Sunday

04-27-2025 Vol 1943

Concerns Rise Over Changes to German Language Immersion Program at Local Charter School

Albert Einstein Academies Charter has long been recognized as the only public school in the county that offers a 50/50 German language immersion program.

However, recent announcements from school leaders regarding reductions in German instructional time have left many parents feeling frustrated and concerned.

Reports by Jakob McWhinney and Alina Ajaz reveal that parents had been noticing a decline in the German instructional hours for some time before receiving official notification.

As parents sought clarity about the changes, they discovered that the focus on immersion at the school had been diminishing gradually.

This unfolding situation has prompted parents to voice their concerns, questioning the school’s decision to scale back on what they considered a unique offering in the educational landscape.

In other news, a recent promotional flyer announcing an appearance by Rep. Darrell Issa at a local McDonald’s in San Marcos garnered attention on social media.

The flyer teased a drive-thru event where Issa would serve customers and offered “one complimentary Freedom Fries per order” during a designated time frame.

Tigist Layne covered the event, noting a large number of protestors lining the street, ostensibly in response to Issa’s absence.

Though the event was confirmed by a McDonald’s employee, Issa did not show up at the originally scheduled time, leading to questions about his participation.

Later in the day, Issa made an appearance to serve customers, according to Jonathan Wilcox, his deputy chief of staff and director of communications.

Issa’s presence comes amidst ongoing discontent among constituents regarding his reluctance to hold town hall meetings.

Last month, a significant protest took place, dubbed the “Empty Chair Town Hall,” attracting over 800 attendees who were frustrated by Issa’s absence from public forums.

Meanwhile, the recent launch party for a special beer celebrating the 20th anniversary of a local initiative took place in collaboration with 3 Punk Ales Brewing Co.

Those who attended enjoyed the event, and for those who couldn’t make it, opportunities to sample the unique beer will continue at the upcoming Brews and News Live Podcast event on May 7 at Soda Bar.

In other developments, Vista Mayor John Franklin recently published an op-ed arguing against the plan proposed by County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer to increase property sales taxes, contending it would exacerbate the region’s housing crisis.

Further news from the Union-Tribune indicates that the Commission on Police Practices is advancing toward gaining the authority that city voters previously approved, following a recent City Council committee vote on proposed operational policies.

Additionally, CBS 8 reports that San Diego Unified is implementing expanded services at ten schools as part of its community schools initiative.

In a related matter, county Sheriff Kelly Martinez disclosed that last year, 30 individuals transferred from county jails to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, with over 1,000 people being advised that ICE has inquired about their release dates.

Finally, the now-former behavioral health director of the county provided insights on political conflicts between the county and city, as well as his views on the impact of conservatorship expansion laws in a recent interview with KPBS.

image source from:https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/04/25/morning-report-charter-faces-blowback-for-dialing-back-german-immersion/

Benjamin Clarke