triteam letter for be wise ranch

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