We urge the honorable Mónica García to support changes to the designs for Central Region Elementary School #20 (CRES#20) that will foster a healthier and safer neighborhood for students, families, staff and the neighborhood. At a recent school district meeting Ms. García stated her interest in working with the community on this project. We encourage Ms. García to keep her promise.

We ask the LAUSD to redesign the projected parking lot planned at the corner of Bimini Place and White House Place. We ask that the the parking lot design preserve the safety and walkability of these streets.

Additionally, we ask that the existing vacant lot at the corner of Whitehouse Place and Bimini Place be left for use as a horticultural project that can be used to serve the seven schools in the area. In the past this site served as a school garden, and we urge you to preserve the existing hill so that it can return to that use. Preserving this site can reduce the school district’s expenses, improve security, provide healthy food, enhance student learning, facilitate inter-generational collaboration, and reduce pollution.

Please act now for a healthier future for our kids, our families, and our communities. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.