By DPM
She approached the city council dais with confidence and focus like she has hundreds of times before to give her staff report. Although it was Sabrina Barnes’ last staff report as the outgoing director of parks, recreation, and community service, she is still building a legacy for the department.
Today she is recommending that the mayor and council members authorize her department to pursue state licensing of the City’s Early Learners Play to Learn Childhood Development Program. This would elevate the current services from a childcare service to a licensed preschool, offering longer hours and a greater educational experience for children ages 1 – 5 years old.
Upon approval, the city will commence a pilot program in the summer of 2024 to gain licensing in about a year. Although parents will have to pay approximately $500 a month, Barnes said that fee is lower than other cities, and it will still offset most of the cost to offer it.
“For generations, this program has served this community,” said Barnes. “We have students who have become teachers. We have students who now have their children and their grandchildren in this program. (The new preschool program will) provide constructive learning, motor skills, and academic readiness for kindergarten,” said Barnes.
After her report, the council became very emotional as they commended Barnes for her commitment to serving the city and in many cases their own family members.
“Nobody knows what you do,” said Councilman Eloy Morales, Jr. in a heartrending voice. “You’re a quiet leader. You’re a quiet giant. We all appreciate you. You also helped my dad!” he added.
“You’ve always been an inspirational person who is (not only) a loving and caring person…but a person who is more than anything, truly giving,” said Councilman Alex Padilla.
Mayor James Butts, Jr. praised Barnes for breaking the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
“That’s the way it was in Inglewood, all-male department heads,” said Butts. “When you became the department head of parks and rec, I said, ‘We’re getting somewhere.’ …What I saw in you was someone I would support unilaterally because you care,” said Butts.
Although Barnes said she will fill her days with her favorite pastimes
such as travel and spending time with her family, she is fully aware of the trail she has blazed and was honored to be showered with accolades by the mayor and councilmembers.
“Certainly, there was great leadership that came before me,” said Barnes. “But I am very proud and pleased to have stepped into the position and let other Black women and people of color know that these types of positions and levels of authority are very possible…”
