CORRESPONDENCE
PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT WELLNESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Febmary 25,2025
Dear Mayor Gordo and City Council Members,
I am writing to offer my full support for the Western Justice Center's proposal to host special events at this property as a means to generate revenue. As a dedicated advocate and education partner for their organization's mission and values, I believe this initiative will not only help sustain and further their important work in promoting restorative justice and peace but also engage the broader community in meaningful ways.
The Western Justice Center has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building a just society through education, dialogue, and conflict resolution. Hosting events at their venue will create an opportunity for individuals and organizations that share in their values to come together, collaborate, and contribute to causes that directly align with your mission. Furthermore, such events can provide much-needed financial resources that would bolster their programs, partnerships with our Pasadena Unified School District and allow them to continue their essential work.
The unique setting of the property is perfectly suited to accommodate a wide range of events, whether they are focused on educational workshops, community gatherings, or fandraising activities. Western Justice Center's commitment to fostering a peaceful and inclusive environment makes the property a special and impactful place for such initiatives.
I am confident that hosting events will not only generate essential revenue for the organization but also increase visibility for the Western Justice Center, creating further opportunities for growth and collaboration. In addition, these events can help to strengthen ties with the community and open doors for new partnerships that align with your core mission.
Thank you for your^onsideration.
Sincere
Juli^ting^R-eynoso. Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Student Wellness and Support Sen'ices 'We prepare students for the future by inspiring the joy of learning in every child every day!" 351 South Hudson Avenue, Room 208 • Pasadena California 91109 • (626) 396-3600, x 88238 • (626) 793-9858fax • ww.pusd.us t-
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PASADENA HERITAGE
160 N. Oakland Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626)441-6333
[email protected]
Monday, December 23, 2024
Pasadena Mayor & City Council
c/o Araceti Mellem, Executive Assistant to the Mayor & City Council [email protected]
Dear City Leadership,
I am ZootVelasco, Interim Executive Director at Pasadena hleritage and an alumnus of Western Justice Center programs. I strongly support Western Justice Center and its wedding rentals, which help fund its mission of dispute resolution while providing affordable space for fellow nonprofits.
Historic buildings are important to the city but also have extra costs to maintain. As former director of The Muckenthaler Cultural Center—a historic mansion in Fullerton—I saw firsthand how rental income sustained operations without city support. Later, while managing the Gianneschi Center for Nonprofit Research at Cal State Fullerton, my studies confirmed that nonprofits with earned income streams were the only ones to thrive during the Great Recession.
Social enterprise is a best practice in nonprofit sustainability. To further our impact, Pasadena Heritage is partnering with Western Justice Center and other mission-driven venues to form a coalition of Pasadena-based nonprofit rental sites, ensuring sustainable business growth while adhering to nonprofit best practices.
Sincerely yours,
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ZootVelasco, Interim Executive Director