Laserfiche WebLink
City of San Leandro . <br /> Civic Center, 835 E. 14th Street non. 1 I till `San Leandro, California 94577 <br /> October 7, 2009 <br /> Honorable Mayor and City Council <br /> City of San Leandro <br /> 835 E. 14 Street <br /> San Leandro. CA 94577 <br /> Dear Mayor Santos and City Council Members: <br /> Luster Knight was an outstanding. caring person who worked tirelessly for many causes supporting San <br /> Leandro communities. Several groups expressed an interest in commemorating the contributions Luster made <br /> to our community: including City Council members. Recreation and Park Commissioners, Alameda County <br /> Fire Fighters and other city leaders and individuals inspired by Luster's tireless dedication and commitment. <br /> In response to the interest expressed (and after waiting the six months as required in the San Leandro <br /> Administrative Code). the Recreation and Parks Commission held several meetings and discussed <br /> commemorative ideas with staff from the Fire Department. The consensus was to create a Memorial for <br /> Luster Knight at Marina Park. The Memorial would include some type of water fountain as well as <br /> information about Luster and his life. Marina Park was chosen as it was one of the parks most visited and <br /> loved by Luster. The water fountain represents Luster's philosophy of inclusivity and access for all. This was <br /> based on his experience as a young child of being forbidden to use the water fountain at the local park due to <br /> his skin color. The information about Luster would represent a synthesis of information submitted by agencies <br /> with whom Luster had worked closely. <br /> At this time there are no funds appropriated for building a Memorial. The City will donate their time and <br /> services whenever possible including leading the process, providing engineering and public works expertise <br /> (i.e. determining the most feasible location as it pertains to sewer, water, slope, etc...) and responding to other <br /> questions or tasks that may arise for which we have the expertise. A local architect has generously offered to <br /> donate his time to help bring the ideas generated into a concept drawing. Once a concept drawing is <br /> completed and a cost estimate generated, fundraising to pay for the construction of the Memorial would begin. <br /> The Recreation and Park Commission is requesting approval from the City Council to move forward as <br /> outlined above for a Luster Knight Memorial. The Recreation and Parks Commission welcomes suggestions <br /> from the Council and, should there be concerns or a different direction desired by the Council, respectfully <br /> requests the Council to attend a Recreation and Park Commission meeting or designate a time they would like <br /> to meet with the Commission regarding this project. We believe Luster's story is a worthy one which will <br /> inspire others to serve their communities. <br /> Thank you in advance for your support. <br /> Sincerely. <br /> The Recreation and Park Commission: <br /> Debra Vandiver. Chair and Commissioners Brannan, Combs. Fox. Herrera, Lee. Martinez and Shapiro <br /> 5 • f E 4 m <br /> o Q <br /> Stephen H. Cassidy, Mayor u h+r , r ' - c -- -- - - <br /> i: <br /> City Council: Pauline Russo Cutter Michael I. Gregory Jim Prola .;, <br /> Ursula Reed Diana M. Souza Joyce R. Starosciak <br />