Tag Archives: 2008

iPads without science – Letter to the Beach Reporter by Mitch Williams

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Mike

iPads without science

For four and a half years, I taught Mira Costa’s technology courses, including AP Computer Science, and Video Game Development, applying high school math to 3D graphics. So, I had vested interest in MBUSD’s technology plan.

I certainly support technology in education – previously, I was manager of software for “Math Blaster,” the top-selling children’s educational video game.

MBUSD’s commitment to technology brought hope. However, that fell apart when, in September, an employee was badly injured by an electrical shock from the lab’s high voltage lines. As a teacher, I was never informed by MBUSD, though they knew the dangers as this computer lab was featured in the Proposition BB video in 2008.

After a three-week delay, we returned to the outdated computers. As MBUSD Deputy Superintendent Rick Bagley wrote to the State of California “these computers were largely inoperable” and “none of them were usable.”

And I was expected to teach with this? … Continue reading →

Posted in Beach Reporter Letters, Letters to the Editor, Manhattan Beach | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on iPads without science – Letter to the Beach Reporter by Mitch Williams

Union bosses and well-funded outside special interests tried again in 2008 to take over small town El Segundo

Posted on April 2, 2008 by Mike

2008 EL SEGUNDO CITY ELECTION

Union bosses and well-funded outside special interests tried again in 2008 to take over small town El Segundo

Former City Councilmember Mike Robbins fought against a big city-style political machine in small town El Segundo

“El Segundo Fire and Police Union bosses unilaterally endorsed candidates with the worst public safety, spending, and integrity records.”

Candidates were supported with tens of thousands of dollars from outside special interests, including developers, a trash hauler, someone who tried to obtain a large city contract without competition, and others who may have expected something in return. One of these candidates was Eric Busch. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, El Segundo, El Segundo Election Coverage, El Segundo News, Elections, Firefighter and Police Union Compensation and Pensions, Firefighter Union Corruption, Government Employee Compensation and Pensions, Police Union Corruption, Political Corruption, Politics, Union Corruption | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Union bosses and well-funded outside special interests tried again in 2008 to take over small town El Segundo

What is a Fire or Police Union Endorsement Really Worth? by Michael D. Robbins

Posted on April 2, 2008 by Mike

What is a Fire or Police Union Endorsement Really Worth ?

    El Segundo Fire and Police Union bosses have unilaterally endorsed candidates:

  • With the Worst public safety and spending records.

    In the last City Council election (2004), the El Segundo Fire and Police Union
    Bosses     endorsed the candidates with the worst public safety records and failed to
    endorse the two candidates with outstanding public safety records – Jim
    Boulgarides, a firefighter and paramedic in another city and also an L.A. County
    Lifeguard – and former multi-term Mayor Carl Jacobson, who was instrumental in
    the successful relocation into El Segundo and modernization of our 911 emergency
    call/dispatch center and our public safety records management system.

    The Union bosses endorsed George Nakano for our State Assembly district in
    2002, even though Nakano voted only three days after the 9-11 Terrorist Attack
    to give official California driver licenses to Illegal Aliens, Identity Thieves, Drug
    Smugglers, and Terrorists using the identity of their choice (AB 60, 9/14/2001).
    Nakano voted for dangerous laws and bloated budgets that led to the Governor
    Davis recall.

… Continue reading →

Posted in California, El Segundo, El Segundo Election Coverage, El Segundo News, Elections, Firefighter and Police Union Compensation and Pensions, Firefighter Union Corruption, Government Employee Compensation and Pensions, News, Police Union Corruption, Political Corruption, Politics, Union Corruption | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What is a Fire or Police Union Endorsement Really Worth? by Michael D. Robbins