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In Defense of Sally
Mccord
So, is the traditional
press in the Antelope Valley, seeking to inform the community about important matters,
or, is it merely a public relations paper for those people it likes.
For forty years I’ve
watched as people move in and move out of Agua Dulce
Subject: Brown Act
Problem with spelling
Offer a few constructive
comments about the site.
I just
wanted to say that I am the granddaughter of school board member Sally McCord. 2-21-98
This website and the newspaper itself, are very one-sided. I would like to show you the other side.
First of all, my grandmother, Sally Mccord, is a mother of six, and a very devoted School Board member. She joined the school board, to help out the kids of Acton-Agua Dulce, and to improve the schools.
Well, she got in way over her head.
When she first got elected, the district was bankrupt from previous school board members, and there was plenty of red tape to sort through before the board members could even try to fix the problems.
She went to work in the wee morning hours of the day, then she would get home, spend an hour looking over the agenda, and go to the meeting. She would at least be at the meeting till 12:30 am, and she was always very exhausted when she came home. And she does this two Thursdays out of the month.
Now, I attended Vasquez high from the first year it existed, it has come a long way. And if you ask any of the graduated seniors they will tell you that, amidst all of the rumors, Vasquez, is an awesome high school, thanks to the school board, parents, and the Students.
And another thing, the man who owns the Vanguard News, does not live in Acton or Agua Dulce, he in fact lives in Northridge. He did live for a while when he was little, and Attended school here as a young boy, but has used his mother's address in Acton, as his Home. This man is known as Charles Brink.
He attends the school board meetings, every Time. And reeks all kinds of havoc, in those meetings. I have seen him myself. He Interrupts the school board as much as possible, and prolongs the meeting into the Early morning hours.
Why does this man do this? He doesn't live here, he doesn't have any kids in our schools, and doesn't belong here, as far as I’m concerned.
Anyway, my point is my grandmother Sally Mccord, is a decent, hard working, and devoted School board member, who deserves to be treated with some respect.
Sincerely Tiffany Stewart.
Our response;If there is any claim that Sally Mccord if not "decent, hard working, and devoted School board member" Or any indication that she has been treated to disrespect. Plead advise me where it is and I will remove it.
Disagreeing with the boards actions, pro union stance, and your Grandmother's proposal the fine parents that keep their kids home (to attend home school) is not disrespect.
Ms Stewart has no problem repeating the lies the her grandparents and that group still try to sell to the community. I am not a resident. I have been a registered voter in Acton since I first voted in 1962. I believe the address has been the same.
I moved to Acton in 1947, graduated from the elementary school in 1953, AV High School in 1957 and then on to work and college. I have been active in Acton politics since 1984 and ran for school board twice (and lost). I work in Van Nuys and have a home in Acton.
Ms Stewart, If I am not a resident I can not run for the School Board. The LA County register of voters shows that I am a registered voter.
It is interesting to note that the list of Vasquez graduates provided by the School does not list your name. If this is an error please advise me.
Your option of who "belongs in Acton" shows that your schooling has missed the US Constitution and a few other basic rights. No one has the the right to determinans who "belongs to community" .
Regarding your comment to on-line versus traditional new
sources, why is it that the Antelope Valley Press refuses to print articles concerning
frequent allegations of abuse by Superior Court Commissioner Eugene E. Siegel. There
have been many complaints about his misconduct ranging from endangering and abusing
children, intentionally violating people's rights in court, sexual harrassment.
There is even a civil rights lawsuit against Siegel.
Yet, the Antelope Valley refuses to report on these matters. Worse yet, they lie to people about why they will not publish articles. For example, they say they cannot report on mere allegations or lawsuits against him, because they may be liable. Yet, when it concerns others, for example a recent article on a class action over alleged real estate fraud or a civil rights action brought by an Antelope Valley College teacher, against the school, the Antelope Valley Press has no problems in printing those stories.
So, is the traditional press in the Antelope Valley, seeking to inform the community about important matters, or, is it merely a public relations paper for those people it likes? A letter similar to this was sent to the Antelope Valley Press. You will not see it printed there. Maybe you will this on the internet.
To Whom It May Concern 7-4-97:
Around every ten years newcomers to this lovely, rural community cast their eyes around and see a lush green area, and decide it isn’t good enough - it needs buildings, lights, traffic, running feet and lots of noise. After all, it sure is quiet and peaceful and look, there is a coyote, look there is a Blue Herin; and listen, there are birds singing and rabbits and ground squirrels; my gosh, is that a Bob Cat? Yes!
Giving no more thought to the impact their plans will have on this sensitive place, they go on to build an "Interpretive Center" so the "kids" can have a place to come and learn about nature.
Why am I suddenly uncomfortable and feel something just went by me? How many more times and how many more ways cam a caring community say "no, leave it to nature" - the best "Interpreter".
For forty years I’ve watched as people move in and move out of Agua Dulce, never looking back to the effects their will have forced on those of us who choose to stay and make a home and build a life. We are left with the problem
Please, we are asking you to look into the next century just a few years from not and make the decision to once and for all keep this "natural" as God intended.
In trust, Carol Jean Long, Agua Dulce
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997
I was looking for Brown Act info on the Web and stumbled into your sight.
You Guys and Gals ARE GREAT!
I must admit our school board can beat yours at breaking the Brown Act...or even trying to deny it's existence. Our Superintendent would even call "special Administrative meetings" that would be held before the school board meetings. When parents showed up all the chairs were taken, and by Chance(?)the fire marshall was there to require that parents leave since they were a fire hazard!
Our superintendent is facing charges now for a pyramid scheme...she used the school district computer during work hours(she made $100k a year) to force teachers and principals to join and attend meetings or else.
Keep up the good work for our students
Date: Sat, 21 Dec 1996
Hi, From: Derek Law
I was looking through your web site, and found a problem with spelling. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but I wanted to point it out to you. On "http://www.vanguardnews.com/adtc/menu.htm", you have: The Real Agua Dulce Town Council rebuilds, serving notice to those who have *quite* the elected
It should be "quit" not "quite". thought I would be nice and tell you about it. :)
Derek
Our response; Thank for the corrections. They are always welcome.
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996
From: Denver Smith
I've really appreciated the Vanguard home page for the Acton/AD area, but I'd like to offer a few constructive comments about the site.
First of all, from my perspective as a relative newbie to Acton "politics," your short, infrequently updated banners are provocative but uninformative. I'm not opposed at all to editorial views being expressed, but if the purpose of the website is to inform, or even to persuade, it would be appropriate to offer a little more information to substantiate the opinions.
For instance, you've expressed considerable antipathy towards the Acton Town Council, yet I've never found a single snippet of background information to support or explain your obvious disdain for the local government.
Don't get me wrong - I still greatly appreciate the effort, and I know how difficult it is to find the time to maintain a website. I'd just like to see the effort claim some of its great potential to inform, and even opinions can be informative, given enough information about how they are arrived at.
Thanks again for the higher tech mode of community journalism. Here's to the future.
Good luck! Denver Smith Acton Resident
Our response: Thank for the comments
The Acton Town Council refuses to publish agendas or minuets of there meetings. You are right we have little on the site to support my views about the ATC. I will send them another letter asking for the information so that we can publish it. And Publish the letter.
I hope you would find the data on the School to be informative with all minutes and agendas published. The same is for the Aqua Dulce TC.
Appreciate your comments on these to section of the site.
Also what other data can we add to make it better. Again thank for the comments.