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deserving an education in a school that is safe, and how irreplaceable the SRO is. She asked Council to reconsider and challenged parents to come up with the additional funds needed or to reallocate funding to maintain the SRO. Florian Shasky, librarian at Sequoia High School, expressed his concerns and reasons to retain the SRO, which included: safety for staff and students, the role the SRO plays in any incidents that the school may be vulnerable to, SRO's experience, knowledge, and advanced training in providing community intelligence. He also mentioned this position being a role model for students and influencing the culture. He urged Council to support funding for the SRO as an investment in social capital. Elise Levin-Guragar, a sophomore at Sequoia High School, said she feels strongly that it is necessary for Sequoia High School to have an SRO on campus as an amazingly helpful and important figure for many students in a variety of ways. She expressed her appreciation of Council's support to youth and the community and said they would appreciate Council's continued support. Cynthia McCain a resident of Redwood City's North Fair Oaks area and the mother of a junior at Sequoia High School, asked Council to reconsider the cut as the SRO is extremely important to parents and students. Judy Draper, the parent of a junior at Sequoia High School and president of the PTA (Parent Teach Association), expressed her appreciation for the temporary solution to continue to fund the SRO through the rest of the school year. She provided many reasons why she thinks it is critical to maintain the SRO position, including the SRO being a powerFul deterrent, a role model, mentor, and confidant for students. She opined that Sequoia High School is a great place renowned for its bachelorette program, inclusive sports program, and performing arts programs. Suzanne Saluti is a resident of San Carlos and her daughter is attending Sequoia High School. She opined that it is important for voices outside of Redwood City to be heard, that the school is a safe place, that the SRO is a preventative practice for high schools, that it would be unconscionable to make school safety less of a priority, and she questioned how fiscally responsible it would be to not continue the partially funded SRO. She urged everyone to continue to work together and they want the school to continue to be a safe place that they want to send their send kids. Mayor Foust asked if anyone has approached the City of San Carlos about possibly assisting Redwood City with funding this officer. Chief Cobarruviaz said he has not gone to the City San Carlos regarding funding this position, but he has spoken with the chiefs of police at San Carlos, Menlo Park and Atherton about the preliminary possibility of combining certain services. Jean Forstner is a Redwood City resident and has a daughter who is a sophomore at Sequoia High School and opined that she finds it ironic that the City has been honored for its commitment to the children's bill of rights. She spoke about how this school has changed over the years. She opined that this is the worst time to consider cutting when it JOINT CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD NOVEMBER 9, 2009 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 62 Page No. 518