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DRAFT MINUTES 2. USE PERMIT NO. PA-03-164 OF ART CABRAL&CLIFFORD VANDER VEEN (C/O MOYER CONSULTING to establish a drug and alcohol treatment group facility for the Native American community in two phases over a five-year period. The project site is located on the north side of East French Camp Road, 1300 feet west of Union Road, south of Stockton(Supervisorial District 1). Commissioner Eley said he had a conflict and would step down on this item. Jennifer Jolley, Associate Planner, introduced the staff report into the record. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED: PROPONENTS: Don Moyer(P. O. Box 207, Ripon), representing Native Directions, Inc. (Three Rivers), said they concur with the staff report. He said that NDI began operating in 1974 on N. Union Road in Manteca. They have operated there without any problems. The Sheriff said that NDI is very helpful with them regarding issues related to Native Americans. Right now it is only a male adult operation, but they would like to add women and children. They would like to add a job training program. There would be 90 days of rehabilitation and then 90 days of job training. They also want to offer a VA program that would be open to any veterans regardless of their ethnic origin. Ramona Valdez, director of Three Rivers Lodge, said they have been in existence for over 25 years. They wish to provide more services for Native Americans addicted to drugs and alcohol. She said these people do not feel comfortable in the city. They are people of the land and would feel more comfortable on agricultural land. Commissioner Stockar said that most people who start out working in agriculture only last two years or so and then move into the trades,which pay more than the minimum wage of farm labor. He said that a farming operation of this type might not be economically feasible as opposed to the trades. Ramona Valdez said there are no trades on the reservations. This program assists people in getting their GED's so that they can get into college. This agricultural program is just one option that they can offer so that people can change their lives. Jenny Montoya said she is a member of the National Alliance of the Mentally III. She said that people with brain disorders often become dependent on drugs and alcohol. She said the Three Rivers program treats these people and brings them back into contact with their cultural roots. Marie Derrick said she is a child therapist. She does all the mental health therapy for Three Rivers. She said these people are no more violent than any other group of people in society. Edward Samson said he is the director of development for a health clinic that serves the Native American community. He is in support of this project. Fred Short said they want to get away from the city and move into an agricultural area. He said he went through this program, and it helps people sober up and better realize their spirituality. Charlene Shule said there are very few facilities like this. Agriculture provides an holistic approach to dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Healing has to begin somewhere. Job searching is not the primary focus. These people have to find themselves first. Mike Liniger, the project manager, said this is not a training center so that people can go out and get jobs. This program is for people to get in touch with their spirituality and be in touch with the land and establish their identity. PC MINUTES -3- PC: 8-21-03