“What is it about shopping? Is it the act itself? Are we seduced by the artistry of stacks of perfectly folded sweaters? Are we lured by the opportunity to disguise ourselves? Is it that we think we’ve gained some sort of upper hand when we find a bargain?” — SMDP Mariel Howsepian writing in “West Dressed.”
“We feel it’s a good culminating activity that gives them a good opportunity to reflect on their experience here.” — Titia Murphy, an eighth grade social studies teacher at John Adams Middle School who was an interview coordinator during the school’s exit interviews. More than 300 graduating students at the school treated their exit interviews this week with equal importance, a rite of passage in which the eighth graders are confirmed ready to set off to a bigger and more challenging campus.
“Sen. Kennedy has built a record of legislative achievement unmatched in our history (often working with Republicans despite his status as the GOP’s official punching bag); with some saying he has had more impact on the lives of Americans than most of the nine presidents he has served under.” — SMDP columnist Bennet Kelley writing in “The Soap Box.”
“The school district can now go about finding a superintendent who is smart and strong and who is attracted to the opportunity to build his or her own cabinet, allowing for the sort of clean sweep that is needed to bring about the culture of change called for in the recent special education audit.” — Tricia Crane, said regarding the potential departure of Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Superintendent Dianne Talarico. Crane has been a special education activist who has been critical of the district in the past.
“MY CONCERN IS NOT TALKING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS, BUT TALKING ABOUT WHAT THE CLIMATE IS GOING TO BE AND HOW WE FRAME SPECIAL EDU- CATION GOING FOR- WARD.” — Barry Snell, School Board member on the school district’s decision to do away with confidentiality agreements in special education
“These are the best dry weather grades since the report went statewide.” — Mark Gold, Heal the Bay president, regarding the 18th annual Beach Report Card.
“I don’t do drugs because I have an addictive personality. I know this about myself, so I’ve always been immune to the sales tactics of conventional drug dealers. But flying isn’t a drug in the conventional sense and Jonathon Conant of Trapeze School New York isn’t a conventional drug dealer.” — SMDP columnist Kenny Mack writing in “Word in Edgewise.”
“If you are going to be a professional surfer, you have to learn how to read the ocean and waves. If you are going to be a real estate investor, you need to know how to evaluate a real estate transaction to see if it is a sensible deal. Many successful investors know quickly if they have come across a deal and thus lock it up quickly.” — SMDP columnist Mike Heayn writing in “Real Estate 101.”
“I wish I had checked my e-mail from fellow Treesavers before I took my daughter Olivia to her preschool on Second Street so that I might have prepared her for the tragic sight in front of her school — slaughtered trees, their branches strewn haphazardly in the middle of the street, their stumps still full of sap, a testament to the fact that they were living and thriving only hours before.” — Sherry Martini, Santa Monica resident regarding the removal last Friday of 23 ficus trees on Second and Fourth streets.
“There is a strong desire to frame the campaign in terms of compassion... so this isn’t about judging people or stereotyping anyone. It’s about helping people to see that direct giving may not be the most compassionate choice.” — Tanja Hester, a senior associate with consulting firm GMMB on City Hall’s anti panhandling campaign.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 24, 2008. Read the original PDF.