From: kyle conley
To: webCityClerk
Subject: public comment, 2/25/25 conley
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 2:32:56 PM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Sending my public comment for todays meeting. Would like it to be on record. But I am also coming in to speak as well
Thanks you .
Thank you City Council and Mayor,
My Name is Kyle Conley, I'm the business Director of Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble. You may have seen one of our recent productions, such as Arsenic and Old Lace, SpamAlot, Cabaret, and A Chorus Line. These productions have been held at Enda Hill, as well as the community center. But we have also rehearsed at peoples homes, parks, parking lots, and even Raleys. Yes Raleys.
You see, for years, community arts performers have been told "just go use the schools theater, because that's what they are built for." Brentwood has grown to 7 dance studios, 5 theatre companies, 4 choirs, a community band and just keeps growing. BUT the school rental prices have doubled. Even when the building is affordable, it is often unavailable due to the school's scheduling priorities.
So I do not come to you today as a representative of one art, but as a representative of all local art. Dancing, acting, singing, musicians, comedians and all. Here in Brentwood we truly do love our arts. Give any person in Brentwood a chance to hold a glass of wine and be entertained, and they'll take that every time. and it makes all the sense on why we want to build an amphitheater.
Truly, i cant wait for us to get an amphitheater. And when I first heard it, I was quite excited. all those years ago.
But as time passes, we begin to run into some concerns and issues. I have three concerns i want to talk about with you today
My first concern about an outdoor theater is the weather. How many parents and grand parents are going to come out in 50 degree weather to watch their little girl shiver during a performance of the Nutcracker.
Or the other side of the year. As we all know how sweltering hot it gets in August. Who wants to sit in grass, with no shade when its 101? If this building must go near Trilogy, please make it indoors.
Which brings me to my second point; cost. The longer we wait, the more it will cost. Requiring greater funding. And because its going to cost so much, I fear profits will be prioritized over communities use. What happens when our goal was to provide families with a Summer Recital, but instead, the only available night is given to an Eagles cover band because they would bring in "more revenue." Which one truly serves the heart of our community-and which one will take priority? Because at its core, this was always meant to be something for the community, by the community.
My third and final concern I'm worried about is being second class to sports again. A tale as old as time, once again artsy kids getting pushed aside in favor of sports. And that is reflected on the sports complex. all kids' activities should be given equal priority and not continually overshadowed by sports. As someone who still plays hockey and softball on weekends, I would love to see a sports complex. But, it's time for performing arts kids to have a dedicated space as well. William Shakespeare once said "all the world is a stage." which is sweet and all. But sometimes, we just want a stage.
So what other options do we have? I would love for you the council to look into some other options.
Although Trilogy donated the $4 million, IF there is no stipulation that it MUST be in Trilogy, then other options should be explored. Putting a theater downtown means people can grab dinner, do a little shopping, and make a whole night of it. Stick it out in Trilogy, and the only pre-show entertainment is circling the parking lot wondering why you drove all the way to the middle of nowhere just to head straight home after the curtain call. Let's give our audience a reason to stay awhile!
What if Brentwood had its theatre in the heart of Brentwood? What if we had a performing arts center downtown. A place where people can walk to dinner before a live performance. A place where while you wait in the lobby, and you can see local art by local artists. A place where grandma can take little Sarah, to Sip n Scoop after the show while she still wears her tutu.
A fantastic example of this can be found in the Town of Pleasanton with the Firehouse Arts Center. This 13,000- square-foot former firehouse was transformed into a vibrant, two-story facility featuring classrooms, an art gallery, and a 199-seat theater. It hosts live concerts, performances, and plays year-round and operates as a subdivision of Parks and Recreation. They even have a center that has outdoor seating for performances in a miniature amphitheater.
So. when you the council do decide to revisit this talk about the amphitheater. And i do hope it is soon. Please consider weather, location, and how much this thing could really cost. Also, Lets see if we CAN bring it back to the heart of Brentwood. And most importantly, Let's make sure that performing arts kids receive the same support and opportunities as sports kids, so every child in our community has a place to thrive.
It's about providing a stage where our dancers, singers, and performers can come together and share their passion with the people who matter most-our community
Kyle Conley, EA
Conley's Tax Service
925-846-6594
Fax 925-846-7387
Besure to add me to your address book!
**********************
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DEI is a critical asset to communities across the country and when you take it away, those communities are hit hard, including those with disabilities. Accessibility and the dignity with which disability are supported and respected in Brentwood are some of the reasons I live here. More specifically, because of DEI here in Brentwood:
*City Council meetings come with closed captions
*Adaptive equipment is provided in the schools
*Accessible parking is provided throughout the city
*Wheelchair ramps are the norm
*Curb cuts are across the city, which make life easier for people who use wheelchairs as well as mothers with children in strollers and carriages *Fire and rescue teams are provided with training to rescue and support people with disabilities who require their assistance
*Parks and playgrounds are accessible to children and adults with disabilities
*Accessible public toilets are in city offices, schools, restaurants, movie theaters and places of worship
*Public transportation accommodates residents with a range of disabilities
*Young people with disabilities are not isolated and are welcomed to proms, movie theaters and other social gatherings and spaces *People with disabilities are employed by small businesses and large corporations and some own businesses
*Students with disabilities can attend Los Medanos College, where they can learn the range of platforms that drive the digital world *People with disabilities can serve on the City Council These are not amenities but essential to making the city thrive. https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/parksrecreation/recreation/adaptive-and-therapeutic-recreation-re I hope our residents will be mindful of the fact that DEI is an asset and truly makes cities thrive economically, culturally and improves the overall well-being of the community.
Daphne Muse, a resident of Brentwood since 2016
1 McVey, Amanda
From: carolina villaseca
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:52 PM
To: =yCouncil Members; Ogden, Tim
Subject: Support for continued DEI work in Brentwood
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear City Council, As we all know, DEI is about expanding opportunities to QUALIFIED candidates, expanding offerings to customers (right Target?) and making people feel welcome. People move to Brentwood because of the 25 languages spoken, the variety in restaurants and the diversity of our citizens as well as our homes and schools.
My experience with DEI. When I moved here, my kids attended Pioneer Elementary. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you 80% of the teachers were blond, blue eyed women. The students demographics definitely did not match this. And this was the case at most elementary schools. As parents, we asked the district to broaden their reach when recruiting to include more QUALIFIED candidates. It worked! We now have teachers and aides that are Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and SE Asian. Which definitely reflects our student population. Representation is very important during the formative years.
Also, as a result of these efforts, I can now go get biryani, roast duck, dumplings, pho, sushi, pad thai, chow mein, quesabirria, ceviche, gyros, as well as pizza, burgers and omelets in Brentwood. It’s like delicious combinations of flavors beckoning and really lovely people from all over the world! Please continue the good work!
Saludos,
M. Carolina Villaseca
2 Program Breakdown
1. After-School Basketball & Academic Support (Ages 11-14) 📅 Time: 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Monday - Friday)
📌 Activities:
3:30 - 4:30 PM: Homework help & academic tutoring
4:30 - 6:00 PM: Basketball training & skill-building
🔹 Goal: Reinforce academic achievement, develop discipline, and provide a positive outlet for young students after school.
2. Youth Employment & Job Readiness Training (Ages 16-18) 📅 Summer Training Program: 150+ hours of:
✅ Resume building & financial literacy
✅ Leadership development & communication skills
✅ Career pathway exploration
📅 School-Year Internship Program:
Teens will serve as mentors & youth coaches in the after-school program Gain real-world work experience while giving back to younger participants 🔹 Goal: Prepare youth for future employment, college, or trade school opportunities while fostering mentorship between age groups.
3. Midnight Basketball League (Ages 12-24)
📅 Time: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Twice Weekly)
📌 Age Divisions:
12-14 Years Old: Structured skill-building & mentorship 15-18 Years Old: Competitive league play with guided mentorship 19-24 Years Old: Advanced competition with career & life coaching 🏀 Before each game, players will participate in:
✅ Workshops & Guest Speaker Series (Career & life skills development) ✅ Strength-Building & Mental Resilience Training
✅ Community Engagement Activities
3 🔹 Goal: Provide young adults with late-night positive alternatives, reducing exposure to crime and negative influences.
Community & Business Partnerships
We will partner with local businesses, organizations, and agencies to ensure a well-rounded experience for participants:
🏢 Local Businesses: Sponsor teams, provide internship & job opportunities 🏫 Los Medanos College (LMC): Offer education pathways & scholarships 👮 Law Enforcement & Social Services: Promote positive youth-police relationships Health & Wellness Organizations: Support physical & mental health initiatives Expected Impact & Performance Metrics
📉 Reduction in youth-related crime & incidents during peak hours 🎓 Increased high school graduation rates & college/trade school enrollment 💼 Higher youth employment & job readiness levels
Stronger relationships between youth, law enforcement, and local businesses Call to Action: Support from the City of Brentwood
We are requesting the City of Brentwood to develop an RFP (Request for Proposal) for funding this transformative initiative. This would include:
✅ Financial support for program implementation
✅ Access to city facilities for games & events
✅ Assistance in building community partnerships
🔹 Next Steps: I would love the opportunity to discuss this further. Please let me know your availability for a meeting to explore how we can bring this program to life.
Additionally, I respectfully request that this proposal be included in the public comments for the upcoming city meeting and that a formal RFP process be initiated to ensure the success and sustainability of the Brentwood Midnight Basketball & Youth Development Initiative.
Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the well-being of Brentwood’s youth. Let’s work together to create a safe, engaging, and impactful program for our community! --
4 In Partnership,
Jareem Gunter
Executive Director
Dream House; A Center For Family Development
www.dreamhouseccc.org
www.dreamteamantioch.org
“We can't choose where we come from but we can choose where we will go”
From: Marcus Dawal
To: webCityClerk
Subject: Public Comment Item H.3 - Memorandum of Understanding with Grace Arms of Antioch Midnight Basketball League
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 11:15:38 AM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Hello Mayor Meyer and Council Members,
It appears that there is a will for the City of Brentwood to give money to support the Antioch Midnight Basketball League (AMBL). I have reviewed data regarding the number of participants; however, it does not appear that any data regarding performance of the league has been distributed. Additionally, has the Brentwood City Council received information on AMBL’s operating budget, partnering agencies, and utilization of evidence-based practices for transitional aged youth?
The City of Brentwood should include performance based measures in MOUs with all organizations that will be providing direct services to residents. Minimally, the MOU in question should require the provider to report on performance based measures attributed to Brentwood residents. For example, the MOU should specify the minimum number of Brentwood residents to be served, percentage of Brentwood residents that completed workshops, and the number of Brentwood participants that report no involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice system.
Although $25,000 is a minimal portion of the City’s budget, the program caters to a small percentage of the young people in our city. Brentwood should endeavor to address other areas that could positively impact youth and young adults.
Thank you,
Marcus Dawal
From: Mike Burkholder
To: webCityClerk
Subject: Item H: Public Comment
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:08:15 PM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
I think midnight basketball is a good thing and could be a great thing. However, in this case, I urge the council to put this item out to bid. The city of Brentwood should not just be handing out money for a program in another city without first seeing what other programs are available within Brentwood and what could be bigger bang for the buck while maximizing participation.
Given data provided is over 3-years and only 49 players from Brentwood. The data does not state if there any duplicates or repeat players in each year. Nor share any success stories from the program. $25k / 49 players = $510 per player. Can a program in Brentowod beat that? I think the city council owes it to the entire community to find out.
Mayor Susannah Meyer is correct when requesting an RFP process for midnight basketball.
Frequently, Councilmember Mendoza highlights process -- in this case, the midnight basketball MOU award follows no process.
Move forward with midnight basketball, but only after a proper RFP process, Mike Burkholder
From: Jennifer Lee
To: webCityClerk
Subject: 2/25 Agenda Item J.2 Support
Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 2:05:22 PM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Hello City Council & staff,
I have been a Brentwood resident and home owner for the past 19 years and have had many neighbors come and go. Throughout that time I’ve had issues with neighbors causing problem that lead to crime, while other have had illegal drug use which leads to more crime and 1 neighbor had been manufacturing illegal drugs in his home. Very little was done in these cases by the city or the police department because their hands were tired.
I feel there is a need to adopt the social nuisance ordinance to maintain quality of life for its community. And give the city support to fight these problems.
I
fully support agenda item J.2 and hope that you consider approving moving forward with it.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to submit my comment online.
Sincerely,
Jennifer (Lee) Vitalie
Homeowner on Yardley Place
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
City Clerk,
Over 30 years ago, my wife and I moved to Brentwood to call it home. Brentwood has been very good to us and our 3 children. Two of our kids have made this area home while the other moved to Livermore. Our son has a career in law enforcement while our daughter is with the school district. We are a law abiding family and we have been very fortunate to have nice neighbors wherever we lived. Unfortunately, in the past 18 months, things have taken a turn.
The family who lives across the street decided to cage hundreds of chickens and roosters. The noise complaints kept coming in from the neighbors and the city sent people to resolve the problem to a very defiant homeowner. Then, out of the blue, this homeowner told another neighbor that he has an opportunity to purchase another property and left within the week.
This started our nightmare. They kept the house across the street from us and essentially turned it into a house where they accepted anyone without any background check. We had so many cars and people coming and going. We witnessed panels coming off of the interior of cars and items stashed in there while another man was holding a very large sum of cash. We have seen license plates being switched. These people would buy two cars of the same make and color and switch plates. We saw women putting clothes back on while the room was full of people because they left their blinds open. This home became an enterprise of criminal activity.
Police believe it is a house for prostitution, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. Tenants have started to threaten and intimidate neighbors. One of the tenants put his car in reverse while my wife was walking down the sidewalk to make it appear that he was going to hit her with his vehicle. While my wife was walking to the front door, two men put up there arm and made a gesture of shooting her in the back of the head. We have had anywhere from 11-14 cars parked in the front of this house and down the side street. We did the right thing by contacting the homeowner via text. He basically didn’t care. The police were summoned to their home on so many occasions but we are always told they can’t do anything if there is no crime. We have grown men roaming our streets between midnight and 3am. This nuisance order is finally what Brentwood needs. Holding the homeowner accountable is a much better way of handling this than neighborhood cop callers fearing retaliation. We have become a target since we are a law enforcement family. I urge this nuisance order be passed so we can have the problem, who is the homeowner, be accountable and no longer put on their blinders and collect rent payments from as many people as they want. This order will help us no longer to live in fear and take away the stress that comes with it. No one wants to live in these conditions.
From: RON P.
To: webCityClerk
Subject: Social Nuisance Order( Item J2) February 25, 2025 Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:41:49 PM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear Brentwood City Council,
For too long our neighborhood has dealt with issues that go beyond "code enforcement" issues defined by the City of Brentwood Civil Code.
It is now time to enact measures that ensure that "problem residences" within the City of Brentwood face civil penalties to bring our neighborhoods back to what they should be: A place where we can enjoy our neighborhoods, without the fear of retaliation, threats, late night activities that disrupt our once peaceful, friendly neighborhoods. I am hoping that this ordinance not only has some grit, but also that it is enforced to the fullest extent by our local Brentwood Police Department, City Attorney's Office, and other entities that can enforce this ordinance.
Sincerely,
Concerned Brentwood Resident