10 Lessons

I’m the proud father of a fourth grader and first grader.  Yesterday, I took both of them to school.  As they are just beginning their educational journey, I think it appropriate that I share the things I’ve learned about the importance of a good education.  It might be helpful to San Jose Inside readers, too.

1. Get to school on time just in case the teacher passes out snacks and there’s not enough for everyone.

2. Don’t fall asleep in class. You can do that when you get older and attend city council meetings.

3. Be nice to your classmates.  You never know who might grow up and become the County Assessor.

4. No one can take your education away from you, not even the Redevelopment Agency.

5. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and say something in class.  People want to hear what you have to say, unless you’re a City Manager.

6. Study hard so you can get into a good college.  Or you’ll have to learn to play golf so you can become a successful lobbyist.

7. Stay away from things that are addictive and expensive, like Dynasty Restaurant’s crystal crab.  It’ll lead to a life of no good.

8. Remember that all subjects and school activities are important, including spelling.  You may have to hold a sign at a press conference someday.

9. Have fun and exercise a lot during P.E.  Or you’ll have to spend your lunchtime walking with the County Supervisors.

10. Those who can, do.  Those who can’t, blog.  And those who can’t blog, become newspaper editors.

10 Comments

  1. 11. Even if you are the biggest kid on the playground, don’t bully the others. But if you do and get caught, don’t claim the yard monitors are lying—not even if your weasely little friend Eddie Haskell says you must.

  2. 13. Don’t elect beleaguered city managers to chairman of your non-profit if you expect members of the community to hand over their hard earned dollars. 

    The Mercury News reports today the United Way elected San Jose city manager Del Borgsdorf to chairman of the board.  Mark Walker, president of United Way, said Mr. Borgsdorf was exonerated in the recent scandal by reports from outside investigators

    Anybody know what report Mr. Walker is referring to in the recent Norcal scandal?  I thought the city was still trying to find somebody to conduct the investigation. 

    See http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/12512042.htm

  3. This made me smile, laugh out loud and enjoy Jude’s sense of humor.  Political discussions are part of our everyday life and it is amazing what we teach and what they learn.  But the bottom line is I will be happy as long as she votes as a Democrat.

  4. From Today’s paper—

    Monday night, the task force, in principle, approved allowing building permits to be issued when the city’s budget director certifies that the next phase of development will not burden the general fund. The current standard provides that permits can be approved if economic forecasts indicate a stable city budget for five years, among other factors

    CITY BUDGET DIRECTOR???

    Isn’t this the guy that lied to grand jury?

    Do we really want him pulling the trigger here?

  5. Nope, it’s not Joe Guerra.  He’s the “Mayor’s” budget director.  The “City” budget director is another staffer with a very good reputation, unlike our elected “leader.”

  6. John,

    The “City” budget director is Larry Lisenbee who reports to the City Manager Borgsdorf.  Lisenbee is a good guy, under extreme pressure to make the numbers dance for the Mayor.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *