Letter: LCF’s good schools are due to residents

Everyone knows our property values here in La Cañada Flintridge are much higher than in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Eagle Rock and even the so-called Sagebrush area in our own city. Of course, this is because of the reputation of the La Cañada Unified School District. Most of our buyers come here for the schools. In fact, most of us realtors came here for the schools. Having one of the best school districts in the state gives us a tremendous advantage over our neighboring cities even though they are much more cosmopolitan than us. They have more restaurants, theaters, parks, shopping centers and points of interest than us. But you can’t just build good schools. It takes not only dedicated teachers and administrators, it takes dedicated parents who support the schools through PTA, the La Cañada Flintridge Educational Foundation, and by just being there for the students.

Most of us sell property in the neighboring cities. When we show houses in Pasadena for example, we feel it necessary to disclose to the potential buyers that they better plan on private schools for their children. This has been a bonanza for the private school industry in Pasadena and many wonderful such schools are available. But they are expensive! And what they have to pay for comes with the house in La Cañada Flintridge.

We La Cañadans should be proud of the fact that our schools have remained great even though the beautiful sunshine state of California is one of the worst states in the country in terms of school funding. We are completely at the mercy of Sacramento through good times and bad. So the responsibility for keeping our schools great resides in us.

Please join me in voting yes for Measure LC. We must protect ourselves and our children.

Sid Karsh
La Cañada Flintridge