The following is information I gleaned from a mailer I received today. I was on the fence about this project but I am not any more. Regardless of what you heard about its financial troubles and how the project was not well thought out, it doesn't matter. It is built and it is beautiful and those of us who need to teach our kids to swim want to keep all the bells and whistles fully functional. Am I the only one who remembers the old pool? The Swim/Skate nights on the weekends? It was good, wholesome fun for us kids. I do not want to rob that option from my own son. Join me. And comment away on this forum. I am interested in everyone's feedback.
Measure A is a proposal from the City of Fort Bragg to establish long-term funding for the C.V. Starr Center. On MARCH 6, 2012, Fort Bragg residents will decide by mail-in ballot if the City may add a 1/2 cent raise to the sales tax solely for the purpose of running the Center.
The City of Fort Bragg will assume operational oversight and responsibility for the C.V. Starr's financial management, providing auditing, accountability and transparency.
The City will ensure Measure A's revenue is used solely to operate, maintain and fund facility improvements at the C.V. Starr Center.
The City will be involved in making key hiring, administrative and operational decisions.
The City will prepare an annual Operational Plan and Budget in coordination with MCRPD Staff for City Council approval.
The City of Fort Bragg will also contract with the MCRPD for the delivery of exceptional programs and day-to-day operation of the C.V. Starr Center.
What does adding a 1/2 cent to Fort Bragg's sales tax really mean? It means you will pay less sales tax than you did last year. The adjusted rate, including the new library tax, will be 8.357%. Last year Fort Bragg's sales tax was 8.75%. Sales tax is not collected on food, medicine, utilities or services. A 1/2 cent increase adds 50 cents to every $100.
We love the Water Exercise Classes!
We love playing with our Grandpa in the pool!
We love having a great, fun, safe place to bring our children!
VOTE YES ON MEASURE A!
If we are going to err, let’s err on the side of generosity to our children who need to learn how to swim and be water safe and to our elders who need the therapy and community of aqua exercise classes. Some of the best things in life are challenges that we embrace and turn into expanded opportunities.
As a child advocate (volunteer executive director of the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund) and a senior advocate (board member of the Redwood Coast Senior Center)
I want young and old to have the opportunities CV Starr provides even if it costs me a few pennies per hundred when I shop locally which I also support.
For me and many others the warm pool provides a therapy experience unavailable any where else. I am neither young or old at 54, but I was homebound until it opened and it made it possible for me to become more mobile, particularly in the water. I was able to start swimming again, lost 45 lbs, and started volunteering with the Adapted PE class in the first photo (which I was also able to take because I can get out of the house :-). I was able to become a Water Safety Instructor and I have been honored to volunteer with Tessie Branscomb to teach 300 second graders to swim in the last two years.
Your yes vote helps me be a productive member of our community. Without it I will again be homebound within 6 to 9 months as my muscles lose their conditioning from the warm pool. There is no exercise I have found in 22 years of disability that does for me what walking in warm water does, and believe me, I have tried everything!
Thank you for throwing your support, and all others who do also. I have gained so much more mobility through the warmer pool water. When the orthopedic surgeon says You have too much degenerative arthritis for me to help you, and the chiropractor says, “Did you get run over by a Mack truck?” The ONLY thing that will help you is exercise…..and with two failing knee replacements, that means in warm water. Susan Larken has been my water coach in her glasses for many years. I can do more because of that mobility allowed in the pool and running river. What a joy to RUN again! Please,,,,1/2 cent creates a wonderful opportunity for all ages!
You rule.
Jessica, Thanks for helping get out the words of importance. All second grade children from Fort Bragg and Mendocino received swim lessons thanks to the Childrens Fund and the wonderful swimming instructors at the Spath Aquatic Center last year. Children living near the ocean need to learn to swim as well as understand water safety
loving you
According to the California City and County Sales and Use Tax Rates dated November 1, 2011 the sales tax in Fort Bragg is only 7.75 not 8.75.
The C.V. Starr Center also provides jobs.
Growing up in a family with five of us kids, we all were lucky to have rec centers nearby to go and play, swim and be with kids our age. I have lots of good memories from those days. I think it is really nice Fort Bragg has such a beautiful center for people of all ages to go to. The old rec center was where I took my kids for swimming, skating and parties. I have good memories from there, too. And to see how wonderful that pool is for the young folks up to the older folks is just beautiful. What a nice place for more good memories for all. I do hope we all vote Yes on Measure A. I know I will be doing so. Thanks for the good article about this worthy cause!