City officials should put away their devices

Dec 8, 2025
Dec 8, 2025 Updated Dec 11, 2025
9

Editor,

It is a cold day somewhere hot, pigs are flying, and I agree with letter writer Lisa Taner. She and I don’t see eye to eye on many things. But, on limiting cellphone use we agree.

(9) comments

Terence Y Dec 8, 2025 9:05am

Perhaps it is time to do things the “new” American and California way – the threat and/or follow through of legal action. Else, don’t be surprised when the envelope is pushed further and there is less transparency than there is now. Perhaps we can install electronic jamming equipment in public meeting areas? Are there portable electronic jamming units?

anna kuhre Dec 8, 2025 9:48am

Council members texts have been subpoenaed in previous years, and city hall was quick to stop this potential exposure for our city in any lawsuits or legal proceedings. Council members and commissioners should be reminded to stop texting.

KRN Dec 12, 2025 5:06pm

The elected officials are steadfast that even if they do get caught, they won’t disclose the content.

SMUHSD Board of Trustees President Robert Booker “produced” and entire “letter of support” from a “fictional” meeting that cannot be found on any public agenda, recording of Board Action, or recorded minutes. The letter claims to have the “unanimous” support of the San Mateo Union High School District, yet there in no record (anywhere) of the Board action.

If it were not for the disclosure of this “letter of support” crafted and sent to defraud the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the public would not know the elected officials are willingly breaking the law.

After multiple requests for disclosure and a CPRA, SMUHSD Board of Trustees President Robert Booker continues to “remain silent” and the SMUHSD refuses to produce the origins of the letter.

SMUHSD Board of Trustees President Robert Booker fraudulent letter coincides with his announcement of the mysterious $40 million “sale cut” on the sale of the Crestmoor High School Properly. (Also withheld from the public)

The Brown Act is only effective when its enforced and transparency to the public is assured.

MichKosk Dec 12, 2025 5:45pm

There is a trustee Robert Griffin and there is Superintendent Randall Booker. Who are you talking about?

KRN Dec 12, 2025 10:04pm

-Good catch- Trustee President Robert Griffen wrote the letter. Superintendent Kevin Skelly facilitated the “process” . Superintendent Randall Booker continues the cover up— a complete refusal to produce CPRA requests for Board documents, information, and sources for the letter and related incidents. It’s a Burlingame High School incident Griffin-Skelly-Booker don’t want the public or the police to know about.

KRN Dec 13, 2025 8:35am

See - the December 18, 2025- SMUHSD Posted Agenda (K.1)

- Robert H. Griffin Leadership Award Presentation

- Award “qualifications” and recipient are attached in the agenda

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030427&MID=46919 =Agenda&enIID=m2tTEPhumiSKjxn83NswnQ%3D%3D

There does not seem to be a prior Board agenda or approval for the consideration and approval of such an “award.” The nomination and selection process took place using district time and expenses and was selected “internally” by the Superintendent from among the district administrators.

Are we to name an "award" for any/every past and/or sitting Board Member as a means of appeasement for “benefits provided to the superintendents” past and present?

How about honesty, ethics, transparency and (Mr. Griffin’s favorite word) candor…

As Board President, Trustee Griffin is cited as the member responsible for a a number of critical items/evidence withheld from the public view as required by the Brown Act.

KRN Dec 13, 2025 9:53am

Functional agenda lInk attached--

https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36030427&MID=46919

See - the December 18, 2025- SMUHSD Posted Agenda (K.1)

- Robert H. Griffin Leadership Award Presentation

- Award “qualifications” and recipient are attached in the agenda

Lisa Dec 8, 2025 2:10pm

Evan, thank you for your thoughts - Public leaders should understand it's not just those who bother to write who feel this way. These representatives should be striving to create better relationships with their constituents, especially when concerns are voiced. Those who don't speak volumes, do they not?

Lisa Dec 10, 2025 1:53pm

The response I received from Mayor Adam Loraine was that reminding the council to 'pay close attention to the meeting and limit the use of electronic devices while on the dais' as per the new Code of Conduct (which, by the way, was only updated due to public outcry) "should suffice and a new agenda item should not be needed." In other words, no change or further discussion. My response to that was, “I’d hoped for better leadership on this. How disappointing. When residents keep bringing it up as a concern, it should be addressed to their satisfaction.”

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