We absolutely must continue and increase our City’s support of our local public schools, particularly in the face of devastating state budget cutbacks.

Santa Monica's schools are where we invest in the future. I grew up poor, son of a widowed working mom.  I know first-hand the importance of public education.

As our School District's Mac computer and instructional technology consultant, I'm privileged to visit classrooms throughout Santa Monica and see the very real difference dedicated teachers and a caring city make.

(Don’t forget that any TV set graphic on my website links to a video!)

First grade – I liked school!

When parents of special education students organized to achieve greater transparency and fairness in how they and their children are treated, I backed their efforts – and am impressed how they’ve begun the process of rethinking our community’s crucial special education commitment. 

As City Council liaison to our Arts Commission, I know our schools’ music and arts programs are truly phenomenal.

Santa Monica’s commitment to education also extends beyond the K-12 range.  Our city supports a range of public and private pre-school opportunities, recognizing that age zero to five is the most crucial time for young and learning minds.

At the other end of the scale, we can take real pride in the work of our Santa Monica College, and its branch for seniors, Emeritus College.  We are truly a lifelong learning community, sharing resources to make opportunities available to everyone.

Growing up in the 21st century, even in Santa Monica, has its challenges.  We help our kids stay safe after school with PAL and our CREST enrichment programs, and nurture a sense of community, social justice, and youth leadership at the Pico Youth and Family Center.

If you watch this last video (just above), you’ll understand better why I’m so grateful that besides serving on our City Council, I get to play a professional role in our local school system.

I support Santa Monica's direct city funding assistance for education, as consistently championed over the years by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights.

I’ve been re-elected, again, as top vote-getter -- T H A N K   Y O U ! ! !