Dear City Manager Justin Murphy,
I am writing to express the frustration of our senior community regarding the cancellation of the sewing and craft classes at Belle Haven Community Campus. For decades, Foothill College has provided these valuable free classes, along with all the necessary materials, at no cost to the City. The recent news that these classes are being cut has upset many seniors, who are left wondering why the City is ending its successful partnership with Foothill.
There is also confusion about the sewing machines, which are crucial to the classes. While some City staff claim the machines belong to Foothill and cannot be repaired, they are, in fact, property of the City. The refusal to repair them only adds to the frustration, especially as this longstanding program has been vital to our community.
Today, many seniors have voiced their concerns through the suggestion box, and they feel their voices are being ignored. These classes provide not only a creative outlet but also an essential space for social connection. Instead of reducing services, we urge the City to enhance them. As the late community organizer Saul Alinsky once said, “A people’s democracy is not a government of, by, and for a few. It’s a government of, by, and for the people.” What is the purpose of a $60 million building if it does not serve the very community it was built for?
If necessary, seniors are prepared to pursue a petition to ensure the classes continue. The City has failed to properly engage with the Belle Haven community on many issues, and if this continues, we will show the City how true community engagement works through our petition.
I respectfully urge the City to reconsider this decision, repair the sewing machines, and work with Foothill College to enhance their partnership. We need your leadership to ensure these important programs are preserved for our seniors.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
