for students and residents 5) Environmental protection and education 6) An innovative program that contributes to our community's prestige 1 trust you will review this project carefully and then give it your unanimous support! Thanks Daniel Safran 105 Rolling Green Circle Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 689 -5452 Elaine Boehme From: leandunstu @aol.com Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 2:22 PM To: Elaine Boehme Cc: carolynphinney @comcast.net Subject: Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm To: CCCSD Board of Directors Last night I attended a meeting which presented the basic concept of the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm project. Today, I obtained a more fully outlined plan for this project. I am very impressed by the many advantages to our community which this idea offers. As a homeowner and tax payer in this district, I wish to emphasize how strongly I support this action. Jean Dunning 1428 Via Loma Walnut Creek, CA 94598 HARVEST LOTS Dear Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors, Please accept the attached letter of support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. November 30, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, As a member of your community and customer of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, I would like to express my support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to be located on Imhoff Drive in Martinez. This project will be of tremendous value to my family and to many others like me. I have a nuisance of a vacant lot in my neighborhood which we are in the process of transforming into a community garden. We plan on utilizing many green and organic practices. Since we are self - taught gardeners we are in desperate need of expert teachers to show us how to make our garden as productive and healthy as possible. The food that we grow will not only go to our neighborhood but also the Contra Costa Food Bank. After we get this garden up and running, we plan on transforming many vacant lots in the area. Having access to these experts and their demonstrations at the CCCSD Sustainable Farm is a much needed resource for us to educate the many people who will be involved with our projects. Thank you. August Wagele President, Harvest Lots Inc. 3213 Cambridge place Concord, CA 94518 contact@HarvestLots.org HarvestLots.ore Elaine Boehme From: Crossingsg @aol.com Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 11:33 AM To: Elaine Boehme Subject: Support for To: Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors From: George Fulmore, Concord, CA Dear Directors: The purpose of this letter is to support the CoCo San Sustainable Farm. I support the effort for a number of reasons. First, it would seem to be a good match between available surplus water and land that could be used for this purpose. Second, the production of food from the farm would go to worthy causes. Third, the educational value to students and others sounds exceptional. Please let me offer my support for this innovative project that I hope you will approve and support. George Fulmore 4487 Oakbrook Ct. Concord, CA 94521 1401 Via Loma Walnut Creek, CA 94598 November 29, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear Board of Directors, We urge you to approve the CoCo San Sustainable Farm in Martinez. As a partner in this project, you will be a leader in an effort to promote healthy living and conservation of vital resources. You will also be helping to provide healthy nutritional alternatives to schoolchildren and Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano recipients. The community will appreciate your sharing of land and water for the project and the opportunity to see firsthand how a bountiful harvest can be produced using recycled water and organic methods that protect our environment. Sincerely, /s J L Karen Cohen Michael M. Cohen, O.D. Before the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors Presented in person for Public Comment at the Regular Meeting held at 5019 Imhoff Drive, Martinez CA December 6, 2012 'fern 2 TO CCCSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Handoc&) BY Greg Enholm gbenholm @hotmail.com 925 878 -5515 ('oL'v S RE PUBLIC COMMENT— In support of Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm Farm My name is Greg Enholm. I live in the unincorporated community of Bay Point which has 21,000 residents. We have two community gardens. One is next to the Riverview Middle School on Pacifica Avenue and the other is next to the Ambrose Community Center on Willow Pass Road. Our community is a diverse one which has shown a willingness to welcome major improvements including the DeAnza Gardens Apartments, Nantucket Cove homes, and a Habitat for Humanity in -fill development. I am a professor at DeVry University having previously been a professor at Heald College and a high school teacher for 2000 -2009. Previously, I was a financial analyst for 1981 -1998 including 8 years on Wall Street including 7 years at Salomon Brothers Inc where I was a Vice President and Senior Electric Utility Common Stock Analyst including one year when Warren Buffett served as Chair of the Board. Now I am the Ward 5 Trustee -elect for the Contra Costa Community College District (see www.4cd.edu) having received 27,345 votes or 51% of the vote. I will be sworn in to begin my 4 -year term on Wed Dec 12. Ward 5 includes all or parts of Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Clyde, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Pittsburg or about 200,000 residents. Previously, I was an elected Director of the Ambrose Recreation and Park District for 2002 -2006. ARPD serves the residents of Bay Point and western Pittsburg. I am here today to support the concepts behind the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. I have read through the material prepared by Dr. Carolyn Phinney. I believe the project deserves the support of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors. After I become a member of the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees one week from now, I will be asking the Trustees to consider supporting the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm because of my experience as an elected official, campaigning for office, and as a classroom teacher has convinced me that the residents of Contra Costa County strongly support the environmental principles and concepts included in Dr. Phinney's proposal. If you have any questions, please email or call me. I will return to let you know what action the Contra Costa Community College Board of Trustees takes regarding the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. Thank you. Ifem z . 6qQnd40U*) Co Co 5ustai w ble Fo r November 27, 2012 Board of Directors Central Contra Costa Sanitary District 5019 Imhoff Place Martinez, CA 94553 Dear CCCSD Board of Directors, As a business owner, environmentalist, food policy advocate and foods teacher, I understand the importance of taking care of the community we live in, including providing food in a sustainable manner. I would like to express my complete support for the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm to be located on Imhoff Drive in Martinez. I feel it will be an indispensible resource for our community and pave the way for the future of sustainable agriculture. As a first year teacher piloting the program, "Food for a Healthy Community and Sustainable Tourism ", our focus lines up directly with the goals of the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm and will become a living example for our students what it means to live and be sustainable from soil to plate. Not only is it ecologically sustainable, but it is the best thing we can do for our health. Providing our community with this immense resource will ensure we have a food supply that can sustain us both physically and economically. In addition, this project will create a center of learning unparallel to anything else available, providing cutting edge job skills and opportunities to those seeking work in the "green" job sector. I am very excited about this project and strongly encourage the CCCSD to support the Contra Costa San Sustainable Farm. We need to provide hope and a better world for our future generation and this project is exactly that. Thank you for your time. Since Cindy—Gershen i I v Chef /Owner Su rise Bistro Founder Wellness City Challenge Food for a Healthy Community Teacher, Mt. Diablo High School sunriscatr @aol.com