Candidate for
Director; Isla Vista Recreation and Park District; 4 Year Term

I am running because I am very concerned about the environmental impact and the damage being done in our parks in Isla Vista. I have watched quietly as the once rolling hills in our parks have been flattened and the trees have been ripped out. I watched as Anisq'Oyo' park, known for being the heart of the town, has been allowed to dilapidate. The pond has dried up, the fish have died, and the turtles that are still alive are now walking through the park towards the street looking for water. Yesterday, while I was there, we saved two turtles from going into the street, only to return them to the small, disgusting, stinking, mud hole that is all that is left of the pond. Why has the Park District forgotten these animals? Apparently they don't consider the turtles anything special because they are supposedly domestic animals that are not native to the pond. Does this mean they should be left to die without water? IVRPD has access to water and they need to turn it on now or at least go in and save the last surviving animals that remain there. Try to find information on what their plan is regarding this park on any of their sites. This park is the last with rolling hills and trees. There are no more ducks, egrets, frogs, blue Heron, raccoon's, or habitat for them. The water wheel hasn't moved in years. All the while other parks have been flattened and "improved". I ask you to please visit the IVRPD website and view their own statements to see what they "say" this park has to offer and then come and visit it for yourself. I am also concerned with fact the meetings aren't easily available to the public. They post a paper on a billboard once in a while so you have to go everyday and look if you want to know when the next meeting is. Then they give very little public speaking time. As residents we never really know what's going on with any of these parks until the bulldozers roll in and start destroying. Also on my agenda is to help the homeless and the community. We live in a time where, sadly there are homeless. They are not going to just go away, and forcing them into a parking lot with a dirt field (that used to be grass until IVRPD removed it) is not the way to go. It's not fair to them or the businesses that are adjacent to the parking lot. Our community has at least 26 parks, why can't one small park be offered with bathrooms, access to water and grass? Where they can sleep at night and not be rousted by the police for illegal camping. They only need one small park that is it. Here is what their website says about Anisq'Oyo' Park. Now please come and visit this park and see if you can find any truth to what they say. See it with your own eyes.

Isla Vista Recreation and Park District - District Park Park Facilities Anisq'Oyo' Park - This park was the first community-instituted park in Isla Vista. The park was originally constructed by volunteers and was maintained by the District after its formation. The park islocated in the heart of town and features a rustic windmill (historic landmark), a large pond, grassy areas with picnic benches, and children's play equipment. The freshwater pond provides habitat for ducks, egrets, herons, frogs, turtles, fish and other wildlife. The historic Anisq'Oyo' Amphitheater is available for rent by public members and student organizations and is ideal for large public functions, containing restrooms, electrical outlets and a stage.