The Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) Superintendent Advisory Council announces the selection of Dr. George J. McKenna III, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District(LAUSD), Local District 7 as the recipient of the 2012 Superintendent of the Year Award. Dr. McKenna will be honored Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey, California.

Dr. George J. McKenna III began his career as an LAUSD math teacher and navigated his way to an appointment as principal of Washington Prepatory High School in South Central Los Angeles. In a matter of four years, he successfully changed an inner-city high school that had been torn by violence, low achievement and lack of community confidence into a school with an attendance waiting list, and nearly 80% of the graduates enrolled in college.

He left LAUSD to lend his expertise to several districts. He served as Superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District in California, Deputy Superintendent in Compton, California, Local District Superintendent in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools in Pasadena, California.

In 2009 he returned to Los Angeles Unified as Local District 7 Superintendent serving nearly 65,000 students in over 70 Title I eligible schools in central Los Angeles. During his tenure, he was able to accomplish double digit API test score growth in 75% of the schools with one achieving 900 and several exceeding 800 despite successive and severe annual budget and personnel reductions, increases in class size, and loss of professional development resources.

Because of these accomplishments, Dr. McKenna is the subject of the award-winning CBS television movie entitled, “The George McKenna Story” starring Denzel Washington.

GSEP is also pleased to recognize two “Superintendents of Distinction” for their outstanding service in school leadership. Dr. Larry L. Powell, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and Dr. Susan C. Parks, retired Superintendent of San Gabriel Unified School District will also be honored at the January 26th dinner and reception.

Referred to as “Reverend” by his colleagues, Dr. Larry L. Powell is distinguished by his well-rounded background. He’s a minister, singer, golfer, gymnast and motivational speaker delivering over 2700 speeches throughout California. Powell also serves on 12 non-profit boards and as a Member of the Board of Trustees for Fresno Pacific University where he also taught as a member of the Adjunct Graduate Faculty. He is on numerous advisory boards for California State University, Fresno. He is currently the Chair of California’s Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). Powell made headlines last year when he forfeited $800,000 of his salary over three years to help his struggling district.

Upon graduating from USC, Dr. Susan C. Parks began her teaching career at LAUSD. She saw how important quality leadership was for the success of schools, teachers, students and families and set her goal to become a principal and eventually superintendent. Her first step towards realizing this dream was her appointment as principal of Walnut Grove Elementary School. Parks became K-12 curriculum director, elementary education director, assistant superintendent, for educational services and personnel services and deputy superintendent in Simi Valley. In 1997, she became superintendent of the Baldwin Park Unified School District where she established the “I’m Going to College” program. When she retired in 2002, she took on the responsibility of program director for Pepperdine University’s new Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy (ELAP) doctoral program, for her a valuable time of learning as well as teaching. In 2006, Parks gave up her retirement to become Interim Superintendent of the San Gabriel Unified School District. After over four years of service, she retired in December of 2011.

Past recipients of the Superintendent of the Year Award include:

Mrs. Cynthia Cervantes McGuire, superintendent of Azusa Unified School District

Dr. Gwen Gross, formerly with the Hermosa Unified School District

Dr. Robert Fraisse, formerly with the Conejo Valley Unified School District

Dr. Joseph Condon, formerly with the Lawndale Elementary School District

Dr. Jody Dunlap, formerly with the Oxnard Union High School District

Dr. Sharon McClain, formerly with the Del Mar Union School District

Dr. Trudy Arriaga, from the Ventura Unified School District

Past recipients of the Superintendents of Distinction Award include:

Ms. Judy Burton, president and CEO of Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools

Mr. William Habermehl, Orange County superintendent of schools

Dr. Johanna Vandermolen, formerly with the Campbell Unified School District
Dr. Jeffrey Felix, from the Coronado Unified School District

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) is an innovative learning community where faculty, staff, and students of diverse cultures and perspectives work collaboratively to foster academic excellence, social purpose, and personal fulfillment.

Through its integrative course work and practical training, GSEP prepares students to serve the needs of others through skilled leadership. GSEP offers seven master’s and four doctoral programs across its five graduate campus locations throughout Southern California and online. Programs are fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the American Psychological Association.

For more information, visit: gsep.pepperdine.edu.

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In response to a strong wind event forecast for California, CAL FIRE increased its staffing and fire equipment throughout the state. High winds along with low humidity are expected over much of the state and continuing for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph. This weather event will significantly increase the wildfire threat in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California

CAL FIRE and other fire agencies increased their preparedness by staffing additional state wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews, and aircraft. These state resources are positioned throughout the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wildfire. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas.

Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecasted velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner.

“The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “With the strong winds forecasted the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.”

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Ambrose Akinmusire Named 2012 Monterey Jazz Festival Artist-In-Residence

The Monterey Jazz Festival has been a leader in jazz education since its inception in 1958. The 8th Annual Next Generation Jazz Festival, featuring the nation’s most talented middle school, high school, conglomerate school, and college jazz musicians and vocalists, in historic downtown Monterey runs from March 30 to April 1, 2012.

Now in its eighth successful year in downtown Monterey, the Next Generation Jazz Festival evolved from the Festival’s California High School Jazz Competition, started in 1971, and held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for 35 of its 41-year history. Now named the Next Generation Jazz Festival, the weekend salute to the future of jazz has expanded to include middle school, conglomerate school, and college level musicians and vocalists.

The Next Generation Jazz Festival is now accepting applications from middle school, high school, and college big bands; from high school and college level conglomerate bands; from open combos; and from high school combos and vocal jazz ensembles through January 22, 2012. Application forms may be downloaded at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, montereyjazzfestival.org. The application process is free of charge, as is participation in the prestigious event.

Next Generation Jazz Festival finalists are selected through recorded auditions reviewed and ranked by faculty from the Berklee College of Music, and will include 12 big bands, six combos, and eight vocal ensembles in the High School Division. Six college-level big bands and six college vocal ensembles will also be selected, in addition to six conglomerate and six middle school big bands, and six Open Combos. In addition, specially-invited groups will also perform. In 2011, over 54 groups from across the United States and Japan attended the Next Generation Jazz Festival.

The high school, conglomerate school, and college divisions of the Next Generation Festival Jazz Competition are open to superior rated big bands, combos, and vocal ensembles. The top big bands, combo, and vocal ensemble will win cash awards and be invited to perform at the 55th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, September 21 – 23, 2012.

Auditions will also be held for chairs in the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, which is slated to tour at jazz venues and festivals throughout North America, as well as being featured on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Sunday afternoon Arena/Lyons Stage.

The event also includes a big band composition competition, open to high school composers. Judged by college faculty from leading music schools across the country, the winning composer will receive the Gerald Wilson Award and a cash prize, with the winning composition to be performed by the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra on the final day of the 55th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, Sunday, September 23, 2012, on the Jimmy Lyons Stage in the Arena before a crowd of thousands.

All Next Generation Jazz Festival events and activities — from Friday night’s Kick-Off Concert through Saturday and Sunday’s High School Jazz Competition — are open to the public, free of charge. The Festival will also conduct clinics, workshops, jam sessions, and auditions in the heart of historic Monterey, with music to be performed at the Monterey Conference Center, the host Portola Plaza Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row.

Interested schools and students should visit montereyjazzfestival.org for instructions on how to apply to the Next Generation Jazz Festival. Applications with an audition tape/CD should be mailed to: Next Generation Jazz Festival, c/o Jazz Education Director, 9699 Blue Larkspur Lane, Suite 204, Monterey, CA, 93940.

Featured during the weekend of music will be the award-winning trumpeter, Ambrose Akinmusire, who has been selected as the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Artist-In-Residence for 2012. Akinmusire will work with young student musicians in performance, clinics and one-on-one sessions at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and the Festival’s Summer Jazz Camp, in addition to performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival and at other concerts and events throughout the year.

Started in 2004, the Artist-In-Residence program has brought Regina Carter, Branford Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Dianne Reeves and Joshua Redman to the Monterey Bay; their involvement and interaction with students provides a unique educational opportunity through mentorship that will last a lifetime.

Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, winner of the 2007 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, recently made his major-label debut on Blue Note Records.

The Oakland, California-born trumpeter attended Berkeley High School and was a member of the 1999 and 2000 Monterey Jazz Festival’s High School All-Star Band. While still in the Berkeley High School Ensemble, he caught the attention of the visiting saxophonist Steve Coleman, who later hired Ambrose as a member of his Five Elements band for extensive European tour. Akinmusire was just 19 years old.

After graduating from Berkeley High School in 2000, he moved to New York to begin a scholarship at the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Vincent Penzerella, Dick Oatts, Lew Soloff, and Laurie Frink. He performed publicly with Lonnie Plaxico, Stefon Harris, Josh Roseman, Vijay Iyer, Charlie Persip, the Mingus Big Band, and the San Francisco Jazz Collective, to name a few.

Ambrose returned to the West Coast in 2005 to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and simultaneously attended the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. His teachers include Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Billy Childs and Gary Grant. He has worked with such artists as Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Hal Crook, Bob Hurst, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, Jason Moran, Wallace Roney, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter. After graduation in 2007, Ambrose won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition in the space of one week.

After making appearances on recordings by Steve Coleman, Vijay Iyer, Alan Pasqua, Walter Smith III, Josh Roseman, Esperanza Spalding, Aaron Parks, and more in the 2000s, Ambrose made his major-label debut in 2011, releasing When the Heart Emerges Glistening on Blue Note Records. Pop Matters said that the record “…should send shivers up every jazz fan’s spine” and Jazzwise Magazine said “…Akimusire is already showing signs of being a major creative figure in the making.” The Los Angeles Times wrote “…he seems practically predestined for a breakout in 2011.”

The 54th Monterey Jazz Festival partners include Verizon, Yamaha Instruments, Remo, Gallien-Krueger, Inns of Monterey, Carmel Road Winery, North Coast Brewing Company, DownBeat Magazine, KGO Newstalk 810 AM, San Jose Mercury News, Amoeba Music, The Jazz Cruise, KUSP 88.9, StreamGuys, Alvarez Technology Group, and Meraki.

Monterey Jazz Festival also receives support for the Festival and its Jazz Education Programs from the Hearst Foundations, National Endowment for the Arts, Verizon, AT&T, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, Quest Foundation, D’Addario Music Foundation, Joseph Drown Foundation, Harden Foundation, William McCaskey Chapman & Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation, Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Inc., Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Pebble Beach Company Foundation, Rotary International, Robert & Audrey Talbott Foundation, Community Foundation of Monterey County, and generous individual contributors.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Vintners Announce Participation in Second Annual Destination Food and Wine Event

The Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) has announced participation with Sunset magazine (www.sunset.com) at Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 in San Luis Obispo County.

The heart of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 is the Main Event which takes place at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, where visitors will be treated to a taste of the good life on the Central Coast, with gardening seminars, food and wine pairings, discussions on sustainability, backyard farming exhibits, and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chef, Cat Cora. Participating Monterey County wineries and the MCVGA will pour Monterey’s best to represent the distinctive qualities of Monterey’s nine American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and to bring awareness to the region’s spectacular winemaking.

“We are ecstatic to be part of such a high profile celebration of all things Central Coast,” said Rhonda Motil, Executive Director of the MCVGA. “The aromas and flavors of Monterey County wines are sure to paint an enticing portrait of our region for the visitors who taste them.”

Wineries representing Monterey County with their own booth at Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 will include:

• Estancia Estates Winery (www.estanciaestates.com)
• Hahn Winery (www.hahnestates.com)
• Lockwood Vineyard (www.lockwood-wine.com)
• Michaud Vineyard (www.michaudvineyard.com)
• Paraiso Vineyards (www.paraisovineyards.com)
• Scheid Vineyards (www.scheidvineyards.com)
• Wrath Wines (www.wrathwines.com)

In addition, the MCVGA will have a booth which will pour wines from the following wineries:

• Delicato Family Vineyards (www.delicato.com)
• Pierce Vineyards (www.piercevineyards.com)
• Chateau Julien (www.chateaujulien.com)
• Wente Vineyards (www.wentevineyards.com)
• Tamas Estates (www.tamasestates.com)

Hahn Winery (represented both individually and as part of the MCVGA table)While the Main Event is the largest gathering during Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011, the event will offer several other complementary experiences to excite the senses. The complete weekend – Thursday, September 29 through Sunday, October 2 – will bring the beauty and bounty of California’s Central Coast vibrantly to life with adventure excursions, culinary tours, and farm-to-table meals. Some events include an Opening Night Reception beside the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle on Thursday, September 29, the Sunset Western Wine Awards Gala on the Pismo Beach Pier, Friday, September 30, and kayak tours across the Morro Bay Estuary, hikes through Moñtana de Oro State Park and the Oceano Dunes, and an aerial tour of Paso Robles wine country by hot air balloon with Sunset Publishing President, Barb Newton.

Sunset magazine has partnered with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau to host Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast.

For more event information and ticketing, visit www. www.SavorCentralCoast.com or call 800?768?6653. Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SavorCC, or follow sunset on Twitter (@SavorCC). Ticket proceeds and sponsorships are considered donations to the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Convention Bureau, a 501 c 6 non-profit tourism organization promoting San Luis Obispo County.

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The California Association for Local Economic Development Applauds Lieutenant Governor for Newly Released Economic Development Report

Sacramento, CA – The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) congratulates Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom on his leadership in releasing the Economic Growth and Competitive Agenda for California. The report outlines an economic development vision to move California forward.

According to CALED President and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Schell,

“We’ve spent time and energy urging elected state and local officials to provide us with clear-cut strategies to improve the economic conditions of California residents. We do not want more piecemeal economic development but rather a comprehensive jobs strategy. This report takes a step in the right direction.

“CALED has consistently called for a strategy that is a blueprint for action that articulates and initiates a plan to get people to work; identifies targeted state and local investments; shifts from a one-shot-project orientation to a dynamic process-based plan; and influences the California economy on a permanent basis.

“Recognizing local and state economies do not run on automatic pilot, this report highlights the importance of economic development in stimulating growth to create jobs and increase revenue by retaining, expanding, creating and attracting businesses.

“Our state’s economic health hinges on actions taken by the Governor and Legislature in creating quality jobs for the residents of California.

“Now more than ever our state leaders need to view economic development as an investment.”

California Association for Local Economic Development

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ROUSH CleanTech continues to roll out fleet vehicles fueled by propane autogas to California after the announcement today from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that the company’s fuel system for Ford E-series passenger and cargo vans were granted CARB certification status.

“This is truly exciting news for the ROUSH CleanTech team and our customers,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “CARB certification is that final nod of approval needed to launch a full line of clean burning propane-autogas-powered passenger and cargo vans to fleet managers in California and other states, who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our cost-effective alternative fuel solution.”

CARB, the “clean air agency” of California, is charged with improving the air quality and reducing the public’s exposure to air contaminants. Currently, California is the only state with such a regulatory agency, but several others follow CARB guidelines, including Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and others.

ROUSH CleanTech’s CARB approval of the Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 vans equipped with the 5.4-liter V8 engine will enable Prime Time Shuttle, serving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), to meet new environmental directives set forth by the airport ahead of schedule. Prime Time will be the first ground transportation company at LAX to incorporate the newly certified vans into their existing fleet. Prime Time has 15 units ready for deployment with another 35 to 40 vehicles being added in the next few months. Over the next two years, Prime Time has committed to replacing their entire 175-van fleet with cleaner-burning propane autogas technology.

“We like what we see at ROUSH CleanTech,” said Rattan Joea, president of Prime Time Shuttle. “We’ve wanted to add the autogas E-series vans for quite some time, but needed CARB certification to seal the deal. We can’t wait to show our customers our commitment to a healthier environment with a reliable fleet of alternative fueled vans and shuttles, engineered with racing legend Jack Roush’s dedication to superior automotive products.”

Research shows propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, up to 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and fewer particulate emissions when compared to gasoline. The switch to propane comes with impressive savings as well, including lower operating and maintenance costs; lower fuel costs, in part due to a $.50 per gallon tax credit through 2011; and increased engine longevity.

“Prime Time’s switch means significant savings on several fronts,” explained Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “Each of their vans travel more than 100,000 miles yearly, so Prime Time will see a tremendous reduction in harmful emissions. They will also contribute to the displacement of gasoline and see savings on maintenance and fuel costs.”

When Prime Time Shuttle replaces all 175 of their vehicles with propane-autogas-powered units, they will be removing more than 8.2 million pounds of carbon doxide from California’s atmosphere each year. To estimate a fleet’s savings with propane autogas, fleet managers can visit ROUSH CleanTech’s online savings calculator at www.ROUSHcleantech.com.

“Propane autogas is quickly growing in popularity among those looking to clean up our cities’ air,” added Thompson. “Propane is domestically produced, environmentally friendly, and readily available. It is also an exceptionally safe fuel due to the fact that propane tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline tanks, and propane has the lowest flammability range of all alternative fuels.”

Already certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, the van was recognized recently with the “Propane Hero” award given to SuperShuttle for formidable performance as an alternative fuel vehicle at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The E-series passenger and cargo vans join ROUSH CleanTech’s existing lineup of eco-friendly vehicles, including Ford F-250 and F-350 propane autogas pickup trucks, which received CARB certification last year, and the E-450 cutaway van, which obtained CARB certification last month.

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The Boeing Company announced January 20 that due to a decline in orders for its C-17 cargo planes, it will cut 900 jobs from its 3,700-employee facility in Long Beach, and may close its plant completely unless it receives additional orders from the federal government or foreign governments.

Boeing’s Long Beach facility is one of Southern California’s last remaining aircraft manufacturing facilities. Before Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged, McDonnell Douglas built planes at the factory that were used by the United States and its allies to win World War II.

Other Southern California aerospace companies also have announced plans to lay off workers. In 1990, more than 160,000 aerospace jobs existed in Southern California. Now, it is estimated that there are fewer than 48,000 jobs in the industry.

The C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane, which has been in production since the 1990s, has the ability to take off and land on short runways, and has been used by NATO, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. (Source: Los Angeles Times, January 20.)

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California is tossing its hat into the ring of states that have seen mass numbers of dead wildlife, as hundreds of dead birds were found in an area just off of Highway 101.

California Highway Patrol found the doomed birds near the road on Saturday and gave the California Department of Fish and Game a call to investigate the matter.

The birds have been noted as small with black and brown feathers, showing no signs of gunshot wounds or other hazards. This report is added to the other masses of dead fish and birds found in Louisiana and other states, however, scientists say that these kinds of mass deaths are a part of nature, occur regularly and often go unreported by the media.

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The developer of Old Bath House restaurant in Lovers Point has asked Pacific Grove city leaders to change his lease agreement so he can finish the project.

Pacific Grove city council will convene Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall to mull over amending the agreement made with Enea Properties Co. to remodel the property, located on 620 Ocean View Blvd, as an eatery. They will also work with the idea of amending the lease made with Joe Cavallaro for running the Lovers Point Grill.

The negotiations for the initial agreement have been ongoing since 2007, and the company says that the building plans are almost finished. They have met all requirements for building, including  getting development approvals, but are sill without a building permit.

Due to the recession, Enea Properties asked the city in September to subordinate its interest in the development to the bank loan so they could make payments and make sure the project gets completed.

The council will convene in a closed session with property negotiators to make a judgment on the terms of both lease amendments.

Popularity: 9% [?]

A restaurant in Boston is preparing a dinner including seafood they say that consumers have been “brainwashed” to think isn’t savory by environmental groups.

The owner of Legal Seafoods, Roger Berkowitz, told the  Gloucester Daily Times that guides like “Seafood Watch” produced by the Monterey Bay Aquarium “have no scientific basis” and intimidate consumers.

One example of “brainwashing” as told by Berkowitz is the advisory from the report that states trawl caught Atlantic cod should be avoided. The report says that the gear used to catch the fish destroys the sea floor.

Not surprisingly, the dinner will feature foods outlined in the report, such as tiger shrimp, cod cheeks and hake. A spokesman for Monterey Bay Aquarium says the suggestions are science based, and offered to have a chat with Berkowitz.

Popularity: 9% [?]