HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 16 - Cannabis Public Benefit Fund for Youth Services Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
https://www.santa-ana.org/parks
Item # 16
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
March 16, 2021
TOPIC: Cannabis Public Benefit Fund for Youth Services
AGENDA TITLE:
Cannabis Public Benefit Fund for Youth Services Informational Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file Cannabis Public Benefit Fund for Youth Services informational update.
DISCUSSION
Below is a list of Cannabis funded youth services implemented by the following
departments: Library Services Agency (7), Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Agency (11), City Manager’s Office (1), and Community Development Agency (1).
1. Library Services
Book/Tech Mobile – Provide mobile library services to meet the changing
community needs by serving people where they live, learn, work, and play with
an emphasis on technology, robotics, and STEM learning. Mobile services
provide critical access to library material, programming, and technology.
Completed:
Bid advertisement for the bookmobile, a custom designed Ford Transit
van.
On August 18, 2020, the City Council approved a grant agreement
accepting grant funds from the California State Library for the
Knowledge Mobile "Know-Mo": This grant funding provides additional
books, educational programs, and technology for the new bookmobile
service.
On September 1, 2020, the City Council approved a purchase order to
Matthews Specialty Vehicles Inc. for a new bookmobile.
In Progress:
Staff finalized all vehicle specifications and the project is in the que for
engineering at the vendor’s facility. For promotional purposes, photos
and videos will be provided showing the vehicle being constructed.
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Timeline:
Based upon the vendor’s current capacity, completion estimated July
30, 2021.
2. Newhope Branch Library (COMPLETED) – Provide increased programming for
children and youth along with an expanded book collection with age appropriate
content for children and teens. Increase the operating hours from 27 to 48 per
week. Provide new library furniture with designs and colors that are attractive to
children and youth. Create additional spaces for teen activities focusing on
STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and mathematics) based
programming. Dedicate a professional librarian to offer improved library service to
children and youth. Renovate the exterior landscaping, paint the building, perform
ADA upgrades for improved accessibility, upgrade lighting, and provide additional
security patrols to offer safer spaces for youth in the community. Purchased new
books to refresh the youth collection area and accommodate multiple languages.
Purchased Wi-Fi hot spots for the community to utilize. Painted outside of building
and sign. Refreshed landscaping around the building, added sidewalks, improved
lighting, and repaved the parking lot. Renovated Youth Learning Center area of
the library. Repurposed craft room storage to a useable space for youth and teen
activities. Dedicate one full time library staff to operate the facility. Curbside pickup
service and phone reference/circulation services began September 8, 2020.
3. Children’s Outdoor Playground – Renovate the children’s patio area at the Main
Library to include a play structure, new seating, and general improvements to the
landscaping.
Completed:
Scheduled a meeting with Public Works Agency engineers to conduct
an initial site walk and establish a conceptual layout of the area.
Received several landscape design proposals and selected the firm to
help design a children’s recreational area at the Main Library that
includes a climbing structure with educational components.
Received 65% plans and complete project specifications from the
landscape architect. Additional feedback provided to the architect.
In Progress:
Working with Public Works engineers and the landscape architectural
firm to finalize specifications and ensure plans contain necessary details
to complete the project.
Timeline:
Complete a formal bid process to begin construction by June 30, 2021.
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4. Laptop Dispenser Kiosks – Procure laptop dispenser kiosks to check out
computers at the Library. The self-service kiosks will utilize a patron’s library card
for quick access to a computer for use at the Library.
Completed:
Researched various vendors to provide kiosks at the Newhope and Main
libraries.
Identified potential locations suitable in terms of both power and data
requirements for the laptop dispensers.
RFCA to award agreement at the December 1, 2020 City Council
Meeting.
In Progress:
Finalizing insurance requirements and submission of invoice for
payment.
Timeline:
Anticipated installation by May 1, 2021.
5. Furniture for Children’s area and Teen space – Upgrade the children’s area and
provide new furniture in the Teen space area at the Main Library.
Completed:
On October 20, 2020, the City Council authorized a contract amendment
to increase the aggregate amount by $400,000 ($200,000 allocated to
the Library and $200,000 allocated to the Corporate Yard) for office
furniture, installation, and related services.
In Progress:
Final review of color and fabric selections.
Timeline:
Anticipated completion June 30, 2021, but may vary based upon
manufacturer timelines.
6. Wireless Hotspots (COMPLETED) – Increase the number of wireless hotspots for
youth. Expand services to include compliant hotspots that provide filtered internet
access that is safer for youth. Three hundred twenty (320) wireless hotspots
including T-Mobile models with CIPA compliant filtering for children.
7. Digital Collection for Teens (COMPLETED) – Expand the Library’s digital collection
with a focus on providing materials for teens. Overdrive e-book and e-audiobook
collection available on the website. Order initial round of electronic books. Regular
ongoing digital collection maintenance and ordering to spend annual allocations.
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Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency
1. Santa Ana Community Connections: The Zoo & You – Provide a series of
programs and experiences for Santa Ana youth of all ages (toddler through high
school) to build direct connections between the diverse community and the Zoo.
Include a variety of experiential learning opportunities with multiple entry points for
nature exploration, discovery, and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and
Mathematics (STEAM) skills and leadership development for future environmental
stewards. Offer programs fulfilled through dedicated resources including an
outreach vehicle, outdoor amphitheater sound system, and connected “smart”
board for the zoo classroom.
Completed:
Prepared a detailed 28-page program guide outlining the specific
staffing needs, supplies, timeline, and goals of this programmatic series.
Provided free weekly virtual live education programs to SAUSD
elementary students during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Provided regularly scheduled youth virtual nature lab programs for
Santa Ana residents. Over 300 youth signed up for the first program in
July 2020.
Hired two full–time Zoo Education Specialist staff positions and
additional part-time Program Coordinators to accommodate the
program.
Procured rechargeable event lighting for evening programs.
Expanded programming with Boo at the Zoo: Community Nights for
residents
Installed new sound system in amphitheater.
Procured smart board and equipment and started using it.
Procured pop-up canopies and many supplies for programs.
In Progress:
Weekly virtual, bilingual “Wild Wednesdays Story times” which will
transition to in-person story time in the future.
New program called Animal Moves & Grooves. Youth will learn about
animals through movement. Sometimes they will dance, sometimes
they will stretch, and they will always have a great time! This program
will be virtual and transition to on-site in the future.
Developing a Teen Conservation & Careers Program where youth can
discover exciting opportunities to get involved in conservation programs
and the career paths to which they can lead.
Working with a local educational consultant to develop new curriculum
for future programs.
Fleet is awaiting delivery of new outreach vehicle, used for future mobile
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programming in the community, making the zoo more accessible to all
residents.
Amphitheater renovation with shade.
Educational signage for kids.
Timeline:
Anticipated deployment of in person programing once COVID-19
restrictions are lifted.
2. Splash Pads –Install five splash pads including shade structures at the Santa Ana
Zoo, Memorial Park, Cesar Chavez Park, Thornton Park, El Salvador Park, and
Madison Park.
In Progress:
Coordinating with Public Works Agency for the design, development,
and construction of splash pads.
NV5 consultants retained to design the five splash pads. Various themes
are being suggested
Based on a preliminary estimate, additional funding will be needed to
construct all five splash pads and will be budgeted for in the next fiscal
year.
Timeline:
Anticipated timeline is to be established when contractor is hired.
3. Year-Round and Seasonal Aquatics Programs (COMPLETED) – Provide year-
round aquatics at Memorial Pool and seasonal aquatic programs for youth in our
community to be safer in the water and stay physically active. Enhance hours of
operation and expand aquatic recreational and instructional opportunities that
include, but are not limited to water polo, Mommy & Me swim classes, lap swim,
recreational swim, swim lessons, and swim team. On January 21, 2020, the City
Council authorized an agreement with Blueray Management for management and
operation services of the aquatic programs at City pools (5). Modified aquatic
programming due to COVID-19.
4. Youth and Teen Excursions – Provide monthly excursions (12 total) free of charge
for Santa Ana youth and teens (ages 10-14).
Completed:
February 10, 2020, held first excursion at the DEFY OC in Mission Viejo.
March 21, 2020, scheduled a trip to Boomers in Irvine; however,
cancelled due to COVID-19.
In Progress:
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Post COVID-19 excursions include Soak City, Knott’s Berry Farm,
Galaxy soccer game, Disneyland, Ducks hockey game, and a Big Bear
snow trip.
Timeline:
Anticipated continuation of program once COVID-19 restrictions are
lifted.
5. Anti-Drug Education Programs – Partner with an agency to offer anti-drug
education programs to the community.
Completed:
On August 18, 2020, the City Council authorized an agreement with
America On Track to provide drug use prevention education programs.
Forty-six students participated in the 39 weekly sessions held from
October 2020 through February 2021 for high school, middle school, and
elementary school.
In Progress:
Due to the pandemic virtual classes offered for youth in elementary,
middle school, and high school. Virtual class curriculum focused on
preventing and/or reducing alcohol, tobacco/vape, marijuana, and opioid
and methamphetamine use among youth. Weekly prizes and a grand
prize provided to participating youth who complete the program. All
youth are encouraged to participate and learn to live a drug free life.
10 High School Sessions
o Grades 9-12
o 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
o March 1st - May 10, 2021.
15 Middle School Sessions
o Grades 6-8
o 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
o March 3, 2021 – March 3, 2021 – June 16, 2021.
8 Elementary School Sessions
o Grades 4-5
o 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
o March 5, 2021 – April 30, 2021
6. Fitness Courts – Order and install additional Fitness Courts (2) at El Salvador Park
and Cabrillo Park. Order and install shade structures for five Fitness Courts.
Completed:
On March 15, 2019, the City of Santa Ana received five $30,000 grants
from National Fitness Campaign, LLC (NFC) to participate as a Model
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City in the 2019 National Fitness Campaign. Approval of the multi-site
application based on the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to free health
and fitness options, and development of stakeholder consensus.
On June 4, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution accepting the
2019 NFC grant of $30,000, per site, and agreeing to provide funds for
the remaining purchase price of equipment and cost of installation, at
five City sites: Jerome Park, Delhi Park, El Salvador Park, Memorial
Park, and Rosita Park. One site location changed from Memorial Park
to Cabrillo Park.
On December 14, 2019, the City held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the
first outdoor fitness court installation at Jerome Park. The installation of
fitness courts at Delhi Park and Rosita Park are completed, however
ribbon-cutting ceremonies postponed until COVID-19 restrictions are
lifted.
On August 18, 2020, the City Council approved NFC for Fitness Courts
at El Salvador Park and Cabrillo Park.
Installation of five fitness courts.
In Progress:
Procure and install shade structures (5) for fitness courts.
Timeline:
Anticipated installation of shade structures summer 2021.
7. Traveling Zoo Exhibit – Provide traveling zoo exhibits to present new and exciting
opportunities to youth without the cost of development, construction, and
maintenance of a permanent exhibit. Offer local youth, who may have significant
transportation and financial barriers, to visit similar displays at other cultural
venues further away.
Completed:
Initial research on possible exhibits.
Request for Proposals
In Progress:
Agreements in progress to bring forth to City Council.
Timeline:
Anticipated deployment once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
8. Youth Programs and Services – Hire three full-time Recreation Leader positions
to operate community centers and provide youth programs and services.
Timeline:
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Anticipated deployment once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
9. Funding for Third Parties to Provide Youth Programs and/or Services
(COMPLETED) – One-time Cannabis Funding for Fiscal Year 2020-21 will go
towards third party programs to provide youth programs and/or services for City of
Santa Ana residents. Prepared an RFP process seeking proposals for youth
programs and/or services offered by third party providers. Requested Youth
Commission input at the September 25, 2020 Youth Commission meeting.
Released RFP in November 2020. Awarded funding to eight organizations as
follows:
o Backhaus Dance $13,800
o Pacific Symphony $10,000
o Human Options $17,242
o Community Partners-Media Arts Santa Ana $15,000
o The Cambodian Family $11,400
o Child Creativity $13,500
o Santa Ana Endurance $10,200
o Social and Environment Entrepreneurs $11,000
10.Santa Ana Zoo Goat Encounter – New children’s goat encounter area where youth
volunteer with animals. Youth ages 12-14 can volunteer with the goats if they are
with a parent, and 15-18 without a parent.
In Progress:
Coordinating with Public Works Agency for construction document
review and construction.
Funding agreement with Friends of Santa Ana Zoo to receive and
appropriate an additional donation towards this project.
Timeline:
Anticipated timeline established once contractor is hired.
11.Santa Anita Park Soccer Field Renovation Phase 2 – Preparation of design plans
to expand the parking lot, remove handball court, and relocation of the basketball
court and playground. Design will also include additional security/parking lot
lighting on the east side of the park.
In Progress:
Securing all funding sources for the project.
Community outreach to residents within 1,000 feet of the park regarding
removal of handball court.
Timeline:
Release bid advertisement Fall 2021
Construction starts Winter 2021
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City Manager’s Office
1. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Defense Fund – Provide $100,000 to the
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Defense Fund.
Completed:
At the July 7, 2020 City Council meeting, an additional $100,000 was
allocated to the Santa Ana Deportation Defense Fund (sometimes
referred to as “immigration legal defense fund”) to provide legal
representation, under the universal representation model, to
undocumented immigrants facing removal (or deportation) proceedings.
As part of this one-time allocation of $100,000, the City Council directed
staff that these funds made available to provide legal representation to
individuals in Santa Ana who are recipients of the Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and facing removal proceedings.
The City’s legal service provider, Immigrant Defenders Law Center
(“ImmDef”), has ensured City staff that Santa Ana residents who are
recipients of DACA are eligible to receive legal representation.
In Progress:
As part of the agreement between ImmDef and the City of Santa Ana,
ImmDef sends monthly reports to the Vera Institute of Justice, a social
justice organization that provided grant funds to the City in 2017 to
launch the Santa Ana Deportation Defense Fund under the universal
representation model. While these monthly reports contain confidential,
attorney-client privileged data, from time to time both Immigrant
Defenders Law Center and the Vera Institute of Justice prepare reports
for the City with aggregate data.
Staff is working with ImmDef to prepare a new two-year agreement to
continue providing legal representation for Santa Ana residents. Based
on a $200,000 budget, ImmDef seeks to serve 24 new clients over a
two-year contract period (or more if additional capacity exists. It is
important to note that there are currently 33 cases still open from the
prior contract years, and the new agreement includes continued
representation for those clients. It is also important to note that due to
COVID-19, there is a backlog in immigration cases; the proposed two-
year term will provide sufficient time for ImmDef to follow through on
legal proceedings rescheduled for 2022.
Timeline:
The Santa Ana Deportation Defense Fund is an on-going program.
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Community Development Agency
1. Youth Paid Internships – Provide youth paid internships in partnership with the
Santa Ana Youth (SAY) Employment Program administered by the Santa Ana
WORK Center. Offer paid summer work experiences for approximately 100 youth,
ages 16-19.
Completed:
Created program elements for eligible youth enrolled in the SAY
Employment Program.
Created activities providing a comprehensive strategy that addresses
employment and training needs:
o Work Experience (20 hours per week for 6-7 weeks)
o Employment Readiness Skills
o Career Development
o Child Labor Laws
o Post-Secondary Education information
o Life Skills
o Financial Literacy
In Progress:
Secure online platform to provide virtual service and activities that can
be utilize during Covid-19 restrictions. Platform will ensure enrollment,
services and activities paired with the in-person services or by itself.
Develop worksites to provide virtual and/or in person work experience.
Train Staff and develop application to be available online by the end of
March 2021.
Develop informational flyer and marketing material to outreach to
community
Timeline:
Begin the enrollment process of 100 youth by April 2021.
Program Should be fully operational by June 2021 and run through
August 2021
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FISCAL IMPACT
Below is a list of programs and projects (under Accounting Unit 01213020-Various) to be
undertaken during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21. Funding for these programs and projects
attributed to funds received in FY 2019-20 and planned revenues from FY 2020-21.
Additionally, due to the pandemic, the chart below illustrates reallocation of funding for
programs and projects that are able to proceed under the current situation.
Program/Project Title Budget Adjustment Revised Budget
Library-Newhope Branch-Furniture $ 298,010.00 $ 298,010.00
Library-Main Branch-Children’s area and
Teen space-Furniture $ 200,000.00 $ 200,000.00
PRCSA-Six Parks-Splash Pads $3,474,298.00 $ 3,474,298.00
Third Party Provider-Youth Programs
and/or Services $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
FY 19/20 Funds $4,072,308.00 $ - $ 4,072,308.00
Library-Book/Tech Mobile $ 350,000.00 $ (112,870.00) $ 237,130.00
Library-Newhope Branch-Services and
Improvements $ 110,000.00 $ (13,100.00) $ 96,900.00
Library-Main Branch-Children’s Outdoor
Playground $ 500,000.00 $ 210,200.00 $ 710,200.00
Library-Laptop Dispenser Kiosks $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00
Library-Wireless Hotspots $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00
Library-Youth Services $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00
PRCSA-Zoo and You Program $ 432,560.00 $ (109,788.00) $ 322,772.00
PRCSA-Year-Round Aquatics $ 183,000.00 $ (3,900.00) $ 179,100.00
PRCSA-Youth and Teen Excursions $ 123,120.00 $ (123,120.00) $ -
PRCSA-Anti-Drug Education Programs $ 60,000.00 $ 60,000.00
PRCSA-Fitness Courts $ 360,000.00 $ 201,100.00 $ 561,100.00
PRCSA-Traveling Zoo Exhibit $ 250,000.00 $ 250,000.00
PRCSA-Goat Encounter at the Santa Ana
Zoo $ 131,000.00 $ 131,000.00
PRCSA-Santa Anita Park Soccer Field
Renovation-Phase 2 $ 232,448.00 $ 232,448.00
CMO-Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals Defense Fund $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00
CDA-Youth Paid Internships $ 271,222.00 $ (48,522.00) $ 222,700.00
FY 20/21 Funds $3,383,350.00 $ - $ 3,383,350.00
Submitted By: Lisa Rudloff, Executive Director of Parks, Recreation and Community
Services
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager