Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
ACCEPT THE DONATION OF 50 CHROMEBOOK LAPTOPS TO THE CITY TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY FROM ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
On September 1st, the City Council discussed their concerns regarding underserved families with children in their community after hearing reports of 2 young girls being forced to sit in a Taco Bell parking lot in order to utilize free WiFi to complete their school work.
The Council directed staff to immediately explore the possibility of providing free WiFi at all City parks and other City facilities. Additionally, Council identified the eminent need for technological equipment for disadvantaged children in remote schooling situations during the pandemic and cost burdens associated with the same on their families.
The Council further encouraged stakeholders in the Carson community to consider donations towards providing laptops to Carson families in need.
The City Attorney, Sunny Soltani, and her colleagues at Aleshire & Wynder, LLP have purchased and are donating 50 Chromebook laptops to the City to be distributed to the community.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Accept the donation of 50 Chromebook laptops from the City Attorney and develop a process for distribution of same to the Carson community.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE such other action as the City Council deems appropriate, consistent with the requirements of the law.
IV. BACKGROUND
With the COVID-19 Pandemic causing school closures, thousands of students (K-12 and university level) are trying to complete their education from home, many without access to a computer. Since the school closures on March 16th, 2020, there has been an immense need to minimize educational disruption and facilitate the continuity of learning. Nevertheless, the greatest need for the most vulnerable students in our community who don’t have the access to the tools necessary to continue their education from home is a laptop.
According to Compudopt,
“Greater than 30% of economically disadvantaged families lack access to a computer at home. This impacts their family time, ability to do homework, and even creates social barriers. Without computer literacy and regular access, a world of content and knowledge is unwittingly beyond the reach of these students.”
The need for more technology is and will continue to be high well into the New Year and the City Attorney, Sunny Soltani and her colleagues at Aleshire & Wynder, LLP have answered the call to service by donating 50 Chromebook laptops for those students in the City of Carson who are in the greatest need.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
No impact to the City funds as the City Attorney and her colleagues at Aleshire & Wynder, LLP have absorbed the cost and are providing Chromebook laptops through donation.
VI. EXHIBITS
None.
Prepared by: David C. Roberts, Jr., Assistant City Manager