Posted by zammad on October 3, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sandy Berg is talking out of both sides of her mouth again! I wish I could say that I'm surprised.

If Berg thinks union representation is the reason Camarillo High teachers oppose Measure U, why did she - and ALL of the Camarillo Unified political candidates - sign an offer to "support grandfathering in retiree and health benefits and honoring current salaries for those (teachers) at Camarillo High School." (3rd letter on link)

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news...

Ignoring for a minute that what Berg, Ron Speakman, Patty Lerner and the other politicians did was ILLEGAL, it's obvious she knows that the REAL reason teachers and parents oppose Measure U is that it will force the vast majority of teachers at Camarillo High to leave or take a severe cut in pay and benefits. That will jeopardize established, unique programs at Cam High, including the entire Advanced Placement curriculum. (10th letter, same link)

Why did Berg say one thing today and another thing the day before? Because that's what she does.

Berg is one of the MANY reasons to vote No! on Measure U!

Posted by kdq1 on October 3, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wake up people! The property next to Cam library is OWNED by OUHSD and IS NOT included if measure U passes. Cam High comes as is baby!!! No money for improvements and no money to buy land for a new high school. Plan is to turn crusty Los Altos site into make shift high school. High school only districts receive the most funding from the state - general K-12 unified dist. receive middle of the road funding. If you support measure U and think you are getting a new high school you are very wrong. The only way an actual NEW high school would be built under local control is if a significant $$$$ bond to raise our Cam. property taxes a massive amount is passed. Have any of you thought of the actual cost to build these days? IT WILL TAKE 10-20 YEARS BEFORE ANY HIGH SCHOOL WOULD BE EVEN IN THE PROCESS OF BEING BUILT BY THE PROPOSED NEW DISTRICT. PVSD teachers support measure U because they want thier long awaited raise - but they won't get it once again. It continues to boggle my mind that people are so gullible to believe measure U is going to make life so good for our kids. Quit living in a fantasy world and look at reality - NO ON U - is what is going to get us what is needing.

Posted by kdq1 on October 3, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Also- teaching is not an overpaid profession on any level. Tenured Cam High teachers would leave based on what is best for THEIR OWN FUTURE- not on students who pass through their halls. Who wouldn't make the best choice for their own financial future? It does not mean they don't care about their students or are not passionate about teaching - it just makes sense for their checkbooks, their families, their retirement, and their futures in this horrid economy.
Measure U stinks -- vote NO!!!!

Posted by oxnard40 on October 3, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Measure U is the legal way of justifying "white flight".

Some 800 kids will get pulled from Rio Mesa. Most of those students, White.

This is a race issue as well as a financial issue.

No on U!

Posted by pjlove10 on October 3, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.
NO ON MEASURE U.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 3, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

oxnard40- what is oxnard saying about all of this. Are most of the citizens in agreement to vote no on U?
I live in camarillo and most of the people I talk to are against it.
Just curious.
pjlove10-love your post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by pjlove10 on October 3, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good question hibufarshi,
I get a vibe that people are going to shoot down this measure. But I also have a feeling here that most voters (and non-voters) don't know the specifics as to why they should vote against it. Make sense? BTW, shame on you "non-voters".

Posted by oxnard40 on October 3, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Many Oxnard parents that I have spoken with are against U. They are worried about the young (less than 5 years experience) teachers/mentors/coaches at OHS and CIHS that would lose their jobs from the transfer of tenured ACHS teachers. They are worried about RMHS losing the racial balance between Hispanics and Whites. They are worried about losing Frontier HS and the solid continuation program OUHSD has built.

There are a lot of worries, but most people are against U. But, unfortunately not enough people know about it.

Posted by Lonewolf on October 3, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of the Oxnard Schools should be a Unified Pre-K through 12 school district. Unifying Oxnards schools would increase funding for K through 8 grade classes. Provide for a single school calender, enable curriculum articulation from start to finish, cut the number of administrative positions and the number of school boards from five to one. Huge money savings with better service and more funding. We're voting for the wrong thing.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 3, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you, Lonewolf. What a great point you bring up. I'd never even thought of streamlining Oxnard schools. What would become of ACHS in your line of thinking?

Oxnard40-email everyone you know and tell them to go online to 4AllTheKids.org. Do you receive any info from that group? If not, go to the website and get on the list to receive updates. You could even make flyers and pass them out to neighbors. That's what I've been doing. You are right, a lot of people don't know about it. Especially private school and homeschool families. If you have trouble finding out how to receive emails from 4AllTheKids.org, tell me and then I can even forward the info to you.

Posted by oxnard40 on October 3, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So Lonewolf, we should have HHS and CIHS unify with Hueneme Elem SD, OHS & PHS with Ox Elem SD, RMHS with Rio Elem SD.

How does that save money?

Or do you want a huge School District like Los Angeles USD? You have seen the problems that LAUSD has had. Don't let Cam unify.
No on U!

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 3, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is taken right from the Governors Committee on Education Excellence (http://www.everychildprepared.org/)

"Unified districts receive less than the blended average of high school and elementary districts.

One might reasonably expect that the unified funding levels would be roughly the blended average of the high school and elementary school funding levels.
However, because of the equalization method the state has used in the past, the funding level for elementary and high school districts are higher than the unified rate."

Posted by kdq1 on October 3, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tanknows- I received the "junk mail" pro U mailer which doesn't give out much info. Waste of time and money. Why don't supports say a bond will be needing to fund these changes or that the property doesn't come with measure U approval. Why do the supporters continue to break the law by handing out on sided pro U papers on school property? Why does pro U supporters hide behind the real issues? Have you read the actual Meaure U that came out in your sample ballot? Who would support that? Apparently the Mission Oaks crowd who feel they are only worthy of yet another new school but didn't even know the issues with school closure 2 yrs. ago. Jody Dunlop, of OUHSD has stated that when unification is off the table then a high school will move forward. Don't you get the fact that for 10+ yrs. this has been an issue and why would they build when there has been pending litigation? Would you build? The fastest for a new high school is thru OUHSD.
Educated people are the voters who will vote NO on U!!!

Posted by oxnard40 on October 3, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does the newly "unifed" district have to buy-out all of the property on the ACHS and FHS campuses. From what I understand, all of the text books, desks, video equipment, and misc property is stamped with "Property of OUHSD".

Where does that money come from?

Posted by kdq1 on October 3, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I will not support a Speakman and Berg methane gas Mary Kay party any longer.
No on Measure U is the only way to end the foul odor of these 2.

Posted by RickHazeltine on October 3, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've talked to a lot of people on this issue in Camarillo, and we can debate all the details, and many of them are valid and important, but for the average person it comes down to their perception as to whether or not OUHSD has been sincere with Camarillo. And almost all of it comes down to the new high school.

If OUHSD really wants to help Measure U fail, they need to publicly and unequivically state that they WILL build a new high school in Camarillo on the land they purchased near the new library and commit to begin the process as soon as the election is over and promise to have a legitimate timeline published for all to see within 30 days of the election. They have the Measure H bond for $140 million +/- that was approved four years ago waiting to be used.

They have to assure Camarillo that even if a handful of citizens continue pushing for unification, that they will make good on their promise to build a school in Camarillo.

IMHO, the real basis for this entire issue is that Camarillo wants a second high school in town, the one they were promised if Measure H passed. After four years and so little progress, most Camarillo citizens don't believe OUHSD has any intention of ever building a school here.

So, if Camarillo people truly believe the best way to a new school is through OUHSD, they'll vote No on U. If they no longer believe OUHSD that they will build a new school, then they'll vote Yes on U and take their chances that Camarillo citizens will pass a bond if they know it is only for Camarillo kids.

They think the worst thing that happens if unification passes is that they won't have the school they don't have now.

Before everyone jumps on me, I'm just telling you what the vibe is that I get from people in Camarillo. I have my own thoughts. Obviously, there are even bigger issues, such as can it be paid for and impacts on OUHSD in regards to Frontier and the number of CamHi teachers remaining with OUHSD. But for the rank and file, it's all about the new high school.

Posted by BeaHappi on October 3, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Oxnard and I'm voting NO on 'U.'

Why? Because close friends of ours live in Camarillo and went through the PVSD debacle, including having their school closed.

They are adamently opposed to unification. If PVSD can't handle K-8 sufficiently, how in the heck is adding a high school to it going to make it any better?

njnnp...what do you mean "we're tired of carrying Oxnard?"

Posted by kdq1 on October 3, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's not forget that PVSD has a trial date in March 2009 if things don't go their way. OUHSD may move forward or wait to see if jury trial for PVSD goes on as planned. I am wondering if you understand the logistics of dealing with a school district and the actual steps planning anything takes.
It is my belief that OUHSD has intended to build a new school for quite sometime but PVSD has keep this fiction game in the way. Would you spend the $$$? Why did they buy the land? Just for fun? Because they had an extra bunch of $$$millions floating around? It shows they intend to build. I get the frustration of both sides here but the fastest way to a new high school is through OUHSD - they have the land, a PASSED MEASURE H, available matching funds and resources. I got my property tax bill today. I am already paying PVSD almost $100 for their bond of $49 mil from a few years back that was to redo schools that have now been closed even though my tax dollars are still going to pay for closed schools. So- next is going to be a need for more $$ and $100+ mil bond that Cam/Somis will pay for- so my taxes would go up what?? $400+ or so a year just for this? Thanks for that!! These people can not run a K-8 dist.
Be smart -
local controll = local disaster!
No on U!!

Posted by PTelford on October 3, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rick, your “whether or not OUHSD has been sincere with Camarillo” is backwards: When have Ron Speakman, Sandra Berg and Patty Lerner been sincere with Camarillo?

They waited until the week after the November 2006 elections to announce that schools would be closed, they ignored the offers of help from parents and the Mayor of Camarillo and rushed through the school-closure debacle, they have repeatedly broken state Open Meeting laws including when they tried to close Santa Rosa, and they have spent over $200,000 in OUR TAX MONEY this summer alone for Unification. I wish we knew exactly how much of OUR TAX MONEY they have spent, but they refuse to release that information to the newspapers, even though it’s illegal for them to hide this information.

Oh, and if the election doesn’t go their way, their Political Action Committee – Camarillo Unified – is going to sue the state to overturn the election.

You’re right that one group of politicians has NOT been sincere with Camarillo. It’s Speakman, Berg, Lerner and the Camarillo Unified gang.

Posted by zammad on October 3, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rick, no offense, but since you are a Santa Rosa Tech parent, the “average person” you talk to is not the average Camarillo resident and the high school is not the most important issue.

In central and western Camarillo, the fact that generations of students will be going to “Los Altos High” is Topic #1 and Reason #1 to vote No on U. Our children could go to a comprehensive high school (Rio Mesa) with an International Baccalaureate program and a full array of after-school sports and performing arts programs while OUHSD builds the new Camarillo high school.

Why would we want them shoe-horned into a middle school with no sports teams, Marching Band, theater, etc., on a campus that was closed because it is inadequate for 6th graders?!

Vote No on U! Let’s give ALL the children of Camarillo the education they deserve.

Posted by RickHazeltine on October 3, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to clarify, I'm only offering the vibe I've received, not necessarily my beliefs. Also, I live in Central Camarillo and have for 18 years. My wife Sandy went to Las Posas, Monte Vista and Rio Mesa. I coach PONY baseball and count families who have kids at El Descanso, CAPE, Cam Heights, pretty much every school in the district, even home schooled, as friends. I'm not only talking to parents in Santa Rosa Valley. Remember, about half of SRTMS kids don't live in the Valley anyway.

Also, I do know parents who are unhappy with the PVSD board but for the rank and file, not those of us who have been involved in this and follow it closely, just those that generally have an idea of this issue, the majority of feedback I've received has been about the fact they don't believe that OUHSD is sincere in building a school. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing, just stating what I've gleaned and these are the majority of people who will vote.

The bottomline of what I'm trying to say, is that a lot of people will decide based on whether they think OUHSD will build the school. And all I'm saying is that OUHSD can do a much better job of conveying that message. I was at the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce debate on Wed. Jody Dunlop said that OUHSD will build two new schools. But she didn't say when and she didn't even say either would be in Camarillo.

OUHSD could have done a much better job of promoting their intent to build a high school in Camarillo. If they indeed intend to build one.

I think many people in Camarillo who have issues with OUHSD have them because they see the unification issue as a ruse not to build the school. We are talking about a handful of citizens who will battle for unfiication, as is their right, and as it is the right of others to contest unfification.

Will every Camarillo citizen give up on unification? Probably not. So does that mean as long as a few people battle for unification we're out of luck? Camarillo passed Measure H, too. We will be taxed on that money when it's used. If the Camarillo taxpayers are paying for it, then why does it matter if unification happens or not? If it's built with Camarillo's share of the money, then why is that a loss for OUHSD if unification eventually succeeds?

And for full transparency, I am running for PVSD school board (not CamUnified) because I think a much better job could have been done regarding school closures last year. I can't say which way I'm voting on Measure U, but I have stated before that I don't approve of the use of PVSD funds to help pave the way for unification. If Camarillo citizens want unification, then we should be willing to pay for it ourselves and not out of the meager monies we have for our kids. There, that's my political statement for the day.

Just so you know, on some of these issues you are preaching to the converted. On others, I'm still looking for answers.

Posted by PTelford on October 3, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rick,
Camarillo taxpayers will only pay about 16 milllion of Measure H. If Unification passes we will need a bond to either refurbush "Los Altos High" or build a new school. Then we are responsible for 100% of that bond. That would be a huge burden on taxpayers in Camarillo. Remember a majority of taxpayers in Camarillo do not have minors in the home. Hisorically Camarillo doesn't pass bonds.

Reality is if you want a new school your best chance is OUHSD.

Posted by coffee67 on October 3, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is also prudent to remember that the land slated for the high school does not come along with a yes vote...that land belongs to OUHSD...there for the district, if the vote passes...would need to find land (which is scarce) to put a school. I for one will be voting "NO" on U.

Posted by Cat on October 3, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YES ON U!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES ON U!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES ON U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES ON U!!!!!!!!!!!
YES

YES

YES!!

Take a look at the horrific mess LAUSD is in and that's what OUHSD is headed for. Conejo Valley and Moorpark successfully separated from OUHSD.....why are people so afraid of change, especially a necessary one???????

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 3, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets review:
PVSD closed schools and gutted programs
Conejo Unified is closing schools
Oak Park Unified Passed a parcel tax
Ojai Unified wants a parcel tax
Simi Unified is underfunded
Moorpark Unified just cut $4.3 million

Oxnard Union High School District just added IB to one school new programs to others has a great relationship with their teachers and appears fiscally solvent.
All that with their ADA which for the un-educated is not Camarillo tax dollars.

Posted by olreliable on October 3, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OUHSD will not build a high school in Camarillo. The student population is declining. They are going to build a new Channel Islands High School. They will only build on what the current need is, and the population is growing in Oxnard. Sure they bought land, amazing to me that they have that much cash in their coffers to hold on to it (disgustinging rich.) That land money could be used to fix up the Camarillo High School that still needs AIR CONDITIONING. yes our kids sit in rooms packed to the gills in hot rooms. I bet that Oxnard High Schools all have air conditioning.

Why hasn't the OUHSD obtained an upgrade on Cam High?? They did do some improvements, but how about expanding?

Also, where the H*** is the pool?? We wanted a pool there five years ago, but no, the swim team and water polo team has to drive to Rio Mesa to practice at 6 a.m. in the morning?? This kind of practice eliminates poor kids to join because who will drive them? What parent can make a 30 minute drive to the Rio Mesa School?

Don't lose sight of these important things that originally began Unification of Camarillo schools in the first place.

Posted by PTelford on October 4, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it"

In the past decade, the politicians who run the Pleasant Valley School District have broken laws, lied to teachers, misled parents and voters, and siphoned education money to pay for their own political agendas.

Now they want to take over our local high school classrooms too!

What kind of K-12 leaders will Sandra Berg, Ron Speakman and Patty Lerner be? Well, as PVSD trustees their past actions include:

Repeatedly lying to teachers, promising raises in pay and benefits year-after-year and then breaking those promises year-after-year.
Breaking the law when they tried to close Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School without public notification. Only a parent-financed legal claim prevented the Board from closing the school.
Ignoring environmental laws when they tried to put Camarillo Heights Elementary School on the chopping block. Only a legal threat generated by parents prevented the Board from breaking the law - again.
Shutting down the district's summer school program and AVID college prep program and slashing the budgets for the Music and Gifted programs.
Waiting until the week after the November 2006 election to announce that they would close schools. What surprise announcement is coming after this year's election?!
Closing two schools and moving a third in only 4 months. In contrast, Thousand Oaks has taken 2 years on its school-closure issue.
Spending over $1 million of our tax dollars on lawyers and consultants to push their own Unification agenda.
PVSD's past record is just one of the reasons why parents, grandparents, educators and taxpayers are working together to urge voters in Camarillo and Somis to
NO on Measure U!

Posted by kdq1 on October 4, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cam High comes as is with U - it will not get better but only worse! Conejo has never built a new high school in 40 yrs - what makes you think these 'people' will? They have lied to this community over and over, lied and broken promises to their teachers and broken law after law. They will never have the funds to build a school or the land-
Don't be fooled -measure U will only be more disasters.
OUHSD is the only way to a new high school-
NO on U

Posted by kdq1 on October 4, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgot -

Pool??? You think you will get a pool? You may get a 5 gallon bucket with a few drops of water in it under unified mess.
You will get nothing like you vision under a unified dist. Look at the mess they made of PV over the years - it will be same drama, different channel.
Stop the madness!
No on U is the only way

Posted by olreliable on October 4, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the people of Camarillo unite instead of deride each other, we can make Cam a better school. The bitter people against Measure U are clouding the race with their own personal baggage. Get over the school closures!!! That was last year. All districts close schools, we are not the only ones.

Look to the future. If people work together with the board, whoever they may be, instead of tearing them down personally, then we can have things we want. I have seen nothing but personal attacks on people in this column and others.

Rio Mesa built a pool with community money, OUHSD allowed them to have the land to put it on. OUHSD would not allow us to put a pool on the Cam High School site like Rio Mesa parents did. If we were in control of our own school, we would be able to do it. This is a huge statement to the fact that we have no control. I know that Ron Speakman, Patty Lerner, and Sandra Berg would allow it. I saw the amount of money generated by the new unifed system and it is staggering. That is why OUHSD is fighting us so hard, they don't want to lose the millions of dollars that will come to Camarillo unified.

What is absurd is the Measure U people did not want this whole unification to be voted on by the people of Camarillo! The nerve and the conceit to keep this issue away from the Camarillo voters.

Move on, grow up and show your kids you can work together in a city with all types of people. We all have to work with difficult people; public and private sectors. We will never have the politicians in office that we want. Try using honey rather than vinegar to get want you want. Bitterness will rub off on your kids and infect the community.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 4, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole Reliable-
Where did you see the amount of money a new district would generate?, from Ron, Sandy, Debra et al?
Get real guy, the money will be based on available funds from the state budget. Again, Twin Rivers got "fifty percent of the expected revenue increase". Do the math on that, I have.
Using the 50% numbers and using the base evenue limits given at the PVSD forum the new district will end up with less than one million new dollars. That means you can give all PVSD teachers a 3% raise if you don't pay the other items PVSD left out of feasability studies.

Posted by PTelford on October 4, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole reliable,

The people against Measure U are people carrying personal baggage because of school closure? Think again. This is a very diverse group of educators, taxpayers, parents, grandparents. We are from all parts of Camarillo.

Many of the people aren't against local control or unification.
What many of us are against the plan or lack there of.
Many of us are against the thought that Berg, Speakman, Lerner could be on the board for CU.
Many of us want a new High School and know the only chance we will get it is through OUHSD.

Our Govenor asked the federal government for a bailout plan for our state because of the financial crisis here. Where do you think the money is going to come from ex: that 5 million CU keeps throwing around?????

let me repost some comments I made
They keep bringing up that magic 5 million. Well they aren't sure if they are even getting that.
In CU's budget they are including the ADA from the 800 kids at RMHS. They also claim that those students are grandfathered in to stay. So that means 2.5 million stays with OUHSD. so that 5 mil. is now down 2.5 mil. Then CU also fails to include the money that will be spent on special ed. OUHSD spends 2 mil on Camarillo students alone. OK! now that is down 500 thou. There is more but do you see where I am going here.
CU and PVSD are playing the same game they do every year but now they want to include 9-12.
Promises Promises Promises. There is no money to refurbish a jr. High, there is no money to expand educational programs, there is no money to give teachers a raise. Camarillo will never pass a bond alone.
How can anyone who has lived in Camarillo over the last 5 years vote yes now.

Posted by coffee67 on October 4, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Old reliable is not so reliable. So your arguement is that if we get in bed with Speakman, Berg and Lerner then all will be well, money will pour down from the sky, Cam High will get a pool and we will all be one big happy unified family. Thanks for the laugh...keep on posting your delusions of grandure. No of U!!

Posted by coffee67 on October 4, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Old(un)reliable says "Move on, grow up and show your kids you can work together in a city with all types of people. We all have to work with difficult people; public and private sectors. We will never have the politicians in office that we want. Try using honey rather than vinegar to get want you want. Bitterness will rub off on your kids and infect the community." Remember to post this again when Measure U fails and CamarilloUnified fights the vote of the people in court. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones OR!!

Posted by coffee67 on October 4, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Old(un)reliable."What parent can make a 30 minute drive to the Rio Mesa School?" Some of us drive a new invention..Automobiles...so unless you're going to RMHS by horse an buggy your overestimating the drive time by about 15 to 20 minutes. It is actually a quicker drive then driving to Cam High...which I might add is your only obvious concern.

Posted by kdq1 on October 4, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Remember - leopards [Speakman, Berg, Lerner] never change their spots. They will screw things up so bad.

Posted by olreliable on October 4, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would rather trust people who live here in Camarillo to make my children's future brighter than people in Oxnard. Did you say in bed? I'd be ashamed of myself if I lived here and was in bed with OUHSD. If people are dissatisfied with the Cam Unified candidates, then where are the people willing to step up in case Measure U passes? I don't see the big players here in Cam putting their name on the board.

Regarding the drive to Rio Mesa, I have heard countless of residents here complain about that drive. Complain about sharing a pool with Rio Mesa, and getting a taunted and teased when they arrive at a pool for practice that is not their home. How does this serve for team spirit? Community unity?

Make no mistake, there are a lot of people in this town voting YES on Measure U. The people in this column are trying to paint the picture that they are winning, but they are in the mintority.

Don't give in to the illusion from a minority of anti unification zealots.

People should watch the town hall meeting on television to get a picture of what Cam High School will look like. They gave numerous scenarios of how Cam High will be rebuilt.

Check out the video! Look on PVSD website for dates and times.

Posted by Oranges on October 4, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OMG!!! olrely is snorting the kool-aid right out of the pack!
"People should watch the town hall meeting on television to get a picture of what Cam High School will look like. They gave numerous scenarios of how Cam High will be rebuilt." all this done with NO NEW TAXES!!
YOu really ought to check out re-hab.

Posted by coffee67 on October 4, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

...that kool-aid must be some knarly stuff.

Posted by kdq1 on October 4, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Naive...Foolish...I think so!
I guess you think gas at $4.50 a gallon is a fantasy too. Apparently I need to wear my boots because it is getting thick...

What $ to build this fab high school? Are you willing to pay $500 a yr. more in prop. taxes to pay for it? I am not. Are they building this mega school with the teachers pay raises?

Wake up- Fantasy and reality are not the same thing.

Posted by CAPEDad on October 4, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford - My friend, you're right on the money when you talk about who is being 'sincere'. PVSD waited until the last vote was counted to start Moffett and crew on the biggest mistake they could have made. Pretty stupid really and a complete miscalculation.

The result?

(1) Speakman, Berg, Lerner, and Miller end up looking like fools.
(2) Speakman berates parents in a public forum and becomes a Youtube star.
(3) The 'savings' end up being LOSSES.
(4) Speakman even tops himself by scripting a phony recusal with the union president as a way to hide his charter vote
(5) Top-to-bottom desertions from the Super all the way down in the district office, AND
(6) Sandy Berg shoots her mouth off in a letter to the Star, critical of those who sue, only to have her group sue when they don't get the decision they want by the SBE.

FOLKS - THIS IS NOT GOOD LEADERSHIP - THIS IS COMPLETE AND UTTER INCOMPETENCE!

Vote No on U

Posted by kdq1 on October 4, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

olreliable- it is a shame that you can NOT see that you are being scammed into thinking the piece rotting fish is really a huge piece of chocolate. Would you like to see pictures of my $80 million dollar Malibu beach house too?
No one is bitter. People are now educated to what is really going on. YES! to change by ousting the 3 little stinking piggies.
NO vote means change for the better.

Posted by PTelford on October 4, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I watched the Town Hall Meeting. Even their own "Paid" consultants said you would need approx. 42 mil. min. Where are you going to get that? They also said you could have a high school with 300-400. Did we not just close schools because 300 to 400 was too small. Your consultants said very little that was helpful to anyone.

So "Ol reliable", if that is what you are hanging your hat on, YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE. I have a feeling that in the next couple of weeks some pretty major things will happen that will blow up CU's balloon.

Stay tuned...................

Posted by plucky.duck on October 5, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a student at cam high and everyone says for the good of the students vote no.

Ouhsd hardly cares about cam high. We have outdated classrooms, no air conditioning, no pool, and windows 98 computers when it is 2008. Honestly if measure U isn't passed then ouhsd should show us they actually care.

This past week the heat was unbearable and the only way the teachers could try to cool down the classroom was to use fans from 1980.

Our language lab still needs to be updated.

We need a pool. That was promised YEARS ago.

we need air conditioning. So we can concentrate on our schoolwork, not on the heat.

If measure U is rejected then show us that this right decision. I'm tired of our school being crappy..

Posted by Oranges on October 5, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

in pvsd we needed computers. the parents paid for them. when they break it takes the district weeks to fix them.
parents pay for pe and library techs.

plucky, these are the same people that want your school. if you want to complain about two weeks of hot weather that your choice. i think you have not looked at what will happen when the ap program is not re-certified. with out the teachers and programs ouhsd has your education will be in flux.
on the plus side moorpark college has ac. and without ap that will be your choice.

Posted by parent on October 5, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford: On the Measure H funds, Camarillo will pay about $52 million.

RickHazeltine: Camarillo did not pass Measure H. It failed in Camarillo but passed in Oxnard.

In 2003 the petitions for unification went to Sacramento.

In October of 2003, OUHSD's Superintendent Davis indicated in his Unification Viewpoints newletter that there were going to follow legal counsel's advice and cease any activities related to the purchase of land because of the unification issue. (Clue #1 that OUHSD was not going to build a school in Camarillo.)

In the OUHSD's board minutes of 5/12/04, OUHSD again decided to not buy property or plan a new school because of unification. (Clue #2)

June 8, 2004, OUHSD wrote to Supervisor Long asking for the Board's approval of the formation of a School Facilities Improvement District at the June 15th meeting. They indicated that with the uncertainty of unification, they didn't feel it was appropriate to ask Camarillo taxpayers to pay for a school in south Oxnard. The SFID would exclude PVSD voters. (Clue #3)

OUHSD didn't give the board the time to study the matter and was not able to get this through.

Now, suddenly, in time for a November 2004 election - OUHSD has purchased land, thrown up a sign and put pictures of a new school near the Camarillo library. (Clue #4)

Measure H passed for a $135 million bond in 2004. No school has been built. Today - there are about 1200 students at Pacifica that are over capacity and another 1000 students at Oxnard High. The first school needs to go in South Oxnard according to the Measure H bond language.

Now Dr. Dunlap is saying that they INTEND to build a school in Camarillo. But they don't know when or which school will go first. They also don't know what kind of school it will be. Certainly not like the renderings they flaunt on their web site.

If OUHSD really intended to build a school, they could have stopped unification by building it. It was never their intent.

The only way Camarillo students will get a new facility, or improved facilities, or innovative programs is to pass Measure U and do it themselves.

Posted by PTelford on October 6, 2008 at 5:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent,

Camarillo's portion of Measure H because of matching funds is only about 16 million. Nice try!

Thanks for letting everyone know that Camarillo can't even pass a bond that they pay a 1/3. They will never pass a bond that they pay 100%.

Oh Yes! OUHSD puts up a sign just in time for the NOV. 2004 Election. Please it worked great didn't it. The bond didn't pass in Camarillo. Although I am sure everyone in Oxnard went on a Sunday drive and took a look at the new sign to get Measure H to pass.

OUHSD should have built the high school to stop unification? Are you kidding me? Why would you build a brand new school and then turn around and give it away.

Keep searching.............

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 6, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The bond amount for Camarillo is $45M. Of that there is still projects at RM and Cam alomg with aschool.

Measure H got 51% not 55% needed in Camarillo.

I guess the whole campaign is about a facility now. Lets not worry about programs or funding. The state says it ok. The same people that are looking for a Merrill Lynch bailout. A school is about a 10th of the reason not to vote for Measure U.

Where does this new facility money come from? Oh ya', new taxes.

Posted by parent on October 6, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford: Camarillo didn't pass a bond because of the money or that they didn't want a school in Camarillo. They didn't want to build another school in Oxnard.

And you had a nice try on the $16. Even your cohort almost tripled your figure.

You keep searching. If the school had been built, voters in Camarillo would not be pressing for unification. At least, 4 years ago. Today is another story.

And John: New taxes? If Measure U fails - the taxes WILL go up as soon as OUHSD issues the Measure H bond. and it will build another school in Oxnard.

It's NOT just about the school, the school is just a large glaring reason why Camarillo does not belong in OUHSD.

Posted by PTelford on October 6, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent,

you seem to miss the point. Many people that are against Measure U arent against having local control or a new district for Camarillo.

They are against the plan or lack there of.
You guys have abosultely no clue what you are going to do if this were to pass.

You keep bringing up all this money you are supposed to get. There is no Money for CU.

The Economy in the country and especially California is on the toilet. have you checked the stockmarket today. People are sick of the empty promises. A majority are not going to jump off that building with you. There is too much at stake.

IF Measure U is funded the tax burden will be much less on the residents of Camarillo than if you try to pass a bond here alone. Do you not get that?

Sorry Try Again Later.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 6, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

njnnp-your comments are not helping. I thought that it wasn't about personalities!
if you can't say something constructive....keep it to yourself.

Posted by parent on October 6, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford:

On the contrary, YOU miss the point. Why in the world would people not want local control of their schools? If you are saying that's their motivation, then we are REALLY dealing with a bunch of dolts. Oh I get it. Bury your head in the sand, and as long as no one bothers you ... you are perfectly happy to let someone else deal with it. That's the mentality of people that don't want local control. In that case, if you want to ignore things, the least you could do is to let people that care about your kids do the managing.

Now, what you can do is jump all over the PVSD board. You can spout things like they don't know what they are doing, You may not agree with them, you may have wished for different decisions. You may have wanted the process to be different. That does not make them incompetent. But I'll tell you something, that's the tactic people use when they don't have a real argument.

I'm glad that you are the economic expert for the state of California. I know what the economy is. But THIS is the time to unify. It establishes a base when the rates are the highest they are going to be. We certainly don't want to do this years down the road.

I get your theory on the tax base ... but you are operating under the assumption that OUHSD is going to build a school. They are not. How many more schools in Oxnard should we contribute our taxes to, when nothing is going to come our way? Do you think Oxnard will pass a bond to build a school here? Why are you not able to follow the path OUHSD has laid out for you in regards to their building any schools in Camarillo?

hibufarshi: Have you actually read the links that 4allthekids.org points you to? If you did, you would come to a different conclusion.

JohnAlamillo: OK, so you say the state is not qualified to make a determination on unification. Who do you propose be the experts? You? I tend to lean toward the state's opinion.

Posted by Checkmate on October 6, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeez, Ron, was the fundraiser that bad?
You're being more snide than usual.

Posted by PTelford on October 6, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent,

You are really stretching to come up with something to fire back.

Let me repost in case you missed it:

Many of the people aren't against local control or unification.
What many of us are against the plan or lack there of.
Many of us are against the thought that Berg, Speakman, Lerner could be on the board for CU.
Many of us want a new High School and know the only chance we will get it is through OUHSD.

Our Govenor asked the federal government for a bailout plan for our state because of the financial crisis here. Where do you think the money is going to come from ex: that 5 million CU keeps throwing around?????

you keep bringing up that magic 5 million. Well they aren't sure if they are even getting that.
In CU's budget they are including the ADA from the 800 kids at RMHS. They also claim that those students are grandfathered in to stay. So that means 2.5 million stays with OUHSD. so that 5 mil. is now down 2.5 mil. Then CU also fails to include the money that will be spent on special ed. OUHSD spends 2 mil on Camarillo students alone. OK! now that is down 500 thou. There is more but do you see where I am going here.
CU and PVSD are playing the same game they do every year but now they want to include 9-12.
Promises Promises Promises. There is no money to refurbish a jr. High, there is no money to expand educational programs, there is no money to give teachers a raise. Camarillo will never pass a bond alone.
How can anyone who has lived in Camarillo over the last 5 years vote yes now.

Posted by parent on October 6, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford: I don't believe that I've brought up the $5 million at all. And the state does provide funds for refurbishment of Los Altos, if that's what Camarillo decides they want to do that.

Maybe the problem is that you don't like having the choice. You want everyone to follow in line behind OUHSD. No thank you.

There ARE plans, the decision can't be made until CU is in effect. That's where Camarillo comes in. They get to put their 2 cents in. There is time to determine what the city wants ... let's do it the right way.

The only way to provide for our kids for the future is to vote Yes on Measure U.

Posted by PTelford on October 6, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent,

Oh you are so wrong there. I am all about choice.
I choose to stay with a district that will give us choices becuase they know how to run a high school and have the money to do so.

I want my kids to be able to continue AP and honors classes at ACHS. With all the veteran techers leaving it will take several years to get new teachers certified.

I am not about taking chances at the cost of my children and all the children in my community.
I heard one of the proponents say "I will sacrifice my child to get unification through".

My children are the most important thing to me. I dont want to jeoporadize their future.

Posted by PTelford on October 6, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent,

" there are plans" the decision can't be made till CU is in effect.

Thats your motto " get unification through and will figure later".

NO THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Posted by hibufarshi on October 6, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PTelford-Those so called "plans" are sure going to cost Camarillo citizens a lot of money. What I've been hearing from most people, is that they are afraid because there aren't any "plans", at least none that the average citizen is aware of. Empty promises is what we will all get. I'm not willing to sacrifice my kids high school years just so the same people can be in power-new high school or not.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 6, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry...my post was meant for "parent"

Posted by coffee67 on October 6, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So Njnnp...JohnAlamillo is a bad guy...oooh tell me more!! Does he wear women's underware?

Posted by Hueneme1961 on October 6, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I Could care less about this.We have our own problems.Not like the good people of Camarillo would help us.Good luck!

Posted by foreweb on October 7, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John Alamillo is only protecting his kids. I cannot blame him – I would do them same thing. Regardless, it is not what is best for Camarillo. He is only worried about his kids – understandable….I worry about my kids. I do not want to send them to a school with an API score of 680. I also have a problem living on the west side of Camarillo and being forced sending my kids to a school with of 4 out of 10 state ranking. Can you say vouchers?

John, if you ever want to go toe to toe – just let me know…I will meet you there.

Posted by foreweb on October 7, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

by the way, if any of you think for a minute that OUHSD is going to build a high school in Camarillo - please put me in for $20 because you are high. $60 million of Camarillo tax payer $ will build a high school in Oxnard. In 10 years, John will be laughing his assssss off.

Posted by foreweb on October 7, 2008 at 2:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record – foreweb is Mark Webster and I would be happy to discuss this with anyone. Unlike many of the participants of this blog, I am open to discussion. 402-6609 if you call, have the gumption to step up to the plate and name yourself…unlike 4allthekids.org I name names…

Posted by PTelford on October 7, 2008 at 5:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

foreweb,
You must not have looked at 4allthekids.org. There are names listed on the website. Here is the link http://www.4allthekids.org .

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 7, 2008 at 5:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice Mark but my conversation time with you is over. Your irrational behavior during our last toe to toe left me with little regard for your knowledge of the subject. I understand you are angry your son didn't get into UCLA. Let's realize that in todays world you would not have been accepted either.

I would have thought that after working with school districts you would have known how they were funded. It was clear that was not your strong point. The "all my taxes go to Oxnard" mantra shows how shallow your research has been.

Parent-
You "lean towards the states opinion", unless it's not the same as yours.

How is it the state is wrong enough for you to file a lawsuit to stop the vote?

Posted by coffee67 on October 7, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Web: MrAlamillo is 4allthekids...seen him in action, know what he is about, and am rolling on the floor laughing at your statement. I can't help but wonder what your real agenda is here..mes thinks your trying to drum up some business in this faultering market. For someone who is fighting growth in Camarillo (growth = higher enrollment = more funding) just because it obsures his view of the freeway your remarks are hollow.

Posted by foreweb on October 7, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

PT – wow, look at that! We now have names…very impressive list!

John – I’m not angry at all. As a matter of fact, I’m very proud of the kid – he got into a UC despite having the odds against him attending Rio Mesa. I agree wholeheartedly that I would have never been admitted to UCLA in today’s world – especially coming from a school with a 4 out of 10 statewide ranking and an API score under 700.

Coffee – John is one of the most active parents I know and I envy his commitment to his children. I respect his dedication – I just don’t agree with him on unification. You all believe that had it not been for the supporters of unification, we’d have a new high school in Camarillo. At its core, your opposition to unification is based on the premise that OUHSD will build a new high school once the vote is defeated. I believe that OUHSD has never intended to and never will build another comprehensive high school in our city. My lack of knowledge regarding school funding notwithstanding, I believe that OUHSD will use Measure H and approximately $60 million of Camarillo’s tax dollars to build another school in Oxnard. If U is voted down, I will happily eat crow when OUHSD breaks ground and builds the new high school next to the library. Mes thinks there will be another reason why the high school is not built.

It is kind of sad what unification has done to our community. I really believe if we could all get going in the same direction and focus our efforts, we could have a school district that rivals Oak Park UNIFIED School District. Please, tell me again all the reasons why we cannot have a school district that represents the community, returns our tax dollars, and gives the parents local control. Perhaps you’ll blame it on our current board. Last time I looked, the average API score for PVSD was 840 or something like that…I would hate to have a high school with an API over 800. I’m sure if it wasn’t for Berg and Speakman, our schools would be over 900.

As for my efforts to “drum up business” – if you knew my business, you’d appreciate markets that “falter” – no ‘u’, kind of ironic. And for the record – when have I ever fought growth? I welcome it – I just want it done right…again, if you want to give me a call and identify yourself, I’d love to talk.

Posted by ReadMyLipsNoNewTaxes on October 7, 2008 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is just the OUHSD is racist and they don't want to give anything to the poor white people who live on the 'East Side'.

The 'West Side' snobs who leave near the beach don't want to share the wealth. That is why they have not built a school or done any improvements at Cam High.

Posted by hotwildflower on October 7, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's to the point that I don't even care about this anymore. It has gone on so stinking long that that the promised new high school from so far back isn't even an issue to me anymore. They have been talking about building a new high school in Camarillo since I was in high school...my son now attends Cam. High and my younger daughter will have graduated from high school already before we ever see any progress.

It's a crock to have to send kids from Camarillo all the way to Rio Mesa for high school. There is no way to get to Rio Mesa without a car or bus from Camarillo. Shouldn't kids have access to get to school safely?

I think parents have lost complete faith in the school districts. It's not about the children, I don't think it ever has been. It's about their own personal egos and agendas. I hope they choke on their money!

Posted by ReadMyLipsNoNewTaxes on October 7, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hotwildflower,

That is why my kid is going to Newbury. I live less than 2 blocks from site for the new high school in camarillo.

If OUHSD wins (and measure U passes) they will not build a new high school, they will say they need it in Oxnard. If they lose, Camarillo will say it doesn't have the money needed to build one.

Posted by coffee67 on October 7, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I went to 4allthekids.org and was very impressed with their supporter list. They obviously know that parents, grandparents and taxpayers are much more impressive than a bunch of litigeous politicians that turn to suing every time they don't get their way.
To every one with pool envy and crying "Rio has a pool and Camarillo doesn't"...perhaps you need reminding that OUSHD did not pay for RMHS pool...the parents raised that money through hard work and fundrasing.

Posted by olreliable on October 7, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

coffee67: Read the complete blog, the pool subject was already explained. The point is that OUHSD did not allow us to build a pool with money in hand.... That is a reminder that OUHSD controls us (Camarillo residents)

I'm glad that a student wrote into this blog about the lack of AIR COMDITIONING. I wonder if Allimillo, Telford, CAPEDad, and others can work in the 90 degree classroom? Even PVSD has air conditioning. Now that is good planning, thanks PVSD for thinking of our students first!! I'll bet even CAPE has air conditioning (oh yeah, it's a PVSD building) Consider how they learn better with cool air, nice facilities, and a board who makes practical decisions (like when ACHS installed a neon bullitin board instead of putting air conditioning in the school!! Whaaatt???!! ).

I don't care how much I pay by the way, I would rather put my money into the schools so that kids can learn better.

VOTE Yes on Measure U. A plan that cares about kids.

Oh Yeah, remember those Principal Jackson years? Yikes, people were picketing out in of front the school demanding her resignation. Everyone in Camarillo wanted her out! That's when people wanted unification, because they couldn't stand her. Well, the current principal won't be there forever. Think of the future people, even passed when a new principal comes in and changes things.

VOTE YES on Measure U, have local input to your child's education and keep Camarillo money in Camarillo.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 7, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ole-
Sell the air conditining to leisure village. There are plenty of folks there that walked to school uphill both ways in the snow. Kinda weak.

It's hot here 2 weeks a year. The interesting part is when it's really hot, and there is a flex alert, PVSD has to shut down it's AC. We live in one of the most temperate climates in the world and your reason for creating havoc with our childrens education is air conditioning!

And you can have air conditioning if you pass a bond for it. Lets add AC to the $100M. What happened to no new taxes. Keep putting things on your christmas list for Santa CU. Just remember their using your credit card for all the things they promise.

When did the ACHS pool moms approach OUHSD? Never heard that before. And don't think your new board will be any better. Remember they will have only 50%, or less depending on the state budget, of the expected revenue increase.

And don't start with LOCAL CONTROl, LOCAL CONTROL!!! IF your name is not on the ballot then go back to your easy chair pops. The same "leaders" that have been driving this train are at the controls for the new district on day one.

For the sake of the children, for the sake of education in Camarillo and for the sake of those lucky enough to have a property tax bill VOTE NO ON MEASURE U

Posted by Resident4thekids on October 7, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The pool committee at ACHS (it wasn't just moms) met with OUHSD, Mike Morgan from the city and others on multiple occasions. District refused to go 50-50 with them. The past president of the PTA could tell you all about it--but you wouldn't like the story as you've got blinders on when in comes to the high school district.

Kudos to Mark Webster for standing up for what he believes in. Pretty disgusting--although not surprising--that JA brings your kid into it. No class, no integrity.

Posted by PTelford on October 8, 2008 at 5:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe you people!
You know that school that you keep complaining about. That is what you are getting. Yes ACHS will be your school. That school with no A/C. That school with no pool. Your high school will have 2 story portables now and you will have a make shift high school at a converted middle school that was closed last year. This site has no a/c, no pool, no baseball diamond, no football field, no science labs.

Where do you think you will get the money to refurbish or build a new school. You won't!!!!!
Camarillo can't pass a bond!
If you want local control vote more Camarillo residents to the OUHSD school board. OUHSD is our only chance to get a school.

Resident,
JA has no class or integrity? Give me a break! He as more on the end of his finger than you do. He has the guts to stand up for what he believes in. He is one of the very few that will use his name on the blog. He doesn't hide behind a name "resident". I am very proud that I know John Alamillo. I know that he will always be there fighting for what is right for the children and all residents in Camarillo.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 8, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Res-
There are people that have their reasons. I spent an hour with one and found his reason. Don't call someone out if you won't accept your own arguement.

Posted by Oranges on October 8, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Could Resident4thekids be the CU spokesperson?

Posted by hibufarshi on October 8, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hotwildflower-you say that kids have to be bused or driven to Rio Mesa.....how do you think that the kids who now live in RMHS boundaries are going to get to Cam Hi? There won't even be any buses because Cam Unified won't have any....so they will have to be driven there by parents. Do you realize what a hardship that will place some families in? My daughter arrives at Rio Mesa safely. I don't see your point.

Posted by kdq1 on October 8, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone know the California Teachers Assoc. {CTA} position on Measure U? PVEA? I looked but found none. I heard that other major unions are say NO on U -

Seems NO on U is not just the "bitter" CAPE parents after all!

Posted by hibufarshi on October 8, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kdq1-you are so right about that...it goes a lot further than CAPE parents. I for one am sure glad that they are on the side of NO ON U. Those folks really know how to get things done! I'm not a CAPE parent-but I sure do applaud them for getting their kids school up and running! Put them on the school board!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cam U politicos shot themselves in the foot when they did not approve of that charter.

Posted by kelly13 on October 8, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do I understand this correctly? The only way that Camarillo can get a new high school is if we vote no on measure U?
What about the plans for the new school next to the library?

Posted by kdq1 on October 8, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The land next to came library belongs to Oxnard High District. It is NOT part of measure U. The land does NOT transfer to new dist. if measure U passes. New dist. would have to find their own land, etc. The fastest, quickest way for a new high school is to vote NO ON U!!! The OUHSD district has the land, a way of funding the project, and a PLAN TO RUN A SCHOOL DISTRICT. Not pictures and a fantasy like some want to be district.
The only way of Cam. unified dist. would ever get $$ to build is if another bond is passed to raise taxes. The state of CA is in horrible shape financially as well as the rest of the country. There is No money and NO extra money to come if a new district forms. It actually amounts to a loss in funds for our schools.

NO on U is the only way.

Posted by coffee67 on October 8, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kelly13: kdqt1 is 100% correct. If Measure U passes we will not get a new high school. The proponantes would have you believe otherwise, but here is their plan. To throw portables on Cam High property or to have the kids go to "Los Altos High" which is a former middle school that does not have the facilities for high school and that will not have the academics that one expects for their children nor will it have the sports. OUHSD has every intention of building a high school on their land by the library...thanks to CamU...it's been put on hold. I encourage you to visit 4allthekids.org to get facts, not fiction, and honest answers to your questions. This site has a list of supporters who are parents, grandparents and taxpayers who actually care about all the kids. I find their opinions more valuable and credible than a bunch of people who believe the public is in awe of titles. What it boils down to is that a yes vote would hurt the kids, while a Vote of NO of Measure U will benefit them.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 8, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kelly13-
VOTE NO ON U!!!!
kdqt1 and coffee67 are right on!
Tell all of your friends and neighbors to vote no too!
Visit the website and get a sign up in your
front yard!
4AllTheKids.org

Posted by coffee67 on October 8, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To all of you who already have the NO on Messure U signs...in case you are unaware...they have been getting stolen in the nighttime. That is theft and an offense that can, and will, be punishable by law. Let's catch theives...rig your sign up, like I have, so that when they are attempting to steal it...it will set off your car alarm. It's about time that we catch 'em in action and get the authorities involved so that the childish actions by those running scared get their just desserts.

Posted by kelly13 on October 8, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

After reading all the comments, the one that struck me was the one from the student at Cam High. The student told of all the things that Cam High doesn't have. They also said that if OUHSD cared, they would have taken care of some of those problems before it came to this. I have seen Oxnard schools and what they have. I know what Camarillo has.
I think if there was a true Camarillo high school and it was governed at a local level, maybe something would get done.

Posted by norcalmom on October 8, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kelly,
When my child was in PVSD, there were things she didn't have, either. Like a ceramics kiln ( newer schools had one), a computer lab ( other schools had one), computers (PTA bought them and had to leave them when school was closed), playground equipment (had to leave that, too when school was closed), decent furniture, new bathrooms, MPR windows that weren't broken, etc. And PVSD was goverened ( I use the term loosely) at a local level. The fact is the schools in California are old. Our government sees fit to spend more money on prisons than schools.
Let's see some other things that PVSD doesn't have. Music everyday, in the classroom. GATE classes - keep getting cut every year. PE every day. Summer school. Bussing. If there is no money for GATE in the K-8 level, where are they going to get the money and/or resources to teach the advanced placement classes like calculus, econ, etc...
Kelly - I hope your child doesn't pull the "Los Altos High" lottery ticket! Its not a winning one! At the very least, if you're going to vote yes on U - have the decency to vote yes on a 100 million dollar bond for a new school.

Posted by plucky.duck on October 8, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@Oranges

Look. You make it seem like air conditioning is my big point. That is not the point. The point is that OUHSD doesn't even address small issues. You talk about the AP programs. I am in 3 AP classes. My Euro AP teacher had a pass rate of 20%. Are those the teachers you speak so highly of? Imagine being crammed in a hot workspace. No one can concentrate and focus on their work when it is all musty and steamy in the room. Air conditioning has a bigger impact than you think because you take it for granted. OUHSD has funded many programs for other schools but we are always excluded. For example, Rio Mesa has the IB program.

When the API scores come out and OUHSD releases the charts, guess who they exclude? Cam high.

Are they telling us that they are ashamed that we have a highest score in the district? How does that even encourage students to do better? Whats the point of working so hard and not having recognition?

I'm not for or against Measure U. It both has its flaws. I was merely pointing out what OUHSD has done for us. Nothing.

Do we have the luxury of a pool? No.
Do we have the luxury of air conditioning? No.
Do we have the luxury of CURRENT technology? No.
Do we have the luxury of a QUALITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT? No.

How do we not have all of these but perform so well?

If OUHSD would take a look at our school and actually CARE, then our would be higher than it already is.

Then maybe we wouldn't have this issue of unification.

OXNARD Union High School District focuses on OXNARD, NOT CAMARILLO.

Having a second high school would certainly help the congestion at Cam High, however, I doubt that school will be built by the time I have children, and my children have children. Ha.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All of us old timers went to school without AC and drove cars without AC- I survived. Are you so delicate that you will wilt? My kids have gone to schools without AC too - but that is NOT a deal breaker for me. Pool? Try fundraising - maybe you will get somewhere like Rio did - if you had the $ then maybe they would listen. If PVSD hadn't had unification fantasy for a decade maybe things would be different at Cam High. NEWS FLASH- most of California schools do NOT have all the latest technology! Again- fundraising!!!!! Most schools technology upgrades come from PTA or private funds- not the districts where money continues to be cut yearly. Would you build a shiny new facilty if you had pending litigation that might take it away? No person or business with common sense would. Put your blame at PVSD for the way Cam High is - Not a OUHSD.

Vote NO on U and change will happen for the better.

Posted by Oranges on October 9, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Plucky-
You posted at 11:55pm, shouldn't you be in bed?
Are you sure you didn't just come from a meeting at ACHS?
Another poser pretending to be someone their not.

Posted by coffee67 on October 9, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Plucky: looks like you took some advanced writing classes between your 1st post and 2nd post. Oranges is right...you're a poser, not a student at Cam High and you know what, it's disgusting that you'd pretend to be a child to get your way.

Posted by I_Hunt_Heads on October 9, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So, everyone keeps talking about how if U passes, there will be no new high school in Camarillo. If U does not pass, will there be a new high school? If the supporters of CU protest the decision (which I believe I saw above they already have a petition in in case it does not pass), is OUHSD really going to build by the library?

I don't know if U is the right decision or not, but someone made an interesting comment to me the other day that she heard from a teacher in PVSD (not on school property). If U passes, yes, we get a similar board make up (because of who is running for CU). But, we can vote them out in a couple of years. It will be a rough couple of years, but then we can start to move forward.

Right now, the whole unification issue focuses attention and money away from the students. Not that I want to give in to a "tantrum", but looking 5, 10 years down the road (and ignoring the first 3 years completely), will Camarillo students be better off with U or without?

Odds are, SOMEDAY Camarillo will unify. Will there ever be a perfect time to do it? Probably not. So, maybe we just need to bite the bullet and then focus on the students.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If U doesn't pass - regardless, voters can still oust the 3 from PVSD when they are up for re-election - either way it is a horrible wash for a while.

Down the road, even 10-20 yrs. from now OUR students will not be better off if U passes. They have no plan, they have no money, and no ability to run a high school how it needs to be run. Our kids will suffer because of the fantasy and lies these supporters are saying today.
PVSD has a jury trial date set for March 2009 if it doesn't pass so that they can try to get votes bypassed and have an actual jury of 12 decide what is best for our schools - not the local majority. HOW IS THAT FOR DECIDING LOCAL CONTROL!!!! More money wasted on lawyers, legal fees, etc. that could be going towards schools. So...

Posted by plucky.duck on October 9, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay. Call me what you want. I am a student at cam high. It's obvious you're not an adult calling names. How old are you? Make a real argument instead of calling names. Thanks.

Posted by plucky.duck on October 9, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, if you know the amount of work AP classes give then you would know that this isn't considered late. It's obvious you don't have a child taking ap classes and it's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about. Meeting at 11? You make me laugh.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are a student and can post late at night then again at 12:59 pm and 1:03 pm- shouldn't you be in class? If you are really a student then you should be doing that homework instead of reading these discussions and then you could sleep, be in class and be caught up on your homework- just a thought.

Posted by plucky.duck on October 9, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yes, let's blame blame pvsd that doesn't even have cobtel over cam high. Good one.

Oh and I bet some of you are going to slam me for being on when it's "school time" it's called phone and internet.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your immaturity is showing as well as your lack of knowledge!! Obviously you don't get why PVSD should be to blame for their part in this whole matter for the last decade - uneducated and immature - typical of the measure U supporter!

Posted by norcalmom on October 9, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Willard,
Last night,OUHSD Asst. Superintendent of Finance, Randy Winton said that if this newest surge for unification hadn't happened, students would be walking on to a brand new campus next fall. Thats right. The new High School would have been ready to accept students as of fall 09. As it is, students will get to go to a dilapidated middle school next fall if Measure U passes. The best bet is to allow OUHSD to build the new high school, come up with an actual plan for the future that doesn't put all of our eggs in to PVSD's basket. Then....I'll be fighting with you to unify, but not until then.

Plucky,
I totally understand your comments about school's shortcomings. But you have to realize its not just Cam High. Many PVSD schools have A/C that doesn't work, Broken Windows, technology that is archaic. That is with local control. How is the same group of knuckle heads that are currently running PVSD fix all these so-called problems at Cam High and add another high shcool (or double decker portables), when they can't even do it for the amount of kids they have?
As far as Rio Mesa having IB and not Cam High - that isn't an OUHSD issue. The board doesn't "assign" those things. That's Mr. Lipman's choice. He and his staff decide a direction for the school. And it was the teachers at Rio who pushed for it and the principal supported it.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 9, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

norcalmom-Mr. Winton and OUHSD need to give the Somis, Camarillo and Oxnard residents the information that you gathered from the meeting. How is OUHSD getting the word out? I know that there are lawn signs, etc....but we need more. Do you know if there is anything in the works in order to let people know that we could have had a new school in 09? There are a lot of uninformed citizens. It seems to me that the OUHSD could do something.......just a website doesn't get it all done. You may not have the answers...just thought I'd ask. Thanks.

Posted by I_Hunt_Heads on October 9, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually haven't decided one way or the other. Originally, I was a "no on U" vote, because I was worried about the leadership in PVSD, and seeing how they have run things the last few years, I'm not impressed enought to think they can handle a K-12 district. Now I'm worried about how many more resources will be wasted on this until it finally passes, so I'm try to keep an open mind and make the best decision I can.

I have a young child, and I would hope that by the time she is out of elementary school, whatever district we are in would be focused on the students, not on pushing their own agendas.

I don't really believe that OUHSD would have had a new school ready for Fall 2009 - are there meeting minutes that reflect that that would have been the case? And then meeting minutes that table the issue? If OUHSD can show concrete information that they planned to have the school built by now, I want to see it.

I see a high probability that even if U is defeated, OUHSD will not want to build a new HS in Camarillo, because 1) CU is going to protest the decision, so we're in the same position as we were when they supposedly halted plans to building a HS, and 2) if they DO build a new HS, what's to stop Camarillo from unifying then, and taking the new HS with them?

Are there any more forums coming up? Is there somewhere that these forums are typically announced or posted, so that I know when/where they are?

Posted by coffee67 on October 9, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lm_willard: not sure about any more actual forums. There is one being put on by PVSD at the city hall but to my knowledge, at I may be incorrect here so please, someone, let me know, only people from Camarillounified have been invited and not the opposition. That being said, I do know that if you wanted to meet with one of the people supporting 4allthekids.org that if you email them, you could set something up. I went to a real informative coffee and learned a treasure trove of information.

Posted by norcalmom on October 9, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hibu,
If you live in Camarillo, there is the government channel 10(on Time Warner) - its something different in Oxnard (26 or 26). I think its supposed to be on @ 6 pm. Its actually running right now. I believe that it will be running again on Tuesday, too. You have to understand that OUHSD is not the one running the No on U campaign. Its the Oxnard Federation of Teachers (the teacher's union) and a grass roots group called 4allthekids. That is not to say that OUHSD is not opposed - they are.
Willard,
I'm not really sure what you're looking for when you ask for meeting minutes reflecting that it would have been built by 09? The meeting minutes of last night will have them. Another point that was clarified was this: PVSD keeps insinuating that buying the land was political posturing; that they purchased the land after unification already went to the State board of education. In actuality, the board purchased property in Somis. At the time, Somis was not part of unification. Only after did PVSD school board members, along with political cronie Audra Strickland, crafted Assembly Bill 780, which incorporated Somis in the the area of re-organization. THAT is when all development of the new High School stopped. And THAT reason IS valid. If PVSD hadn't initiated a landgrab - we would have Camarillo kids sitting in a new school next fall.
Just to be clear, last night's meeting wasn't a forum, it was an Oxnard Union High School District Meeting.
I also guess I don't understand why you would "reward" the current board by allowing them to run a high school district, Willard. You say that by the time your daughter gets to high school, you want trustees that won't push their own agenda. Easy. Vote for PVSD candidates at this election, and none that list unification in their bio. That way, Speakman and Berg will be gone and we may have a shot of getting something done in the district. Two of the most pompous politicians I have ever, ever witnessed. If you vote for measure U, we will have 5 single agenda candidates. None of them have any clue about a high school district. None. Their only experience and former platforms has and is Unification. T
This one is a no-brainer. No on U

Posted by hibufarshi on October 9, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

norcal-thanks.

Posted by kelly13 on October 9, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I,too, am still unsure on this whole issue but I want to hear more from both sides. So far the majority of people who post here are on the "no" side.
Without knowing all the facts and just sticking to the basics, it makes sense to me that Camarillo kids should go to a Camarillo high school. There should be enough people here to get it done and get it done right.
If the current state of the school is a result of being in the OUHSD, why wouldn't we want to try something new?
Another point that doesn't sit well with me is that Oxnard gets to vote on what they want for the students of Camarillo?

Posted by olreliable on October 9, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OUHSD is going to build another high school!! It will be a brand new Channel Islands High school(that's next on their list to build) including AC, pool, theatre, state of the art facilities. Before anyone votes on November 4th, they should tour Pacifica AND Oxnard High School. Take a look at their facilities. WE paid for it. Nice building, I'm happy for them. I'm all for making learning environments better for kids.

Don't vote unless you see both sides. Alamillo and his cronies do not care about our kids education here's what he said....

"It's hot here 2 weeks a year. The interesting part is when it's really hot, and there is a flex alert, PVSD has to shut down it's AC. We live in one of the most temperate climates in the world and your reason for creating havoc with our childrens education is air conditioning!"

Two weeks a year?? Whaaat? Where do you live, the beach? He is talking through his hat, again. I guess he hasn't heard of Global Warming, it's been unusually hot in Camarillo the past years. Air conditioning is a big deal.

Also, a fact that if parents in Camarillo want the best for their kids, they will work hard to get it. Let's talk about kids TODAY. They are pampered and indulged as evidenced by the CAPE crusaders. They didn't get their way, so they built their own charter school (great for them.) So, the Measure U supporters are doing the same thing. We want the best for Camarillo kids... and we will fight to get it.

PVSD will get every penny back they spend at the tune of 22 million a year in revenues if measure U passes. That's why OUHSD is fighting so hard.

Vote YES on U.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 9, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is taken right from the Governors Committee on Education Excellence (http://www.everychildprepared.org/)

"Unified districts receive less than the blended average of high school and elementary districts.

One might reasonably expect that the unified funding levels would be roughly the blended average of the high school and elementary school funding levels.
However, because of the equalization method the state has used in the past, the funding level for elementary and high school districts are higher than the unified rate."

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 9, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And locally our County office of education said when referring to the new district revenue:

If the proposed district is approved, the California Department of Education will calculate the actual revenue limit.

They go on
Because Proposition 98 dictates the total state support for schools, this increase will not increase the total amount the state pays for education. In the future, state support for the proposed new district is expected to continue at levels comparable to those provided to unified school districts of similar size and characteristics.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 9, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Master Plan for Education says:
The Legislature should develop fiscal and governance incentives to promote local communities organizing their local schools into unified districts,

and should eliminate all fiscal and other disincentives to unification.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 9, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

olreliable-
None of the above posts are my words. Some of those statements are from documents the proponents have distorted for years. If you really think the new district will get any measurable amount of revenue increase you are either daft or just plain ignorant to the budget woes are state is experiencing.

Funding is an integral part to education and the proposed new district will be woefully short based on the statements provided by others.

I will post one more separate.

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 9, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This one should open your eyes about additional funding.

In a recent forum held by the PVSD, Sage Consultants, the firm hired by PVSD, brought individuals from the latest school district to unify. Four elementary districts merged with a high school district to form a combined attendance of 30,000students. Mr. Tom Janis, the assistant superintendent of pupil services from the Twin Rivers Unified School District, stated the following,

"We received 50% of the expected revenue increase."

THEY RECEIVED 50% OF THE EXPECTED REVENUE INCREASE

Posted by coffee67 on October 9, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Old(un)reliable is UNRELIABLE. Vote NO on measure U.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Unreliable- How dare you think CAPE kids are indulged!!! That takes a lot of nerve to even go there. Those parents fight long and hard to keep a good school open but the PVSD flakes wanted that money to fund this fight for unification and wanted the Los Altos site open so that they could have their make shift dump high there. Those parents, teachers, members from the community and even kids worked long and hard to get that school off the ground and become the fantastic place that it is. I would say you are the green eyed monster of jealousy over the fact that they had a goal, a plan, and it all came together well for them.
CAPE parents were all on the same page - all of Camarillo, Somis, and Oxnard are not. CAPE parents had one goal - not the goal of rogue school board members who each has a different view of what to do.

You are truly a piece of work- Bitter and angry and lashing out because you don't have anything better to say except fiction/fantasy.
Why is it you think this new district is getting $22 mil. when this state is absolutely broke. Are they so special that they will get the only money in the state? NOT!!!

Our kids will suffer both short term and long term if measure U passes-

No on U for all the kids future.

Posted by kdq1 on October 9, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kelly13- Local control has destroyed PVSD. These are the same 'people' who want to run the unified dist. PVSD has tried for 10+ yrs. to get Cam High from OUHSD. Pending litigation = no work at Cam High! Why put money into it when it could be gone in a blink of the eye? Same thing as trying to sell a fixer upper house - put money into it or let it go as is!!! Think about it. This community is torn apart because of the actions of PVSD over the last decade. Blame PVSD for being out of touch with the majority of residents and for what is best for out kids for the condition of Cam High.

There is NOT enough room at Cam High for all Cam. kids - Hence, massive portables everywhere, no parking, and a crusty want to be school at the dump of Los Altos site with no programs, etc.

Camarillo residents have voted on Ox. issues in the past when it came to high school issues. It does make sense because it effects them too since Cam High is part of the bigger school district.

No on U is the only way to make things better for our kids.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 10, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

olreliable-What do you mean by indulged and pampered? Shouldn't every student be allowed to be in an environment that promotes learning? So, you are saying that you think that it is a good idea to overcrowd ACHS and/or send kids to a rundown Los Altos campus. There was an article in the paper a day or 2 ago discussing a group of people who want stricter regulations on how egg laying chickens are housed (they believe that the chickens need more room to move around)....maybe we need them to fight for how our students are housed.

Posted by hibufarshi on October 10, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

o yeah....VOTE NO ON U!!!!!!!

Posted by norcalmom on October 10, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point hibu,
If measure U passes, than probably prisoners AND chickens will have better facilities than Camarillo high school students!!!

Posted by olreliable on October 10, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KDQ1: I did not say CAPE kids were indulged, I said ALL kids in our community are indulged (mine included). We all want to give our kids the best of the best.

The plan PVSD gave us at the town hall meeting was not to build portables, they showed plans to build Cam High into 2 story buildings maximizing space. Of course it will take time, as it would if OUHSD built it.

BTW Los Altos is a great little place. I would put my 9th grader there in a heart beat, as is. Research has shown that small schools are better learning environments. I know that the parents of Camarillo would make Los Altos work because we care very much for our kids. I keep going back to the great example of CAPE, they made their temporary place wonderful last year. What a great precident they set. They are a great inspiration.

Cam4kids only cares about NOT spending any money (opposite of what they state-Cam4kids?) because they are mostly retired people who don't want any more taxes (go to a meeting sometime and see the median age of the anti Measure U people). If you are a young family with young kids, you want unification. You must think of the future, not what is going on today. There will always be a reason to not invest money.

I want to invest my money in my own community, have my tax dollars stay in Camarillo. I already paid for Pacifica and Oxnard High, now I want to pay for Camarillo High. Our kids deserve it.

Vote Yes on Measure U- U will not be disappointed

Posted by coffee67 on October 10, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, Oldreliable is proving to be unreliable in his across the board comments. Most of the members of 4allthekids are parents with children in the k-8 district and some with highschool students as well. Yes, we do have some wonderful grandparents. I bet that you have never been to a meeting 4allthekids or else you would not be able to blantantly continue to lie.
A No Vote is 4ALLTHEKIDS

Posted by JohnAlamillo on October 10, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

olduninformed reliable-
Again a proponent showing their ignorance of factual credible information. You are not believable when you can't get simple facts correct. Face it you have been deceived by those whose sole mission is unification not education.

Oxnard High School was built entirely with state money after the old site was condemned for being in the flight pate of Oxnard Airport.

I may be one and done but at least I'm not one and dumb.

Posted by kdq1 on October 11, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

unreliable- I am not retired!!!! I am a working teacher with a kinder and 2nd grader in PVSD. I along with everyone I know is working families that say NO ON U!!! Don't say all we care about is $$$$.

Ironic how you have changed your tone about CAPE! Small schools do have an advantage so why are you supporting a plan that will have 3200+ kids on one campus?

Where is this $100 mil coming from to build this fantastic school? Measure U will bring continual disappoint as the track record of PVSD district and board speaks for itself.

All I can say is if measure U passes - Oaks Christian here we come!!!

No on u!!!

Posted by coffee67 on October 11, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

kdq1: your right on there!! Just as PVSD missed the boat with CAPE and LOST, not gained, money with their school closures...if Measure U passes..their will be a mass exodus to private schools and/or transfers to OUSHD where they have a board with brains.

Posted by SpartanFan on October 14, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a Camarillo resident for 37 years a Camarillo High grad and I am thankful my kids are at Rio Mesa. It is a great school with loads of spirit. There Honors/AP program is of top notch and now have the IB program for our kids to take advantage of. I tell parents of younger children to really think about there vote on this. They could very well consider themselves lucky to be on the side of town that feeds to this school. I currently have 2 kids at Rio Mesa. In do time there will be another probably smaller scale high school like that of Foothill Tech in Ventura built next to our library. And not because of the growth of Cam but because of the growth of Oxnard and there need for the space at Rio. And when this happens we will still have all our fine teachers. A new school we have already paid into and a smooth transition. IF we move with PVUSD WE WILL LOSE TEACHERS, COACHES, IB, SPORTS PROGRAMS FOR OUR KIDS AND THE POOL OUR PARENTS WORKED SO HARD FOR. My daughter who is in jr high will either get an over crowded high school or an undeveloped old jr high for her amemator. THINK! This started because we didn't get a shiny new high school like Oxnard has BUT WE ALSO DIDN'T HAVE THE POPULATION TO SUPPORT ONE. We are not neglected by OUSD I have seen the upgrades at Camarillo High and the API scores. There is quality of the education at both our current high schools. Don't fix it if it's not broke. If you don't know about Rio Mesa and your kids are to be sent there as they get older TALK TO PARENTS AND KIDS THAT GO THERE YOU WILL HEAR WHY WE WANT TO HOLD ON TO IT. If you are unhappy with Camarillo High get involved with the school and make it better. I found it interesting that at the Relay For Life Cancer Walk held at Cam High, there were over 100 Rio Mesa students walking, a great booth and wearing there Spartan colors. Where were the Scorpions? Where was there pride? I saw a few but they were kids I knew who were actually touched by cancer. But I did not see the Scorpion pride representing there school on there own school grounds. Hold on to Rio Mesa for our Camarillo students. VOTE NO ON MEASURE U