Skip to main content

tv   [untitled]    May 9, 2011 9:30pm-10:00pm PDT

9:30 pm
choose that, you are not want to get any elective. that is one of the reasons people do not go to a them now. the have to give up one of the main reasons the light metals co. that is having more department position, more options, more opportunities. i actually think we really need to work on developing some of those middle school pathways, giving people programmatic preference as part of our quality middle school development. i would like to see if people really mean it when they say that is their highest priority. it would address the critical mass of students issue. the last thing i want to say is this. i do want to reiterate that one
9:31 pm
of my problems with this is that this is not a desegregated plan. this, as far as i am concerned, is a plan for freezing the segregated west side. i don't want to do that. i want us to be even more courageous, if we could. i was the one who wanted us to just use race. if we adopt any plan, in the interim plan that has us on the road towards some kind of peter pattern, i would ask that we not have a date for this third part, for the implementation of the actual figure plan, and here is one of the main reasons. i don't want us to do that until
9:32 pm
we have willie brown online, and until we have an elementary school in mission bay, the east side of town is going to look different. if we support a feeder pattern that ignores that, even more than freezing the segregated reality on the west side, -- we will be telling people that we think what it is quick to look like in five years, when we know it will look significantly better. -- significantly different. those are my thoughts. >> it is not that -- president
9:33 pm
mendoza: it is not that i don't want to participate. this is a very complicated process, a conversation we have over and over again. for me personally, it is sort of a trick. our family, just because of our own personal choice, did the thing everyone is complaining they don't want to do. i have a hard time hearing we do not want to go to the school for whatever reason. i get that. we make choices to go to fairmont before it became fairmont, or james lick. these are schools everyone was for a skeptical about. it is one of the things we are all afraid of. we all have personal connections to any school we attend. we have all heard personal stories about why schools should be set up the way they are.
9:34 pm
our job is to really think about is what we said we needed to do, which is desegregate our schools. make them quality schools. insure that kids have six places to go and are engaged. these are all things we need to take into consideration as we are doing what we need to do. having said that, i think it is really difficult to agree to implement a plan without having everything in place. we have done that before. we have gotten ourselves in a little bit of -- we have had some challenges around that. i will be the first to say that even as we implemented the immersion program -- as a regular parent, a push. as a board member, i pushed. but not everything in our immersion programs are what they should be. but we continue to send kids to
9:35 pm
those schools. now part of our feeder program is encompassed around what we think our immersion plan needs. i know you are getting there and it is starting to really gel. i think the way we do program placement of the years has been haphazard. we talk about the west side. people are traveling all over the school -- over the city to get to programs. mainly, they want to live near the elementary school that are sending their kids. it is not quite there. i think we still have work to do.
9:36 pm
i don't want to lose the momentum we have and that you have done for us in gathering information. we are endeavoring data and making sure our schools are becoming quality schools. but i think there is a desire, to mature there is more there before we make solid decisions. people are jumping ship to go to schools where they know the middle school is going to be a middle school they want to go to. what are those unintended consequences of our schools where the population has been full all these years and now parents are bailing so they are in the right elementary school to get into the right middle school? we have to be mindful about what happens on that and to. now you know why i have been sitting quietly. there is just so much.
9:37 pm
and i don't know what to do with this, quite frankly, because it really is a big decision that we are going to make. it is going to be long term. it is not that we can't change our minds later, but i think we want to come up with a plan we can all live with, based on having a solid foundation. and i want to work more around the solid foundation than i do around sending kids to schools that are quick to be close to where they want to be. once again, the data does not show that they want to be close to where they live. that is where i am sitting right now. i think we are on the right path. i think our strategic plan speaks to where we want to go and what we want to do. as long as we stay focused on that, we will get there. this is a hard puzzle to put together. there are just too many elements that i think are still missing before i can be released here
9:38 pm
with what i think is the right thing to do. thank you. chairperson wynns: i will finish by thinking everybody for coming. there is not enough thanks for the pac and pps. we will keep saying that every time you see us, and forever, i hope. i appreciate that. also, i want to just recognize -- i just don't want genie to think we are ignoring everything you said to us. i think it is a lot to digest. i am sure the rest of the board will be thinking seriously about that. i am sure we will have many more conversations about the work you are doing. i want to thank everybody.
9:39 pm
>> thank you. just to make sure we are clear, one of our intense this evening is to get direction from the board. -- one of our intents this evening is to get direction from the board. while we appreciate the community input, the nuts and bolts will be done by staff. we need to know and be very confident that the direction of the board is to continue to move forward to put some meat on the bone in terms of what equality middle school will look like, the specific plans for equality middle school, and to explore, perhaps, a different alignment of feeder patterns. is that what i am hearing? the third thing i am hearing, which i may not be hearing, the third thing that i think i am hearing is that we should
9:40 pm
continue along the same path that we are going and exploring, with further recommendations to the board. >> our recommendation represented this evening -- it is what it is. i would suggest that in the meantime if the board has suggestions, that the communicate them to orla. otherwise, we will be in the same place and we come back the next meeting. i really think that is important. the only thing i want to remind the board is that one of the reasons why we talk about the programs, the different programs being a part of this, was that if you look at our strategic plan, and i don't have to remind the board -- one of the number one objective is in our strategic plan is to have graduates that are proficient in
9:41 pm
multiple languages. that is a goal we have set out. it is a hefty goal. one of the reasons we wanted to talk about the patterns in terms of programs is to address that type of goal. if that is not the goal, we would need some clarification later on from the board that that is not the goal. because it is difficult to accomplish that goal if we are not going to have other programs where kids can go in middle school, and possibly eventually into high school. so that is something we would need to revisit. i just want that to be up there. please give us your input and comments so that when we come back we can incorporate some of those ideas in the presentation. chairperson wynns: thank you. i do want to point out we have never gotten to that discussion except to say in passing that
9:42 pm
giving students opportunities to learn more than one language is not only an immersion strategy. we have so far behave as if it was only an immersion strategy. i would like it if we would have somebody talk to us about other language acquisition strategies. something besides -- wall-to- wall immersion is not possible for every child, and is difficult in the foreseeable future. again, i want to thank everybody for coming. i really want to say that nobody wins the "i am tired of talking about this" contest from me. but i am so appreciative of the sustained commitment from the community and the parents engaging in this enormously complex policy issue over a
9:43 pm
long, long time. you are still here not only tonight, but after months and years. we appreciate that and need you to continue to do that. thank you very much. meeting adjourned.
9:44 pm
9:45 pm
9:46 pm
9:47 pm
>> welcome to culture wire. we will look at the latest and greatest public art project. recently, the airport unveiled the new state of the art terminal. let's take a look.
9:48 pm
the new terminal service and american airlines and virgin america was designed by a world- renowned architecture's firm. originally built in 1954, the building underwent massive renovation to become the first registered terminal and one of the must modern and sustainable terminals and the united states. the public art program continues its 30-year legacy of integrating art into the airport environment with the addition of five new commissions that are as bold and dynamic as the new building. >> this project was completed in record time, and we were able to integrate the artist's early enough in the process that they could work with the architect said that the work that is completed is the work that really helps complement and instill the space as opposed to
9:49 pm
being tucked away in a corner. >> be experience begins with the glass facades that was designed with over 120 laminated glass panels. it captures the experience of being under or over clouds when flying in a plane. depending on the distance or point of view, it can appear clear for more abstract and atmospheric. the subtle colors change gradually depending on the light and the time of day. >> i wanted to create an art work that looks over time as well as working on in the first glance. the first time you come here, you may not see a. but you may be able to see one side over the other. it features a couple of suspended sculptures.
9:50 pm
each was created out of a series of flat plains run parallel to each other and constructed of steel tubing. >> it is made up of these strata. as the light starts to shift, there is a real sense that there is a dynamism. >> it gives the illusion that this cultures might be fragments of a larger, mysterious mass. >> the environmental artwork livens it with color, light, and the movement. three large woven soldiers are suspended. these are activated by custom air flow program. >> i channeled air flow into each of these forms that makes
9:51 pm
it move ever so slightly. and it is beating like a heart. if-0 when as of the forces of nature moving around us every second. >> shadow patterns reflect the shapes of the hanging sculptures. the new terminal also features a children's play areas. both of the market the exploratory n.y. -- exploratorium. the offer travelers of all ages a playful oasis. using high quality plywood, they created henches shaped like a bird wings that double as musical instruments. serving as a backdrop is a mural featuring images of local birds
9:52 pm
and san francisco's famous skyline. >> in the line between that is so natural, you can see birds and be in complete wilderness. i really like that about this. you could maybe get a little snapshot of what they are expecting. >> it is an interactive, keck sculpture that is interacted with by the visitor. >> they are a lot about and they fall down the belt. it moves the belt up, and if you turn that faster, the butterflies fall in the move of words. >> the art reflect the commission's commitment to acquiring the best work from the bay area and beyond.
9:53 pm
in addition to the five new commissions, 20 artworks that were already in the airport collection were reinstalled. some of which were historically cited in the terminal. it includes major sculptures by the international artists. as a collection, these art works tell the story of the vibrant arts scene in the early 1960's through the mid-1980s's. the illustrate san francisco's cultural center and a place of innovation that is recognized and the love throughout the world. one of the highlights is a series of three left tapestries. they are on view after being in storage for 20 years. these tapestries representing various gardens. from his years of living in san francisco. hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and
9:54 pm
whilst dahlias in rich, deep shades as they make their way to the baggage area. they can access behind-the- scenes information and interviews with the artist through an audio to work. it features archival audio as well as interviews with living artists. he can be accessed on site by dialing the telephone numbers located near the artwork or by visiting the commission's web site. the public art speaks volumes of san francisco as a world-class city with world-class art and culture. for more information, visit
9:55 pm
>> welcome to "culturewire." since december 2005, the museum of the african diaspora, known locally,moad, has presented programs that celebrate and explore the culture, history, and art of people with african descent throughout the and added states and throughout the world. the director of cultural affairs recently met with the museum director. to learn more about the current expedition, textural rhythms, constructing the jazz tradition, contemporary african american quilts. >> welcome to "culturewire." today, we are at the museum of the african diaspora, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary occupying one of the
9:56 pm
premier cultural district in the world, the yerba buena cultural arts center in san francisco. joining me is the cultural art director. tell us what moad's mission is. what does it do? >> the museum of the african diaspora showcases the history, art, and cultural richness that resulted from the dispersal of africans throughout the world. we do that through compelling and innovative exhibitions, public programs, and education programs. our goal is to celebrate and present for appreciation to our broad and diverse public the controversial energy contributions of people of african descent to world culture in all aspects in all areas, including politics, culture, economics, education, just in all aspects of cultural forms of expression. >> one of the fascinating
9:57 pm
things since 2005 when the museum was established, is that it has become clear from science that all of humanity originates in africa. how does that influence the education programs or presentation here at moad? >> obviously, being able to attenuate that, and there is a sign at the door that says, "when did you know that you were african?" our point is that we share a common dna, and it connects us on a number of different levels. this institution is an institution available to everyone, a resourced for everyone. >> you have both permanent and temporary exhibitions, right? >> we do. our temporary exhibition program is one that we are restructuring. i have been here now for about a year and a few months, and as a former curator, i'm very interested in this aspect of
9:58 pm
developing the visual arts program. part of what we are looking at is using the four core seems that define our program -- origins, migration and movement, transformation, an adaptation -- as a framework for our thinking about the kinds of exhibits we present. >> we want everybody to come and see the permanent exhibition. there might be a special opportunity to visit with the current show that you currently have, which is constructing the jazz tradition, which is a very striking exhibition of quilts. >> it is a compelling exhibit on a number of different levels. visually, it is compelling. in terms of the subject matter, in terms of the approach to materials, it is so rich and diverse. it is a colorful show, a show that is deep in content, and we know something of the history of the "'s tradition within the african-american community.
9:59 pm
it is a tradition that came from africa, has its roots in africa, but during slavery, this was a combination of things. one was a way to be able to communicate with each other, a way to create beautiful objects, and a way to create functional, utilitarian objects for the family and community. the other part that makes it so interesting is the focus on jazz. there are two attritions being celebrated here. certainly, the tradition as we know it -- these are not traditional quilts. they have their roots in traditional aspects, but what you will find in this exhibition are works that include materials on the surface, new processes, copying, and putting photographic images on the surface. you will find packets sewn onto the surface, so the methodology from traditional " making has changed