Praise for PVUSD projects
I recently participated in a tour of PVUSD schools to see how Measure M bonds were being spent. Superintendent Heather Contreras led the tour, and we were able to see projects that were completed, as well as meeting with the architects of the performing arts auditorium at PV High School.
New paint for some of the schools was long overdue and brightened the atmosphere for the students. New athletic fields are on the way, but due to board inaction, the Rolling Hills field faces a costly delay unless funds are authorized immediately.
Unfortunately, due to longstanding budget deficits, there is so much deferred maintenance that the current bond money is not sufficient for all the necessary work. Our students need classrooms with adequate heating, cooling and ventilation. They need athletic fields without gopher holes.
I was impressed with the professionalism of the facilities and maintenance people and of Superintendent Contreras’ leadership. It will not be easy to convince the public to approve another bond to complete the infrastructure improvements with a board of trustees that cannot act timely on budget issues. Trustee Medina’s political grandstanding that has delayed approval for the funds for Rolling Hills School is not the example that taxpayers and bond raters are looking for. Urge your trustee to act before the September 30 deadline and pass the necessary budget items now.
Gil Stein
Aptos
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A letter to PVUSD Trustee Medina
It was obvious when you pointed out that the presentation slides for Agenda Item 8.3 were not available for the public that you do not know the Brown Act. It is too bad that you did not attend that class or you would have known that the Brown Act requires that as minimum that the published agenda have at least the TITLE for the item. The presentation does not have to be included. Past practices were to include the presentations as part of the packet and published agenda. You held up a meeting and stopped the approval of funds for a worthy activity. Shame on you and your lack of knowledge.
Your questions on Item 8.1 on the budget were meant to embarrass the new CBO. He had not prepared the material and was not knowledgeable. You knew that. Did you do that to show that you were the smartest person in the room?
Your constant threat to leave unless you were allowed to speak for more time than you were allowed shows your immaturity. You can be a real asset on the Board but not when you behave as you did Wednesday night and at many of the past Board meetings. Grow up and join the adults in the room. The students, the District and the community need you.
Bill Beecher
Aptos
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Don’t Be Fooled by Measure E’s Empty Promises
Santa Cruz County voters should look closely at Measure E before approving another half-cent sales tax.
Measure E is being promoted as a way to protect emergency medical care and other essential services from federal funding cuts. But the proposed tax would generate approximately $27 million annually, and the money would go into the County’s General Fund. There are no guarantees that the revenue will be spent exclusively on emergency medical care or the other services highlighted by supporters.
For Pajaro Valley residents, the impact deserves particular attention. Watsonville’s sales tax rate would rise to 10.25%, adding to the burden on families already struggling with higher prices.
This is not the County’s first tax promise. In 2018, voters approved Measure G, another half-cent sales tax. It was presented as funding 911 response, paramedics, fire, roads, mental health, homelessness and other services. A subsequent County Civil Grand Jury investigation concluded that the Measure G ballot language was misleading.
Meanwhile, the County faces substantial financial obligations. County documents list a $628.7 million unfunded CalPERS pension liability, along with significant borrowing obligations.
Before asking taxpayers for another estimated $135 million over five years, County leaders should demonstrate that existing revenues are being spent responsibly and provide enforceable guarantees for how the new money will be used.
Pajaro Valley families deserve more than campaign promises. They deserve accountability.
Mike Lelieur
Pleasure Point
