In our neighboring county, Contra Costa, three associate superintendents just got pay raises – one of almost $33,000. This came 4 days after teachers, instructional assistants and general employees agreed to no salary increases to save positions. Source-The Valley Times

Perhaps Contra Costa County Board of Education Superintendent, Joe Ovick, should send his resume to AIG. He would fit right in there.

In our planned development, which is medium density, the Dublin (California) City Council recently approved a boarding house. A Korean company has bought a home here (as is looking for a second) in which they will ultimately house 16 students and 2 sets of 2 adults – that is 20 people in a single family home. Yes, it is a commercial venture in a residential neighborhood. Yes, the did start remodeling without permits. Yes, the planning staff did recommend no while the HOA (at who’s guidance?) recommended a compromise with a lower number of students.

It is hard for me to understand (I was chairman of a planning commission for 3 years) the politics at work here. And rest assured, it is politics.