When it comes to those involving youth sports, the new fees are “something that has to be considered very carefully,” Lisa Castillo, vice president of the Santa Paula Little League, told the council. Sports programs in general are beneficial to youth, and a busy child does not get into trouble - offshoots of the advantages of park use that Castillo said should be studied.
Mayor Bob Gonzales, the city’s former police chief, agreed: “All of us grew up in Santa Paula, and we know the many benefits” provided by sports activities. Such benefits can’t always be measured in dollars, he noted.
Castillo and several other speakers told the council that volunteers donate their own time, labor and even material for field upkeep, activities that must be considered by the city. The council agreed, and Gonzales said the city must “make sure we are not letting these volunteers do unpaid work” and then charging them for work they are doing themselves.
Jerry Marquez said he estimates that more than 90 percent of the children he coaches in soccer are from low-income families who “can hardly pay their fees,” and it is not uncommon for coaches to absorb costs. But with the new fees, “I would be afraid a lot of kids would not play because of money,” a blow to the teams that Marquez said are “well respected” and known throughout Ventura County.
The council addressed the three fee options reported by Interim Community Services Director Ed Mount, as well as required nonprofit status and program size as it would relate to pricing structures. The council told the crowd they appreciated their input and would incorporate same as they continue to study the issue, which will return to the council at a future meeting.
