Residents urge air monitors for children; district honors dozens of retirees and staff

During the 15‑minute public‑comment period at the start of the joint meeting, several community members encouraged civic engagement and raised local concerns.

"This is beautiful to see all these, wonderful people here," resident Jose Garamonta Villal said, inviting residents to attend future council and school board meetings. Resident Daniel Munoz urged officials to get air monitors for children, saying, "Once again, I urge everybody here to get our children passed aside air monitors so we can know what our kids are breathing." The mayor reminded the audience to refrain from applause during public comment.

Following public comment the district held an awards and retiree recognition. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Susana Mancera called out many staff members and retirees for long service — including teachers and classified staff — and invited honorees to a reception. The event listed dozens of retirees and employees‑of‑the‑year from multiple schools; examples called during the ceremony included Carrie Doer (38 years), Danelle Bassetti, Alicia Beltran Castaneda and others on a longer roster announced by Mancera.

Why it matters: Public comments raised a request for pesticide air monitors near schools, a public‑health ask that the council and district may pursue or refer to staff for follow‑up. The retiree recognitions highlighted personnel changes and acknowledged long service across the district.

Next steps: The public‑comment speakers’ requests were recorded on the meeting record. The district invited attendees to a reception after the ceremony.