Before rejoining the search for a new principal for Culver City High School, down to its last two weeks, School Board President Nancy Goldberg flew off for an spring holiday that was doubly novel.
Now what could be so fascinating about a sedate retired lady of a certain age traveling to a non-exotic destination, and whose purpose hardly anyone could guess.
First was her destination, Boise, Idaho.
Second was the most unorthodox reason:
Because Boise offers a popular raptor center (where birds of prey of various kinds are maintained).
“I used to fly falcons when I was younger,” said the Ms. Goldberg, one of the most popular teachers in the high school’s history.
“I became intrigued by the whole process.”
Once peregrine falcons were an endangered species.
Ms. Goldberg explained that the Boise raptor center was established “where people can help raise them back to a level where they were before.
“They are not endangered anymore,” said Ms. Goldberg, “because an institute managed to rescue them. The institute made sure the falcons had a healthy habitat where they could get started on returning to a normal life.”
How did the peregrine falcons become imperiled?
According to the School Board president, “for about seven years, DDT destroyed their egg shells, and they could not reproduce. When the DDT was stopped, the egg shells became increasingly sturdy.
“Over time, the falcons have been able to reestablish their colony.”
And surely Ms. Goldberg earns the award for the most imaginative vacation.
