April 23, 2004 Acton - Opinion by Larry Hoerner
$1.1 million in less than two years donated by one local developer directly to our school district. Wasn't there mention by a board member of an existing '$1 million for a new elementary school', at the board meeting of April 8, 2004? Consider this on top of the suggestion this community pay, up to 40 years, increased property taxes to complete a high school? Hmmm…? Pretty slow workers, I suppose.
In comparison, the last election included measures affecting seven unified school districts, two community colleges, seven libraries, and two police/public safety appeals. Only four of the 23 measures did not pass, including two libraries, one police, and our own district appeal.
In our case, don't think it's because our community is comprised of tight fisted misers, but some rather sharp folks. Las Virgenes School District (Agoura) levied a simple $98 per taxable parcel (seniors exempt) for four years; Walnut Valley, $148 for six years (seniors exempt); and La Canada, $400 - albeit a little steep - but only four years.
What could possibly qualify our smaller school district for nearly life-long taxes? I've seen no plan unveiled to include a 40-year scope of scholastic development. Where has $2 million gone anyway? And Banderas? Bermuda? Perhaps it's time for an independent audit, or LACOE to examine the books.
I'm confident this community won't hesitate for a moment to step up to the plate when presented with a comprehensive plan calling for reasonable and justifiable taxation. One based on thorough research, review and sound judgment. I want to see our kids educated in quality structures, on safe sites with the amenities they deserve - and nothing less.
Here I must stress safety, as Vasquez High does not meet the minimum distance of '500' from the nearest freeway lane', as prescribed by education legislation (SB352 Escuita, Chapter 668.) Never mind the toxicity of emissions (increasing with time), just go stand in the horticulture area and look up. It's horrifying to see the freeway's guardrail (newly installed after a recent over-the-edge accident) looming above your head.
This is an area of significant accidents - serious, gruesome and fatal. (Shock value? Well yes, because it's true! Smelling salt has been known to be effective.) A block wall may address this issue, and may be acceptable in the interim, for this 'temporary', 'portable' school; but folks, I'm convinced we can do better by our kids than this.
I'm convinced we want to do better. Larry Hoerner Acton
Notes by Charles Brink
Here are my objections to the so called EIR-Neg filed on 12-12-96. Dusick and Max Duran, the head of the site selection committee, ignored this issue that Larry Hoerner just revived.
"This report fails to address the impact to the students from noise, pollution, and physical threat by locating the school directly on the Antelope Valley Freeway. This freeway is busiy nearly 24 hours a day and represents a significant negative environmental effect to the students both in classrooms and on the playing fields.
The noise and other pollution from the freeway will impact the students. The Students face the risk of vehicles running off the freeway onto the school site".
See http://www.vanguardnews.com/school/redeia.htm
And more in, Drive By Shooters High School and other issues, note this was also written 8 years ago
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