No Place for ‘Business As Usual’ in High Stakes Water Politics
I have not written a column in a long time. Rather, I have spent months trying to understand what is happening with water in California. There are some who have made this a career, so I will not claim their level of specific expertise. Rather, I hope that you will follow along while I try to provide some perspective on the California Water problems as I see them.
Highlighting Academic Achievements With Eye to the Future
It's time once again to welcome the Morgan Hill Unified School
Exploring All Public Safety Options Before Considering Taxes
I would like to clarify a number of quotes attributed to myself in your July 24 article on public safety.
Politics is About to Explode Upon Us
An unusual political season is about to begin seeking our attention. Those who really care may have an unusual opportunity to exert their influence in important matters.
Accountability From Everyone is a Good Thing
The Morgan Hill Times has taken on a big task with its series of articles regarding leadership accountability this year. There have been enough instances where the good words at the beginning of the year ended up being forgotten when it came time to actually doing anything.
Summer Music: Hits For the iTunes Generation
As the summer heats up, so does the music scene. Pop-rock superstar Kelly Clarkson and the billboard-busting group Maroon 5 are releasing new records, which have been highly anticipated by international fans. But by far the summer's greatest event for die-hard rock fans is the revival of the Smashing Pumpkins in their new album Zeitgeist. The band's first album in seven years came out on July 10. Fans remark that the album strays away from dealing with inner conflicts, a common Pumpkin theme, and instead has explored current global situations, most notably with their single "Doomsday Clock" that criticizes people for ignoring atrocities initiated by world leaders.
Another View on City Staff Salaries and the Public’s Right to Know
It is very difficult to take a stand against the published viewpoint of one's peers. But the recent request by the Morgan Hill Times to push City Hall to release the exact salaries of selected management employees and their assistants under the banner of the public's right to know troubles me.
Unfunded Mandates are the Real Enemy of Special Education
A U.S. Supreme Court Justice once said that the quality of a
Celebrating Graduating Seniors and Academic Progress
Congratulations to the Class of 2007 graduates of Live Oak, Ann Sobrato and Central Continuation high schools. As State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell stated when he came to visit Morgan Hill in January, each diploma this year will be worth more than any previous diplomas. This year, each diploma earned ties accountability to what we do in schools and we congratulate all of our graduates for not only completing the required coursework but for passing the California High School Exit Exam.
Ann Sobrato’s Legacy: Educating Today’s Youth
The members of the first graduating senior class of Ann Sobrato High School will receive their diploma Friday. Principal Richard Knapp is proud of the Class of 2007 because those seniors have established a welcoming culture and have set a positive tone for the growing student population.