Superintendent’s message

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students:

Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s press release, the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo announced she has extended her recommendation to close all schools in Los Angeles County for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to limit the community spread of COVID-19.

CUSD will follow this recommendation; therefore, as of this time, students and staff will not return to school this year but will continue to engage in distance learning for the remainder of the academic year. While this news is discouraging to most of us, I find comfort in knowing that our staff is working diligently to adapt and respond to meet the diverse needs of their students. Our teachers continue to develop high quality instruction that builds on the outstanding work that has been taking place in our classrooms throughout the entire year.

During Governor Newsom’s press conference he said, “Schools are closed, but classes are in.” The governor is strongly encouraging all students to do their very best to complete the work that has been and will continue to be assigned throughout the remainder of the school year.

It is critical that students continue to engage with their teachers and complete their work in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year. As a reminder, if your child does not have access to a device or the internet, please contact your principal immediately.

I would like to let all of our students know how much we miss you. I can confidently say that this current situation is not what any of us would choose. Your teachers and the rest of the CUSD staff went into education for the opportunity to help shape and mold the lives of our future leaders.

To the class of 2020, we know how difficult this is on each and every one of you. Let me encourage you and assure you that you will get through this and that CUSD is here to help support you in any way possible.

I came across an open letter to high school seniors written by the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year Chris Dier. Mr. Dier was a senior in high school living in Louisiana when Hurricane Katrina devastated his community. His message is one of encouragement and support; I would encourage every senior to take a moment to read his uplifting message by clicking on the following link:

La. Teacher of the Year: An Open Letter to High School Seniors During Coronavirus Crisis

James Elsasser, EdD

CUSD Superintendent

Holden etiquette

Dear Editor:

This is in response to a letter sent by Douglas Lyon on March 20 regarding “Etiquette in Holden’s Office.” The comments shared are a misrepresentation of what transpired.

As our office does with every call, we listen, take notes and inform Assemblymember Holden on the valuable opinions of his constituency. We also take the time to explain how our state laws work and the intentions behind them.

The conversation with Mr. Lyon centered around the state’s new law requiring local governments to build more accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Mr. Lyon was of the opinion that the state is too crowded and we should force people to move out of the state, especially the homeless. I explained to him that this type of action would not be possible on constitutional grounds, in addition to the moral and ethical considerations that make it problematic.

I elaborated that ADUs are a viable option to alleviate our housing crisis because they take advantage of existing infrastructure and limit urban sprawl.

I have worked in Assemblymember Holden’s office for three years as a staff assistant and take pride in helping constituents with casework, or to bridge the lines of communication from the people in the 41st Assembly District to Assemblymember Holden. The information that we provide to our constituents may not be the answers that they want to hear; however, the comments that were provided last week were inaccurate.

On behalf of Assemblymember Holden’s district office, I look forward to continuing to serve the constituents of the 41st district.

Kevin Mulligan

Staff member 41st district

Thefts in Claremont

Dear Editor:

During the current crisis theft from vehicles has increased in Claremont. Several auto burglary suspects have recently been arrested and a large amount of stolen property and burglary tools have been recovered due to the consistently fine work by CPD.

Victims of auto burglaries and mail theft have been located and investigating officers are still working on the cases.

However, the driver and passenger on March 30… “were arrested for possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools, and later released on a citation for the misdemeanor crimes.”

This is outrageous. Thanks to our California State Legislature criminals have a pass. I’m sure after being released they immediately went back to doing what they do best. Getting caught only slows their activities temporarily.

Do what the police say. Remove valuable property and lock your vehicles. But don’t expect the criminal behavior to end.  Our police are doing a great job. Support them but look out for yourself.

Lowell Rice

Claremont

Let’s build morale

Dear Editor:

Please leave most of the stories related to the COVID-19 virus to the large newspapers and to the other large news outlets.

Let’s have more positive stories (ex. gardening tips) which could bring more subscribers to the your newspapers. Let’s build morale, not drag people down.

Susan Winderman

Claremont

[Editor’s note: I appreciate the suggestion. We have a responsibility to inform residents about what our local officials are doing in response to coronavirus. No other papers will report on local park closures, restaurants and pharmacies offering delivery and services, and how Claremont schools and churches have gone online. We are working hard to balance the coverage but the current reality of our city can’t be ignored. I do thank you for writing in. It’s a tough time for all of us. —KD]

Canary in a coal mine

Dear Editor:

I’ve got plenty of things to do at home—just clean out the closets full of colors and ideas come. But here’s what’s happening in other closets around town.

Your article including Yvonne Cervantes Coleman and her new Common Thread shop picking up the mask making pastime struck a creative nerve. Yvonne has been the recipient of many fabric leftovers in the past—her shop and Tinker Space in Montclair are my faves.

So, halfway through one project, I began research on another. I had been sent a pattern for making masks by another artist friend, and found it tiresome and exacting. So I went on Google and found more….One was particularly lazy and fun.

I started cutting fabrics, finished my first project, and after dinner I went to Joann’s and Michael’s for the elastic. Both closed. Hobby Lobby, closed. Target, no elastic. Vons, no elastic. This is a sign. This is the canary in the coal mine. This is what’s happening all over the place. This is really big. 

Today, my husband came back from his wander with the news that everything on the sewing shelves at Walmart was still there…except the elastic.

I went to Joann’s and Michael’s online and the 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch elastics are out of stock online. This is even bigger.  Makes me smile even without getting my way. And do we think Claremont and vicinity is alone? I don’t think so!

Helen Feller

still a Gypsy