Archive By Section - Other Views

Superintendent’s Spotlight - What Is Best?

I recently picked up a Bay Area newspaper, and the headline shouted: "Layoffs Despite Recovery." An uneasy smile crossed my face as I realized we have been talking about this in public schools for almost three years now. Although Oakdale has had the benefit of a stable school population with a slight growth and excellent planning, we still will look at major cuts in the next six to 18 months.

Way To Grow, Oakdale!

The Oakdale Police Department has a proven record of providing superior services to the community by blending professionalism and compassion. The Department's Mission Statement is "Working to protect and safeguard those we serve." Now that Oakdale's population has grown beyond 20,000, the men and women of the Oakdale Police Department continue to work even harder to fulfill this mission.

Superintendent’s Spotlight – Promises Kept

OJUSD Superintendent

Cop Corner

Throughout my years as a police officer, I have dealt with numerous parents who have wondered if their child was using or experimenting with drugs, but were not knowledgeable enough to see the symptoms and find the truth. Many times, I have arrested juveniles for being under the influence, contacted their parents and were immediately faced with the statement, "I had no idea."

September Is National Preparedness Month

September Is National Preparedness Month

Superintendent’s Spotlight

I had the opportunity to meet with the Board of Directors of the Oakdale Sports Boosters on Sept. 8 to ask for their help with funding transportation for our Oakdale athletes. The meeting was very cordial and it was very apparent why this group of dedicated citizens was in attendance. They were all there for one reason: their sole purpose was to make Oakdale schools' sports programs a great experience for the students of Oakdale High and Oakdale Junior High.

Cop Corner

Crime is an unfortunate reality of daily life. When law enforcement investigates crimes, it is often a good witness that can make or break a case. What does it mean to be a good witness?

Superintendent’s Spotlight

Heed Cell Phone Laws

In July of 2008, California passed California Vehicle Code section 23123(a) that prohibits a driver from talking on a cell phone without the use of a hands free device in a motor vehicle on a highway (Roadway). This California Vehicle Code section was written in an attempt to reduce the number of traffic collisions on the roadway by allowing the driver to keep both hands on the steering wheel and focus his/her attention on the roadway. There are of course, several exceptions to this law that allow you to use your cell phone while driving, calling 911, emergency ...

A Water War Coming

Early in June the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a Biological Opinion (BO) on the impacts of the State Water Project and Federal Water Project (Projects) on endangered salmon and steelhead fish populations. Both Projects pump water out of the Delta to send to the South part of the State and it is these actions that the BO addressed. The BO stated that in no uncertain terms, both salmon and steelhead were being harmed and immediate and long-term actions were necessary to protect them.

Cruz’n w/Jake-Closing The Book

It was the same old speech I'd heard a thousand times before. Something positive and uplifting, but nothing really authentic or new. So instead of listening to the speaker, I was reading some sort of graduation guideline handout and daydreaming about something more interesting. Now it's been almost two years since I didn't hear that speech.

What’s All This Blogging Fuss?

So we have finally, officially, caught up to the rest of the online world and we now have a few certified bloggers on staff at The Oakdale Leader.