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Published January 18th, 2023
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Letters to the editor
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Thank you to Lamorinda Community
Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley is very grateful to the Lamorinda Community for its support of our See's Candy Shop this year.
As in previous years, all profits from the See's Candy sales will be reinvested in local community charities.
Gloria Eive
President,
Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley
Orinda School Parcel Tax
At the same time as it is asking Orinda taxpayers for a parcel tax, the Orinda Union School District Board of Trustees continues to show its disdain for those same taxpayers and other members of the public. The OUSD has rejected my requests that members of the public be allowed to comment via zoom at board meetings rather than have to appear in person, because of the difficulty that attendance in person poses for many due to family obligations and because of the three widespread viruses plaguing our community. Also, the OUSD continues to refuse to allow members of the public to see, prior to each meeting, the written comments on agenda items submitted by other members of the public, even though both the Orinda City Council and Orinda Planning Commission allow such access online.
The Board President, Hillary Weiner, VP Cara Hoxie, and Superintendent Aida Glimme, while claiming that a parcel tax is needed to retain and attract teachers, refuse to even put on an agenda for discussion my request that the Board adopt a simple resolution asking the Orinda City Council to adopt an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Such an ordinance would require that any new housing project in Orinda include a percentage, set by the Council, of units to be set aside for affordable housing. As defined by state law, a four person household would qualify for such housing with a household income of up to $171,000. Not only would this help retain and attract teachers, but it would also increase Orinda's diversity. One would think that the OUSD, while asking taxpayers to reach into their pockets, might at least hold a public discussion over an additional way to help retain and attract teachers - one without cost to taxpayers. Lafayette has had such an ordinance since 2016. Moraga is adopting one, and most Contra Costa jurisdictions already have one.
Given the benefit to teachers and the district, the OUSD should adopt a resolution encouraging the Orinda City Council to adopt an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.
Nick Waranoff
Orinda |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA