Editor
Those of us in the Moraga's Lighting Assessment District have been paying only $16 a year for street lights, an amount that hasn't covered the cost for a long time. We are being asked to pay $58 a year, which is still less than five dollars a month. If this assessment --it isn't a tax -- had been gradually increased to $58 over the years to keep up with the cost, we would still consider it a bargain, if we had noticed it at all.
The Town of Moraga's general fund has been making up the difference. This means that those without street lights have, in effect, been subsidizing those of us who have them. This isn't right. We should pay this light bill, just as we pay PG&E for our indoor lights. The Revenue Enhancement Committee brought this problem to our attention last year as it searched for ways to keep the Town of Moraga in business. Although the increased assessment wouldn't bring in new revenue, it would relieve the general fund of this burden, which would have the same effect.
Please return your ballot approving the higher assessment so that the Town Council can determine whether there will be sufficient revenues to continue operating the street lights next year.
Dale Walwark
Moraga

Dear Editor:
Using the New Math of the Moraga Town Council, $300,000 equals nearly 400%. But first you must understand that principles of the Moraga Town Council's New Math. First principle, more is less. Spend more on town staff. For example, spend more for a town manager and director of public works than most comparably sized municipalities. Then ask for homeowners is pay nearly a 400% increase in lighting fees. Second principle, buy more save more. Then our esteem town council decided to go on a real estate spending spree when prices are low. Disregard the fact that the property is not needed and requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at additional costs. Third principle, lowest bidder is the best bidder while using Obama Stimulus Act funds. One only need look at the road paving debacle on Moraga Road to see this principle in action. The drawback of the third principle is now the Moraga Town Council will spend more of our money to litigate some semblance of professional services contract compliance. Fourth principle, establish an advisory committee and give it some meaningless title like the "revenue enhancement advisory committee". The only problem with such a lofty sounding title of this advisory body is that it only looks at one component of the budget formulation process. We, the trusting public, come away with the belief that this is actually a "budget advisory committee".
I know its been quite some time since I took accounting in business school, but this version of accounting is something I've never had the opportunity to work with. Maybe I should try these principles with my wife. "Oh, honey let's buy the $160,000 Mercedes-Benz. After all, the more we spend, the more we save with the 3% discount the dealer is giving us". I already tried this logic with her about the lighting assessment increase and it didn't fly too well. Her logic, why should spend money on this lighting when she can go shopping. Sorry folks, her logic is hard to beat. So maybe I'll just have to vote against the Moraga lighting assessment and vote for Acalanes Measure A
Dennis Wanken
Moraga
Editor:
Over the past three years, the Acalanes Union High School District's revenue allowance from the State has been reduced by $1,575 per student or $8.6 million. To deal with the deep revenue reductions, the District has been forced to make difficult program and staff reductions to assure it can meet its financial obligations.
In spite of the financial challenges facing the Acalanes Union High School District, as a result of the state fiscal crisis, the District continues to receive superior credit ratings from Moody's and Standard & Poor's investor services. Moody's and Standard & Poor's have recently affirmed the District's rating at Aa2 and AA, respectively.
Both ratings reflect the very strong credit worthiness of the District. Prior to assigning a score the rating agencies evaluate the local economy, existing district debt and finances, and administration/management strategies of the District. Based on these credit ratings, the recent issuance of bonds for sale resulted in the entire offering being purchased within one hour. This is reflective of fiscal confidence in the audits, policies, and procedures of AUHSD during a time of cautious investment.
The credit ratings for the District confirm the Governing Board's commitment for prudent financial planning in these difficult economic times. The ratings are a reflection of the District financial transparency and integrity.
Chris Learned,
Associate Superintendent -
Business Services
Acalanes Union High School District

Editor:
Thanks for your thoughtful response, Mr. Hasselman AIA (Public Forum- April 14, 2010) to my Public Forum of March 30. It's good to have some dialogue - finally --- between a group (Orinda Vision) and a resident (myself) regarding my opposition to Orinda's Downtown Plan.
I perfectly understand that Mr. Hasselman has an entirely different viewpoint. As far as I know, all my statements were accurate.
Always, I have had 3 major concerns:
1. The Downtown Task Force's proposed height change, with a developer's viewpoint, to 55 feet which is way up from the current 35-foot limit in Orinda's General Plan.
2. The lack of a true Town Hall meeting where residents could hear both sides of the issue, and
3. No provision for a public referendum in Orinda for residents to decide the direction of our city (as Walnut Creek did to allow Nieman Marcus into their community).
Mr. Hasselman thinks "there are valid reasons why so many of us visit (cities around the world) and why so few of their residents visit us." That has not been my experience. We have had exchange students reside with us, continuous visitors from Tabor in the Czech Republic (Orinda's sister city), and guests in our home from all over the world.
They love Orinda.
Another family we know agonized about leaving Orinda to return to --- Paris --- after living here for 5 years while the father pursued a Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. They eventually "had to return" to Europe because of an established family business. They stop by Orinda whenever they can.
While I was pleased to see the article on p. A7 of the April 14 issue entitled "Residents Encouraged to Weigh in on (Orinda) Downtown Recommendations" (a great message to residents to get involved), the writers misquoted me with the statement, "I do not appreciate change." That is the complete opposite of what I said.
In the public forum, I actually stated that my father was a career Naval officer and that we had lived in Europe, South America and around the states (I attended 10 schools). As a result, I explained that I appreciate good architecture and completely advocate change. I still travel extensively.
I think the reporters were referring to the end of the meeting when once again the Planning Commission cancelled/postponed discussion of the Downtown Plan for another 3 weeks. I said I was frustrated with the constant "change" in the schedule and agenda --- and that it is impossible for residents to know when to attend meetings to speak out.
One interesting quote was from an experienced attorney who stated that if the city of Orinda had to include roads in their budget (as a debt to citizens), Orinda would be bankrupt, too, like a number of other cities in California.
Ann O'Connell-Nye
Orinda

Measure A

Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my unqualified support for Measure A for the Lamorinda schools. I am as disgusted as anyone with the way that the dysfunctional State Legislature has played politics with school funding and repeatedly robbed our local schools of their core funding. But I am not willing to let the Legislature wreck one of the best school districts in the country. Acalanes has consistently outperformed other districts by any measure, and has done so with a lower per pupil cost than its successful Bay Area peer districts. It has done this by relying on a lean administration, lots of parental involvement, community support through the PTA and LASF, and - yes - by passing temporary parcel taxes when necessary to fill in the gaps created by Sacramento.
I urge all Lamorinda voters to vote Yes on Measure A in the ongoing mail-only ballot!
Thomas Hagler
Lafayette

Editor:
The schools of the Acalanes Union High School District have long been an essential thread of the local community fabric. Current and projected budget cuts will truly devastate our outstanding student educational experiences.
I have had the pleasure of being a science teacher, principal and district administrator in the AUHSD for over 15 years. Working with our students, staff, parents and community has given me a unique perspective on instructional programs, support services and extra curricular activities. It is tragic that all programs are in dire risk to be irreparably dismantled next year.
Class sizes have risen to an average of well over 30 students in many courses. Administrative expense has been reduced by 20% in recent years. All employees have made significant salary and benefit concessions. Without a local solution, we now must drastically reduce our highly successful programs and support services to balance the budget.
Do not let the State economic crisis destroy our schools and undermine our rich tradition of quality high schools. Support Measure A, a short-term, local solution to maintain highly valued programs. Measure A will bridge the funding gap during this economic downturn.
If you value our quality schools, support Measure A.
John T. Nickerson, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent -
Educational Services
Acalanes Union High School District

Dear Editor,
As the incoming Campolindo Music Boosters president, I see the number of students enrolling in instrumental music for next year declining from currently 168 to less than 100. Our excellent music program, which took Music Director Harvey Benstein 13 years of dedicated work to build, will fall to pieces if Measure A doesn't pass. With the loss of the 7th period, incoming freshmen will not have the option that my daughter had; to choose an elective. "If we don't catch them the first year, we'll lose them forever," says Mr. Benstein.
As both parents and community members, we enjoy great school concerts here in Moraga. Our students not only develop a passion for music that stays with them for their whole lives, but they also gain confidence and learn perseverance. Students graduating from Campolindo who participated in the music program move on to the finest schools in the country, not only in Music, but in Engineering, Science, Liberal Arts. Let's keep it that way! Join me in voting Yes on Measure A.
Carola Ziermann
Moraga

Dear Editor,
I was very fortunate to have attended Joaquin Moraga Intermediate and Campolindo High School, two outstanding schools. It was because of these exceptional schools that my husband and I moved to Moraga to raise our children.
Of course, like any parent, I want nothing less for my children. Because of that, I have been actively involved with the schools. Currently, I am the Camino Pablo Elementary School PTA President.
Through my involvement with the PTA, I learned first-hand that the state is in a dire economic condition. I fear my children, their friends and neighbors will not be fortunate to receive the same educational opportunities that I enjoyed.
Due to state budget cuts, the Acalanes Union High School District has initiated the layoff process for over 50 teaching positions next year. In order to continue the district's excellent programs, the community must band together and support the Measure A parcel tax.
Measure A is a short-term parcel tax aligned with the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office belief that by 2014-2015 the state's economic situation will turn around. Please mail in your ballot before May 4th, vote Yes on Measure A.
Niki Peterson
Moraga

Dear Editor,
I have children attending Camino Pablo, Joaquin Moraga, and Campolindo. My hope is my four children will be able to experience the exceptional education that Acalanes Union High School District currently offers. Consequently, I am voting Yes on Measure A.
Over the past three years, the Acalanes Union High School District has reduced its budget in excess of $8 million. Fiscally, the state is drowning and continues to cut education funding. Additional cuts that could cut district review by another $1 million are being considered by the state.
In reviewing the designated reductions, all program areas will be impacted by the cuts. Math, science, and foreign language options will be eliminated. Advanced Placement course enrollment will be severely restricted. Additionally, high school students will not be able to sign up for seven classes.
The AUHSD teachers and management staff are taking five unpaid furlough days for the next two years as cost savings to benefit students. The remaining piece of the fiscal puzzle is the passage of Measure A.
Measure A will provide the stopgap funding needed to offer our students a strong instructional program. They truly deserve this competitive edge.
Yours truly,
Marcie Schmitz
Moraga

Editor:
As a student in the Acalanes High School District, I enjoy having the choices of classes and teachers that are fully motivated and into their work. Our school district has amazing teachers and leaders, but with the recent budget cuts, the well-run district can't keep up. The district has already cut teaching positions by a great percentage and remaining teachers and administrators are receiving fewer benefits. For many students including myself, one on one communication with a teacher is very beneficial to my learning environment, but academic programs are being cut, and class sizes are increasing. The quality of education is going down, and it's a shame that people aren't concerned about the future well being of people in their community and how the society will progress as a whole. Before voting on measure A, think of the future of our world and how everyone will benefit from this
Melissa Chenok (Miramonte HS Student)
Orinda

Dear Editor:
In these difficult economic times, people may find themselves reluctant to approve another parcel tax. However, before they vote against Measure A, they should consider what it would really mean for our kids if it does not pass. While many parents did fine with the kind of no-frills education that would result, those parents might not be able to get into the colleges their kids are applying to today. The competition for admission is extreme. Colleges are getting more applicants than ever; it takes substantial achievement in high school to gain admission. Students must have excellent grades in advanced classes and significant extracurricular activities in sports, leadership or the arts. They cannot build the record that is required with the kind of minimum schooling that would result if Measure A does not pass.
We ask our kids to value education, to set their standards high, and to work very hard. And they do. They are the ones who achieve the test scores that get our schools the top ratings and keep our property values high. They will be the ones that go on to careers that support our economy. Let's not pull the rug out from under them just when it really matters.
Maureen Green and Matthew Brady
Lafayette

Dear Editor,
Growing up in Lafayette, I attended Lafayette Elementary, Stanley, and Campolindo. As a youth, I did not appreciate the excellent education Lamorinda schools provide. After researching public schools for our daughter, my husband and I moved back to Lafayette for the schools.
My daughter attended the same schools I did. As a result, she was successful in college. During high school, she was fortunate to have teachers who cared about students. Through this guidance, she was able to set a career path, which she successfully pursued.
Having worked for 20+ years in the Acalanes Union High School District, I witness daily the fiscal staff's exemplary budget procedures, which focus on student programs and needs. Due in large part to state mismanagement of funds, AUHSD has cut over $8 million over three years.
I have willingly accepted five non-paid furlough days over the next two years and enthusiastically support the passage of Measure A. The district will use this local funding to mitigate cuts to science, foreign language, English, social studies, arts, mathematics, and AP electives. It is imperative the community continue its long history of supporting excellence in education by supporting Measure A. Please vote "Yes" on May 4.
Jill Ramsay
Lafayette

Editor:
I am really tired of the distorted and cherry-picked facts that are so often used to bolster worthless arguments. Reading the arguments against Proposition A in the Voter Information Pamphlet we've all received in the mail, these folks point to Early Assessment Program (EAP) test results as evidence that our schools waste our money and don't deserve increased financial support.
The fact is, these tests are optional and only students who are thinking
about going into the California State University system take them. Overall in 2009, only 42% of students in AUHSD even took the tests. Compare this with Pittsburg Unified, where 85% of students took the tests or even Mt. Diablo, where 77% took them. How do I know all of this? I looked at the web site where opponents of Prop A said we should look to find the "proof."
Given that most students from our school district attend University of California or private schools including the Ivy League, most students who took the EAP tests likely did so because for reasons such as poor grades, they had fewer options. To take this as an indicator of AUHSD's overall performance is ridiculous. One might as well claim that the the low number of our students attending CSU schools is proof that most of our kids don't go to college at all!
More cherry-picking: Las Lomas High School's API rating was indeed 4 out of a possible 10. But Acalanes and Miramonte were rated 10, and Campo was rated 9. API is a relative comparison of 100 schools which share similar characteristics. Google "API" and look at the list for yourself: Las Lomas is listed with the 99 other best-performing schools in the state, including the 3 above.
I always question arguments that rely on false accusations, misinformation and inflammatory terms like "tax scheme" to make points. The No on A people seem to feel that trashing our schools is in their self-interest. They tell us that by voting Yes, we are throwing more into a poorly-managed school district that has too much already and wastes it by paying teachers a good salary for doing an excellent job- much of it on their own time. How despicable.
The $112/year Prop A is requesting for the next 5 years will ensure that
those EAP results stay where they are- a minor part of an extremely
effective school district.
Beyond that, every single Lamorinda homeowner benefits from the stable property values produced by our school districts. Most people move here for the schools. When a good private school costs at least $25K per year, doesn't keeping our public schools strong make good financial sense? To defeat this measure is penny-wise and pound-foolish, as the old saying goes.
Please vote YES on Prop A.
Mike Bernhardt
Moraga

Dear Editor:
I have been reading letters to the editor over the last several weeks and while I am heartened by all the positive comments and support over Measure A, I have also noted the number of people who think voting no is the answer. This is not another frivolous parcel tax. I am the parent of an Acalanes High School student and am involved in the Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation. Through this organization, I have seen education come alive for our students. The education foundations in the Acalanes Union High School District cannot, in the face of the huge loss of state funds, sustain our high schools' broad educational offerings by themselves. Simply put, without the additional funding provided by Measure A, the electives that stimulate a variety of learning styles will be gone; the opportunities for AP classes and additional science classes will be gone; and a large number of the amazing teachers who educate our children will be gone too. We cannot allow this to happen in our communities. An additional $112 each year weighed against all that will be lost - it is a simple decision. Please vote YES on Measure A and mail your ballots today.
Carolyn Maples
Lafayette

Dear Editor,
Choosing classes for next year, I wondered if I was going to be able to take Chemistry, AP European History and Public Speaking for a total of seven classes. I am willing to put in the work so I can to get into UCLA but I feel like these budget cuts will lower my chances of taking the classes I need to get in. That is why I am hoping voters pass Measure A.
Evan Epstein
(Miramonte Freshman)
Orinda

Dear Editor,
As May 4 draws near my sincere appreciation goes out to the many community members who have supported Measure A. During the course of a campaign, we learn much about community beliefs and expectations regarding education. Residents of AUHSD understand the educational quality offered to students, appreciate the global superiority of an AUHSD education, and realize the positive financial and community standards resulting from successful school districts.
While it is not difficult to toss about obscure data and make unrealistic comparisons, the bottom line is that AUHSD schools are among the elite schools in the nation. All district schools are recognized by the state as model learning institutions. Las Lomas High School is a National Blue Ribbon School.
Our schools are beneficiaries of supportive communities, dedicated employees, and highly-motivated students. However, due to the fragile nature of state funding, long-term damage to our system is easy to inflict. Effective school systems take years to rebuild once key elements to success are removed.
The passage of Measure A would allow a short-term bridge to provide for continued long-term progress. Supporting Measure A is a key piece to the maintenance of an exemplary high school experience for our students.
John Stockton, Superintendent
Acalanes Union High School District

Editor:
As one of the Editors-in-Chief of the Acalanes Blueprint, I was devastated when I saw that the Blueprint, along with the rest of the district's journalism programs, was on the potential cut list. As would be expected from a Journalism class, Blueprint provided me with hands-on experience that improved my writing exponentially. I've learned to ask loaded questions, think on my feet, and carry out an interview. These skills have made interviews with Congressmen and members of the California Department of Finance a breeze. But more importantly, Blueprint shaped me as a person. Blueprint has taught me to be an independent, self-motivated student, and as an editor, I've gained valuable leadership experience. Although Blueprint is by far my most demanding class, when a new 40-50 page issue is released each month, all the hard work and long hours are by far worth it. Blueprint has provided me with the single most positive experience of my four years of high school, and I would hate for future students not to have the opportunity to grow and learn as I did.
Jessie Welcomer
Lafayette

Dear Editor,
Moraga is a great place to raise children in large part because of the extraordinary educational programs available. As a parent of three children in elementary, middle, and high schools, I have personal knowledge of the programs offered in the Moraga Elementary School District and Acalanes Union High School District.
In the past, our educational foundation donations have helped to offer enrichment programs beyond what state budgets provided. Despite the current economic malaise, MEF continues its outstanding record of supplementing school needs. However, no foundation can raise enough dollars to make up for the current massive state funding shortfall.
Measure A will provide short-term funding to prevent our high schools from changing the essential nature of its programs. Quality educational institutions require a commitment to education by the entire community. Residents of Moraga take pride in their schools and have grown to expect high quality results.
A YES vote for Measure A will allow a Moraga education to remain as a standard of excellence. Our children deserve no less.
Kelly Ratchford
Moraga

Dear Editor,
As a resident of Moraga, current Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School PTA President, and President-Elect of the Moraga Educational Foundation for the next school year, I am actively involved in the school system my children attend. I understand the importance of an enriched educational experience for students.
The main reason many people move to and stay in the Lamorinda and Walnut Creek areas is the excellent public schools. A bonus is that the area's high-achieving school districts help to maintain strong property values, even during tough economic times.
Unfortunately, the state budget is not providing enough money for the educational programs that will expand our students' possible options once they graduate from high school. Measure A will provide short-term funding needed to avoid severe cuts to core academic programs, including science and math. Offerings such as foreign language, English, social studies, and arts classes face substantial reductions or elimination.
Measure A is an investment in the programs of the Acalanes Union High School District, a district which has a proven record of success. A vote for Measure A is a commitment to support students as they develop into highly educated citizens.
Diana Obrand
Moraga

Dear Editor,
As a resident of Moraga, our family is fortunate to be a part of a community with so many successful adult role models for our children. A substantial part of this town owes its good fortunate to the education provided in California public schools and universities. Education was truly the key to the success of our adults and is for the future successes of our children.
We cannot sit by idly while state leaders contemplate solutions that will never meet our community needs and are not practical nor acceptable for the welfare of our students. Academic options such as the elimination of the seven-period day option and the deep cuts in curricular options ill serve the belief systems of Moraga.
Our town is one that truly values educational excellence. The Acalanes Union High School District has provided that in the past. We must support its mission to seek continuous progress for everyone in its district.
Measure A will allow our students and community to prosper. Moraga would not be the town it is without such a respect for the importance of education in our lives. High schools such as Campolindo are what make the lives of our students special.
Wendy Feldman
Moraga

Dear Editor,
One of the pleasures of living in Moraga is the opportunity to participate in an excellent educational experience with my children. As a former PTA president, parent of a Campolindo graduate who is now in college, and a current parent of a Joaquin Moraga Intermediate student, I have seen first hand the quality programs that are offered in our K-12 schools. As community members, we have an option available through temporary, direct local funding to prevent our high schools from lowering their standards and reducing quality programs during these rocky state budget years.
Advanced Placement and other academic electives in science, foreign language, math, and arts are essential for our students to gain admission to the college of their choice. Many students need a seven-period schedule option to compile a competitive transcript. Measure A would provide the courses and scheduling options our students in the Acalanes Union High School District deserve.
The maintenance of high quality schools is essential for all of us, for today's students will be critically needed as leaders in business, innovators in science, and well-educated citizens of the future.
Invest in their education and our combined future. Vote Yes on Measure A.
Nancy Kendzierski
Moraga

Dear Editor,
I am a sophomore at Acalanes High School and I might not know a lot about money and how it is spent, but I do know the effects the Parcel Tax has on our school. Not having the chances to get into the classes I want to take really makes it hard to get through school. Everyone wants that one class that always gets them through the day but if Measure A fails to pass, I won't have those classes. I will lose my favorite class, Leadership, to the Parcel Tax and that is not a class I am willing to give up. I want to be able to take 7 or even 8 classes next year and take the courses that will help me get into my dream college and I am not the only one who feels this way. Other students feel restrained and confined about the classes we can take. It is unfair for us to be punished and because we have the hardest voices to be heard, I think I speak for our entire student, and teacher, body that this Parcel Tax means everything to us and losing it would be absolutely devastating.
Kate Avery
Lafayette

Editor:
As a Campolindo parent, I see firsthand the extraordinary programs, teachers and students that create a rich experience that benefits not just our kids but the whole community. The Acalanes District high schools not only deliver strong academic training, they support a host of arts, music, science and elective courses that build student interest and excitement that extends outside of the classroom.
That is the measure of true education, because life is not just about academics. We have been so lucky to be able to offer them to our kids. Our high schools foster the type of learning that has enabled our young people to be successful leaders and contributors to the world.
However, with a fourth consecutive year of budget cuts, that is all quickly slipping away. The District has cut everything to the bone already, and there is no way to sustain education as we know it without Measure A. It is not an option to allow our high schools to erode away, when such a modest, temporary parcel tax can provide crucial relief during these tight economic times. Please join me in voting yes on Measure A.
Cheryl Noll
Lafayette

Dear Editor,
Miramonte High School is a fabulous school. As the current Associated Student Body President, every day I see the reasons why MHS was selected as one of the top 100 schools in the nation. There are many schools with similar community qualities, but few match the success level of MHS.
Miramonte is well known for its success in the Academic Decathlon, mock trial, and public speaking. At the recent California Speech Championship, MHS finished first in Student Congress and sixth overall. Our athletic programs always field outstanding teams. Our school provides great support for students whether it is in academic or co-curricular programs.
My MHS experience was enhanced through the many AP and honors options available to me. Courses such as AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP U.S. History provided the scope of learning necessary for university success.
However, the foundation of our school is at risk. Miramonte is scheduled to lose many of the programs and teachers that make it unique, unless additional financial support occurs.
Measure A will preserve programs vital to MHS students. Our students need the MHS I know to prepare them for the future. AUHSD schools do make a difference in our lives and the community.
Emily Jorgens
Orinda

Dear Editor,
Next year I will have two students attending Acalanes High School. It is my sincere hope they will have the same opportunities as the thousands of students who have benefited from local funding over the last decade. Unfortunately, the current state funding structure does not provide the fiscal stability schools need to provide consistent curricular offerings.
In the past, educational foundation donations have helped to provide enrichment programs, which supplement the state budget. As a site leader for the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation, I am proud of the fundraising efforts of our parents. However, there is not a public school foundation in California that can neutralize the impact to AUHSD of a $8 million state funding loss in three years.
The elimination of the seven-period day will narrow the breadth of curriculum and make university acceptance more problematic. AUHSD student college applications benefit from the unique nature of the programs offered, as well as the reputation of the district.
A YES vote for Measure A, will allow outstanding schools to continue offering programs needed for our students' success. The maintenance of high quality schools is essential for the needs of our students now and in the future.
Chris McCann
Lafayette

Editor:
Measure A is very important to us for all of the positive reasons previously published in your Letters to the Editor. Even though we are in our eighties and are exempt from paying the yearly $112 we will not apply for the exemption. It is our hope that other senior residents will do likewise.
We have lived in Orinda for 61 years and have always supported our schools 100%. Our four sons received excellent educations here and we want others to benefit in the future.
Teeb and Rudi Thomas
Orinda