As I'm sure all of you have felt by now, California is in major financial trouble. Both our school district and our city are in trouble because of this, and it will soon affect AquaStarz.

The City Council is expected to decide by June 23 whether it will close Community Pool. Among the choices is to close the pool just to open and lap swimming and allowing community groups to still use it or to close it completely. Closure could start as soon as July 1.

As you know, Community Pool is usually our team's pool of choice. Because we are probably the smallest group to use it on a scheduled basis, our team is usually last in line when swim times are doled out. That is among the reasons we have girls practicing until 9 p.m., as we soon will. Taking Community Pool out of the equation could mean less time for our team to practice, and it could mean a lot less time.

We need to tell the City Council that we do not want them to close Community Pool. The best way to get the message across is to have the team members tell them. The best time to do this is at the next council meeting, Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Open forum starts then, which is just after the beginning class ends, and our presentation should last about 3 minutes and begin during the first 20 minutes of the meeting. Showing up with AquaStarz Tshirts and wet hair will get their attention.

I know this is the day before our first meet of the season, and two days before the end of the school year. So, I don't expect the intermediates to be there. But if any of the Novice group can tell the council members what they think of their AquaStarz experience, it can only help our cause.

Please let me know Saturday at the mock meet if your daughter -- and you -- can help. The letter we've already sent to the City Council is attached below. Check it out!

Thanks,
Heidi Holmblad