2025-10-07 CC Agenda - Public Communications related to Item D8 - Aquatics #32025-10-07 CC AGENDA PAKCET
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS RELATED TO ITEM D8 - AQUATICS #3
[� Outlook
El Segundo Aquatics Center
From Theo Haubner <theo_haubner@student.davincischools.org>
Date Tue 10/7/2025 4:06 PM
To Pimentel, Chris (Mayor) <cpimentel@elsegundo.org>; Baldino, Ryan (Mayor Pro Tem)
<rbaldino@elsegundo.org>; Boyles, Drew (Council Member) <dboyles@elsegundo.org>; Keldorf, Michelle
(Council Member) <mkeldorf@elsegundo.org>; Giroux, Lance (Council Member) <Igiroux@elsegundo.org>;
*ALL CITY CLERKS <ALLCITYCLERKS@elsegu ndo.org >
Cc Ray Santiago <rsantiago@davincischools.org>; Jo Webber <jwebber@davincischools.org>;
bmeath@davincischools.org <bmeath@davincischools.org>; rochoa@davincischools.org
<rochoa@davincischools.org>; dboston@davincischools.org <dboston@davincischools.org>;
Iheimov@davincischools.org <Iheimov@davincischools.org>; Laura Schaefer <Ichaefer@davincischools.org>;
Matthew Wunder <mwunder@davincischools.org>; rbanuelos@wiseburn.org <rbanuelos@wiseburn.org>;
ngoldman@wiseburn.org <ngoldman@wiseburn.org>; nccappy@wiseburn.org <nccappy@wiseburn.org>;
mlegaspi@wiseburn.org <mlegaspi@wiseburn.org>; nmartinez@wiseburn.org <nmartinez@wiseburn.org>;
bsilvers@wiseburn.org <bsilvers@wiseburn.org>
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Theo, and I'm a 14-year-old swimmer on the Beach Cities Alpha swim team. I'm a student at Da Vinci
Science and live in Wiseburn. I'm writing because I'm really worried about the plan to take away our pool time at the El
Segundo Aquatics Center.
The El Segundo Aquatics Center is the main place nearby where I can train with my team and get better at swimming.
If we weren't able to have access to the non-rec pool, I, along with several other residents, would have to travel
significantly farther for practices. If we lose access to the competition pool, it will be really hard for me and other
swimmers to train properly and compete at our best.
Many of us have school and other activities, so having a regular, close place to swim is important. If we have to travel
farther or practice late at night, it could affect how well we do in school and swimming.
As a Wiseburn Da Vinci swimmer who will be representing my school at CIF, being able to practice in my home pool,
whether it's with my school team or my club team, makes me feel comfortable and confident for when the school
swim season starts.
Please think about how important the pools are to us swimmers and help us keep our time at the El Segundo Aquatics
Center
Thank you for listening and for caring about the kids in El Segundo and Wiseburn. My fellow Wiseburn Da Vinci
swimmers and I will be attending the City Council meeting tonight.
Sincerely,
Theo Haubner
Da Vinci Science '29
Beach Cities Alpha swimmer
Wiseburn resident
3-1 Outlook
City Council Meeting 10/7 1 Aquatics Business Plan
From Brian Buckland <bcbuckland@gmail.com>
Date Thu 10/9/2025 1:54 PM
To Pimentel, Chris (Mayor) <cpimentel@elsegundo.org>; Giroux, Lance (Council Member)
<Igiroux@elsegundo.org>; Baldino, Ryan (Mayor Pro Tem) <rbaldino@elsegundo.org>; Boyles, Drew (Council
Member) <dboyles@elsegundo.org>; Keldorf, Michelle (Council Member) <mkeldorf@elsegundo.org>; Truax,
Susan (City Clerk) <struax@elsegundo.org>
Cc Mancini, Aly <amancini@elsegundo.org>
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I attended the City Council meeting on the 7th and left feeling disappointed by the tone and behavior displayed by
some members of the Council.
After parents and children spoke to express their concerns about the proposed aquatics business plan and its
potential impacts, they were met with criticism that lasted several minutes. When reviewing the July 1 st meeting, I
noticed a very different tone —speakers at that time, who voiced similar concerns regarding lane allocation and pool
access, were thanked for their input and treated respectfully. This contrast was disheartening and gave the impression
that some Council members may hold animosity toward the swim community.
While I understand that some individuals may have acted inappropriately in the days prior to the meeting, what
occurred during the public session did not warrant the response that was given —especially considering that many of
the attendees and speakers were children. As Councilmember Giroux noted, members of the Council are
also adults as well as community leaders, and should act as such. During National Anti -Bullying Month, I would have
hoped to see more patience and empathy extended toward our youth and residents.
When community members come forward with concerns, I believe the focus should be on solutions rather than
assigning blame or expressing resentment. Comments suggesting that others now see what it's like to practice late in
Torrance felt dismissive and unproductive. A more constructive response might have been to acknowledge the
concerns and commit to ensuring that all programs —swim, water polo, and public use —have fair and reasonable
access to pool facilities.
While I recognize that lane allocations may fall under staff implementation, the proposed business plan clearly
outlines an increase in prime -time usage for water polo. To suggest that the Council has no influence over this
process seems inconsistent with the oversight role you play. To be clear, this is not meant to oppose water polo
programs having appropriate access. Rather, I believe no child —whether a swimmer, water polo player, or otherwise
—should be forced to train at unreasonable hours.
It is clear that the City has a very dedicated, caring staff, and I am confident they can develop solutions. With the
reopening of The Plunge, our community's pool capacity will increase significantly. While prioritizing public access is
important, perhaps dedicating a few prime -time hours each week for organized youth programs could help ease some
of the strain. Those hours could potentially be offset by using the instructional pool at ESAC for lessons or open swim,
as it does not meet the requirements for competitive athletes. This could maintain accessibility while also supporting
cost recovery goals. As shown in prior business plans, these aquatic programs generate significant revenue and
community engagement, both of which contribute to the city's broader objectives.
In short, I am not asking for special treatment for any one group. I simply ask that the Council approach this issue with
fairness, transparency, and collaboration. The goal should not be to shift burdens from one group to another, but to
find sustainable solutions that serve all community members.
At the end of the day, we all share the same objective: to ensure that every young athlete in our city —regardless of
program —is treated with fairness, respect, and equity.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Brian Buckland
Concerned Community Member