joining us now is the california state superintendent of public schools, tony thurman. tony, always a pleasure having you on our sh >> good afternoon, thanks for having me on. >> okay, this has been such a long road, tony picked his return to school for sf usd and down in los angeles, such a battle. california was one of the last in the state to reopen schools, why on earth did it take so long here in san francisco, and really statewide? what ended up solving this, so we could get you today? >> you know, you can look for many reasons, but i would point to these. if you think about where we were just a few months ago, in the winter, we had some of the highest rates of co-infection, so much so that many of our counties had absolutely no hospital bed capacity. we have suffered more than 60,000 deaths, and more than three half-million covid cases. we have been in a tough spot. but until recently, you know, where we have now been given clarity on how to use rapid covid testing and ventilation, and other resources to allow us to keep our schools safely open. all of that to say

that's according to superintendent tony thurman, who supports.oved to change that her many students the reflection of the face, staring back at them in the classroom can be indicative of success, according to tony thurman, california's state superintendent of public instruction. the research has shown us for years that there are benefits to students of color when there's at least just one educator of color. on a campus. that is why thurman is backing assembly bill 5, 20 or california diversifying the teacher workforce grant program. ah $15 million plan to help schools recruit and retain male teachers of color department of education numbers show that students of color make up 75% of california's student population yet blackmail teachers make up just 1% of that workforce. this demographic. mich. matt can drive in equities in educational out academic outcomes. leo casey is with the albert shanker institute. a study by the foundation found that diversifying public teaching is very slow, which in turn has been hurting students of color with one segme

state superintendent tony thurman along with some school administrators across california, are sharing stories of progress as students return to the classroom. thurman hosted a virtual briefing this morning as part of the state education department's ongoing effort to support s in person instruction. the superintendent of the napa valley unified school district opened up on seven months of hybrid learning, adding that covid cases have been rare. the transmission was really outside of the school environment. so i'm here to talk kind of speak as your california, northern california proof point that if you adhere to the mitigation strategies kindergarten tk through 12th grade. i'm your students can be safe. your staff can be safe and we've been able to provide that in person instruction since october through all of those strategies. and dr barbara namco, the superintendent of napa county, was also on the call and highlighted the saint helene, a district where 98% of students are safely back on campus full time in san francisco embattled school board member allyson collins announced that s

in today's virtual meeting with states who would school superintendent tony thurman, education leaders said teachers are eager for the new curriculum in the wake of the recent anti asian violence, the asian american education project helped come up with the lesson plans 48 in all we've gotten calls from teachers. who are being harassed by their students being called names s o. we think the curriculum provides a historical context on multi racial democracy. on how different people of color in particular have worked together and the issues that they face. the curriculum was developed over 14 years with u c l, a stanford and cal state l. a free training for teachers will be available beginning april 11th this sunday voices for change returns for a special edition. tackling the increase in anti asian hate and violence. ktvu is greg lee will talk with leaders in the asian community about what's causing the wave of discrimination and also talk about what's being done to try to fight it. the experts will offer solutions and talk about why they're encouraged to see communities standing in soli

state superintendent of public education tony thurman today threw his support behind a new bill aimedhiring more men of color for teaching positions. the $15 million proposal would help schools recruit and retain male teachers of color students of color make up 75% of california student population yet blackmail teachers make up just 1% of that work. force you're watching ktvu fox two news at 6 30 today. the 26 year veteran police. officer who shot and killed dante right in minnesota resigned and so did the police chief. and this comes as rights family met with joy's george floyd's family. fox news. lauren blanchard has napa more now from brooklyn center, minnesota. the family of dante, right. the man killed on sunday by police is calling for justice. now the brooklyn center, minnesota police chief and the officer involved in the deadly incident have stepped down. kim potter, the brooklyn center, minnesota officer who shot 20 year old dante, right during a traffic stop, has resigned along with the city's police chief. tim gannon, the city manager. relieved of duty. i'm hoping that this

schools chief, tony thurman, led a push to encourage members of california's black community to get vaccinated. he held a town hall with a panel of state and community leaders to examine why some of the community are hesitant to get vaccine. >> we know there is history of seeing really poor treatment of african-americans by the government, and that may have created this trust, for legitimate reasons, there is distrust that may have existed. we know the vaccines can save lives. >> panel members stressed the importance of elevating what they call trust in local health organizations, which they say honoring the best position to provide support to. >>> with lower and lower in this state for the vaccine, many are wondering when younger children will have the option. stanford is watching a pediatric vaccine trial that will ultimately include kids as young as six months. the first volunteer is a three- year-old son of one researcher. their family hopes it is just the beginning for children in the bay area. >> this is, he is three years old. he is seven months old. >> reporter: xena has a full house t

reflection of the face staring back at them in the classroom can be indicative of success, according to tony thurman, california's state superintendent of public instruction. the research has shown us for years that there are benefits to students of color when there's at least just one educator of color on a campus. that is why thurman is backing assembly bill 5, 20 or california diversifying the teacher workforce grant program. ah $15 million plan to help schools recruit and retain male teachers of color department of education numbers show that students of color make up 75% of california's student population yet blackmail teachers make up just 1% of that workforce. this demographic. mich. matt can drive in equities in educational out academic outcomes. leo casey is with the albert shanker institute. a study by the foundation found that diversifying public teaching is very slow, which in turn has been hurting students of color with one segment of the population hit especially hard for african american students, boys in particular. one of the things that we know is that they need to believe that the

. >> tony thurman led an all-out push by state and local leaders to raise awareness and also encouragemembers of california's black community to get vaccinated. >> i want to tell you straight up it did not hurt. that was the first thing i was worried about. it did not hurt. it was quick. it was easy. the side effects were very, very minimal. i am just am just am just am there. maybe someone else's like me thinking to i want to do this? i think it is a life-changing situation for all of us.of us.of >> in addition to vaccine hesitancy, panel members expressed the importance of elevating trusted local health organizations which they say are in the best position to provide vaccination support in the community. i had to all you have to do is head to abc7news.com/vaccine and you can get the latest updates. we have a form where you can submit your own questions to our panel of experts. >>> a minnesota district attorney has charged that the officer who shot and killed 20- year-old daunte wright with second degree manslaughter. the officer who shot daunte wright was was was was was was officer

california's distinguished schools. 28 schools got the honor announced by state superintendent tony thurmanho improved test scores, suspension rates and overall climates for students. at least one school from every bay area county made the list along with schools from solano, santa cruz and monterey. they honored 102 schools last month but after further review the additional schools were added. >> that is wonderful. >>> a "gma" exclusive with vice president harris. what she is saying about president biden's address to congress and where she said the country goes from here. >>> and a shakeup in the south bay while leaders work on pro forma. >>> and google's campus in san jose faces a critical vote. what is at stake for the tech giant and the community? >>> taking a live look outside at 5:27. we will be right back. di so.. not ripped. what're we talkin about... that's the hefty ultra strong bag hefty! hefty! hefty! (whispers) gimme. (confused) give me the bag? get hefty ultra strong at a low price ♪ reynolds wrap makes this whole cooking and cleanup thing so easy. it speeds up this... so i ca

next here at 6:00 state superintendent tony thurman on what he thinks could be a game changer forgettingnia students back in the classroom. >>> just as revisions are rolling out, she is answering questions live on gma from how long the vaccine will last to its future development. we have the latest timeline. and a mega size controversy over a tribute to marilyn monroe. the complaint that force developeders -- forced developers to hit pause on this statute of the icon. we will be right back. >>> building a better bay area for a safe and secure future, this is abc7 news. >> now at 6:00, use deadly force, the second shooting by officers there in eight days. what we are learning about this latest incident? make a new step in the covid vaccine clinical trials, johnson & johnson now testing it shot on teens. >>> we are on vaccine watch, the push underway to help one of the bay area's most vulnerable communities fight the virus. >>> at morning, it is friday april 2nd. if you enjoyed the really warm weather we got off couple of days, that changes now. hi, lisa. >> yes, i am here and i am ringing

the list of california's distinguished schools for 2021. 28 schools got the honor announced by tony thurmanto hos that have improved test scores, suspension rates, and overall climate for students. at least one school from every county made the list along with schools from santa cruz and monterey. the state originally honored 102 last month but the additional schools were added. >>> is it a bird? a plane? no. it is a swimming pool floating over london. the 82 foot long pool has been constructed on top of a development in the city. it is suspended between two buildings giving swimmers the sensation they are flying. it is the only one of its kind in the world. the pool is set to open may 19th. kumasi, you already know what is going to my head? >> watch? tell me. >> you don't see the problem this is going to cause? one night somebody has one too many drinks up on that roof, then what happens? you get in the pool and the whole neighborhood has a show. >> mind your business. head down, keep walking. >> [ laughter ] once you see that, you can't go back. >> you are right. i immediately thought kum

. >> senator alex padilla joined tony thurman and dolores portal among others for a virtual discussion about the importance of getting inoculated. leaders are trying to get the word out. according to the state, the black population has received 3.3% of total vaccinations so far. blacks make up 6% of the population. latinos -- rather, have received 22% of the total number, making up 39% of the population. so you can see the disparity and why there is concern. to see how much progress in california is being made, go to abc7news.com/vaccine. you can find a vaccine tracker as well as a place where you can submit questions. again, that is abc7news.com/vaccine. >>> the san francisco giants home opener was today. it is one of the biggest events in over a year. the extra safety precautions in place, today, didn't seem to te it's okay that you don't want to be first: you aren't. second covid vaccine. it's okay to have questions: everyone deserves answers. i'm wary that there isn't enough information. it's okay to be excited, or worried, or both. it's alright for it to take whatever it takes for

. >> state school's superintendent tony thurman.ay more students returned to schools in the south bay. a families can also opt out to continue at-home learning. >> a return to schools in fremont is off the table. the superintendent posted a newsletter saying distance learning will remain in place through the end of the current school year. the union faults the district for what it said were last-minute changes made during talks. >>> 5:37. time to talk about some fun. six flags discovery kingdom reopens in vallejo. it's on saturday. full complement of rides and attractions, all this fun right here is supposed to be available. of course masks and social distancing rules must be followed. santa clara's great america will reopen may 22nd. season pass are for 2020 and the previously purchased park admission tickets are now good through september. >> the giant dip earp today. for the first time the boardwalk are reopening and that includes a classic roller coaster, the wooden one. >>> vta will start collecting fares again today. they were

. >>> the state superintendent tony thurman is leading a push to emergency members of california's blacknities to get vaccinated. he held a town hall yesterday with a panel of state and community leaders and examining why some in the black community are hesitant to get the vaccine. >> we know there is history of seeing really poor treatment of african-americans by government and that may have created some distrust for legitimate reasons that may have existed, be you we know that these vaccines can save lives. >> panel members stress the importance of elevating trust in local health organizations which the panel says are in the best position to provide vaccination support in the community. >>> some students in the south bay school district are headed back to class today. the -- is welcoming back third through fifth graders for part- time in-person learning. there will be a number of changes like classroom desks being pushed further apart, masks will be required and there will be increased sanitation of high touch areas. >>> many of schools in the district are in east san jose, an area of

in today's virtual meeting with state school superintendent tony thurman. education leaders said that teachers are eager for the new curriculum in the wake of the recent anti asian violence. the asian american education project helped come up with the lesson plans 48 in all. we've gotten calls from teachers who are being harassed by their students being called names s o. we think the curriculum provides the historical context on multi racial democracy. on how different people of color in particular have worked together and the issues that they face. the curriculum was developed over 14 years with u c l, a. stanford and cal state l. a free training for teachers will be available beginning april 11th. a military veteran, totally broke down today we're talking about the thief who stole his comfort dog from his car. i'm a veteran with ptsd and this service animal is everything for me and. waterway. bella is a three year old wow, that was stolen in oakland on sunday night near 22nd and international in the san antonio neighborhood. lipton had gotten out of his c

senator alex and civil rights leader dolores will be joining state superintendent tony thurman for a virtual discussion. this is the first in a series of roundtables designed to raise awareness and to hopefully increase vaccination rates. experts will address common concerns and questions about the vaccines. today's panel will stream on the state department of education's facebook page starting at 11 this morning. you can keep track of california's vaccine progress anytime at abc 7 news.com. you will find our interactive vaccine tracker, the differences between each vaccine and a form where you can send us your question. >> there is an urgent situation on the caribbean island of st. vincent. there is a volcano on the verge of erupting. >> as many as 16,000 people are in the pathway of potential lava and ash as authorities worn the st. vincent could explode at any moment. this morning royal caribbean and celebrity cruise lines are sending multiple ships to transport residents to nearby islands but the pandemic is posing an extra challenge. anyone boarding a ship should be vaccinated s

the superintendent tony thurman said we will see and still need to find out if parents are willing to have their kids vaccinated. how long will the vaccines protect us from virus? that is a question we put two a member of our abc7 news vaccine team. >> it's important for people to now, if you get vaccinated right now, you are going to have a strong level of protection six months later. it is probably going to be a lot longer than that. that's really important for us to know as we head into summer, fall, winter, and variance are trying to come after us. >> contacted contacted contacte vaccine team, go to abc7news.com/vaccine. you'll also find the latest headlines in the rules about who is eligible for a shot right now. again, that is all on abc7news.com/vaccine. >>> this weekend, oakland will try to control the crowds and traffic around lake merritt. this comes after a fire sunday night at a youth arts and science building. neighbors complained to the city council earlier this week, blaming double parked cars for blocking access to emergency vehicles. they say dozens of vendors have be

editor media and civil rights leader dolores will join state superintendent tony thurman for a virtual discussion. this is the first in a series of roundtable designed to raise awareness and hopefully increase vaccination rates. experts will address common concerns and questions about the vaccines. today's panel will stream on the state department of education facebook page starting at 11:00 this morning. >>> people with limited access to wi-fi or a computer have a new outlook in the bay area when it comes to finding a vaccine appointment. a group of tenacious uc berkeley students is helping out with a new phone line. abc 7 news reporter cornell bernard ava called to shot line. >> i feel more confident, and then i can go places. >> reporter: 66-year-old evelyn terman from san leandro is now vaccinated. >> i got johnson & johnson. >> one shot. >> yes. >> reporter: she tried for weeks again appointment but navigating the internet wasn't easy for her, until she spotted this flyer with a number offering help. >> thank you for calling shot line, volunteer run covid-19 vaccination hotline. >

state superintendent of public instruction tony thurman is hosting the first in the syriza of virtual roundtable discussions with state and national leaders on the importance of offering vaccines to members of california's black and latin next communities. leaders are hoping to raise the awareness about the increase in vaccination rates and underserved communities. those have been hardest hit by covid-19, california senator alex padilla made a video appearance. we are so close to turning the corner on the covid-19 pandemic vaccines are on the way up cases in california or coming down on while people are feeling better about it. i think this is not the time to let up. s 02 main messages today number one if you haven't gotten the vaccine yet, please sign up as soon as you're eligible by april 15th. every adult should be able to make an appointment and get the vaccine. it's safe. it is effective and what we need to do to protect your health that of your family, that of our community and how we're all going to get to the other side of this pandemic. leaders say they don't want people to b

morrow, james torres, ktvu fox two news state school superintendent tony thurman is urging the passage awards school district's for hiring male and racially diverse teachers. a suddenly bill 5 20, the male teacher of color grant program will award $50 million in grants to school district's. the money will be used to develop and implement new or expand existing programs that address the need to develop and retain a diverse teacher work for superintendent thurman says the bill will help create a teacher workforce that is representative of the state's school population. we know that right now in our nation, we need more educators. yes of all backgrounds, but there is a particular need to diversify our workforce to research has shown us for years that there are benefits the students of color. when there's at least just one educator of color on a campus and that those benefits extend to all students. the bill has advanced from the assembly education committee and will be heard tomorrow by the appropriations committee. the prime minister of france has suspended all flights between france and

state superintendent tony thurman hosting a roundtable discussion today on the importance of coronavirusmmunities. the discussion featured us senator alex padilla and civil rights activists. delores huerta. the panel discussed how to overcome barriers to getting vaccinated that members of the black and latin x community have faced. we're doing everything that we can t just directly reach out to those communities and constantly reminding them not to be afraid. that they have to get them vaccination for themselves for their families and for the community because again this is the way that we beat the pandemic but all working together in by being united, according to state data, there are 2.3 million black people in california and only 3% of received a coronavirus vaccination compared that to 13% of our asian population and 31% of our white population. today, stanford medicine began to test. advisers coronavirus vaccine on children under the age of five, stanford provided this video of the young volunteers taking part in the space one trial. the study will test three doses of the vaccine fo

here at home state superintendent of public education tony thurman is urging the passage of an assembly bill, which awards school district for hiring male and racially diverse teachers. assembly bill 5 20, the male teacher of color grant program, it'll award $15 million in grants to school district's, the money would be used to develop and implement new or expand existing programs that address the need to develop and retain a diverse teacher. workforce superintendent thurman says the bill will help create a teacher. workforce that's representative of our state's school population. we know that right now in our nation, we need more educators. yes of all backgrounds, but there is a particular need to diversify our workforce to research has shown us for years that there are benefits the students of color when there's at least just one educator of color on a campus and that those benefits extend to all students. bill is advanced from the assembly education committee and will be heard tomorrow by the appropriations committee. frustration is growing among the group of san francisco parents of

superintendent tony thurman added quote. while we are encouraged by the improving conditions, we must also continue to proceed with caution and with a continued focus on science and safety, there are still many unknowns about the covid-19 variants that public health officials are monitoring and have observed spreading among some youth. some big issues on the agenda tonight at the san francisco school board meeting, the board reviewed plans for reopening some schools next week and a resolution reversing. course on renaming some 44 schools after a lawsuit ktvu jana katsuyama is here. now she's been monitoring the meeting since three this afternoon. janna. and julie. the meeting continues to go on. right now the board has been facing some very big controversies. and tonight there was some pretty emotional testimony from students and parents. as the san francisco unified school district prepares to reopen schools to lower grades next week, the school board heard some passionate pleas from the public tuesday night, including one

superintendent tony thurman added. while we are encouraged by improving conditions, we must also continue to proceed with caution and with the continued focus on science and safety, there are still many unknowns about the covid-19 variants that public health officials are monitoring and have observed spreading among some youth. the san francisco school board says it's committed to bringing back all students and teachers to the classroom this fall. ktvu is candese charles is here with results from the district's long marathon meeting last night, candese charles. frank you got it right. it was a long one with a lot of hot topics. good afternoon to you. good afternoon, folks. it was a big meeting for all involved. the board has faced some big controversies, including schools re opening the group decreasing distance, held a rally before the meeting last night, calling for more efforts to bring middle and high schoolers back to class district plans to reopen schools to lord great next week. but there's a concern that some s

tony thurman that the numbers are concerning, but he is optimistic enrollment across the state will rebound as more schools open to end in-person learning. >>> good morning, everyone. here is a live look from live doppler 7, where we have cloud cover around the bay area and we are looking at finally getting some rain that we have been waiting for. last rain was may 18th, so we e. you can see the system queuing up offshore. here is a right now, 52 in alameda, 49 in richmond with the clouds arndmpat froe s to about 50, 46 in nevada, 50 in san francisco. waking up to the gray sky and at sunny and a milder afternoon and we will look for the cooler weather to head in tomorrow and write like you for the weekend, bringing in rain for oscar sunday. looking at your cloud cover today, high and mid-level clouds, but it will be milder with peaks of sun out there. we are looking at perhaps an isolated shower on late saturday. here is your saturday with main event arriving early sunday with a warm front and it tansitions into a cold front with showers quickly ending sunday night. it is not a huge system