Tom Torlakson, California schools candidate, campaigns at Salinas' Second Chance Youth Center thecalifornian.com The Salinas Californian:
"A former schoolteacher running for the state's highest education position chose an unusual campaign stop Thursday in Salinas."
Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, who's campaigning to replace state Superintendent Jack O'Connell in 2010, met with local education and youth leaders at the Second Chance Youth Center in east Salinas. The nonprofit has spent 20 years helping young people leave gangs and criminal lifestyles.
"Most of these students are still in the K-12 system," Torlakson said, explaining his choice for the stop. "We need to give them the foundation for success. Teachers know the kids who need help, and they know how to help, but they just don't have the resources."
Much of Thursday's discussion focused on trading ideas about bringing more resources to Salinas, such as academic software, career training and more of the wrap-around family mentoring programs now active in Salinas schools.
"A former schoolteacher running for the state's highest education position chose an unusual campaign stop Thursday in Salinas."
Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, who's campaigning to replace state Superintendent Jack O'Connell in 2010, met with local education and youth leaders at the Second Chance Youth Center in east Salinas. The nonprofit has spent 20 years helping young people leave gangs and criminal lifestyles.
"Most of these students are still in the K-12 system," Torlakson said, explaining his choice for the stop. "We need to give them the foundation for success. Teachers know the kids who need help, and they know how to help, but they just don't have the resources."
Much of Thursday's discussion focused on trading ideas about bringing more resources to Salinas, such as academic software, career training and more of the wrap-around family mentoring programs now active in Salinas schools.
