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Stephanie Lin introduced his son, William Fang, who had spent time writing his speech to the Commission. She echoed comments of the other parents and indicated that she believed the school is offering a very comprehensive program, is consistent in its teachings, and offers caring cultural programs and education. She asked the Commission to support staffs recommendation for approval. William Fang stated that he has been in Ivy League for three years and that they have Chinese class every day, language arts like writing, reading, and spelling, accelerated reading tests after reading a book, accelerated math, homework time of 45 minutes, and if they do not finish, they go to homework club to finish. He stated that they get all the free time they want from 6:10 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. He noted that today, 20 percent of the world speak Chinese, and 15 percent speak English; he noted that this school teaches both languages. He added that the school evolved from a small school of 30+ students to a 60-student school, and now the students need more space so they can have more fun and education. He asked the Commission to vote yes so they can move to their bigger and better building. Rachel Tu stated that she and her husband moved to Pleasanton last year and that they have a special needs child. She voiced concern about the level of academia in public schools, discussed her research in supplemental education, and stated that she believes Ivy League is perfect. She stated that the school is very structured and offers advanced math, Chinese language, culture, and writing skills and that six months later, her son's skills have improved, and he can now talk with his grandparents fluently in Chinese. She stated that she can see the program expanding for the benefit of the entire community. Sonia Gupta stated that when she went back to work, she wanted a good quality after-school program for her son and was very impressed with Ivy League's programs. She noted that he gets good grades, completes his homework, participates in swimming, and can focus on activities other than academics. She said that after seven months, her son is now speaking Chinese to his friends, is multi-lingual, and is extremely proud of the school. She expressed her support for the school's move to a bigger facility and asked the Commission to approve the proposal. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Chair Blank called for aten-minute break at 9:00 p.m. and thereafter reconvened the regular meeting. Chair Blank thanked all those who provided testimony and indicated that staff has done additional research during the break regarding the previous history and would provide further explanation. Ms. Decker corrected an earlier error that PCUP-179 is the use permit for the Korean Presbyterian Church, which is not affiliated with Little Ivy League or any of its programs. She provided a history of Little Ivy League's growth over time, indicating that the first EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 10, 2008 Page 13 of 21