PLAN TO SAVE EAST SIDE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SUPPORTED

East Side Union High School District Trustee and James Lick grad Eddie Garcia has proposed a three point plan to save interscholastic sports in the district. His plan just got a major boost by the San Jose Mercury News Editorial Board, which is endorsing it:

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Editorial: A credible plan to restore athletics to East Side high schools
Mercury News Editorial
Posted: 05/06/2009 08:00:00 PM PDT

Parents and friends of East Side Union High School District made an impressive down payment last weekend on the restoration of school sports. The next move is for the school board to assure them that their efforts won't be wasted. The board should build interscholastic athletics back into next year's budget.

On Sunday, about 2,000 runners and walkers at a 5K race at Mount Pleasant High raised about $120,000. That's not yet close to the $2.3 million that athletics cost for the 11-high school district, but voluntary fees of $200 per athlete and other fundraising efforts could bring in an additional $500,000 or more. And the district has some additional options.

Trustee Eddie Garcia is proposing a three-pronged strategy to restore athletics, which the school board cut to help erase an $11 million deficit from next year's $240 million budget.
First, the board would guarantee that athletics would be reinstated. That's important, Garcia reasons, to persuade parents to raise money. Without knowing that there will be baseball and track in the spring, parents won't hit the bricks for money in the fall.

Second, the district would take advantage of the Legislature's option for school districts to lower reserves — from 2 percent down to 1 percent in large districts like East Side Union. As a one-year fix, Garcia would use the extra $2.4 million to save sports as well as restore some of the 80 teaching jobs that have been eliminated.

Finally, the trustees would put a parcel tax on the ballot in 2010, with the money dedicated to funding athletics, rehiring librarians and preserving other vital programs that will be under siege for at least several years. Assuming that elderly homeowners are exempted, a $100 tax, for instance, would bring in approximately $11 million.

It's a reasonable approach, and trustees should adopt it at their May 21 meeting. However, we'd add one stipulation. Parents should pledge not to let up in their fundraising or, for those who can afford it, not shirk to paying the voluntary sports fee. That's important, because the more money they raise privately, the more money from the reserve could be used to preserve other programs.

This plan will become more complicated if the state propositions on the May 19 ballot are defeated. This would put billions more dollars for K-12 schools in jeopardy, including millions for East Side Union schools, over the next two to three years. Many more teaching positions and programs could face elimination.

But it will be months before the Legislature works its way through the next budget crisis. Parents need to know the status of sports now, so they can start raising money. And if the worst does happen May 19, passing a parcel tax will become even more important, and the support of thousands of sports boosters will be critical. Killing sports even for one year could doom the tax.

Trustees should reinstate sports for a year but do so with their eyes wide open. They are likely to face more ugly choices.
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STATE OF THE ART FIRE STATION DESIGNED FOR ALUM ROCK

Check out the stylish designs for the new SJ Fire Station number 2 under construction now on Alum Rock Avenue. Neighbors demanded a new station for the area, not a remodel of the old station. This is what the city gets for it's 9.5 million dollar investment.

Local fire safety guru Frank Crane wrote in a recent ARNNE posting: "If any of us ever visited the old station we were quickly aware of how outdated the old place was. Additionally, we are reminded that the new facility is not like your neighbor's house. This is an up-to-date, technically equipped, fire station, emergency response, and residential facility. And it removes any fear that the Alum Rock Area will be left without a nearby emergency crew on hand 24/7."

NEW ALUM ROCK FIRE STATION BREAKS GROUND

East San Jose City Council member Nora Campos(center) is joined by Mayor Chuck Reed, City Manager Debra Figone(left) and others for the ground breaking of a new state of the art fire station on Alum Rock Avenue.

When shovels hit the ground for San Jose's new fire station #2, it was more than just another groundbreaking for a big city project, it was a symbolic victory for the residents of Alum Rock. The old Station 2, known by firefighters as "The Rock" was growing weary after decades of service and was in need of repair and seismic upgrade. It was a significant safety issue because Station 2 was also the busiest fire station in San Jose, with more calls for service than any other location.

But city leaders differed on how to upgrade the station. Mayor Chuck Reed favored a less costly "retrofit" while District 5 Council member Nora Campos argued for an entirely new modern station house. That's when the neighborhood got involved. People wrote letters, lobbied the city council and showed up in force at council meetings whenever the issue was discussed. The community's efforts paid off when the council was persuaded to support the building of a new station. The 60-plus year old firehouse was demolished, firefighters and equipment were relocated to a temporary firehouse up Alum Rock near St. John Vianney. New construction is now underway. The new station will add to the redevelopment of the Alum Rock corridor and ensure a safe environment for the dedicated men and women of the SJFD, plus provide reliable, upgraded fire protection for the residents of Alum Rock.

EAST VALLEY SPRING SOCCER OFF TO FLYING START

photo by Len Ramirez
Fresh cut grass, sunshine and soccer! Those are the ingredients to a perfect Saturday morning in San Jose. My son's team the sharks did not end up winning this game, but the team played well despite some giants on the other team (under 8? c'mon!) The games were played on the nicely tended fields of Rancho Middle School in Milpitas. Great times.

ALUM ROCK PRINCIPAL WINS TOP AWARD

Norma Rodriguez of Dorsa Elementary wins 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year for Santa Clara County.

By Aurora Quevedo

SAN JOSE, CA – The Association of California School Administrators recently announced Norma Rodriguez, Dorsa Elementary Principal, as 2009 Elementary Principal of the Year. In May of this year, Ms. Rodriguez will be recognized by her peers for her county-wide recognition at the Annual Awards Dinner sponsored by ACSA Region 8. Ms. Rodriguez will also receive her state-wide award at the annual ACSA State Leadership Summit which will be held in Sacramento November 5-7, 2009. "Norma is a shining example of what is possible in public schools when the right person is in the position to lead," said José L. Manzo, Interim Superintendent of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District. "She is a model leader, a fierce advocate for education equity, and an inspiration for educators." During Ms. Rodriguez’s four years of leadership at Dorsa, the school has experienced a positive increase in student achievement, boasting an Academic Performance Index (API) growth score of 715 which represents a total gain of 123 points. Norma has led the school transformation through a systematic and complex program. The Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) strategy embraced by Ms. Rodriguez and her entire school community requires knowledgeable leadership and a strong commitment by all involved. Now in its third year of implementation, RTI2 encompasses high-quality instruction, early intervention and prevention, and behavioral strategies. By using culturally relevant, research-based instruction, and with continuous assessment of student learning and increased parental involvement, student learning is accelerated. The RTI2 program integrates resources from general education, categorical programs, and special education into a comprehensive system of instruction and intervention that best fits the needs of the students. Therefore, the focus of the program is on the individual student and what will best help him or her learn. Through her strong leadership, Ms. Rodriguez has motivated the total school community and harnessed its energy and dedication to make this an effective instructional method, resulting in significant student academic growth. In a recent interview, Ms. Rodriguez appeared humbled and honored by the recognition. She gave kudos to her dedicated staff, supportive parents, and district resource professionals. “Even though ACSA is giving me this award, I feel like it has been a team effort,” said Ms. Rodriguez, acknowledging a student’s education involves teachers, support staff, and parent participation. Dorsa Elementary serves approximately 574 students in grades K-5; its demographics include a high Hispanic/Latino community (92.7%) and a high English learner population (66.9 %). The efforts at Dorsa have significantly narrowed the achievement gap.

SAN JOSE APPROVES CESAR CHAVEZ WALKING TRAIL

See it here on CBS 5:

http://cbs5.com/local/cesar.chavez.walk.2.972839.html

CESAR CHAVEZ MEMORIAL WALKWAY PROPOSED

SAN JOSE - Mayor Chuck Reed invites residents to attend a community discussion regarding a proposal to establish the César Chávez Memorial Walkway in San José. The meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29 at the Mexican Heritage Plaza Pavilion from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“With the recent addition of the César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice on the campus of San José State University, Downtown and Alum Rock have many landmarks related to César Chávez that reflect his great contribution to our City,” said Mayor Reed. “Many people have approached me with the idea of tying these locations together. This meeting will bring the community together to get feedback and ideas for a walkway commemorating the life and legacy of César Chávez.”

The outreach meetings will elicit the community’s opinion on topics such as the proposed route, sign design, landmarks to include, and overall thoughts on the project. Proposed plans for the Memorial Walkway consist of street signs attached to existing poles and will connect various landmarks being considered include Plaza de César Chávez, César Chávez Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice, Mexican Heritage Plaza, Chávez’s former home, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

The project has received the blessing of the family of César Chávez to move forward. “I convened a family meeting… their response was overwhelmingly positive and everyone agree[d] to endorse the project,” said Rudy Chávez-Medina as President of the Chávez Family Vision, Inc. in a letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that the plans need to move forward and we are committed to working with you on this endeavor.”

In October of 2007, Mayor Reed established the Mayor’s Committee to Honor César E. Chávez in order to help expand on the civil rights leader’s legacy in San José. The volunteer, community advisory panel consists of Reverend Deacon Sal Alvarez, Monsignor Eugene Boyle, Monsignor John Sandersfield, Rudy Chávez-Medina, and former Mayor Susan Hammer. The César Chávez Memorial Walkway was expressed as a committee priority through a letter to Mayor Reed in October 2008.

“This walkway will be able to unite relevant landmarks in San José while recognizing the connection and influence that César Chávez had in our community,” wrote committee chair Sal Alvarez in his letter to Mayor Reed. “We believe that it is vital for citizens to remember the contributions of César Chávez and recognize his profound impact in protecting the exploitation of the underserved community.”

The Mayor’s Office will be planning two additional outreach meetings on the project. Those unable to attend are encouraged to submit their thoughts electronically by emailing mayoremail@sanjoseca.gov.

OBAMA INAUGURATION VIDEO

Just back from Washington DC. My flight landed at 1:00 am Thursday morning after a whirlwind trip. What an amazing experience it was. I will update this post but for now, this is what it was like to be in the crowd on that historic day:

http://vimeo.com/2901400