California Senate and Assembly Candidates by Legislative District 4

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SANDABS Education Issues Questionnaire State Senate and Assembly Candidates

Table of Contents

SANDABS Introduction to Candidate Survey 3

California Senate and Assembly Candidates by Legislative District 4

Question #1—Introduction 6

Question #2—Legislative/Budget Priorities 9

Question #3—Priorities Related to Public Education 11

Question #4—California’s Public Education System 14

Question #5—Charter Schools Conflict of Interest 18

Questions #6—SANDABS Legislative Platform 19

SANDABS Legislative Platform 22

Supplementary Documents from Interview Participants 25

San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Schools (SANDABS)

Education Issues Questionnaire State Senate and Assembly Candidates

California General Election: November 4, 2008

San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Schools (SANDABS) is an organization of school district board members and superintendents representing the school districts of San Bernardino County. Our primary purpose is to provide a forum and contact for state and federal legislators to discuss and review issues affecting public education in the State of California. SANDABS does not endorse candidates.

The SANDABS Executive Committee – composed of nine school board members, nine district superintendents, and the County Superintendent – has surveyed (prior to the primary election) and surveyed/interviewed (prior to the general election) state Senate and Assembly candidates since 1988. The purpose of these contacts has been twofold. First, the process is an opportunity for candidates to be introduced to SANDABS and to set the foundation for future discussions with successful candidates. Second, the process provides an opportunity for candidates to share their views and opinions on issues affecting public education with constituents from the educational community.

Survey questionnaires were mailed to all candidates at the beginning of October with a request to provide timely responses to a common group of questions for publication in a report to SANDABS members, school board members, superintendents, and news media in San Bernardino County. Senate and Assembly candidates that have at least a portion of their respective districts in San Bernardino County are noted below. Not all candidates provided responses to the questionnaire. Candidates who replied in writing have their responses published after each question.

The SANDABS Executive Committee is grateful to all of the candidates who participated in the Education Issues Questionnaire. Candidates used a variety of writing styles—outlines, narrative writing, and combinations of both. All of these were acceptable because the purpose was to learn more about candidate viewpoints on several topics of importance to the member districts of SANDABS. Except for minor formatting changes, written responses are presented as they were received. Three candidates— Linda Jones, 36th Assembly District; Diane Singer, 60th Assembly District; and Carl Wood, 65th Assembly District—participated in an interview before regional panels representing the SANDABS Executive Committee.

SANDABS looks forward to working with our elected state legislators in support of public education and higher student achievement.

3 California Senate and Assembly Candidates by Legislative District

17th Senate District Adelanto, Apple Valley Unified, Hesperia Unified, Oro Grande, Snowline Joint Unified, Victor, Victor Valley Community College, Victor Valley Union High Bruce McFarland (Dem), 24307 Magic Mtn Parkway, #330, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Senator George Runner (Rep), 43759 15th Street W PMB 25, Lancaster, CA 93534

29th Senate District Chaffey Joint Union High, Chino Valley Unified, and Ontario-Montclair Assemblymember Bob Huff (Rep), PO Box 4243, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Joseph Lyons (Dem), 1774 Chatcham Court, Claremont, CA 91711 Jill Stone (Lib), 9529 Los Tunos Drive, Temple City, CA 91780

31st Senate District Alta Loma, Bear Valley Unified, Central, Chaffey Joint Union High, Chaffey Community College, Colton Joint Unified, Cucamonga, Etiwanda, Mt. Baldy Joint, Redlands Unified, Rim of the World Unified, San Bernardino City Unified, San Bernardino Community College, Upland Unified, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified Senator Bob Dutton (Rep), PO Box 460, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729 Ameenah Fuller (Dem), 353A South Mountain Avenue #115, Upland, CA 91786

32nd Assembly District Trona Joint Unified Assemblymember Jean Fuller (Rep), 6218 De La Guerra Ter., Bakersfield, CA 93306 Virginia Martinez (Dem), PO Box 12382, Bakersfield, CA 93389

34th Assembly District Baker Valley Unified, Barstow Community College, Barstow Unified, Copper Mountain Community College, Lucerne Valley Unified, Morongo Unified, Needles Unified, Silver Valley Unified, and Trona Joint Unified Connie Conway (Rep), 157 E. Merritt Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274 Desmond Farrelly (Dem), PO Box 2117, Tulare, CA 93275

36th Assembly District Adelanto, Barstow Community College, Barstow Unified, Helendale, Hesperia Unified, Oro Grande, Snowline Joint Unified, Victor, Victor Valley Community College, and Victor Valley Union High Linda K. Jones (Dem), 3053 W. Rancho Vista Boulevard, Palmdale, CA 93551 Steve Knight (Rep), PO Box 9406, Lancaster, CA 93539

59th Assembly District Apple Valley Unified, Chaffey Community College, Hesperia Unified, Lucerne Valley Unified, Mt. Baldy Joint, and Rim of the World Unified Assemblymember Anthony Adams (Rep), 915-C West Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711 Maureen Keedy (Lib), 5309 North E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92407 Donald Williamson (Dem), 7223 Church Street, Suite A-20 #173, Highland, CA 92346

4 60th Assembly District Chino Valley Unified Curt Hagman (Rep), 3233 Grand Avenue N-265, Chino Hills, CA 91709 Diane Singer (Dem), 864 S. Bramble Way, Anaheim, CA 92808

61st Assembly District Central, Chaffey Joint Union High, Chino Valley Unified, Cucamonga, Mountain View, and Ontario-Montclair Wendy Maier (Rep), 310 S. Thomas Street, Pomona, CA 91766 Michael Mendez (Lib), 4712 Evart Street, Montclair, CA 91763 Norma Torres (Dem), 790 E. Colorado Boulevard #506, Pasadena, CA 91101

62nd Assembly District Colton Joint Unified, Fontana Unified, Rialto Unified, and San Bernardino City Unified, and San Bernardino Community College Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem), PO Box 1043, Rialto, CA 92377

63rd Assembly District List of school districts Alta Loma, Central, Chaffey Community College, Chaffey Joint Union High, Colton Joint Unified, Cucamonga, Etiwanda, Fontana Unified, Mt. Baldy Joint, Redlands Unified, San Bernardino City Unified, San Bernardino Community College, Upland Unified, and Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified Assemblymember Bill Emmerson (Rep), 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Redlands, CA 92374 Mark Westwood (Dem), 31816 Avenue E #28, Yucaipa, CA 92399

65th Assembly District Bear Valley Unified, Copper Mountain Community College, Morongo Unified, Redlands Unified, and Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified Assemblymember Paul Cook (Rep), PO Box 365, Yucca Valley, CA 92286 Carl Wood (Dem), PO Box 211, Beaumont, CA 92223

5 Survey Questions 1. Introduction ♦ Please introduce yourself and provide a brief history of your experience that qualifies you to serve or continue to serve as an elected representative in the State Legislature.

17th Senate District Senator George Runner (Rep): I am a former school administrator and have been serving in the State Senate for the last four years. Prior to that, I served six years in the Assembly and as a Mayor and Councilman for the City of Lancaster.

29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): I am Jill Stone, a small business owner for 24 years. I intend to apply the principles used in running a small business to correcting our state’s budget.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): My name is Ameenah R. Fuller. I am a candidate for California State Senate District 31 and the Chief Executive Officer of a Healthcare/business consulting firm based in Upland, California. I have 24 years experience as a healthcare consultant providing compliance measures with recommendations to Administrators and corporate staff at Hospitals and Medical facilities in California. A Business woman for over 20 years operating and managing a consulting business, which requires daily organizational planning and budgetary management. I have a successful record of accomplishments in the healthcare community working with medium to large facilities. My government experience relates to working in a state senator’s office researching legislative issues regarding housing economic growth education and healthcare. Experience working with constituents issues relating to education, healthcare and housing and receiving a “Citation” for outstanding work performed at a State Senator’s office. Experience working on several congressional and representatives’ campaigns. I am currently working on a Masters Degree in Public Policy. Mrs. Fuller has over 24 years of experience, which she and her supporters believe is invaluable to deliver the changes citizens desire in quality healthcare, education and the environment. Mrs. Fuller is the endorsed candidate of the California State Democratic Party. According to Ms. Fuller, “These challenges take the support of all Californians. Our children and teachers will suffer if we allow our representatives to cut education funding. As State Senator I will protect education and introduce legislation to promote quality education for all Californians. As State Senator I will introduce legislation to promote preventative healthcare and nutrition programs, which reduce the overall cost of healthcare.” Political Associations: American Political Science Association

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): My name is Virginia Martinez, candidate for the 32nd District Assembly of California. On June 3, 2008, members from the Democratic Party elected me as the nominee to run against Jean Fuller. Currently I work as a social worker. My work experience is in public transportation, senior nutrition and adult school education, specifically English Language Development. I have a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from California State University Bakersfield.

34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): Current Chair of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors 2006 President of the CA State Association of Counties 2005 President of the Cities, Counties & Schools Partnership Chair, CA Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley 2007 Member Governors Pension Benefits Commission 6 36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): • Nov. 2005-Elected to the Westside Union School District Board of Trustees • 11 years public school teacher-Resource Specialist and Special day Class (ED and M/M) Grades 5-12 (Palmdale School District K-8 and Antelope Valley Union H.S. District • Education Specialist Credential Level 1 (Clear is pending) • M.A. Special Education • 15 years License Vocational Nurse • Employed as Field Representative to former Assemblyman Richard Katz • B.A. Urban Studies with emphasis in community and economic development • Married 28 years to my husband Robert who is also a special education teacher and Education Therapist • Proud mother of 4 daughters and 3 grandchildren For 25 years as a community advocate serving on many local municipal and civic boards both appointed and volunteer. I have actively advocated on behalf of local parent and community control, women, working families and youth at risk of academic failure. I have a long and consistent record of being a consensus builder and problem solver.

Steve Knight (Rep): I am a 17-year veteran of the LAPD, and have served the last three years on the Palmdale City Council. I have two children in public school and my wife and I are actively involved with our children’s schools.

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): I am Diane Singer, candidate for the 60th AD. I became interested in running for this seat after many years observing that the current representation was more interested in “controlling the teachers’ union” – his words – than in our children’s learning. I don’t see how someone can sit on the Education Committee and not want to partner with teachers. In my view, you cannot support public education unless you are a full partner with those who run the business of the business of our schools. I am an educator and businesswoman; I hold a MBA and a Masters degree in Educational Technology. More importantly, I am a vested member of the public school community, a community college educator and parent of children in public schools, active PTA leader and K- 12 advocate; I get the issues facing public schools. I understand how children learn, I have strong relationships with teachers, and I understand that education is the key to solving many of our societal problems. Education touches all the issues we face as a nation.

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): I was born in Pomona and I have lived in and adjacent to the 61st Assembly District all of my life. I have attended schools K-12 and college within the same region. I have never been married, 45 years old and have no children. I have worked in the groundwater industry all over Southern California for over 5 years. I have worked in various other clerical and technical jobs and I am currently working as an optical technician.

Wendy Maier (Rep): I am Wendy Maier, Candidate for the 61st Assembly district. This is my first time running for office. I was a teacher. I now own and operate a very successful business in downtown Pomona. I feel I have a common sense approach to solving problems.

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): I am currently running for my second term in the California State Assembly. During my first term, I have been a friend to education. Even though I did not serve on the education committee, nearly one-third of the 40 bills I introduced were geared towards helping improve California’s education system. Of note, I introduced AB 2396 to allow students to receive credit for civic engagement: I believe that we should encourage our youth to be engaged in our civic process early.

7 I also introduced AB 2243 in conjunction the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and supported by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ office, to simplify the process by which school districts can reorganize. It would streamline the process and produce a cost savings. AB 428, which mandates that school districts must send out letters to parents informing them how their individual high school curriculums meet A through G requirements, was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2007.

63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): From 1969 to 1975, I worked in the State Legislature as a legislative assistant, after which I attended dental school. I practiced orthodontics for 23 years while teaching part-time in the graduate orthodontic program at Loma Linda University. During this period, I served as chair of the California Dental Association’s Council on Legislation and was later appointed chair of the political action committee. These appointments, and my years of service with the Legislature, provided me hands- on experience with the legislative process. In 2004, I was elected to the State Assembly. During the 2006- 07 session of the Assembly, I served as Vice Chair of the Business and Professions Committee. I also served on Health, Appropriations, and Budget Committees. My sub-committee assignment on budget deals with the issues of Health and Human Services.

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): A lifetime of Community Service and Commitment to family and Community … In 2006, I was the Democratic nominee for the California State Assembly, 63rd A.D. In the general election Westwood garnered 46% of the vote in Riverside County, and 40% in San Bernardino County earning more votes than anyone in his district in the last three decades. In 2006 and in now in 2008, I have been endorsed by the California Teachers Association, the California Federation of Teachers, and the San Bernardino Teachers Association. Once again, I am a candidate for State Assembly, and have always been a strong advocate for properly funding education, and maintaining Prop. 98 funding to not only the minimum funding levels, but working to guarantee that the levels are restored to the actual levels needed for quality education. I also support, and will work for single payer, affordable universal healthcare. I have had multiple articles published in Southern California Newspapers on this issue, and he has participated in radio interviews supporting the ideas of SB840. I have spent the majority of my life working, living and supporting his family in the Inland Empire. I am graduate of San Bernardino High School, and majored in Telecommunications at San Bernardino Valley College, and Mass Media Communications at CSU San Bernardino. In addition, I have been a life long musician and I am currently a member of the Redlands Adult School Wind Ensemble in Loma Linda, Ca. In my professional career, I have over a decade of experience in radio broadcasting—both on air, and off- air, culminating with managing the commercial traffic office for 6 radio stations, a magazine, and a billboard company for Morris Desert Media group based in Palm Springs. In the last five years, I took a position as Market Manager for the City of San Bernardino Farmer’s Market closer to home, and to expand RSVP, a small wedding business he has owned for nearly twenty years. He is the former owner of 3rd Rock Coffeehouse in San Bernardino. I was appointed to two terms on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of San Bernardino. While serving on that commission I created and founded Patrons of the Roosevelt Bowl, a non-profit arts corporation for the Benefit of Roosevelt Bowl Amphitheater. I have served on the Board of Junior University. I have served as the full time Market Night Manager for the cities of San Bernardino, Yucaipa and Highland, and I am an community member in all three cities in the 63rd Assembly District. I am currently an ex-officio member of, and just finished a second term as Vice Chair of the San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee. I am also an executive board member of the Veterans for Peace Chapter of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. I was a 2007 Peace Award Recipient from Veterans for Peace Post 19. Mark is the President of the Foothill Regional Democratic Alliance, and was the founding president of the East Valley Democratic Club. I am proud to be an active and successful “Community Organizer.” 8

65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): I have attached my bio (see page 26).

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2. Legislative/Budget Priorities ♦ Please name three legislative/budget priorities that you would propose or continue to pursue as an elected representative to the State Legislature. a. b. c.

17th Senate District George Runner (Rep): a. Reduce spending b. Public Safety c. Accountability to parents and students in education

29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): a. Reduce spending across the board in the State by 10 to 20 percent b. Look at each government agency and program individually for productivity and eliminate those which are not productive. c. Work to reduce the state spending on victimless crimes, such as recreational drug users and gambling.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): a. Education—I will support and introduce legislation that increases support for special education and ensure that all federal funding is allocated to these programs and assist local education agencies. b. I will support legislation that provide equalization of funding among similar types of school districts and county offices of education c. I will support legislation that allocate funding for textbooks and offer online textbooks available to students with access to computers.

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): a. Education b. Public safety, specifically, illegal drugs c. Health care

34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): a. Review of all formulas (categoricals, mandates, funding equities) b. Accountability mandates and their effects on local districts c. Reliable funding

36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): a. Maintaining the integrity of the Proposition 98 funding guarantee and stabilizing the public financing of public education through budget reform to insure the necessary funding to bring CA in the top quartile of states.

9 b. Fund the development and maintenance of a statewide student data base system c. Implement the option of combining academic and career technical education to improve high school outcomes to support the need to increase student engagement and eliminate students dropping out of school. This is also an area we can refocus the discussions on academic achievement and youth development as a public safety issue and alternative to suppression and incarceration. Resources must be allocated for not only after school programs but also standardized alternative and career technical education

Steve Knight (Rep): a. Cut spending and taxes b. Public Safety/Safe School campuses c. Taxpayer accountability

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): a. Full K-12 funding, including small classes (all grades), music and art education plus categoricals, including professional, competitive salary treatment and COLA. We must bring per pupil funding up to a level that is commensurate with California’s place in the world economy. I believe we should tell Washington to fully fund their mandates or we won’t participate. b. Return to a learner-centered curriculum – I will focus our efforts on learning and will advocate for formative assessments instead of standardized testing; we will teach critical thinking, soft skills, and problem solving along with the basics of science, math and language. c. Reorganize our high schools into academies that focus on three central areas: 1. Science, math, engineering and technology 2. Liberal studies, and 3. Traditional comprehensive high school. I will include a career technical education path and a university path in each area. This is important because we need to teach all children, not just the college bound; we need our children to have the right mix of soft skills and academic/vocational skills so that they are ready and able to compete in the global economy.

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): a. Curbing violent crimes within the 61st. b. A gradual implementing, from the lower grades to the upper grades, of English as the starting point of communication in formal education. c. We should make sure that recently wounded troops get immediate and complete help for their rehabilitation within the 61st.

Wendy Maier (Rep): a. We must take a good hard look at the entire budget and cut out what is not necessary (cut out the fat) b. Government has to learn to spend within their means. We have to work down the deficit c. It is a must to have a balanced budget

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): a. Transportation b. Education c. Providing affordable housing

10 63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): Budget deficit reduction: During the past two years, the Legislature has reduced a major portion of our state’s deficit without an increase in taxes. I will continue to support reforms that will improve our state’s economy, so that we will not have to raise taxes. Transportation: Reducing traffic gridlock, improving highway safety, and speeding goods movement from our ports are top priorities. Education: Fully funding education, as prescribed under Proposition 98, is essential. Additionally, equalization of school funding from the state must be accomplished. Schools in San Bernardino County are adversely impacted by the present school funding formulas, due to the lack of equalization of state funds to school districts. We must also provide educational programs that meet the needs of all our students, specifically technology educational training. Water: We are facing record water shortages in our state. I fully support improving the California Delta system and water conveyance through the California Aqueduct that will provide a safe and reliant water supply for southern California. Health: The number of uninsured individuals must be addressed. I have been a supporter of a market- based solution to this problem. We cannot keep adding insurance program mandates and see cost containment in health care. For the most vulnerable individuals in our state, we must have a reasonable and workable medical program that provides necessary care.

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): a. Maintaining and restoring proper Education Funding to and beyond Proposition 98. b. SB840 – Affordable Single Payer Healthcare (where you can choose your own doctor) c. Creating a better environment through the implementation of statewide clean renewable energy usage, and policies, as well as energy independence through the utilization of energy alternatives to fossil fuels. d. Implementing and creating home owner, mortgage assistance and family recovery programs for California’s families who are being, or about to be displaced in our home mortgage crisis here in San Bernardino County.

65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): a. Adequate funding for public schools at all levels b. Health care (universal coverage and public health) c. Transportation: expansion of mass rapid transit in Southern California

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3. Priorities Related to Public Education ♦ Please discuss the top education policies or budget issues that you would like to see addressed by the State Legislature, particularly those issues that you would sponsor.

17th Senate District George Runner (Rep): a. Accountability – too much of our tax money is spent without any accountability. It is wasted in bureaucracy in Sacramento, rather than used properly in local school districts. b. More flexibility for local school districts to spend money where it’s needed c. I successfully passed legislation to prevent teachers from collecting backpay while going through Prop 36 drug rehabilitation.

11 29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): We cannot afford the many social programs the state offers. Many programs, such as homeless shelters and animal services, would be better served by private charities. It’s a vicious cycle— these programs cost so much money that our taxes are raised. We are taxed so much there is little money left for the personal charities we would support if there were more disposable income.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): As a State Legislature the no child left behind policies need to amended to meet the demands of our children’s needs in public education. Increasing the State support of Special Education programs and implement new literacy programs. We need to review inefficient programs and allocate more funding to the needs of education to ensure a brighter future for our youth.

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): 1. Early child education – Funding for pre-K through 12 2. Secondary education – Affordable college education 3. Vocational training – Adult school programs

34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): a. I favor a more reliable revenue source b. I favor equitable funding for all districts

36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): California’s priority should be to stabilize public school financing. We need to implement a multi-year budget and modernize our state revenue system. We need to also minimize or eliminate where practical, mandates where funding is not provided especially in low revenue years.

Steve Knight (Rep): a. Safe schools. Give schools and law enforcement the tools they need to keep our schools and children safe b. Ensure that money is spent effectively, in the classroom with more discretionary spending for local districts c. Keep students accountable through vigorous testing to ensure they are receiving the education they need to succeed

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): See question #2 (page 10) plus: 1. Require that schools tell parents that they can opt out of standardized testing. Parents don’t know that they can opt out because no one tells them so. Many parents believe that standardized testing wastes instructional hours but they want to “follow the rules”. Children who opt out should have the opportunity to work on a special project that demonstrates their knowledge (a formative assessment); it is not a day off. 2. Require two periods of mandatory recess for elementary school children and an equivalent outlet for middle and high school students. Kids need to run and jump, play games and learn the lessons only gained on the playground. I believe that recess aids synthesis which should be one of our primary goals. 3. Provide for local control so that districts can wisely apply funding where needed. Principals and school boards understand community needs; they alone can determine the best use of valuable program dollars. 4. Account for learning differences and developmental learning in the current teaching standards. I believe the bar is set politically and is not grounded in an understanding of child development and 12 pedagogy. This results in school anxiety and contributes to poor self-esteem for many children; school needs to be a friendly place for all children so that learning becomes a positive experience. 5. Develop credit reclamation programs and enhanced work experience programs for students who are at-risk of dropping out. Saving children from dropping out of high school is an important investment and should be a priority for our schools. 6. Develop and fund programs to address at-risk behaviors (gangs, drug and alcohol use, smoking, truancy, school failure, dangerous rebellious behaviors) so that kids are spared exposure to the juvenile justice system. Schools are the first line in identifying kids who are in trouble; we need intervention programs to mitigate delinquency. We need to do all we can to head off incarceration; it’s too expensive and a waste of a young life.

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): If old proposition 98 was passed, then we need to start at least from that point in regards to operating our school systems. We need uniformity with English as the only source language for all publicly funded education, K-12.

Wendy Maier (Rep): First, I do not believe in merit pay. As a teacher, this year you could have a class loaded with Scholars, next year you have a class of ADHD children. How can you be judged fairly? I would like to change No Child Left Behind. This has a definite effect on the students. In San Bernardino County alone there is a 29% dropout rate.

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): a. Protecting Prop 98 funding in the budget cycle b. Promoting technical/vocational education c. Working with educational leaders to reduce high school dropout rates

63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): I support funding for more technology educational programs at the high school and community college levels, maintaining educational accountability programs, and reducing tuition at our community colleges and higher educational institutions. Continuing to improve accountability programs and reconciling graduation requirements for special educational students. Addressing the inequities resulting from the differences in the state and federal “No Child Left Behind” assessment and funding methods. Special education funding continues to be a source of great controversy. Many of our special education programs require increased spending for a small student population, which creates a financial strain on general educational programs. While I do no propose specific solutions to this issue, the Legislature and educational communities must work together to resolve the conflicting funding demands. Public education served the residents of California very well throughout our history. I am a strong supporter of public education, because it has provided an educated workforce that has allowed California to become a leading economy and it has been the backbone of our innovative technology and research communities.

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): I don’t believe funding in our classrooms should be tied to test scores, and I don’t believe our teachers should be subjected to merit pay. I would like to see our California Schools return to a day when quality education was the emphasis in our classrooms, not just test taking. Education professionals should be trusted to do the jobs they were trained, and be free of the pandering and meddling of politicians. I believe the proper education of all students regardless of ability, background or language must be our state’s priority. Teachers must be allowed to teach in the language that is primarily understood by the 13 student with English proficiency as an overall goal, but not an end. Special needs students, and the cost of operations in these classrooms must be fully funded, along with class size reductions, and of course programs like the California Technical Assistance Project.

65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): a. Reduction of class sizes in K-12 b. Relax mandates on “teaching to the test,” allow teachers to exercise their professional competence c. Universal access to pre-school I will work with the legislative leadership to promote these priorities, and sponsor bills as appropriate.

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4. California’s Public Education System a. What do you believe are the most significant challenges facing education today? b. What do you believe are the major strengths of our public education system? c. What do you believe are the major weaknesses of our public education system?

17th Senate District George Runner (Rep): a. Too many state mandates, too much money being siphoned off by the state department of education, exacerbated by the decline in student enrollment. b. Technological advances allowing greater access to information in new and creative ways. Hard working, dedicated educators committed to our kids. c. Teachers and administrators hands are tied in many matters of discipline, lack of school choice by way of charter schools and other schools within in districts, lack of budgetary accountability.

29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): a. Lack of accountability is the single most serious issue. Parents and students should be held accountable for their personal learning, without putting all the blame on the administrators and teachers. b. Diversity. We should all learn from the various abilities and cultural differences in the public school system. c. I believe many parents send their kids to school and expect teachers to educate their kids in everything from reading and math to personal values and hygiene. Parents should be the first tier of educator, with teachers filling in with the basics.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): a. I believe lack of quality education due to the lack of appropriate funding for the programs that will be beneficial to the children in California. In addition, keeping our children safe is a challenge in today's schools this issue must be a top priority. Reducing the number of teen drop-out rates and teen pregnancies, and low academic scores. These are the challenges we face and I will introduce legislation that address these problems develop solutions and implement programs that work. b. I believe the major strengths are within the fabric of our Public Education policies such as rules and regulations established by the Superintendent of Schools and promulgated by top official of the school board system, with good guidelines we have a dynamic public education system. c. I believe the major weaknesses come from lack of accountability and lack of funding for most programs and shortage of qualified school Teachers in the school system.

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): a. Recruitment and retention of teachers and educators. Equitable and adequate funding Standardarize testing requirements and compliance b. I believe the strengths are our educators and their commitment to providing quality education for children and adults. c. I believe the major weaknesses are ensuring equal educational opportunity for all students in our public schools.

34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): a. Funding (especially inequities) b. Changing demographic of student base c. One size fits all approach

36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): a. In CA like most of the U.S., the racial/ethnic groups that are the least educated are the fastest growing. If current population trends continue and CA does not improve the education of all racial/ethnic groups, the skills of the workforce and the incomes of CA residents will continue to decline as they already are. This will negatively impact our ability to maintain competition in this global economy and high quality of life. b. What do you believe are the major strengths of our public education system? In spite of the decreasing level of funding over the years, The major strengths of public education is its ability to always rise to the occasion in doing more with less and being committed to the educational and social needs of a diverse population of children and their communities regardless of how much money we have or the challenges we face. The difficulty is that this always puts us in a defensive posture and makes it difficult to justify the need for increased funding. c. What do you believe are the major weaknesses of our public education system? A major weakness of our system is our inability to hold the public accountable for the financing and maintenance of its public schools as they are a critical component to the viability of our economy.

Steve Knight (Rep): d. Our children will be competing with engineers and technology experts from around the world. We need to make sure that their education will keep them competitive in the global market. e. Many schools are doing great. They have active teachers, parents and students working together to educate our kids. This dedication is our greatest asset. f. Schools in many inner-city areas are failing our most needy students. We must increase efforts with metric-based programs for accountability to improve the quality of learning at those schools.

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): a. Testing – I believe that standardized testing has destroyed public education. The drive to testing our children has transformed our classrooms into training centers and away from learning centers. Our schools have become highly politicized, our teachers are not allowed to teach, and as a result, our children have very limited problem solving and critical thinking skills. I believe that the current environment will result in a generation of children who attended school but did not receive an education. Vouchers – I believe that there is a plan in place to bring vouchers into the education space. This is a very serious threat to public education; we cannot allow this to occur. The education community needs to actively fund and support pro-public education candidates so that our school boards and 15 legislature is 100% behind public education. Funding – Prop 98 is no longer sufficient and we cannot depend on the initiative process to add necessary funding. We need a dedicated education measure to fully fund our schools at sustaining levels. I believe that voters would move to replace 98 with dedicated funding if they were assured their kids’ learning is the top priority. b. Teacher education – our colleges and universities have exceptional teacher education programs, public school teachers are highly qualified and well trained. Diversity – our schools offer the best opportunity for children to navigate the cultures, languages, abilities and customs of every child. This opportunity will ready our children to successfully compete in the workplace. It is a wonderful training ground; children in public schools have a distinct advantage over private or homeschooled children because of the diversity of our public schools. Acceptance of learning differences – our public schools offer a safe haven for all children to learn – including the gifted, special education and different learner. The ability of our teachers to adapt their teaching to each child is unique to public schools and a testament to their professionalism. Sadly, NCLB and the accountability program have negatively impacted the different learner, but I believe that the commitment of public education and our teachers to teaching all children will survive the politics of the NCLB years. Secularity – by remaining secular public schools respect the various religions of our children and the rights of parents to guide their children as they desire. This is important because no child need feel intimidated or misunderstood because of their religious or non-religious beliefs. c. NCLB Testing Vouchers Cookie jar syndrome Washington’s mandates Lack of a real funding mechanism

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): a. Providing children with an education that is acceptable to all parents is a challenge facing education. To inspire all parents that education continues even when formal school is over for the day. b. We have eager and devoted teachers, as well as those who aspire to teaching. c. Parents realize that all schools or school districts do not offer the same education experience.

Wendy Maier (Rep): a. There are too many students in the classroom. This makes it difficult to teach. There is a lack of supplies. b. Our teachers are great. They are dedicated and know how to get the job done. c. We have a very high drop out rate and I believe it is due to No Child Left Behind. We need to get back to basics, our students are lacking in Math and Science skills

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): a. The most significant challenge facing education today surrounds complying with the unfunded mandate “No Child Left Behind” and our schools struggling to make the grade with AYP and API. b. The major strength of our public education system is that gives every person the opportunity the chance to become a productive member of our society and to be educated. c. The major weakness of our public education system is our lack of local control.

63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): Answered in question #3 (see page 13).

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): a. One of the most significant and greatest challenges impacting our students, and education professionals in San Bernardino County is the wide and varying differences in socio-economic conditions in our communities. It’s time legislators start to recognize and support the challenges of our teachers in our classrooms where there are multiple languages spoken, and many children are faced with challenges such as having one, or both parents incarcerated, or absent. Our teachers must be supported with the resources it takes to meet today’s special needs in our classrooms while maintaining the integrity of the overall, and primary goal of quality education for all students. We must retain education professionals by offering competitive compensation and benefits, and always recognize their contributions. b. The most significant and major strength of our public education system is that it is available to everyone, and is free for K-12. We must maintain the overall and primary goal of our statewide college system to be tuition free, and keep state education fees at a minimum. c. I believe that too much of our state’s education budget is lumped in place with little, or not enough attention paid to the varied community needs of our vast and varied state. I would like to see the majority of education funding in California decentralized, monitored and sent down to more local levels of government where special needs and challenges are more familiar and recognized free of political pandering and intervention. We must leave our state’s education to the business of education professionals.

65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): a. The most fundamental challenge facing education is inadequate funding. In California, even more than many other states, schools are called upon to deal with the consequences of social issues – poverty, low parental educational achievement, a multi-cultural population, dysfunctional families, health care challenges. These are both burdens and opportunities, but they must be addressed, and not just by our schools. Another fundamental challenge is the inconsistent support for education by all segments of the population: “They’re not my kids, so why should I pay taxes to educate them?” Political leadership must work, and take risks, to build broad social support for educating the next generation. b. The most important strength of our educational system is its near-universality, and this must be protected. School vouchers, loosely-regulated charter schools, and similar schemes undermine public support for public education, and do not promote better educational outcomes. c. Major weaknesses mostly relate to inadequate funding. Physical plants are in poor shape in many districts. Excessive class size is rampant. And low salaries make it difficult to attract and retain good teachers, especially in technical areas where the schools must compete with the private sector. Rigid and bureaucratic testing requirements are at best a distraction from teaching knowledge and skills, at worst a straitjacket that frustrates real teaching.

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17 5. Charter Schools Conflict of Interest Legislation was introduced in 2008 (AB 1772 and AB 2115) to clarify that charter school boards and executive officers must comply with the same conflict of interests laws and reporting regulations that public school boards and executive officers follow. ♦ Please discuss your support for or opposition to the concept of having charter schools comply with the same conflict of interest laws and regulations that apply to public schools.

17th Senate District George Runner (Rep): I voted against AB 2115. If charter schools are to be under the jurisdiction of a local education agency (LEA) it is inappropriate for the state to deem them their own LEA, with those same regulations as if they were an independent school board.

29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): If charter schools receive public funds, they should be held to the same standards as public schools.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): I believe all Charter Schools Systems should be held to the same standards of accountability and laws and regulations of Public Schools Systems. I support legislation that supports equal accountability for all educational systems.

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): I have no opposition to compliance rules that provide for Charter Schools to comply with same conflict of interests laws and reporting requirements as public schools.

34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): Schools that receive public funding should be subject to the same rules and regulations.

36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): I agree with both of the bills. Requiring anything less perpetuates a two-tier public education system that takes us back to the policies of “Separate but not equal.” It further undermines our ability to adjust to the needs of our students and the changing demands of our society.

Steve Knight (Rep): I believe it is important to hold all schools accountable. I will examine this and every educational issue through the lens of what is best for the students. I am not sure that these specific bills accomplish that goal, but I do believe that we must have strict regulations to ensure that charter schools spend public money efficiently and appropriately.

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): Charter schools receive public funds and are accountable and responsible for following the same laws and rules that apply to regular public schools. Government’s job is to protect the taxpayer; appropriate oversight, enforcement and regulation are required whenever tax dollars are used for funding, whatever the program.

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): I don’t see charter schools any different from other public schools. If charter schools are gaining success by not complying with said laws and regulations, then maybe public schools can gain similar success.

18 Wendy Maier (Rep): All students must meet the same standards in order to graduate. All schools, whether Charter, Public, or private must be held accountable.

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): AB 1772 died in Assembly Appropriations, but I voted AYE for AB 2115 (Mullin).

63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): Charter Schools are providing important educational services in our state. I do believe that we need to require more accountability to the process, but I have concerns over some requirements that could adversely impact foundations or corporations that have generously assisted in our charter school educational system. I do believe that some form of conflict of interest filing should be required, in order to provide more accountability to the process.

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): I support the concept of having charter schools comply with the same conflict of interest laws and regulations that apply to public schools such as Government Code Section 1090, especially when tax paper money is being used to subsidize programs. We must maintain the integrity of a free education.

65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): As indicated above, charter schools should be carefully regulated and should be required to comply with the same laws and standards that apply to public schools.

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6. SANDABS Legislative Platform (see page 22) ♦ What provisions of the SANDABS’ legislative platform would you support? Oppose? Do you have any questions about the platform?

17th Senate District George Runner (Rep): Answer missing from written response.

29th Senate District Jill Stone (Lib): I support a full review and analysis of the formulas for funding. I believe this should be done AFTER each tier of administrator and specialist within the system has been audited by someone outside of the school system for productivity. I believe that many of the mid-levels of administrator can be reduced or eliminated.

31st Senate District Ameenah R. Fuller (Dem): If elected as your State Senator I will support SANDABS legislative platform issues on education funding to meet budgets to advocate for improvement in schools in the district. I will communicate with the members of the Executive Committee to review educational issues, which impact our community. I agree with the budget issues to address the needs of special education, accessibility of textbooks and equalization of education funding. It is important to protect the integrity of education and the budget priorities. I will work diligently with SANDABS legislative platform in 2009.

32nd Assembly District Virginia Martinez (Dem): I agree with almost all of the SANDABS’s Legislative Platform. I am concerned regarding: 1. Require technological editions to replace textbook copies as districts choose 2. Eliminate prevailing wage requirements

19 34th Assembly District Connie Conway (Rep): At a quick glance, this platform seems reasonable and achievable.

36th Assembly District Linda K. Jones (Dem): I would not necessarily oppose any of SANDABS legislative platforms; however, in light of the current state of affairs of our State budget, it would be difficult to address many of the platform items until we stabilize how we finance our public schools. The year-to-year uncertainty makes it nearly impossible to do long range planning and major reform and at some point this has to take priority as if our very existence depends on it.

Steve Knight (Rep): I agree with SANDABS recognition of charter schools as an important viable alternative to traditional public schools. I also agree we must seriously examine the effect of declining enrollment and how to appropriately balance the decline in ADA funding versus operational costs.

60th Assembly District Diane Singer (Dem): Generally speaking, I believe that my thinking aligns with the SANDABS platform.

61st Assembly District Michael Mendez (Lib): It seems you have set a good platform, though the integrity of old Prop 98 seems in doubt by your reminder to return funds taken from K-12 programs to be returned in reasonable amount.

Wendy Maier (Rep): Answer missing from written response.

62nd Assembly District Wilmer Amina Carter (Dem): Thank you for the opportunity to provide answers in this candidate forum. I am pleased to see an organization such as SANDABS work on a non-partisan basis for better schools county- and state-wide. I look forward to working with SANDABS to improve California’s education, and I warmly support its efforts.

63rd Assembly District Bill Emmerson (Rep): Your platform addresses many of the issues I am concerned about, and I agree with many of your proposals. I hope to have continued discussions with your organization during the legislative session. One area that we definitely need to reform is the home-to-school transportation formula. I have had several conversations with Assemblymember Gene Mullin, Chair of Assembly Education, on this issue. Realizing that this has been a difficult issue to resolve over the years, changes need to be made for those schools that have experienced rapid growth in recent years. Your position concerning the elimination of the “prevailing wage” requirement for school construction will not happen with current membership of the Legislature. I would support some relief for school construction, but it would require some compromise with the California Teachers Association and other state labor organizations. Since I was first elected to the Assembly in 2004, I have participated in every forum that your organization has sponsored and I will continue to so. I have found the discussions to be beneficial for me to better understand educational issues.

Mark D. Westwood (Dem): I am unclear, and alarmed that SANDABS would wish to eliminate prevailing wage requirements (as stated in your enclosed attachment) for construction of our state’s classrooms. I believe that all of California’s workers must be protected, and that we would want the most qualified professionals constructing our state’s education facilities to insure fair wages and safety for all workers, teachers, students, and education professionals both outside and inside our classrooms. I would welcome further discussion on this issue.

20 65th Assembly District Carl Wood (Dem): I can enthusiastically support the entire SANDABS legislative program except the call for elimination of prevailing wage requirements. Prevailing wage laws are an important anti-poverty measure, promoting adequate income levels that in turn affect school performance. Additionally, this demand drives a wedge through the natural and important alliance with organized labor, historically the strongest supporter of public education.

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21 SANDABS 2008 State Legislative Platform

San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Schools (SANDABS) has adopted this legislative platform to provide the basis for reviewing and taking positions on policy and budget issues addressed by the State Legislature in 2008. Efforts will be made to meet directly with legislators and their staffs to discuss proposed legislation and its impact upon the education community. Senators and Assembly Members are encouraged to communicate directly with the SANDABS Executive Committee for clarification and background information for a clear and full understanding of educational issues.

School Funding State funding for schools is based upon formulas and methods established over many years of piecemeal legislative mandates, state ballot initiatives, and court rulings. SANDABS is supportive of the full review and analysis of these formulas and methods that will eventually lead to changes to provide a long-term, stable predictable system of school finance for public education in California.

Priorities for 2008-09 State Budget Act . Maintain the integrity of the Proposition 98 funding guarantee; . Establish the definition of cost-of-living adjustment to mean a cost-of-operations adjustment; . Fully fund a cost-of-operations adjustment and growth for all existing programs, school district revenue limits, and county offices of education; . Increase state support for special education and ensure that all federal dollars allocated for this program flow directly to local education agencies; . Equalize funding among similar types of school districts and county offices of education; . Protect the integrity and funding of alternative education programs; . Reauthorize CTAP (California Technical Assistance Project); . Fully fund class size reduction and mandates cost reimbursements; . Fund the development and maintenance of a statewide student data base system; . Examine home-to-school transportation funding formulas and determine how current formulas should be modified; . Examine the impact of declining enrollment upon school districts and develop a reasonable approach to balance declining resources with ongoing expenses; and . Fully fund textbook adoptions and consider requiring technological editions to replace hard copies as districts choose.

In addition to these budgets priorities, SANDABS will review the recommendations from the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Education Excellence concerning the distribution and adequacy of education funding, as well as reports from various foundations that have studied the adequacy of school funding in California.

School Facilities School facilities are an essential component of the educational program and an essential part of state and local infrastructure. SANDABS supports the following issues related to school facilities: . Eliminate prevailing wage requirements to more accurately reflect local market conditions and to provide greater flexibility in school construction; . Provide adequate funding for deferred maintenance to ensure necessary maintenance for all school buildings; . Include schools in any provisions for planning and funding state and local infrastructure; . Include a method to fund the increased need for school facilities as part of any property development and expansion; . Fully fund ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access requirements separately from other modernization funding; . Require full participation of school districts and/or county offices of education in planning for local infrastructures before a government entity takes any action that would have an impact on schools; and 22 . Review and determine the impact of rising construction costs and the resulting imbalance between state and school district contributions for building new schools and/or other facilities including offices, conference rooms, and professional development facilities.

Accountability SANDABS supports holding schools accountable. SANDABS supports appropriate alternate tests for special education students and English language learners. SANDABS supports accountability based upon students’ progress, i.e. a growth model. SANDABS believes that school accountability should focus on student results rather than on compliance issues. A comprehensive school accountability system must include a fair and equitable system to identify low-performing schools, and adequate timelines and resources to support improvement efforts.

SANDABS will continue to monitor the implementation of the Public Schools Accountability Act and any legislation introduced in 2008 relating to school accountability issues, including implementation of the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA), the program enacted in 2006 to provide funding for decile 1 and 2 schools during the period of 2007-08 through 2013-14. On the other hand, SANDABS would remind lawmakers that when Proposition 98 funds are taken from K-12 education, that those funds should be returned equitably to all districts and that they not be redirected, as was the case with QEIA, into other programs for which only a limited number of districts can qualify.

SANDABS strongly encourages state and federal leaders to consolidate into one program the components of the state Public School Performance Accountability Program and the federal No Child Left Behind Act to eliminate duplication, reduce confusion, and create one accountability program that can be implemented by school districts and understood by parents. SANDABS will continue to promote an aligned accountability system which makes sense, one which includes standards of what students should know and when they should know it; assessment instruments which measure student progress and guide instruction; resources to support training related to new assessment requirements and teaching strategies; and shared responsibility of all stakeholders (students, parents, educators, community members, and state and federal leaders). SANDABS is also supportive of legislation that would provide for consistent accountability requirements for all career and technical education programs. Finally, SANDABS believes in providing students with a positive learning environment that balances the need for contextual-based learning with the fine arts and physical education.

Charter Schools SANDABS acknowledges that charter schools are a recognized educational alternative to traditional public schools. SANDABS supports charter schools that offer quality programs that are innovative and uniquely different from traditional public schools. A strong collaborative partnership should exist between the authorizing entity and the charter. SANDABS asserts that charters should be held accountable for improved student achievement and sound business practices. SANDABS supports the following issues related to charter schools: . Require charter schools to comply with Government Code Section 1090 et. seq.; . Require charter schools to publicly disclose all contracts with management companies and make the records of the management company subject to the Public Records Act and subject to Education Code requirements to produce records when requested by the county superintendent or chartering authority; . Require charter school board members and management employees to publicly disclose potential conflicts of interest to the chartering authority and file with the FPPC; . Require charter schools to annually report to the chartering authority the total compensation of all officers and management employees and all large payments to vendors and independent contractors over a specified amount; . Require charter schools to report to the chartering authority the purchase of all real property; . Require charter schools to provide the chartering authority with a report of all vehicles purchased or leased; . Prohibit a school district from approving a petition for a new independent charter school if the average daily attendance of the charter school in the first year of operation is projected to 23 be larger than that of the chartering authority; . Authorize the California Attorney General to receive complaints and investigate charter school violations of the law and to bring legal action, both criminal and civil, against charter schools and their operators.

SANDABS further supports a mechanism to lessen the programmatic and financial impact on school districts that provide facilities to charter schools under Proposition 39.

Draft Reviewed on November 14, 2007 and December 12, 2007 Adopted on December 12, 2007 by the SANDABS Executive Committee

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Carl Wood – Biography

Carl Wood was born in 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland and moved with his family to Riverside, California in 1962. He graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1964, and attended University of California, Riverside where he was elected student body president in 1967-68. He was also active in the civil rights and anti-war movements.

Wood completed an apprenticeship as an industrial electrician in Gary, Indiana, and worked nearly 20 years in the steel, chemical and utility industries. In 1986, he was elected Business Agent (chief officer) of Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 246, representing 2000 power plant employees of Southern California Edison Co. In 1987, Wood was elected to the National Executive Board of the UWUA. In 1997, he was appointed Senior National Representative, servicing UWUA locals in California and the other Western states and acting as the union’s National Deregulation Coordinator.

In May 1999, Wood was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to a six-year term on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). As Commissioner, he is best known for his efforts to stabilize and re-regulate California’s electrical utility industry during and after the 2000-2001 Energy Crisis, and for his authorship of the Telecommunications Consumer Bill of Rights.

From 2002 to 2004, Wood chaired the California Electricity Generation Facilities Standards Committee, which established enforceable maintenance and operations standards for utility and non-utility generating plants in California.

In 2003, Wood became Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), in which capacity he acted as a national spokesperson for consumer rights.

Wood has testified before committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and state legislatures of California, New Mexico, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. He has been an invited speaker before government, academic and labor bodies in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Romania, South Korea and Mexico. In the United States, Wood has addressed numerous consumer, industry and labor groups as a keynote speaker or panelist.

Commissioner Wood left the CPUC at the expiration of his term in December 2004. After working as a consultant on regulatory, consumer and labor matters, he now serves as Director of Regulatory Affairs for the national UWUA. His volunteer activities include service as President of the Board of Directors of The Utility Reform Network (TURN).

Carl Wood has been married for 35 years to Anne Patrice Wood. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. The Woods reside in Cherry Valley in Riverside County, California.