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The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to endorse Measure E, the $98-per-year parcel tax for schools that voters will decide by May 3 mail-in ballot.

A statement from the Chamber reads, in part, that the "parcel tax will help preserve the quality of education in Pleasanton schools that is increasingly threatened by severe state budget cuts of recent years.

"Features of Measure E include an exemption for property owners over 65; requirement of an expenditure plan each year that will specify where and how Measure E funds will be used; creation of an independent citizens' oversight committee comprised of Pleasanton residents; and automatic expiration of the tax in four years that cannot be renewed without voter approval."

As a step toward addressing an anticipated $10.3 million budget shortfall due to state budget cuts, the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees at its March 8 meeting approved a reduction in staff positions at the district and two colleges, involving 18 current employees.

Twenty-six positions are affected. Seven management positions, representing more than 9% of the district's management, have been cut; two are vacant positions. Nineteen eliminated classified staff positions, six of which are vacant, represent approximately 4% of the district's represented classified positions.

The Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative is accepting nominations for the 2011 Juanita Haugen Community of Character Award until April 15. The award, named for longtime school trustee and community volunteer Juanita Haugen, was established in 2008 to recognize residents chosen by their peers who model high standards of behavior, including responsibility, compassion, self-discipline, honesty, respect and integrity.

Nomination forms are at www.communityofcharacter.org, at the School District office, 4665 Bernal Ave., and at the Library, 400 Old Bernal. Award recipients will be announced May 11 at the Community of Character Collaborative Celebration at the Pleasanton Senior Center.