Another week come and gone for 2023, barely catching a breath! Hope yours is going well. Every week we push forward and every once in a while the world provides magic in response.
A few weeks ago, someone bugged me on Twitter as to why I am so passionate and active on public education when I maybe don’t have my own children in San Francisco public schools. That individual ran for Congress, opined on Medicare as a non-expert, and got less than 2000 total votes.
As for why I do all this volunteer stuff when I have a busy life? I think public schools are great for so many families, and this beautiful City. I am so grateful for my SFUSD education and am still in touch with my teachers. I have friends and family who are current educators and parents. And I am still a wee bit peeved about District staff spending bond money on facilities without proper citizen oversight. But things are slowly getting better, and the district families and educators can still appreciate more “eyessfboe.”
What’s hot this week:
Due to a family obligation conflict, the planned event with Lance Christensen for this afternoon will not happen. The event is being postponed and stay tuned as we find another date! We could use school reform ideas both in San Francisco and statewide!
Instead, tonight (3/27) come join me at a Celebration for all the winners of the November 2022 Assembly District Delegates to the Democratic State Central Committee (AD17 & AD19), including my friends Carrie Barnes, Seth Brenzel, and Lanier Coles. Noe Valley Tavern, 24th Street and Castro St., 6-8 pm.
Also tonight, for you San Francisco Budget nerds like me, there is a SOAR-D1 event “Where Does the Money Go, Part III.” This event, in the Richmond Community Center, 6:30-8 pm, features District 1 Supervisor & Budget Chair Connie Chen, as well as Anna Dunning, SF Mayor Budget Director. RSVP here. Who is minding the store as we are looking at some years of hundreds of millions of less City tax income?
For those of you who public school kids on break this week and are looking for things for the kiddos, check out the options from SFUSD.
Yes, Democrats can have fun, and it’s trivial. In fact, this Thursday night, 3/30, join me and the United Democratic Club, at a cray fun Trivia night at Trade Routes, 1750 Polk St. I’m a Board members of this Club and they have a membership drive going. Join the Democratic Club and get your first drink free on us.
This Friday, 3/31, if you have the time, join me at the New Liberal Action Summit West (NLAS West) all day conference. The California Bioscience Economy, Housing Education, Inflation, and Worker training will all be topics with interesting local speakers. It’ll be at SPUR Urban Center, 654 Mission St.
News highlights on Public Education and more:
The MUNI stabbing incident had more details in the news this past week. The video clip from Dion Lim of ABC-TV had a picture of the alleged weapon from the alleged 12-year-old assailant. No words.
For those following the middle school math curriculum discussion in San Francisco and across California (math framework), this profile of Stanford Education Professor Jo Boaler had some curious details. To me that individual acts like a propagandist trying to protect a good profit stream.
CNN’s Kyung Law visited San Francisco to interview Supervisor Joel Engardio, Forrest Liu, and other Asian Americans. Worth your time to see the clip about what one national news source is saying about San Francisco politics. The reporter’s car even got bipped in front of City Hall.
Check out Doug Rich, McKinley ES educator, as he describes why early dyslexia screening is necessary.
This Wong Kim Ark anniversary event was really worthwhile to hear what he did for so many Americans.
Viva El Mariachi was a sold out SFUSD event in Mission High. Check out the pics and plan to attend next year!
Throwback:
Some items coming up:
I’m busy working on some events these next couple months. As the Education co-lead for the Chinese American Democratic Club, I am working with a group on an Education Forum in mid-April: Chinese Americans efforts to improve San Francisco public education from the 1850s to the present. Quite a few interesting speakers have committed!
Come volunteer with me and the United Democratic Club at the Booker T Washington Community Center, Friday Farm Fresh Pantry Service Day, Friday April 28th afternoon. With food inflation, this service is definitely in need. Link for time slots here.
May is AAPI Heritage month. One event I’m helping plan involves Filipino food-yum. Another event will talk about English Language Learning in SFUSD.
Thanks so much for believing in me and all those who are working to keep San Francisco getting better!