As my wife and I continue to navigate the challenges of her progressing disability, we learn that basic functions can result in humiliation. — “May all of your nightmares be horrific.” – Alice Cooper The evening got off to a shaky start as my wife, Nicole, and I began our evening at the Garden Walk in Anaheim. We were parked in a handicapped spot, on the same level as the mall’s street entrance, but…

How would Janie Dam protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “If you seek to perpetuate district-charter divisiveness, I am not the candidate for you.” – BD3 Candidate Janie Dam Janie Dam is running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LAUSD’s Board District 3, which covers most of the western San Fernando Valley. As part of my ongoing Candidate Forum series, Dam…

How would Karla Griego protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “Students with disabilities, one of our most vulnerable populations, need spaces that accommodate their needs and provide access to a full and equitable learning environment.” – BD5 Candidate Karla Griego Karla Griego is running for the seat currently held by the retiring Jackie Goldberg in LAUSD’s Board District 5. As…

How would Kahllid Al-Alim protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “I refuse to believe that taking rooms, resources or supports from an already historically disenfranchised student population is ever warranted” – BD1 Candidate Kahllid Al-Alim Kahllid Al-Alim is running for the seat currently occupied by the retiring George McKenna in LAUSD’s Board District 1. As part of my ongoing Candidate…

How would Richard Ramos protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “Without a public explanation, I would demand an investigation to determine the legality and propriety of the sudden write-off of $7,678,022 in over-allocation debt.” – BD3 Candidate Richard S. Ramos Richard S. Ramos is running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LAUSD’s Board District 3, which covers most of the western…

How would Farmakalidis protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “I am an advocate for school choice, including charter schools and voucher programs.” – BD3 Candidate Andreas Farmakalidis Andreas Farmakalidis is running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LAUSD’s Board District 3, which covers most of the western San Fernando Valley. As part of my ongoing Candidate Forum series, Farmakalidis was…

How would these candidates protect students who are negatively affected when public schools are forced to share space with charter schools? — “The current implementation of PROP-39, which considers rooms used for Special Education Services as ‘empty’ and potentially reallocates these classrooms to charter schools, is a concerning practice that needs reform.” – BD3 Candidate Richard S. Ramos There are still two months before candidates for the Los Angeles Unified School District…

A speaker’s comments to the LAUSD School Board and a murder in Lake Arrowhead highlight the fact that hateful rhetoric has consequences. — “LAUSD Board Members…you and your LAUSD colleagues so graciously hid behind ANTIFA.” – Speaker at LAUSD Board Meeting Just a few days earlier, Laura Ann Carleton had been murdered in cold blood for the crime of flying the Gay Pride Flag in front of her store in Lake Arrowhead. This…

Andreas Farmakalidis is the sixth person to declare his intention to run against incumbent Scott Schmerelson in LAUSD’s Board District 3. — “I am not bound by traditional thinking and I am willing to explore innovative solutions to improve education.” – Andreas Farmakalidis With two LAUSD Board Members having already announced their intentions to retire next year, the races to replace them in Board Districts 1 and 5 were looking to be…