8E Consent 2009 1019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of San Leandro Civic Center, 835 E. 14th Street San Leandro, California 94577 October 7, 2009 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of San Leandro 835 E. 14"' Street San Leandro, CA 94577 Dear Mayor Santos and City Council Members: Luster Knight was an outstanding, caring person who worked tirelessly for many causes supporting San Leandro communities. Several groups expressed an interest in commemorating the contributions Luster made to our community; including City Council members, Recreation and Park Commissioners, Alameda County Fire Fighters and other city leaders and individuals inspired by Luster's tireless dedication and commitment. In response to the interest expressed (and after waiting the six months as required in the San Leandro Administrative Code), the Recreation and Parks Commission held several meetings and discussed commemorative ideas with staff from the Fire Department. The consensus was to create a Memorial for Luster Knight at Marina Park. The Memorial would include some type of water fountain as well as information about Luster and his life. Marina Park was chosen as it was one of the parks most visited and loved by Luster. The water fountain represents Luster's philosophy of inclusivity and access for all. This was based on his experience as a young child of being forbidden to use the water fountain at the local park due to his skin color. The information about Luster would represent a synthesis of information submitted by agencies with whom Luster had worked closely. At this time there are no funds appropriated for building a Memorial. The City will donate their time and services whenever possible including leading the process, providing engineering and public works expertise (i.e. determining the most feasible location as it pertains to sewer, water, slope, etc...) and responding to other questions or tasks that may arise for which we have the expertise. A local architect has generously offered to donate his time to help bring the ideas generated into a concept drawing. Once a concept drawing is completed and a cost estimate generated, fundraising to pay for the construction of the Memorial would begin. The Recreation and Park Commission is requesting approval from the City Council to move forward as outlined above for a Luster Knight Memorial. The Recreation and Parks Commission welcomes suggestions from the Council and, should there be concerns or a different direction desired by the Council, respectfully requests the Council to attend a Recreation and Park Commission meeting or designate a time they would like to meet with the Commission regarding this project. We believe Luster's story is a worthy one which will inspire others to serve their communities. Thank you in advance for your support. Sincerely, The Recreation and Park Commission: Debra Vandiver, Chair and Commissioners Brannan, Combs, Fox, Herrera, Lee, Martinez and Shapiro Tony Santos, Mayor City Council: Michael J. Gregory; Jim Prola; Ursula Reed; Diana M. Souza; Joyce R. Starosciak; Bill Stephens