Yesterday’s article is unusual however in terms of just how much I learned from a simple critique of an Op-ed.
The main purpose of the article was really to question some of the claims made by Joan Sallee and Marty West in Sunday’s Davis Enterprise. Frankly, I saw no reason to write the article to begin with. The Op-Ed that they responded to was an October Op-Ed by sitting school board members Jim Provenza and Tim Taylor. That article was an assessment of the current budget status and the steps taken by the current board to improve the budget process. It was not a criticism of either the past board or even former Superintendent David Murphy.
The most troubling aspect of the recent Op-ed by Sallee and West however at this point seems to be the relationship between Marty West, a former school board member, and Tahir Ahad, former Deputy Superintendent who while working for the school district, on the side was running his own consulting business.
It was Tahir Ahad who missed a crucial deadline that cost the school board roughly $4.5 million with Montgomery Elementary school.
Salle and West in fact defend this action arguing that the problem was not the missed deadline but rather the confusing and complex law:
“Much has been made of the district’s ultimate success in August 2007 in obtaining $4.5 million from the state for the 2001-02 construction costs of Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School. We are also delighted at this successful result of many years of work by many people. When we learned in 2003 that a new regulation jeopardized our application for state construction funds, we supported the superintendent in his immediate efforts to secure the funds. More than 70 other school districts had run afoul of the same obscure regulation.
Eventually, the state allowed Davis and the 70 other districts to reapply, but the state then denied Davis’ application because student enrollment had declined during the intervening period. Davis appealed this decision over the state staff’s objection. It was only with the strong and effective intervention of Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, Supervisor Helen Thomson and state Sen. Mike Machado that the political members of the State Allocation Board overruled its staff and granted Davis’ appeal on its merits.”
As one person familiar with the situation told me, what does the state’s obscure regulations have to do with missing a deadline?
To make matters worse, the school board and Tahir Ahad compounded that mistake by attempting to sell the Grande Property for $5.5 million. Sallee and West defend this decision:
“Any financial mismanagement that has occurred has been on the 2006 and 2007 school board’s watch. In early 2006, the board majority rescinded the $5.5 million contract we had signed to sell the Grande Avenue site, thus jeopardizing funding for building a student commons at the high school and modernizing Emerson Junior High School.”
As several people indicated to me, the modernization of Emerson would be twice that price. What the Grande sale was about was covering themselves on the loss of $4.5 for Montgomery. The problem with Grande is that they sold it for at least one and possibly two million below market value. Moreover they did not open it up to competitive bidding and therefore it had to be parceled into a land swap rather than an outright sale.
This was also the decision of Tahir Ahad. With a small amount of digging, the Vanguard quickly learned yesterday that in fact, Marty West is a senior consultant to Tahir Ahad’s educational consulting company, Total School Solutions. Of course, this fact was never disclosed in the Davis Enterprise article nor did the writers of the article mention Tahir Ahad by name even though it was several of his policies that they defended.
It was Tahir Ahad’s work on the side with Total School Solutions that diverted much of his attention and eventually led to tough new conflict of interest policies.
In early 2007, the school board discovered that they lacked the policy to enforce California conflict of interest laws:
“California law prohibits school employees from receiving compensation for outside employment that is inconsistent, incompatible, in conflict with, or inimical to an employee ‘s duties, or to the duties, functions, or responsibilities of their District. However, we have been advised by counsel that this law cannot be enforced in absence of a board policy.”
Tahir Ahad’s consulting company represented a large problem to the district. One thing that the Vanguard will look further into is the charge that the school district did business with Total School Solutions.
On the surface, dealings with Henry Petrino raise red flags. Mr. Petrino was the facilities director for the district. He would retire but then came back as an independent contractor to do further work on district facilities. However, at the same time he did contracted work on school facilities, he was also employed by Total School Solutions. It was Mr. Petrino who had the responsibility of preparing the application for the Montgomery School Funds.
The Vanguard will further examine this story. It seems very curious as to why Marty West and Joan Sallee would want to revisit these issues, unless they were counting on the fact that no one would do any sort of digging into their assertions. This was best ignored by the two distinguished former school board members. The district has immense challenges facing it in the coming months, it does not need to rehash past mistakes and dealings. That said, we see no need to allow two former school board members to whitewash the past either.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Thanks for following up on this. Conflict of interest hurts so many people in so many ways. I first became aware of Tahir Ahad when he was at the root of an ugly and possibly illegal personnel action against a close friend of ours. We appealed to Dave Murphy, but he would hear nothing against Ahad.
How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?
Thanks for following up on this. Conflict of interest hurts so many people in so many ways. I first became aware of Tahir Ahad when he was at the root of an ugly and possibly illegal personnel action against a close friend of ours. We appealed to Dave Murphy, but he would hear nothing against Ahad.
How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?
Thanks for following up on this. Conflict of interest hurts so many people in so many ways. I first became aware of Tahir Ahad when he was at the root of an ugly and possibly illegal personnel action against a close friend of ours. We appealed to Dave Murphy, but he would hear nothing against Ahad.
How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?
Thanks for following up on this. Conflict of interest hurts so many people in so many ways. I first became aware of Tahir Ahad when he was at the root of an ugly and possibly illegal personnel action against a close friend of ours. We appealed to Dave Murphy, but he would hear nothing against Ahad.
How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?
Wnenever the henhouse is left unwatched and unguarded, the foxes will help themselves. Thank you Vanguard for your contribution to our community.
Wnenever the henhouse is left unwatched and unguarded, the foxes will help themselves. Thank you Vanguard for your contribution to our community.
Wnenever the henhouse is left unwatched and unguarded, the foxes will help themselves. Thank you Vanguard for your contribution to our community.
Wnenever the henhouse is left unwatched and unguarded, the foxes will help themselves. Thank you Vanguard for your contribution to our community.
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/mwest.html
Astounding.
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/mwest.html
Astounding.
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/mwest.html
Astounding.
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/mwest.html
Astounding.
“He would retire but then came back as an independent contractor to do further work on district facilities. However, at the same time he did contracted work on school facilities, he was also employed by Total School Solutions.”
….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.
“He would retire but then came back as an independent contractor to do further work on district facilities. However, at the same time he did contracted work on school facilities, he was also employed by Total School Solutions.”
….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.
“He would retire but then came back as an independent contractor to do further work on district facilities. However, at the same time he did contracted work on school facilities, he was also employed by Total School Solutions.”
….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.
“He would retire but then came back as an independent contractor to do further work on district facilities. However, at the same time he did contracted work on school facilities, he was also employed by Total School Solutions.”
….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron
The Grande property is still owned by the school district, there were a number of problems that the new board had with the previous deal, including selling it for at least one million below the appraised price, lack of competitive bidding, property swap, etc.
The Grande property is still owned by the school district, there were a number of problems that the new board had with the previous deal, including selling it for at least one million below the appraised price, lack of competitive bidding, property swap, etc.
The Grande property is still owned by the school district, there were a number of problems that the new board had with the previous deal, including selling it for at least one million below the appraised price, lack of competitive bidding, property swap, etc.
The Grande property is still owned by the school district, there were a number of problems that the new board had with the previous deal, including selling it for at least one million below the appraised price, lack of competitive bidding, property swap, etc.
[Anonymous said…
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron]
actually, the real issue is how Murphy utilized a no-bid process, with the approval of some board members like West, to advocate for the transfer of the property through a land swap instead of a sale
not surprisingly, other Board members appear to have had concerns at the lack of transparency involved in such a transaction
Murphy mishandled it, the same Murphy that had the support of Board members like West and Sallee
a good argument can be made that the Board should have gone through with the deal, but to view the situation in strictly economic terms is fundamentally mistaken, as it excuses Murphy and his Board supporters for their inability to present the transaction to the Board in a manner that inspired confidence
I don’t know if the Board is going to get less than 5.5 million, 5.5 million or more than 5.5 million for the property, but it is not suprising that other Board members had concerns about proceeding with the transaction
–Richard Estes
[Anonymous said…
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron]
actually, the real issue is how Murphy utilized a no-bid process, with the approval of some board members like West, to advocate for the transfer of the property through a land swap instead of a sale
not surprisingly, other Board members appear to have had concerns at the lack of transparency involved in such a transaction
Murphy mishandled it, the same Murphy that had the support of Board members like West and Sallee
a good argument can be made that the Board should have gone through with the deal, but to view the situation in strictly economic terms is fundamentally mistaken, as it excuses Murphy and his Board supporters for their inability to present the transaction to the Board in a manner that inspired confidence
I don’t know if the Board is going to get less than 5.5 million, 5.5 million or more than 5.5 million for the property, but it is not suprising that other Board members had concerns about proceeding with the transaction
–Richard Estes
[Anonymous said…
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron]
actually, the real issue is how Murphy utilized a no-bid process, with the approval of some board members like West, to advocate for the transfer of the property through a land swap instead of a sale
not surprisingly, other Board members appear to have had concerns at the lack of transparency involved in such a transaction
Murphy mishandled it, the same Murphy that had the support of Board members like West and Sallee
a good argument can be made that the Board should have gone through with the deal, but to view the situation in strictly economic terms is fundamentally mistaken, as it excuses Murphy and his Board supporters for their inability to present the transaction to the Board in a manner that inspired confidence
I don’t know if the Board is going to get less than 5.5 million, 5.5 million or more than 5.5 million for the property, but it is not suprising that other Board members had concerns about proceeding with the transaction
–Richard Estes
[Anonymous said…
Complaining that they only got 5.5million instead of some guestimate of somewhat more seems a stretch. How much did they finally get or has the deal even closed yet? Those are the real comparisons you should be making.
Ron]
actually, the real issue is how Murphy utilized a no-bid process, with the approval of some board members like West, to advocate for the transfer of the property through a land swap instead of a sale
not surprisingly, other Board members appear to have had concerns at the lack of transparency involved in such a transaction
Murphy mishandled it, the same Murphy that had the support of Board members like West and Sallee
a good argument can be made that the Board should have gone through with the deal, but to view the situation in strictly economic terms is fundamentally mistaken, as it excuses Murphy and his Board supporters for their inability to present the transaction to the Board in a manner that inspired confidence
I don’t know if the Board is going to get less than 5.5 million, 5.5 million or more than 5.5 million for the property, but it is not suprising that other Board members had concerns about proceeding with the transaction
–Richard Estes
Guess who works for Total School Solutions as a Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development?
Steve Horowitz,another former employee of DJUSD.
You should dig further Vanguard. It looks like there may be more worms.
Guess who works for Total School Solutions as a Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development?
Steve Horowitz,another former employee of DJUSD.
You should dig further Vanguard. It looks like there may be more worms.
Guess who works for Total School Solutions as a Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development?
Steve Horowitz,another former employee of DJUSD.
You should dig further Vanguard. It looks like there may be more worms.
Guess who works for Total School Solutions as a Director of Human Resources & Organizational Development?
Steve Horowitz,another former employee of DJUSD.
You should dig further Vanguard. It looks like there may be more worms.
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.
I wonder how many other employees who are now with TSS come from districts that had shabby dealings such as DJUSD.
You may want to check that out too.
I wonder how many other employees who are now with TSS come from districts that had shabby dealings such as DJUSD.
You may want to check that out too.
I wonder how many other employees who are now with TSS come from districts that had shabby dealings such as DJUSD.
You may want to check that out too.
I wonder how many other employees who are now with TSS come from districts that had shabby dealings such as DJUSD.
You may want to check that out too.
With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money. The property at Grande is worth so much more than 5.5 million and would not go very far in tackling the purpose for its sale – the renovation of Emerson and the building of a new building at the High School which will cost much more than 5.5 million. Emerson just may need to be demolished and be rebuilt.
Forgive my harshness, but I don’t recall Tahir’s apology for missing the deadline. I only recall blame being placed on the State for not releasing the money. We all know better now.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
Thank you DPD for bringing all this to light. We would like to move forward. She is no longer on the Board. She has a new job with her friend Tahir. Marty should stop the whining and excuses and get on with her new life.
With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money. The property at Grande is worth so much more than 5.5 million and would not go very far in tackling the purpose for its sale – the renovation of Emerson and the building of a new building at the High School which will cost much more than 5.5 million. Emerson just may need to be demolished and be rebuilt.
Forgive my harshness, but I don’t recall Tahir’s apology for missing the deadline. I only recall blame being placed on the State for not releasing the money. We all know better now.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
Thank you DPD for bringing all this to light. We would like to move forward. She is no longer on the Board. She has a new job with her friend Tahir. Marty should stop the whining and excuses and get on with her new life.
With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money. The property at Grande is worth so much more than 5.5 million and would not go very far in tackling the purpose for its sale – the renovation of Emerson and the building of a new building at the High School which will cost much more than 5.5 million. Emerson just may need to be demolished and be rebuilt.
Forgive my harshness, but I don’t recall Tahir’s apology for missing the deadline. I only recall blame being placed on the State for not releasing the money. We all know better now.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
Thank you DPD for bringing all this to light. We would like to move forward. She is no longer on the Board. She has a new job with her friend Tahir. Marty should stop the whining and excuses and get on with her new life.
With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money. The property at Grande is worth so much more than 5.5 million and would not go very far in tackling the purpose for its sale – the renovation of Emerson and the building of a new building at the High School which will cost much more than 5.5 million. Emerson just may need to be demolished and be rebuilt.
Forgive my harshness, but I don’t recall Tahir’s apology for missing the deadline. I only recall blame being placed on the State for not releasing the money. We all know better now.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
Thank you DPD for bringing all this to light. We would like to move forward. She is no longer on the Board. She has a new job with her friend Tahir. Marty should stop the whining and excuses and get on with her new life.
“I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
Without knowing the details of the Total School Solutions operation, it is,of course, speculation but it is worth noting the unusual coincidence of Total Scbool Solution’s need for signifcant staff increases occurring exactly when more potentially damaging information from inside the DJUSD administration might have been forthcoming.
“I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
Without knowing the details of the Total School Solutions operation, it is,of course, speculation but it is worth noting the unusual coincidence of Total Scbool Solution’s need for signifcant staff increases occurring exactly when more potentially damaging information from inside the DJUSD administration might have been forthcoming.
“I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
Without knowing the details of the Total School Solutions operation, it is,of course, speculation but it is worth noting the unusual coincidence of Total Scbool Solution’s need for signifcant staff increases occurring exactly when more potentially damaging information from inside the DJUSD administration might have been forthcoming.
“I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
Without knowing the details of the Total School Solutions operation, it is,of course, speculation but it is worth noting the unusual coincidence of Total Scbool Solution’s need for signifcant staff increases occurring exactly when more potentially damaging information from inside the DJUSD administration might have been forthcoming.
interesting. keep digging.
interesting. keep digging.
interesting. keep digging.
interesting. keep digging.
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html
http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html
It is noteworthy that during the public discussion of the new conflict of interest disclosure requirements that the new school board implemented, Keltie Jones strongly argued AGAINST such policies. I recall watching that meeting and observed Kelties anger and sarcasm toward the other board members who ALL agreed this was a necessary step in light of the Ahad/Murphy ‘lost millions’.
It is noteworthy that during the public discussion of the new conflict of interest disclosure requirements that the new school board implemented, Keltie Jones strongly argued AGAINST such policies. I recall watching that meeting and observed Kelties anger and sarcasm toward the other board members who ALL agreed this was a necessary step in light of the Ahad/Murphy ‘lost millions’.
It is noteworthy that during the public discussion of the new conflict of interest disclosure requirements that the new school board implemented, Keltie Jones strongly argued AGAINST such policies. I recall watching that meeting and observed Kelties anger and sarcasm toward the other board members who ALL agreed this was a necessary step in light of the Ahad/Murphy ‘lost millions’.
It is noteworthy that during the public discussion of the new conflict of interest disclosure requirements that the new school board implemented, Keltie Jones strongly argued AGAINST such policies. I recall watching that meeting and observed Kelties anger and sarcasm toward the other board members who ALL agreed this was a necessary step in light of the Ahad/Murphy ‘lost millions’.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
An excellent idea, one that I had at the time of the proposed “sale” of the Grande property, so I am happy to see that others have expressed interest in doing it.
It is also a good illustration as to why, as I said earlier, viewing the Grande transaction in pure economic, profit maximalization terms is misguided.
Sites for the construction of affordable housing are hard to find and even harder to obtain and develop, and this should be kept in mind in regard to the Grande property.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
An excellent idea, one that I had at the time of the proposed “sale” of the Grande property, so I am happy to see that others have expressed interest in doing it.
It is also a good illustration as to why, as I said earlier, viewing the Grande transaction in pure economic, profit maximalization terms is misguided.
Sites for the construction of affordable housing are hard to find and even harder to obtain and develop, and this should be kept in mind in regard to the Grande property.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
An excellent idea, one that I had at the time of the proposed “sale” of the Grande property, so I am happy to see that others have expressed interest in doing it.
It is also a good illustration as to why, as I said earlier, viewing the Grande transaction in pure economic, profit maximalization terms is misguided.
Sites for the construction of affordable housing are hard to find and even harder to obtain and develop, and this should be kept in mind in regard to the Grande property.
There is interest at building affordable teacher housing at the Grande site, which I think should be explored.
An excellent idea, one that I had at the time of the proposed “sale” of the Grande property, so I am happy to see that others have expressed interest in doing it.
It is also a good illustration as to why, as I said earlier, viewing the Grande transaction in pure economic, profit maximalization terms is misguided.
Sites for the construction of affordable housing are hard to find and even harder to obtain and develop, and this should be kept in mind in regard to the Grande property.
“With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money.”
This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.
I have strongly favored selling the Grande property for a long time. I was disappointed by the current board’s decision to rescind the property swap deal the previous board had approved.
However, there are now a couple of considerations which need to be considered before moving forward with Grande.
One, the market is unusually soft. It would make a lot more sense to wait to sell that land after the real estate market in Davis firms up.
Two, there is a question of density. The Grande neighborhood association opposed developing that property, in large part because they didn’t want to be negatively impacted by a dense development there. I felt their point was sound. Why should the surrounding homeowners have to bear the cost (in lost property value) of this development? That concern could be dealt with, if the city permitted density on that site no greater than the surrounding area. However, the actual sales plan that the West/Sallee/Jones board approved, would have included a density about 50% greater than the surrounding area. In that I don’t live anywhere near there, it wouldn’t bother me. But that seemed to me to be a violation of the rights of the Grande neighborhood. (As it happens, Marty West lives right there on Grande.)
Thus, my feeling moving forward is that the Grande property should be sold and developed when the time is right. But it should include housing which is similar in nature to the surrounding streets.
As far as “building housing for teachers,” I think there’s a better way to do it. Instead of constructing actual units for new teachers to live in, the district could buy (with some of the Grande profits) a few condominiums in Davis and lease them out for net zero rent to new teachers, allowing them to get a foothold in Davis, while they made starting wages.
“With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money.”
This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.
I have strongly favored selling the Grande property for a long time. I was disappointed by the current board’s decision to rescind the property swap deal the previous board had approved.
However, there are now a couple of considerations which need to be considered before moving forward with Grande.
One, the market is unusually soft. It would make a lot more sense to wait to sell that land after the real estate market in Davis firms up.
Two, there is a question of density. The Grande neighborhood association opposed developing that property, in large part because they didn’t want to be negatively impacted by a dense development there. I felt their point was sound. Why should the surrounding homeowners have to bear the cost (in lost property value) of this development? That concern could be dealt with, if the city permitted density on that site no greater than the surrounding area. However, the actual sales plan that the West/Sallee/Jones board approved, would have included a density about 50% greater than the surrounding area. In that I don’t live anywhere near there, it wouldn’t bother me. But that seemed to me to be a violation of the rights of the Grande neighborhood. (As it happens, Marty West lives right there on Grande.)
Thus, my feeling moving forward is that the Grande property should be sold and developed when the time is right. But it should include housing which is similar in nature to the surrounding streets.
As far as “building housing for teachers,” I think there’s a better way to do it. Instead of constructing actual units for new teachers to live in, the district could buy (with some of the Grande profits) a few condominiums in Davis and lease them out for net zero rent to new teachers, allowing them to get a foothold in Davis, while they made starting wages.
“With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money.”
This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.
I have strongly favored selling the Grande property for a long time. I was disappointed by the current board’s decision to rescind the property swap deal the previous board had approved.
However, there are now a couple of considerations which need to be considered before moving forward with Grande.
One, the market is unusually soft. It would make a lot more sense to wait to sell that land after the real estate market in Davis firms up.
Two, there is a question of density. The Grande neighborhood association opposed developing that property, in large part because they didn’t want to be negatively impacted by a dense development there. I felt their point was sound. Why should the surrounding homeowners have to bear the cost (in lost property value) of this development? That concern could be dealt with, if the city permitted density on that site no greater than the surrounding area. However, the actual sales plan that the West/Sallee/Jones board approved, would have included a density about 50% greater than the surrounding area. In that I don’t live anywhere near there, it wouldn’t bother me. But that seemed to me to be a violation of the rights of the Grande neighborhood. (As it happens, Marty West lives right there on Grande.)
Thus, my feeling moving forward is that the Grande property should be sold and developed when the time is right. But it should include housing which is similar in nature to the surrounding streets.
As far as “building housing for teachers,” I think there’s a better way to do it. Instead of constructing actual units for new teachers to live in, the district could buy (with some of the Grande profits) a few condominiums in Davis and lease them out for net zero rent to new teachers, allowing them to get a foothold in Davis, while they made starting wages.
“With the success in getting the $4.5 million, there is no rush to sell any property. The rush was to cover the missing Montgomery money.”
This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.
I have strongly favored selling the Grande property for a long time. I was disappointed by the current board’s decision to rescind the property swap deal the previous board had approved.
However, there are now a couple of considerations which need to be considered before moving forward with Grande.
One, the market is unusually soft. It would make a lot more sense to wait to sell that land after the real estate market in Davis firms up.
Two, there is a question of density. The Grande neighborhood association opposed developing that property, in large part because they didn’t want to be negatively impacted by a dense development there. I felt their point was sound. Why should the surrounding homeowners have to bear the cost (in lost property value) of this development? That concern could be dealt with, if the city permitted density on that site no greater than the surrounding area. However, the actual sales plan that the West/Sallee/Jones board approved, would have included a density about 50% greater than the surrounding area. In that I don’t live anywhere near there, it wouldn’t bother me. But that seemed to me to be a violation of the rights of the Grande neighborhood. (As it happens, Marty West lives right there on Grande.)
Thus, my feeling moving forward is that the Grande property should be sold and developed when the time is right. But it should include housing which is similar in nature to the surrounding streets.
As far as “building housing for teachers,” I think there’s a better way to do it. Instead of constructing actual units for new teachers to live in, the district could buy (with some of the Grande profits) a few condominiums in Davis and lease them out for net zero rent to new teachers, allowing them to get a foothold in Davis, while they made starting wages.
Rich you said:
“This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.”
That was the stated intended purpose for the funds. This is not to say the selling of the property is a bad thing, it is merely to say that it was not done properly.
Rich you said:
“This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.”
That was the stated intended purpose for the funds. This is not to say the selling of the property is a bad thing, it is merely to say that it was not done properly.
Rich you said:
“This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.”
That was the stated intended purpose for the funds. This is not to say the selling of the property is a bad thing, it is merely to say that it was not done properly.
Rich you said:
“This is untrue. The intended purpose for the funds from the sale of Grande were for 1) the renovation of Emerson and 2) the multi-purpose room at Davis High School. The money they recovered from the state for Montgomery will be used to repay the construction bonds for that school.”
That was the stated intended purpose for the funds. This is not to say the selling of the property is a bad thing, it is merely to say that it was not done properly.
Great work DPD!!! This is the sort of thing we need to know, when making decisions on who to vote for, and what tax measures to support. The political manuevering and back room dealing that went on is disgusting, and probably criminal. I see so much conflict of interest here – and it may be only the tip of the iceberg. Talk about the dark underbelly of Davis! You couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
I also would note the habit of the Davis Enterprise to print Op-Ed pieces like the Salle/West piece, giving them prime space to rant. But I see very little investigative reporting on the news pages, just a lot of fluff pieces, including soft columnists who ramble on about nothing much. I almost missed this Sallee/West Op-Ed piece, until a family member of mine pointed it out to me. Egads!!!
My original reaction to the Op-Ed piece was that it was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to rehabilitate Murphy – which was puzzling to me in light of the fact it was coming from two former school board members. Now it all makes perfect sense, taking into consideration the new information about Marty West’s “dealings” with Murphy’s friend Tahir’s little side business. And to think school funding may have been used to pay for services from this business!!! Oooooooooooooooh the conniving!!!
I would like to know where Murphy is these days? Is he in any way connected to Tahir’s business? How about Joan Sallee – does she have connections somehow? Do any other school board members/administration/Oversight Committee have connections with this mess (hoping not)? Just curious…
My hat is off to you DPD – this was investigative reporting at its very best!!! National newspersons could take a lesson!!! Because this happened at the local level, it has more of an impact. The school board/district certainly have their work cut out for them to clean up a huge mess. Frankly I am tickled the proponents of Valley Oak Charter School made the move they did. I very much doubt the move to close Valley Oak was made for the right reasons – but was a fix to cover up fiscal improprieties at the highest levels. West and Sallee would have done well to have kept their collective mouths shut – BUT I AM GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FOOTS IN IT!!!
Great work DPD!!! This is the sort of thing we need to know, when making decisions on who to vote for, and what tax measures to support. The political manuevering and back room dealing that went on is disgusting, and probably criminal. I see so much conflict of interest here – and it may be only the tip of the iceberg. Talk about the dark underbelly of Davis! You couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
I also would note the habit of the Davis Enterprise to print Op-Ed pieces like the Salle/West piece, giving them prime space to rant. But I see very little investigative reporting on the news pages, just a lot of fluff pieces, including soft columnists who ramble on about nothing much. I almost missed this Sallee/West Op-Ed piece, until a family member of mine pointed it out to me. Egads!!!
My original reaction to the Op-Ed piece was that it was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to rehabilitate Murphy – which was puzzling to me in light of the fact it was coming from two former school board members. Now it all makes perfect sense, taking into consideration the new information about Marty West’s “dealings” with Murphy’s friend Tahir’s little side business. And to think school funding may have been used to pay for services from this business!!! Oooooooooooooooh the conniving!!!
I would like to know where Murphy is these days? Is he in any way connected to Tahir’s business? How about Joan Sallee – does she have connections somehow? Do any other school board members/administration/Oversight Committee have connections with this mess (hoping not)? Just curious…
My hat is off to you DPD – this was investigative reporting at its very best!!! National newspersons could take a lesson!!! Because this happened at the local level, it has more of an impact. The school board/district certainly have their work cut out for them to clean up a huge mess. Frankly I am tickled the proponents of Valley Oak Charter School made the move they did. I very much doubt the move to close Valley Oak was made for the right reasons – but was a fix to cover up fiscal improprieties at the highest levels. West and Sallee would have done well to have kept their collective mouths shut – BUT I AM GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FOOTS IN IT!!!
Great work DPD!!! This is the sort of thing we need to know, when making decisions on who to vote for, and what tax measures to support. The political manuevering and back room dealing that went on is disgusting, and probably criminal. I see so much conflict of interest here – and it may be only the tip of the iceberg. Talk about the dark underbelly of Davis! You couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
I also would note the habit of the Davis Enterprise to print Op-Ed pieces like the Salle/West piece, giving them prime space to rant. But I see very little investigative reporting on the news pages, just a lot of fluff pieces, including soft columnists who ramble on about nothing much. I almost missed this Sallee/West Op-Ed piece, until a family member of mine pointed it out to me. Egads!!!
My original reaction to the Op-Ed piece was that it was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to rehabilitate Murphy – which was puzzling to me in light of the fact it was coming from two former school board members. Now it all makes perfect sense, taking into consideration the new information about Marty West’s “dealings” with Murphy’s friend Tahir’s little side business. And to think school funding may have been used to pay for services from this business!!! Oooooooooooooooh the conniving!!!
I would like to know where Murphy is these days? Is he in any way connected to Tahir’s business? How about Joan Sallee – does she have connections somehow? Do any other school board members/administration/Oversight Committee have connections with this mess (hoping not)? Just curious…
My hat is off to you DPD – this was investigative reporting at its very best!!! National newspersons could take a lesson!!! Because this happened at the local level, it has more of an impact. The school board/district certainly have their work cut out for them to clean up a huge mess. Frankly I am tickled the proponents of Valley Oak Charter School made the move they did. I very much doubt the move to close Valley Oak was made for the right reasons – but was a fix to cover up fiscal improprieties at the highest levels. West and Sallee would have done well to have kept their collective mouths shut – BUT I AM GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FOOTS IN IT!!!
Great work DPD!!! This is the sort of thing we need to know, when making decisions on who to vote for, and what tax measures to support. The political manuevering and back room dealing that went on is disgusting, and probably criminal. I see so much conflict of interest here – and it may be only the tip of the iceberg. Talk about the dark underbelly of Davis! You couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
I also would note the habit of the Davis Enterprise to print Op-Ed pieces like the Salle/West piece, giving them prime space to rant. But I see very little investigative reporting on the news pages, just a lot of fluff pieces, including soft columnists who ramble on about nothing much. I almost missed this Sallee/West Op-Ed piece, until a family member of mine pointed it out to me. Egads!!!
My original reaction to the Op-Ed piece was that it was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to rehabilitate Murphy – which was puzzling to me in light of the fact it was coming from two former school board members. Now it all makes perfect sense, taking into consideration the new information about Marty West’s “dealings” with Murphy’s friend Tahir’s little side business. And to think school funding may have been used to pay for services from this business!!! Oooooooooooooooh the conniving!!!
I would like to know where Murphy is these days? Is he in any way connected to Tahir’s business? How about Joan Sallee – does she have connections somehow? Do any other school board members/administration/Oversight Committee have connections with this mess (hoping not)? Just curious…
My hat is off to you DPD – this was investigative reporting at its very best!!! National newspersons could take a lesson!!! Because this happened at the local level, it has more of an impact. The school board/district certainly have their work cut out for them to clean up a huge mess. Frankly I am tickled the proponents of Valley Oak Charter School made the move they did. I very much doubt the move to close Valley Oak was made for the right reasons – but was a fix to cover up fiscal improprieties at the highest levels. West and Sallee would have done well to have kept their collective mouths shut – BUT I AM GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FOOTS IN IT!!!
Sorry – I’M GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FEET IN IT!!! Egads, all this scandal is making me dizzy!!!
Sorry – I’M GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FEET IN IT!!! Egads, all this scandal is making me dizzy!!!
Sorry – I’M GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FEET IN IT!!! Egads, all this scandal is making me dizzy!!!
Sorry – I’M GLAD THEY PUT THEIR FEET IN IT!!! Egads, all this scandal is making me dizzy!!!
West, Tahir, perhaps Murphy, and who knows who else involved with the school district/board and Total School Solutions – all pigs feeding at the public trough. Enough said. Dig more.
West, Tahir, perhaps Murphy, and who knows who else involved with the school district/board and Total School Solutions – all pigs feeding at the public trough. Enough said. Dig more.
West, Tahir, perhaps Murphy, and who knows who else involved with the school district/board and Total School Solutions – all pigs feeding at the public trough. Enough said. Dig more.
West, Tahir, perhaps Murphy, and who knows who else involved with the school district/board and Total School Solutions – all pigs feeding at the public trough. Enough said. Dig more.
I remember that Murphy was very reluctant to approve Tahir’s side business arrangement at the time. Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.
However, approving Tahir’s plan is regretful. No one anticipated that Tahir would move ahead to recruit District employees to work with him in addition to their District jobs. (There is a reason that Davis is not listed as one of his clients – his employees were also working for the District.) Then he missed the Montgomery deadline – something that he should have been all over regardless of how “obscure” it was.
I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be.
I remember that Murphy was very reluctant to approve Tahir’s side business arrangement at the time. Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.
However, approving Tahir’s plan is regretful. No one anticipated that Tahir would move ahead to recruit District employees to work with him in addition to their District jobs. (There is a reason that Davis is not listed as one of his clients – his employees were also working for the District.) Then he missed the Montgomery deadline – something that he should have been all over regardless of how “obscure” it was.
I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be.
I remember that Murphy was very reluctant to approve Tahir’s side business arrangement at the time. Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.
However, approving Tahir’s plan is regretful. No one anticipated that Tahir would move ahead to recruit District employees to work with him in addition to their District jobs. (There is a reason that Davis is not listed as one of his clients – his employees were also working for the District.) Then he missed the Montgomery deadline – something that he should have been all over regardless of how “obscure” it was.
I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be.
I remember that Murphy was very reluctant to approve Tahir’s side business arrangement at the time. Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.
However, approving Tahir’s plan is regretful. No one anticipated that Tahir would move ahead to recruit District employees to work with him in addition to their District jobs. (There is a reason that Davis is not listed as one of his clients – his employees were also working for the District.) Then he missed the Montgomery deadline – something that he should have been all over regardless of how “obscure” it was.
I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be.
For the record,
The Grande Neighborhood association was not, and is not, opposed to development.
They just want to make sure that development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood, including density and greenbelt.
The old school board’s deal was a fiasco. A land “trade” worked out entirely behind closed doors.
Some people had suspicions at the time that the deal had to do with Tahir wanting the land to go to developers hew knew/was friends with. It was not an open bit process. The public was never even allowed to know the alternate proposals rejected in the favor of the supposed “land swap”.
One of the biggest problems with the ould school board was doind as much as possible in closed session.
In the respect, the current school board is a huge improvement.
For the record,
The Grande Neighborhood association was not, and is not, opposed to development.
They just want to make sure that development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood, including density and greenbelt.
The old school board’s deal was a fiasco. A land “trade” worked out entirely behind closed doors.
Some people had suspicions at the time that the deal had to do with Tahir wanting the land to go to developers hew knew/was friends with. It was not an open bit process. The public was never even allowed to know the alternate proposals rejected in the favor of the supposed “land swap”.
One of the biggest problems with the ould school board was doind as much as possible in closed session.
In the respect, the current school board is a huge improvement.
For the record,
The Grande Neighborhood association was not, and is not, opposed to development.
They just want to make sure that development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood, including density and greenbelt.
The old school board’s deal was a fiasco. A land “trade” worked out entirely behind closed doors.
Some people had suspicions at the time that the deal had to do with Tahir wanting the land to go to developers hew knew/was friends with. It was not an open bit process. The public was never even allowed to know the alternate proposals rejected in the favor of the supposed “land swap”.
One of the biggest problems with the ould school board was doind as much as possible in closed session.
In the respect, the current school board is a huge improvement.
For the record,
The Grande Neighborhood association was not, and is not, opposed to development.
They just want to make sure that development is consistent with the character of the neighborhood, including density and greenbelt.
The old school board’s deal was a fiasco. A land “trade” worked out entirely behind closed doors.
Some people had suspicions at the time that the deal had to do with Tahir wanting the land to go to developers hew knew/was friends with. It was not an open bit process. The public was never even allowed to know the alternate proposals rejected in the favor of the supposed “land swap”.
One of the biggest problems with the ould school board was doind as much as possible in closed session.
In the respect, the current school board is a huge improvement.
“I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be…”
…not necessarily evil, perhaps just slothful and uncreative… and no match for Tahir.
“I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be…”
…not necessarily evil, perhaps just slothful and uncreative… and no match for Tahir.
“I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be…”
…not necessarily evil, perhaps just slothful and uncreative… and no match for Tahir.
“I am not convinced that Murphy is as evil as people are making him out to be…”
…not necessarily evil, perhaps just slothful and uncreative… and no match for Tahir.
“….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.”
The Blackwater abuses in Iraq can be traced back to lack of oversight and accountability because the performance and oversight were often being done by the same people(or cronies/relatives) who could just “change their hats”.
“….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.”
The Blackwater abuses in Iraq can be traced back to lack of oversight and accountability because the performance and oversight were often being done by the same people(or cronies/relatives) who could just “change their hats”.
“….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.”
The Blackwater abuses in Iraq can be traced back to lack of oversight and accountability because the performance and oversight were often being done by the same people(or cronies/relatives) who could just “change their hats”.
“….sounds a lot like the Blackwater
shinnanigans that are currently being investigated by Rep.Waxman’s oversight committee.”
The Blackwater abuses in Iraq can be traced back to lack of oversight and accountability because the performance and oversight were often being done by the same people(or cronies/relatives) who could just “change their hats”.
As I recall, there was a lot of financial controversy/problems when Tahir Ahad left the district he worked at prior to coming to Davis (was it Vallejo?).
Can anyone remember, or look into this?
As I recall, there was a lot of financial controversy/problems when Tahir Ahad left the district he worked at prior to coming to Davis (was it Vallejo?).
Can anyone remember, or look into this?
As I recall, there was a lot of financial controversy/problems when Tahir Ahad left the district he worked at prior to coming to Davis (was it Vallejo?).
Can anyone remember, or look into this?
As I recall, there was a lot of financial controversy/problems when Tahir Ahad left the district he worked at prior to coming to Davis (was it Vallejo?).
Can anyone remember, or look into this?
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
I understand that people in Davis don’t pay attention to anything east of the causeway (yes, this is a JOKE), but does anyone recall the pension scam in the Sacramento unified school district?
if I remember correctly, the superintendent and the chief financial officer created independent contracting relationships with the district, with the pension monies that should have gone to CALSTRS going to a special “enriched”, private pension plan instead
needless to say, CALSTRS didn’t see it the way that the board, the superintendent, and the financial offier did, and the district had to pay into CALSTRS what it should have paid in the beginning for these employees
naturally, one of the board members who approved it, Rob Fong, got kicked upstairs to the Sacramento City Council, where he is frequently quoted in the Bee and elsewhere, surprise, surprise, supporting public subsidies for the owners of the Kings and the projects of major developers, like David Taylor
believe it or not, there is a point to my across the causeway digression, it is possible that the longterm plan was to have the DJUSD employees who departed for Total School Solutions work for school districts, including the DJUSD, in a management capacity as independent contractors?
what an idea! perhaps, we could take it one step further, and the DJUSD could contract out its school board positions as well, after all, West is already over there
cynical humor, it is very interesting to speculate as to what sort of uses Total School Solutions could be put in this era of privatization and outside consultants, where such services increasingly encroach upon the historic role of management and board oversight
–Richard Estes
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
I understand that people in Davis don’t pay attention to anything east of the causeway (yes, this is a JOKE), but does anyone recall the pension scam in the Sacramento unified school district?
if I remember correctly, the superintendent and the chief financial officer created independent contracting relationships with the district, with the pension monies that should have gone to CALSTRS going to a special “enriched”, private pension plan instead
needless to say, CALSTRS didn’t see it the way that the board, the superintendent, and the financial offier did, and the district had to pay into CALSTRS what it should have paid in the beginning for these employees
naturally, one of the board members who approved it, Rob Fong, got kicked upstairs to the Sacramento City Council, where he is frequently quoted in the Bee and elsewhere, surprise, surprise, supporting public subsidies for the owners of the Kings and the projects of major developers, like David Taylor
believe it or not, there is a point to my across the causeway digression, it is possible that the longterm plan was to have the DJUSD employees who departed for Total School Solutions work for school districts, including the DJUSD, in a management capacity as independent contractors?
what an idea! perhaps, we could take it one step further, and the DJUSD could contract out its school board positions as well, after all, West is already over there
cynical humor, it is very interesting to speculate as to what sort of uses Total School Solutions could be put in this era of privatization and outside consultants, where such services increasingly encroach upon the historic role of management and board oversight
–Richard Estes
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
I understand that people in Davis don’t pay attention to anything east of the causeway (yes, this is a JOKE), but does anyone recall the pension scam in the Sacramento unified school district?
if I remember correctly, the superintendent and the chief financial officer created independent contracting relationships with the district, with the pension monies that should have gone to CALSTRS going to a special “enriched”, private pension plan instead
needless to say, CALSTRS didn’t see it the way that the board, the superintendent, and the financial offier did, and the district had to pay into CALSTRS what it should have paid in the beginning for these employees
naturally, one of the board members who approved it, Rob Fong, got kicked upstairs to the Sacramento City Council, where he is frequently quoted in the Bee and elsewhere, surprise, surprise, supporting public subsidies for the owners of the Kings and the projects of major developers, like David Taylor
believe it or not, there is a point to my across the causeway digression, it is possible that the longterm plan was to have the DJUSD employees who departed for Total School Solutions work for school districts, including the DJUSD, in a management capacity as independent contractors?
what an idea! perhaps, we could take it one step further, and the DJUSD could contract out its school board positions as well, after all, West is already over there
cynical humor, it is very interesting to speculate as to what sort of uses Total School Solutions could be put in this era of privatization and outside consultants, where such services increasingly encroach upon the historic role of management and board oversight
–Richard Estes
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
I understand that people in Davis don’t pay attention to anything east of the causeway (yes, this is a JOKE), but does anyone recall the pension scam in the Sacramento unified school district?
if I remember correctly, the superintendent and the chief financial officer created independent contracting relationships with the district, with the pension monies that should have gone to CALSTRS going to a special “enriched”, private pension plan instead
needless to say, CALSTRS didn’t see it the way that the board, the superintendent, and the financial offier did, and the district had to pay into CALSTRS what it should have paid in the beginning for these employees
naturally, one of the board members who approved it, Rob Fong, got kicked upstairs to the Sacramento City Council, where he is frequently quoted in the Bee and elsewhere, surprise, surprise, supporting public subsidies for the owners of the Kings and the projects of major developers, like David Taylor
believe it or not, there is a point to my across the causeway digression, it is possible that the longterm plan was to have the DJUSD employees who departed for Total School Solutions work for school districts, including the DJUSD, in a management capacity as independent contractors?
what an idea! perhaps, we could take it one step further, and the DJUSD could contract out its school board positions as well, after all, West is already over there
cynical humor, it is very interesting to speculate as to what sort of uses Total School Solutions could be put in this era of privatization and outside consultants, where such services increasingly encroach upon the historic role of management and board oversight
–Richard Estes
I can’t help but wonder what the new superintendent, John Hammond thinks about all of this. I noted at the candidates forums I attended or viewed that Richard Harris seemed to respond to every other question that the new superintendent would handle the matter. So, I am assuming Hammond won’t cut and run but hang in there and put in the stellar performance his record demonstrates he can do. I am certain he will end up earning every penny of that salary some folks are complaining about. Welcome to Davis Supt. Hammond.
I can’t help but wonder what the new superintendent, John Hammond thinks about all of this. I noted at the candidates forums I attended or viewed that Richard Harris seemed to respond to every other question that the new superintendent would handle the matter. So, I am assuming Hammond won’t cut and run but hang in there and put in the stellar performance his record demonstrates he can do. I am certain he will end up earning every penny of that salary some folks are complaining about. Welcome to Davis Supt. Hammond.
I can’t help but wonder what the new superintendent, John Hammond thinks about all of this. I noted at the candidates forums I attended or viewed that Richard Harris seemed to respond to every other question that the new superintendent would handle the matter. So, I am assuming Hammond won’t cut and run but hang in there and put in the stellar performance his record demonstrates he can do. I am certain he will end up earning every penny of that salary some folks are complaining about. Welcome to Davis Supt. Hammond.
I can’t help but wonder what the new superintendent, John Hammond thinks about all of this. I noted at the candidates forums I attended or viewed that Richard Harris seemed to respond to every other question that the new superintendent would handle the matter. So, I am assuming Hammond won’t cut and run but hang in there and put in the stellar performance his record demonstrates he can do. I am certain he will end up earning every penny of that salary some folks are complaining about. Welcome to Davis Supt. Hammond.
There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example. Where our representatives make policy decisions,however, the profit motive cannot be part of the staff equation as our citizen boards and councils rely on the expertise of the staff and must believe that recommendations are being made without consideration of personal gain and are insulated,as much as possible, from what is considered commonly acceptable business corruption practices in the private sector. What is sometimes described as the excessive job security and pension protection for civil service people serve to strengthen their resistence to the uiquitous business corruption around them.
There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example. Where our representatives make policy decisions,however, the profit motive cannot be part of the staff equation as our citizen boards and councils rely on the expertise of the staff and must believe that recommendations are being made without consideration of personal gain and are insulated,as much as possible, from what is considered commonly acceptable business corruption practices in the private sector. What is sometimes described as the excessive job security and pension protection for civil service people serve to strengthen their resistence to the uiquitous business corruption around them.
There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example. Where our representatives make policy decisions,however, the profit motive cannot be part of the staff equation as our citizen boards and councils rely on the expertise of the staff and must believe that recommendations are being made without consideration of personal gain and are insulated,as much as possible, from what is considered commonly acceptable business corruption practices in the private sector. What is sometimes described as the excessive job security and pension protection for civil service people serve to strengthen their resistence to the uiquitous business corruption around them.
There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example. Where our representatives make policy decisions,however, the profit motive cannot be part of the staff equation as our citizen boards and councils rely on the expertise of the staff and must believe that recommendations are being made without consideration of personal gain and are insulated,as much as possible, from what is considered commonly acceptable business corruption practices in the private sector. What is sometimes described as the excessive job security and pension protection for civil service people serve to strengthen their resistence to the uiquitous business corruption around them.
“There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example.”
DWR has always been a private company. In fact, it has an interesting history in Davis. I don’t know who owns it now, but back in the 1950s, it was owned by an African-American family, which at the time was the only black family in Davis.
“There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example.”
DWR has always been a private company. In fact, it has an interesting history in Davis. I don’t know who owns it now, but back in the 1950s, it was owned by an African-American family, which at the time was the only black family in Davis.
“There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example.”
DWR has always been a private company. In fact, it has an interesting history in Davis. I don’t know who owns it now, but back in the 1950s, it was owned by an African-American family, which at the time was the only black family in Davis.
“There are places where privitazation of delivery of formally municipally -run services appears to work well.. Davis Waste Removal is a good example.”
DWR has always been a private company. In fact, it has an interesting history in Davis. I don’t know who owns it now, but back in the 1950s, it was owned by an African-American family, which at the time was the only black family in Davis.
Rich, I believe you are talking about the Rogers (Rodgers?)family. They reportedly lived at the edge of town at the dump site early on. I did some checking about the history of black people in Davis and long term residents such as Mary Ellen Dolcini said she knew them since she was teaching at the time. Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s. Mr. Rogers ended up working for Public Works and died about 10 years ago.
Rich, I believe you are talking about the Rogers (Rodgers?)family. They reportedly lived at the edge of town at the dump site early on. I did some checking about the history of black people in Davis and long term residents such as Mary Ellen Dolcini said she knew them since she was teaching at the time. Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s. Mr. Rogers ended up working for Public Works and died about 10 years ago.
Rich, I believe you are talking about the Rogers (Rodgers?)family. They reportedly lived at the edge of town at the dump site early on. I did some checking about the history of black people in Davis and long term residents such as Mary Ellen Dolcini said she knew them since she was teaching at the time. Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s. Mr. Rogers ended up working for Public Works and died about 10 years ago.
Rich, I believe you are talking about the Rogers (Rodgers?)family. They reportedly lived at the edge of town at the dump site early on. I did some checking about the history of black people in Davis and long term residents such as Mary Ellen Dolcini said she knew them since she was teaching at the time. Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s. Mr. Rogers ended up working for Public Works and died about 10 years ago.
“Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s.”
I’m sure it was. One unfortunate truth about our history is that many houses in Davis came with racially exclusive covenants.* The way these things worked was that the owner of a house would be forced to sign a contract, saying he would not sell to a non-white family. When you add to that racist banking practices (and social prejudice), it must have been unwelcoming, to say the least. Nevertheless, I spoke recently about “old Davis” with a friend who brought his family to Davis from Cincinnati in 1962, and he said at that time he and his wife (both African-Americans) felt welcome from the start. Much had changed by that time, I suppose.
* Jews were also excluded by those covenants. However, I don’t know if anyone enforced them against the Jews (if there were any here, back then), but blacks faced far worse discrimination than others, alas.
“Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s.”
I’m sure it was. One unfortunate truth about our history is that many houses in Davis came with racially exclusive covenants.* The way these things worked was that the owner of a house would be forced to sign a contract, saying he would not sell to a non-white family. When you add to that racist banking practices (and social prejudice), it must have been unwelcoming, to say the least. Nevertheless, I spoke recently about “old Davis” with a friend who brought his family to Davis from Cincinnati in 1962, and he said at that time he and his wife (both African-Americans) felt welcome from the start. Much had changed by that time, I suppose.
* Jews were also excluded by those covenants. However, I don’t know if anyone enforced them against the Jews (if there were any here, back then), but blacks faced far worse discrimination than others, alas.
“Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s.”
I’m sure it was. One unfortunate truth about our history is that many houses in Davis came with racially exclusive covenants.* The way these things worked was that the owner of a house would be forced to sign a contract, saying he would not sell to a non-white family. When you add to that racist banking practices (and social prejudice), it must have been unwelcoming, to say the least. Nevertheless, I spoke recently about “old Davis” with a friend who brought his family to Davis from Cincinnati in 1962, and he said at that time he and his wife (both African-Americans) felt welcome from the start. Much had changed by that time, I suppose.
* Jews were also excluded by those covenants. However, I don’t know if anyone enforced them against the Jews (if there were any here, back then), but blacks faced far worse discrimination than others, alas.
“Old timers said it was very difficult for Blacks to live in Davis until about the 50s.”
I’m sure it was. One unfortunate truth about our history is that many houses in Davis came with racially exclusive covenants.* The way these things worked was that the owner of a house would be forced to sign a contract, saying he would not sell to a non-white family. When you add to that racist banking practices (and social prejudice), it must have been unwelcoming, to say the least. Nevertheless, I spoke recently about “old Davis” with a friend who brought his family to Davis from Cincinnati in 1962, and he said at that time he and his wife (both African-Americans) felt welcome from the start. Much had changed by that time, I suppose.
* Jews were also excluded by those covenants. However, I don’t know if anyone enforced them against the Jews (if there were any here, back then), but blacks faced far worse discrimination than others, alas.
Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin),
I live on Grande and have been here a very long time. Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.
What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.
Where the hell did the race card come Rich. Is that the only card you have in your deck? What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about. Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.
Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin),
I live on Grande and have been here a very long time. Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.
What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.
Where the hell did the race card come Rich. Is that the only card you have in your deck? What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about. Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.
Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin),
I live on Grande and have been here a very long time. Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.
What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.
Where the hell did the race card come Rich. Is that the only card you have in your deck? What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about. Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.
Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin),
I live on Grande and have been here a very long time. Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.
What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.
Where the hell did the race card come Rich. Is that the only card you have in your deck? What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about. Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.
Earlier I referred to the new superintendent as John Hammond. His name is James Hammond. I try to be correct about a person’s name.
Earlier I referred to the new superintendent as John Hammond. His name is James Hammond. I try to be correct about a person’s name.
Earlier I referred to the new superintendent as John Hammond. His name is James Hammond. I try to be correct about a person’s name.
Earlier I referred to the new superintendent as John Hammond. His name is James Hammond. I try to be correct about a person’s name.
“Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.”
The next time a member of the school board/district administration gets caught with his finger in the cookie jar, excuses will follow. The usual lines are “we are in the middle of a budget crisis; we will have to cut basic services; we will have to begin letting teachers go; we will have to cut programs like music and art; we will have to close a school…
Don’t you get it people??? There is no budget crisis – just a bunch of fools running the shop who either are up to their eyeballs in self-dealing, are too stupid to understand what is going on right under their noses, or look the other way rather than face the unpleasant reality of what is going on. The buck stops with the school board/district administration. They knew or should have known what was going on.
“MartyGate” is most likely the tip of the iceberg in self-dealing and wasteful spending. Hiding information from voters is unacceptable in my book. So is looking the other way, as well as not bothering to look. An informed electorate is what should be strived for, not avoided. Keep digging DPD – I WANT TO KNOW ALL!!!
“Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.”
The next time a member of the school board/district administration gets caught with his finger in the cookie jar, excuses will follow. The usual lines are “we are in the middle of a budget crisis; we will have to cut basic services; we will have to begin letting teachers go; we will have to cut programs like music and art; we will have to close a school…
Don’t you get it people??? There is no budget crisis – just a bunch of fools running the shop who either are up to their eyeballs in self-dealing, are too stupid to understand what is going on right under their noses, or look the other way rather than face the unpleasant reality of what is going on. The buck stops with the school board/district administration. They knew or should have known what was going on.
“MartyGate” is most likely the tip of the iceberg in self-dealing and wasteful spending. Hiding information from voters is unacceptable in my book. So is looking the other way, as well as not bothering to look. An informed electorate is what should be strived for, not avoided. Keep digging DPD – I WANT TO KNOW ALL!!!
“Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.”
The next time a member of the school board/district administration gets caught with his finger in the cookie jar, excuses will follow. The usual lines are “we are in the middle of a budget crisis; we will have to cut basic services; we will have to begin letting teachers go; we will have to cut programs like music and art; we will have to close a school…
Don’t you get it people??? There is no budget crisis – just a bunch of fools running the shop who either are up to their eyeballs in self-dealing, are too stupid to understand what is going on right under their noses, or look the other way rather than face the unpleasant reality of what is going on. The buck stops with the school board/district administration. They knew or should have known what was going on.
“MartyGate” is most likely the tip of the iceberg in self-dealing and wasteful spending. Hiding information from voters is unacceptable in my book. So is looking the other way, as well as not bothering to look. An informed electorate is what should be strived for, not avoided. Keep digging DPD – I WANT TO KNOW ALL!!!
“Tahir was very persuasive and made a very convincing pitch that this would save the District money through a reduction in Tahir’s salary with no change in job description or duties. This happened during a period of budget cuts in the District that most people did not follow as every effort to not touch programming was made. The parents who attended the Superintendent’s Advisory Board meetings were aware of it and misgivings were discussed at that time. There was real desperation to find ways to reduce expenses without having to lay off teachers, cut programs, etc. I remember that the District office and the secretarial staff were the hardest hit. Tahir’s offer of reducing his hours was looked at as a sacrifice on his part at the time.”
The next time a member of the school board/district administration gets caught with his finger in the cookie jar, excuses will follow. The usual lines are “we are in the middle of a budget crisis; we will have to cut basic services; we will have to begin letting teachers go; we will have to cut programs like music and art; we will have to close a school…
Don’t you get it people??? There is no budget crisis – just a bunch of fools running the shop who either are up to their eyeballs in self-dealing, are too stupid to understand what is going on right under their noses, or look the other way rather than face the unpleasant reality of what is going on. The buck stops with the school board/district administration. They knew or should have known what was going on.
“MartyGate” is most likely the tip of the iceberg in self-dealing and wasteful spending. Hiding information from voters is unacceptable in my book. So is looking the other way, as well as not bothering to look. An informed electorate is what should be strived for, not avoided. Keep digging DPD – I WANT TO KNOW ALL!!!
“Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin), I live on Grande and have been here a very long time.”
Congratulations.
“Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.”
The entire 8.39 acre lot was originally purchased for $58,000. It can be sold for more than that. However, there is a state law — much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash. That’s the exact kind of deal the DJUSD worked out a couple of years ago. But that plan was rescinded by the current board.
“What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.”
As I stated above, Marty West lives right on Grande, and she was the driving force on the Board to make the sale. (Keltie Jones lives over that way, too, I believe.) I don’t think any current school board members can be said to be “driving the sale.”
“Where the hell did the race card come Rich.”
I believe it came from Birmingham, originally, Old Timer.
“Is that the only card you have in your deck?”
Fortunately, the race card has never been in my deck.
“What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about.”
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
“Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.”
Check out some books on Davis history, Old Timer.
“Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin), I live on Grande and have been here a very long time.”
Congratulations.
“Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.”
The entire 8.39 acre lot was originally purchased for $58,000. It can be sold for more than that. However, there is a state law — much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash. That’s the exact kind of deal the DJUSD worked out a couple of years ago. But that plan was rescinded by the current board.
“What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.”
As I stated above, Marty West lives right on Grande, and she was the driving force on the Board to make the sale. (Keltie Jones lives over that way, too, I believe.) I don’t think any current school board members can be said to be “driving the sale.”
“Where the hell did the race card come Rich.”
I believe it came from Birmingham, originally, Old Timer.
“Is that the only card you have in your deck?”
Fortunately, the race card has never been in my deck.
“What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about.”
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
“Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.”
Check out some books on Davis history, Old Timer.
“Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin), I live on Grande and have been here a very long time.”
Congratulations.
“Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.”
The entire 8.39 acre lot was originally purchased for $58,000. It can be sold for more than that. However, there is a state law — much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash. That’s the exact kind of deal the DJUSD worked out a couple of years ago. But that plan was rescinded by the current board.
“What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.”
As I stated above, Marty West lives right on Grande, and she was the driving force on the Board to make the sale. (Keltie Jones lives over that way, too, I believe.) I don’t think any current school board members can be said to be “driving the sale.”
“Where the hell did the race card come Rich.”
I believe it came from Birmingham, originally, Old Timer.
“Is that the only card you have in your deck?”
Fortunately, the race card has never been in my deck.
“What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about.”
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
“Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.”
Check out some books on Davis history, Old Timer.
“Hey,(you too Rich Rifkin), I live on Grande and have been here a very long time.”
Congratulations.
“Initially I was informed that the Grande site, under law, could not be sold for more than it’s original evaluation.”
The entire 8.39 acre lot was originally purchased for $58,000. It can be sold for more than that. However, there is a state law — much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash. That’s the exact kind of deal the DJUSD worked out a couple of years ago. But that plan was rescinded by the current board.
“What has happened? My neighborhood is up for sale and the people driving the sale don’t live anywhere near the impacted area.”
As I stated above, Marty West lives right on Grande, and she was the driving force on the Board to make the sale. (Keltie Jones lives over that way, too, I believe.) I don’t think any current school board members can be said to be “driving the sale.”
“Where the hell did the race card come Rich.”
I believe it came from Birmingham, originally, Old Timer.
“Is that the only card you have in your deck?”
Fortunately, the race card has never been in my deck.
“What old timers? I’m an old timer and I don’t recall seeing or hearing anything you’re talking about.”
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
“Perhaps you are into some stuff the rest of us don’t have access to.”
Check out some books on Davis history, Old Timer.
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
yes, I live in the Land Park/Curtis Park area, and the home that my wife and I bought in 2004 has one
a new state law allows people to go to the clerk/recorder and have them removed
I am ambivalent about this, as does this not also have the effect of sanitizing history?
–Richard Estes
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
yes, I live in the Land Park/Curtis Park area, and the home that my wife and I bought in 2004 has one
a new state law allows people to go to the clerk/recorder and have them removed
I am ambivalent about this, as does this not also have the effect of sanitizing history?
–Richard Estes
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
yes, I live in the Land Park/Curtis Park area, and the home that my wife and I bought in 2004 has one
a new state law allows people to go to the clerk/recorder and have them removed
I am ambivalent about this, as does this not also have the effect of sanitizing history?
–Richard Estes
There were racially exclusive covenants on homes in Davis, at least up to WW2. I’ve seen copies of a couple of them from houses in the Bowers Addition and College Park.
They were not at all unique to Davis, either. I know that Land Park in Sacramento had the same ones. And it would not surprise me to know that some neighborhoods in Woodland had them.
yes, I live in the Land Park/Curtis Park area, and the home that my wife and I bought in 2004 has one
a new state law allows people to go to the clerk/recorder and have them removed
I am ambivalent about this, as does this not also have the effect of sanitizing history?
–Richard Estes
“…much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash.”
It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.
“…much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash.”
It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.
“…much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash.”
It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.
“…much too complex to explain here — which forces the school district to offer its surplus property first to other government entities at a submarket price. To get around that, the school district will simply swap the Grande property for a small lot elsewhere plus a boatload of cash.”
It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.
“How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?”
Visit a few school districts working with Total School Solutions. If you scratch the surface hard enough, I think you’ll uncover (unofficially) what you already suspect. Once West and Sallee’s PR campaign to rebuild the reputation of their colleague is complete, no one will be surprised when a new name appears at http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html in July — when Mr. Murphy’s aggreement with DJUSD expires, and he can make his position public.
“How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?”
Visit a few school districts working with Total School Solutions. If you scratch the surface hard enough, I think you’ll uncover (unofficially) what you already suspect. Once West and Sallee’s PR campaign to rebuild the reputation of their colleague is complete, no one will be surprised when a new name appears at http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html in July — when Mr. Murphy’s aggreement with DJUSD expires, and he can make his position public.
“How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?”
Visit a few school districts working with Total School Solutions. If you scratch the surface hard enough, I think you’ll uncover (unofficially) what you already suspect. Once West and Sallee’s PR campaign to rebuild the reputation of their colleague is complete, no one will be surprised when a new name appears at http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html in July — when Mr. Murphy’s aggreement with DJUSD expires, and he can make his position public.
“How long will it be until Dave Murphy accepts a high paying position with Total School Solutions?”
Visit a few school districts working with Total School Solutions. If you scratch the surface hard enough, I think you’ll uncover (unofficially) what you already suspect. Once West and Sallee’s PR campaign to rebuild the reputation of their colleague is complete, no one will be surprised when a new name appears at http://www.totalschoolsolutions.net/directors.html in July — when Mr. Murphy’s aggreement with DJUSD expires, and he can make his position public.
“Doug Paul Davis said…
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
It shouldn’t be a big surprise, since he brought many of them to the DJUSD.
“Doug Paul Davis said…
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
It shouldn’t be a big surprise, since he brought many of them to the DJUSD.
“Doug Paul Davis said…
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
It shouldn’t be a big surprise, since he brought many of them to the DJUSD.
“Doug Paul Davis said…
I have the full list at home, but the number was more than 10, the number of DJUSD employees brought over to the firm by Tahir.”
It shouldn’t be a big surprise, since he brought many of them to the DJUSD.
The op/ed piece written by West and Salle has clearly hit a nerve of those Davisites interested in uncovering the truth – and by those who have long suspected that some (you know who they are)
members of the ‘old’ school board were David Murphy/Tahir Ahad devotees and apologists. What is most importanat now, is that this information be revealed in the Enterprise. West and Salle should not get a free pass on making claims that are not true – and only have any challenge to their views appear on this blog! The Enterprise should be deluged with letters demanding an investigative piece be done, and letters to the editor expressing outrage at this op/ed piece
The op/ed piece written by West and Salle has clearly hit a nerve of those Davisites interested in uncovering the truth – and by those who have long suspected that some (you know who they are)
members of the ‘old’ school board were David Murphy/Tahir Ahad devotees and apologists. What is most importanat now, is that this information be revealed in the Enterprise. West and Salle should not get a free pass on making claims that are not true – and only have any challenge to their views appear on this blog! The Enterprise should be deluged with letters demanding an investigative piece be done, and letters to the editor expressing outrage at this op/ed piece
The op/ed piece written by West and Salle has clearly hit a nerve of those Davisites interested in uncovering the truth – and by those who have long suspected that some (you know who they are)
members of the ‘old’ school board were David Murphy/Tahir Ahad devotees and apologists. What is most importanat now, is that this information be revealed in the Enterprise. West and Salle should not get a free pass on making claims that are not true – and only have any challenge to their views appear on this blog! The Enterprise should be deluged with letters demanding an investigative piece be done, and letters to the editor expressing outrage at this op/ed piece
The op/ed piece written by West and Salle has clearly hit a nerve of those Davisites interested in uncovering the truth – and by those who have long suspected that some (you know who they are)
members of the ‘old’ school board were David Murphy/Tahir Ahad devotees and apologists. What is most importanat now, is that this information be revealed in the Enterprise. West and Salle should not get a free pass on making claims that are not true – and only have any challenge to their views appear on this blog! The Enterprise should be deluged with letters demanding an investigative piece be done, and letters to the editor expressing outrage at this op/ed piece
Richard said…
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
….spoke with someone who is very much “inside” the LA political school scene. An outfit called One-Dot(or something very close to that) is singing the same tune down there as Tahir’s operation here in Davis.. making claims of savings and efficiency.. actual result.. NO savings and the same problems of poor accountability and oversight. The Superintendent is ultimately accountable but usually does not have the knowledge or personal abilities(skill set being mainly political) to prevent these private firms from “pirating” public funds.
Richard said…
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
….spoke with someone who is very much “inside” the LA political school scene. An outfit called One-Dot(or something very close to that) is singing the same tune down there as Tahir’s operation here in Davis.. making claims of savings and efficiency.. actual result.. NO savings and the same problems of poor accountability and oversight. The Superintendent is ultimately accountable but usually does not have the knowledge or personal abilities(skill set being mainly political) to prevent these private firms from “pirating” public funds.
Richard said…
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
….spoke with someone who is very much “inside” the LA political school scene. An outfit called One-Dot(or something very close to that) is singing the same tune down there as Tahir’s operation here in Davis.. making claims of savings and efficiency.. actual result.. NO savings and the same problems of poor accountability and oversight. The Superintendent is ultimately accountable but usually does not have the knowledge or personal abilities(skill set being mainly political) to prevent these private firms from “pirating” public funds.
Richard said…
school districts seem to have become one of the laboratories of financial experimentation in this new century
….spoke with someone who is very much “inside” the LA political school scene. An outfit called One-Dot(or something very close to that) is singing the same tune down there as Tahir’s operation here in Davis.. making claims of savings and efficiency.. actual result.. NO savings and the same problems of poor accountability and oversight. The Superintendent is ultimately accountable but usually does not have the knowledge or personal abilities(skill set being mainly political) to prevent these private firms from “pirating” public funds.
“It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.”
I don’t think anyone ever suggested that the rescinding of the deal by the subsequent board was not legal. The question is, was it the right move to make financially?
Some said the previous board could have gotten more money from other bidders in an open process. Others suggest that the negotiated deal was the best possible and that because the market deteriorated soon thereafter, the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.
“It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.”
I don’t think anyone ever suggested that the rescinding of the deal by the subsequent board was not legal. The question is, was it the right move to make financially?
Some said the previous board could have gotten more money from other bidders in an open process. Others suggest that the negotiated deal was the best possible and that because the market deteriorated soon thereafter, the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.
“It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.”
I don’t think anyone ever suggested that the rescinding of the deal by the subsequent board was not legal. The question is, was it the right move to make financially?
Some said the previous board could have gotten more money from other bidders in an open process. Others suggest that the negotiated deal was the best possible and that because the market deteriorated soon thereafter, the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.
“It is very hard to believe that the School Board’s decision to recind the land-swap deal was wrong on-its-face as is suggested by the above. The Superintendant with his legal counsel, I would hope, would have reviewed the Board’s legal options.”
I don’t think anyone ever suggested that the rescinding of the deal by the subsequent board was not legal. The question is, was it the right move to make financially?
Some said the previous board could have gotten more money from other bidders in an open process. Others suggest that the negotiated deal was the best possible and that because the market deteriorated soon thereafter, the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.
“…the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.”
Taking a cue from the Lexicon Artist, mistake(Websters)-an action resulting from faulty judgement, inadequate knowledge or attention.
The board could not have anticipated the housing market meltdown.. an unanticipated result, yes.. but not a mistake.
“…the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.”
Taking a cue from the Lexicon Artist, mistake(Websters)-an action resulting from faulty judgement, inadequate knowledge or attention.
The board could not have anticipated the housing market meltdown.. an unanticipated result, yes.. but not a mistake.
“…the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.”
Taking a cue from the Lexicon Artist, mistake(Websters)-an action resulting from faulty judgement, inadequate knowledge or attention.
The board could not have anticipated the housing market meltdown.. an unanticipated result, yes.. but not a mistake.
“…the mistake is undoable, at least for a number of years.”
Taking a cue from the Lexicon Artist, mistake(Websters)-an action resulting from faulty judgement, inadequate knowledge or attention.
The board could not have anticipated the housing market meltdown.. an unanticipated result, yes.. but not a mistake.
DPD and commenters, way to go!
I’m a local lawyer who has known Marty for years. She holds a respected teaching position at UC Davis Law School, and is well known for her civil rights and employment law work on behalf of individuals.
I read the Sunday Op Ed piece. It struck me as defensive, and a bit out of date. The earlier Op Ed was not an attack on them, so it was odd that the latest piece was so defensive.
Well, like everyone else, I am busy, and went on to other things in my week.
Then … the Vanguard spoke up.
I just re-read all of the comments.
There is something missing here: Marty West’s recent Op-Ed piece fails to mention that she is now in a professional relationship with the folks who missed the grant application deadline. In other words, the piece was an advocacy pitch to gloss over and re-write the history of malfeasance by her and senior staff that occurred on her watch as a Member of the DJUSD Board.
Was she paid to write the piece?
Was Joan Sallee informed about Marty’s hidden agenda before Joan was brought in as a co-signer?
Who really wrote it? Tahir, for Marty and Joan’s signature?
Reviewing Tahir’s new business web site, it is apparent that for the sake of the business, they really need to defend Tahir’s conduct in Davis, his former base of operations. Hence the Op Ed piece, clothed as something innocently written by two volunteer former Members of the Board.
Marty, I am disappointed in you. Joan, if you signed on without researching Marty’s motivations, then you were not being careful. If you knew about Marty’s money connection with Tahir, then shame on you, too.
DPD and commenters, please keep digging and writing about this piece of local dirt.
DPD and commenters, way to go!
I’m a local lawyer who has known Marty for years. She holds a respected teaching position at UC Davis Law School, and is well known for her civil rights and employment law work on behalf of individuals.
I read the Sunday Op Ed piece. It struck me as defensive, and a bit out of date. The earlier Op Ed was not an attack on them, so it was odd that the latest piece was so defensive.
Well, like everyone else, I am busy, and went on to other things in my week.
Then … the Vanguard spoke up.
I just re-read all of the comments.
There is something missing here: Marty West’s recent Op-Ed piece fails to mention that she is now in a professional relationship with the folks who missed the grant application deadline. In other words, the piece was an advocacy pitch to gloss over and re-write the history of malfeasance by her and senior staff that occurred on her watch as a Member of the DJUSD Board.
Was she paid to write the piece?
Was Joan Sallee informed about Marty’s hidden agenda before Joan was brought in as a co-signer?
Who really wrote it? Tahir, for Marty and Joan’s signature?
Reviewing Tahir’s new business web site, it is apparent that for the sake of the business, they really need to defend Tahir’s conduct in Davis, his former base of operations. Hence the Op Ed piece, clothed as something innocently written by two volunteer former Members of the Board.
Marty, I am disappointed in you. Joan, if you signed on without researching Marty’s motivations, then you were not being careful. If you knew about Marty’s money connection with Tahir, then shame on you, too.
DPD and commenters, please keep digging and writing about this piece of local dirt.
DPD and commenters, way to go!
I’m a local lawyer who has known Marty for years. She holds a respected teaching position at UC Davis Law School, and is well known for her civil rights and employment law work on behalf of individuals.
I read the Sunday Op Ed piece. It struck me as defensive, and a bit out of date. The earlier Op Ed was not an attack on them, so it was odd that the latest piece was so defensive.
Well, like everyone else, I am busy, and went on to other things in my week.
Then … the Vanguard spoke up.
I just re-read all of the comments.
There is something missing here: Marty West’s recent Op-Ed piece fails to mention that she is now in a professional relationship with the folks who missed the grant application deadline. In other words, the piece was an advocacy pitch to gloss over and re-write the history of malfeasance by her and senior staff that occurred on her watch as a Member of the DJUSD Board.
Was she paid to write the piece?
Was Joan Sallee informed about Marty’s hidden agenda before Joan was brought in as a co-signer?
Who really wrote it? Tahir, for Marty and Joan’s signature?
Reviewing Tahir’s new business web site, it is apparent that for the sake of the business, they really need to defend Tahir’s conduct in Davis, his former base of operations. Hence the Op Ed piece, clothed as something innocently written by two volunteer former Members of the Board.
Marty, I am disappointed in you. Joan, if you signed on without researching Marty’s motivations, then you were not being careful. If you knew about Marty’s money connection with Tahir, then shame on you, too.
DPD and commenters, please keep digging and writing about this piece of local dirt.
DPD and commenters, way to go!
I’m a local lawyer who has known Marty for years. She holds a respected teaching position at UC Davis Law School, and is well known for her civil rights and employment law work on behalf of individuals.
I read the Sunday Op Ed piece. It struck me as defensive, and a bit out of date. The earlier Op Ed was not an attack on them, so it was odd that the latest piece was so defensive.
Well, like everyone else, I am busy, and went on to other things in my week.
Then … the Vanguard spoke up.
I just re-read all of the comments.
There is something missing here: Marty West’s recent Op-Ed piece fails to mention that she is now in a professional relationship with the folks who missed the grant application deadline. In other words, the piece was an advocacy pitch to gloss over and re-write the history of malfeasance by her and senior staff that occurred on her watch as a Member of the DJUSD Board.
Was she paid to write the piece?
Was Joan Sallee informed about Marty’s hidden agenda before Joan was brought in as a co-signer?
Who really wrote it? Tahir, for Marty and Joan’s signature?
Reviewing Tahir’s new business web site, it is apparent that for the sake of the business, they really need to defend Tahir’s conduct in Davis, his former base of operations. Hence the Op Ed piece, clothed as something innocently written by two volunteer former Members of the Board.
Marty, I am disappointed in you. Joan, if you signed on without researching Marty’s motivations, then you were not being careful. If you knew about Marty’s money connection with Tahir, then shame on you, too.
DPD and commenters, please keep digging and writing about this piece of local dirt.
You know, every one of the district clients listed on Tahir’s web site should be directed to this piece on the Vanguard. I am sure that he will use the “volunteer” Op-Ed piece as a quotable document for future business development. After all, here are two “neutral” members of the Board that allowed him to conduct his side business who are praising him.
Now we know that Marty may be getting cash for her kind words about Tahir ….
What about David Murphy? Is he getting cash, too? His name is not listed, yet, on Tahir’s web site, but a private business can pay someone without disclosure.
Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered. Were there any contract discussions going on at that time between her and Tahir? Just asking, friends.
And what about David Murphy. Is he know being paid by Tahir? If so, when did the contract discussions start? Again, just asking.
Marty is a public figure, and chose to re-open this can of worms. I think the Blog should continue digging.
You know, every one of the district clients listed on Tahir’s web site should be directed to this piece on the Vanguard. I am sure that he will use the “volunteer” Op-Ed piece as a quotable document for future business development. After all, here are two “neutral” members of the Board that allowed him to conduct his side business who are praising him.
Now we know that Marty may be getting cash for her kind words about Tahir ….
What about David Murphy? Is he getting cash, too? His name is not listed, yet, on Tahir’s web site, but a private business can pay someone without disclosure.
Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered. Were there any contract discussions going on at that time between her and Tahir? Just asking, friends.
And what about David Murphy. Is he know being paid by Tahir? If so, when did the contract discussions start? Again, just asking.
Marty is a public figure, and chose to re-open this can of worms. I think the Blog should continue digging.
You know, every one of the district clients listed on Tahir’s web site should be directed to this piece on the Vanguard. I am sure that he will use the “volunteer” Op-Ed piece as a quotable document for future business development. After all, here are two “neutral” members of the Board that allowed him to conduct his side business who are praising him.
Now we know that Marty may be getting cash for her kind words about Tahir ….
What about David Murphy? Is he getting cash, too? His name is not listed, yet, on Tahir’s web site, but a private business can pay someone without disclosure.
Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered. Were there any contract discussions going on at that time between her and Tahir? Just asking, friends.
And what about David Murphy. Is he know being paid by Tahir? If so, when did the contract discussions start? Again, just asking.
Marty is a public figure, and chose to re-open this can of worms. I think the Blog should continue digging.
You know, every one of the district clients listed on Tahir’s web site should be directed to this piece on the Vanguard. I am sure that he will use the “volunteer” Op-Ed piece as a quotable document for future business development. After all, here are two “neutral” members of the Board that allowed him to conduct his side business who are praising him.
Now we know that Marty may be getting cash for her kind words about Tahir ….
What about David Murphy? Is he getting cash, too? His name is not listed, yet, on Tahir’s web site, but a private business can pay someone without disclosure.
Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered. Were there any contract discussions going on at that time between her and Tahir? Just asking, friends.
And what about David Murphy. Is he know being paid by Tahir? If so, when did the contract discussions start? Again, just asking.
Marty is a public figure, and chose to re-open this can of worms. I think the Blog should continue digging.
richard –
could one perhaps remove the racially exclusive covenant, but leave in a mention in the deed stating that this house once had such a covenant, and that it was removed in XX year?
by the way, anyone surprised by these covenants being in davis ought to read the book sundown towns, which lays out the process in the early 20th century that turned small towns and suburbs into whites-only areas. while cities like davis eventually moved in the opposite direction after the 60s and 70s, it is a legacy that is worth knowing, as some of the social dynamics that originally drove such covenants are very much in play, even if the covenants themselves are no longer legally binding.
notably, racially exclusive communities were a phenomenon of northwern, midwestern and western cities, not southern ones, which tended to be segregated but not as racially exclusive per se.
richard –
could one perhaps remove the racially exclusive covenant, but leave in a mention in the deed stating that this house once had such a covenant, and that it was removed in XX year?
by the way, anyone surprised by these covenants being in davis ought to read the book sundown towns, which lays out the process in the early 20th century that turned small towns and suburbs into whites-only areas. while cities like davis eventually moved in the opposite direction after the 60s and 70s, it is a legacy that is worth knowing, as some of the social dynamics that originally drove such covenants are very much in play, even if the covenants themselves are no longer legally binding.
notably, racially exclusive communities were a phenomenon of northwern, midwestern and western cities, not southern ones, which tended to be segregated but not as racially exclusive per se.
richard –
could one perhaps remove the racially exclusive covenant, but leave in a mention in the deed stating that this house once had such a covenant, and that it was removed in XX year?
by the way, anyone surprised by these covenants being in davis ought to read the book sundown towns, which lays out the process in the early 20th century that turned small towns and suburbs into whites-only areas. while cities like davis eventually moved in the opposite direction after the 60s and 70s, it is a legacy that is worth knowing, as some of the social dynamics that originally drove such covenants are very much in play, even if the covenants themselves are no longer legally binding.
notably, racially exclusive communities were a phenomenon of northwern, midwestern and western cities, not southern ones, which tended to be segregated but not as racially exclusive per se.
richard –
could one perhaps remove the racially exclusive covenant, but leave in a mention in the deed stating that this house once had such a covenant, and that it was removed in XX year?
by the way, anyone surprised by these covenants being in davis ought to read the book sundown towns, which lays out the process in the early 20th century that turned small towns and suburbs into whites-only areas. while cities like davis eventually moved in the opposite direction after the 60s and 70s, it is a legacy that is worth knowing, as some of the social dynamics that originally drove such covenants are very much in play, even if the covenants themselves are no longer legally binding.
notably, racially exclusive communities were a phenomenon of northwern, midwestern and western cities, not southern ones, which tended to be segregated but not as racially exclusive per se.
“Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered.”
How could Marty have voted for that? She had retired from the school board 1.5 years before the vote was held.
“Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered.”
How could Marty have voted for that? She had retired from the school board 1.5 years before the vote was held.
“Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered.”
How could Marty have voted for that? She had retired from the school board 1.5 years before the vote was held.
“Also, Marty voted for the contract buy-out and to continue paying David for no services rendered.”
How could Marty have voted for that? She had retired from the school board 1.5 years before the vote was held.
I grew up in a small (3,000 pop.) town in Mendocino County. I never even saw a black person until I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark! I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. This sounds very much like the family that Tansey was describing in Davis in an earlier post. Interesting history, and I doubt if there are very many, if any, families of color in Willits to this day.
I grew up in a small (3,000 pop.) town in Mendocino County. I never even saw a black person until I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark! I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. This sounds very much like the family that Tansey was describing in Davis in an earlier post. Interesting history, and I doubt if there are very many, if any, families of color in Willits to this day.
I grew up in a small (3,000 pop.) town in Mendocino County. I never even saw a black person until I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark! I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. This sounds very much like the family that Tansey was describing in Davis in an earlier post. Interesting history, and I doubt if there are very many, if any, families of color in Willits to this day.
I grew up in a small (3,000 pop.) town in Mendocino County. I never even saw a black person until I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark! I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. This sounds very much like the family that Tansey was describing in Davis in an earlier post. Interesting history, and I doubt if there are very many, if any, families of color in Willits to this day.
The old ‘Marty’ board voted (with Jim Provenza being the only no vote) to extend Murphy’s contract shortly before the present board took over.
The old ‘Marty’ board voted (with Jim Provenza being the only no vote) to extend Murphy’s contract shortly before the present board took over.
The old ‘Marty’ board voted (with Jim Provenza being the only no vote) to extend Murphy’s contract shortly before the present board took over.
The old ‘Marty’ board voted (with Jim Provenza being the only no vote) to extend Murphy’s contract shortly before the present board took over.
“It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark!”
Christine,
When you say, “there was a law,” do you know when this law was enacted and repealed? If it dated back to the 19th Century, I would be saddened, but not too surprised.*
(I suspect what you heard was “a law” was “a custom,” based on racial prejudice and enforced by habit.)
Willits is roughly the same age as Davis. It was settled by ranchers — led by Hiram Willits — in the 1850s. When the railroad made it there and their lumber could be efficiently transported, the town of Willitsville incorporated in 1888. (Davis didn’t incorporate until 1917, but pioneering ranchers were here in the 1850s and the village of Davisville was laid out in 1869.)
“I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. “
The Davis family did not operate the dump. Rather, they founded the Davis Waste Removal company, which to this day is in business in Davis. I’m fairly certain that “the dump” has been a municipal company since roughly 1920.
————
* While I don’t know of formal laws banning blacks from any cities in California — not counting deed restrictions — there was a period in which Chinese residents were banned in some.
“It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark!”
Christine,
When you say, “there was a law,” do you know when this law was enacted and repealed? If it dated back to the 19th Century, I would be saddened, but not too surprised.*
(I suspect what you heard was “a law” was “a custom,” based on racial prejudice and enforced by habit.)
Willits is roughly the same age as Davis. It was settled by ranchers — led by Hiram Willits — in the 1850s. When the railroad made it there and their lumber could be efficiently transported, the town of Willitsville incorporated in 1888. (Davis didn’t incorporate until 1917, but pioneering ranchers were here in the 1850s and the village of Davisville was laid out in 1869.)
“I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. “
The Davis family did not operate the dump. Rather, they founded the Davis Waste Removal company, which to this day is in business in Davis. I’m fairly certain that “the dump” has been a municipal company since roughly 1920.
————
* While I don’t know of formal laws banning blacks from any cities in California — not counting deed restrictions — there was a period in which Chinese residents were banned in some.
“It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark!”
Christine,
When you say, “there was a law,” do you know when this law was enacted and repealed? If it dated back to the 19th Century, I would be saddened, but not too surprised.*
(I suspect what you heard was “a law” was “a custom,” based on racial prejudice and enforced by habit.)
Willits is roughly the same age as Davis. It was settled by ranchers — led by Hiram Willits — in the 1850s. When the railroad made it there and their lumber could be efficiently transported, the town of Willitsville incorporated in 1888. (Davis didn’t incorporate until 1917, but pioneering ranchers were here in the 1850s and the village of Davisville was laid out in 1869.)
“I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. “
The Davis family did not operate the dump. Rather, they founded the Davis Waste Removal company, which to this day is in business in Davis. I’m fairly certain that “the dump” has been a municipal company since roughly 1920.
————
* While I don’t know of formal laws banning blacks from any cities in California — not counting deed restrictions — there was a period in which Chinese residents were banned in some.
“It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that I learned there was a law in the city of Willits that no colored (sic) person was allowed in the city limits after dark!”
Christine,
When you say, “there was a law,” do you know when this law was enacted and repealed? If it dated back to the 19th Century, I would be saddened, but not too surprised.*
(I suspect what you heard was “a law” was “a custom,” based on racial prejudice and enforced by habit.)
Willits is roughly the same age as Davis. It was settled by ranchers — led by Hiram Willits — in the 1850s. When the railroad made it there and their lumber could be efficiently transported, the town of Willitsville incorporated in 1888. (Davis didn’t incorporate until 1917, but pioneering ranchers were here in the 1850s and the village of Davisville was laid out in 1869.)
“I also heard that there had been one black family and they had operated the city dump which was out of the city limits. “
The Davis family did not operate the dump. Rather, they founded the Davis Waste Removal company, which to this day is in business in Davis. I’m fairly certain that “the dump” has been a municipal company since roughly 1920.
————
* While I don’t know of formal laws banning blacks from any cities in California — not counting deed restrictions — there was a period in which Chinese residents were banned in some.
** And Japanese, too, during World War 2. Following the War, there were movements across California, including a failed one in Davis, to not allow people of Japanese heritage to return to the communities they’d live in before the mass internments.
** And Japanese, too, during World War 2. Following the War, there were movements across California, including a failed one in Davis, to not allow people of Japanese heritage to return to the communities they’d live in before the mass internments.
** And Japanese, too, during World War 2. Following the War, there were movements across California, including a failed one in Davis, to not allow people of Japanese heritage to return to the communities they’d live in before the mass internments.
** And Japanese, too, during World War 2. Following the War, there were movements across California, including a failed one in Davis, to not allow people of Japanese heritage to return to the communities they’d live in before the mass internments.
Rich, the Davis Enterprise published the obituary of the black man, I think it was Floyd Rogers or Rodgers that included info he had been owner either of a disposal or garbage business (Idon’t remember the wording). Earlier I had spoken with a number of generally elderly white residents about blacks in Davis and they all remembered “the garbage man” and his family” at the edge of town as the only blacks in Davis at that time.
Rich, the Davis Enterprise published the obituary of the black man, I think it was Floyd Rogers or Rodgers that included info he had been owner either of a disposal or garbage business (Idon’t remember the wording). Earlier I had spoken with a number of generally elderly white residents about blacks in Davis and they all remembered “the garbage man” and his family” at the edge of town as the only blacks in Davis at that time.
Rich, the Davis Enterprise published the obituary of the black man, I think it was Floyd Rogers or Rodgers that included info he had been owner either of a disposal or garbage business (Idon’t remember the wording). Earlier I had spoken with a number of generally elderly white residents about blacks in Davis and they all remembered “the garbage man” and his family” at the edge of town as the only blacks in Davis at that time.
Rich, the Davis Enterprise published the obituary of the black man, I think it was Floyd Rogers or Rodgers that included info he had been owner either of a disposal or garbage business (Idon’t remember the wording). Earlier I had spoken with a number of generally elderly white residents about blacks in Davis and they all remembered “the garbage man” and his family” at the edge of town as the only blacks in Davis at that time.
Rich, I really don’t know if it was a law or not, because my knowledge was based on hearsay. I was talking about the dump in Willits that I had also heard was run by a black family, but as I said, I never saw a black person in Willits (or Asian, or Jewish, or Hispanic, for that matter) The prevailing prejudice was against “Okies” referring to the people who moved there during the depression to work in the lumber mills. Thanks for rounding out some of the history though.
Rich, I really don’t know if it was a law or not, because my knowledge was based on hearsay. I was talking about the dump in Willits that I had also heard was run by a black family, but as I said, I never saw a black person in Willits (or Asian, or Jewish, or Hispanic, for that matter) The prevailing prejudice was against “Okies” referring to the people who moved there during the depression to work in the lumber mills. Thanks for rounding out some of the history though.
Rich, I really don’t know if it was a law or not, because my knowledge was based on hearsay. I was talking about the dump in Willits that I had also heard was run by a black family, but as I said, I never saw a black person in Willits (or Asian, or Jewish, or Hispanic, for that matter) The prevailing prejudice was against “Okies” referring to the people who moved there during the depression to work in the lumber mills. Thanks for rounding out some of the history though.
Rich, I really don’t know if it was a law or not, because my knowledge was based on hearsay. I was talking about the dump in Willits that I had also heard was run by a black family, but as I said, I never saw a black person in Willits (or Asian, or Jewish, or Hispanic, for that matter) The prevailing prejudice was against “Okies” referring to the people who moved there during the depression to work in the lumber mills. Thanks for rounding out some of the history though.
What I see no need for is for a current board to so vehemently and publicly cast aspersions on a former board, regardless.
This board comports itself in an amateurish and classless manner.
What I see no need for is for a current board to so vehemently and publicly cast aspersions on a former board, regardless.
This board comports itself in an amateurish and classless manner.
What I see no need for is for a current board to so vehemently and publicly cast aspersions on a former board, regardless.
This board comports itself in an amateurish and classless manner.
What I see no need for is for a current board to so vehemently and publicly cast aspersions on a former board, regardless.
This board comports itself in an amateurish and classless manner.
I’d like to see where the current board has done this. Because the original op-ed did not even mention the former board. The follow up by West/ Sallee did. So who is casting aspersions at whom.
I’d like to see where the current board has done this. Because the original op-ed did not even mention the former board. The follow up by West/ Sallee did. So who is casting aspersions at whom.
I’d like to see where the current board has done this. Because the original op-ed did not even mention the former board. The follow up by West/ Sallee did. So who is casting aspersions at whom.
I’d like to see where the current board has done this. Because the original op-ed did not even mention the former board. The follow up by West/ Sallee did. So who is casting aspersions at whom.
Anon who was removed:
You can email DPD if you have any questions as to why it was taken down…
Anon who was removed:
You can email DPD if you have any questions as to why it was taken down…
Anon who was removed:
You can email DPD if you have any questions as to why it was taken down…
Anon who was removed:
You can email DPD if you have any questions as to why it was taken down…