Comments of the Week: Firetruck, Schools

Patch readers weighed in on a new eco-friendly firetruck that was showcased here in Hermosa Beach, and proposed options for sustaining the local school district.

Here are two of the most interesting and opinionated comments we received this week.

Green Firetruck

The nation’s first natural gas-fueled firetruck was showcased at the Hermosa Beach Fire Department on Pier Avenue on Monday. Local officials inspected the truck and learned how it operates.

Manufacturers said the machine is eco-friendly and cost-effective. When asked if readers thought the firetruck would be a good addition the city, one responded.

• If the grants could cover 90 percent of the cost, and a used truck has to go, you could sell the used truck and have money left over. As long as maintenance or reliability are not issues and the truck has a similar range and hours of stationary operation pumping, then it sounds like it's worth a closer look. — wrote

Future of Schools

The Hermosa Beach City School District’s to the School Board in a meeting Wednesday night.

The committee listed options available to help sustain local schools in the future as the district’s budget dwindles, which include: a parcel tax; unifying with a neighboring school district or sharing services; becoming a charter district; reducing teachers' salaries; paring back curricula.

One Patch reader said that a parcel tax should be considered. 

• A parcel tax to raise money for the schools—best option. Unifying with a neighboring school district—not clear that any district wants to take us on or sharing services with other schools—creative and should be explored; Becoming a charter district—why is this a cost savings—is there time?; Reducing teachers' salaries—at the risk of losing the best teachers?; Paring back curricula—do we risk less educated students? Our school benefits not only our students, but has a positive influence on property values. Almost everyone loses if our school is taken over and loses its unique small town quality. Parents, homeowners, homeowners over 65 and renters (don’t have to pay the parcel tax)—should support the parcel tax because it’s in their own self-interest and the right thing to do. —wrote

Coming up: Check Patch on Sundays for our weekly roundup of the latest Hermosa Beach headlines in Week in Review.