Opinion: The real problem in Colorado’s public schools are the liberal unions not conservative idealogues

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Opinion: The real problem in Colorado’s public schools are the liberal unions not conservative idealogues How to respond to teachers’ union president Aime Baca-Oehlert’s screed attacking “conservative school boards” on Oct. 7 in The Denver Post?  The best place to start is with what she conveniently chose not to address.In her tirade, she never once referred to the very reason these school boards exist – to deliver academic results. While she correctly states that one of the primary objectives of school boards is to “establish goals,” she, like all union-controlled school boards, avoids defining goals in measurable terms. That’s because, if goals were measurable, she and her colleagues could be held accountable for actual results.The unions’ desire to hide from sunshine is quite understandable when, in union-controlled districts like Denver Public Schools, 60% of students cannot read or write at grade level and 70% of students cannot do math at grade level according to the 2023 Colorado Measures of Academic Success exams. In Adams 14, the numbers are even worse — 86% a...

Nathan MacKinnon, Avs get first look at phenom Connor Bedard: “He’s a lot better than me at 18”

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Nathan MacKinnon, Avs get first look at phenom Connor Bedard: “He’s a lot better than me at 18” Connor Bedard’s introduction to the NHL has been a crash course in facing some of the best players and franchises in the league’s history.His first shift came against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The next three contests were against the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bedard Show rolled into Denver for the final stop on a five-game road trip Thursday night to begin his much-hyped professional career.“He looks awesome,” Avs center Nathan MacKinnon, a fellow No. 1 overall pick, said prior to Thursday night’s game.“I caught a couple of his games. He looks really good. He’s very dynamic. I don’t need to tell you guys how good he is. I know he works really hard from being around him a little bit. I definitely respect his game and it’s going to be tough tonight to contain him.”Bedard had been touted as the next hockey phenom for multiple years before the Chicago Blackhawks won the 2023 draft lottery. He...

4 students killed in Malibu crash eligible for posthumous degrees, Pepperdine says

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

4 students killed in Malibu crash eligible for posthumous degrees, Pepperdine says Four Pepperdine University students who were hit and killed by a driver in Malibu earlier this week are eligible to receive posthumous degrees, the university's chief academic officer announced at a prayer service Thursday morning.Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams died when authorities say a speeding driver hit them on the Pacific Coast Highway roughly four miles east of the school around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.All four were seniors at Pepperdine's Seaver College of Liberal Arts. Malibu residents speak out after four Pepperdine students killed on PCH “Severe College has established a policy where students who have displayed a high record of achievement both socially and academically are qualified to receive a posthumous degree,” said Provost Jay Brewster. “It is my great pleasure … to note that all four of these students are qualified to receive this honor in the class of 2024. We look forward to having this conversation with the families at the appro...

Sali Kimi’s official music video ‘Precious’ has been released

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Sali Kimi’s official music video ‘Precious’ has been released Sali Kimi, a New York City-based South Korean RnB artist, has drawn inspiration from influential RnB artists such as Jhene Aiko, Drake, Partynextdoor, Kehlani, and others. Having spent her formative years moving between New York City and South Korea, Kimi boasts a distinctive musical background. This, coupled with numerous major performance opportunities, steered her into the music industry from a young age.One of her standout tracks, “Blue Skinny Jeans” from the EP “Wildflower,” soared to the top 60 on the USA iTunes charts. This accomplishment has catapulted her into becoming a worldwide fan-based artist. A key factor in her music’s widespread appeal across generations is its ability to not just be catchy, but to also authentically mirror her free-spirited personality. Her hybrid, signature sound stands out as a significant asset in the crowded music industry.Another highlight from “Wildflower” is the track “Precious.” The beat...

Woman Killed, Another Hospitalized after Solo-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 805 [San Diego, CA]

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Woman Killed, Another Hospitalized after Solo-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 805 [San Diego, CA] Single-Car Accident in Chollas View Area Kills 63-Year-Old Female DriverSAN DIEGO, CA (October 19, 2023) – Late Monday night, a solo-vehicle crash on Interstate 805 left a female driver dead and a passenger injured.The fatal accident happened around 11:45 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the freeway, near SR-94 in the Chollas View area.A white Nissan Altima veered off the roadway while traveling north for reasons under investigation. Subsequently, the Nissan went up an embankment and crashed its roof into a sign pillar.Responding emergency personnel used hydraulic-powered tools to extricate the two occupants inside.Unfortunately, the 63-year-old female driver of the Maxima died at the scene. However, her identity remains undisclosed to the public, pending notification from the next of kin.Meanwhile, paramedics rushed her female passenger to a hospital to treat serious injuries.At this time, the CHP San Diego area is investigating the cause of the incident. Those with additional...

Driver gets 3 years, 4 months for killing golf course employee in San Leandro crash

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Driver gets 3 years, 4 months for killing golf course employee in San Leandro crash OAKLAND — An Oakland man has been sentenced to three years and four months behind bars for killing a golf course employee in San Leandro in a 2022 hit and run collision, court records show.Jason McDermott, 44, pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter in the death of Ismael Hernandez, an employee at Monarch Bay Golf Course. The crash occurred on April 18, 2022.Hernandez had been riding a lawnmower at work when he was struck by a stolen Dodge pickup truck. Both McDermott and a passenger ran from the crash, and that the passenger later told police McDermott was driving, police said.Witnesses later gave police videos showing McDermott running and jumping fences in his attempt to get away from the accident scene, authorities said.As part of the plea deal, Alameda County prosecutors dropped charges of leaving the scene of an accident, driving a stolen car, and enhancements related to his seven prior convictions, including for driving a stolen car and evading police in a vehicle,...

Chase of car-theft suspect in East Bay ends with suspect’s wrong-way crash on state Highway 24

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Chase of car-theft suspect in East Bay ends with suspect’s wrong-way crash on state Highway 24 ORINDA — An Oakland man who authorities said had an arrest warrant out on drug trafficking charges crashed into another car Wednesday night while traveling the wrong way on state Highway 24, authorities said.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | 2 Bay Area residents arrested after $130,000 in jewelry and electronics stolen from rental car Crime and Public Safety | Hayward man sentenced to 14 years for sexually assaulting woman as she walked Oakland streets Crime and Public Safety | Oakland man thought to have died in Cement Hill car crash was actually shot, police say Crime and Public Safety | ‘The buck stops with me’: Oakland mayor acknowledges struggles, crime problem in State of the City address Crime and Public Safety | East Bay woman arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run earlier this year in Tracy The 35-year-old suspect and the driver of the other vehicle also involved...

Warriors rave about Spurs ‘sensation’ Wembanyama before final preseason game

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Warriors rave about Spurs ‘sensation’ Wembanyama before final preseason game SAN FRANCISCO – The biggest story in basketball, literally and figuratively, will make his first appearance in the Bay Area on Friday night.Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 pick and San Antonio’s best prospect since Tim Duncan, will give a glimpse of the future to the team once considered by its owner to be “light years ahead of the league”Warriors center Dario Šarić figures to be one of the Warriors’ primary defenders against the rookie.Having played with other talented bigs such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Deandre Ayton and reigning MVP Joel Embiid over a six-year career, the 28-year-old veteran acknowledged Wembanyama’s abilities. “He’s a sensation,” Šarić said after the Warriors’ 116-115 victory over the Kings on Wednesday. “He’s 7-foot-4, shooting and dribbling the ball like a guard, so he’s going to be a challenge for us.”It’s the kind of skill set that is straight out of a basketball video game.“He’s like a 2K create-a-player, like every point guard that wan...

Newsom plans one-day Israel visit on his way to China

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Newsom plans one-day Israel visit on his way to China By Tran Nguyen | Associated PressSACRAMENTO — California Gov. Gavin Newsom is planning a one-day visit to Israel this week to meet people affected by that country’s war with Hamas, stopping over en route to China where he will discuss policies to curb global warming.The Democratic governor is set to arrive Friday in Israel with plans to depart later that same day for Hong Kong. His office didn’t immediately answer questions about his schedule and activities in Israel.“I’m on my way to Israel,” Newsom confirmed in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’ll be meeting with those impacted by the horrific terrorist attacks and offering California’s support.”California is also sending medical supplies to the region, including provisions intended for the Gaza Strip, his office said.On Wednesday, Newsom announced more security funding for places of worship in California, including $10 million to immediately increase the pol...

Laphonza Butler won't run for Senate

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:23:05 GMT

Laphonza Butler won't run for Senate Recently appointed Democratic Senator for California Laphonza Butler will not run for a full term in 2024, according to a report in the New York Times. Butler, the former president of political action committee EMILY's List, was appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the late Dianne Feinstein's seat.Butler was sworn in earlier this month and there has been speculation that she could enter the race from the formidable position of effectively being a sitting U.S. Senator.  Former KTLA reporter Christina Pascucci running for U.S. Senate seat In an interview with the New York Times Thursday, Sen. Butler shot down any idea she might pursue the seat permanently.Speaking to the Times, Butler said she intended to be "the loudest, proudest champion of California," in her remaining days in office, but she realized that serving in the Senate was not "the greatest use of my voice."Butler later confirmed the Times reporting, issuing a statement saying in part, "I've spent ...