Pacific Progressive

Students and Teachers Back to Class in CUSD - Courageous Strike Won Tentative Agreement

Victorious in their struggle to achieve a negotiated settlement, Capistrano teachers and their students will return to their classrooms Tuesday, April 27, ending CUEA’s five-day strike, the first such action by teachers in southern California in almost ten years.

“It is the courage and determination of CUEA members on the picket lines and the thousands of supportive district parents and community members that resulted in the tentative contract agreement with the CUSD Board of Education,” said CUEA President Vicki Soderberg.

Brief details of the tentative agreement are as follows:

• Restoration of salary and furlough days as revenues increase
• Health benefit POS rates based on district 2010 level of contributions instead of imposed 2009 level
• Contract language that improves working conditions that contains more objective surplus transfer language and improvements in leaves
• A three-year agreement with bargaining reopened in the 2011-2012 school year.

 

“The CUEA bargaining team and leadership cannot find words adequate to express their appreciation for CUEA members’ solidarity and support during this difficult time,” said Soderberg. “It is without question that this victory could not have been achieved absent our unity and collective action. When we go back into the classroom together, we can hold our heads high.”

Members of the CUEA Executive Committee will meet at CUEA offices Tuesday afternoon to learn the tentative agreement’s details and to vote on recommending it to the CUEA’s Rep Council that will vote Wednesday on sending it to the CUEA general membership for a possible ratification vote. CUEA members will have the opportunity to participate in informational meetings at times yet to be determined prior to a ratification vote.

CUSD Board Continues to Force Strike to Gut School District

The CUSD Board, which is supported by the Education Alliance, wants to gut CUSD's teaching staff by making them take a permanent pay cut and a permanent cut in the number of work days.  The other districts in Orange County have given their teachers temporary paycuts and temporary reductions in workdays. This is what CUSD teachers want, but the CUSD Board, adhering to the Education Alliance goal of killing public education, wants to make the teachers take the permanent cuts.

This strike was entirely avoidable.  After 6 hours of negotiation, the CUSD Board declared an impasse. The Board also refused to meet with teachers to discuss closing the gap on the contract language. This strike was caused by the CUSD Board.

Here is a great video about the strike.

Killing the CUSD - Education Alliance Strategy for Permanent Paycuts

The teacher strike in Capo Unified has been caused  by a refusal of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)  to engage in reasonable negotiations and give the teachers the same deal other public school teachers in Orange County got:  a temporary paycut and temporary furlough days.

This deal is good enough for other public school teachers in Orange County, but not good enough for CUSD.  The CUSD board has to go one further and make the paycuts permanent. The board also wants to cut the number of work days, permanently.

 Why, when others in Orange County are agreeable to temporary paycuts and temporary furloughs, would the CUSD board want the teachers to take worse terms?

First, the Capistrano Unified school board is lead by members of the Education Alliance.  Ellinorianne does a great job explaining the issues and exposing the hand of the Education Alliance  Attack on Public Education - Education Alliance - A National Issue on the Daily Kos.  The Education Alliance believes public schools are broken, English should be the only language of instruction, and wants more charter schools.

This deal offered to the CUSD teachers would make their pay not attractive to new teachers. Also, the lower pay would encourage experienced teachers to move to other districts where they can get a more "industry standard" payscale.  The long term strategy here is to lower pay, get experienced teachers to leave, get less experienced and less desirable teachers to take the jobs, and then, when academic performance goes down, point at the schools and say, "Look public education doesn't work."

If the CUSD board doesn't really intend to do this, they will negotiate in good faith the the teachers.  CUSD will agree to a pay reduction package which has the same terms and conditions as similar pay reduction packages for comparable districts in Orange County.  They can do that this Friday afternoon.  It should take about 30 minutes to present the idea and come to an agreement. Then, the attorneys can hammer out the language over the weekend. On Monday, the language written by the lawyers for the temporary paycuts and cuts to workdays can be reviewed and agreed to. 

And then the strike is over on Monday.

And seniors can get ready to graduate.

And students can get ready for their STAR tests.

And high schoolers can get ready for their AP Tests.

This is do-able by Monday.  CUSD, do it and show you actually care about education, not ideology.

Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center Opens on May 1 with Free Swimming

Residents who drop by the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center on May 1 will enjoy free swimming all day and an up-and-coming singing sensation who's making waves in the music industry.

The Opening Season Pool Party at 29 Santa Barbara is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1. The celebration includes free entry; fun-filled games and activities for all ages; Oasis Cafe specials; and the talents of Yazzie Jay, a rising Orange County talent who is making her transition into the L.A. music scene. Yazzie, 17, is a self-taught artist, who has taught herself the piano, drums, bass, acoustic guitar and electric guitar. 

With a 25-meter pool, recreation pool, splash pad and toddler wading pool, the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center quickly became the hub of activity after its premiere last year. Offering fee-based swimming programs, activities, parties and more, the facility is a popular venue for families, kids, adults, groups and organizations alike. 

Guests to the Aquatic Center can enjoy recreation and lap swimming, water aerobics, pool parties, the Oasis Cafe, cabanas and lots of fun activities. The Oasis Cafe offers fresh, delicious, convenient and affordable fare. The center has locker facilities, restrooms and a patio with outdoor fireplace for lounging and relaxing with family and friends.  Season and monthly passes are available for residents who want to enjoy the facilities throughout the season. 

The Aquatic Center is conveniently located at Aliso Creek Road and Glenwood Drive, next to the Aliso Viejo Conference Center.  

More planned events are on tap for the season, so be sure to visit www.cityofalisoviejo.com/AquaticCenter/ for more information and sign up to the City's eNews at  www.cityofalisoviejo.com Information is also available by calling 949-425-2559. 
  
See you at the pool May 1!

Ambiguous Offer to Negotiate Leading Towards a Strike in Capo Unified

“If you’re really serious about bargaining, you don’t start out by threatening legal action. Once again the Capistrano Board of Education is attempting to equivocate and obfuscate instead of negotiate,” said CUEA President Vicki Soderberg.

“Despite the board’s vague offer to commence negotiations ‘regarding various issues,’ they are flatly rejecting to bargain CUEA’s specific, unambiguous proposal. We clearly gave them a chance to avert a strike and their refusal leaves teachers no choice. CUEA members will walk the picket lines beginning Thursday, April 22. At the same time, our bargaining team will accept the board’s invitation to talk on Thursday. If we determine that they are serious about reaching a settlement, teachers and students can be back in the schools Friday. It’s up to the board to prove they’re serious about reaching a settlement.”

In a formal request delivered early Monday, April 19, giving the Capistrano board a 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 20 deadline to respond, CUEA asked the board to come back to the bargaining table to negotiate based on the following specific proposals:

1.    The board will reverse the permanent nature of salary and benefits cuts they imposed March 31 by making them temporary;

2.    There will be no increase in class size;

3.    The board will restore salary, unpaid work days, and benefits cuts if unforeseen funds are received;

4.    The board will implement already agreed to contract language that deals with working conditions, transfer of teachers, and leaves as stipulated to in the fact finding hearing.

“Where in the board’s response is the mention of making the permanent cuts temporary and of being willing to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the board has informally offered in public throughout the last two weeks? Where is a clear, unambiguous offer to restore the cuts if unforeseen funds become available? The teachers’ proposal was explicit. Given the board’s history of duplicitous behavior, they have to make unequivocally clear that they want to reach a settlement. Teachers are far beyond ‘sham bargaining’ cloaked in vague, confusing, and ambiguous promises,” said Soderberg.

“The board’s rejection of our clear proposal and their continued ambiguity has put us where we never wanted to be. It is unfortunate that the board wants chaos instead of clear communication. It has never been the teachers’ goal to strike, but if it takes walking the picket line to bring the board to a place of clarity and mutual respect, then teachers have no choice. We must stand firm for our profession, for our students, and for the long-term stability of the district.”

Call Vector Control and Tell Them No Private Pest Control Companies

 The Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD) helps to control little critters who carry diseases.  (These animals are called "disease vectors" because they move the disease around, hence the name.)  If you have a problem with a dead bird and there is West Nile Virus in the area, you call Vector Control.  Same thing for a neighbor who won't take care of their pool which is now a mosquito farm - call Vector Control and they will work with the neighbor so you don't have to.

A plan is being considered to privatize rat control services. Currently, if you see rats around, Vector Control will come out and give you (for free!) traps and bait and show you how to properly use them. They will also help you find the openings the rodents are using to get into your house and show you how to close them off.

These services are paid by an assessment of about $6.98 per year per residence in the County.  Taxpayers are able to get a lot for their $6.98.

Now, some members of the Vector Control board want to let private extermination companies (Terminix, Orkin, Truly Nolen are some common names) provide the rat control services. The plan is to send the companies out on calls to homes to provide the rat control services to the home owners.  Then, the pest control company can then sell the homeowner services to control pests on the inside of the home.

Smell a rat?  Does turning Vector Control into a marketing company for private pest control companies sound like a bad deal to you?  Call and write your representative on the Vector Control District. Each of the 34 incorporated cities has a representative. If you live in the unincorporated areas, your rep is Supervisor John Moorlach.

The representatives for each area are listed.  If you have a relationship with them, please use that to tell them "No to Private Pest Control Companies."  You can also call, fax and write them at the Vector Control Board.  Sending faxes works very well because it creates a paper trail of who objects and carries more weight than an email.

Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD), 13001 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843

Phone 714-971-2421 949-654-2421  Fax 714-971-3940

Aliso Viejo - Mayor Phillip B. Tsunoda 

Free Compost in Aliso Viejo - May 8

Aliso Viejo's waste hauler, CR&R Waste and Recycling Services, is joining forces with Aliso Viejo and other south county cities to commemorate Earth Day by distributing 30-pound bags of processed green waste (compost).

The free compost giveaway takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24 at San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Aliso Viejo residents can take advantage of obtaining two free bags of compost by showing proof of residency and presenting a coupon included in CR&R's April newsletter (which was included in your bill).

Composting is the recycling of organic materials back into a useful soil product that can be used in gardens or on potted plants. It can save you money and time and can reduce your garden's watering and weeding needs. It also benefits the environment by recycling valuable organic resources and extending the life of our landfills.
 
For more information, call 949-425-2538. 

Car Seat Education Class and Free Car Seats - April 28

Aliso Viejo Police Services and the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center are hosting a car seat education class, including free car seat distribution, on April 28 at the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center, 24671 Via Iglesia. 

The class is from 9:30 a.m. to noon and includes a car seat inspection to check for proper installation of car seats in vehicles. 
  
The class will be conducted in Spanish and English. Parents or guardians must attend the class in order to receive a free car seat. 
  
Parents or guardians enrolled in Medi-Cal, AFDC, CalOptima, or WIC, or who are without medical insurance and unable to afford a car seat are eligible to attend the class and receive a free car seat.  Proof of income eligibility and vehicle insurance is required. The child safety seats offered during the class are provided by the County of Orange Health Care Agency.  

Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Gracie Duran at 949-425-2519 or [email protected].

Shred Day in Aliso Viejo - May 8

In an effort to protect residents from identity theft and provide a free public service, the City will host a document shredding and identity theft protection event on Saturday, May 8.

The City is giving community members an opportunity to have their sensitive records securely destroyed from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, 31 Santa Barbara.  
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation, and shredding documents with personal or financial information can be an effective measure of prevention. 

Residents and businesses can bring up to 10 standard-file boxes of paper records - canceled checks, pay stubs, credit card statements and more - that will be shredded on-site for free. The boxes of pages can contain staples and paper clips but must be free of notebooks or other bindings. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information about identity theft. 

The Aliso Viejo Conference Center is located next to the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center, which opens to the public for a second spectacular season on May 1. The facilities are located off Glenwood at Golf Drive between Moulton Parkway and Aliso Creek Road. Information:www.cityofalisoviejo.com. 

For more information about the May 8 event, contact Aliso Viejo City Clerk Susan Ramos at 949-425-2506 or [email protected].

Aliso Viejo Sustainability Forum - March 25

Reservations are available for the March 25 Sustainability Forum hosted by Eco-Stride in Aliso Viejo.

The 2010 Sustainability Forum will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Aliso Viejo Conference Center, located next to the Aliso Viejo Country Club and Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center at 31 Santa Barbara. 

According to organizers, the forum's concept came to life after Mayor Phil Tsunoda identified sustainability as one of his "Top 10" goals for the City of Aliso Viejo in 2010. Since January, Eco-Stride has been working to garner support and attract industry experts to speak. Eco-Stride is a consulting firm focused on energy conservation and sustainability through environmental design.

The goal is to bring the message of sustainability to business leaders who can increase business consciousness, green practices and such. 

Register early by clicking on the "Contact Us" page at www.eco-stride.com and the cost is $25 or pay $40 at the door. For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Aliso Viejo Reminds Residents of OCTA Service Cuts Starting March 14, 2010

Aliso Viejo fought hard to preserve bus service thru the city.  Thru the efforts of the City and residents, no routes were eliminated, but service has been cut. 

In Aliso Viejo, bus riders should be aware of a frequency reduction on route 89 and route restructuring on routes 70 and 90. No routes in the City will be eliminated.  
 
OCTA has developed tools to help bus riders navigate the changes in service throughout the county. To see the cities affected, visit http://http://www.octa.net/CITY_mar10.aspx. 

Route-specific details including frequency reductions is available at http://www.octa.net/march2010impacts.aspx

Let's Can Campbell! - Jan 23-24

It's time to can John Campbell - he does nothing for his district.  He won't meet with constituents. When his constituents do get thru to his office staff, they are berated by office staff for bothering to call the Congressman.  So far, the only two groups Campbell has worked to benefit are car dealers (he rents land to dealerships) and the birthers (Orly Taitz's son was an intern in his office and she is a donor.)

Beth Krom wants to take that seat from him so she can go to Washington and work for the CA 48 district.  

Let's Can Campbell! takes place Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, 2010 in cities in the district.  Beth will be meeting with constituents to hear their concerns and canned food will be collected to help out fellow  Orange County residents.  The schedule is here.

Saturday January 23, 2010

Dana Point 11AM - Noon at Heritage Park, 34400 Golden Lantern

San Juan Capistrano Noon - 1 PM at Descanso Park, 32506 Paseo Adelanto

Laguna Niguel 1 - 2 PM at Hidden Hills Park, 27802 Springwood

Aliso Viejo 2 - 3 PM at Home of Heather Pritchard, 10 Santa Clara St

Laguna Hills 3 - 4 PM at Home of Taylor and Stephen Davis, 26602 Dapple Grey Dr.

Laguna Woods 4 - 5 PM at Clubhouse 6, 5365 Algarrobo

Sunday January 24, 2010

Laguna Beach 11 AM - Noon at Home of Audrey Prosser and Debra Quam, 230 Beverly St

Newport Beach Noon - 1 PM at Home of Susan Kopicki, 511 El Modena 

Lake Forest 1 - 2 PM at Serran Creek Community Park, 25101 Serrano Rd

Tustin 2 - 3 PM at Camino Real Park, 13602 Parkcenter Lane

Irvine 3 - 4 PM at OC Plaza, 2575 McCabe Way

Santa Ana 4 - 5 PM at Orange County Catholic Worker - Isaiah House, 316 South Cyress Ave

Find out more about the event in your city at [email protected]    949-870-9154

Facebook http://snurl.com/bethkrom or Friend in Beth Krom

Twitter @krom4congress

Aliso Viejo Community Assistance Grant Applications Due March 31

Aliso Viejo is now accepting applications for its annual Community Assistance Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. March 31.

Each year the City contributes partial funding for selected community service programs and activities by not-for-profit organizations that provide valuable services to the community. The City Council is expected to consider and approve the requests in the summer.

Community Assistance Grant Funding applications are available on the City's Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com. Applications are also available at City Hall, 12 Journey, Suite 100. 

For more information, contact Gracie Duran in writing at [email protected] or by sending a fax to 949-425-3899. 

Imported Water Supply Shutdown - Jan 25-31

San Juan Capistrano is urging residents and businesses to conserve water by ceasing landscape watering and car washing while its imported water supplier shuts down its plant for a week this month.  The shutdown also impacts other cities in south Orange County.

The Diemer Filtration Plant, the Yorba Linda-based water treatment plant that serves South County, is expected to perform necessary maintenance and upgrades from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31. The facility, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), provides much of all of South County's potable water needs through two regional water pipelines.

The City's groundwater recovery plant, which began operation in December 2004, will help offset impacts of the waterline shutdown that will leave much of south Orange County with little or no imported water. However, the shutdown affects the City's major supply line for all potable (drinkable) water entering the City, and San Juan Capistrano needs to conserve in order to maintain supplies in its reservoirs for drinking, sanitary uses and firefighting.

Pet Vaccination and Microchipping Clinic - Jan 23, 2010

With a new year on its way, it's time to start thinking about your pet's welfare in 2010. Be sure to mark your calendar for the City's low-cost Pet & Vet Clinic on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center are teaming up to a host the clinic from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 24671 Via Iglesia. 

Vaccinating pets helps to ward off disease and illness, veterinarians say. Though they are not required by law, except for the dog rabies vaccination, immunizing pets is recommended for the well being of animals. 

Dog vaccines include the four-in-one vaccine (DA2PP) and the Bordetella vaccine. 

Cats vaccines include the three-in-one vaccine (FVRCP).

Dog and cat rabies vaccines are $6 each. DA2PP and FVRCP vaccines are $15 each. 

Bordetella vaccine is $12.

Pets can also be micro-chipped, with registration and lifetime monitoring, for $28. 

For more information, call 949-425-2519 or e-mail [email protected]. 

Information about the Family Resource Center and Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, which services Aliso Viejo, is available on the City's Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.