Monthly Archives: October 2009

Judy Chen Haggerty, Mt. San Antonio College Governing Board incumbent

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As a Mt SAC Governing Board member for 8 years, I have worked effectively with Mt. SAC’s teachers, administrators, students, other board members and citizens of the Mt. SAC District. As a professor at Rio Hondo College and University of Phoenix, I have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse educational needs of our community. I am committed to ensuring that Mt. SAC overcomes current economic challenges without impairing services to our students and our community. With your support, I will continue to ensure that Mt. SAC delivers affordable, superior programs to prepare students for success in their future careers. With your support, I will continue to serve you for the betterment of the community.

With your support, I will continue to represent you with the following commitment:
Student success — delivery of excellent education is the No. 1 priority.
Taxpayer’s watch dog — make sure taxpayer’s dollars are spent wisely.
Fiscal accountability – balance the college’s budget and maintain a healthy reserve for emergencies.
Positive working relations with college constituents.
Community advocacy — constructive partnerships with business organizations.

As a 26-year Mt. SAC District resident, I understand and share your concerns relating to our community. I have challenged myself daily to promote Mt. SAC in the community whenever and wherever possible, including participating in community events in the Mt. SAC District as a visible and vocal ambassador of Mt. San Antonio College. I have been a life-long community volunteer for the past 26 years.

My community activities include the following:
California Leadership Alliance for Student Success (CLASS Project)
Mt. SAC Project Participant Representative.
Founding Director: FORUS Foundation, Rowland USD, Former director: Mt.SAC Foundation, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff Booster Club, Walnut Valley Rotary Club Community Advisor: La Puente ROP.

I have received endorsements from many officials and community leaders. My endorsements include: Supervisor Don Knabe, Congressman Gary Miller, Senator Bob Huff, Assemblyman Curt Hagman. Mayors: Manuel Lozano, Walt Allen, Dave Perez, Curt Morris, Mary Su. City Councils: Monica Garcia, Steve Tye, Carol Herrera, Tom King, School Boards: Heidi Gallegos, Norman Hsu, Anita Perez, Larry Redinger, Robert Fuentes, Gilbert Garcia. Mt. SAC Board Members: Manuel Baca, Rosanne Bader, Fred Chyr.

I am committed to provide the residents of the Mt. SAC District and its neighboring areas with world-class, affordable and accessible learning opportunities. I am asking you for the opportunity to continue to serve you and the students of Mt. SAC.
Judy Chen Haggerty, J.D./Professor/Attorney at Law

Ron Everett, Diamond Bar City Council incumbent

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The City of Diamond Bar is healthy, in spite of crises in California and globally! This is a “Serious Season”; it requires experience, a realistic perspective, balance and accountability.

Ron Everett has been honored and proud to serve as your Mayor this year; to serve another Council term, your vote is important! Mr.Everett’s greatest interest and reward during 32 years in Diamond Bar is the “people” of our community; you have been an important part.

Ron is dedicated to keep the City strong with his experience, professionalism, integrity, and realistic view about “A Vision for Our Community” (www.CityOfDiamondBar.com), the current City Goals and Objectives, including fiscal responsibility, traffic mitigation, economic development, and open community communications.

He was the advocate for sustainability programs, recently yielding $516k federal funding for City projects to meet Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant goals.

Public safety (with overall crime reduced another 14.6 percent this year) and education are top priorities:
Ron Everett has served the last 2 years on the City Public Safety Committee and as council liaison to Pomona (PUSD) and Walnut Valley (WVUSD) Unified School Districts, and endeavors to support educators in both Districts.

Married 42 years to Kay; they raised 5 children in local schools, with broad academics, athletics, performing arts programs, and community programs, and currently 4 grandchildren attend local schools. Ron Everett is a 16-year School District Personnel Commissioner, and the current chairman for this Commission.

UCLA graduate; plus post-graduate studies, business, accounting, education and law.
IBM 30 years, including marketing, management, client relationships and profitability.

Diamond Bar has just celebrated our 20th year as a City; consider what we have today. These are challenging times, and Diamond Bar has much more opportunity to develop for the benefit of our residents and businesses!

Elect Ron Everett. He listens to the “people”!

Endorsed by the five Board Trustees of Walnut Valley Unified School District, President Helen Hall, VP Nancy Lyons, Clerk Cindy Ruiz, Carolyn Elfelt, and Larry Redinger; Mt. SAC Trustees President Fred Chyr and VP David Hall, Ph.D.; Ron supports the leadership and educators of PUSD, WVUSD and Mt. SAC!

On Nov 3, join neighbors and community leaders, Diamond Bar Council members Wen Chang and Steve Tye, Mayor ProTem Carol Herrera, Walnut Mayor Mary Su, Chino Hills Mayor Peter Rogers, Assemblyman Curt Hagman, and others. Vote!
Ron Everett for Diamond Bar City Council!
RonEverett4DBCC@aol.com

Jeff Stark, Claremont Unified board challenger

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The upcoming school board election will shape the future of the Claremont Unified School District for years to come. The state budget cuts for education have been severe. Careful consideration and thoughtful fiscal planning will be essential to maintaining the high quality of education our children deserve and on which our future depends. Over the past years, I have demonstrated proven leadership abilities, financial expertise, broad community involvement and the passion needed to help guide the District now and lay the groundwork for its future.

I am a founding partner of Fukagawa Stark and Associates, providing investment advisory service through National Planning Corporation. I manage the financial futures of individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. With over 24 years of experience, I have gained the knowledge and expertise to manage assets more than twice the budget of the Claremont School District.

Today’s reality is that the District must do more with less while finding ways to build a financial cushion — just as families need to save for emergencies or opportunities. This requires a leader with financial experience, who understands financial statements and balance sheets; one who can ask hard questions and is adept at planning to help ensure wise decision-making now for financial stability in the future.

My community service record is strong. I served as treasurer for the Claremont Community Foundation and for Claremont AYSO. I was a member of the Finance Committee for Pilgrim Place and the Claremont Unified School District Asset Advisory Committee.
I have been fortunate to work with many passionate and committed individuals to make Claremont a better place to live. I co-chaired the committee that successfully passed the Measure Y School Bond, bringing approximately $48,900,000 into the District and served on the executive committee of the Save Our Schools Campaign, which raised over $650,000 in five months. I am a founding member of the Claremont Senior Foundation and chaired the Investment Committee.

My vision is not limited to effective financial planning. I support the efforts of those working to develop productive instructional strategies that meet the individual needs of all our children. I pledge to support our teachers and staff to foster personal and academic excellence, innovation and professional development.

My wife Christine and I were raised in Claremont, and our three children have all benefitted from the Claremont public school system. I hope you will consider my leadership and experience, and support me with your vote on Nov. 3.
Jeff Stark

Jeff Hammill, Claremont Unified board challenger

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My wife and I moved to Claremont because of the wonderful educational opportunities we knew it would afford our children. We have not been disappointed. Our sons are now in first and third grade and are receiving a tremendous education. This has become a challenging time however, for our public schools.

The state budget mess has threatened the foundation of public education and forced us to make many difficult choices and cuts. The decisions the Board of Education makes today will impact education in our community for the next 10 years. We need a School Board with a long-term vision and plan to maintain the strength, safety and uniqueness of Claremont Schools. We need a Board with representation from the parents of Claremont children, the children that will have to live with these decisions.

Board members must have the ability to set priorities, manage the District’s finances in this era of budget cuts, and communicate to the public how and why decisions are being made. I feel my background as a lawyer, businessman, and public servant makes me uniquely qualified to do that.

I have served Claremont as a Planning Commissioner, making long-range decisions in the best interest of the community. I have worked with our youth as a Little League coach, teaching not only the game of baseball, but also teamwork and respect. I have served our region as a co-founder, with my wife, Sharon, of Katie’s Hope Fund at Foothill Family Shelter. Through Katie’s Hope Fund we have been able to provide educational scholarships to help formerly homeless families rebuild their lives.

Because of the challenges we face, I feel it is important to serve our community on the Board of Education. I want to keep Claremont’s schools strong, safe and unique. I hope you will join the families that have already joined my campaign and help us preserve the quality of education in our community now and in the future. Thank you for your consideration.
Jeff Hammill
hammill4schools@earthlink.net

Christopher Agrella, Chaffey College board challenger

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I decided to run for this position as I felt there was a need for “fresh blood and new thinking” for the Chaffey Community College District.

I also felt that my 22 plus years experience in the California educational system will provide new insight and a better college environment for all students. I have both built and inspected classrooms, child care centers, and administration projects on college campuses as well as K-12 school districts throughout California. I have seen what works and what doesn’t work for a student’s education, and I will apply this knowledge to provide for a better student program.

I was an academic student at UC Riverside and a vocational student at Rio Hondo College, so I know what a student’s needs are at their college of choice. My Rio Hondo college education was through the carpenter’s union hall in Pomona as an apprentice in their four-year program where I achieved a certificate of journeyman status as a union carpenter.

I can assure the voters, that like my construction projects, I will strive to maximize the efficiency of this college district’s budgets, end wasteful spending, and provide the students the campus priorities they need, including adequate parking at all times on all campuses. We have incumbents that seem to have misplaced these student priorities by building new structures for even more students, while there is not ample parking now at Chaffey College for the students already trying to attend. I will have the needed parking structures built before my first four-year term ends, you can count on that!

In order to accomplish these goals, I need you, the voters of this district, to “park” your vote for me, Christopher Agrella, this Nov. 3. By electing me as your “new, fresh” board member, the Chaffey Community College District will flourish even more!

Christopher Agrella
Montclair

Frank Guzman, Pomona Unified board challenger

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Student, Consultant, Teacher, Parent, PTO President, Volunteer and Community Member. These are some of the roles I have played in the years that I have been associated with PUSD. These roles have prepared me for my role as Governing Board Member.
I remember roaming the halls of many Pomona schools as a student.

Having teachers, administrators and support staff pat me on the back and offer words of encouragement. It was the staff of Pomona Unified that helped shape who I am today. I care about our staff.

As a Consultant and an ROP Teacher, I have been able to work with the students and staff to offer that same encouragement that was once offered to me. I have learned so much from both the students and staff. I will continue to learn.

As a parent, volunteer and PTO President, I have had to deal with many issues and roadblocks that face our children. We are encouraged to take an active role, yet discouraged when we do just that. We need not be silenced when it comes to our children and their education. I have put countless hours into my kids’ education, raising funds because the district isn’t taking care of their responsibility. As your Board Member, I will to do the same for your kids.

I pledge to fight for what is right and to always keep our kids’ interest at heart. Our kids are our future and we need to do everything possible to encourage and nurture their educational needs.

It is time that we put the kids first. It is time that the district supports the programs that they put in place. I will fight to make this happen.

As a community member, I want Pomona and Diamond Bar to flourish. We need to be a leader in education. If our families are leaving the district, I will find out why and I will do everything possible to retain our families.

What I plan to do, will not be easy. We will need to work together to accomplish our goals. I will need to listen to my constituents, to be an effective leader. I will listen and we will be successful.

On Nov. 3, stand alongside me and demand change from PUSD.

Demand to be heard, demand Frank Guzman!

I am Frank Guzman, the Teachers’ Choice and the Parents’ Voice. I ask for your vote.
Frank Guzman
Pomona

Irene Hernandez-Blair, Chaffey College board challenger

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My name is Irene Hernandez-Blair. I reside in Chino and I’m running for the Chaffey Community College Governing Board because I want to ensure equal outreach and equal opportunities for higher education to all the youth of our communities. In addition, with the high unemployment rate, it’s also important to have courses available to unemployed adults who may find that they need a degree in order to gain the necessary skills required to compete in today’s ever-changing workforce.

I realize that community college budgets have been significantly reduced, but considering other possibilities such as trade certificate programs offered by local unions is a viable option for higher learning. Another possibility is the building of partnerships with private businesses where student/employees could earn certificates via work place educational programs. Seeking such alternatives provide nothing less than successful benefits for the community as a whole.

I believe that it is time to reinvest in our youth and in our community. Higher education is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Without a college education, our youth are depriving themselves of the opportunity of strong self-sufficiency. All students should be encouraged into higher education no matter their ZIP code, background or limited income. Outreach efforts should also include average students and at-risk students because community college could be the arena in which these young adults flourish. Our lack of encouragement could end up costing us more in their lifetimes if we were to ignore the fact that a higher education is essential for all the youth of our communities.

I’m a mother, wife and committed community member who strongly believes that change is necessary because the college-going rate in some Assembly Districts is not acceptable. Communities thrive when education is placed in the forefront, and that’s exactly what I intend to do with your help. If elected, I plan to conduct forums where high school seniors will be provided with all the benefits of a community college education. In addition, parents should be assisted in learning about the affordability of community college and assistance in understanding the availability of financial aid options.

Times are changing, so it’s time for a “new” voice for the youth of our community and the students of Chaffey Community College. On Nov. 3 please vote for Irene Hernandez-Blair — No. 1 on the ballot!

Endorsed by several well-respected elected officials and strongly supported by labor unions. www.vote4ihb.com
Irene Hernandez-Blair
Chino

Mary Caenepeel, Claremont Unified School District incumbent

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I have a passion for all the children of Claremont schools and for their education. Thoughtful planning and fiscal responsibility can continue the powerful impact that our schools have within our community. I want everyone who lives in our district, no matter where they live, to be able to say “I would be proud to have my child attend any Claremont school.” One school should not be perceived as better than the other – unique … yes! – better …no!

I will continue to engage in civil, respectful, productive dialogue with fellow board members and the superintendent in expanding learning opportunities for all students. But more than just the Board and the Superintendent, I believe that it takes all of us to ensure the greatness of our schools. I have valued the countless conversations I have had with community members in stores, at civic events, on the phone or by e-mail I will continue to listen to you – the community — and to honor your ideas and concerns.

I understand the need to provide academic and career options for all our students. As Claremont’s commissioner to Baldy View Regional Occupational Programs I work to maintain and expand career pathway classes offered in our high schools. I am a strong supporter of Advancement Via Individual Determination at El Roble and Claremont High School (CHS) and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at CHS. I believe all our students should graduate from Claremont with confidence and promise.

My husband and I have four children who graduated from Claremont schools. As a volunteer and leader in the PFA I came to understand and respect the professionalism of our teachers. As a consultant working in our schools, I have partnered and cooperated with classroom teachers to support the reading skills of at-risk students. Personally and professionally I know how hard our teachers work.

I commit my time and dedication to the challenging work of a school board member. During my first term I earned a Masters of Governance from the California School Board Association, the professional organization for school boards. In Dec. 2008, my board colleagues affirmed my leadership by unanimously electing me President of the CUSD board.
As an incumbent running for re-election to the Claremont Unified School Board I bring four years of learning, leadership and experience to my candidacy.

I want to continue to be your voice on the Claremont school board. I ask for your support.
Mary Caenepeel

Frank Hall, Norco City Council incumbent

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When I retired from the County of Orange in 1995, I had already been on the Norco Streets and Trails Commission for two years and in 1997 I decided to run for City Council. I am now running for my fourth term.

My political platform has always been to keep Norco a unique, animal-keeping, horse-keeping city and through my work statewide I have spent most of my life supporting equestrian interests. In 1989, I was a founding member of the Norco Horsemen’s Association (NHA), which was formed to ensure the city leaders did not make decisions that would be contrary to animal keeping in the city. I was president of the organization for one year and have been its treasurer since 1992. The organization has been very successful and now boasts over 1,100 members.

While on the City Council, I have always kept in mind the goal of the city’s animal-keeping lifestyle and preservation of riding trails throughout the city. With the help and encouragement of NHA and other community organizations, we now have many miles of trail fencing on nearly all of the dedicated trails in the city. I was on the council and strongly supported the city purchase of the 122 acre Silverlakes property, which will soon have a major equestrian and sports facility that will not only benefit Norco’s lifestyle but will bring revenue to support our city services. We must continue to build our city’s economic base as we encourage people to come to our city and take advantage of that economic base!

I am currently on the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities, having been elected to represent the 36 cities of Riverside County on that board. The League fought long and hard and is continuing to fight to keep the state from raiding Norco’s and other California cities’ funds to balance the state budget.

I am also now first vice chairman of the Western Riverside Council of Governments and if I continue as your city councilman I expect to again be chairman of the Council next year. The Council’s 16 member cities must stay united in their efforts to protect Western Riverside County and the Inland Empire.

I appreciate this opportunity to share my background and ideas and hope to have your support in the upcoming November election.

Frank Hall