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Published September 28th, 2022
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Letters to the editor
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A moderate's take on what is needed for the Lafayette School Board
To fellow residents who may also be in political limbo: the past two
years have been a roller coaster with prior perspectives possibly in
flux. That has certainly been my experience and perhaps yours. And
it's OK.
So you know, I'm a triple vaccinated registered Democrat; definitely
not a "Trumper" nor anti-vaxxer. The fact that I feel the need to
state this says a lot about where we are today.
As for our local schools, I believe there have been failed policies
and a misalignment of priorities that negatively impact our kids and
our community. We all know the Lafayette School Board kept kids in
distance learning months longer than required. But even now, it's
astounding that in the 2022-2023 District Goals (bit.ly/LAFSD_Goals),
there's no mention of working with parents on long-needed afterschool
care and no mention of nutrition, greatly important especially
post-pandemic. Plus, the essentials of "health and safety" are lumped
together in one vague bullet point - and this document was reviewed
and approved by the Board despite Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde and the
death of our own crossing guard Ashley Dias. These omissions are
concerning.
The Lafayette School Board's failure to "advocate for children" - a
responsibility stated in its Governance Handbook - has greatly
contributed to my questioning of institutions that I've vehemently
supported. But that's exactly what I want for our kids. While we may
not always agree, I want our schools to be teaching students how to
respectfully understand multiple viewpoints, use their brains and
think critically.
I fear our current school board is not an embodiment of this and it's
being reflected in our community. I believe all candidates want EVERY
child to succeed and feel included, just as I do. There are just
differences on how we get there and the roles in which our schools
play. That said, as the school district has put DEIB above Curriculum
and Instruction (see lafsd.org, "District" dropdown menu), then we
need diverse perspectives.
Electing new voices gives us that. You have three individual votes.
Use them. Our children and community will be better for it.
Lauren McCabe Herpich
Lafayette
Lafayette School Board Elections
Our public schools in Lafayette are among the best in the country.
There are so many who contribute to our schools' success, but today I
write to show support to our district's elected School Board and to
encourage you to vote for incumbents Rob Sturm and Dave Smith this
Fall.
The lockdown year was hard. But with no playbook, no roadmap, our
Board came together, listened to our community, to state, Federal, and
local guidance, and to a chorus of strong voices to find a safe and
balanced way forward. As a parent of two young children, I appreciated
their efforts to keep our kids learning.
Rob, Dave and the Board are committed to academic excellence, high
performing schools, and to teaching our kids a broad perspective on
history, culture, family, and what it means to be a kind citizen.
Teaching our kids a diverse, "broad perspective" makes some folks
uncomfortable. It shouldn't.
The world is diverse. Embracing that fact and working steadily against
the tribal tendencies we all have is important if our children are
going to be successful in an interconnected, interdependent society.
Here in The Bay, we're blessed with the opportunity to engage with
people, language, history, and cultures outside our own lived
experience. That's a plus. Gaining that diverse, "broad perspective"
is an advantage available to our kids. And they will all be better
citizens because of it.
Rob Sturm, Dave Smith and our current Board supports lessons that
offer a diverse, global view interwoven with traditional reading,
math, and history lessons. To continue to build the strength of our
schools, to highlight and celebrate all the colors of California,
Lafayette deserves School Board leaders who are committed to welcoming
diverse perspectives in the classroom.
Rob Sturm and Dave Smith have demonstrated a commitment to our
community, to supporting and promoting a diverse and inclusive school,
and to an open and transparent district. Please join me in voting for
Rob and Dave for Lafayette School Board this Fall.
Robert Chevaleau
Lafayette
In support of Lind, Larsen for Lafayette School District board
I am writing to ask for your support in voting for Sarah Lind and
Neils Larsen in the upcoming election for the Lafayette School Board.
I have a son at Burton Valley Elementary School and a daughter at
Stanley Middle School. I am a former teacher in the district and have
worked with the youth in our community in many capacities. I currently
substitute teach in our Lafayette schools and care deeply about the
future of our students.
Like many parents, I had never been to a school board meeting until
our schools were forced to close their doors in March of 2020. At that
point I spent many evenings attending board meetings and was
disillusioned by the apparent disconnect between the voices of the
families and the decisions of the board.
Lind and Larsen have children in our district and are dedicated
members of our community. They are focused on partnering with parents
and teachers to keep their voices and the student needs at the center
of their decision making process. They believe in keeping our students
safe, promoting academic excellence, and fiscal responsibility (which
includes responding to the enrollment declines our district
experienced over the last few years).
Join me in voting for Sarah Lind and Neils Larsen for the Lafayette
School Board.
Tracy Morrison
Lafayette
Conservatives Target School Board Elections Nationwide and in
Lamorinda
In 2020, Donald Trump spread the lie that the election was stolen. His
supporters illegally accessed voting machines, urged elections
officials to overturn the results, and sent false slates of electors
to Congress. General Michael Flynn called for Trump to invoke the
Insurrection Act, seize voting machines, and have the military rerun
the election. On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters and organized
militias stormed the Capitol to disrupt the peaceful transfer of
power.
In 2022, conservatives have turned their focus to state and local
politics. Leaders have promoted conspiracy theories about election
fraud and "indoctrination" in public schools. States have banned
abortion and passed laws restricting DEI and LGBTQIA education.
Libraries have been ordered to pull books from the shelves. Militia
members have threatened elections officials, school board members, and
the LGBTQIA community. Flynn has endorsed candidates throughout the
country for state and local elections, including school boards. He
said "We need to take this country back one town at a time, one county
at a time, one state at a time, if that's what it takes."
However, this is not just happening in far away places. It is
happening right here in Lamorinda. Conservative candidates are running
coordinated campaigns for Acalanes Unified High School District
(AUHSD) and Lafayette School District (LAFSD). The campaigns' websites
call for "transparency" and "critical thinking over ideologies",
implying that teachers have a hidden agenda and are trying to
"indoctrinate" children.
Some candidates have close ties to nationally prominent political
operatives. Contra Costa County's elections website shows
contributions from wealthy donors inside and outside Lamorinda,
including one of the biggest donors to both Turning Point USA and
Project Veritas. One candidate's immediate family members have close
relationships with Michael Flynn. Another candidate managed Peter
Thiel's investment funds for years, and was tapped by Thiel for
Trump's 2016 Treasury transition team.
Educate yourself on this year's candidates, their associations, their
language and their goals. Educate your friends and family, donate, put
up signs, and get out the vote. This year is different.
Chad Curran
Orinda
Trump Appointee Running for Lamorinda High Schools board
The Republican party recently began a national campaign to take over
local school boards as part of efforts to control state and local
elected bodies. We are seeing the effect locally with a slate of
three candidates, running as a bloc, for the Acalanes Union High
School District board which oversees Acalanes, Campolindo, Las Lomas
and Miramonte High Schools.
The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 7, 2016) reported that current
Lafayette resident Mark Woolway had been appointed by Trump to his
transition team for the Treasury Department. Woolway was an associate
of Peter Thiel at Paypal, and The Guardian on Feb. 10, 2017 attributed
Woolway's appointment to his close association with Thiel. Woolway is
part of a three-person AUHSD slate which includes Renee Nowac and Gabe
Ledeen. Ledeen is no lightweight in Libertarian circles either; the
Federalist Society, the group responsible for Trump's Supreme Court
selections, published a very laudatory report on Ledeen on Nov. 18,
2021.
None of them have children attending any of the Lamorinda high
schools. So what is their motivation? These candidates talk about
"transparency" and "critical thinking" in our schools, as if they are
being impaired. They make no mention of the extraordinary academic
standing of the high schools overseen by the board.
We urge you to reject this takeover attempt and to vote for incumbents
Nancy Kendierski and Chris Severson and candidate Jennifer Chen for
the Acalanes Union High School District board.
Jim Landau
Orinda
Endorsing Foreman, Smith and Sturm
Lafayette has great schools. As former school board members we are
proud of the part we played in building and sustaining the educational
programs that support every student's success.
Today, we are supporting the following candidates for the Lafayette
School Board: Katy Foreman, Dave Smith and Rob Sturm. We are
confident that they will ensure the continued excellence of our
schools and reflect the values of our community.
These candidates are knowledgeable about educational issues, and
have outstanding records of contributions to our schools and
community. They will best represent all of our students, our teachers,
our community, and our school district. Lafayette deserves and needs
School Board members who will continue to bring our community
together.
Please vote for these candidates on Nov. 8 to ensure the excellence of
schools in Lafayette for our students.
Ann Appert (8 years)
Judy Carney (7 years)
Roger Falcone (6 years)
David Gerson (8 years)
Teresa Gerringer (19 years)
Art Kapoor (6 years)
Mary McCosker (13 years)
Shayne Silva (18 years)
More on November's ballot than you realize
Over the past couple years we've read about school board takeovers by
right-wing groups who have proceeded to fire administration, regulate
sex education, and ban books. I thought we'd be immune from such
attacks here in this liberal enclave of Northern California. However,
a recent Cal Matters article titled "Back to school: California
Republicans bet big on local board races," and a look at the slate of
candidates running for the Acalanes Union High School Board has me
alarmed.
Could a takeover be happening here? Have pandemic lockdowns and
frustrating back-to-school protocols so fractured our community that
the door is now open for right-wing candidates to take control of our
local school boards?
It's said that school board seats are supposed to be non-partisan
positions. However, the values held by school board members influence
the policies that shape our students' daily lives. It's important that
we get more answers to fundamental questions about their candidacy:
- What do they believe is needed for our schools?
- What work have they done to create an informed point of view?
- How familiar are they with the learning environment?
- What is their perception of the current school administration and
teachers?
- Do they support diversity programs?
Many of us moved here for the high-quality public education. Let's not
endanger this jewel of our community. Please research the candidates
on November's ballot, demand more visibility into their platforms, and
keep monitoring their campaign contributions at
www.cocovote.us/run-for-office-or-file-a-measure/campaign-contributions/Karen Jaworski
Moraga
Lafayette School Board election
This year's election for Lafayette School Board, like many school
board elections around the country, is an important one that merits
the attention of all Lafayette residents. The markedly different
platforms represented by the candidates offers one of the clearest
choices for voters in recent history.
Our public schools have had a long tradition of academic rigor and
excellence, while providing a safe and supportive environment for all
children. In addition, our schools offer forward-thinking programs to
ensure that our students are prepared to positively contribute to the
society of our future. The quality of our schools and their positive
impact in our community is one of the primary reasons why so many of
us live here.
Our schools have also benefitted greatly from a high level of parental
engagement. Katy Foreman, Dave Smith and Rob Sturm have demonstrated
the highest level of parent volunteerism and leadership in the
Lafayette School District. They have dedicated their time to the
schools, volunteered on the PTA, raised money for LPIE and served on
the Lafayette School Board. They know and understand the schools and
this community. We are all fortunate to have the opportunity for the
three of them to continue in their service and their leadership.
At this critical time for our children, our city, and our country, our
school system cannot afford to move backward in its curriculum and
programming. My vote is for Katy Foreman, Dave Smith, and Rob Sturm.
They have the experience, qualifications and commitment to inclusivity
to move our schools forward.
Sean Emerson George
Lafayette
Sturm, Smith, and Foreman for Lafayette School Board
Lafayette Education Association (LEA) is proud to endorse Rob Sturm,
Dave Smith, and Katy Foreman as candidates for the Lafayette School
District Governing Board. These three have shown a commitment to
education and community as evidenced by the long list of committees,
councils, and associations to which they have been or currently are
members.
Rob Sturm has served on the Lafayette School District Governing Board
since 2017 and has been President for the past two years. He was a
calm and objective voice of reason as our district and community
weathered the challenges of the pandemic. Dave Smith was appointed to
the Governing Board in June 2021 and immediately made an impact. As a
board member, the questions he asks show a willingness to learn and
the statements he makes show how quickly he has learned. In all
things, Dave presents considered views based on facts. Katy Foreman
has an impressive background in service to our schools. She has served
on various parent organizations, often in a leadership position. In
all things, Katy is steadfastly centered on inclusion and well-being
for everyone.
At a recent LEA Members' Meeting where all six candidates for school
board spoke, it was obvious that Rob, Dave, and Katy were deeply
familiar with our district's curriculum and programs, its financial
structure, and the needs of the students, employees, and parents. All
three candidates possess their own individual strengths and expertise
that will make them invaluable members of the Lafayette School
District Governing Board. In addition, these three candidates possess
the ability to accept and welcome others and they put this ability
into practice consistently.
Lafayette School District needs leaders with such depth of knowledge
and character and Lafayette students deserve leaders who will always
have students' best interests as their focus. Rob, Dave, and Katy are
this type of leader. Lafayette Education Association, as the
representative for certificated and credentialed staff in the
district, feels that Rob Sturm, Dave Smith, and Katy Foreman are the
best candidates for Governing Board. Please cast your vote for Sturm,
Smith, and Foreman!
Debbie Deitch, Lafayette Education Association President
Lafayette
A Crucial Vote
In 2020, over 7,000 community members signed our petition affirming
that Acalanes Union High School District and Lafayette School District
students deserve to learn in classrooms that are anti-racist,
anti-biased, and inclusive. We heard you loud and clear, and our
school districts were listening closely too.
Today we invite you to revisit Support Racial Equity at LAFSD and
AUHSD at change.org to receive an update on the tremendous progress we
have made. We also call on you to join us in this critical moment.
As we approach the upcoming school board elections, we have seen two
vastly different groups of candidates emerge. We would like to
highlight candidates who have been champions for this cause.
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) goals that our
districts have met are based on data that show when students feel seen
and supported, it has a positive and direct impact on their academic
success, mental health, and sense of safety. This change that has
allowed students to thrive as leaders and as learners, is now under
attack. In this election, every voice and every vote is critically
important.
In November, Walamorinda voters will choose three candidates to fill
three open seats on the LAFSD and AUHSD Governing Boards. As authors
of this petition, a parent group with a multi-year track record of
service to both school districts, we offer our full endorsement for
LAFSD candidates Katy Foreman, Rob Sturm and Dave Smith, and AUHSD
candidates Jennifer Chen, Nancy Kendzierksi and Chris Severson. These
candidates have a strong history of supporting DEIB efforts in our
schools and communities.
All of our families belong. All of our children deserve to see
themselves reflected in what they learn. It is not hyperbole to say
that our community is at a tipping point. We need each other. We have
seen the beautiful change that can happen when families, board
members, faculty and administrators collaborate across our districts.
Let's make sure this continues - together.
Lamorinda Community for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in
Education
City Meeting on SP Creek Restoration
The FlowWest 2019 Plan was designed to minimize environmental impacts
(e.g. tree removal, hardscaping) and has the approval of the Regional
Water Quality Control Board. The Sept. 14 Lamorinda Weekly article on
creek restoration ignores that Planning Director, D. Buckley, noted
this plan as an alternative and concentrates only on the PLaceWorks
plan to keep the broken, strait-jacketed channel. It was stated the PW
plan "would result in no net rise of flooding." True but it does not
improve habitat nor hydraulic function. In fact, no net rise is a
requirement of ANY creek restoration project.
Director Buckley thought the 2019 concept would "need approval from
all property owners" but this is not exactly true as only 2 properties
have the space to approve meandering. Furthermore wouldn't the PW ADA
trail through parking lots and private land require approval from all
property owners? The mention of transmission lines as a constraint
applies to development, but not to creek restoration.
A positive outcome: PW writes that "research into property ownership
and easements would be necessary" - something that is overdue. The one
thing we all agree on is that the downstream culvert is undersized for
the amount of runoff we can potentially get in a heavy storm. No one
has addressed this issue due to cost. SP Creek last flooded at the
culvert in 1995.
Cinda MacKinnon
Orinda
Shapiro for Moraga Town Council
We're writing to express our strong support for David Shapiro for
Moraga Town Council. We have known David for over a decade, and he
offers indispensable skills to the Council: he is thoughtful,
respectful, and even-keeled, and possesses wide-ranging legal
expertise-having excelled as federal prosecutor and private attorney
for over 40 years-that will be of great value to the Town.
While serving as a U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division in
San Francisco, David prosecuted complex drug, mafia, and white-collar
cases. In private practice he has litigated securities and accounting
fraud, real estate disputes, banking law matters, and other varied
legal topics, and provided pro-bono counsel to individuals unable to
afford lawyers.
David's stellar career leading government and law firm offices, along
with his investigative and trial experience, will enhance Moraga's
ability to navigate new state housing mandates, zoning law changes and
development proposals. He is intensely committed to ensuring that our
town preserves its historic semi-rural character and scenic beauty
throughout this process.
David has lived in Moraga 26 years. His kids grew up here, went to our
schools, and were active in sports and theater. He and his family care
deeply about our town.
Moraga will benefit from a Council of smart, hard-working and analytic
people who can consider all points of view and work together toward
consensus. David is the consummate professional and will fulfill that
role with distinction.
Please support him with your vote.
Barry and Sue Behr
Moraga
Vote for David Shapiro for Moraga Council
We support David Shapiro for the Moraga Town Council's open two-year
seat. We first met David and his family through our daughters and have
since come to know him and his wife Tina well, meeting often at Rancho
Laguna Park to walk our dogs together and to clear overgrown weeds.
David is dedicated to protecting open space which is central to
Moraga's identity. He also recognizes that the state now requires
Moraga to plan for additional growth. His goals during this planning
process are to enhance our commercial "downtown" areas while
minimizing adverse impacts on traffic, scenic corridors, and open
space so that Moraga's special character and quality of life are
preserved.
We are confident David will use his legal expertise and intellect to
work collaboratively with our town council, staff, and residents. We
believe his readiness to meet the challenges of the position will
benefit the people of Moraga.
William Faoro, PE
Board of Directors - Moraga Local Sales Tax Oversite Committee
(Measure K)
Elizabeth Faoro
Former Moraga Parks and Recreation Commissioner
Moraga
Moraga Town Council Endorsement For Candidate David Shapiro
As a longtime (33 year) Moraga resident, I am enthusiastically
endorsing David Shapiro for Town Council. David's successful legal
career began as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. DOJ where he
notably helped create the Office's securities fraud and computer fraud
sections before venturing into private practice with nationally
renowned firms. The Town needs council members with David's passion
for public service, proven analytical, intellectual and consensus
building skills, and wisdom and clear eyed judgment based on long
years' experience handling complex and challenging problems. David is
honest, fair minded, approachable and understands Moraga's community
values. David will be an outstanding council member.
Jim Wraith
Moraga
Support for Steven Danziger
As a 50 year resident I have seen many changes in our area. One of
the most dramatic has been the amount of property clearing along
evacuation routes. The MOFD Chief and Fire Board have done a great job
to try and make us all safer. I believe we are fortunate to have
Director Steven Danziger as District 3 representative on the Board.
Steven has impressed me with his understanding of the issues, his
leadership, qualifications and responsiveness. He understands
government, Fire and cares.
Steven is running for re-election against an opponent who does not
appear to have any experience in government or fire. Steven has over 3
decades, including 20 years as Administrative Manager of Oakland Fire.
Steven was Board President for two terms and is involved in our
community. He is a MOFD Ambassador and on the CERT Team. He chairs the
Parks and Rec Commission, volunteers at the library and at the Orinda
Nature Area with Toris .He does much more including organizing Blood
drives and will soon give Red Cross donation #100!
Steven knows the Fire Service at every level and is doing a fantastic
job. I know he is ready to continue to make our community safer.
Please join me in re-electing Steven Danziger to the MOFD Board.
John "Bob" Heath
Orinda
Hasler will bring valuable skills to MOFD board
Greg Hasler has lived in Moraga for over 22 years and as a longtime
resident has contributed in numerous ways as a community volunteer.
His background in finance and consulting would bring the resources we
need to meet the expanding demands being placed on the fire district
staff to ensure we are better prepared to avoid the disasters which
have plagued many other communities in California. I know Greg well,
and am confident that his intellect and common sense approach would
bring satisfactory solutions to any situation or which may arise in
respect to the Moraga Community and fire safety. This is why I am
endorsing Greg Hasler for MOFD District 1.
Steven Christensen
Moraga
Hasler Uniquely Qualified to Make a Difference!
MOFD, (Moraga Orinda Fire District), has numerous conflicting demands
on its limited financial resources. For example, several of the fire
stations are old and need major repairs or replacement. Also, there
are increasing demands for more resources to be directed towards
abatement and fire prevention. Greg Hasler's broad experience as a CPA
and his extensive financial background as a consultant where he led
diverse teams to solve complex problems would significantly help the
board find solutions to these demands on the budget. We need him on
the board. This is why I am supporting Greg Hasler for MOFD in
District 1.
Kathy Cropper Dana
Moraga
Dell'Aquilla for MOFD board
This is in support of Vince Dell'Aquila's candidacy for the MOFD Board
of Directors. I have known, and worked in volunteer roles with Vince
for over 27 years. He is as capable, dedicated and altruistic as
anyone could wish to have serve on the Board. In Vince's broad
experience as an Educator (Including Miramonte Hight School Athletic
Director), General Contractor, Non-Profit Board member and Firewise
Neighborhood Leader, he has successfully collaborated with a variety
of stakeholders, for years. Vince is uniquely qualified to prioritize
and implement MOFD goals. I can't overstate how valuable he will be
for the MOFD Board, and Community.
Bill Cosden
Orinda
Elect Vince Dell'Aquila to the MOFD Board - District 3
I am writing in support of the candidacy of Vince Dell'Aquila for the
MOFD Board of Directors, District 3. While we have excellent
firefighters and substantial resources dedicated to our fire district,
we need to do more to become a true fire adapted community. This will
involve proactive engagement by MOFD board members to help our
community get ready for a major fire event. The district needs
to spend more resources on education, improved fire detection
technology and community communications. Vince is a long time Orinda
resident and has been an educator and coach at Miramonte High School
for many years. He will bring the energy and focus needed to help our
neighborhoods prepare for the existential threat of a wild fire.
Jim Keefe
Orinda
Elect Vince for MOFD
I am writing in support of the candidacy of Vince Dell'Aquila for the
MOFD Board of Directors, Division 3. I have known Vince for 25 years
and have worked closely with him in his roles as Athletic Director of
Miramonte High School and coach of Miramonte and Solano College teams.
Vince is hard working, conscientious, works well with others, and is a
man of integrity. I am confident he would make a positive contribution
as a member of the MOFD Board of Directors.
Steve Harwood
Orinda
Chris Young for MOFD Division 1
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Chris Young for
the MOFD Board of Directors. Chris is an independent and balanced
candidate who is running solely because he wants to give back to
Moraga, and to the fire district whose outstanding work he so greatly
values. As 10-year Moraga residents with two young children, Chris
and his wife are invested in our community, and his top priority is
serving the safety and well-being of our residents.
Chris is 100% committed to keeping MOFD locally controlled, and to
ensuring that it is managed in a fiscally responsible manner. He also
wants to facilitate collaboration between labor, management and
administration to reach consensus whenever possible. This is why he
has support from Moraga residents, past MOFD Board members, and our
firefighters as well.
Effective communication between MOFD and the community regarding fire
prevention and safety is increasingly vital as the risk of wildfire
grows, and Chris's expertise as a marketing and communications
executive will add a welcome new skill set to the Board. He is
exactly what MOFD needs to keep it running smoothly and successfully
and I urge Division 1 residents to elect Chris Young to the MOFD
Board.
Ann Walgenbach
Residential Leader of the Bollinger Canyon Road Firewise group
Moraga
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA