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Public vs. private school
Private schools often experience high demand compared to public schools for assorted reasons. However, this demand can vary depending on the region, the quality of the public schools in the area, and specific family needs and preferences.
Many parents believe private schools offer a superior education, with more rigorous academic standards and better resources, including smaller class sizes and more individual attention for students.
Public schools serve communities with a wide range of beliefs, values and cultural backgrounds. What is deemed appropriate or essential by one group might be controversial by another.
Private schools have a reputation for excellence, can be a steppingstone to prestigious universities, often offer specialized programs, such as international baccalaureate, or arts-focused curriculums, which may not be available in public schools.
Public school education often becomes battleground for political ideologies. Politicians and policy makers may have differing views on what should be emphasized in the curriculum, leading to conflicts and changes in policy.
Some families believe that private schools provide a safer and more disciplined environment, which can be appealing if they are concerned about issues in public schools.
There are state and federal standards that public schools must meet, which can limit flexibility. High-stakes testing further narrows the focus to subjects and topics that are testable, sometimes at the expense of a broader education.
Many private schools are affiliated with religious institutions, which can appeal to families wanting an education aligned with their faith or values.
Private schools may offer a wider range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and clubs, which can be appealing to families looking for a more well-rounded education.
Local school boards have significant authority over curriculum decisions. This decentralized system means that what is taught can vary widely from one district to another, based on the priorities and values of the local community.
— Michael Austin
Remembering Dolores
Thank you, Jeremy, for the most wonderful article about Dolores who I will truly miss. You definitely captured some of her incredible qualities and skills including her integrity, creativity, inspiring stories and fantastic writing skills.
Several years ago, I met Dolores when she wrote an article about my daughter’s dance company’s annual production of the “Nutcracker”. No story was too small or big. Dolores and I met again when we were guests on TV30’s “In a Word”. While I was incredibly nervous, she was calm, collected and full of amazing insights. We quickly became friends and colleagues.
In the years following, when Dolores was editor of the Danville Weekly, she asked me if I’d be interested in writing lifestyle stories, and she would serve as my editor, which I truly needed. I soon realized after a few interviews that these would be incredibly inspiring heartfelt stories of courage and strength that Dolores felt needed to be told. Thankfully she helped me do this.
Dolores and I remained friends ever since, meeting once a month for “Ladies Who Lunch” whenever and wherever we could. Dolores was always positive, upbeat and encouraging even when she was not well. I will always miss her, my dear friend and colleague. Thank you for everything.
— Susan Astbury
Thank you National Charity League
We at SPARC Theater wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the extraordinary volunteer service provided by members of the National Charity League, Livermore and Pleasanton Chapters, in 2024. We especially rely on NCL support at the Shakespeare in the Vineyards show at Darcie Kent Vineyards in Livermore and our new program at Danville’s Village Theatre.
We’d like to highlight the dedication to nurturing community spirit through acts of service that NCL provides, profoundly impacting SPARC Theater programs. It’s been a joy to witness such enthusiasm and commitment, and to see firsthand the difference it makes when a community comes together to support the arts.
NCL members’ willingness to step in with tasks big and small, from working ArtWalk booths to ushering performances, has been instrumental in our success. These efforts have not only helped us run smoothly but enhanced the experience of every patron who walks through our doors.
As we reflect on this past year, we are especially grateful for the partnership with the National Charity League. These volunteers embody the true spirit of community and generosity. We are fortunate to have such passionate individuals by our side and look forward to what we can continue to achieve together.
Thank you to NCL for their support, commitment, and enthusiasm for nearly a decade. We are eagerly anticipating another wonderful year of partnership in 2025.
— Audrey Brooks, on behalf of SPARC Theater staff and board
On-site rodeo vets
California boasts the nation’s most comprehensive rodeo law, Penal Code 596.7, enacted in 2000, amended in 2007 to cover the hundreds of Mexican charreadas held throughout the state.
Current law requires either an on-site or on-call veterinarian at every rodeo and/or charreada, bans the use of electric prods in the holding chutes, and requires that animal injury reports be submitted to the State Veterinary Medical Board. These reports are public record (email enforcement.vmb@dca.ca.gov).
Current law needs amending to require on-site veterinarians at all these events. The PRCA, racetracks, horse shows and endurance rides all require on-site veterinarians — so should all rodeos and charreadas. Animal injuries often require immediate medical attention — an “on call” vet doesn’t fill the need.
Let your state reps hear from you: c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814; email pattern for all legislators: senator.lastname@senate.ca.gov; assemblymember.lastname@assembly.ca.gov. (Deadline for new legislation is Feb. 21.)
— Eric Mills, coordinator, Action for Animals
Air district data 40 points off?!
There is really no other way to look at it — either the air district is incompetent or they are malicious.
I have been saying for years that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District does not put science behind their Spare-the-Air alerts but, instead, it’s all about trying to justify that the Spare-the-Air program is worth the millions of dollars they receive for it. Just look at the AQI (air quality index) for the two regions that were supposedly over the 100 threshold on Dec. 8; on the day before, they were about 40 points away from that:
Coastal and Central Bay: Dec. 7 prediction was 62; Dec. 8 it was 102
Santa Clara Valley: Dec. 7 prediction was 68; Dec. 8 it was 102
That’s 40%-plus off. In any scientific universe you can think of, if your one-day predictions were off by 40%, you’d be fired. Not anyone at the air district, of course, because they are self-funded and there is virtually no oversight.
They are an out-of-control, self-funded, unregulated “special district” government agency. They can make up their own data and impose their rules on the population with no consequences.
I highly encourage the media to question this and look into how the air district operates. A few years ago, the employees were prohibited from speaking with other employees from other divisions. They were even told that they were not allowed to socialize, even have lunch together, outside of the building. How secretive is that?
— Robert Morey
