Candidate statements: October 2009 Archives

Having retired from PUSD after a long career, I am able to devote full time to being a School Board Member. My wife, Dona, and I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Dona is a retired PUSD Art Teacher; all of our children have college degrees. Our family places a high value on education.

My education includes a BA from the University of Northern Colorado, a<WC>n<WC1> MS from Cal State University LA, an Administrative Credential from Claremont Graduate School, and Doctorial Studies in School Management at the University of La Verne.
My career experience and community involvement are great assets to me as a Board Member.

I served as a teacher at Emerson Middle School, Pomona High and Garey High and was the Principal at Allison, Barfield, and Kellogg Elementary Schools. I was an Administrator with Intergroup Education and then Adult and Career Education.
I was elected to the School Board in 2001 and re-elected in 2005, serving as Board President in 2004, 2005, and 2008.

I have served as President or Chairman of several groups: PACE, the YMCA, Breakfast Optimists, Community Senior Services and the St.<WC> <WC1>Madeline's Parents Guild. I have been a member of Youth Employment Services, the Pomona Chamber of Commerce Education and EXPO Committees, the Pomona Charter Review and Sister Cities Committees, TelePal, Friends of the Band, Friends of the Library, CTA, NEA, APT, and ACSA.

Awards I have received include the PTA Honorary Life Membership, Optimists Friend of Youth, Educator of the Year, Who's Who in Education, and Newsletter of the Year. I served in the military in the USMCR.

Our Schools made great progress over the last several years.

Superintendent Melendez guided our schools toward greater academic achievement and helped direct great strides in community engagement and involvement.

Despite State financial cuts, we maintained District Arts and Athletic programs, continuing our pursuit of excellence.

This progress was made possible only by the cooperative efforts of the School Board, Administration, Teachers, Classified Employees, and Parents.

My goal is to continue this team effort to ensure that our School District improves on the progress we have made to recruit, train, and retain the best Teachers and Administrators available to manage our classrooms and schools. We need to build on our successes.
We know what succeeds, and we cannot afford to go backwards when our goals are in the future.

John Avila
Pomona

First, every child has the right to succeed and we must keep the needs of our students first. Pomona School District has made tremendous strides; increasing test scores, partnering with businesses, developing trade career paths and increasing our educational offerings. The November passage of School Bond Measure PS made possible the refurbishment of many schools this summer and air conditioning of our oldest school, Lincoln Elementary. Innovative educational programs have been created and schools have been reconfigured to meet the needs of students and parents. As a Board, we have worked collaboratively to eliminate waste and demand fiscal accountability. We have also worked to create greater transparency within the District. For the first time, we held community forums to receive input on the selection of a new Superintendent and we have created a community budget committee to provide input on the District's budget and fiscal priorities.

Second, although we have accomplished many things, the work before us is not without challenges. As the State struggles to balance its budget, unfortunately school districts, which are reliant on the State for funding, have been subjected to unprecedented cuts that appear to continue. Since 2008, PUSD has lost approximately $49 million dollars, and while we managed to avoid massive cuts by using one-time federal funding to save the jobs of teachers and support personnel, next year promises to be fiscally difficult. It is imperative that we let our voices be heard in Sacramento and ask our legislators to make education a priority. We also need to explore new and inventive funding sources that allow us to maintain and create educational programs in PUSD that will allow our students to excel and are attractive to parents.

Third, reducing the dropout rate, keeping teachers and support personnel, closing the achievement gap, having safe schools, reasonable class sizes, and maintaining art and athletic programs are all important to the success of our District. It is now more important than ever to maintain stability and continuity in the District.

Finally, as a school law attorney for over 22 years and an active parent in community and school district activities, My experience and commitment to the children of PUSD will assist me in continuing to serving our District well. I believe that I have worked to make a positive difference in the lives of PUSD students. Working together, we can continue to build on our successes.

Adrienne Konigar-Macklin
Pomona

Education is about opportunity. Our students have the opportunity to learn how to think and to grow into productive members of our community.

Teachers, administrators, and support personnel need to be provided the respect that comes with their great responsibility to provide that opportunity. We must seek the input of parents, other community members, and the students in maintaining and improving upon the great work that has already begun to create the best opportunity for the wonderful diversity that forms our communities.

The Pomona Unified employees persevered in the face of a massive lay-off that was, thankfully, rescinded. The employees, students, and parents of Pomona and Diamond Bar deserve a board that will not make hasty decisions that harm the students and employees of the district. We deserve a board that will ensure that the various people involved in the educational process are included in the decision making process. We need a board that will support the opportunity that school provides and ensures the respect that everyone deserves.

As a teacher, I know the issues surrounding education and am able to ask questions about the budget and programs of the district and understand them from an educational perspective. As a parent, I want to ensure that every child has the best opportunity to succeed. As a community member, I want to promote Pomona and Diamond Bar by providing the best trained students who will be ready to jump into whatever career or college they want to attend.

I have been endorsed by the teachers, the AFL-CIO, and the Pomona Valley Democratic Club. Please join them in supporting my campaign, and vote Hank Mollet on Nov. 3.

Hank Mollet
Pomona

Because of my strong commitment to quality education, I am seeking re-election to the Board of Trustees. My sixth term as a Walnut Valley Unified District board member has allowed me to be an advocate for the student and to contribute too many of the district's outstanding accomplishments. I am especially proud of my shared achievements with the WVUSD:
- California Distinguished Schools
- 98 percent graduation rates
- International Baccalaureate Program at Walnut and Diamond Bar High Schools
- Diamond Bar High Calculus ranked No. 1 in the nation
- API scores above 800 for all schools in the WVUSD
- Exceptional Performing Arts and Athletics Programs
- Prodigious achievements in Math and Science
- Continue to keep the district fiscally sound during the current state budget crisis
- Diamond Bar High and Walnut High School ranked top schools in the nation

Background: Employed as Information Systems Manager for City of Fullerton, Board Member, School District 1985 to Present, California School Boards Association 1985 to present, Delegate Assembly Representative for California School Board 1998 to present, Government Relations Chairman for California School Board 1999 to present, Board Representative R.O.P. 1998 to present.

I believe all students can learn. It is my commitment and challenge to continue to strive for improvement in community involvement, communication, school safety, and greater opportunities for all students. It is the district's vision, and my personal commitment, that our measure of success will be graduating seniors who are sensitive, culturally aware, and 100 percent literate.
Helen M. Hall
Diamond Bar

As your School Board Member, it has been my honor and privilege to serve you. These past eight years have allowed me to advocate for a quality education, safe schools, and accountability to parents, even as we continue to face a challenging budget with revenue cuts due to the state's financial crisis.

Proudly sharing District's accomplishments:
- National Blue Ribbon Schools
- California Distinguished Schools
- Top AP Calculus Program, Diamond Bar HS
- Top International Baccalaureate Program, Walnut HS
- Walnut and Diamond Bar HS recognized as country's top schools in Newsweek Magazine
- Primary Years International Baccalaureate Elementary School programs
- All schools exceed State API scores of 800 with 8 exceeding 900
- Superior rated Performing Arts and Athletic Programs
- New construction at all schools
- 21st Century Technology Master Plan
- Responsibly managed district budget even during state financial crisis.

Parent of Walnut HS student and graduate, spouse Diamond Bar teacher, community homeowner 21 years, real estate agent, Walnut Valley Educational Foundation Director, Masters in Governance graduate, past Board President, Vice-President, and current Board Clerk, Walnut Chamber Citizen of the Year 2002 and Volunteer of the Year 2005-2006, Regional Chamber of Commerce-San Gabriel Valley Chairman's Award 2007 and 2008, Mentor and Lead Volunteer for the American Cancer Society, ESGVU-Walnut Relay For Life.

My Belief -- All students have the right to a quality education. My Vision -- Prepare all students to compete in a global society with 21st Century skills. My Commitment -- Excellence, integrity, accountability, safe schools, balanced budget and honest government.

Vote Cindy Ruiz.
Cindy Ruiz
West Covina

Leadership
Several years ago when then Gov. Gray Davis was being recalled by voters of California an angry board member of Mt. San Antonio Community College echoed the thoughts in a board meeting to the public that Davis must be taught a lesson and be punished for taking so-called funds away from community colleges in California. Now several years later as California faces a much greater economic, social, and education crisis the bashing of the governor has ceased among the same board member even though the crisis in education has gotten worst. Mt. SAC Board of Trustees needs a strong voice which will be tireless in demanding that those in Sacramento must cease in taking revenue from community colleges. Mt. SAC can go the extra mile in gaining funds if the Board of Trustees members partnership with all area legislators and not just a selected few.

Accountability
The crisis in California has created massive unemployment not witnessed since the Great Depression. Workers within the district along with students in the district which includes cities such as Diamond Bar, Pomona, Hacienda Heights, Baldwin Park and several other cities as far as La Puente in the west are in dire need to be retrained for new jobs. The voters in the past have given the green light for Board members to pass bond measures to modernize the college. "But" many students in the district have not attended the college because of the classroom overflows. In a recent study conducted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education it was concluded that many cities outside the district have increased in student enrollment while many cities in the district such as Pomona have remained the same. The Mt. SAC Board needs leadership which is accountable to the public and cities in the district. A partnership needs to be developed among all educational institutions in the district that give each stakeholder a say on how to share the resources at Mt. SAC to increase enrollment. What the pubic does not need is just another ad hoc committee with no binding vote and another student unable to attend the college. Chaffey College has a satellite college in many cities in their district.

Much has been accomplished at Mt. SAC to make it one of the best community colleges in the state of California. Now is the time has to make sure that every student and community members in the district get their fair share of the educational opportunities available at Mt. SAC.
John Mendoza
Pomona

I am Nancy Matarrita, the students' voice, the parents' choice for Pomona School Board.
I live, work, shop, play, worship and serve in Pomona, with one question always in mind, "Will this help improve the lives of Pomona youth?"

Pomona needs a proven advocate on the school board, dedicated to promoting the success of our children. With your support and vote, I can be that board member.

Dropout rates must be reduced. An extensive 2005 survey of 4,000 Pomona students showed that too many felt like academic failures. This perception can change as each student learns to be successful at something. I will encourage personnel to build on students' strengths, to work with parents and community partners to expand educational experiences during and afterschool, and to reprogram our secondary schools to include wider opportunities to earn vocational certificates.

The safety of our students is imperative. I'll encourage pro-active prevention of criminal behavior and truancy through revamped safety procedures emphasizing training and technology, and through character and attitude re-shaping utilizing Youth and Family Master Plan programs.

Resources are scarce. I will be creative, open and strategic while seeking solutions to funding problems and to the efficient utilization of excess facilities.

Qualifications/ Community Involvement:
BA -- Economics/Political Science, Claremont McKenna College
Former -- Communications/Marketing Director-Non-profit, Pomona business owner, tax-preparer, PUSD substitute teacher, Daily Bulletin Columnist, Pomona YMCA Gymnastics coach, Scout leader, Tutor, Moose Youth Awareness Chairman.
Current -- Global Impact Administrative Assistant-Pomona First Baptist, Computer Instructor/Library Assistant-Pomona Library, Director-Inland Empire Credit Union, Officer-Pomona Women of the Moose, Member-Youth and Family Master Plan Community Board, Co-Facilitator-Active Community Empowerment Task Force, Merit Badge Counselor, Youth Basketball Program Coordinator-PFB, SAP, Strengthening Families and OJJDP gang prevention trained.

Mothers are innovators, problem-solvers, peacemakers, financial whizzes, teachers, team players, managers, entrepreneurs, administrators, highly skilled in negotiating, conflict resolution and crisis management. As mother of four wonderful bundles of potential, with about 20 years experience as a PUSD parent, I served on site councils at Alcott, Simons and Garey, and was Garey Parent of the Year.

With three now in college, with part-time jobs, I know what it takes for young people to survive and thrive in Pomona. I offer a positive vision, with practical solutions and innovative ideas, backed by hands-on experience, in board governance, in community involvement, and in education.

This uniquely qualifies me to serve you and your children on the Pomona School Board. Please elect Nancy Matarrita.

Nancy Matarrita
Pomona

Andrew Wong is the President of the Pomona Unified School Board.

Four years ago, he promised to find ways for our kids to receive a well-rounded education. He promised to keep a close eye on District spending and cut any waste. And he promised to do everything possible to keep our kids safe at school.

And over the past four years, that's exactly what he's done.

He brought in Superintendent Thelma Melendez, who has done an excellent job, but unfortunately is leaving to join President Obama's Administration. Andrew is committed to making sure her replacement is every bit as capable.

He's approved new Math and Science programs. He helped bring in new athletic fields to our campuses. And he's been a strong promoter of arts and music education.
He has led the charge to root out wasteful spending everywhere he's found it. And over these last four years, he has saved the District tens of thousands of dollars because of his watchful eye.

Always committed to making sure our kids learn in a safe environment, Andrew helped re-write the District's school volunteer fingerprinting policy ensuring no one who might do harm to our students ever gets on campus.

Re-Elect Andrew Wong.

Andrew Wong
Diamond Bar

Hello, my name is Lina Montes and I am a candidate for West Valley Water District this Nov 3. My family and I have been residents of the Inland Empire for 20 years and have lived in Rialto for the last eight years. My husband and I work hard to achieve the American Dream and are installing these same values to our 8-year-old boys. Having been involved in local politics for the last 10 years, I have long worked for a positive change in our community; I want to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the West Valley Water district.

I have many concerns about where the residents' money is being spent, the contamination of the ground water in Rialto, Fontana and Colton and the water rate increase of 40 percent over the next three years. Many residents are aware of the contamination and have to go to extreme lengths to have quality water.

West Valley Water District board members need to be effective communicators and inform its residents of the severe drought we are having. There should be more information available to the residents about water conservation and how they can supplement their landscaping with plants that require less water. The Web site should always be up to date with the current budget and minutes of the meetings, which they have not posted since March of 2009.

Therefore, I hope you will support me in my fight to provide quality water for all residents, to communicate more effectively and to have no more water rate increases.
Thank you,
Lina Montes
Candidate for West Valley Water District
www.electlinamontes.com

I have been an advocate for the children of PUSD as a parent, community volunteer, business owner, and vocal supporter of quality education and fiscal accountability for the past 17 years. Fulfilling the educational needs of every child of our District is my goal. As your School Board member, I will promote policies to address each child's needs -- whether they have learning differences or excel in the classroom -- emphasizing the values and skills necessary to prepare them for future success in college and career.

I am committed to providing innovative, quality, educational programs and technology/computer training that will prepare our students for 21st century careers. I understand the importance of offering a variety of educational options, from AP classes to technical education to arts/music programs. This will keep our students engaged and motivated. We must effectively address the achievement gap, and need quality academic and career counseling to help identify the needs/interests of each student. Setting high expectations for academics and behavior, and promotion of strong character traits, such as honesty and responsibility, should be a priority.

Our children must feel safe at school and we must promote policies that create a positive learning environment. I will work to eliminate current barriers that restrict our ability to offer our children varied educational/extracurricular opportunities.

All available funding must be directed to the children and classrooms.

As your School Board member I will promote policies that recognize the importance of our parents, teachers, students and community in the educational process and ensure that we all have a voice in budgetary and educational issues. Teachers are the cornerstone of our children's education and I am proud to have received the endorsement of the PUSD teachers association. Our schools should serve as the center of our communities, offering programs that address school/personal safety, career choice, pregnancy/gang/drug prevention and literacy. Our efforts to support our community should include quality Adult Education programs. We must be sensitive to the specific needs of each community within our District.

As an active community volunteer and current President of the Pomona Unified Council of PTAs, President of the Panther Pride Parent Association, founder of Reading Under the Stars Literacy program, tax representative - Measure PS Citizen's Oversight Committee, and an active member of the Pomona Youth and Family Master Plan, I have proven my commitment to the children of our District and to the residents of our community.

Roberta Perlman
Pomona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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