About Town
Stand up for schools
MBUSD teachers, administrators and parents will hold a Stand Up for Schools rally today as part of a statewide day of action by the California Teachers Association.
Due to unprecedented state budget cuts, the district is forced to shave at least $4 million from its budget in June and has begun the difficult task of looking at which programs will be axed next school year.
“The March 4 day of action by teachers and other public workers is helping to heighten the awareness of the havoc $17 billion in cuts over two years is wreaking on students and schools,” said Rachel Thomas, president of the Manhattan Beach Unified Teacher’s Association. “Our class sizes are soaring…and thousands of educators face more pink slips on March 15. Quality public schools build strong communities and we have joined together to say our children deserve better. Investing in public education is the best investment we can make in their future.”
Two rallies will take place today at 7:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. at Mira Costa High School at the corner of Peck Ave. and Artesia Blvd.
For more information, visit www.standupforschools.org
Person of the Month
Before becoming president of the Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach, Jan Rhees wore many hats. She started her career in real estate and moved onto entertainment marketing in music and film. She built an impressive clientele, including Clint Eastwood, Reba McEntire, Lyle Lovett and the Grammy Awards. In the nineties, she produced a feature film.
As Rotary Club president, she has been involved in numerous community outreach programs, including the donation of picture dictionaries to students in underserved areas, scholarships for Mira Costa students, and the Meals on Wheels food program.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Mitch Ward named her Manhattan Beach’s March Person of the month.
“She’s done so much for the community, giving back at the Joslyn Center, doing upgrades there and basically doing a fantastic job for the citizens of Manhattan Beach,” he said.
Rhees said she was humbled to be included in the company of others who have been named the city’s Person of the Month, including MBFD Captain Dave Schenbaum and MBPD Det. Sgt. Brian Brown, who both made daring pier rescues in recent months.
“I accept this award and dedicate it to strengthening the bond between the Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach, our community and our city government.”