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funding overlaps might exist among the different jurisdictions. She asked how these changes have improved the process. Mr. Erickson said it is greatly improved from staff's perspective and that they have received positive feedback from the various participating agencies. He said there is a high level of collaboration with the cities of Dublin and Livermore and that the electronic submission process further promotes the ability to see the larger picture. He noted that in addition to city staff's expertise, the City's vendor Zoom Grants is very accessible. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Christine Dilman, Director of Social Self Services for Tri-Valley Haven, said the organization currently provides bullying prevention and healthy relationship classes to high school students throughout Pleasanton. She reported that at least 20% of middle and high school students are ongoing victims of bullying, which can and often does lead to dire consequences including poor academic achievement, increased drug and alcohol use, and increased rates of teen depression and suicide. Over the past year, Tri-Valley Haven's program served over 5 times the number of students for which is was funded. She said students have finally come to trust and reach out to these educators and the teachers and Amador, Foothill and Village High Schools really rely on them to provide this type of education and outreach. Tri-Valley Haven has lost 1/3rd of its anti bullying and healthy relationship funds over the last several years due to federal cutbacks and the Department of Public Health is encouraging them to reach out for more local funding. She noted that the Youth Commission initially voted to approve $4,000 for healthy relationship classes but recommended zero funding for the anti bullying classes. She respectfully requested that the Council approve the $5,400 request for anti bullying classes to be taught in Pleasanton high schools. Ann King, Director of Tri-Valley Haven, supported Ms. Dilman's comments. She rioted that while state funding is limited to healthy relationship and sexual assault prevention education, there is a very clear correlation between bullying and later sexual assault. She respectfully requested that the Council reconsider investing in what has proved to be a successful program and make youth safety a priority. Melanie Sadek, Executive Director of Valley Human Society, thanked the Youth Commission for its recommendation to support Valley Humane's grant request. She explained that the request is for seed money to develop a marketing program that works with junior and senior high school students. The 12 week program enables students to learn real marketing skills from industry professionals and, through funding from Valley Humane, to develop and implement an actual media campaign. She stressed that it is a one-time request that will be used to provide materials that can be used in subsequent years. She noted for the Vice-Mayor's benefit that the grant process was very easy to navigate. Lawrence Kohl, Pacific Chamber Symphony, said the symphony has been of service to the community's youth and a grantee since the program began. Unfortunately the symphony did not receive approval for its application this year because he missed the mandatory meeting, for which he extended his apologies to the Commission and the Council. He asked that the Council reconsider funding their program for the requested amount of $7,500, which is used to provide clinics to advanced middle and high school string musicians and to conduct the Music is Fun assemblies. He noted that the program was awarded $2,500 in funding this fiscal year, that they requested a larger grant for next year to expand the program, but that even $2,500 would enable them to keep the program going. He explained that the program is not solely volunteer-based and the funds are used to provide students with access to some of the best professional musicians in the country. Community Services Manager Kathleen Yurchak stated that both the Civic Arts and Youth Commissions take their responsibility very seriously in allocating funds. As noted in Table B of the staff report, three organizations were not recommended to receive cultural funding and four not recommended for youth funding. She spoke specifically the Tri-Valley Haven's anti bullying project and City Council Minutes Page 7 of 12 May 7, 2013