The Piedmont Recreation Department maintains a list of Piedmont teens available to help residents with common chores. Piedmont students who have completed 6th grade or higher can register.

For more information about hiring a teen contact the Piedmont Recreation Department at 420-3070.

-City Council held its First Public Hearing on the 2015-16 Budget June 1 – Second Public Hearing will be June 15 –

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Council voted to adopt two items, Measure BB and addition of the Recreation Center Master Plan to the Facilities Maintenance Fund. The Council also held a public hearing on Piedmont’s 2015-16 Budget, although this will not be voted on until after the second public hearing, to be held June 15.

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Alameda County Transportation Measure BB resolution, allowing the city to receive its allocation of funding. The Measure  was approved by voters in 2014. As stated by Paul Benoit, the City Administrator, “the measure extends an existing one-half cent sales tax and augments it with an additional half-cent through 2045.”

Before the vote, Mayor Fujioka stated her strong support for the resolution. “It will be bringing in significant monies to the City of Piedmont, I believe over $800,000 for our sidewalks and streets” said Fujioka.

The Council also voted unanimously to add to the budget the four projects put forward by the Capital Improvement Committee (CIP):  the Linda/Kingston Triangle, a Corporation Yard Vehicle Storage Structure, an assessment and consequent renovation or replacement of Piedmont’s Aquatic Facility and Master Plan, and a Community Hall Plaza Master Plan.

The Linda/Kingston Triangle has been the focus of the Piedmont Beautification Foundation’s (PBF) fundraising effort this spring and PBF President Deborah Van Nest spoke at Monday’s meeting, advocating City funding of $175,000 for the project. Mayor Fujioka also expressed support, saying that its importance lay partially in the public/private relationship in its funding.

Recreation Commissioner Betsy Anderson, along with community members Suzie Strubell and Liz Barons, all spoke to advocate for the assessment of the Aquatics facility as an essential addition to community development in Piedmont.

Council members reacted well to these remarks. “Recreations facilities in this community fall under core functions,” said council member McBain. Along the same lines, Fujioka said, “Recreation is one of the few, if not the only, department we have that pays for itself.”

Councilwoman Teddy Gray King said, “There really should always be momentum on this—we should always be making the city better.”

Discussions of the budget featured frequent cautions to remain conservative.

Bill Hosler, Chair of the Budget Advisory and Financial Planning Committee said that although projections show the City to be on solid footing, it is wisest to be cautious and put away any excess revenues. He used the real estate market as an example of this necessity.  Speaking in regard to the Real Property Transfer Tax, he said, “It’s been eight years since the last peak of the real estate cycle and they tend to last seven to nine years historically, so these projections assume sort of steady-as-she-goes.”

Although the level of Transfer Tax in recent years has been running higher than the 2.8 million his committee projects, it is an important safety precaution for the budget and excess has been put aside into capital funds. Council member McBain applauded the conservative budgeting of the Transfer Tax. “Numbers can look a lot stronger based on a good year,” he said.

“We hear your frugality message loud and clear,” Fujioka told Hosler. “We are just recovering from the big recession and we are trying to put away some monies into various funds so that we can save for the future.”

-May 27th School Board Meeting Report by Piedmont High School Student Tatum Burnett-

On May 27, 2015, I went to the Board of Education meeting from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Board, which meets twice a month uses these meetings to discuss the School District’s budget, expenditures, events, visions, and goals. During the meeting on the 27th, three main topics were discussed.

First, Stephanie Griffon gave a presentation on the Connected Learning Initiative, which included all the technological advances the School District has made in the last 5 years. She described the progress the schools have made since 2010 when the teachers were all given Gmail accounts, to 2015 when 5th, 6th,9th and 11th graders were all given Chromebooks.

After her presentation, which also described how the technology has helped both teachers and students with efficiency and engagement, the Board discussed and questioned some aspects of the program. They wondered if the students would take the computers home over the summer, which the answer was, no. The question of when and how much would it cost to replace the Chromebooks, which last about two years, was brought up, however the Board agreed that with the low cost of the computers and the technological advances they brought, they were worth it.

I also questioned if Chromebooks were the most logical of devices to use, because they don’t last very long, however I agree that because of their price, and the amount of good they have done this year, they seem like a better option than buying expensive laptops for students.

Secondly, Beach Elementary School Principal Michael Corritone presented on behalf of the other two elementary school principals, the Tri-School Instructional Program Design, a program they had been working on all year. He described the purpose of the program was to prepare the students to be 21st century learners, and to make sure that the school was using it’s time most efficiently. The program includes committees of staff and parents, and conducts interviews and research to find out how they can make collaboration easier for the teachers and the students. According to Corritone, the program is only in its first stage, and will continue to gain speed in the years to come. The Board had little to say about the program except that they were pleased with the work, and look forward to the future of it.

Finally, the board discussed the Goals and Action Items that were mandated by the State of California in the LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan). The goals included making sure that teachers were qualified, students had access to a broad study and to common core classes, facilities were repaired or improved, students were provided with courses that provided emotional and social support, and finally to increase parent involvement and support. They also discussed their budget, which they all agreed that the community had a wrong idea about. They thought it was important that the community understood that even though the budget seems large now, there are many different areas that money goes into that people don’t realize.

“The issue with what is coming is that people think that there is a lot of money coming through.” said Board Member Amal Smith, “However, there is a lot of money to balance. The LCAP comes with a budget that we have to plan on.”

I additionally shared my admiration for allowing Piedmont Hight School to take a day for the Service Learning projects, sharing my experiences at St. Vincent DePaul, when the board was speaking about recent events. I shared how I thought that the service day was a huge success, and that I hope in the future, classes could participate in service with their chosen programs throughout the year rather than just one day towards the end. The Board agreed, and stated that they were too looking forward to the future of the Service Learning Program.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

The Piedmont City Council will meet Monday, June 1 beginning  with a Closed Session in the City Hall Conference Room at 7 p.m. for consultation with legal counsel on existing litigation. Any action taken will be reported in the following open meeting, expected to begin at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the public meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue. The public is invited to express their opinions about the taxes and spending priorities for the City in the coming year as well as other agenda items: Measure BB funding resolution; approve four CIP projects and increase Facilities Maintenance Fund.

The City Budget and the proposed tax levies are two important items on the agenda. The City Administrator recommends a 2.67% increase for both the Measure Y Municipal Services Tax and Municipal Sewer Tax for FY 2015-2016.

Prior to adoption, a subsequent public hearing on the proposed budget and the levy of the Municipal Services Tax and Sewer Tax will be held at the Monday, June 15 City Council meeting.

Staff reports:

Measure BB transportation tax funding resolution

Report by the Budget and Financial Planning Committee

Proposed Budget 2015-16 documents

Proposed increase levy of Measure Y Municipal Services Tax and Municipal Sewer Tax

CIP Projects recommended for approval and Facilities Maintenance Fund increase

The Piedmont Park Commission will meet on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located in City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.

Agenda for the meeting:

Approval of May 6, 2015 minutes*

Public Forum

Update on Arbor Day

Update on CIP Process

Update on Linda/Kingston Triangle

Update on Hampton Sports Field

Update on Crocker Park Garage

Update on Off-leash Dog Signage

Monthly Maintenance report on parks, medians and street trees

Read the minutes of the May 6, 2015 Park Commission meeting.

The Park Commission meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live via KCOM Channel 27 and the City website.

On Thursday, May 28, the Public Safety Committee (PSC) will meet at 5:30  p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue. They will discuss suggested revisions proposed by Garrett Keating’s subcommittee to the Tiburon/Belvedere Disaster Preparedness Guide under consideration as a model for Piedmont.

The meeting will not be broadcast, video recorded, or live streamed; however, the public is welcome to attend and address issues of interest.

The PSC was formed as a permanent body to develop recommendations for improving public safety in the City of Piedmont.

May 18th City Council Meeting Report by High School Student Sophia Lautt-

The City Council Meeting of May 18, 2015 started out slowly, like the light rain that often precedes a thunderstorm. After chanting the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council spent about fifteen minutes discussing the wording of a resolution to be presented to volunteers at the annual Volunteer Reception. The only small dispute arose when one council member thought the word “intelligent” should be removed since the volunteers ought to already know they are intelligent, and one council member disagreed. Meanwhile the audience, a group of Piedmont residents mostly appearing to be in their 30’s and 40’s, shifted in their seats.

The Public Forum followed the calendar discussions, during which a pair of Piedmont High School students spoke up about grievances concerning stop signs and streetlights. The Council, which is not allowed to respond to non-agenda items during the meeting, humored the students, knowing they were only there for a class assignment.

It was after the Public Forum, when the council began its regular agenda items, that the meeting entered into a new realm of passion and debate. The first item discussed was a request for the Council to support CALPers divestment from fossil fuel related stocks, the reason most of the audience members were there that night. The proposal would have meant that the Council would write a letter encouraging CALPers to divest its stocks in companies that promote the use of fossil fuels.

Five residents in total stood up, one at a time, to speak at the podium, where the large white camera in the corner of the room was now training all its attention. They spoke of how concerned they were that the environment would be destroyed during the lives of their children and grandchildren and how important it was that Piedmont take a stand to protect it. The proposal itself would not directly affect the use of fossil fuels in the near future, but as one woman put it, it would be a moral stand that would help stigmatize the fossil fuel companies.

Then the council began its discussion, and it was clear that they had come with their opinions already firm on the subject. Vice Mayor Jeffrey Wieler already knew he would not be voting for the proposal, though that did not stop him from responding to some of the things the residents said.

“I don’t like being told what my morals are,” Wieler said. He distrusted the source for some data the residents had used, saying it was too liberal to be taken seriously. He refused to believe Councilmember Teddy King, who said she had spoken with many Piedmont residents in favor of the proposal.  She mentioned her 10 years of community service. Wieler argued that since he had been involved in the community for twenty years, and she had only been active in the community for ten, he also knew what many Piedmonters wanted, which did not include divestment.

Councilmember Robert McBain was also against the proposal. He argued that Piedmont had never taken a stand on issues outside Piedmont’s control before, and it would set a problematic precedent.

“After this, who’s to say we won’t hear proposals about foreign policy and abortion?” McBain said. Such issues, he maintained, are divisive and will have neighbors fighting with neighbors.

Councilmembers Tim Rood and Teddy King were in favor of divestment. Rood came prepared with a printed presentation with data showing the detrimental effects of fossil fuels. King was of a similar mind, saying she wholeheartedly agreed with the residents’ idea that it be a moral stand against the fossil fuel companies. “I don’t have a problem making a statement, even if the action may not be directly effective,” she said.

In the end, Mayor Margaret Fujioka made the final decision, saying that tonight she would vote against the request. She said she would like to see it come up again so they may be able to have more discussion about it before it was either passed or rejected.

The rest of the meeting went by rather like the first half hour had gone. The Councilmembers voted in favor of an agreement to work with a carpenter for renovation of the City Hall entry hallway, while the rest of the audience slowly trickled out of the room. Reports from Councilmembers followed, though it was clear that everyone was ready to wrap the meeting up. Finally, at 9:10 p.m., the meeting adjourned.

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author.

May 18, 2015 – Piedmont City Council meeting reported by Piedmont High School student Liam Schindler –

    On Monday, May 18th at 7:30 p.m, I had the fascinating experience of attending the Piedmont City Council meeting at City Hall to observe the inner workings of our government.  Present were Mayor Margaret Fujioka, Vice Mayor Jeff Wieler, and Councilmembers Teddy Gray King, Robert McBain, and Tim Rood.  The Council meets biweekly to discuss and decide on issues that have risen in the community and to hear community members give their opinions on certain issues, or present issues of their own.

   An issue presented during the Public Forum concerned traffic safety issues at certain intersections.

There also was  a request for the City to write a letter encouraging CALPers divestment from stocks in fossil fuels by a group of citizens concerned with global warming and the future, and a reaffirmation of the City’s decision to have the lobby of City Hall redone.

The only issue that resulted in any debate was the fossil fuel issue, and it resulted in a long, heated debate.  The community members expressed their concern with global warming, its effect on the world, and how it will hurt their children or grandchildren.  They then asked that the City encourage CALPers to divest from such stocks so as not to contribute to this problem that faces the world.  Vice Mayor Jeff Wieler responded first, somewhat outraged at the idea of these citizens “telling [him] what [his] morals should be”.  He then declared that the City of Piedmont does not take stances on moral issues such as this.  However, Council Members King and Rood argued using extensive scientific data showing the adverse effects of global warming on the world.

Mayor Fujioka suggested that perhaps a more general proposal was in order regarding the City’s stance on such issues but at a later date and put forth a movement that the City take no action on this proposition.  The movement passed with three ayes from from Fujioka, Wieler, and McBain, and two noes from Rood and King.

I found this issue to be very tricky, since I do recognize the danger of global warming and believe that Piedmont should do its part to at least not support such an issue. However, I also understand that taking a moral stance like this would be unprecedented for the City Council. They should not change how they function just by accepting this proposal but rather through a lot of discussion and debate.  I support Mayor Fujioka’s idea to postpone the proposal until the City Council has made a decision about how they will handle proposals of that type.

    I spoke during the Public Forum regarding the danger of an intersection near my house.  The intersection of Moraga Avenue and Mesa Avenue has a crosswalk, but minimal visibility for drivers to see pedestrians before they are already in the street.  Regarding that, combined with the already reckless driving that is typical on Moraga Avenue, I suggested that a stoplight be put in.  None of the Council members commented on my proposal, so I do not believe they will take it into any further consideration.  However, I understand their disinterest since I forgot to make some points that I intended to.  It was intimidating to speak at a podium in a government building, to a council seated dauntingly in a semicircle around you, and I could understand anyone forgetting to make points or making other mistakes.

Editors’ Note:  The opinions expressed are those of the author.

May 13th School Board Meeting Report by Piedmont High School student Derek Cheung –

On Wednesday, May 13th, I went to the School Board meeting at Piedmont City Hall.  By 7:05 p.m., I took a seat in the back row and waited for the meeting to get underway.  Within five minutes, the room filled up rapidly, as all seats were filled and some people had to sit on the stairs.  The meeting started at 7:15 p.m., and begun with the Pledge of Allegiance.  School Board President Andrea Swenson opened the meeting, stating that the School Board met in closed session at 6:00 p.m. and no action was taken.

The meeting started off with community announcements.  First, a brief discussion took place about Association of Piedmont Teachers (APT).  Swenson recognized Gabrielle Kashani as president of APT, and she stated that teachers who work outside of the classroom will be getting extra pay.

Swenson asked if there was anyone from the public who wanted to speak on an item not listed on the agenda.  A Piedmont man, Rick Schiller, had a hand written speech that was prepared beforehand, and he talked about school taxes on parcels.  He made statements about how our school’s taxes are one of the most expensive in the state, and how Piedmont taxes are financially difficult to afford and pay.

Senior Miles von Hermann stood up and stated that the textbooks at Piedmont High School are outdated, as many of them were published in the 90s. Von Hermann said today’s issues are not included in the curriculum, and there is writing on the pages. Von Hermann concluded that new textbooks would benefit students.  Swenson jokingly added that Assistant Superintendent Randy Booker is already taking note of his complaint.

By 7:20 p.m., Swenson talked about speeding cars driving by schools.  She stated that the City will get speed monitors, similar to the ones on Oakland Avenue. Swensen warned the community that officers will be issuing more tickets, and to watch your speed while driving by school streets.

Less than minute later, a presentation was delivered by Superintendent Connie Hubbard.  She recognized Piedmont resident and photographer Jennifer Fox as recipient of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year Award.  When speaking at the podium, Fox said she was asked to attend the AP Art Show at Piedmont High, and chose a piece of art as the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year. There was one art piece that stood out to Fox.  It was by senior Ying Zhou and represented “beauty is in our lives.”  Fox and Zhou took photos together with the art piece.

By 7:30 p.m., Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced the Youth Educators (YEds).  Booker introduced adviser John Hayden and three of the Youth Educators and asked them to step to the podium.  Hayden gave a brief background of Youth Educators, stating that YEds is a social and emotional welfare program for 8th graders, and that with the help of 21 YEds, 8th graders will feel safer in high school.  Hayden stepped aside, allowing Tom Jara, Chloe Lee Rowlands, and Nate Pedan to speak to the School Board and community.  The three YEds mentioned that being in this program made them a better people, and that they loved spending time with the 8th graders.

By 7:40 p.m, Swenson introduced review items on the agenda.  First up, Assistant Superintendent Booker introduced a request that the Board approve the naming of the Learnscape at Piedmont High School (PHS) to memorialize beloved science teacher Eileen Rohmer.  Booker introduced Piedmont High School history teacher Courtney Goen to the podium, to add more details about the Learnscape. Goen described the development of Learnscape as a community effort, and thanked the Piedmont Beautification Foundation (PBF) and the Parent Club for their support.  Ms. Goen added that with the help of Ms. Bailey’s AP Art class, they are proposing to put up a mural designed by Dominic Frost in honor of Ms. Rohmer.

After Ms. Goen’s presentation, the Board asked me to step forward, as I had filled out a speaker card beforehand on this topic.  I went up to the podium and said: “I am a recent Eagle Scout and for my project I built signage for the Piedmont Middle School (PMS) Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at the Middle School has tables and benches for students to hang out at lunch, after school, or some teachers even bring their students down there on a nice day. Back when I was in Middle School, that space where the Learnscape is now, used to be a parking lot.  The students should be grateful and lucky to have an area like Learnscape.  I know the Learnscape at PHS is not going to be as large a space as PMS, but will there be benches and tables for students to utilize?”

Ms. Goen responded that benches and tables will be installed.  Goen added that $5,400 in donations have been collected so far, and the smallest donation was $7 for Learnscape.  The Board was in favor, and the Learnscape project passed.

I think having the PHS Learnscape will be a popular place for students to hang out during lunch or before/after school.  It is a great idea to add this unique place to the PHS campus, honoring Ms. Rohmer, who was a beloved science teacher and inspired many students.  The fact that benches and tables are going to be installed at Learnscape will encourage and welcome students to eat lunch or hang out on campus.  Plus, the Learnscape will be a great way to remember Ms. Rohmer who will never be forgotten in the PHS community.

By 7:50 p.m., Booker introduced the elementary school principals who have worked on the selection for the elementary math curriculum.  Booker introduced Cheryl Wozniak to the podium.  Wozniak presented a series of slides in a powerpoint presentation, and joining her was resource specialist Sarah Kingston.  Wozniak added that the state of California adopted Common Core in August 2010, and it was introduced by Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) in 2014.  She also added that the proposed math curriculum is Bridges and Number Corner.  Kingston spoke afterwards stating: “This new math pathway proposal meets non-negotiable criteria by grade level and meets rigor and balance in alignment criteria”.  Kingston added that when trying out the new math pathway program with students, they loved it.

Havens Principal Anne Dolid was later introduced to talk about the communication plan.  Dolid stated that there has been Common Planning time with teachers, email communications with staff, bulletin updates and Infinite Campus messages to parents with updates on adapting the new math pathways. Dolid went on to say that all teachers who voted supported the recommendation to adopt Bridges and Number Corner, the new math curriculum. The School Board unanimously voted to adopt the new math programs for the elementary level.

By 8:30 p.m., Booker introduced a proposal to pass Integrated Math 1 and 2A for PMS/MHS/PHS.  This would replace the current math pathway as discussed by all math departments.  According to Booker, these new programs will spark student interest and concepts will click quickly.

There were a lot of concerns by the School Board about these new math programs. Board Member Doug Ireland added that students would go into the next math course by barely passing the class. Board Member Rick Raushenbush questioned whether summer school can be an option.  Sarah Pearson spoke on whether textbooks for the math curriculum look promising. Department Chair Doyle O’ Regan answered that question, stating that he looked at seven products, and that high school level textbooks are not well developed. Booker added that the department will continue looking into textbooks to use in the fall and will report back to the School Board.  O’Regan concluded that there will be five courses in Integrated Math, and that there will be about 25 students in each class. School Board Member Amal Smith added that more UC’s are looking at Integrated Math.

By 8:45 p.m., Superintendent Hubbard discussed the Co-Curricular Schedule, and approval of the contract between the District and APT.  Hubbard defined co-curricular as spending extensive time outside of the classroom by a staff member.  The Board eventually approved the new schedule, and applauded APT president Gabrielle Kashani for her leadership.  I think that teachers should earn extra pay, if they are working outside of the classroom for a significant amount of time.  The teachers deserve it as they are not required to do it, but they choose to spend their personal time organizing the curriculum and class for their students.

Next, Hubbard briefly talked about contract openers.  She added that they are looking at professional growth and salary schedule, and the classified contract is on the PUSD website.  By 8:50 p.m., Assistant Superintendents Booker and Brady spoke on the RFP Process and LCAP Budget.  By 9:00 p.m., Hubbard announced that the PMS 8th grade celebration will be held June 10th at 4 p.m. at Witter Field, MHS graduation will be on the same day at 12:45 p.m.at the Piedmont Veterans Hall.  On June 11th, PHS graduation will take place at 5 p.m. at Witter Field.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.

A Report by Piedmont High School Student Josephine Ireland –

On Wednesday, May 13^th, 2015, the Piedmont Unified School District’s Board of Education met at City Hall in one of their monthly meetings.  The Board of Education recognized Jennifer Fox as the winner of the 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award, discussed the Learnscape project that is dedicated to Eileen Rohmer, and discussed the new math curriculums at both the elementary schools and the high schools.

The 2015 Arthur Hecht Volunteer of the Year award this year was awarded to Jennifer Fox, who was regarded as a kind, bright photographer.  The Superintendent of Education, Constance Hubbard, allowed Fox to say a few words regarding her appreciation and the gift painting that she chose from the PHS art show.  Fox stated that as a photographer she feels gifted to be able to take photos for the Piedmont community.  As her reward, she chose a painting by high school student Ying Zou, which portrayed famous architecture around the world.  Zhou said its purpose was to illustrate how people get lost in their busy lives and should notice the beauty the world has created.

Not posted on the agenda was an appearance made by a few Youth Educators (YEds), who also have learned a lot about giving back to the community.  Tom Jara, Nate Peden and Chloe Lee Rowlands all spoke of how when they were eighth graders the impact that Youth Educators had on them was tremendous.  They shared that the transition from middle school to high school, but because of YEds this was made easier. The program creates a great support for not only the eighth graders, but also for the YEds themselves because of the community they build with each other.

After the YEds spoke, Randall Booker, the assistant superintendent, introduced the Learnscape project that was being built to honor Eileen Rohmer, a science teacher that passed away a few years ago. History teacher, Courtney Goen discussed the purpose and plans for the project. She said because Ms. Rohmer had always worked for the greater good, she deserved this honor. Student Dominic Frost painted a picture of Ms. Rohmer that would be made into a mural in the Learnscape area. Goen says it would be used as a beautiful lunch area for students to sit, do homework and eat lunch on campus; it could also be used as an outdoor classroom.  Goen also stated that many people have been donating very generously to the cause.  After details of the Learnscape project had been announced, the Board approved the name of the Learnscape Project.

After Learnscape was approved, Booker introduced problems with the elementary math curriculum and how the principles of it were jaded.  The new curriculum came from common core and had been reviewed by the community.  Elementary teachers and administrators recommend the Bridges in Mathematics and Number Corner as the new curriculum.  Because it has to follow a certain criteria and be engaging, accessible, and work for small groups and target specific learning needs, this new curriculum is perfect as stated by five elementary school teachers.  Ann Dolid discussed how both teachers and parents gave positive feedback and she suggested the School Board adopt Bridges and Number Corners.

In addition to the elementary math, Booker introduced an issue of the integrated math at the high schools. The reason for taking the more advanced course is because of a larger interest in math. Doug Ireland, Board of Education member, said “C-” is a “low bar for sending students into a compression course.” He noted that students with a low grade should not be taking the more advanced course.  He worries that parents may force their child into a class even with this grade when they are not ready. Booker did state, however, there will be a rubric sent home, but Ireland continued to be astonished that there is such a low standard for the compressed course.

Editors’ Note: Opinions expressed are those of the author.