December 20, 2000

Mr. Valente Duran
c/o EZ-8 Motel, Room 237-238
1750 S. Waterman
San Bernardino, California 92408

Re: Cypress Inn Trailer Park

Dear Mr. Duran:

I read in the paper yesterday a statement attributed to you, "In Mexico, they treat us better than here."

The City of San Bernardino, out of concern for the safety of you and your family, evacuated you and your family on Thursday, December 14, 2000 from Cypress Inn Trailer Park to the EZ-8 Motel. Our Fire Department Inspectors believe you and your family were living in a situation that could result in serious injury or even death, due to the condition of the park and your mobile home.

The people of the City of San Bernardino are presently paying for two rooms at the motel for you and your family and are reimbursing the Salvation Army for providing you and your family with daily meals.

We intend to continue providing you this assistance for the remainder of the two week period that you were informed of when the evacuation first occurred.

In addition, as you have also previously been advised, the people of the City of San Bernardino, through the City's Economic Development Agency, is prepared to assist you and your family in obtaining more permanent housing by paying your first month's rent and a security deposit at a residence that meets fire and building code standards.

I do not know if the comment attributed to you in the newspaper is correct or not. If it is correct, I understand and respect your feelings for what I assume is your native country.

However, I want you to know that the comment attributed to you in Tuesday's paper was perceived as a criticism by you of the effort and funds that the people of the City of San Bernardino are providing for you and your family. We do not believe this criticism of our efforts is justified.

The people of this City have no desire to deprive you or your family of what you may believe would be better treatment by the government of Mexico. Therefore, in substitution for the housing, food, and other assistance the City of San Bernardino is voluntarily providing, we want to give you the option of continuing to receive this assistance or accepting our offer to arrange and pay for transportation for you and your family, one way, to Mexico.

This alternative offer is conditioned upon your signing a release for the City of San Bernardino.

If you choose not to accept this alternative offer the people of the City of San Bernardino will continue to assist you in the manner and for the time previously indicated.

Sincerely,
JAMES F. PENMAN,
City Attorney
1-909-384-5355

cc: Mayor Judith Valles
City Councilmembers