Politically Active. Politics Free.

Describing oneself as “politically active” is a risk.  

You risk the chance that the person you are talking to is ultra-political and sees your admission as the green light for a spirited debate on healthcare, taxes, or the size of government.  

You also risk the chance of the other person recoiling and finding a reason to excuse themselves.  I mean -- they have a life and really do not want to be stuck in a conversation about healthcare, taxes, or the size of government.

But neither of those are necessarily true - maybe for someone involved in politics - but you can be politically active without getting caught up in the game of politics.

Politically Active. Politics Free. makes a clear distinction between civic engagement and politics.  

The New York Times states that “civic engagement” is “working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference.” 

We believe that the more a person is involved in the decision making process, his/her sense of ownership in the betterment of the community is increased exponentially.

“Politics”  are the methods or tactics involved in managing a government and the maneuvering within a political unit or group in order to gain control or power. 

Politically Active. Politics Free. will always be “civic” oriented and focused on local issues that affect the details of your, my and our lives here in good old Chula Vista!

Best Ranking Schools ... At What Cost?

Standardized testing has long been a source of controversy. But stakes are high when it comes to our school’s API (Academic Performance Index) scoring. API is the chief measure of school performance, which is calculated using each school’s CST (California Standard Tests) results. The goal is a score of 800 or better.

Sure - don’t we want our children in what would be considered a high performing school of 800+? Wouldn’t you want to be a leader of a school scoring 800+?  

Last week, I had some questions on an assembly at my child’s middle school … a 45+ slide PowerPoint presentation apparently about the importance of the upcoming CST.

First of all, 45 slides? In my line of work you call that “death by PowerPoint”.

But the question’s I had were on the ethnic focus. 

Early in the school year, the principal had made it a point to share over the loud speaker how the various ‘subgroups’ had done on CST: Asians at the top. Hispanic and African Americans at the bottom. Teachers had encouraged students to write the principal with their concerns about the announcement and how it made them feel.

So my conversation with the principal went something like this …

Me: Why is it important for your student body to learn how ethnic subgroups in their school ranked in test scores?

Principal: It is public knowledge.

Me: Yes, but why do you feel, as a principal, this will benefit students and my child? Is this best practice?

Principal: I’m a distinguished school.   

Me: So, you think it’s because of this information?

Principal: Why don’t you explain to me how API & AYP scores are calculated?

(I’ll be honest - what I was thinking next was … ‘Look, !#@#%%%’  - but what I said was)

Me: I’m sorry you feel you have to be defensive. I’m a parent and I have a fair question. Why do you feel this information is important for our children? What is your ultimate goal for this presentation?

Principal: Groups should know how they rank so they can do better.

Ultimately the slides were pulled, but this horrid uneasiness about what is going on at my child’s school lingers. Put aside the fact that this principal is blinded by his API ranking and his abrasive and apparent lack of etiquette when chatting with a parent. But here is someone in leadership responsible for a school full of early adolescents going through one of the most difficult times of growing up: physically, emotionally and socially.

Yet, regardless of a student’s individual score, this principal apparently decided that to encourage students to do better it was best to reinforce their ethnic subgroups. In my opinion, essentially pitting them against each other to apparently put pressure on under performing groups.

Wow.

But now beyond the discussion of whether these tests are significant, true or necessary – now as a parent I have to be cognizant of the schools “eye on the prize” and the means they will use to get it. 

I’m happy to share that the district was responsive to my concerns and the ethnic focus was cut for now, yet I’m still waiting to hear if these tactics are thought to be ‘best practices’ for our schools and best for our kids.

To learn more about API try : The API: 10 Things Parents Should Know 

PC

CVESD: Public Input Improves Public Input Process

Say that three times fast -

In a recent blog I shared my experience serving on the Chula Vista Elementary School District's Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The Union Tribune ran a story and I had a nice conversation with a district representative. 

Bottom line: The public input process will improve at the district.

News story on pink slips issued that were a far greater number than the BAC had recommended.

Why? The district must send out pink slips by March 15. Since the budget is never known that early, the district sends out pink slips which are based on the absolute worst-case scenario. 

Should the district have informed the BAC this action had been taken and why it was taken PRIOR to receiving the BAC’s recommendation? Yes. There really is no point of contention here, it’s a logical explanation that would prevented any misunderstanding about the budget process.

BAC spent five meetings and many more conversations with our School Site Councils to come to agreement on a prioritized list of budget reductions, with specific language added to each recommendation. This document served to “advise” the Board about the public’s budgetary priorities for consideration when creating the district’s budget. The document was never part of the Board meeting, but instead was summarized in four bullet points. No prioritized list, no additional language and open to debate on whether it was an accurate summary of the BACs recommendation.

Why?  I was told that board members do receive the document after the BAC approves it, but it has never been included in the agenda for the public meeting of the board when they consider the budget. The district assures me this will change next year.  This change was the crux of my concern.

The work of the BAC is the district’s formal public input process for their budget. Without including the priorities of the public, including specific language considerations, there is no meaningful public input and no way to hold our leaders accountable for their consideration of public input.

This is a disservice to the Board, the public, the district and most importantly the students.

My last word ...
Sharing my experience was not intended to be a dig at the district or anti-government banter.. The intent was to model how an individual can be involved.  

Since a problem with the process was identified, it has been a great example of how public knowledge can empower public input ---- resulting in a better process ---- which benefits you, me, our children and our community.

Mayor Cox Echoes President Kennedy and Asks, "What Can You Do?"

On Tuesday, March 15, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox gave her first State of the City Address since being re-elected to serve another four-year term.  The State of the City Address for a local municipality doesn’t typically draw huge ratings.  It’s the stuff that politicos look forward to dissecting, future candidates poke holes in, and something that gives the every day Joe some hope and vision for the future.

Since I find myself wavering somewhere between politico and average Joe - I thought I’d provide an overview of the items that stood out the most to me.  

Overall, I was very impressed with Mayor Cox’ speech and the vision that she laid out.  Ambitious? Yes.  Can anything be achieved with such a contentious council? Maybe.  

The best part to me was her call for Chula Vista’s level of debate to “grow-up” and her echo of former President Kennedy’s call that, “We cannot be content to ask what can be done for us. Let us ask ourselves what we can do for our community.”

The Mayor presented an ambitious vision that we can choose to support or not - Some may not support the vision, and that is okay.  But participation in the process of how this vision (or some alternative) is implemented is critical to ensuring the vision is not compromised.  

Z’s State of the City Highlights

"The Centennial provides great examples of philanthropy - people giving of their time, talent, and funding to benefit our community. This summer, the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation will make its first grant awards of around $25,000. Good works are important to a growing city. I would like to challenge our residents to double next year’s award by becoming Charter Members."

This not only provides economic development through investments in local nonprofits, but also strengthens the diverse services offered to meet our local needs.  I echo Mayor Cox in challenging everyone to “Give Local” when considering gifts - for we are certain to know someone or some group who will benefit from our gift.

“I hope 2011 reflects a positive outlook with more members of our community helping others, and that each of us will commit to promoting this sentiment. Next week, Wanda Bailey, whose position as Chief Service Officer is funded by one of twenty leadership grants awarded throughout the nation, will release a service plan to help bolster community involvement in the areas of education and health and wellness. Her work has paid early dividends in the form of an additional $50,000 planning grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to help build volunteerism.”

This is pretty cool! I honestly don’t know much about this and will be looking forward to learning more.  I’ve talked with many people who are always on  the look-out for ways to give back.  But it takes time to hunt down projects that fit our schedules and family ability.  I have a feeling that a blog write-up on this plan is a sure thing :)

“The success of our city is directly related to our student’s success and our school’s performance.  A strong education system is everyone’s business. According to UC Santa Barbara’s California Dropout Research Project, the lifetime economic losses from just one year’s worth of high school dropouts is more than $136 million for Chula Vista.  Increasing the number of high school graduates by just half would generate $68 million in economic benefits to the community and fewer acts of violent crime.”

As someone who works in education, I was so excited to hear this! A huge kudos to Mayor Cox for her forward thinking in linking the city’s success with that of its education system. It would be so easy to say this is a school district problem not a city problem - but that can’t be further from the truth. 


The economic impact of a poor education system can’t be ignored - those are huge costs!  When there aren’t enough schools - families, housing, development and businesses are impacted. Likewise the addition of new homes, cuts to recreation programs and city services impact schools.  

“Restructuring, however, comes at a human cost. Through no fault of their own, many talented people no longer work for the city, and uncertainty in the workplace is hard to endure. Since the financial crisis, blame directed towards government employees comes far too easily, and, in many cases, is misguided when the entire country is experiencing the same, or even worse, financial times. Our employees are not to blame. They have demonstrated a willingness year after year to respond to budget corrections. Contributing eight and nine percent to retirement helps fill a projected $12.5 million deficit. Just as corporations and private employers make substantial changes in their employees’ pensions, government could do no less.”

Yes! I hope that all of us fight the urge to follow the national trend of placing blame on our public employees.  Chula Vista employees are our neighbors, friends, PTA/School Site members, and more.  They are working more with less - just like the rest of us. They have experienced layoffs and dramatic cuts to pay and benefits - just like the rest of us. 

“Government should be lean, efficient and employ high performing staff.  Let me give you an example.  Public Safety is at the center of our efforts to keep neighborhoods safe, improve the economy and create jobs. Chula Vista has the lowest ratio in the county of sworn personnel to residents, yet we are a safe city, the third safest in the county. Overall crime is down 32% over five years. The Chula Vista Police Department has demonstrated that it is a model of effectiveness and efficiency.”

Another example of how our city is doing more with less --- and doing it successfully! Are there ways to be more efficient? Probably.  Are there areas where we may be too lean? Probably.  The work is most definitely not done, but let’s continue to learn from our successes and failures - together.

“The magazine that once called Chula Vista ‘boring’ now dubs our region as the ‘Best Place to Build a Business.’ California CEO magazine honored Chula Vista as one of ‘California’s Best Cities for Business.’ Going forward, and as funds become available over the next four years, I will urge the City Council to invest in business development and recruitment. Staff member Craig Ruiz attracted the Canadian renewable energy company Siliken to Chula Vista. Michael Meacham has been working with electronic devices manufacturer Leviton as they consider expanding in Chula Vista.”

Housing is rebounding, albeit slowly ... But with all these new homes - you have to wonder about the impact of all those new cars driving to jobs far away.  It’s great to hear that there will be focused efforts to bring businesses here.  


Clean Tech, which the Mayor mentions in her speech, is a niche that we are positioned to be a leader in the region. Our business development and recruitment efforts have been lacking for some time and the proof is in the pudding - so let’s do this!

“Residents can also take steps to improve services simply by spending locally. You have heard the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce slogan, ‘Shop, Dine, and Stay Chula Vista.’ This message is critical. Unfortunately, Chula Vista’s sales tax revenues are among the lowest per capita in the county. With a conscious effort to shift our daily routines to spend more of our dollars in Chula Vista, we can be part of a solution ... Please, urge your family, friends and neighbors to Shop Local, because these dollars can support valuable projects, like recent strategies to fight graffiti.”

This is one of the easiest ways YOU can help contribute to the success of our City!  Shopping local builds our local economy and provides the money for all the community services that we have grown to love.  Check out our Favorites page to see some of our readers picks for best places to shop - and send us others that aren’t listed.

“During challenging times, it is easy to become bitter and frustrated, and yet, for every frustration, for every bit of negativity, there is an opportunity to do things differently and better than before.”

“Chula Vista has grown up and our level of debate should, too.” 

“I want the best for Chula Vista - we all do.”

“This is our hometown. Together, we are responsible for being the best stewards of the environment, our businesses, schools, parks, libraries and neighborhoods. We all have equal shares in our city’s successes or failure.” 

Yes, we all want what’s best for Chula Vista. The details of “what’s best” may be debatable but a level of debate that is respectful AND inclusive is one that will in no doubt produce Chula Vista’s best!

CVESD Parent Budget Committee – Recommendations Lost

During last year’s budget cuts, and with so many of the teachers at my daughter’s school getting pink slips, I realized that I didn’t know much about the school district budget, policies or process ... then I heard about the Chula Vista Elementary School Districts (CVESD) Budget Advisory Committee (BAC).

BAC is a group made up of parent’s from each school that reviews and makes budget recommendations. Like I needed another meeting to attend, right? 

But since I’m always telling my family, friends and neighbors to get involved .... It was time to walk the talk. 

It was an interesting process to say the least. The group was great. Most had been members of the BAC for multiple years.  They had great ideas for budget reductions, even after being given a redunkulous list of options.  

Five meetings later, several liaison meetings with our School Site Councils, and on Mar1 we approved a recommended prioritized list of reductions for the Board’s consideration, including those that would have impacted about 60 teaching positions.

So what happened to our recommendations? Well ... 

In a recent news article it stated the district was sending over 300 pink slips to teachers.  A reduction of 60 teachers (via larger class sizes) was ranked sixth on a list of eight other options to consider by the BAC, so you can see how the discrepancy in numbers raised a red flag immediately.

Here is what I found:

• The BAC approved a recommendation for prioritized reductions at the meeting of Mar 1.

• The CVESD Board approved their personnel reduction plans at their meeting of Feb15. 

• At the Mar8 CVESD Board meeting the BAC is referenced in a budget agenda item - including some bullets that vaguely look like our budget recommendations - but none of the specific language we approved or a list of prioritized options. 

Why where parents asked to vote on priorities if the Board had already taken action? 

Frustrating, to say the least.  I’ll be asking and will keep you updated because this is one of the reasons why the public doesn’t get involved.  Too many times I hear, “why - it’s not like it will matter what I say.” 

Why? Because I don’t think this particular experience is the norm. There are many successful examples like the Nature Center and Norman Park Senior Center where public input made  difference. 

So while I wait for a response from CVESD, I don’t waiver from my stance that volunteer commissions are important and I encourage you to get involved. Just recently the City of Chula Vista’s Growth Management Commission reviewed the impact of our growing population to the school system ... bottom line - we need more schools!  

We also need more every-day citizens, who bring their knowledge, expertise and passion for the community, to give a few hours a month in order to bring fresh eyes and fresh perspective to public policy that can be hampered by the stagnation of bureaucracy and politics .... 

Contact your school to get involved or visit the City's website to apply for a volunteer commission!

Padres Are Coming to Chula Vista

News Alert:

The Padres are coming to Chula Vista. 

Okay, not the way some were hoping the Chargers were, but …

The Saturday, March 19^th rally at Chula Vista’s Otay Ranch Town Center from noon to 4 p.m. will have all the favorites: The Friar, Pad Squad and Padres Alumni, as well as games, fan-favorite activities, music and food. The Padres’ flagship radio station, XX1090 AM will broadcast live from the rally.

Here’s our chance to show ‘em what Chula Vista is about.  So between soccer and little league games – it’s just down the street - or a quick few minutes if you take Olympic Parkway or even the 125. Come eat. Celebrate. Meet some of your favorites and get some goodies too!

What: Padres Rally

Where: Chula Vista’s Otay Ranch Town Center (2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, 91915)

When: Saturday, March 19, 2011

Time: 12 to 4 PM

For more information: www.ChulaVista100.com

Chula Vista Centennial Day at PETCO Park

The event kicks off the upcoming Chula Vista Centennial Day at PETCO Park when our Padres take on the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Discount tickets are now on sale at www.chulavista100.com for the day game on Sunday, April 10 at 1:05 p.m.

Maybe, just maybe, we can have more SD Padre hats and shirts in the stands than Dodger blue. So come show your local pride and enjoy America’s past time together. 

Local Youth Shine in Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Theater education is more than just offering children an opportunity to explore their artistic and creative talents; it is also a wonderful medium for keeping children active and healthy. It is a disciplined approach to critical thinking, intellectual insight and problem solving. It can boost self-esteem, improve public speaking and confidence. It builds a strong sense of community trust and interpersonal relationships. These are all skills that can fundamentally impact their success in school and beyond – no matter what career they choose.

Unfortunately, due to limited and continued cuts in education funding, art programs are often the first things to go. And in today’s struggling economy where families are scrambling to pay for life staples and keeping up with soaring gas prices, the arts and afterschool programs can be difficult to afford.

While many local non-profit theater and art programs, including San Diego Christian Youth Theater (CYT), are facing challenges they know it is even more necessary to provide these opportunities for children.

For years, CYT has enriched the lives of thousands of our children and young adults by developing leadership, confidence, skills, and teamwork through theater education.  As a matter of fact, CYT originated in San Diego in 1981. Since then, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater in the nation. There are affiliates across the country working with thousands of students a year.

Locally as an afterschool program, CYT offers theater arts training for student’s ages four to 18. Of these, more than 80 youth take part in South County season productions showcasing their singing, dancing and acting talents or crewing backstage and assisting with lighting and stage pieces.

On top of all this, parents are a key component. At any point of rehearsals and shows, you’ll find parents behind scenes and really, all over the place: sewing costumes, selling snacks, monitoring youth, cleaning up, make up duties – you name it. Like Little League and Pop Warner, it takes everyone to keep it going.

CYT is currently presenting its season’s most anticipated production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. in Chula Vista at Mater Dei Catholic High School Theater. Expect to be captivated by dramatic set designs, songs from the award winning musical and refined performances by local youth. What you wont’ find is a bad seat or inflated ticket prices. All seats are reserved and prices range from $10 to $12.

Show times are March 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 7 pm; March 6 at 5 pm and March 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 2 pm. For more information please visit www.CYTSanDiego.org or call 800-696-1929.

CYT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization funded primarily through its tuition, ticket sales and outside contributions. Your patronage at Beauty and the Beast Jr. helps CYT continue to offer these experiences for youth and provide scholarships as well. 

Chula Vista Nature Center - How To Be Politically Active and Politics Free

This weekend, my family and I visited the Art Aquatic exhibit at the Chula Vista Nature Center. It was breathtaking! Not just the combination of art and nature, but the crowds of people and families enjoying the place.

I couldn’t help but remember the recent saga that threatened the existence of the center, but then gave it a whole new life.  It was a prime case study on how a community can be politically active AND politics free.

For those already familiar with the story, I’ll make it brief. It was a time of devastating budget cuts – sound familiar.  On December 5, 2008 the city announced it would be closing the Nature Center in January 2009 in order to help close the budget gap.  The announcement spread throughout the community as neighbors, moms, volunteers, students and many more came together to discuss what they could do. Step 1: Awareness

Crowds filled the chambers at City Council meetings to speak publicly in support of the Center and to plead with city leaders to reconsider. Groups of volunteers organized a media outreach campaign to spread the cause to a wider audience and solicit help broadly.  On December 28, 2008 a fundraiser on the Bay raised over $25,000 cash and the media campaign had resulted in over $300,000 in donations from foundations and private donors. Step 2: Take Action – Be Politically Active

The community was laser focused in what it wanted – The Nature Center to stay open. Community members met with City Council members to discuss ways the Center could survive without the support of the city’s general fund.  Community members met with council members to discuss how the Center could remain open without the assistance of the general fund.  South County Economic Development Corporation worked with the Friends of the Nature Center and the City and determined that the Center could become its own non-profit organization – it just needed the time to transition.  In January, the City Council approved the continued operation of the Center until the transition was complete. Step 3: Work Together not Against – Be Politics Free

The Nature Center has survived and is thriving! As you walk through the place, you can’t help but feel the very life of the community pulsating through the aquarium.

As I walked through the Art Aquatic exhibit, I experienced the beauty of nature in a way I could not have imagined. I also left that day feeling extremely proud of the community for what they had accomplished through their willingness to be Politically Active and Politics Free!