Petition challenging appointment for vacant seat leads to finger pointing, ill will and board meeting drama; teachers union president addresses 2022 endorsement of MAGA campaign donor
I just fixed an error in the article. This sentence originally said 2021 instead of 2001:
There had been six previous appointments before Ayala’s to fill board vacancies since 2001, according to information provided by the district, none of which led to a special election.
Craig, I wholeheartedly appreciate your perspective on this. I am a public school teacher in MDUSD and formerly taught PT at JSE in Martinez. I just miss being able to vote in this special election as we are a block or so out of that voting district. You always write after having gathered good information and as, always, I am very happy to hear what you have to say on this subject matter. Well done once again!
I was at the Martinez Junior High open house last night and was dismayed to see essentially campaign stickers worn by the majority of teachers and staff. Their stickers supported Brenda Leal. I think that is very unfortunate and inappropriate. Teachers on the job, on campus should not be campaigning. Let alone for an audience of parents and community members. Perhaps all of those people do support Brenda Leal. But how many teachers may have felt peer-pressured or professionally cornered into wearing that sticker? Just for that reason alone it’s inappropriate.
MEA (and CTA) has never been shy about brining its politics onto campuses and into classrooms. It used to happen all the time during contract negotiations where they would picket, wear black, etc. at school events like Open House and Back to School Night. As a parent, I always found it distasteful and off-putting, since the point of the events are supposed to be the children, not their political agendas. Since yesterday was Caesar Chavez Day, I would have hoped that would have been a focus of attention, not their efforts to unseat the lone Latino board member in a district that is over 30% Hispanic.
I found this online that suggests it is legal for teachers to wear political/campaign buttons at events such as these (though it makes no sense to me). Regardless of the legality, I think it was clearly inappropriate and tasteless, particular in light of the fact that the other candidate running for the seat is a parent at the school and in attendance with her children last night.
I was not allowed to carry a sign to a mock 2024 election on the Olympic HS campus (I teach at Crossroads on the same site) The sign simply said, "I am a CTA Member and I vote." The sign made no reference to a political candidate. I stand by that I had the right to carry the sign. Curious as to your thought on the matter as I truly respect your opinion.
Wow, I can’t believe they did that while the other candidate is also a parent at the school and their child attends the school. I am speechless. We are new to the district and were checking out the school for next year. We hear so much about the strong sense of community in Martinez. I am still trying to believe that everyone is included in this community but it’s hard convincing my heart of that when my eyes saw such blatant and callous exclusionary behavior across the entire school yesterday. Mean girls popularity contest making sure nobody else sits at their table at lunch. The other candidate has my wholehearted support now.
I am saddened to see Marcy's name maligned like this. I know of very few people who align fully with their political parties. I support Democrats and have been horrified at some of their positions over the years and would hate for a whole community to judge me on that. What I do know from going through a cheer season with her, is that she is dedicated and compassionate and turns up for her girls, rain or shine. I haven't always supported all of Anamarie's political positions but when we were struggling with my daughter getting SPED services from MUSD, she was an awesome support. She met with me over zoom and even offered to meet on a weekend. She was also the person who showed up at my door with dinner for my whole family the evening I came home from cancer surgery. People are more complex than the parties they align with. This whole saga is getting sadder and sadder.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I certainly have had my share of frustrations with both political parties over the years, but I don't recall the Democratic Party ever trying to literally overturn an election and destroy U.S. democracy, or intentionally targeting marginalized communities (immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+) the way MAGA has. To many people, this isn't a matter of holding different political views but respecting fundamental values, and standing with marginalized students whose safety and welfare are directly threatened by the MAGA movement. The school district has made clear its support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles since the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, passing a resolution that year stating such and implementing a number of anti-bias programs in the years since (which MEA said it supported), and MAGA politics are incompatible with that. (There are Republicans who are not MAGA, and I'm sure many people would have a different view of their candidacies and endorsements for school board). Folks need to decide whether they put relationships first or values first when it comes to who is in a position to make policies that affect the daily lives of MUSD students, including those who face the consequences of MAGA politics on a daily basis.
Also, you are very correct. MAGA is a whole new ball game in terms of what they are doing and I need to not lose sight of that in an attempt to be "fair".
Understand your position clearly, I think. Just saddened by this all right now. It's why I would never be in politics, I don't have the stomach for it.
Thank you for this, guys! I was asked to support a petition against Ayala. I declined. I won’t tell you who asked me but the person had great disdain with Anamarie pushing Brittany to the forefront. I told the person who asked me to sign, that while there were times I didn’t agree with some of the tactics Anamarie used, I didn’t see that this was one of them.
I too, came unglued when MEA supported LeBeouf! This is where MAGA crap starts, at local levels. So glad to have her revealed as a conduit to Moms for Liberty!
Thanks, Marlene. As someone who has been active in school board politics since 2018, I've long been dismayed by the "club" mentality that pervades this district. In other words, if you're a member of the MUSD club (usually white and multi-generational residents of the city), that's where one's loyalty begins and ends, and it's all about preserving the status quo, even if that status quo leaves behind the marginalized. Sure, people will pay lip service to diversity and equity, and show up for a Black Lives Matter march when it's convenient or popular, but at the end of the day, their relationships and preserving the club come first. I think that was at the heart of the 2022 endorsement, and why MEA lacked the courage to rescind it when the MAGA contributions came to light, and what's now driving this special election (probably also explains why so many in the MUSD community continue to support the refinery despite the immense damage it's done to our city's image and the threat its unsafe operations poses to our students). I think it also explains why so many students of color and those from marginalized groups continue to report incidents of harassment and racism, and too often feel unsafe and unsupported. The club can't truly understand and identify with what they experience, and is concerned much more with its own relationships and preservation.
Indeed. The first question MEA asked me during my 2022 endorsements interview was how long I had lived in Martinez. If you look at the school district application for the board appointment, it asks the same thing. I’m not sure what the relevance of “longevity” in Martinez is? My children’s paternal grandfather graduated from Alhambra High School (he was a wrestler that supposedly broke school records) in the late 1970s. I suspect that since he’s Hispanic he’s most likely not part of “the club.” There’s a huge diaspora of Mexicans that live in Martinez (Contra Costa County also) that settled here from a region in Los Altos de Jalisco and Zacatecas (from where my family is from). Despite having such deep roots to Martinez and its residents, I doubt that my children nor I will ever be considered “real Martinez” by “the club.”
I wonder how many lifelong residents of Martinez have any idea what a poor reputation our city has among people of color? It’s something I’ve heard expressed many times. An Alhambra parent of color who I encouraged to get involved in anti-racism issues in 2020 told me she had decided to move her family to Oakley because it was more welcoming. That made me very sad. Some people like to compare Martinez to Mayberry. The problem with that comparison is that Mayberry was located in the Jim Crow South and I don’t recall seeing too many people of color. Former Councilman Mark Ross mentioned more than once at council meetings that lynchings happened in Martinez. Our city’s history is far from pure.
UGH! I was raised in the Jim Crow South and it wasn’t pretty. We did not integrate until 1964 because of the Civil Rights Act that LBJ put into effect. What I loved about it is that I made new friends! But there are still people there who can’t shake being with others who aren’t like them. I only am friends with people who don’t care.
You are so correct, Craig! This just reminds me of my years being raised in the Deep South. I actually was surprised and highly dismayed by the person who asked me to support the petition. I am wondering if they realize their racism was so apparent to them. I think not.
I just fixed an error in the article. This sentence originally said 2021 instead of 2001:
There had been six previous appointments before Ayala’s to fill board vacancies since 2001, according to information provided by the district, none of which led to a special election.
Craig, I wholeheartedly appreciate your perspective on this. I am a public school teacher in MDUSD and formerly taught PT at JSE in Martinez. I just miss being able to vote in this special election as we are a block or so out of that voting district. You always write after having gathered good information and as, always, I am very happy to hear what you have to say on this subject matter. Well done once again!
Thank you, Teresa. I very much appreciate that.
I was at the Martinez Junior High open house last night and was dismayed to see essentially campaign stickers worn by the majority of teachers and staff. Their stickers supported Brenda Leal. I think that is very unfortunate and inappropriate. Teachers on the job, on campus should not be campaigning. Let alone for an audience of parents and community members. Perhaps all of those people do support Brenda Leal. But how many teachers may have felt peer-pressured or professionally cornered into wearing that sticker? Just for that reason alone it’s inappropriate.
MEA (and CTA) has never been shy about brining its politics onto campuses and into classrooms. It used to happen all the time during contract negotiations where they would picket, wear black, etc. at school events like Open House and Back to School Night. As a parent, I always found it distasteful and off-putting, since the point of the events are supposed to be the children, not their political agendas. Since yesterday was Caesar Chavez Day, I would have hoped that would have been a focus of attention, not their efforts to unseat the lone Latino board member in a district that is over 30% Hispanic.
That history of campaigning is important context because it perpetuates the feeling of “in groups” and the “original club” atmosphere. Tonight is the Alhambra open house and I am curious if the stickers will appear there too. It would be even worse there because some of their students are eligible voters. I just realized it could also be illegal, but I am not sure what category of public employee the teachers fall into: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/political-activities.aspx#:~:text=May%20State%20employees%20work%20on,or%20resources%20for%20that%20purpose
I found this online that suggests it is legal for teachers to wear political/campaign buttons at events such as these (though it makes no sense to me). Regardless of the legality, I think it was clearly inappropriate and tasteless, particular in light of the fact that the other candidate running for the seat is a parent at the school and in attendance with her children last night.
https://sclscal.org/legal-update-memo-no-26-2022-frequently-asked-questions-regarding-political-activities-for-local-educational-agencies-employees-and-candidates-k-12/
I was not allowed to carry a sign to a mock 2024 election on the Olympic HS campus (I teach at Crossroads on the same site) The sign simply said, "I am a CTA Member and I vote." The sign made no reference to a political candidate. I stand by that I had the right to carry the sign. Curious as to your thought on the matter as I truly respect your opinion.
Wow, I can’t believe they did that while the other candidate is also a parent at the school and their child attends the school. I am speechless. We are new to the district and were checking out the school for next year. We hear so much about the strong sense of community in Martinez. I am still trying to believe that everyone is included in this community but it’s hard convincing my heart of that when my eyes saw such blatant and callous exclusionary behavior across the entire school yesterday. Mean girls popularity contest making sure nobody else sits at their table at lunch. The other candidate has my wholehearted support now.
I hope you make these feelings known to the superintendent and school board.
I am saddened to see Marcy's name maligned like this. I know of very few people who align fully with their political parties. I support Democrats and have been horrified at some of their positions over the years and would hate for a whole community to judge me on that. What I do know from going through a cheer season with her, is that she is dedicated and compassionate and turns up for her girls, rain or shine. I haven't always supported all of Anamarie's political positions but when we were struggling with my daughter getting SPED services from MUSD, she was an awesome support. She met with me over zoom and even offered to meet on a weekend. She was also the person who showed up at my door with dinner for my whole family the evening I came home from cancer surgery. People are more complex than the parties they align with. This whole saga is getting sadder and sadder.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I certainly have had my share of frustrations with both political parties over the years, but I don't recall the Democratic Party ever trying to literally overturn an election and destroy U.S. democracy, or intentionally targeting marginalized communities (immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+) the way MAGA has. To many people, this isn't a matter of holding different political views but respecting fundamental values, and standing with marginalized students whose safety and welfare are directly threatened by the MAGA movement. The school district has made clear its support for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles since the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, passing a resolution that year stating such and implementing a number of anti-bias programs in the years since (which MEA said it supported), and MAGA politics are incompatible with that. (There are Republicans who are not MAGA, and I'm sure many people would have a different view of their candidacies and endorsements for school board). Folks need to decide whether they put relationships first or values first when it comes to who is in a position to make policies that affect the daily lives of MUSD students, including those who face the consequences of MAGA politics on a daily basis.
Also, you are very correct. MAGA is a whole new ball game in terms of what they are doing and I need to not lose sight of that in an attempt to be "fair".
Understand your position clearly, I think. Just saddened by this all right now. It's why I would never be in politics, I don't have the stomach for it.
Thank you for this, guys! I was asked to support a petition against Ayala. I declined. I won’t tell you who asked me but the person had great disdain with Anamarie pushing Brittany to the forefront. I told the person who asked me to sign, that while there were times I didn’t agree with some of the tactics Anamarie used, I didn’t see that this was one of them.
I too, came unglued when MEA supported LeBeouf! This is where MAGA crap starts, at local levels. So glad to have her revealed as a conduit to Moms for Liberty!
Thanks, Marlene. As someone who has been active in school board politics since 2018, I've long been dismayed by the "club" mentality that pervades this district. In other words, if you're a member of the MUSD club (usually white and multi-generational residents of the city), that's where one's loyalty begins and ends, and it's all about preserving the status quo, even if that status quo leaves behind the marginalized. Sure, people will pay lip service to diversity and equity, and show up for a Black Lives Matter march when it's convenient or popular, but at the end of the day, their relationships and preserving the club come first. I think that was at the heart of the 2022 endorsement, and why MEA lacked the courage to rescind it when the MAGA contributions came to light, and what's now driving this special election (probably also explains why so many in the MUSD community continue to support the refinery despite the immense damage it's done to our city's image and the threat its unsafe operations poses to our students). I think it also explains why so many students of color and those from marginalized groups continue to report incidents of harassment and racism, and too often feel unsafe and unsupported. The club can't truly understand and identify with what they experience, and is concerned much more with its own relationships and preservation.
Indeed. The first question MEA asked me during my 2022 endorsements interview was how long I had lived in Martinez. If you look at the school district application for the board appointment, it asks the same thing. I’m not sure what the relevance of “longevity” in Martinez is? My children’s paternal grandfather graduated from Alhambra High School (he was a wrestler that supposedly broke school records) in the late 1970s. I suspect that since he’s Hispanic he’s most likely not part of “the club.” There’s a huge diaspora of Mexicans that live in Martinez (Contra Costa County also) that settled here from a region in Los Altos de Jalisco and Zacatecas (from where my family is from). Despite having such deep roots to Martinez and its residents, I doubt that my children nor I will ever be considered “real Martinez” by “the club.”
I wonder how many lifelong residents of Martinez have any idea what a poor reputation our city has among people of color? It’s something I’ve heard expressed many times. An Alhambra parent of color who I encouraged to get involved in anti-racism issues in 2020 told me she had decided to move her family to Oakley because it was more welcoming. That made me very sad. Some people like to compare Martinez to Mayberry. The problem with that comparison is that Mayberry was located in the Jim Crow South and I don’t recall seeing too many people of color. Former Councilman Mark Ross mentioned more than once at council meetings that lynchings happened in Martinez. Our city’s history is far from pure.
UGH! I was raised in the Jim Crow South and it wasn’t pretty. We did not integrate until 1964 because of the Civil Rights Act that LBJ put into effect. What I loved about it is that I made new friends! But there are still people there who can’t shake being with others who aren’t like them. I only am friends with people who don’t care.
I am so sorry Yazmin! It’s racism at its finest! This latest debacle with the school board’s special election is proof positive of that.
You are so correct, Craig! This just reminds me of my years being raised in the Deep South. I actually was surprised and highly dismayed by the person who asked me to support the petition. I am wondering if they realize their racism was so apparent to them. I think not.