News
Latest updates from the campaign:
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia Endorses GCT for HB City Council
Long Beach, CA-It’s an honor to have received the endorsement of Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. Being the two largest beach cities in the area, Long Beach and Huntington Beach are intrinsically tied. Our cities share common interests including port safety and security, coastal preservation, and providing recreational and touristic opportunities for residents and visitors from all over the world. It’s time for our two cities to work together to better the lives of our residents. Mayor Garcia and I are confident that should I prevail and gain a seat on the HB City Council, we can work in extraordinary ways together for our residents.
Trustee Clayton-Tarvin on WBUR Boston's NPR Station
Harbour View Dual Spanish Immersion Language Students Perform
Huntington Beach, CA-Tonight we welcomed Harbour View Spanish Dual Language Immersion program students. They visited our board meeting, and performed a Spanish language song. They did such a great job, and we were so impressed. Amazing work, Pelicans!
Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento Endorses GCT for HBCC 2022
Santa Ana, CA-It’s with deep gratitude that I announce the endorsement of Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento for my Huntington Beach City Council campaign. Santa Ana is the second most populous city and the county seat of Orange County, CA. It is also the 57th-most populous city in the USA, and led by the first ever Bolivian American to hold a mayorship. I’m so proud to have the support of Mayor Sarmiento, and look forward to forging a new relationship for our two cities. We must work together to propel the prosperity of our OC region for generations to come. Partnerships with key leaders like Mayor Sarmiento only further cement HB’s place as a regional leader in CA. Thanks to the mayor for his kind words of support and assuredness in my candidacy. Let’s get working 
OVSD Welcomes the City of HB to Oak View School
Huntington Beach, CA-The Ocean View School District was pleased to host the City of HB tonight in our fabulous Oak View gym for a community meeting. OVSD President Singer, Superintendent Hansen, the community and I heard from multiple City departments about improvements that are soon too come to the Oak View neighborhood. Special guests, Mayor Carr, Council member Moser, City Manager Chi, HBPD Chief Harvey, and so many other talented department leaders presented their plans. We were very impressed with what we heard and look forward to working together to make these projects a reality. Joint use projects have been part of the history between our two agencies and we want to continue this tradition. Let’s get to work!
Fighting for HB's Public Health and Safety
Huntington Beach, CA-Now, more than ever in Huntington Beach, after the disastrous oil spill, we must demand corporate accountability. Gross polluters can’t be allowed to damage our environment, poison our land, and pollute our children. Trustee Clayton-Tarvin will continue to take on the big fights for our community, no questions asked. For Trustee Clayton-Tarvin, it has been an honor to be an environmental justice advocate, and her commitment is steadfast. She means business. Join us in sending a message that health and safety must be number one in HB. Let’s do this ๐บ๐ธ
Oil Spill off the OC Coast Declared State of Emergency
Huntington Beach, CA-Approximately 126,000 gallons of oil has leaked from a broken pipeline entering HB beaches and wetlands. Beta Offshore, a division of the Amplify Energy Corp is responsible for the spill and is working with the Incident Management Team on repairs and cleanup efforts. According to the City, they will work to ensure the responsible parties do everything possible to rectify this heinous environmental disaster. HB's ocean and shorelines are closed indefinitely, from Seapoint to the Santa Monica River Jetty. Do not enter the shoreline or water. City officials report that protecting the wetlands is one of their highest priorities. The City has deployed over 2,000 feet of protective booms at 7 locations. However, oiled wildlife are washing ashore. The oil spill has not affected any of our operations at the Ocean View School District. Click link above to read my thoughts shared and included in the Voice of OC article.
TO ASSIST WITH ANIMAL RESCUE, contact the HB Wetlands at at (714) 374-5587.
TO ASSIST WITH FUTURE CLEANUP EFFORTS, visit cleanups.surfrider.org.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPILL, call the City's hotline at 714-374-1702.
*A claims number has been established for any individuals or businesses who feel they may have been affected by the incident, CALL: (866) 985-8366 and reference Pipeline P00547.
OC Register-Where did all the school buses go? Some parents want them back
Huntington Beach, CA-The OVSD Board of Trustees decided on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 to resume home to school bus service for Marine View students coming from the Harbour View area. The services will be subsidized by general funds for this school year and revisited yearly. Due to a shortage of bus drivers nationwide, the service will not begin until a driver can be hired for the route. Read more here by clicking the hyperlink above to the OC Register news article.
My Official Position On Vaccine Mandate For Kids
OVSD Board Continues to Save Open Space
Huntington Beach, CA-Last night during the Trustees Roundtable, I praised members of the board for being the number one providers of open space and youth sports fields in Huntington Beach and beyond. We at OVSD never sell any school sites or fields. We have preserved 314 acres of open public land since the 1950’s. As a current board member, I will not allow any open space to be sold. OVSD has 25 sites and operates 16 as current school sites. The others are leased which brings in revenue to the district. We are the landlords of Walmart, Lowes, and multiple other businesses, like perochial schools, preschools, day cares, dance studios and more. These businesses bring in over $2.2M in revenue to pay back COPs debt, and for capital improvements as prescribed by CA law. Once open space is gone, there’s no way to get it back. Also, little know fact, bedsides the 25 sites, the OVSD also owns, yet leases 7 pocket parks to the City of HB for just a $1 per year. We do this so that everyone can enjoy fresh air, green grass, and a place to relax. We have given our commitment to save our community’s parks, provide playing fields to the majority of HB’s kids, and to preserve precious green open spaces for generations to come. This is a legacy to be proud of. Thank you OVSD residents for untrusting us to manage this land!
OVSD President Patricia Endorses Gina Clayton-Tarvin for HBCC
Huntington Beach, CA-I am proud and honored to present my first endorsement for Huntington Beach City Council, 2022. Thank you to my colleague, OVSD President Patricia Singer, for her support. We aim to prove that bipartisanship is possible and works in local government when the ultimate goal is protecting students. We ensure that learning and academic achievement are number one. We guarantee that with my possible election to HBCC, the relationship between the City and the 5 school districts serving HB will be positive and focused on making the lives of residents better!
Never forget ๐บ๐ธ, Harbour View Remembers 9/11
Huntington Beach, CA-Today at Harbour View, we attended a special Patriots Day Remembrance ceremony, as tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our nation on September 11, 2001. A moment of silence was held for those lost in 9/11 and for those American service members lost in Afghanistan recently. These 13 lives were honored by placing 13 flags in the ground by HV students. All will remembered, and never be forgotten. Thanks to HBPD and HBFD for being present to honor our nation’s citizens and patriots that lost their lives. Never forget !
Welcome Back to School, OVSD!
, Gus!Trustee Clayton-Tarvin for HB City Council 2022 ๐โโ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-Coming Soon, Campaign 2022!
OVSD Kicks off 2021-2022 School Year in HB
Huntington Beach, CA-We’re Back, OVSD is Better Than Ever. We held an amazing Kick Off event with all of our OVSD staff, all 800, outdoors and masked for the new school year this morning. Marine View student Jordyn Prewitt wowed the crowd with a rousing version of the Star Spangled Banner, while Board President Patricia Singer, Superintendent Dr. Carol Hansen and HB Mayor Kim Carr gave special messages to all. Each school competed in a school competition, and it was a blast. We’re Back, Better Than Ever!
Special Board Meeting-COVID19 Safety Plan
Huntington Beach, CA-Tonight the OVSD Board of Trustees convened a Special Meeting to learn about the District’s COVID-19 Prevention Plan. This new plan is required by CDPH to begin the 2021-2022 school year. Topics discussed were testing protocols for those who have been exposed on campus, quarantining guidelines, the independent study process, issues of vaccination and more. Pay no attention to the conspiracies circulating in our community, you can count on us to follow the expert health guidance, safeguard your students, and protect their rights to be secure while in our care. School board members, like myself, have a legal obligation to enforce mask mandates, and face possible criminal penalties if we refuse to do so per the CA Penal Code. At OVSD, we will follow the law. Masks will remain mandatory for all students and staff while inside school buildings, and voluntary while outside. COVID testing will not be mandatory for students, but offered on campus as part of a set of protocols for returning to class if exposed. Vaccinations will not be offered at our school sites to children, and there is NO mandate for kids to be vaccinated in California at all, despite what some unscrupulous players are spreading as unfounded rumor. Ignore the noise, and rest assured that, our number one priority is our students.First Day of School in Cerritos
Cerritos, CA-First Day of School 
for my new 6th grade tigers 
in Cerritos. This year looks a little different, but we are all back together again in-person. Masks are worn at all times while indoors, and voluntary while outdoors. Most students kept them on while outside, out of an abundance of caution. The Delta Variant is prevalent in LA County, so we are vigilant. We have plexiglass corals for each student, a divider for me, and Heppa filtration machine as well. Per CDPH/LA County mandates, all students must keep 6ft from adults and 3ft from each other. It’s different, but we’re making the best of it. What really matters is that the kids are together again, where they belong. Welcome Back to School!
Surf City, USA ๐โโ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-Surf City, 
…we’re back! We are happy to be back in Huntington Beach, and went down to the pier and to dinner at Duke’s last night. We love eating there, and enjoyed coconut shrimp, panko encrusted calamari, Asian sticky ribs, arugula salad, and the famous Hula Pie with ice cream, fudge, and topped with macadamia nuts. Happy to enjoy our local businesses with their excellent food and services.
COVID Vaccine Clinic at Oak View, HB
Huntington Beach, CA-VACCINATION CLINIC HAPPENING NOW… in Huntington Beach at our Oak View School. Adults can come out and get vaccinated today at Oak View in the gym until 2pm. OVSD is proud to host this event in cooperation with ABRAZAR Community Services & Education Center, Asian-American Senior Citizens Service Center, Oak View ComUNIDAD, and with the Office of District 2, OC Supervisor Katrina Foley. Vaccines available: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson
Board of Trustee's Meeting, Zoom from Croatia
Šibenik-Knin, Croatia-Tonight, from over 6,000 miles away here in my home in Šibenik, Croatia via remote connection, I attended our Board of Trustees meeting via Zoom and spoke in opposition to a motion made by my colleague to discontinue the ability of our constituents to submit public comments in writing. I wholeheartedly disagreed with him and his desire to disenfranchise citizens of their First Amendment rights to free speech. In my opinion, it’s un-American to do so, and I can especially see this from my current location in Europe. As officers of the State of California, we have a legal obligation per our oath of office to uphold and defend our State and Federal Constitutions. Shame on my colleague for wanting to strip residents of their rights. As Clerk of the Board, when in-person, I typically read these comments into the record. With the COVID-19 Pandemic still raging in California, we must allow for public participation in multiple ways, not just via in-person comments, as this may lead to unnecessary exposure to the virus, including the highly contagious Delta Variant. I look forward to returning to the USA this upcoming Tuesday, and attending our next meeting in September. In the meantime, let’s do our best to wear masks where required and get vaccinated if possible. We are in this together and must work collectively to protect ourselves, especially the most vulnerable among us, our children.OC Register-In Orange County, reactions run the gamut to new vaccine mandate for teach
Orange County, CA-Thanks to the OC Register for interviewing me about the new vaccination/testing mandate for public school employees. I do believe this is a great compromise, as it allows for vaccination choice while testing in lieu. Vaccines are not mandatory in CA for school employees, but encouraged. Testing will be done if COVID-19 vaccination status isn’t obtained. For those teachers and staff that are unable to be vaccinated due to medical sensitivities or that choose not to be vaccinated, there is an alternative. Schools must remain open and in-person for the upcoming school year. Kids need to be in class and engaged, and infection must be kept under control. We can safeguard and protect children in this way. It’s our responsibility to do so, and we will.
Venice, Veneto, Italy ๐ฎ๐น
Venice, Italy-We made it
! We are in Venezia, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals, waterways including the Grand Canal, which is lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The main square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, which is tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower offering views of the city’s red roofs. We have eaten some truly delicious food including at Bistrot di Venesia, a Michelin rated restaurant with traditional Venetian cuisine, some recipes from the 16th century. You’ve never had food like this before, it’s foreign even to other Italians. Enjoy the sites and sounds of Venice, the City of Love 
!
Jastrebarsko, Zagreb, Croatia ๐ญ๐ท
Jastrebarsko, Croatia-Thank you to esteemed Professor Lidija Fištrek, my longest time girlfriend here in Croatia 
for inviting me to her countryside home here above the village of Jastrebarsko. Her property is lovely, sits in the rolling hills nestled in between two vineyards that literally abut her land. Even though this place is remote, it’s only 20 miles from the nation’s capital of Zagreb with 1 million inhabitants. We visited some lovely places, have eaten amazing food, including that which was prepared by Lidija herself. She is an amazing cook of “continental” Croatian cuisine. Scroll through to see all that this “wine” growing and farming region has to offer. Next stop, the Istrian Coast and then onto Venice, Italy. More to come!
Island of Zlarin, Dalmatia, Croatia ๐ญ๐ท
Zlarin, Croatia-This week Keri Kropke and I visited the Island of Zlarin (Otok Zlarin). It is special for a couple reasons, but the main one is because my son Tony’s grandpa (Dida) Ivo Branica was born and raised there in the 1930’s. He was subsequently relocated with his mom and siblings to northern Egypt to a refugee camp during WWII, as Zlarin was a target of multiple bombings by both the Axis Powers (Nazis/Fascists) and the Allied Forces (USA/UK). The island inhabitants fought against the Nazis, and many of its men worked with opposition forces of the Partisans. Dida is still alive, he’s 87 and he lives in Šibenik, photos of him are forthcoming. Zlarin is a small island off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia near the mainland city of Šibenik. In the winter time, the island has a population of 284, but in the summer, the population increases with mainland families that have summer homes, and visitors from all over the world. Zlarin has many fig, olive, and cypress trees, and other plants like rosemary, lavender and even capers which grow out of cracks in walls. Inner parts of the island are wild, uninhabited, and covered with thick forest. Zlarin is one of the only islands in the Adriatic Sea that does not allow access to cars. It is famous for red corral which is not found anywhere else. It’s absolutely amazing and I’ve been coming here since 2004. It never gets old, click link above to scroll through the photos and welcome to Zlarin, the golden island!
Island of Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia ๐ญ๐ท
in the Adriatic Sea this weekend, sailed over via catamaran from Split. I’ve not been here in decades, and first visited with my cousin Colleen Clayton, when we sailed across from Ancona, Italy just after the Balkan War in 1999. Even then Hvar was an “exclusive” spot of the jet set. It’s still beautiful today, but time has changed it, more people, bigger parties, and a lot more to do. It is best known as a summer resort. Highlights of the former Venetian shipping port of Town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop Spanish fortress and a main square with the prominent Renaissance era Hvar Cathedral. The island also features secluded beaches and lavender fields. Scroll through to experience the sites and sounds of the Dalmatian island of Hvar!Rovinj, Istria, Croatia ๐ญ๐ท
. It borders Slovenia (land) and Italy (maritime), and is exceptionally known for its gastronomic delicacies such as truffles. The food is outstanding and the scenery is stupendous. Rovinj was once a town under control of the Republic of Venice, and before that, Ancient Rome. It was later part of Italy, then Yugoslavia, and eventually Croatia. The town is officially bilingual, Italian and Croatian, hence both town names, Rovinj and Rovigno are official and equal. Professor Lidija Fištrek, my longest time girlfriend in Croatia, has a vacation home here, and I’ve been visiting her here in Rovinj for years, as we are almost at 20 years. We also visited the Ancient Roman City of Pula, which sits just 20 miles south of Rovinj, and on the Adriatic Sea, boasting the most beautiful and well preserved Roman Colloseum in the world, with bright white limestone blocks. It’s not just an archeological site, but a place used daily for concerts and more. Modern people get to enjoy the space just as their ancient predecessors did. Click link above to enjoy the images of magical Istria!Split, Dalmatia, Croatia ๐ญ๐ท
Split, Croatia- We’ve been having a great time here in Croatia this past week and learning about Ancient Rome and our world history. Here are some images from the Dalmatia region, from the City of Split. Please scroll through to read each caption to learn more about the history of the magical region of Dalmatia which has been continuously inhabited for tens of thousands of years and “civilized” since the Roman times. See Emperor Diocletian’s Palace in Split. The regional “capital” of Split, Dalmatia largest city, at Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, with a Roman Catholic St. Dominus Cathedral standing above the archeological ruins. After accidentally driving down a pedestrian only street at the entrance to Diocletian’s Palace, we were “pulled over” by these two Split police officers. Luckily, they took pity on us, gave a warning and then subsequently invited us to have a coffee with them to discuss local, regional, and world politics. We listened to radio chatter in Croatian language curated by them, absolutely fascinating. First responders international edition!
Headed "home" to Europe
Los Angeles, CA-We’re off, yesterday was my birthday and my son Tony and I headed to Europe via LAX. Travel traffic is very light right now, hardly anyone moving, a great time to travel, with COVID infections at an all time low in many nations and vaccines picking up, it’s time to go. In London now and off to Croatia, Italy and beyond. Looking forward to seeing our family and friends that we have not been able to see due to the pandemic. More photos from abroad to come!
Come On Down To The OVHS Fireworks Stand ๐งจ๐ฅ
Huntington Beach, CA-Guess who just bought a lot of TNT fireworks 
? My son Max just dropped big bucks and all for a good cause, Ocean View High School (OVHS) where my older son Tony attends school. Come on down to the OV stand at Goldenwest and Warner in the Big Lots parking lot. Happy Independence Day fellow Americans, let freedom ring !
Happy Independence Day ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach CA, From our family to yours, Happy Independence Day
. From 1776 to 2021 we celebrate our great nation and freedom from the British. From sea to shining sea. Let freedom ring, USA. Note: all OVSD schools and offices are closed tomorrow, July 5th in observation of the federal holiday.OVSD Summer Meal Program Is Back ๐ ๐ฅช ๐ฅ!
Huntington Beach, CA-The Board or Trustees has once again authorized the District to offer FREE breakfast and lunch meals to ALL children 18 years and younger, Monday to Friday from 10:00am - 12:00pm at College View, Oak View, and Westmont Elementary Schools. Thanks to our partners at federal government for authorizing and financing this important nutrition services program.
(No meal service July 5 in observance of Independence Day.)
Spring View 8th Grade Promotions at OVHS
Huntington Beach, CA-The 5pm 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony was phenomenal, as our Spring View Spartans were featured. We heard from student speakers, and saw Golden Apple awards given to deserving recipients too. Most importantly, we witnessed each and every student walk onto the stage to accept their promotion certificates, well earned and deserved. We are so proud and honored to have been there with Spartan families at OVHS. Congratulations to all. Click link to see more photos.
Vista View 8th Grade Promotion at OVHS
Huntington Beach, CA-Congratulations Vista View students, you did it. You made it through your elementary and middle school careers and are now on your way to high school. Great work by all. We are so proud of all of you. Thanks to the OVHS for allowing OVSD to utilize the stadium to have our 8th grade promotions on your campus. Special thanks to our friends at the City of HB including Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Delgleize, and Councilmen Mike Posey and Dan Kalmick for joining us today to see our Falcons off to the 9th grade and beyond. From the OVSD Board of Trustees, we wish you all well. Click link to see more photos.
New OVSD Administrative Positions Awarded
Trustee Comments on City of HB's "Oak View Rising", 6/22/21
Huntington Beach, CA-In all my elected years, I never thought I’d see the day that a Huntington Beach City Manager would come before the OVSD board of trustees to ask for the board’s help and permission to work on community development projects. That day came yesterday when City Manager Oliver Chi accompanied by Chris Slama, the Director of Community & Library Services who presented a phenomenal list of improvements for the community called Oak View. Oak View Rising, the project’s name will include a new Family Resource Center, library, tree scape, a new mini soccer pitch, and much more. New City Council leadership means positive change in the historically underserved neighborhood of OV. Thanks to Council members Mayor Kim Carr, Natalie Tomich Moser and Dan Kalmick, for taking HB in new direction, having forward thinking, vision, and giving direction to staff to make improvements citywide. The OVSD board is willing to work together with the City to grant access to our facilities and open space for joint use projects.
Hope View-5th Grade Promotions
Huntington Beach, CA-The OVSD Board of Trustees and Executive Cabinet were proud to attend Hope View 5th Grade Promotions today at 10am and 1pm. Thanks to the Hope View PTO for setting up the decorations and making the event special for the kids and families. We got to hear from the principal and teachers and see the kids get their certificates. We look forward to next week’s 5th and 8th grade promotions ceremonies to come. Congratulations OVSD students, you made it!
*Click link to see all of the photos from today
Guide Dogs of America at Hope View
Hope View students got to visit with 12 Guide Dogs
in training along with their handlers today. They came to school for some obedience training. Hope View teacher Holly Sjogren has hosted Guide Dog puppies in training in her classroom since 2017, and I was proud as president of the board in that year to support this amazing program. Our entire board agreed to allow this important program to be housed on the Hope View campus. It is an integral part of Hope View’s award winning “Community of Caring.” In addition, Hope View students and staff collected “Pennies for Puppies” and presented Guide Dogs of America with a check for $2,000. We even got a visit from the LA Times Daily Pilot reporter Matt Szabo who spoke with community members, including one of our youngest, a TK student who was interviewed, he’s only 5, wow. Thanks to all our Hope View Hawks for sharing the time with the puppies today!*Click link to see all of the photos of the puppies and the event
Vista View named CA Distinguished School
Fountain Valley, CA-We were so happy to be able to be with the Vista View staff this morning for the 2021 Distinguished School Award recognition in Fountain Valley, in-person. Vista View received special commendations from Senator Tom Umberg, and the City of Fountain Valley. In addition, President Singer, Superintendent Dr. Hansen and I, along with district administrators were present to honor the school for their exciting achievement. Congratulations team, we are so proud of you!
*Click link to see all of the photos from the celebration
Our Visit To The New Puesto Restaurant in HB ๐บ๐ธ ๐ฒ๐ฝ
Huntington Beach, CA-We celebrated the soon to be arriving summer at HB’s newest cervecería and Mexican fusion restaurant at Bella Terra, the new Puesto. OVSD President Patricia Singer, and I had the pleasure of seeing our friend and HB Planning Commissioner Oscar Rodriguez who joined us. The food was quite delicious, and very creative in taste and presentation. We started with appetizers of chicharrones (my son Max’s favorite) guacamole ๐ฅ, and then had tacos ๐ฎ of all sorts, including Baja style fish, quesabirria, carnitas, and al pastor. Patricia had the ceviche, and of course freshly made chips and salsa. The big attraction though, was the amazing secret “man in the mirror” according to Max, that sends messages while in the restroom. Scroll down through to see the video and check out the mystery message. Thank you to Puesto and the other businesses at Bella Terra which form the largest tax base in OVSD boundaries for Measure R projects, and help to support our school district. We appreciate you all!
*Patricia, Oscar and I are all COVID-19 vaccinated, and pleased to be out supporting local HB businesses. Click link to see all of the photos including the delicious food.
Honoring OVSD Retirees 2021
Huntington Beach, CA-At last night’s OVSD Board Meeting, we celebrated our 2021 Retirees and Years of Service recipients. You can see the video honoring these dedicated employees by accessing the presentation below. Also, we got to see former trustee Joe Gaglione, he was present for the ceremony. Congratulations to all.
*Click link above to see video montage of our honorees
Congratulations OVSD Employees!
CNN Interview on QAnon Infiltration into HB
Congratulations to our Cerritos Tigers ๐ฏ.
Cerritos, CA-First and foremost, I’m a teacher, and have been so for 25 happy years. Being a teacher led me to running for school board. With the pandemic, our classrooms, schools and students’ lives have been stressed. However, today we celebrated, as it was our in-person 6th grade promotion day. This the our 6th grade team. We love our Cerritos ๐ฏ. Congratulations to all!
My HB City Council Comments, 6/1
Huntington Beach, CA-Tonight I attended the first in-person City Council meeting since last year. Unlike OVSD which reconvened in-person meetings June 30, 2020 with all board members masked, HB had a tough time getting compliance from council members. This ceased last night as the rules were changed, and now unmasked people can be in the chamber if they show proof of COVID vaccination or negative test status. It should be known that Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz resigned effective immediately. Lastly, I want to continue to thank OVSD students, parents and staff for being so cooperative with our mask policies. When we are allowed to relax them, we will take action. We appreciate your continued support.OVSD Volunteer Awards 2021
of our school district. We say goodbye to the Lake View’s PTO President Amanda Mink, who did an amazing job taking over the position when Patricia Singer was elected to our board in 2018. Amanda had big shoes to fill but she did so expertly. Amanda is now moving out of state to be with family and we wish her all the best. We will miss her. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for all you do!Canโt make it to Greece ๐ฌ๐ท? Come to HB's Ouzo & Feta
Huntington Beach, CA- Can’t make it to Greece ๐ฌ๐ท? Don’t worry, we have Ouzo and Feta restaurant right here in HB. This week my mom Dee, my older son Tony and I visited HB’s Ouzo and Feta restaurant for a late lunch. The food was absolutely outstanding, the service stellar, and the ambience just like in Europe. In the past, I spent months in Greece and love the food, the people, and country as a whole. What I can say about Ouzo and Feta is that this HB restaurant encapsulates all the best of Greek cooking and life. We had the happy hour specials of gyros, calamari, and hummus, plus Tony had koftas kebabs plate and it was delicious. Check it out, click the link above for location and photos of food, you’ll love it!
KTLA-Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortizโs sons sent home from school for refusing to wear masks
No Mask = No In-Person School in OVSD
Huntington Beach, CA-The rules are simple and they apply to all of our students and families. Sadly, HB Mayor Tem Tito Ortiz thinks he’s above the rules of the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees, but he’s not. “In line with the current guidance from the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency, Ocean View School District requires staff and students to wear masks on our school campuses. If a student is unwilling to wear a mask, they may attend our Virtual Academy,” Superintendent Dr. Carol Hansen said in a statement. President Patricia Singer and I both spoke to CBS2 news yesterday and we want to be abundantly clear, whether parents are former mixed martial arts fighters or a current elected leader, there would be no preferential treatment. Celebrity does not exempt you from following the rules. No mask means no in-person school. Thanks to all of our OVSD families who do follow our rules, we appreciate you and your commitment to the health and safety of our students and staff.Trustee Comments From 5/11/21
Thank you Huntington Beach Police Department ๐ฎโโ๏ธ ๐
Huntington Beach, CA-Look who we saw at Hope View drop off this morning....It’s School Resource Officer Gonzales on campus, and and the boys wanted to snap a pic with him. The two students are 3rd graders from Mrs. Gill’s class, Jake and my son Max. Officer Gonzales was at the gate welcoming students and assisting classified staff while they were taking temperatures. Thank you HBPD, we appreciate you!— at Hope View Elementary.
ACSA Award Winner-AJ Lopez from Spring View
Huntington Beach, CA-At the last Board of Trustees' meeting, we were honored to see our student AJ Lopez receive a prestigious ACSA Award. Congratulations to Spring View student Anthony (AJ) Lopez, he has been named the Association of California School Administrators’ (ACSA) Every Student Succeeding Award Winner for OVSD. AJ is an exceptional young man who has overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve academic excellence. He received special recognitions at Spring View and our Board of Trustees meeting. Great work AJ!
Vista View Middle School Wins Distinguished School Award ๐ฅ
Fountain Valley, CA-Vista View Middle School Wins Distinguished School Award. OVSD students and staff, you just keep impressing us so much. Amazing news, our Vista View Falcons of Fountain Valley, California are in the news, as recipients of CA’s highest school honor, the Distinguished Schools Award. Thank you State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for this award!
Recap, Board of Trustees Meeting 3/27/21
Board of Trustees Meeting Tonight, Tuesday 4/27/21
Huntington Beach, CA-Tonight’s Board Meeting will be available by going to www.ovsd.org/boardmeeting. The link will go live at 6:00 p.m. for Open Session. Please note, if you have any public comments, send them by 3:00pm to www.ovsd.org/comment and they will be read into the record by President Singer and me. OR you may come to the OVSD Board Room at 5:45pm and wait until you are invited in to make a comment. Masks are required and social distancing must be followed.
Happy Earth ๐ Day, 2021!
Day, let’s love and protect our planet. Note: Photos without masks taken pre-pandemic. President Patricia Singer and I are fully COVID-19 vaccinated.Recap from OVSD Board of Trustees Meeting, 4/13/21
Congratulations, Superintendent Dr. Carol Hansen!
Huntington Beach, CA-Our very own superintendent, Dr. Carol Hansen is the recipient of the ACSA Tracy Gaffey award and the OCCSBA Marilyn DeMarco award as well. She’s accomplished so much this year under very tough circumstances and we very proud of her achievements. Congratulations!
Moderna ๐ #2
Westminster, CA- COVID Vaccine, Moderna 
#2 in the arm, immunity is on its way. Thanks again to Governor Gavin Newsom for making it possible for teachers like me to receive the shots. We feel like we are a priority in CA.
LA Times-Ocean View School District plans full return to in-person instruction for elementary school students
Huntington Beach, CA-Thanks to LA Times Daily Pilot reporter Matt Szabo and photographer Kevin Chang for visiting Village View today to see what our 5 day per week in-person elementary program will look like districtwide starting on March 29, 2020. We are very proud of our students and staff in all of our OVSD schools. See link above for full article.
KCAL9 reports on OVSD 5-days per week starting 3/29
COVID-19 Shot ๐#1 Complete!
Westminster, CA-As a teacher, it was “myturn” to be vaccinated today, and received Moderna. Thank you to the stellar staff of Garden Grove Unified School District. The district employees run the whole show for the County of Orange at La Quinta High School in Westminster. Teachers run the check-in and intake stations and gather medical information and obtain electronic consent. I was surprised to see an old friend, OVSD resident and GGUSD administrator Carol Haas, she is the vaccine POD director and was kind enough to take these photos of me. The teacher that checked me in was a fellow 6th Grade GATE teacher. There were nurses and psych staff from the Orange County Department of Education working hard to vaccinate and oversee recovery. It was very smooth, from check-in, intake, medical questionnaire station, vaccine, and observation. I ended up having to stay an hour instead of 15 mins due to my history of severe anaphylactic shock in the past, 2 separate times from antibiotics that caused my face to swell and distort, hives the circumference of basketballs, and inability to breath. Both shocks required me to have hospital stays, the last was 5 days of sedation to bring down the swelling of my face and airway. Luckily, I did not suffer any reaction today, just got flushed. For me, this was a great response and experience. For anyone having vaccine hesitation, please rest assured, if someone like me tolerated it, this is truly a great product. I can’t wait to get back into my classroom in-person for extended days in LA County. Looking forward to OVSD teachers and staff being fully vaccinated too, great things are to come. We are working on getting kids back full time in OVSD, and can thank not only Governor Newsom for making this possible for educators, but also for our stellar Ocean View teachers and staff for always working above and beyond. They are the true heroes for our children!
Star View School, Best In Midway City โญ๏ธ
A Visit With Oak View Owls ๐ฆ
Visit to Mesa View Middle School ๐ฆ
included and GATE as well. What a joy it was to see our newest guide dog in training right in a classroom with kids and all. Our stundents interact with the pup, helping to teach interaction with people while at work. President Singer and I were given a tour by Dr. Conroy and Principal Grunbaum. The Mesa garden looks amazing and we thank all of the volunteers including the HB Shipley family that put in work weekly to keep everything alive and well. Click hyperlink above to see more photos from our Mesa View visit.Chรบc Mแปซng Nฤm Mแปi, Happy New Year 2021, Year of the Buffalo (Ox) ๐!
Midway City, CA-Chúc Mแปซng Nฤm Mแปi, Happy New Year 2021, Year of the Buffalo (Ox) ๐ to our Vietnamese Community of OVSD. Due to COVID-19 restrictions we were unable to visit classrooms like usual, see the amazing Westminster HS dragon dancers, or participate in the beautiful Tet Parade. We hope to all be together again next year.
Thank You Voters of CA Assembly District 72 ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-I’m deeply honored to announce that I’ve been elected to the CA State Central Committee in the statewide ADEM election. In the past, I’ve served as an elected member for AD72, and last term, as Congressman Harley Rouda’s appointed delegate. It’s great to be back for my 3rd term. I look forward to serving the voters of our district at the state level. What’s even better? That so many wonderful people right along side me for AD72 and beyond. Lastly, I want to thank the CA Federation of Teachers for endorsing me. Their confidence in me speaks volumes. My number one job is to fiercely protect our children, and I pledge to continue to do that. Thank you AD72!
Congratulations OVSDโs Hope View Hawks, recipients of the CSBA Golden Bell Award ๐
Thank you OVSD, I am honored to serve ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Carol Hansen, Executive Assistant Cindi Lee, and OVSD staff for honoring me last night with this plaque and my very own gavel, in commemoration of my 2020 term as president of the board of trustees. I’m grateful to continue to serve our students and families. Today is not only a time for me to be thankful, but for our entire nation. Congratulations to Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Kamala D. Harris on their inaugurations. America is upon a new and positive day in hopes of unity once more .
OVSD Special Board Meeting, Distance Learning Extended to 1/29/21
Recap of OVSD Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, 1/5/21
OVSD is returning to Temporary Distance Learning
Huntington Beach, CA-Tuesday, 1/5/21, all OVSD students that have been attending in-person hybrid model, will be online until 1/19/21, due to a decision of the Board of Trustees in response to 0% ICU bed capacity in Orange County and neighboring Southern California counties. No school today, 1/4/21 for students, as teachers are preparing for the change. School resumes tomorrow morning, on Tuesday, so please see your school schedule for details and start times.
Announcement: For all Registered Democrats in CA Assembly District 72 ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-Democrats throughout the state of California will be running to add their voices to the state party's platform and agenda. We also decide and vote upon who the State Party will endorse for major offices, like Governor, Attorney General, U.S. Congress and more. I am pleased to once again be running as a candidate for the CA State Democratic Central Committee in District 72. I’ve been honored to serve you since 2017, and would like to serve for another term. I’m pleased to announce that I have earned the endorsement of the California Federation of Teachers, an organization that I myself am a member of as a rank and file 6th grade teacher in LA County. Thank you California teachers for believing in me. To my Democrat constituents, I hope to earn your support and vote for Assembly District delegate. There will be NO in-person voting this year and any registered Democrat that resides in AD72 is eligible to vote. Just follow the link below to do so. Any questions, please ask me via message here on my site, and note that this delegacy is not connected to my trusteeship in OVSD. Register to vote by Jan. 11 at: ademelections.com/
Clerk Clayton-Tarvin's Official Statement on Oak View Incident with HB Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz
Merry Christmas from Huntington Beach ๐๐๐ ๐ผ
Huntington Beach, CA-Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Buon Natale, and Sretan Boลพiฤ to our family, friends, and community members from here in HB, across the nation, and around the world from our immediate family to yours.
CBS2 News-Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz Caught On Camera In Maskless Confrontation
Following the confrontation, Ortiz left and went into a city building.
Police were eventually called to the scene, though it was not immediately clear if any citations were issued.
COVID Case Reporting, Winter Recess
Election of New OVSD Board Officers, 2021
Happy Holidays from the Ocean View School Disrict
Swearing-In of Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 2020
Huntington Beach, CA-Please join the OVSD Board of Trustees for my 2020 swearing-in on December 15th at 6:00pm administered by U.S. Representative Harley Rouda, live from Washington DC. Also, we are pleased to welcome new Interim Huntington Beach Police Chief Julian Harvey to be introduced to the OVSD Board and community. He will make a brief report. Should you wish to make a public comment, you may do so in-person at 16700 Pinehurst Lane, Huntington Beach, Building A, while wearing a mask. Also, public comments can be submitted here: www.ovsd.org/comment and will be read into the record by the Clerk of the Board. To watch the swearing-in and meeting, please attend via zoom at https://www.ovsd.org/boardmeeting (link in event) or by watching via YouTube at https://youtu.be/Y4VxsXH4Z4I.
Video from Special Board Meeting, Hybrid Update
Huntington Beach, CA-Special Board Meeting/Update on the OVSD Hybrid Schedule
Governor’s Stay At Home Order
Yesterday, in response to an increase in coronavirus cases throughout the state, Governor Newsom announced a new stay at home order for regions of California where hospitals are in danger of exceeding capacity. Although this order imposes restrictions on businesses and various activities, it does not affect in-person instruction for school districts that have already opened. The Governor stated that schools should remain open with the necessary precautions in place. In alignment with the Governor’s order, OVSD schools will remain open for in-person hybrid instruction.
State and local health officials have cited a large body of evidence that schools’ health and safety measures, which include physical distancing, masks, smaller cohorts, timely contact tracing and notifications, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, have been effective in combating COVID-19. Dr. Ghaly, secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency, has said schools are not the source of the recent COVID-19 surges and continue to have low case and transmission rates. OVSD’s COVID-19 Dashboarddata provides further evidence that schools are not creating or contributing to the recent increase in confirmed cases. Thus far, OVSD has not had any person-to-person transmission in schools or other facilities. This is largely due to your diligent efforts in helping to keep our schools safe. Together, our staff and students continue to follow guidelines and protocols on our campuses and parents continue to support these important efforts, which is making a difference.
OVSD will maintain the current Hybrid schedule until further notice. However, when COVID-19 cases become more manageable, the District will augment the current split week schedule with more time in school and more direct instruction via Zoom when students are at home. A longer school day will allow for more socialization and instruction. The plan also allows children to keep attending school on the same days to minimize disruption to family schedules.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 rates in our community, and any changes in the hybrid schedule are dependent upon a decrease in the current COVID-19 surge. A tentative timeline for implementation of the enhanced Hybrid schedule is:
Elementary Schools - January 25th
Middle Schools - February 8
We appreciate your continued partnership, flexibility, and patience as we navigate this challenging and unprecedented chapter in OVSD’s history together.
LA Times-Orange County school districts pivot as Bond fire rages in Silverado Canyon with 0% containment
Silverado Canyon, CA-Bond Fire
Continues, OVSD Remains Open. Yesterday I spoke to reporter Lilly Nugyen of the LA Times about OVSD response to the Bond Fire and poor air quality. We will not shut schools as neighboring districts have, we use AQMD data on a daily basis to determine local conditions. Although air quality was at the hazardous conditions in OVSD, we made the decision to remain open as Cohort B was already at school when conditions worsened. Each school made decisions to keep students inside. Each day the District will reevaluate conditions and make appropriate decisions based on expert data.College View Ribbon Cutting and School Tour
Huntington Beach, CA-President Clayton-Tarvin, Superintendent Hansen, Deputy Superintendent Conroy, and Principal Burney narrate this video about the College View Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting. Brand new interior designs, HVAC systems and playgrounds are highlighted. Measure R funds were used to complete this $18M project.
LA Times-Column: How Huntington Beach became Angrytown, USA
Huntington Beach, CA-Thank you to LA Times' columnist Gustavo Arellano for always taking a closer look at HB, and writing about the sometimes spirited take on matters Californian. Surf City is my town since 1993. Thanks for highlighting my voice, and for always telling the stories of HB for better or for worse. We love our neighbors all the same. Please visit the link above for the column.
LA Times-College View Elementary in Huntington Beach holds reopening ceremony
Huntington Beach, CA-We celebrated the reopening of College View Elementary, following an $18 million modernization. While we couldn’t have a traditional Grand Reopening, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we commemorated the special occasion with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with our Board Members Vice President Patricia Singer and Clerk Jack Souders, Superintendent Dr. Hansen, HB City Council Mayor Pro Tem Kim Carr and staff. We’ll be sharing more of this beautifully transformed school in a video coming soon. Thank you LA Times reporter Matt Szabo for reporting.
News: Vista View Modernization Update
Fountain Valley, CA-Please click hyperlink above to view presentation for Vista View's modernization plans. Designs are being formalized now for the eventual start of projects to begin sometime in summer 2021. We are excited to utilized Measure R funds in such an innovative way.
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, Golden Bell Award
Huntington Beach, CA-OVSD Wins CSBA Golden Bell Award 
. The Ocean View School District Board of Trustees are members of the California School Board’s Association (CSBA). Each year CSBA provides recognition to a select school districts for outstanding school programs. For the 2020-21 school year, OVSD earned the Golden Bell in the School Culture and Safety Category for Hope View Elementary School’s "A Community of Caring." Hope View coordinates a strong and purposeful Social Emotional Learning Program, which integrates the guide dog of America Program. Our teacher of the year, Holly Sjogren leads the program, regularly raising guide pups in her classroom. Now, other schools are beginning to adopt the program, for example we now have a guided puppy in training at Mesa View. Great work Team OVSD!
OVSD Schools Will Remain Open (OC in Purple Tier)
Huntington Beach, CA- OVSD Schools to remain open in Purple Tier. Also, see the updated COVID Dashboard. Please review OVSD’s COVID Dashboard, with current cases and those recovered as well. Orange County has moved back into the Purple Tier, however, school districts, including OVSD, that have reopened for in-person instruction, are not required to close. Keep up the work of social distancing, not gathering in large groups, and wearing face coverings to keep infections down.
Special Board of Trustees Meeting-In Person School Review
Huntington Beach, CA-OVSD Board of Trustees Meeting, Live Now. We anticipate the Board giving direction to our staff. You can watch it here now.
Vote ๐ณ Center at OVSD, starting Friday, 10/30!
LA Times-A Latino enclave in Huntington Beach fights to preserve its heritage and raise its clout
LA Times-Ocean View School District board censures trustee for second time
LA Times-Steel is tone deaf and dangerous
Board Meeting, Trustee Westwell Censured
Huntington Beach, CA-The Board of Trustees approved a resolution censuring Trustee Norm Westwell. Resolution No. 10:2021, initiated by Board Clerk Jack Souders, cites OVSD Board Bylaws, Board Policy, Robert’s Rules of Order, and lists detailed findings regarding Trustee Westwell’s conduct. The Resolution proclaims that the Board “disapproves of the aforementioned conduct and finds it to be a violation of the Board Bylaws, and that unacceptable behavior shall not be tolerated.” It states that Trustee Westwell is ordered to “treat fellow Board Members and the Public with dignity and respect at all times.”
Westmont VAPA School, the Best of the Best!
OVSD Trustee and surfer ๐ Jack Souders endorses Oscar Rodriguez for HB City Council!
Huntington Beach, CA-Political Party is irrelevant when the preservation and defense of our environment is at stake. Lifelong surfer, HB resident, teacher, and school board trustee Jack Souders has made the call, he’s on Team Oscar. When we needed a champion for the people of HB to fight for our students and staff to breath clean air, Oscar was there. As an avid lover of our beaches and ocean, Trustee Souders knows the only candidate to support is Oscar, as he’s been a leading voice in fighting the Poseidon project in SEHB. Oscar will work to provide protections for our coastline and surrounding communities. What do you want this election, to stick to the same old partisan ways, or to think outside the box and get behind a grassroots native of HB? Trustee Souders and I may not be in the same political party, but we agree, Oscar Rodriguez is the right person to represent all of us in Huntington Beach. Let’s do this HB, vote 
now!
General Election ๐ณ 2020!
Santa Ana, CA-There’s nothing like sharing the experience of voting with our own children. My son Max and I visited the OC Registrar of Voters just now, got to see our old friends who keep this excellent agency running like a fine oiled machine, and to vote for our preferred candidates. No matter who you vote for, please get to the polls and make your voice heard.
Regular Board of Trustees Meeting Video
Voting Has Begun, HB USA ๐บ๐ธ
Huntington Beach, CA-Let’s make the move to a more balanced Huntington Beach City Council with a vote for an actual community servant that cares about ALL of HB’s residents. Whether it be fighting the corporate polluter across the street from our Oak View Schools in Ocean View School District, to feeding kids in need and working to save Perry School in Huntington Beach City School District, to providing the largest weekly food distributions in HB for those in need during the COVID19 Pandemic, Oscar does it all. He’s a local hero.
Honorable Trustee Keri Kropke for North Orange County Community College District, Area 7
Spring View First Day of School, Cohort B
Huntington Beach, CA-Spring View First Day of School, Cohort B. Wow, you’re amazing Spring View All is going well at our Spring View Middle School and we were so happy to see all of our students and teachers there, all ready to learn, with masks on and engaged. Our OVSD students are the best behaved kids I know. Visited all the classrooms with Mr. Lempert, principal and Mr. Avila, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources. Thanks to Ms. Trace and Mr. DeLaChica for letting us peek in to listen and learn. Onward and upward, Spartans!
