Yes, "Local control is essential to keep the state's education system running smoothly, he [Mr. Torlakson] said, and that includes allowing financial control over reserves." Good to hear.

I would add that local control is also essential to keep the state's municipalities (i.e., cities) running smoothly--a message that Gov. Brown, and organizations like ABAG and Urban Habitat should hear.

Was driving west on I-580 from Livermore to Pleasanton, looking at all the disgusting urban sprawl (aka 'East Dublin') on what used to be rolling hillsides only a few years ago.

'Stack and pack' housing (i.e., 'homes' and/or apartments/condos as tall as 3 or more stories, with either tiny or zero lot lines) as far as the eye can see, and now Pleasanton has the same type of housing south of Bernal next to the Safeway.

Sad.

What is a nice way of saying that Tom Torlakson is basically a puppet of the California Teachers Association?

@Pleasanton Resident,

I would hardly call what you see on the East Dublin hills "urban". Maybe suburban?

Anyway, the people paying $900,000+ for those places seem to like them. A lot of tech workers don't have the time or inclination to take care of a big yard.

I have a Pleasanton house with a small yard and like it that way.