Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (March 19, 2004)

College cuts a tragedy in the making

Editor:

For nearly half a century, higher education in California has been available to everyone who qualifies. Our University of California and California State campuses and our community colleges have opened their doors to thousands of young Californians, providing a foundation for our state's economic growth and prosperity. We have managed through hard times and good to keep that promise. Until now.

In the past 18 months, community colleges have lost approximately one third of a billion dollars out of a total budget of $5 billion. Already, an estimated 175,000 students are being turned away because the classes they need are not available. For many of these students, a dream deferred means a dream denied; they are forced to enter the work force with only a high school diploma.

This is a tragedy, not just for these young people, but for all of us. Our state's businesses rely on an educated and trained workforce to drive innovation and growth. Our educational system has helped to make California the sixth largest economy in the world. It has been the bedrock of this state's fiscal well-being. By putting higher education out of reach of so many, we risk our future prosperity as a state.

Another undesirable effect, and a sad one, is that many students who will be denied attendance at the community colleges by having to compete with those who are already university-ready would have been the first in their families to ever have the opportunity to attend college.

The League of Women Voters supports full access to quality education at every level. We encourage all members of our community to support our local students by letting our representatives in Sacramento know that our community supports access to community colleges for all who qualify.

Jane Turnbull and Mary Nichols,
Co-Presidents, LWV of Los Altos/Mountain View

Crossing guard hopes for the best for Slater School

Editor:

I read with interest an article about the discovery of toxic chemicals on the campus of Slater School. The parents are worried about this minor health hazard. I fully endorse the views of the writer that this Whisman Road school is a boon to the children of the neighborhood because I have worked as a crossing guard in this area for the past year.

It is my daily pleasure to see the young children come out of this school with glowing faces where they are efficiently trained by a brilliant staff and ably managed by the erudite principal. Adding to the health hazard, there is the looming fear that one school in the Mountain View-Whisman district may be closed for want of funds. The paradox is that the children studying at Slater reside nearby, and many companies have their offices in the area. This school is the pride of our city. I hope the fear and anxiety of parents and staff are allayed soon.

Joseph Bennett
City Crossing Guard
Gamel Way

Voters given a hand for backing Measure J

Editor:

Thank you to the voters of Mountain View who voted overwhelmingly for Measure J.

Your willingness to tax yourself for children is especially meaningful here, where only about one-fifth of us have children in public schools. I am proud to live in a community that holds education among its highest priorities.

Gloria Higgins
Measure J campaign co-chair and
trustee of the Mountain View-Whisman School District

Jesus and his thoughts on marriage

Editor:

John Cormode's letter makes claims about "what Jesus taught and believed", but he doesn't seem familiar with what Jesus taught about marriage.

When questioned about marriage-related issues, Jesus referred to Genesis, explaining that in the beginning God created us male and female, and that "a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."

Darin McGrew
San Luis Avenue

Measure J funds will mean a lot to the school district

Editor:

On behalf of the Mountain View-Whisman School District, I wish to thank the community for the generosity of spirit that led to the passage of Measure J on March 2.

Thanks to those who voted yes, we now have a stable source of local funds to provide our 4,400 students with music and art education, keep our valuable school libraries open, keep all seven elementary schools operating and keep classes small. We can now protect other quality programs from budget cuts.

Thanks also to the many volunteers -- parents, staff, community members and businesses -- who made contact with voters, posted lawn signs, made donations to the campaign or lent their good name. We are especially grateful to Carol Olson and the Chamber of Commerce for working with the district to carefully craft the measure for business support. The success of Measure J creates an on-going public interest in our schools and the foundation for valuable partnerships with business and community leaders.

As with the bond measures and the merger, there are benefits when a community works together. Good schools keep property values high, improve the quality of life, and appeal to new families who wish to relocate.

Programs such as after-school tutoring and sports not only help children get better grades, but also prevent crime by keeping kids safe and occupied during the hours when most youth crime occurs. With the community effort for Measure J, Mountain View is a better place to live and work for all.

I am proud to be part of a community that cares for children and their education.

Rose Filicetti, President
Mountain View-Whisman School District Board Woodleaf Way

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