The City of Temecula announces free Wi-Fi access, “Wi-Fi Gardens,” in selected public spaces to help supplement Temecula Valley Unified School District’s efforts to provide students online access to the internet for schoolwork. Wi-Fi Gardens will be located at Rotary Park, Margarita Community Park, and the CRC Amphitheater from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily allowing students new options to virtually attend online classes and complete assignments. For added safety and security, the designated hot spots are strategically located in areas covered by the City’s video surveillance system.
Council Member and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Subcommittee Member Matt Rahn states, “The City was able to leverage existing infrastructure to create Temecula’s Wi-Fi Gardens to provide Internet access and reliable connectivity, which will supplement TVUSD’s efforts to provide students with online access and help address virtual challenges that may exist for some of our youth while distant learning in Temecula.”
In addition to the Wi-Fi Gardens, TVUSD and the City are jointly developing additional supportive programming to include vetted volunteer tutors. Temecula City Council Member and Community Services District President Zak Schwank, along with Community Services Commissioners Dale Borgeson and Gary Oddi, are leading the volunteer recruitment efforts. “For many students, preserving continuity of learning is nearly impossible outside of the traditional in-person school environment, due to a lack of connectivity and other resources. This is precisely why we are not only providing Wi-Fi Gardens, but also organizing volunteer tutors, in order to mitigate some of the educational impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” states Council Member Schwank who also serves as a member of the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Subcommittee with Council Member Rahn. Schwank adds, “Volunteer tutors will provide free masks from the City (while supplies last) in a safe outdoor setting to students who need support with online learning. Commissioners Borgeson and Oddi are both retired educators and advocates for educational equity and I am pleased with their volunteerism on this important topic.”
“The Wi-Fi Gardens and volunteer support program is just one example of the long history of collaborative efforts between the City and TVUSD. Programs like this and the Homework Center at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library are both designed to provide additional support for Temecula Valley students,” states Superintendent Jodi McClay.
The City of Temecula and TVUSD are committed to ensuring quality instruction through distance learning, including access to devices and connectivity for all students. It is anticipated that even after all classes resume in person, the need for connectivity will remain, and these Wi-Fi Gardens position the City and the School District to help address current and future online access needs.