San Bruno Community Foundation

Public Comment From: Lena Feldman Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 4:33 PM To: info@sbcf.org Subject: Hi SBCF, Nicholas Hilt reached out to me about your meeting tomorrow and here’s a brief comment I hope you guys can utilize that I wrote as one of the previous Crestmoor Scholarship recipients: “Dear SBCF Board Members, My name is Lena Feldman and I am proud to be one of the recipients of a scholarship from the San Bruno Community Foundation. I’m writing to express my deep gratitude for the support I received, which made a meaningful difference in my academic journey. The SBCF scholarship helped relieve financial stress and allowed me to focus more on my education and growth. It’s not just about the money, it’s about knowing that my community believed in me and invested in my future. I truly hope that the Foundation can continue to support other students like me in the years to come. Its impact is profound and lasting. Thank you for all that you do.” Sincerely, Lena Feldman Public Comment From: S Rutgers Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 10:44 PM To: Leslie Hatamiya-SBCF Subject: Public comment for May 7, 2025 Meeting Hi Leslie, Please submit my public comment for the upcoming meeting: Being very familiar with the work of the San Bruno Community Foundation, I can't think of a better way to finalize its impact on the community than with the recommended legacy project of a new Fire Station No. 52. Supporting this new station would be an investment in public safety, could offer educational opportunities and training resources, but also stand as a building of protection to the Crestmoor Neighborhood that suffered a terrible tragedy. In addition, the state of California faces the sad, new reality of increased fire danger so it seems even more fitting to upgrade a building that is "open for business" 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Thank you, Stephanie Rutgers San Bruno Resident Public Comment From: Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 9:29 AM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Urgent: Please Vote NO on Defunding Critical Support Programs Dear San Bruno Community Foundation Board Members, Attached is a letter from the Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation (CTSF) regarding the proposed resolution to eliminate SBCF programming. As a staff member who works closely with our scholarship recipients—and as a former scholarship recipient myself—I am writing to respectfully urge you to vote NO on this resolution. The attached letter shares the stories of students whose lives have been transformed by your support and emphasizes the vital role these programs play in our community. Thank you for your time, commitment, and continued investment in San Bruno’s future. With deep gratitude and hope, -- Yanet Gutierrez CTSF ---- ---- www.ctsf.org  Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation 727 Industrial Road, Suite 117, San Carlos, CA 95008, (650)631-1200, info-ctsf@ctsf.org May 7, 2025 San Bruno Community Foundation 901 Sneath Ln #209, San Bruno, CA 94066 RE: Please Vote NO on Resolution to Defund SBCF Programming Dear San Bruno Community Foundation Board Members, My name is Yanet Gutierrez, and I work for the Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation (CTSF). While I am not a board member, I am a proud staff member who works closely with our students, mentoring, guiding, and supporting them through their academic journeys. As a former scholarship recipient myself, I know firsthand how critical it is to receive support when it is needed most. Thanks to your generous $10,000 grant awarded in 2023, CTSF was able to support low-income, first-generation students from San Bruno through our EduPath San Bruno program during the 2024 scholarship cycle. Each applicant’s personal statement revealed resilience, ambition, and a deep desire to give back to the community. Among them: ●​ Yesenia, inspired by her father’s struggles, is currently attending UC Riverside to study political science and pursue a career in immigration law. ●​ Xenia, originally focused on astrophysics, is now studying Aeronautics and Space Engineering at UC Berkeley, after discovering a deeper calling through her scholarship essay journey. ●​ Nicolas, who faced academic setbacks during the pandemic, has regained his confidence and is now studying engineering at Skyline College.​ Marta, an English language learner, overcame significant challenges to earn a 3.8 GPA and is now completing her degree in communication studies at San Francisco State University, graduating this month. This year alone, CTSF has seen a 120% increase in new applicants for the 2025 scholarship cycle. This dramatic growth signals the increasing urgency for programs like SBCFs, driven by rising educational costs, shifting policies, and the widening gap in access to higher education. Through monthly calls and mentoring, I’ve witnessed how scholarships offer far more than financial relief. They represent hope, dignity, and belief in a student’s potential. They ensure students don’t have to choose between education and basic needs. For many, they are the first step to breaking cycles of poverty and becoming leaders in their communities. I respectfully urge you to vote NO on the resolution to eliminate SBCF programming. Ending these programs would not only harm today’s students—it would reverse years of investment in equity and opportunity. These programs are more than support systems—they are a reflection of San Bruno’s values: community, inclusion, and a belief in brighter futures. On behalf of the students whose lives you have empowered, thank you. Please continue standing with us to ensure this essential work moves forward. With deep gratitude and hope,​ Yanet Gutierrez Catalino Tapia Scholarship Foundation Public Comment From: Heather Small <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 9:44 AM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Cc: Ruby Damian <---->; ---- <----> Subject: Vote No on Proposal to Sunset SBCF San Bruno Community Foundation Leslie Hatamiya, Executive Director Dear Ms. Hatamiya, As a San Bruno Community Foundation Grant recipient since 2019, JA NorCal has expanded and provided work-based learning opportunities, economic and career development for 700 Capuchino High School youth. Without SBFC funding, 700 Capuchino students, considered low- to-moderate income and at risk for not graduating high school as well as not continuing to post- secondary education such as a certificate, trade school or any level of college- would not have received: • Resume building/Mock Interviews • Career Speakers from local employers • Job Shadows at Franklin Templeton, Oracle, Cisco • JA Financial Literacy Programming- All About Cars, Personal Finance • Career Exploration Fairs- Trades and College JA NorCal is only one of MANY non-profits who rely on SBCF as a pillar of our funding for San Bruno youth. We defer to our local school educators, students, and families to tell you what their greatest priorities in San Bruno are. We urge you to listen to those residents. Wait on your vote until you receive public comment. Kim Koivisto, Career Coordinator, Capuchino High School shared recently, Excellent event! JA organized an employer panel which included a new college grad and a HR recruiter which was very helpful for students to understand from an external professional how they can view their career journey and what steps they can take now to get to know themselves for possible career "fits" for the future. Bill Schlough of the SF Giants was incredible! He had a packed library of 60 students totally engaged in learning about his unique career journey and the many stories he shared about his early work experiences and the Olympics. Students loved him!. What we can say, is that without SBCF’s support, JA NorCal will not have as strong a presence at Capuchino, helping low-income youth be inspired and prepared for the world of work. Please vote No. Thank you for listening. Heather Small | Grants Manager Junior Achievement of Northern California 1212 Broadway Plaza, Suite 2100, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 C: ----| W: norcal.ja.org Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | norcal.ja.org Learn more about how JA is supporting youth and young adults with our workforce initiative for youth 16-24. Become a JA Coach - JA NorCal | Junior Achievement of Northern California Junior Achievement gives young people (age 5-25) the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and financial choices. In partnership with educators and employers, JA infuses financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs with contextual learning, propelling their economic futures toward thriving wage careers. Public Comment From: Auros Harman <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:21 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: meeting 2025-05-07 agenda item 7a Dear San Bruno Community Foundation members, While I understand the city's need for capital investment, I am skeptical that disbanding the community foundation is what the community expected. If the SBCF's assets are not sufficient for all the programs it pursued in the past, perhaps it should narrow its focus to a single ongoing program that can be funded with the income / interest from its capital, e.g. the scholarship program. A 5% return on $25M could fund several $100k scholarships per year, and one full- time staffer to manage the program. Or if the sense of the Board after consideration is that an ongoing program like this is just too small to justify its fixed costs, we should at least survey the public in a thorough way, to determine where to allocate this sum. Regards, Auros Harman Belle Air neighborhood Public Comment From: Nicole Hanhan <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:22 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Public Comment for SBCF Meeting 5/7/2025 Good evening Board Members, My name is Nicole Hanhan, lifelong resident of district 2, and I’m emailing because I care deeply about San Bruno’s future and the promise that was made to this community. In the wake of the devastating PG&E explosion, our city came together to rebuild, not just homes and infrastructure, but trust, hope, and resilience. Out of that tragedy, the San Bruno Community Foundation was created as a lasting commitment to the people of this city. Through scholarships, grants, and community programs, the Foundation has empowered our youth, seniors and families, supported local nonprofits, and uplifted countless residents. It has been a vital force for equity and healing. And now, we are at a crossroads. Dissolving the Foundation and diverting the remaining funds to build a fire station, a project the community has not asked for, especially when Measure Q already provides funding for needed upgrade, would betray the very mission this Foundation was built upon. I want to be clear: I have profound respect for our fire department and the lifesaving work they do. But this decision is about more than a building. It’s about whether we choose to honor the legacy of resilience and community driven investment that has defined this Foundation from the start. We have a rare opportunity to keep investing in people, in our students, our seniors, our families, and our local organizations who are the heart of San Bruno. I urge you: do not let this chapter end here. Say no to dissolving the Foundation and yes to a future that keeps this community at its center. Thank you. Nicole Hanhan ---- ---- Public Comment From: Violet Saena <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:27 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Urgent Appeal to Retain Community Foundation Funding Greetings San Bruno Community Foundation Board, My name is Violet Wulf-Saenna, I am the founder and ED of the nonprofit Climate Resilient Communities (CRC), an organization that does critical work on communities on the front lines of environmental and socio-economic impacts. On behalf of my organization and the residents we work with in San Bruno, I am reaching out to urge you to vote “no” on the resolution that defunds programming in favor of a fire station, to Retain the Community Foundation and its current programming; and finally to keep the community involved in the SBCF's decision making process. In this critical moment in history, retaining funding for our communities is both an economic, as well as an ethical imperative. Decisions that center the buy-in, and meaningful engagement of the residents this Foundation serves are often more viable and projects funded with little community engagement, which often become underutilized assets that require re-investment on a shorter timeline. Additionally, nonprofits like CRC are increasingly reliant on foundation based funding that allows us to provide critical services to community members. Please vote to retain the Community Foundation and its current programming. In community, Violet Saena Founder|Executive Director Climate Resilient Communities 3921 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 ---- Public Comment From: Melinda Allbaugh-Jones <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:57 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Resolution to fund a new fire station To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to urge you to : vote "no" on the resolution that defunds programming in favor of a fire station; retain the Community Foundation and its current programming: keep the community involved in decision making. I was very impressed with the initial outreach and community surveys and workshops in 2015 and 2021. Great care was taken to engage a wide range of community members from all areas of the City. I attended a few meetings and felt that the feedback and ultimate culmination truly represented what the community wanted the money to be spent on. I admit to being disappointed that my wish for a new library was not higher on the list, but I respected the process. The majority of citizens wanted a new rec center, scholarship funding and non-profit community grants.But can the same be said for funding a new fire station? No. This is not what the citizens of San Bruno wanted as per past surveys. (The 2021 survey had only 2 out of 500 people stating they wanted a Fire Station as a priority.) Please respect the importance of community input and delay the decision on the future of the foundation until you have thoroughly engaged the community. I believe you will find out that others feel like I do, and would want to have some say in this matter. Also, now is not the time to stop youth scholarships and stop funding non-profits. With the political climate in our country making it difficult for families and groups to rely on future funding, it makes it more imperative that we continue to help to support those whom we have served in the past. Our San Bruno residents deserve your consideration. Thank you. Melinda Allbaugh-Jones San Bruno resident since 1963 Volunteer, Friends of the San Bruno Library Public Comment From: Andy Jones <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:58 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Feedback for Tonight's Meeting To Whom It May Concern, Hello, my name is Andy Jones. I have been a resident of San Bruno for more than 30 years. I’ve also been a local educator for more than 40 years, having valued justice and fair representation throughout my teaching career. Today, I want to know if you are straying from these values of justice and fair representation by the recent thoughts and proposed actions of your foundation. I am both concerned and saddened to hear that you are considering phasing out The San Bruno Community Foundation. It has been a blessing that this foundation has utilized the ideas of a majority of community members surveyed to effectively support the rebuilding process following the aftermath of San Bruno’s tragic pipeline explosion. Is there any chance you can delay or alter this important decision to wind down your foundation until you have surveyed the community on this subject? I am so grateful that you have utilized community survey responses to guide your decision making thus far. It shows an investment in honoring the wishes of the community. However, I do not understand why our Foundation is currently considering using most of the remaining assets to partially fund the construction of a new Fire Station, when less than 1% of people surveyed considered this to be a ‘needed use of the funds’. So many people and groups in San Bruno are counting on you to continue funding projects which were chosen because they do meet the criteria for being ‘high priority’ based upon survey results. And, in light of so many federal funds being suddenly taken away, your foundation is even more needed to fund groups that are on shaky financial ground. So why are you switching your decision making criteria now? Please ‘stay the course’ by utilizing survey results for future decisions, and if you are unsure, get more feedback from your community before making rash decisions like supporting a fire station rebuild or thinking that spending the remaining money soon is better than supporting ongoing needs for many years to come. Our community needs your foundation to stay together and make decisions based upon a majority opinion of all San Bruno residents, not a select few who think they know what is best for everyone. Please do the right thing. Earn the respect of your constituents by making sure that your decisions truly reflect the will of the people. San Bruno deserves fair representation and justice for all. Thank you for your time, Andy Jones Public Comment From: Nicholas Rackard-Hilt <---- > Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:27 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Public Comment – May 7 SBCF Board Meeting Dear SBCF Board Members, My name is Nick, and I’m writing on behalf of San Bruno Healthy Homes (SBHH) and as a longstanding resident of San Bruno to express strong opposition to the proposed resolution to dissolve the San Bruno Community Foundation and redirect nearly all of its remaining assets to a single capital project. We respectfully urge the Board to pause this rushed process and commit to a transparent, inclusive public engagement strategy before making a decision with such lasting impact. Over the years, SBCF has become a vital community institution—funding scholarships, nonprofit programs, and initiatives that support San Bruno’s most vulnerable residents. These investments have strengthened the health, education, and economic stability of our city in ways that can’t be replicated by a single construction project. Especially in a time of economic uncertainty and federal funding cuts, these programs are more important than ever. We understand the desire to leave behind a meaningful legacy. But we offer this: the San Bruno Community Foundation itself is the legacy. Its structure, programs, and direct investments into people and neighborhoods are a living testament to community resilience and commitment to equity. Why dismantle what already serves as a powerful example of what long-term community investment can look like? Furthermore: • Only 2 out of 500 residents in past surveys prioritized a new fire station. • Measure Q already provides funding for fire station upgrades. • There has been no broad, transparent process for public input on this decision. We ask that you: • Vote NO on the resolution to eliminate core programming • Preserve the Foundation and its community-led mission • Open a public process to assess priorities before committing funds Thank you for your service and for considering this input. Sincerely, -Nick Nicholas Rackard-Hilt San Bruno Healthy Homes https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-rackard-hilt Public Comment From: Alexis Petru <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 2:59 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Cc: Tom Hamilton <THamilton@sanbruno.ca.gov>; Rico Medina <RMedina@sanbruno.ca.gov> Subject: Comments for tonight's board meeting Dear San Bruno Community Foundation board, Mayor Medina, and Councilmember Hamilton, I am writing to express concerns over tonight's decision to approve the construction of a new fire station with the remaining SBCF funds. SBCF has provided wonderful benefits for our community -- scholarships, a beautiful Rec Center, school programs, community grants, and more -- and in the past, has solicited feedback from the community about spending their funds via community surveys. From speaking with other community members, they are perplexed as to why the fire station was chosen as the SBCF's final project for several reasons: 1) voters already approved Measure Q for improvements to the existing fire station (which made us think the fire station is in need of upgrades, but not a full-blown reconstruction), 2) on the last community survey, only two community members chose the fire station reconstruction as a project they would like SBCF to fund, and 3) SBCF has solicited community input via survey and community feedback sessions in prior years, but why not this time, as they decide to spend down the remaining funds? I personally support a new library as the SBCF's legacy project, but even more importantly, I think the San Bruno community deserves a project that the majority of community members support. So even if my top priority isn't chosen, that's fine, as long as the community was polled. I hope you will hold off on voting on the remaining funds this evening, do a thorough survey of the community, and then make your decision on the community's desires and budget. Thank you for your consideration. Alexis Petru San Bruno resident of 16 years Volunteer for San Bruno Park schools, former Cub Scout den leader, donor/volunteer to the Friends of the Library and Catholic Worker Hospitality House. Public Comment From: JOHN KEVRANIAN <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 3:36 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Subject: Keeping San Bruno committee foundation Dear San Bruno Community Foundation Board Members, It has come to my attention that the San Bruno Community Foundation board members will be deciding tonight to close and terminate the foundation. The foundation was established to help the San Bruno community for many generations to come. The foundation has funded many fantastic charities in San Bruno and should continue for many years to come in supporting and helping our community. The scholarships the students received from the foundation should continue. Establishing an endowment and continuing the scholarships every year with the earnings from the endowment would support many students and their families in the future. Funding a fire department with the leftover proceeds of $45 million of the foundation funds is a one time deal and is the end of the foundation. This is not a good decision to make because a fire department has major expenses every year. The City of San Bruno can apply for many different grants to build a fire department. Many low income students have a tough time receiving scholarships or financial support for college. As you may know, many grants and other types of subsidies have been terminated the last several months by the new Trump administration. I graciously request that you continue the foundation and support many charities and great causes in our community for many years to come. Best Regards, John Kevranian ---- San Bruno, CA 94066 ---- cell Public Comment From: Matt Jones <----> Sent: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 4:46 PM To: info@sbcf.org <info@sbcf.org> Cc: Marty Medina <MMedina@sanbruno.ca.gov>; Rico Medina <RMedina@sanbruno.ca.gov>; Sandy Alvarez <salvarez@sanbruno.ca.gov>; Michael Salazar <MSalazar@sanbruno.ca.gov>; Tom Hamilton <THamilton@sanbruno.ca.gov>; City Manager <CityManager@sanbruno.ca.gov>; City Clerk <CityClerk@sanbruno.ca.gov> Subject: Public comment for Item 7 Dear SBCF staff, Board Members and City Council and City Manager, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on an important topic - the future of the San Bruno Community Foundation. I fully support the language and direction of the Change.org Petition linked here which at the time of this email has 60 signatures. I am a longtime San Bruno resident and I am currently working as a Director of a local nonprofit. These past few months have been plagued with uncertainty, chaos and fear with the change in federal government's policies. Nonprofits are increasingly turning to foundations for financial stability right now, so foundations like SBCF have become a lifeline for nonprofits that serve the San Bruno community. What I will add to many others' comments around Measure Q is the urgency and need to retain your existing programming - the college scholarship program and community grants cycle - that is backed by substantial community input and support. The cost of making the shift from your programs to a large capital investment would cripple the community and local nonprofits at a time when we need you most. Programs help supplement the work of city government and I believe the City of San Bruno is best to lead on assessing its own infrastructure needs and leading this process while seeking funds on its own through other means. The organizations you have historically funded involve many underserved segments of the population, including students, the poor, unhoused, and immigrant populations. These are populations that are very much part of San Bruno and are under attack by policies from the federal government. The cost far outweighs the benefit of making such a big change at this time and would cause tremendous harm and instability. Please do the right thing. Vote "No" on the proposed resolution and re-engage the community, students, and local nonprofits to ensure that our voices are considered in your decisionmaking about the future of the foundation. Thank you for your consideration. Matt Jones District 3 resident