Shirley Avenue Elementary gets back rooms taken from them by Citizens of the World Charter School. Will they get paid the money owed to them? — “We do not have an intent to occupy…Shirley ES…in the 2022–23 school year.” - Mark Kleger-Heine, COTW Like other public schools that have had their campuses invaded by the Citizens of the World nationwide chain of charter schools, the community at Shirley Avenue Elementary School fought back. The loss of…

An attempted hit piece on Pilar Schiavo highlights one of the reasons I have endorsed her in the California State 40th Assembly District race. — “If the dems don’t learn they need to fight for us, we keep losing. Period” - Pilar Schiavo One of the saddest parts of watching the Republican Party complete the transition from the liberal Party of Lincoln to the far-right party of Trump is their cult-like devotion to personalities over…

Twelve candidates want to lead the second-largest city in the United States. Why did only two answer questions from a potential voter? — “The Mayor of Los Angeles and the City Council should partner with the School Board, all involved being elected by the voters to do right by the next generation of students” - Alex Gruenenfelder Smith With $22.5 million of his own funds invested in his campaign, Rick Caruso has plenty…

At best this candidate is unprepared to represent LAUSD Board District 4. More concerning, she is pushing a dangerous agenda. — “If elected, Gentille would vote to end mandates, and bring the COA teachers and students that want to, back to the classroom.” -Barkhordarian for School Board 2022 Parents have an important role to play when deciding on implementing education policy. Including issues that are important to parents is what made…

Twenty questions were sent to the five candidates running in LAUSD Board District 2. Only Rocio Rivas and Erica Vilardi-Espinosa replied. — “I thrived in our public schools. Now, as a mother and public school parent, I want nothing more than the best education for ALL our children so they can thrive.” -Rocio Rivas Term limits have spared the voters of LAUSD Board District 2 from having Monica Garcia on their ballot…

The voters finally get some insight into the views of Tracey Schroeder. Her competitor, LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, remains silent. — “I support sponsoring and improving Special Ed policy to help students and families.” - Tracey Schroeder As noted in my endorsement of “Anyone But Nick Melvoin,” little is known about the incumbent’s two competitors in LAUSD Board District 4. Despite this mystery, I still felt that either of them was…

LAUSD Board President Kelly Gonez refuses to engage with voters in Board District 6. Her opponents are willing to answer questions. — “The public education system is being assaulted by politics, privatization, special interest groups, lack of funding, a teacher shortage, declining enrollment, and the COVID pandemic.” - Jesus Arana With just over a week until mail-in ballots drop, the candidates for LAUSD’s Board District 6 were invited to a candidate forum…

LAUSD Board President Kelly Gonez leads the effort to silence speakers at the April 26th board meeting, violating the rights of her constituents. — “We don’t care what you say…” - Overkill In California, the Brown Act guarantees that stakeholders have the ability to address their representatives during public meetings. During “regular” meetings, public agencies like the LAUSD must include a public comment period for items not included on the agenda. …

Jesus Arana, who is running against LAUSD Board President Kelly Gonez, claims that he was forced to retire from his job as a LASPD Sergeant. — “Actually, I have been forced to retire by LAUSD and I think it is because I am running against Kelly Gonez.” - Jesus Arana While LAUSD Board Members are not allowed to be employees of the district, there is nothing that prohibits employees from becoming candidates. Winners of the election…