Item 26 - Public Hearing Vista Heritage Charter School (601 North Fairview Street)

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Pedro Miranda Ward 2 To whom it may concern, I am a lifelong resident of Santa Ana writing on behalf of Vista Charter Global Academy to advocate for the expansion of a back gated area and a community garden. I believe VCGA should be allowed to expand because the extra space is'needed. The backlot could be a multifunctional space that students could use. The backlot can be used for the garden, it can also be used for students to go and take a break/do work in. Having an open space where students can go and be one with nature could have benefits to students' mental well-being. A back gated area could be extra protection for students having no sort of barrier from the back doors to the alley makes the school and students susceptible to dangers. Something I really value about Vista is their philosophy of restoration instead of punishment. Young individuals from low-income neighborhoods are subjected to higher chances of being incarcerated, these chances are heightened when those students are students of color, immigrants, or in dysfunctional households. This is sadly the reality many of our own students at Vista Charter face. It might seem obtuse to think that extra space and a community garden can do much to change these realities but yet it can. If students see that their schools and community are being invested in and progressing they feel special. A school garden can help regulate high emotions that can be experienced inside a classroom. Many students get overstimulated being inside a classroom for so long. Being in a garden helps them relax. A community garden will also help students connect with nature, provide hands-on learning, take a breath from the indoor classroom, practice mindfulness of oneself and take care of nature while exploring and learning about soil health, insects, life cycles of animals and plants. Community gardens bring communities together and even invite parents to be more involved, their is a high amount of parents that become engaged in maintaining the garden and learning about planting. In conclusion, I believe the expansion of Vista and the building of a back gate and community garden will be beneficial to students, parents, and staff. It will help students have a space that it's outside the classroom and still engages in learning. It will help build community and get them engaged in our school as well. A back gate provides extra security from keeping individuals that are not supposed to be in campus outside and keeping our students and staff members more safe. City Council 26 — 665 1/16/2024