The Town of Paradise would be the facilitator in this process by requiring the utilities to obtain a permit prior to excavating within a Town right-of-way. The expected result is that telecom companies will join PG&E to install conduit along its infrastructure undergrounding projects.
City of Dig Once Resolution The Salinas Ordinance provides that all construction, reconstruction, repaving of a city Salinas Approved by the right-of-way shall include a provision for the installation of a public utility infrastructure, Population: City Council in such as conduit, tube, duct, or other device designed for enclosing telecommunications 156,550 February 2017 wires, fibers, or cables, wherever practical and feasible.
Households:
40,623
City of South Broadband Policy The South San Francisco Broadband Policy Options contains policies and ordinances that San Options make-up the city's Dig Once, Dig Smart policy. The Ordinance standardizes city procedure Francisco to coordinate the installation of third-party telecommunications facilities when certain Population: Dig Once Ordinance and projects meet the triggers in the Ordinance. 323,016 Open Trench
Notification and Policy Notable Elements:
Households: and Procedure 1. Open Trench Notification Policy - The Public Works Department will develop a 21,083 Adopted in procedure for notifying interested parties when excavations are planned in the January 2019 public right of way, or when the city performs street improvement work, and facilitates proactive colocation of utility facilities when appropriate.
2. Shadow Conduit Policy - In accordance with the city's Broadband Master Plan, the Information Technology Department will evaluate and respond to open trench notifications and advise the Economic and Community Development Department as it administers the Broadband Impact Mitigation Policy and Broadband Impact Fee Ordinance.
18 3. Broadband Impact Fee Ordinance - The ordinance establishes a fee that will be collected from project developers and used to offset the corresponding increase in demand for city information technology network support resulting from the additional burden on city services. Any broadband impact fees collected will be deposited in an account, and used to fund qualifying capital improvements, including conduit and other facilities installed in response to the Notification Policy.
MUNICIPAL FTTP ("FIBER TO THE PREMISES")
What is FTTP?
The term is often used interchangeably with FTTH ("Fiber to the Home") and FTTU ("Fiber to the User").
As defined by Next Century Cities:
"As most telecommunications networks use fiber in some part of it, FTTH is used to specify those that use fiber to connect the subscriber. Some claim they have a fiber-optic network because they use fiber to the node even when they use phone lines or a cable network over the last mile. FTTH may be more expensive to install, but offers significant savings in terms of maintenance when compared to copper alternatives." Note: Some of the initiatives described above also include fiber projects.
COUNTY OR ORDINANCE OR SUMMARY
CITY BEST PRACTICE
City of Santa Santa Cruz Fiber Public- The Santa Cruz public-private partnership with Cruzio Internet was entered into in line Cruz Private Partnership with the City Council's approval of a broadband master plan focused on developing an Approval FTTP network. The partnership provides for the analysis and negotiation of a model to Population:
Approved by the develop a municipally owned, but privately-operated fiber optic network to provide 162,204 City Council in affordable, world-class gigabit-speed, ubiquitous internet service to city of Santa Cruz Households: December 2015 residents and businesses.
22,363
19 MASTER LICENSE AGREEMENTS
What is a Master License Agreement?
A Master License Agreement is made between the Licensor (i.e., the jurisdiction, such as a county or city) and Licensee (i.e., the internet service or infrastructure provider). It allows the Licensee to use and make attachments to certain structures, according to the terms set forth in the Agreement. The Licensor commits to accommodating the Licensee's use and attachment to the structures.
COUNTY OR AGREEMENT SUMMARY
CITY
City of License Agreement for Under this Agreement, the city of Salinas grants Extenet Systems California the non- Salinas Wireless Installations on
Population: Public Structures structures and infrastructure, including making wireless installations (i.e., small wireless 156,550 facilities).
Households:
40,623
City of Santa License Agreement for Under this Agreement, the City of Santa Cruz grants Crown Castle the non-exclusive Cruz the Use of City Poles revocable right to use designated city poles and rights-of-way for installing small cell Population: and Rights-of-Way for facilities.
162,204 Small Cell Facilities Pole
Installation
Households:
22,363
20 Additional Models and Case Studies
This section presents information on emerging and innovative models in and across jurisdictions. These models are carried out through collaboration among local governments and other partners, and the use of various governance mechanisms and operating models.
Consortium-wide Dig-Once, Dig-Smart Ordinances and Broadband Roadmaps The Central Sierra Connect Broadband Consortium - Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Mariposa Counties - is working towards adopting a consortium-wide Dig Once, Dig Smart ordinance and broadband roadmap.
The Dig Once, Dig Smart ordinance has already been adopted by Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties, and adoption is under consideration in the three other counties. The roadmap focuses on accelerating broadband infrastructure by reducing the time that it takes for infrastructure providers, internet service providers, and local jurisdictions to realize those capital investments.
The roadmap will contain an inventory of assets across all the counties, such as rights-of-way and anchor institutions; priority projects in each county, based on the Consortium's Preferred Scenario; and a comprehensive guide to all procedures and applications necessary for deploying broadband infrastructure expansion and upgrades.
The final outcome will include an interactive website to accompany the roadmap document.
The process for developing the ordinance and roadmap began in February 2019. The Consortium convened federal, state, and county leadership, as well as internet service providers, for a broadband conference. Attendees at the conference discussed current broadband infrastructure in the five-county consortium, and strategies for moving forward to further improve availability and access.
In the lead up to that conference, the Consortium also arranged a pre-meeting with some county supervisors and representatives from the California Broadband Council, the California Emerging Technology Fund, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Rural County Representatives of California. Attendees at the pre-meeting identified and outlined key broadband "basics," including commonly used terminology around technology, speeds, and data. Conversations around broadband can be esoteric, and these basics equipped conference attendees and other stakeholders with the vocabulary and information needed to engage meaningfully in the discussion.
In addition to engaging the internet service providers at the conference, the Consortium also arranged smaller meetings with individual internet service providers and engineers from the 21 California Public Utilities Commission and the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF). This provided a venue for the internet service providers to ask more detailed questions and better understand the CASF application process.
As of the writing of this Resource Guide, the Consortium has an application pending with the Economic Development Administration for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act funding for implementing the roadmap.
County-wide Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
As of early 2021, the County of Nevada is conducting a study on developing a programmatic county-wide Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The study is being directed by a workgroup that includes county staff, the Sierra Business Council which manages the Gold Country Broadband Consortium, the California Emerging Technology Fund, and an environmental law firm. The goals of the study are as follows:
- Remove or reduce California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) barriers and streamline the project permitting process, to reduce costs for local broadband providers and expedite implementation of innovative last mile broadband projects.
Create a toolkit to help internet service providers navigate permitting and CEQA compliance.
The programmatic county-wide EIR would help further the advancement of affordable broadband to all Nevada County residents and businesses, while protecting public health, the environment, historical landmarks, and the indigenous heritage of the area.
Municipal Fiber Broadband Networks
The Little Hoover Commission identified 19 active or ready to launch municipal broadband providers as of June 2020. The providers include cities and municipal-owned utilities, one of which is a cooperative. Network types include fiber, enterprise services, dark fiber, wireless, cable, or some combination of these. Services offered include residential Fiber-to-the-Home, enterprise, anchor institutions, and municipal buildings, often in combination.
One often cited success story is Santa Monica's Municipal Fiber Network. This 2014 study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance details how the city went about planning and building out its fiber ring, including releasing its 1998 Telecommunications Master Plan, developing a cost structure, and implementing the necessary policies. What is most notable about Santa Monica's approach is that its fiber optic network was constructed incrementally, relying heavily on the successful implementation of a Dig Once, Dig Smart policy. As noted in the study, even though construction was incremental, it was certainly not ad hoc; rather, the city made it a point to identify and map out early on all the places that would eventually need fiber. Having 22 identified these areas, it was easy to take advantage of and coordinate with other public works projects when the opportunity arose, such as connecting traffic signals or replacing water mains. The fiber network buildout was very forward-leaning, and the city's businesses and economy continues to reap the benefits of this endeavor.
Another, more recent exemplar is the City of Redding. Redding is working towards municipal fiber broadband, leveraging its city-owned electric utility (Redding Electric Utility) to create an autonomous, open-source network that any internet service provider can then use to provide service. The outcome would be a model for public-private partnership - the City rolls out the infrastructure and anyone in the private sector (i.e., any internet service provider) can participate. The effort is taking place in four phases:
Phase 1: Building a 26-mile fiber optic ring around the city. - Phase 2: Connecting all city services and properties and, potentially, stakeholders such as the Shasta County Office of Education and the California Department of Transportation.
- Phase 3: Making a commercial offering to businesses and residents - in the form of a pilot, to start.
- Phase 4: Conducting city-wide buildout.
As of March 2021, the City is currently focused on Phases 1 and 2. In June of 2020, the City Council adopted city staff recommendations to authorize the completion of the design for the fiber optic ring and the continued study of city-wide fiber optic installation. City staff are also working on developing funding mechanisms for the Phase 3 pilot, including tax bonds, Economic Development Administration grants, and other grants. 5G Deployment in San José
Deployment of 5th generation mobile networks or "5G," as it is commonly called, has gained momentum in recent years. 5G enhances citywide voice and data capacity and improves emergency communication capabilities. It is projected to be an asset for prosperity. A "5G- ready" jurisdiction can stay ahead of the curve, leveraging the technology to accelerate many aspects of economic development. However, 5G has to be part of a broader ubiquitous broadband strategy. Otherwise, it will only serve to deepen the Digital Divide of a community. 5G technology combines fiber deployment with wireless connections to end-users, with the fiber needing to be within about 1,000 feet of the end-user. Thus, while 5G small cells can provide a means to increase capacity in existing networks, they require the backbone infrastructure of fiber to work. For this reason, 5G is currently being deployed primarily in population dense, higher-income, and fiber-rich areas and deployment will lag in rural areas 23 especially. Further, many existing consumer devices are not 5G compatible, and those that are generally cost significantly more.
The city of San José is a case study for successful 5G deployment in a California city, not only for successfully making the technology accessible, but also for using it to help close the Digital Divide. The key elements of San José's 5G deployment are the following:
1. A mutually beneficial public-private partnership. San José partnered with telecommunications companies to develop the necessary citywide digital infrastructure.
AT&T, Mobilitie, and Verizon maintain antennas across the city ("small cells") that are installed on city property (e.g., streetlights, traffic lights, rooftops, etc.).
2. San José Digital Inclusion Partnership. By allowing telecommunications companies to install small cells on city property, the city generates revenue through a set fee structure. Income received from small cell usage fee revenue is allocated to the Digital Inclusion Program Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to provide affordable broadband service, devices, and digital literacy to underserved communities, with a particular focus on low-income youth and other vulnerable populations. The city partners with the California Emerging Technology Fund to implement the program.
3. Clear and specific design guidelines. The city ensures that there are reasonable and consistent guidelines that help streamline the permitting review and approval process.
Design standards seek to integrate into the existing streetlights, minimize visual impact, and maintain safety and security. For example, small cell devices cannot cause any interference with operation of city facilities, including signs, banners, festoon circuits, and miscellaneous lighting; the color of a small cell device or its enclosure has to match streetlights.
4. Speedy notification process. After a mobile carrier reserves a streetlight location with the city through its online platform, which lists all available sites, the carrier is required to:
a. Mail certified notice to all occupants within a 250-foot radius of the site for a 20- day notice period;
b. Make themselves available to answer questions and receive feedback on the site; and
c. Publicly notice within 300-feet of the site at least 72-hours before construction begins, once a permit is reviewed and approved.
24 Councils of Government
In collaboration with the Regional Broadband Consortia, the California Emerging Technology Fund, the California Department of Transportation, the California Broadband Council, the California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) and other partners, many local councils of governments (COGs) are working on broadband-related infrastructure projects.
The South Bay Fiber Network (SBFN), by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG). The COG's membership includes 15 city councils in Los Angeles County and parts of Los Angeles City. It has developed a ring of dark fiber across the South Bay, with connections to data centers, municipal buildings, and several public agencies.
In 2018, the South Bay Workforce Investment Board and SBCCOG, supported by additional funding from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, commissioned a feasibility study. The consultant in that study found that, although the region's digital infrastructure network had many assets, they were fragmented and variable, including in terms of service and cost. A master plan provided a detailed blueprint for the broadband and technology infrastructure needed to keep the South Bay at the forefront of the digital economy.
The SBCCOG financed the capital costs of the SBFN using $6.9 million in Los Angeles Metro Measure M sub regional transportation improvement funds — a creative use of funds. In 2019, American Dark Fiber was awarded the contract to build the network.
The core fiber ring became operational in August 2020; 22 sites had been connected by November 2020, with more coming online. The SBF provides local municipalities and other public agencies with access to a secure, high-speed 1 Gigabyte network, at about half the commercial rates for similar service. Benefits include a range of "smart city" applications - smart city halls providing virtual services to residents, improved traffic management, future Autonomous Vehicle support, telehealth opportunities, and greater resiliency for IT and emergency services. The SBCCOG is proposing a middle mile-direct access pilot project, to connect residents in two low-income neighborhoods.
Strategic Broadband Corridors Project Collaboration, by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). SACOG partnered with Valley Vision, the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce to prepare the region's Greater Sacramento Region Prosperity Strategy. It serves as the region's federally designated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and qualifies regional projects for federal funding opportunities.
25 The CEDS incorporates broadband infrastructure priorities as one of its core strategic initiatives, drawing on the region's long-range transportation plan, the Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. It also links with the Strategic Broadband Corridors' project priorities for Dig Once, Dig Smart one projects. The CEDS' broadband infrastructure priorities support key industry sector initiatives, such as:
The food and agriculture cluster, through agriculture technology adoption in underserved rural communities;
- The future mobility cluster, including electric vehicle infrastructure and autonomous vehicle prototypes and policies; and,
- Digital skills.
SACOG also coordinates closely with Valley Vision in developing the region's Preferred Scenario Project, to connect 98% of households with high-speed Internet connectivity.
Policy Adoption, by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). SCAG and SANDAG are collaborating with the California Emerging Technology Fund and other many partners on strategies to close the Digital Divide and Achieve Digital Equity across their regions. Major first steps included the adoption of resolutions "setting forth support to increase broadband access to bridge the Digital Divide." These initiatives recognize that closing the Digital Divide also has implications for mobility and sustainability, especially given the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent emergencies like wildfires which have greatly exacerbated existing disparities. It also will help local governments with "Smart City" initiatives that can improve municipal operations, improve traffic flow, and reduce energy consumption.
SANDAG's Board passed its Broadband Access Resolution in January 2021, declaring that "bridging the Digital Divide is integral to developing a healthy, resilient, and economically competitive region." It directed staff to develop a Digital Equity Strategy and Action Plan, based on a broadband gap analysis and needs assessment that brings regional stakeholders together to identify model policies, tools and implementation strategies to close the Digital Divide in the San Diego region. SANDAG will form a Regional Digital Divide Task Force to develop the strategy and action plan (see the Task Force Charter). Addressing the Digital Divide is part of SANDAG's efforts to incorporate social equity into the 2021 Regional Plan.
SCAG is the country's largest metropolitan planning organization, encompassing 191 cities and six counties. SCAG's Board adopted its Broadband Access Resolution in February 2021. The resolution directs SCAG staff to develop a Broadband Action Plan, which would include:
developing a model resolution for local jurisdictions; pursuing grant funding opportunities and 26 partnerships; and convening a working group to develop ways to facilitate rapid deployment of broadband technology such as streamlining the permit process, lowering fees to a reasonable level, and reducing the cost of entry and operation of broadband systems within underserved communities. See page 31 for a sample resolution to increase broadband access for adoption by county boards of supervisors, and a sample model policy to bring broadband to underserved communities, for use by local governments, developed by SCAG.
With the broadband access resolutions adopted by both SCAG and SANDAG, staff is working on adoption of an ordinance for joint-use transportation and broadband planning, for use across all their member jurisdictions. If adopted, the ordinance would create consistency for projects across the region and help expedite infrastructure investments and project completion. This will enable the organizations and regional partners to compete more effectively for funding as well. The California Emerging Technology Fund has been supporting these efforts to bridge the Digital Divide which will have a broad geographic impact.
Regional Economic Development
Joint Venture Silicon Valley's Community Broadband Initiative (CBI). Joint Venture is a nonprofit civic leadership organization that provides a forum for collaborative regional thinking and leadership, from both the public and private sectors. Their CBI is focused on empowering local community and neighborhood groups in unserved and underserved regions of the Silicon Valley. It is a coalition among academia, residents, local governments, business, and the communications industry - all working to improve affordable Gigabit broadband infrastructure for unserved and underserved neighborhoods. Local government partners include San Mateo County and the cities of San Leandro, East Palo Alto, and Morgan Hill.
The CBI is pioneering a new partnership-driven model for financing, installing, and operating open-source broadband networks and services. Several efforts have already been undertaken, including pursuing additional funding through grant opportunities, along with expanding success models. The CBI is also coordinating with Joint Venture's Wireless Communications Initiative and its education partners, to implement broadband networks for underserved communities, for distance learning, telehealth, and digital inclusion. 27 Feedback from Internet Service Providers
In developing this Resource Guide, Valley Vision reached out to several infrastructure and internet service providers to gather their input on recommended policies and best practices that could facilitate broadband infrastructure and deployment. They are summarized below:
1. A complete and up-to-date asset inventory. This ensures that internet service providers do not run into issues stemming from the segregation of assets, and that the parties involved are seeing all the opportunities for partnerships. This can be done as part of a Broadband Master Plan.
2. Updated ordinances. For example, the definitions for fixed wireless technology and small cell tower technology are not the same, and if ordinances do not reflect these differences, they need to be updated. Fixed wireless deployment requires its own language in municipal codes and ordinances.
3. Streamlined and efficient permitting, including more certainty and shorter wait times.
Overly burdensome permitting is more of a time issue than it is a cost issue; for providers, the biggest challenge is not the finance portion, but the project management and timeline aspects of the process. For example, with colocation: When it comes to upgrades, if the expansion is not substantial, then the review process should not have to be as exhaustive. Instead, securing a permit should be administrative or over the counter. If providers know they can secure a permit in 90 days, they are more likely to do business in that jurisdiction.
4. Clear permit application processes and efficient online tools. Navigating the permitting process varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A lack of clear processes forces providers to rely on in-house knowledge, which can lead to delays and additional costs. Glitches in the application or intake process can significantly increase the time it takes to secure the necessary permits.
5. Policies that support high-capacity fiber backbone. There are many benefits to fiber build outs, including bringing in new jobs. A lack of this backbone can hinder wireless internet service providers and 5G carriers from deploying in unserved areas, as well as in urban underserved areas with aging infrastructure.
6. Support for broadband coverage validation by the State. This includes widespread use of the CaSPEED app by residents and businesses. CaSPEED empowers end-users with a professional-level, industry-standard testing tool to measure the quality and speed of their residential fixed internet connection. This real-time ground truth testing data generated by the app is forwarded to the California Public Utilities Commission, which then uses it to generate more accurate broadband availability maps and information for funding eligibility.
28 CETE
CALIFORNIA EMERGING TECHNOLOGY FUND
Digital Equity Bill of Rights
Digital Equity is defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Digital Equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services. Digital Equity requires deployment and adoption of information technologies enabled by access to broadband, a generic term for high-speed Internet infrastructure, including wireline and wireless technologies.
To insure Digital Equity for all Californians, residents have the right to:
1. Broadband that is Sufficient and Reliable: Speeds must be sufficient to meet the growing demand and reliance for access to education, government, public safety, economic prosperity and healthcare via high-speed access to the Internet. The determination of threshold speeds for high-speed Internet infrastructure should by performance-based to support distance learning, telehealth, and remote working by a majority of households online simultaneously with an increasing need for symmetrical network speeds.
2. Broadband that is Ubiquitous: Sufficient and reliable broadband access must be available everywhere in the state, from the most rural areas, including tribal lands, to the most populated urban areas, including all low-income neighborhoods. Public broadband investments should be prioritized to connect entire communities and address digital redlining in historically unserved and underserved communities.
3. Broadband that is Affordable: Internet service plans must be affordable for all Californians, regardless of geographic location or household income.
4. Broadband that Provides Educational Opportunities and Supports Digital Skills Proficiency: Residents must have access to opportunities to develop needed skills to thrive in a digital world.
5. Broadband that Ensures Public Safety and Maintains Peace of Mind: Residents need the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have reliable access to emergency response services and emergency alert systems in the event of emergencies or catastrophic disasters. 29 6. Broadband that Improves Quality of Life: Digital Equity advances economic status with access to educational opportunities, new job opportunities and health care to improve the overall quality of life.
7. Broadband that Supports Economic Prosperity: All workers and employers, businesses and entrepreneurs, start-ups and enterprises, small and large, including agriculture, need high- speed Internet access to optimize the value of their contribution to the economy to ensure global competitiveness.
8. Broadband that Attracts Capital Investment: Ubiquitous high-speed Internet infrastructure is essential to ensure that California continues to attract its fair share of global capital investment to support and enhance economic prosperity.
9. Broadband that Supports Innovation and Research: High-speed fiber connects all research institutions to sustain world-class research and innovation to drive economic productivity.
10. Broadband that Empowers and Enables Participation in the Democracy: All residents are connected to the Internet with sufficient speeds to support participation in government, distance learning, and telehealth for quality of life and public safety. 30 Sample Broadband Access Resolution
SAMPLE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-XXXX
SETTING FORTH SUPPORT TO INCREASE BROADBAND ACCESS TO
UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, closing the digital divide is important and provides long-term community benefits that include the ability to fully engage in the digital economy, access existing and emerging services, expands economic opportunities and bridges the economic divide; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for available, reliable and affordable broadband services in all communities; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused schools to shift to distance learning; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the digital divide within underserved communities and/or areas (which include people of color, low-income households, residents in rural areas, and senior citizens) more apparent; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that cost and household income is a primary barrier to broadband access.
WHEREAS, all residents, businesses and institutions need high speed broadband services where they work, live, learn and play; and
WHEREAS, high speed broadband enables Work from Home and remote workers, enhances business efficiencies, drives job creation throughout the region, and connects customers and partners worldwide to goods and services; and WHEREAS, high speed broadband is a "green technology" that reduces our impact on the environment, shrinks our regional carbon footprint, offsetting vehicle trips and use of resources; and
WHEREAS, high speed broadband greatly expands the ability of residents to access medical, behavioral, oral health services and the capacity of public health officials to monitor and respond to health threats such as COVID-19 and other diseases; and WHEREAS, high speed broadband enables greater civic participation and brings communities together, helps improve public safety, and makes our transportation systems more resilient and efficient; and
31 WHEREAS, effective emergency services require using high speed broadband to integrate data in real time from all available sources, so decision-makers have access to the information necessary for the protection of lives and property; and WHEREAS, to accelerate the deployment of broadband, the primary objective is to deploy private-sector capital as quickly as possible through improved public cooperation; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on this XX day of XXXXX 2020 that the XXXXXX County Board of Supervisors does hereby as follows:
1. Supports FCCs (United States Federal Communications Commission) and CPUCs (California Public Utilities Commission) rules, regulations, programs and funding opportunities that support broadband deployment opportunities to bridge the digital divide.
2. Supports Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-73-20 signed August 14, 2020 that seeks to accelerate work towards closing gaps in access to reliable broadband networks throughout California; and
3. Supports collaboration with [Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura Counties], broadband providers, school districts (K-12), community college districts, universities, community and business stakeholders, Regional Broadband Consortia, California Emerging Technology Fund, the State of California and other federal and regional organizations that have similar goals to increase broadband access throughout Southern California; and
4. Determines that closing the digital divide is important and provides long-term community benefits; and
5. Supports the request for grant funding from the State and/or Federal government for a regional program that provides funding for free internet access for qualifying residents that bridges the economic digital divide; and
6. Supports a minimum broadband speed capability of 100 megabits per second today and 1 gigabit per second by 2030 for all residential and business customers within the urban, suburban and rural communities of our region; and
7. Supports working with collaborating jurisdictions to affect the deployment decisions of broadband providers by lowering permitting fees to a reasonable level, reduce the cost of entry and operation of broadband systems in our communities, reduce the risks of delays during the planning, permitting and construction phases, provide opportunities for increasing revenue, and creating new avenues for competitive entry; and 32 8. Supports working with collaborating jurisdictions to identify broadband opportunity zones in underserved communities; and
9. Upon identifying broadband opportunity zones, supports the adoption of an emergency ordinance which would allow local jurisdictions to develop specific rules to expedite low-cost broadband deployment such as: waivers for micro projects, deployment of broadband infrastructure in underserved communities and fixed wireless or other broadband technologies in rural communities; and
10. Supports the adoption of consistent fees and expedited broadband permitting processes within collaborating jurisdictions; and
11. Supports the concept of "Dig Smart" and/or "Dig Once" whereby conduit is installed for future or immediate use for wireless towers, fiber optic or other comparable broadband network installation, whenever underground construction occurs in a roadway. 33 Sample Model Policy to Bring Broadband in Underserved Communities
(For Use by Local Governments)
Findings and Declarations
The [Name of Local Government] hereby finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced residents of [Name of City/County] to completely restructure the way we live, work and, learn and access to "broadband" (which includes both wireline and wireless technologies) has become essential advancing public health, education and equity. However, not everyone has equal access to high-speed broadband and the pandemic has exposed the vast and damaging effects of the "digital divide." Families left between are concentrated among communities of color, low-income and rural households. As such, 2020 is demanding that local governments address persistent differences in who has high quality internet access at home.
The [Name of Local Government] finds and declares that Broadband is an essential 21s* Century infrastructure in a digital world and global economy. It is vital to the economic prosperity and quality of life for residents in [Name of Local Government] and throughout California. And, it can enable [Name of Local Government] to mitigate economic, educational and health disparities within underserved communities. During and beyond the current COVID-19 crisis, [Name of Local Government] need to develop long-term and short-term solutions that redress persistent inequalities in broadband access in an expedited manner.
The ability to be "connected" instantly through the Internet to information, services and digital tools is increasingly critical for access to and success in education, jobs, and economic opportunities. The deployment and adoption of broadband is a major strategy to spur economic development because it improves productivity, which attracts more capital investment and generates jobs, while saving both time and money for consumers.
Although California is home to a wellspring of innovation that has given rise to the evolution of information technologies and broadband, the use of broadband technology by California residents is only approximately equivalent to the national average and there is a significant Digital Divide that must be closed to remain globally competitive.
In addition, broadband is a "green technology" that can significantly reduce impacts on the environment, shrink the carbon footprint, and decrease dependence on foreign oil by offsetting vehicle trips, decreasing the use of resources, and saving energy, and assists in 34 solving key environmental justice issues (reducing environmental and health impacts in low- income communities).
[Name of Local Government] is committed to helping families and children be healthy, productive and self-sufficient. And, it is recognized that the use of broadband can save both time and money for residents while helping them bridge the economic divide. Therefore, it is important that all residents within [Name of Local Government] have high-speed Internet access, particularly those living in lower-income and rural households and those living in publicly supported housing.
[Name of Local Government] also is committed to helping students obtain the highest- quality education possible and understands that the ability to learn and prepare for higher education is significantly enhanced if schools incorporate digital literacy and high-speed Internet connectivity into curriculum. The availability of computing devices both at school and at home are critical teaching and learning tools for academic achievement.
Therefore, it shall be the policy of the [Name of Local Government] to facilitate the rapid deployment and adoption of broadband to provide our residents with opportunities, quality of life, and convenience. Further, it is recognized that consumers need sufficient speeds of data transmission capability for the applications that they perceive as relevant to their daily lives and expect broadband networks to keep pace with those needs over time. Thus, it also shall be the policy of the [Name of Local Government] to encourage and facilitate upgrades to existing broadband infrastructure to ensure that the public and private sectors have access to sufficient broadband speeds to support consumer demand for new and evolving applications that save time, money and resources.
Responsibilities and Roles: Opportunities to Promote Broadband The [Name of Local Government] recognizes that it has many responsibilities that affect deployment (supply) and adoption (demand) of broadband technologies and applications, including the following roles: (1) policy leader; (2) planner; (3) regulator (of land use); (4) consumer; and (5) service provider. As a policy leader, [Name of Local Government] may promulgate policies and ordinances to advance and protect the public interest or implement state and national laws that promote and accommodate high-speed Internet access.
As a planner, [Name of Local Government] identifies opportunity areas, develops ordinances and permit streamlining. As a regulator, [Name of Local Government] approves permits which can encourage, promote and/or require rapid deployment of infrastructure and facilities to underserved communities within our jurisdiction. As a consumer, [Name of Local Government] purchases telecommunications and information technology equipment and services which, in 35 turn, drives demand and improvements in these technologies and services. And, as a service provider, [Name of Local Government] has the ability to expand e-government functions by providing more information and access to public services online, thus encouraging broadband adoption. It shall be the policy of [Name of Local Government] in all of its roles and responsibilities to work with neighboring jurisdictions, service providers, and other stakeholders to actively identify opportunities to implement policies, programs and actions to encourage broadband deployment and adoption.
Implementation
[Name of Local Government] shall adopt strategies and implement provisions and ordinances that will expedite broadband deployment to underserved and rural communities, as well as promote economic development and improve security within the community:
Broadband Opportunity Zones:
• Collaborate with neighboring cities, county, MPOs, school districts, community college districts, universities, the state of California, the federal government, broadband providers and stakeholders to identify locations without broadband access.
Develop and conduct multi-lingual surveys specifically targeting households in low-income and/or rural communities, focusing on access, usage, and barriers to internet adoption. • Quantify and describe [Name of Local Governments] level of digital engagement, Digital Divide, and level and source of digital inequality (city/county-wide and by qualified census tracts).
• Participate in the Federal Communications Commission's Digital Opportunity Data Collection broadband access map crowdsourcing initiative. • Develop and disseminate information to support the development of local broadband infrastructure deployment and digital equity plans. • Develop a public outreach campaign to educate residents in [Name of Local Government] on the science behind new and emerging technologies and try to address potentially unfounded concerns as they become integrated into society. 36 Promote existing programs and develop new programs for short term and temporary use:
• Promote existing programs from broadband providers that offers subsidies or covers the cost of internet for low-income internet access.
• Promote existing state and/or federal government programs that offers subsidies for broadband access.
• Collaborate with broadband providers, community outreach groups, school districts, community colleges, universities and the business community to develop programs to cover the cost of broadband subscriptions for low-income students. • Promote the use of public buildings, such as libraries, parks and convention centers, as broadband "hot spots" to allow residents affordable [or free] high-speed Internet access.
Adoption of an Emergency Ordinance for underserved communities • Adopt an emergency ordinance to allow for rapid deployment of broadband in identified opportunity areas.
• Require a minimum broadband speed capability of 100 megabits per second today and 1 gigabit per second by 2030.
• Where feasible, exempt broadband opportunity areas from community character ordinances or local jurisdiction design guidelines.
• Where feasible, allow aerial fiber and other broadband infrastructure to be installed on pre- existing infrastructure such as existing powerlines to minimize impacts to aesthetics. • When aerial fiber or other aboveground broadband infrastructure is not viable for last- mile solutions, allow for micro trenching in suitable areas as a viable short-term option. • Should underground installation near a roadway occur, require the use of "dig-once" practices whereby conduit is installed for future immediate use for broadband installation.
Streamline permitting
• Develop a streamlined permitting process that lowers the cost of entry and operation of broadband systems, reduce the risks of delays during the planning, permitting and 37 construction phases, provides opportunities for increasing revenue, and creating new avenues for competitive entry.
- Allow for cost/permit waivers for broadband "micro projects". • Permit grouping multiple projects under one permit to expedite the planning and construction phase.
• Collaborate with local jurisdictions to determine and agree upon a uniform permitting fee throughout the Southern California region.
• Identify local public rights-of-way and public facilities that can be used for broadband deployment and promulgate procedures to streamline the approval of easement encroachment permits consistent with principles of fairness and competition for all providers.
• Ensure a level playing field for all broadband providers-private and public (or government led), wireline and wireless-making the use of public assets available to all providers on a competitive basis, commensurate with adopted policies regarding public benefits.
Smart and Affordable Housing
• Require all new residential subdivisions to be served with state-of-art broadband infrastructure with sufficient transmission rates to support applications relevant to residential consumers.
• Require all publicly subsidized housing development projects to provide an independent "advanced communications network" to drive economies of scale that can result in a significantly reduced cost basis for the lower-income residents. An "advanced communications network" is broadband infrastructure that, at a minimum, makes available affordable market-comparable high-speed Internet access service to all units via the aggregation and consolidation of service across the property. It is infrastructure in addition to the standard cables, wiring and other infrastructure required for power, television and telephone service.
• Request the housing authority (authorities) to adopt policies to promote and support smart affordable housing with advanced communications networks whenever their public funds are used to subsidize the construction and provision of housing for lower-income residents.
38 Interagency Cooperation
• Request that the chief executive officer [County Administrative Officer or City Manager] outline a process for ensuring inter-agency and inter-jurisdictional cooperation which shall include: sharing this policy with other jurisdictions in the region; meeting with them to explore common needs for infrastructure; exploring opportunities to collaborate on broadband applications, such as telemedicine, or regional projects, such as library networks; and notifying neighboring jurisdictions about major infrastructure projects, such as transportation improvements along shared corridors.
• Explore opportunities to work with other public and private entities, such as schools, special districts, utilities, and private health and medical providers, to cooperate and joint venture on broadband deployment projects and adoption programs. 39 List of Additional Resources
The following are links to the resources that were used in writing this Resource Guide, as well as an overview of what those resources can provide, and how they can further help local and regional governments' efforts. The national resources have examples of best practices and innovative models in jurisdictions outside of California.
California Broadband Council
The California Broadband Council was established by SB 1462 (Chapter 338, Statutes of 2010) to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas of the state (as defined by the Public Utilities Commission) and broadband adoption throughout the state. The Council identifies state resources; encourages public and private partnerships; and recommends strategic policies for establishing effective structures, to provide high-speed Internet access throughout California. The 12-member Council is run by the California Department of Technology's Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy, which manages the statewide ecosystem of individuals and organizations dedicated to closing the Digital Divide. The Council prepared the California Broadband for All 2020 Action Plan and will be implementing the Plan in close coordination with a broad network of state, local, regional, civic, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations, and providers.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Caltrans has dedicated attention and resources to coordinating transportation plans and projects with broadband infrastructure improvements. This includes addressing permitting processes for Dig Once, Dig Smart projects and infrastructure installation along Caltrans rights- of-way, and fostering consistency across its District offices processes for project development, review, and approval. The agency has a Broadband Facilities Coordinator who leads coordination with other state agency partners, local and regional transportation agencies, and Regional Broadband Consortia. There are also broadband coordinators within each Caltrans District office. Caltrans has a mapping resource that lists state highway projects aligned with the Strategic Broadband Corridors Project. They also developed a 2018 Dig Once, Dig Smart white paper and user guide.
California Forward (CAFwd)
California Forward is a nonprofit organization that leads a statewide movement, bringing people together across communities, regions, and interests to improve government and build inclusive, sustainable growth for everyone. CAFwd drives collective action, identifying regional solutions that can be taken to scale to meet the challenges the state is facing. In 2019, it partnered with the Newsom Administration on the Regions Rise Together initiative, which included a series of convenings with regional leaders to lift up and empower regional 40 approaches to economic development. CAFwd serves as the backbone for the California Stewardship Network, an alliance of regional leaders; leads the annual California Economic Summit; and recently launched the California Dream Index. It also convenes a Broadband for All Work Group that is advancing policies to connect all Californians with affordable, equitable high-speed Internet. In 2021, CAFwd is hosting a series of webinars on innovative broadband practices and structures in 2021, sponsored by the California Emerging Technology Fund.
California Association of Councils of Government
The California Association of Councils of Government (CALCOG) is a nonprofit organization with 47 members, serving regional government agencies. Most members are involved in planning and funding transportation infrastructure projects; many deliver actual projects, and a few also operate transit systems. CALCOG collaborates closely with the California Emerging Technology Fund and the Regional Broadband Consortia, including on the Strategic Broadband Corridors Project. Broadband Access is a priority policy area and CALCOG has a dedicated section on its website of legislative and state initiatives, regional activities, case studies, and extensive resources on primers and other materials from state and federal agencies and organizations, and policies and funding programs.
California Public Utilities Commission - California Advanced Services Fund The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) administers the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) which provides funding for projects to reach unserved households across the state's regions, with the goal of connecting 98% of all households by 2022. CASF includes funding for infrastructure projects and includes funding for Rural and Regional Broadband Consortia, broadband adoption, and public housing. The program includes resources such as an interactive broadband access map, a speed testing tool to validate actual vs. reported speeds of service, and collaboration with federal agencies to increase California's share of funding resources. Staff assists Regional Consortia, ISPs and other parties to prepare and submit applications for funding.
California State Association of Counties
The California State Association of Counties (SAC) represents California's 58 counties before the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government. Through advocacy, research, and programs such as financing CSAC supports and participates in advancing policy to strengthen counties and the residents they serve. CSAC formed a Broadband Working Group in December, 2020 and staff and leadership is actively engaged in legislative initiatives and leadership coalitions to address the Digital Divide and support infrastructure investments to reach all Californians.
41 National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is a national network organization with more than 520 affiliates in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands. The NDIA is a unified voice for home broadband access, public broadband access, personal devices, and local technology training and support programs. Affiliates include municipal government bodies, local public libraries and regional library councils, college and university programs, state and local school districts, among others. The NDIA provides valuable resources for practitioners, including policy updates, funding sources, COVID-19 resources, and connections to organizations like the National Skills Coalition, the Pew Research Center, the Benton Foundation, and many more.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) The National Telecommunications and Information Administration within the United States Department of Commerce "is the Executive Branch agency that is principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues." Its website includes publications on multiple broadband-related topics, including information on grants; a broadband adoption toolkit; and the National Broadband Availability Map. They also host webinars on timely topics and provide capacity assistance to communities and civic organizations.
Next Century Cities
Next Century Cities "supports mayors and community leaders across the country as they seek to ensure that everyone has fast, affordable and reliable internet access." Its website has a resources section, which has many categories of information, including a glossary of broadband terms; a toolkit for communities to make themselves broadband ready; and a spotlight cities section, which highlights cities in the United States making great strides in the different aspects broadband deployment.
Rural County Representatives of California
Rural County Representatives of California is a 37-member organization of rural counties that champions policies to serve the state's rural communities. RCRC's policy priorities include economic development that is supported by high-speed Internet access and 21s* century telecommunications infrastructure; RCRC works with coalitions across the state and is pursuing funding opportunities to catalyze broadband infrastructure investment and models in rural regions.
42 The League of California Cities
The League of California Cities is "an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities." Its Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee reviews relevant state and federal legislation and regulations.
Tellus Venture Associates
Tellus Venture Associates does management, planning, and business development consulting for community broadband. Its Broadband Development Policy Bank includes links to local policies in different subject matter areas, including broadband plans, permitting, and conduit specification.
Other Resources:
- The Little Hoover Commission's "Issue Brief: California's Digital Divide," December 2020.
- The Benton Foundation's "Recommendations for a National Broadband Agenda" and many policy resources.
- US Ignite and Altman Solon's new report, as a guide for communities considering ways to expand broadband service, with possible broadband models for 6,500 unserved and underserved communities across the United States.
- The Community Broadband Networks Initiative, a project of the Institute for Self- Reliance, working with communities across the country to ensure telecommunications networks that serve communities. Many resources for community leaders are provided, including case studies, webinars, and fact sheets.
43 CETE
CALIFORNIA EMERGING TECHNOLOGY BUNT
Contact Information
The California Emerging Technology Fund
Street Address:
2151 Salvio Street, Suite 252
Concord, CA 94520
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5897
Concord, CA 94524
415-744-CETF (2383)
415-744-2399 Fax
The Petroleum Building:
714 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 924
Los Angeles, CA 90015-4133
213-443-9952
valley vision
Community Inspired Solutions
Valley Vision
Street Address:
3400 3rd Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95817
916-325-1630
[email protected]
[email protected]
David. [email protected]
44 Achieving Digital Equity in California
Check List of Best Practices for Local Governments
Roles of Local Government Leaders
Role Best Practice Yes
V
Policy Leader
Promulgate policies Adopt a resolution or policy to accelerate broadband deployment and that determine the adoption to achieve Digital Equity.
jurisdiction's attention Request all Departments to identify and implement strategies that and attitude about integrate Digital Inclusion into ongoing services and programs. broadband technology
Participate in a Regional Leadership Group to coordinate plans and and define the
actions to achieve economies of scale and optimal impact. approach to facilitating
Post on website and distribute information to low-income residents or discouraging capital
investment in about affordable home Internet service offers and lower-cost devices. deployment and Establish a remote-work program to reduce vehicle trips (embrace adoption by residents. broadband as a green strategy) that maintains workforce productivity.
Planner
Prepare land use and Convene community meetings in-language and in-culture to obtain other related plans public input on broadband infrastructure needs and affordable access. (such as for economic Prepare a map of unserved areas and digitally-disadvantaged development) that neighborhoods with preferred broadband strategic corridors and guide the development identified public assets to accelerate broadband deployment. in the jurisdiction, thus
determining "how Share the map with appropriate Regional Leadership Groups and smart" growth will be California Department of Technology for middle-mile planning. and defining quality of Identify strategies and adopt policies to accelerate broadband life for residents. deployment and adoption, including consideration of incentives for ISPs to reach the unserved areas and assist low-income residents.
Incorporate the broadband map, strategies, and policies into the General Plan with an analysis of overall programmatic impacts and benefits to streamline compliance with CEQA.
Regulator
Adopt implementing Adopt ordinances to implement policies and procedures to accelerate ordinances for policies broadband deployment, including online submission of plans and and plans that promote permit applications with ministerial procedures to minimize delays. "smart" infrastructure, Enact procedures to streamline broadband project approvals and facilities, and buildings permitting, including priority focus for partnerships with ISPs. consistent with
"Dig Once, Dig Smart" Conduct briefings for ISPs about how to comply with policies and objectives. procedures in ordinances to minimize delays in approvals.
Incorporate high-speed Internet infrastructure into all public projects, especially major transportation and public utility projects.
Require high-speed Internet infrastructure as a condition of approval for all private construction (with public access where appropriate).
Role Best Practice Yes
Consumer Purchaser
Purchase and utilize Inventory information technology (IT) and ISP contracts to determine technology which can total amount being paid annually for IT and Internet services. Share enable residents to
the inventory with Regional Leadership Group(s) to explore demand access information and
aggregation in negotiating for IT and Internet services. services, increasing
Meet with IT and ISP vendors to identify strategies for accelerating demand for the
broadband deployment and adoption. Consider requiring assistance technology and
encouraging innovation with adoption programs as a condition of procurement contracts. and competition to Ensure all IT and ISP contracts require periodic updates to state-of-art develop new technology with user-friendly interfaces and applications for residents. applications that will Develop a robust "green technology ecosystem" to refurbish retired increase productivity. computing devices for donation to unconnected low-income households participating in adoption programs. Encourage other public agencies and larger employers to donate retired devices.
Purchase computing devices and hotspots in bulk to be loaned and/or sold at a discounted price for residents in adoption programs.
Service Provider
Provide information Provide online access to all policies, plans, ordinances, and services and services online information, including remote participation in public meetings. through broadband Deliver online as many services as possible to reduce vehicle trips and that increases the
improve efficiency and productivity.
relevance of the
Designate the library as a "community digital hub" to help residents technology to
consumers, which become digitally literate and learn how to get online at home. encourages adoption Promote telehealth (as a health provider and/or encourage other and reduces impacts on providers) to optimize effective healthcare and reduce vehicle trips. the environment. Encourage and support schools to implement effective technology and Digital Inclusions programs such as SchoolHome.
Total Best Practices Add up the number of completed Best Practices (Total 25 Best Practices).
Score Assign 4 points per Best Practice for your Score (Total Possible Score of 100).
Progress Rating Benchmark progress as a percentage of your Score / 100 = % Progress. % September 2021
Notes:
Broadband is defined in State law as high-speed Internet infrastructure including wireline and wireless technologies.
Threshold speeds for adequate broadband is define by State law and regulations. State law currently defines "unserved" as less the 25/3 Mbps and minimums for publicly-subsidized Internet infrastructure as 100/20 Mbps.
Regional Leadership Groups include: Regional Broadband Consortium; Metropolitan Planning Organization; Council of Governments; Regional Transportation Agency; Countywide Work Group; and Other Voluntary Work Group involving multiple Local Governments. It is vital to work with the Regional Broadband Consortium.
Adoption Programs help unconnected low-income households get online at home and generally include:
(a) outreach in-language and in-culture by trusted messengers, such as community-based organizations (CBOs), schools, libraries, and community agencies; (b) awareness about the relevance and value of being online; (c) assistance with selecting and signing up for affordable home Internet service; (d) delivery of digital literacy training; and (e) assistance with acquiring an affordable and appropriate computing device.
RECEIVED
Special Joint Meeting, City Council & PUSD, March 7, 2022. 4:00pm Public 022 PAR -M $M 3: 59
CITY CLERK
My name is Bruce Bailey and I have lived in Pasadena for most of my life. CITY OF PASADENA We are all aware, as Pasadena's population continues to grow, the percentage of park area per resident continues to decrease. Space for new parks within the city is limited and expensive. And yet there are many empty playgrounds at almost all of the city's public schools. I attended San Rafael Elementary School and remember being able to play after school and on weekends on the playground.
When I returned from college in 1972, there was a neighborhood volleyball game every Sunday afternoon with local residents. I played tennis on the McKinley courts while I attended that school and after college, every Thursday evening with a social group of friends. Then the lawyers decided the liability to the PUSD was too great, and vandalism became a thing, and every playground was locked up.
I am very pleased to see the joint agreement between the City and PUSD to allow public use of the new tennis/pickleball courts at McKinley Jr. High School. I will now once again get to play on my old campus. This model needs to become the standard for all school playgrounds; to once again share recreation space with the public. It would be relatively simple to fence off the playground from the buildings at San Rafael (and probably most other schools) to open playgrounds and still protect the buildings.
I ask that the city and PUSD move forward with a study to determine which schools have the greatest potential for shared space, with the goal of having at least three additional campuses open for public use by the end of the year. Because pickleball is such a popular multi-generational sport, PUSD should add courts which could be used by the students and the public at the shared playgrounds.
It has been over four years since the pickleball committee, of which I am a member, began planning for new pickleball courts and there are no new courts as yet. I ask that the City Council accelerate the schedule to build the first phase of pickleball courts at Vina Vieja Park, so play can commence within one year or less.
Thank you very much.
03/07/2022
Item 4
Iraheta, Alba
From:
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 3:54 PM
To: ublicComment-AutoResponse
Subject: Today's Agenda item 3 "Community Safety...
CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...
Dear Mayor Gordo & Honorable Trustees of the Pasadena City Council and Pasadena Unified School District, Regarding the proposed extended employment of the specified Interventionists for violence reduction:
Before you decide on the proposal, please read yesterday's NYTimes article, linked here https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/briefing/crime-solutions-ukraine-war-books.html within which Is an article "The evidence for violence interrupters doesn't support the hype."There are conditions in which it can work, but are those conditions being met in our area? I urge you to postpone a decision for extending the specified Interventionists, until it is established that they are trusted community members, and the data of their work so far, has been positively substantiated.
Bonnie Skolnik
Resident
03/7/2022
Item 3
Iraheta, Alba
From: cindy clark-schnuelle
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 2:51 PM
To: PublicComment-AutoResponse
Cc: cindy Clark-Schnuelle
Subject: City Council Meeting Comment: Item #3 Community Safety CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. Learn more...<https://mydoit.cityofpasadena.net/sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0010263>.
I am a resident of Northwest Pasadena. I have read the list of "Community Safety Intervention programs for Youth" and noted the amount of funds budgeted for each program.
I would like to comment on the programs overseen by Parks, Recreation & Community Services.
What I see as sorely missing from the list is the lack of outside environments that youth and young adults are to be exposed to. This lack of outside experience is distressing when Pasadena has one of the largest natural "parks" as it's backyard. I'm referring to the Hahamongna Watershed "Park" and specifically to the empty forestry buildings that have sat empty for over a decade.
I would point out the following:
*Not all children or young people are sports minded *Teen centers are crucial and yet still another confined - indoor space for kids to congregate *The After School Adventurers program holds "seasonal camps" during holiday breaks only *Summer Day Camps - again only seasonal and only for kids from 5 to 12. Not for teenagers. I noted this program is the only one that mentioned taking kids to the "Lower Arroyo" parks *The Boxing Program may be popular but again another confined - indoor space *The Rose Intern Program is for youth and young adults and is focused on employment not learning about nature, gardening, art or the Arroyo *Youth Ambassadors does focus on high school age children and again the focus is on employment
I would also point out that all of the programs under the Library are also indoors.
I would like to suggest that the council envision youth doing their homework on a picnic bench under oak trees. Taking the time to just look up into an open sky or perhaps walk to see horses being trained or just wander around in nature.
We have the weather and we certainly have the space aka The Hahamongna Watershed Park, where students of all ages could be exposed not to just another classroom environment on a daily basis but to an open natural space.
There has been a master plan in place for the Hahamongna Annex and the abandoned forestry buildings for over a decade. Please consider budgeting funds to restore these buildings and create the educational center that was envisioned for the 33 acre annex.
Regards,
Cindy Clark-Schnuelle
03/7/2022
Item 3
1