triteam letter for be wise ranch (PDF)

February 22, 2012
To Whom it May Concern,
On the weekend of February 19, 2012, the UCSD Triathlon Team held their
annual sprint distance race on Fiesta Island. The funds we raise for this event provide
over 80% of our working budget for the year. There are many levels of volunteerism and
product donation that occurs from local businesses to make this event cost effective for
us. The current legal arguments surrounding eye gnats in Escondido would, if resolved in
support of the neighbors and not Be Wise Ranch, be detrimental to our race next year.
Allow me to explain.
The Triathlon Team at the University of California San Diego is the first
collegiate team in the country to be certified as a sustainable and eco-friendly sports
organization. This year our example expanded to the University of California Irvine and
the famous Wildflower race at Lake San Antonio. As part of this certification we must
promise to serve post-race food that is organic and grown locally. Over the past years Be
Wise Ranch has supplied us with an endless amount of fruit to feed to ravenous athletes.
If Be Wise Ranch is forced to shut down and unable to grow organic produce we will
literally loose the bulk of our food supply that maintains our eco certification. Since we
have gained momentum in spreading our green efforts, it would be unfortunate to have to
revert to a non-eco race next year. Please do not stand in the way of our progress.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. You will understand if I
include a couple snapshots showing race participants enjoying the produce that Be Wise
Ranch so generously provides.
Sincerely,
Kerri D. Fullam
UCSD Triathlon Team, Treasurer
614.506.8825, kfullam@ucsd.edu