3-24-22

It is funny how our minds work. With the war breaking out between Russia and the Ukraine, it got me to thinking about the devastation and fear that takes place with war.  I found myself reflecting on Flight 77 that hit the Pentagon on 9/11, where many children, including infants, were inside a daycare at the Pentagon.  The daycare supervisor was in a panic over how to evacuate so many, some in heavy cribs.  There was no time to bundle them into carriers and strollers.  Just then a young Marine came running in and asked what he could do?  Upon hearing the need to evacuate, he ran back into the hall and disappeared.  About 2 minutes later, the Marine returned with 40 other Marines and they started taking infants, cribs and all, out of the building and down to a park near the Potomac. At about ¾ of a mile, the Marines circled the heavy cribs.  It looked like the old West and covered Wagons under attack.  Outside this circle of cribs were 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children.  They remained there until all parents could be notified and pick up their children.  A Chaplain said there wasn’t a dry eye around.   The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted to danger was amazing.  Would you expect anything less from a United States Marine?  Now that’s Good News.

3-23-22

It is absolutely amazing to see how a visit to anywhere in the world can be shared instantly with your friends back home through the digital world. I have received, through Facebook, pictures from friends in Italy and Israel. I got to enjoy their trip even though I never left my home. It felt so good. Then, on the same day, I received an email from a dear friend that said: “We had to be in Egypt for a program. The program was very successful but our journey turned sour when we misplaced our wallet and cell phone on our way back to the hotel. The wallet contained all of our valuables.” They only needed a loan of $1900 to enable them to pay their hotel bill and get back home. To my amazement, the email had all of the private and correct information that my friend never shared with anyone other than close friends. But, as expected, this was simply a high tech scam perpetrated by someone, somewhere in the world. Naturally, I didn’t send any money but it points out how easy it is for high tech scams to take place. What was fun for me was that this email came to an email that this friend and I don’t share. What do you know? Having multiple email addresses finally paid off. We all need to be on guard for High Tech Hi Jinx. Maybe I will send the scammer a picture of Fresno. Fresno, Texas, that is. Now that’s Good News.

3-22-22

About nine years ago, I was playing golf, which I find myself trying to do more than I use to, when I received a call from my daughter informing me that their court date to hear the disposition of AJ, their foster son, was settled. My daughter was so excited because AJ was finally set on the legal journey to become her son and my grandson. There are so many children who do not have a good home situation and as a result of my daughter and son-in-law being foster-adopt parents, I have come to discover this amazing network of couples who are child-bearing age who have decided to bring children home rather than to just bring a new child into the world. So many children’s lives are now going to be positively changed and they will not face the devastation of poverty and neglect and isolation but will instead have security, feel wanted, and have a sense of belonging. I wish I could give a big hug to all of those fos-adopt parents who are willing to risk the heart-breaking loss of losing a foster child back to the system just for the opportunity to give a child a new home and new hope. Now that’s Good News.

3-21-22

I have always liked fast cars. It started with a suped up 55 Chevy when I was in high school. Since then, I have owned a Chevelle Super Sport, a corvette, a 370 Z , a Tesla, and about 30 other cars. I have a reputation for taking care of my cars. My Tesla is garaged every night of its life and is washed and waxed at least twice a week. I kept all of my cars tuned up and took pride in them. I have always thought that a car reflects a little bit of your personality. The Tesla is the fastest car I have ever had. It can go about 165 miles an hour and reach 60 in about 3.1 seconds. I’ve done the 60 but not the 165. What a fun car and because it is electric and I have solar at home, I don’t pay $5 a gallon for gas. I love speed but I use it less than I used to. My reaction time is good but not as good as it once was. I have had to deal with the fact that age begins to catch up with everyone, me included, whether I like it or not. I have thoroughly enjoyed each stage of life from fast cars to fast grandkids, great family and great friends. Now it’s time to reflect more on the speed and actually do it a little less. I guess the memories will have to do for now and every so often, my Tesla does just reminds me of those memories as my head quickly pushes back against the headrest. I’m not dead yet! Now that’s Good News.

3-18-22

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and can make all kinds of sounds…or no sound at all. There is a treasure that exists at Fresno State called the Silent Garden, a non-profit foundation. It is the dream child of Dr. Paul Ogden, Professor Emeritus, from the Deaf Studies Program. Dr. Ogden says that you cannot tell that a person is deaf by seeing them. He also says that interpreters are angels of mercy. But there is only one sign interpreter for every two hundred deaf and hard of hearing people in our community. The Silent Garden Project was set up to meet this growing need by forming a self-supporting endowment which provides sign language interpreter scholarship funds. What a wonderful thing it is for each of us to be able to freely hear and communicate with those around us. The wonderful world of communication is opened up to deaf and hard of hearing people when we contribute to the Silent Garden. Your contributions actually help break the Sound Barrier for our deaf and hard of hearing family members, friends, and co-workers by giving them the ability to communicate fully. Ironically my words right now go out only to those who can “hear” the message but is intended to help those who cannot hear. You can give voice to the Silent Garden through your donations. Now that’s Good News.

3-17-22

Several years ago I had the pleasure of hosting a group from China who came to California to learn about our schools. They came from Quangxou, a city of 13 million, located about 75 miles from Hong Kong. I learned that many of the parents in China realize the importance of a global education and global awareness. Because most Chinese have just one child, they pour every dream and hope they have into that one child. From the very earliest point in life, the focus is for that child to get into university and be successful…and for those who can afford it, that means at least some of their education in America. You might say, well, I thought the Chinese had found the secret to a great education with their success in science and engineering so why would they want to come to an American school. Simple. Creativity and innovation. Almost since our birth as a country, American schools have been centers for creativity and innovation and the digital world is no different. We have developed an environment where it is safe to risk challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box. If parents from the largest country in the world will sacrifice anything for their children to be educated in America, how can we do less, after all, we have the gift of a free education? Now That’s Good News!

3-16-22

I spent over 50 years in the public education arena advocating for equity and access because I know the value of an education. Graduating from high school is now a minimum standard that opens the door to a world of opportunities. Those with a high school education not only have more career options, they have more life satisfaction. Then there is another step…college or career. For too long we have made it seem as if college is the only option. At the end of high school, every student should be prepared to go to college, go to trade school, or go to work but it is their choice and their choice should be honored. Students can have a successful life if they become experts in a trade. As baby boomers continue to retire in greater and greater numbers, we must find replacements for plumbers and auto mechanics and on and on. We designate and recognize activities that honor students who go to college. It is time to designate Day of the Plumber and Day of the Mechanic. After all, a functioning bathroom and car are essential parts of everyday life. Now that’s Good News.

3-15-22

I am old enough to remember a time when politicians vehemently disagreed with each other during debates and then went out to dinner together with families. Like many of you, our government leaders now seem to be operating with a hatred and anger toward each other rather than simply disagreeing with ideas and positions that the other side takes. In doing so, we have more and more intractable positions and have lost any sense of working together to find answers even for problems where we have common ground. I learned a long time ago the difference between a principle and a preference. I do not give in on my principles for they are foundational to my beliefs and to who I am. They give me purpose and direction and guide my decision-making. On preferences, however, I do not hold the same passionate positions. I can demonstrate a lot more give and take when it comes to things that I simply prefer more than others but they don’t tear down the core of who I am and what I believe. The problem is that we now fight tooth and nail for principles and preferences and such strained relationships make finding any common ground unlikely. I can stand firm without being disagreeable or obnoxious. With proper role models, maybe our kids can too! Now that’s Good News.

3-14-22

When I was Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, I had the pleasure of overseeing Scout Island, a gem along the San Joaquin River with property on both banks of the river. I was amazed by the natural history and remarkable vibrancy of the San Joaquin River and the flora and fauna and life found along the river. It was inspiring. Scout Island is a treasure that benefits thousands of students every year. But I also want to compliment the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust for their efforts at preserving the river and providing unique opportunities for families to have a river experience. Those experiences include Conservation, Education, and Recreation. Rivers don’t just take care of themselves; they require management and conservation in order for all of us to enjoy the natural splendor. Thanks to the Trust, you can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding and amazing views. You can even take a canoe trip. So gather up the family and some of your neighbors and enjoy a habitat that is there and will remain available because of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, heroes of the river. Now that’s Good News.

3-11-22 

We are living in a time of high-tech marvels. From medicine to transportation to

gaming to photography. Through technology we are able to manipulate just about

anything. We can cure diseases that were once thought incurable. We can make

cars safer and many companies are even developing a car that will drive itself with

no human being at the steering wheel. We play games that make you feel like you

are really in the middle of a war or a race or an athletic event. But I am becoming

increasingly concerned about our ability to manipulate images with such ease and

expertise that nobody can tell the difference. While we look at images that have

been altered digitally and marvel at what we see, I am almost at the point that we

need to have a digital mark that is embedded in any image that has been enhanced

so we know it has been altered. The question becomes, what is truth and what is a

fantasy created by very skilled and highly creative digital natives. It used to be

buyer beware but now it has become, eyes beware. It may feel good to be digitally

enhanced in a photo, but some of us need a hint so we know whether we are seeing

fantasy or reality. Truth even in Photography is a must. Now that’s Good News.