[Letter to the News, published 7/12/01 in the Rio Linda Elverta News]
Ms. Yvonne Longstreth's insightful letter in the News provides criticism, which, from the viewpoint of a Grant Reorganization project member, is warranted.
This web page presents her letter, my response, and correspondence from Mr. Darrell Nelson, full and complete as sent, with the exceptions that I have added emphasis to the words reorg and Reorganization for the convenience of the viewer, and to respect privacy, I have deleted private telephone numbers.
Click here to read my letter in the July 5 News, to which Ms. Longstreth is responding.
This web page only examines the Grant Reorganization; The Water district recalls are covered in other web pages (Click here).
Dear Rio Linda Elverta News:
After reading the letter from Mr. Jay O'Brien in the July 5th issue, I feel compelled to reply to his comments on the Grant School District Reorganization.
It disturbs me that Mr. O'Brien refers to the Grant District Reorganization effort as "Nelson's Grant Reorganization Project". The Reorganization of the Grant School District is a community project that has spanned several decades. Mr. O'Brien stated that he has lived in this community for over 42 years. Then he certainly must know that the first attempt to Reorganize the Grant District happened 38 years ago. I myself attended meetings for the Reorganization at Vineland Elementary School in the early 90's and Mr. Nelson was not in attendance at these meetings. I have also been active in this current try for a year now. Mr. Nelson has only recently become involved and at no time have I heard him call this "his project". It saddens and angers me that Mr. O'Brien has dismissed the efforts of community members who have fought long and hard for Reorganization. This is now and has been a long standing community project. Mr. O'Brien, please stop referring to it as "Nelson's Grant Reorganization Project".
Yvonne Longstreth
Letter to the Editor:
This is my reply to the insightful letter from Yvonne Longstreth in the July 12 News.
Ms. Longstreth is correct, I certainly am aware of the many incomplete attempts to Reorganize the Grant District. I have supported them all, and I apologize for appearing to dismiss the efforts of those who have fought the valiant battle for so many years. That certainly is not my intent. I hope the current try succeeds; unfortunately, however, Grant is willing to wage a million dollar Newspaper campaign to fight Reorganization. That's a tough battle.
I continue to support reorganization of the Grant High School District. However, when petitions for the reorganization and petitions for my recall are simultaneously circulated by volunteer petition circulators, that is the choice of the leader, or "facilitator", and "the volunteer base" to commingle the two petition drives. There is no law requiring the petition gatherers to tell the truth when soliciting signatures for my recall. Untruthfulness, however, when used to obtain signatures to recall me, hurts their linked Reorganization effort.
Ms. Longstreth states that Mr. Darrell Nelson is NOT the leader of the Grant Reorganization project, and she objects to my references to Nelson as the leader of that project. If Nelson is not the leader, he certainly appears to have taken on the responsibility for the project. His many email messages to the community mailing list give the impression that he holds a major leadership role.
If Nelson is not the leader, then I apologize for reading that into his emails praising volunteers, reporting signature counts, and asking for volunteers. Most recently, he defended the volunteers who were breaking federal regulations on Post Office grounds by simultaneously collecting signatures for both the reorganization and the Water District recalls. If Nelson is not the leader, who is? That leader, whomever he or she is, should be made aware of the problems caused by Nelson's combining of the Water District recalls, of which he is the facilitator, with the reorganization drive. Shouldn't these be completely separate issues? They certainly aren't now!
Nelson's public emails and letters pertaining to this subject are posted at http://obri.net/recall/omif.html on the web. See http://obri.net/recall/postmaster.html for the Post Office incident. I have provided a printed copy of these references for the Editor of the News to forward to Ms. Longstreth, in case she does not have web access. See http://obri.net/rl for information about joining our community mailing list.
Jay O'Brien
-------- Original Message --------(Note: emphasis added to the words reorg and Reorganization for the convenience of the viewer, and respecting privacy, private telephone numbers have been deleted)
To all,
I want to thank each and every one of you folks for helping the fight for our children. I am proud to be a part of the group that presented a very credible case for keeping Mr. Vandro. As they say in court, the case is now in the hands of the jury (5 board members). We knew going in that this would be almost impossible to turn them around. We will see next meeting but I am not encouraged by their attitude and tone of voice. No one will get more pleasure than I when we vote Annette Emery off the Board. Her attitude is inappropriate for her position. I will hand deliver the recall documents to the County at lunch time. The process is started, and we can start collecting signatures in approx. 2 weeks. I hope we can all stick together and make this happen. The big announcement that I made tonight was that the save Vandro volunteers will be joining the Reorganization volunteers and together we will obtain the signatures required to place these 2 items on the ballot. We have a professional organizer that will be helping our cause and he doesn't even have a child in our District. Thanks again, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Recall Update
Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 02:11:08 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
To all,
I submitted the petitions to the County today for approval. I am hoping to get approval by Wednesday's board meeting to get this thing started. As for the responses, nothing new. Same old board with the same old responses. They are trying to portray us as being mad for moving our Principal. This may be true, but it is not the only issue. They are already starting to repair some damage so it is important that we maintain our professionalism and not let these folks get to us. We are gaining momentum and credibility with certain groups. This will be key in taking this to the next level. This is not my opinion, remember the professional organizer that I mentioned? He is advising us how to proceed.
Also, As for the Sacto Bee reporter. Please treat her with respect at all times. Sandy is new to Sacramento and just moved here from Texas. She is very eager to find the story. The one in the paper was her first of many. We met with her for 3 hours Thursday night and brought her up to present day about our wonderful school and Mr. Vandro. She also wanted all of our past data. It is up to about 3 inches thick now. Let's let her do her job since she is our friend at this time.
As for reorg. The momentum is shifting and we are about to take this item to the next level. More to follow, but I did want to report that 2 parent volunteers from Foothill High School and one from the Robla area are meeting with us soon to join in the fun. This was another promise we made the board. It is sad that it has come to this, but it is time for change. There are a lot of folks on this list that have pledged there time to this cause and as a parent I thank you. Anyone that would like to gain more info about either cause can call me and I would be glad to answer any questions. 991-xxxx
Thanks to all
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Reorganization workshop
Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 22:14:33 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
To all,
We have just concluded a workshop that was attended by many on this list. Great turnout for a Saturday and I would like to take this time to thank all that attended. We video taped the meeting to train any future volunteers in the art of collecting signatures and answering many questions that came up during the workshop. Some folks have made a commitment to form sub committees and will be forging full speed ahead. Other folks over the last 6 weeks placed their name and number on a list and each core committee member has the names. Some folks on this RL list will be receiving a call from them. Do not be alarmed for they are not telemarketers, they are your friend and together we shall get the necessary signatures to place reorganization on the ballot. With the current volunteer list that we have, each person only needs to collect 40 valid signatures. I did not realize how large the RL Elementary School District is. Gathering signatures in the North Highland area housing tracks will make your job really easy and would require no more than 4-5 hours on a Saturday or Sunday morning. The deadline is August of this year to have the signatures. If anyone would like to join in let me know and I can provide you with the tools required.
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] followup sacto bee
Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 22:25:24 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Cynthia, this was the meeting that I told you about at the last town hall meeting. Remember asking which parents were invited? Nothing up and we are still on the same team. We gave her several phone numbers of folks and she will be calling Monday and tuesday. She is planning a story for Wednesday morning and will be at the board meeting. Let's give her a try before we make her an enemy. We need to stay squeekie clean and outshine the folks with the big titles, egoes and grins. We really did ourselves proud with our new friends from the Foothill High school at the reorg worshop. Again, there is no other community where folks come together in a time of need like ours. See you all Wednesday at 5:45pm at grand ave for one last chance to present our case to the board.
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] tomorrows Sacramento Bee
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 20:29:17 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
As I write, Sandy is puting the finishing touches on a story that will be printed in the metro section tomorrow. It is focused on Mr. Vandro, the person and I'm not sure how much of the story will survive her editor. This will be a good test, because she read me the part about how Mr. Vandro got buy-in from students, teachers and staff prior to inplementing changes such as progressive discipline and drug sniffing dogs. She goes on to tell how Dr. Buchanan imposes changes without the buy-in. We will see if she is allowed to leave impose in there. There is also something in there about the recall and the reorg effort. If it is allowed to be printed as she read it to me, it will no doubt create a call to her editor to get them stopped. She will be at the board meeting at 6pm if anyone wishes to give her any comments or documents.
"It is time for change"
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] to Cynthia
Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 12:49:53 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Cynthia, the reorganization committee would like to use the documents from Chris. Please let me know when you are available so that I can meet you at your storage place. Thanks, Darrell 991-xxxx I am available all day Saturday.
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Families for Better Education
Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 22:05:24 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
There is a workshop planned for May 21st at 7pm at the Robertson Center near Norwood and Silver Eagle to discuss Reorganization. They have asked me to invite you folks who can attend to please come. The Del Paso Heights District and North Sacramento District are meeting for a presentation or workshop concerning reorganization and how it will effect all local school districts. Last time they tried this, the room was filled with Grant Joint folks and this time they are hoping to turn the tide. Feel free to come listen in if for nothing else to get some more insight for petition gathering. Thanks, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] School recall update
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 20:53:36 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
We now have permission to circulate petitions for the recall of 4 school board members of the Grant Joint Union High School District. There are 66,442 registered voters in the District and we need 9,966 of them to sign. We have until Oct 24th to collect the necessary signatures. I have the original documents and will create a list of folks who wish to gather signatures. Many are already gathering signatures for an even more important issue called the reorganization. This should be our top priority. Thanks, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Last nights reorg workshop
Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 21:27:47 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Last nights meeting between Del Paso and North Sacramento school boards was quite a show. Mary Harris joined me and we got an earful. You all missed a great opportunity to face Annette and Buchanan one on one. They were there and told how well they are doing now and were so proud of themselves. Oh yea, they brought along their lawyer, communication guy and the new Director of Curriculum. Were you all aware of how well the District is doing? Neither is anybody else, except for one student who spoke in favor of Grant school District. It was not surprising to hear how other Districts have the same concerns that we have, but quite alarming. It was brought up how parents lie on their applications so that their children would not have to attend a Grant District school. Amazing to me that Annette and others cannot figure that doing what is right for the students far outweighs what is best for the District. Annette invited Del Paso to have a joint board meeting and ask them to attend Grant meeting more often. Too late Annette. North Sacramento Board ripped them up pretty good and mentioned the paper and articulation meetings that were a waist of money with no agenda and being attended by schools outside of our District. I could go on and on but more of the same. The neat thing was 3 board members actually saying that a unified District would benefit the "students." It comes down to a choice for the people inside the District and we should make that choice. Over 90 percent of the school districts in Ca are unified. Common sense would tell us that this is the right thing to do. Natomas unified and it passed by over 90 percent of the votes. If Grant district really cared about education then they would want to unify and apply for the new board positions. They have spent $177k to defeat senate bills and who knows how many thousands to fight this. How much more money will they spend? One board member last night told us that the sole purpose of Grant Today was to defeat the reorg. That would be 1.25 million. Legal council is working so hard that they just paid him $7,500 in vacation pay because he could not take time off. They could make a resolution for a friendly reorg and it would be a slam dunk. This school board makes me sick to my stomach and must go and we must also move forward with the reorg. Oh yea, we are working on the next board meeting presentations and it may prove pivotal. Things are happening folks and all is not lost yet. Thanks and sorry for the long message, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] milestone reached
Date: Fri, 25 May 2001 15:53:48 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
To all reorgsignature gatherers and other community members, We have now secured all of the required signatures for the Elverta School District. Anyone collecting in that area please move on to the Rio Linda and Robla School District. It's approx boundaries are south of U/Antelope to the I-80 freeway and from the 70/99 freeway to Manzanita Blvd. We need 5,000 more within this area. For those who took petitions from me please report in so that I can keep the Committee informed. The airline ticket is still up for grabs. I am available almost any time so please call. I am planning a gathering for next Saturday the 2nd of June. We can start here and each pick a nice group of track homes and take off. I have maps of the District. The Del Paso area neighbors are meeting the same day and maybe we can send them a challenge? Please call and let me know if you can attend. 991-xxxx This is probably our best and last chance of breaking away from Grant District once and for all. Hope you can attend. Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] petition gatherer of the week
Date: Fri, 25 May 2001 16:01:08 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Cathy Hood has won the 20. dollar gift certificate to Stuart Anderson for collecting the most signatures so far. That means that she is also leading the race for the Airline ticket to anywhere in America. Anyone care to take her on? I am all out of prizes for now but I will get more before it's over. Thanks and congratulations to Cathy. Oh yea, she is also volunteering at reorg headquarters located in the Chamber building 991-2483. They need more volunteers to work phone lists. The ours are from 1-4 in the afternoons.
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Chris Q
Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2001 23:16:13 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Chris, may the reorganization committee use the voter information that Cynthia has in storage? Thank you, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
Letter to the editor:
Don, please print my reply in your newspaper so that I am given the opportunity to clear my name with the readers of this newspaper. Misinformation: Jay, please get the facts before you throw my name on the net or the Newspaper. You wrote that the same people who would recall the Grant Trustees have turned their guns on three of the Water Board Directors. It is a documented fact that they are not all the same people. You wrote that I authored the recall notices. I told you that I was the facilitator and never did I mention that I typed anything. I didn't even make a single copy of the documents. Please be careful when using my name in this manner. You mentioned that the School Board had to be served twice. You are correct with this one except that I was not involved with the first one. I felt sorry for Caron and helped her with the recall forms. She asked me for help and that is how I got involved. She is the person who served the School Board. You mentioned that I served you with documents filled with errors. I believe that the author left the end off of Mel's notice. There may also be some other punctuation and incorrect wording but that's OK. Again I am not the author. You are telling ratepayers that your consultant Bob Reed worked on other water rate studies. This is true but what you have failed to mention is the fact that you did not use any of his rate structures. After paying him all of the money you and the board did not use his expertise. As for Jerry's misinformation being circulated. Jerry is spreading misinformation in the form of a sheet of paper that states: "The board passed a conservation/lifeline rate that will directly benefit 78% of our customers" I have in my possession a 5 year analysis issued by the Water District or their consultant that shows that most of the money comes from the customers with 5/8" meters. I know from previous data that 22% of the customers are 1" and larger. The 5/8" meter users are socked as well as the big users just not at the 154% rate. Ratepayers should know that of the $569,538 new revenue generated by this lifeline and conservation method that $339,788 comes from customers with 5/8" meters. To all board members, the rate increase that you passed on to the ratepayers is not a fair one considering that Rio Linda is a partly rural area with farmlands and customers who were forced onto the system when McClellan got caught polluting the water. And what about the Parks, Elverta and Rio Linda Schools Districts? Last week I asked for someone to do the math on the power plant usage at $1.00 per 100 cubic feet and nobody responded. Please print those numbers in this newspaper for everyone to see what you guys were thinking when you changed from a 50% across the board to this new scheme that hits the higher users. You smaller customers should know that your free baseline hasc been lowered to 900 from 1800 cubic feet. I will never tell anyone to sign or not sign the recall petition like the board members have done. Once you see the data or see your bill in 2 months you can decide for yourself. You should also be aware that new increases are being looked at by this same board. They made it clear that 145% across the board was needed and they won't stop until they get there. The only thing that has changed is that they dropped the across the board part. One could only hope that the rates do not go up at the same ratio of the last rate increase. I was asked to get involved in this recall in the middle of several things going on in our community and have put countless hours into our High School where I feel we have a wonderful opportunity to improve our children's education. I am asking Jay to stop attacking me in public because it appears to be causing damage to the volunteer base working on the Grant High School District Reorganization Project. He has my phone number.
As to the reference that O'Brien is attacking you in public and is causing damage to the Grant District reorganization, you must realize that you and those trying to recall the Water Board Directors have created a situation because of timing and the selection of the Water Board Members you are trying to recall is illogical. If for any reason the reorganization should fail, you cannot blame it on Mr. O'Brien. He didn't instigate the problem.
As for the misinformation you attribute to Gerald Wickham, he didn't state how much who paid. He stated that the rate will benefit 78% of the Water District's customers.
If you disagree with any of the Editor note, I will be glad to discuss it with you either in person or by phone. You do know the number.]
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] signature drive for reorg
Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 19:58:47 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
To all,
This Saturday at 10 am we will be meeting at reorg headquarters for coffee and doughnuts. All that is asked of us is that we knock on doors for 3 hours. Last weeks drive was a big success in North Sacramento. We are hoping for the same success. Reorganization is building steam thanks in part to our very own Grant District. They are a perfect example of how not to run a business. Please join in for our kids and grandchildren's sake. Craig has details at 991-2483
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
To all,
I am disturbed by the alleged actions by Mr. Wickham, Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Flesh.
The Water Board Members and local newspaper owner seem to be so consumed by this recall that they have lost their common decency. There is no reason to act like you have been including today in front of the Post Office. It is my understanding that Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Flesh were intimidating and harassing a volunteer who was trying to collect signatures for the recall and reorganization efforts. The persons partner had stepped away to get more petitions during the attack. The volunteer lives in Elverta and it was assumed to be within the District. This is not the case and the signatures that she got for the recall have been tossed. The ones for the reorg are still valid. It gets confusing but any registered voter may gather signatures for the reorg but only voters within the RLECWD may circulate the water board recall petitions. You do not have to be in the District or a registered voter to help. Jay apparently had a camera and Don apparently had a tape recorder that he was shoving in her face. It is my understanding that there were verbal attacks as well. There are witnesses to the harassment that are willing to come forward in the event that the volunteer files formal charges. The volunteer was so shaken after she was harassed, first by Mr. Flesh and then by Mr. O'Brien and then by Mr. Flesh again that she had to go to the fire dept. for medical assistance. You may play your games on this web site and in the local newspaper but you may not be allowed to treat our citizens in this manner. I want the public to know what is going on. I will also be calling both gentlemen tomorrow regarding this issue. Mr. Wickham and his threatening demand letter to Mary Harris is unacceptable as well. I hope that it will be posted somewhere so that everyone can see what type of person he is. All for a 5 dollar bracket that she did not have the tools or the help to remove from the sign that was attached to it when he wanted it. She received help from a community member and returned his bracket in a timely manner. No big deal for most of us. Your behavior towards 2 outstanding community members cannot be tolerated any longer. These folks are working to better our schools and community as well as other issues and I will personally defend each and every one of them. These are folks who are just trying to help out and there is absolutely no reason to attack them. It is time for this behavior to end. We are still a fine community and I'm sure that we will all get through these difficult issues. In closing gentlemen, please try to conduct yourselves in a more professional manner.
Thank you,
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Signature Day
Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 01:21:31 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Today's reorg signature day was a huge success. Almost 300 signatures gathered by our volunteer forces. We only worked for 3 1/2 hours. Mary Harris was top signature gatherer and a big thanks to her and everyone else who gave up a portion of their Saturday. This movement is picking up pace and 5 new circulators were trained today. Gathering signatures in our area was quite easy and less than 10 people said no. Some of those 10 were just not interested no matter what the cause is and that is fine. It is a Democracy we live in and that allows you freedom of choice. There should be no doubt in my mind that once we get this to the voters that it will pass by a landslide. I will get numbers next Friday to post that will show how the entire project is doing. North Sacramento, Del Paso Heights and Robla volunteers are gathering in their precincts as well. Elverta is complete with theirs. You may check out a precinct folder and go at it at your own pace if you would like to. Call Craig at 991-2483 and he can get you started. Thanks to all who helped today.
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [RL] Who is in charge of the School board recall?
Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 18:45:52 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Ms. Tatoole,
Why do your e-mails have to be so hateful? If you want to circulate petitions call Caron Vaughn at 925-xxxx The recall committee decided to drop Jason when he told a member that he had seen the light and has started to give us the respect that we have been asking for. You could probably turn the voter information that you are holding for Chris over to the recall folks since the reorg committee couldn't wait any longer and purchased the info when you decided to keep it. You can certainly talk the talk but cannot walk the walk. If you do decide to start helping and quit fighting me then call Craig and volunteer. You did advertise in the Rio Linda News and got elected to school site council stating that you supported the reorganization. Please stop these senseless attacks.
Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [RL] Milestone within reach
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 15:08:13 EDT
From: Oneputt800@aol.com
To: riolinda@vrx.net
Hi to all,
The reorganization effort has a milestone within reach and we could sure use just a few more bodies. As soon as we get 298 more signatures in our area we will have reached 60 percent of the required signatures. North Sacramento is working this weekend to try to catch us. Rio Linda volunteers have earned a lot of respect from other districts involved with this effort. All volunteers should be proud of this.
We will be gathering July 21st at 10 am at the chamber of commerce building for coffee and donuts and all are welcomed. Walking precincts are available that really simplifies the process. We will knock on doors and meet our community for about 3-4 hours. Please call Craig at 991-2483 and let him know if you can help. Maybe we can do pizza afterwards and celebrate our milestone. North Sacramento is planning a huge gathering on the 28th and will begin to catch up with us. I would prefer to stay in front.
Thanks, Darrell
>From the Rio Linda mailing list
[Letter to the News, published 7/26/01 in the Rio Linda Elverta News]
Dear Mr. O'Brien,
Let's stick to the facts. I have never instructed a volunteer to break the law. It is true that I facilitated both recalls to the point of approval by the County of Sacramento Registrar of Voters and that is where my involvement ended. Both efforts were handed off to volunteers who could dedicate the necessary time for the recalls to be successful. As of this writing, I have not circulated the recall petitions because it is very time consuming and I have remained loyal to the Grant Reorganization effort that I am a volunteer for. There are no regulations that state petitions may not be circulated together. The registered voters can determine whether or not to sign a petition.
As for your implication that I am idiotic, ridiculous, ignorant, unethical and rude, well, all I can say is, let the people decide.
The three board members who are up for recall, just voted not to implement any rate increase until October of this year. Estimated loss of revenue of $400 thousand versus $50 thousand for the recall election. I have never stated that a rate increase was not warranted. I have argued for a more equitable rate increase to be implemented within a reasonable timeframe. The current boards ineffectiveness to govern RLECWD is directly responsible for yet another year that this water district will operate in the red, depleting the construction reserves further ($400k), without actually constructing the necessary wells that we have read so much about.
I apologize to the community members of Rio Linda and Elverta who have witnessed Mr. O'Brien's and myself battle in this newspaper over the past few months. I have made the decision to no longer respond to Jay's attacks and I will be focusing on issues related to our local school system.
Sincerely,
Darrell Nelson