In view of the fact Escondido Community Services’ funding has been reduced significantly over the past several years, (about 33 %), and the current proposed reduction will result in the closing of our two public swimming pools, East Valley Community Center, the skate board park, plus a severe reduction or elimination of a number of adult education and outreach programs, literacy and tutorial efforts, the Escondido History Center and its structures in Grape Day Park and many young peoples’ programs, and the further fact that the proposed budget contains $17.5 million in “economic uncertainty” reserves which is $2.5 million more than the $15 million Escondido’s stated policy requires, we oppose any further reduction of Community Services funding. WE AGREE THAT CONTINUED FUNDING OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AT THE 2010 LEVEL IS A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE IN ESCONDIDO. PROVIDING THIS MINIMAL AMOUNT OF RECREATION AND ENRICHMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY IS AN OBJECTIVE JUSTIFYING THE USE OF RESERVE FUNDS IF NECESSARY.

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