[img]701|exact|Happy volunteers for the parcel tax army stopped long enough Saturday to pose||no_popup[/img]
An outpouring of support from more than 100 volunteers thronged through the Culver City streets on Saturday to spread their enthusiastic support of Measure EE, the parcel tax for the School District on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Not only did parents turn out with kids in tow and pushing baby carriages, but they were joined by a group of School District employees, administrators, elected officials, principals (both retired and current), and four candidates for the School Board.
They all joined in the march to bring accurate information to the nearly 2500 voters who participated in the last election.
They were soliciting support for a $96 a year per-parcel tax for the next five years that is expected to annually yield about $1.2 million for the School District.
On Saturday, the volunteers broke into precinct groupings, and covered nearly every inch of Culver City in around 3 hours. Then they met for a rest and to exchange stories at the home of School Board member Scott Zeidman, where they enjoyed a barbeque.
“I had a great time reconnecting with my neighbors, and I was pleasantly surprised at nearly unanimous support by seniors and families alike,” Bonnie Wacker, a 20-year resident with two daughters who attend Farragut School and the Middle School
“My senior neighbors have raised their children here. They love Culver City. They want to support the 5-year parcel tax to make sure the next generation has the same advantages their children did. In some cases their grandchildren are now attending Culver City schools.”
Overnight, Measure EE lawn signs sprouted. When volunteers knocked on doors, after their visits, they left behind brochures explaining how strongly Culver City schools need the parcel tax to maintain their quality.
Ms. Wacker, who also is publicity chair of the campaign, said afterward:
“We felt it was really important to get the message out now. It’s only 5 weeks until the election, and absentee ballots will be sent as early as Oct. 5.
Campaign co-chair Madeline Ehrlich said the committee was “thankful for the many generous donations we’ve received to print flyers, lawn signs and to send a mailing. We have been prudent and resourceful.
“However, we are appreciative of additional donations. We need them to reach all voters and to run a successful Yes on EE campaign.”
Donations may be sent to:
Yes on EE = Educational Excellence,
Crystal C. Alexander, Treasurer, 3970 Shedd Terrace,Culver City, CA 90232-3014.
The school community came out in force on Saturday.
Volunteers included Supt. Dr. Myrna Rivera Cote, Assistant Superintendents Patricia Jaffe, Gwenis Laura and David El Fattal, Director Ali Delawalla, Principals Pam Magee (Culver City High School), Jon Pearson (Middle School), Kevin Kronfeld (Adult School),Marianne Turner (Culver Park High), Chris Collins (LaBallona School), Dr. Tom Tracy (El Rincon School), and Asst. Principal Josie Wilson (Middle School)), and retired Principals Rose LaBriola, Sarah Fields, Barbara Brown and Marvin Brown.
Four of the six candidates for the School Board, Karlo Silbiger, Kathy Paspalis, Alan Elmont and Robert Zirgulis, took time from their own campaigns to walk instead for Measure EE.
Mr. Zeidman said he was “amazed” at the turnout of volunteers. I
“It’s obvious that the Culver City community cares deeply about our schools,” he said. “I’m touched and thrilled so many people gave up a portion of their weekend to spread the word about the importance of Measure EE.”
Measure EE is endorsed by the Culver City Democratic Club, the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, the Culver City Federation of Teachers, The Culver City Council PTA, by the City Council, by the School Board, six former Culver City mayors, Friends of the Culver City Youth Health Center, Advocates for Language Learning and hundreds of Culver City residents listed at www.yesonee.com.
Volunteers may contact Mr. Zeidman at scott.zeidman@laslots.com or 310.925.8207, or Ms. Ehrlich at PMSHA@aol.com or 310.398.4103.
