Income discrimination exists at BCS
Regarding “Other Side of Bullis story was missing,” the writer doesn’t mention the quiet economic discrimination of Bullis Charter School, which likely discourages lower income Hispanic families from even applying.
For example, Bullis Charter very visibly “suggests” a contribution of $7,900 per student, while Los Altos School District Community Foundation recommends $1,500, a difference of 5x+. It is no surprise that lower income Hispanic families conclude that Bullis Charter is for rich families, not them.
Barry Smith
Los Altos Hills
Article on AB 715 was one-sided
I was extremely disappointed to read the article by Brandon Roth (“Educational antisemitism prevention bill may come soon,” Aug. 19). The article was completely one-sided, biased and did not offer pertinent information regarding the controversy around this bill. It did not offer any differing opinions or mention the opposition by the California Teachers Union and the ACLU. While addressing antisemitism in the schools is crucial, AB 715 does not accomplish that.
California Assembly Bill 715 (AB 715), is a bill that poses a serious threat to free speech, academic freedom and the democratic process in our schools. The bill’s vague and broad definitions around antisemitism dangerously conflate criticism of Israeli policies with hate speech. This risks punishing teachers and students for discussing crucial topics such as antisemitism, Israel, Zionism, Palestinian rights, Israeli settlements and the Gaza conflict. These topics must be taught with skill and sensitivity not in a punitive setting.
AB 715 establishes a State Antisemitism Coordinator without protecting other groups facing discrimination such as Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students which is patently unfair. Rather than fostering a supportive educational environment, AB 715 censors discussion and threatens the free exchange of ideas critical to a healthy democracy.
As a concerned resident of Los Altos, I urge our community to oppose AB 715. While trying to address antisemitism the bill denies the rights and dignity of all students. I would hope further reporting by the LATC would include a more balanced approach.
Debra Strichartz
Los Altos
Loss of a gem
I was disappointed to read that the nonprofit lapidary shop is being forced out of the Garden House at Shoup Park. My father and my young daughter have enjoyed going to the shop together to cut and polish rocks from their collection. It is truly a unique nonprofit place with a dedicated and helpful staff.
Los Altos City Manager Gabriel Engeland has indicated that the space is now required for “secure storage of records.” Surely, there are other locations in the city that fit the bill for storing boxes.
The San Antonio Club is currently sitting unused as is the empty Apricot Room in the Community Center due to Engeland’s abrupt closure of the city’s treasured preschool program. Unfortunately, the lapidary shop shuttering feels like yet another example of mismanagement on the part of our city manager.
Ashley Hawrylyshyn
Los Altos
