Desert Star Weekly October 13, 2017 issue

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The Coachella Valley Number ‘One’ Desert Local Newspaper

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Devin and Erin Herrlinger, Terri Bono and Arin Steffen at Palm Springs Philan Philanthropic Day see page 4. Photo by Pat Krause.

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Friday, October 13, 2017 Vol. 10 No. 84

Teacher of the Year Painted Hills Middle School Teacher Named California State Teacher of the Year KMKIR News Staff Desert Hot Springs, CA - A music teacher from Painted Hills Middle School in Desert Hot Springs was named one of the state’s top teachers Wednesday by California education officials. Brian McDaniel, who has taught instrumental and vocal music at Painted Hills for the past two years, is one

of five educators recognized by the California Department of Education as a 2018 California Teacher of the Year. McDaniel will also be honored at a gala next February in Sacramento, and later will compete against other state nominees for the 2018 National Teacher of the Year award, which will be announced in the spring.

By Desert Star Staff BOSTON -- The Trump administration has been wasting no time when it comes to rolling back protections for the gay community, and Bay State advocates say that is especially true for transgender people. The good news is that there are significant protections in place for gay people in Massachusetts, but there are concerns about efforts to roll back protections for transgender people. Mason Dunn is a transgender man and executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. “So, here in

Massachusetts we have full nondiscrimination protections in employment, housing, credit lending, education and public accommodations,” Dunn said. “I think the rollback at the federal level really points to how important state-based protections are in this moment.” Under the new policy, a claim of a violation of religious freedom would override concerns for the civil rights of LGBTQ people. Dunn said gains made by the trans community are currently under assault in the the Bay State. The Massachusetts

``These teachers are deeply committed, hardworking and creative,’’ said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. ``They help students find their inner strengths and achieve their dreams, while inspiring, challenging, and supporting them every day. They represent the best of their profession.’’ In addition to teaching at

Painted Hills, McDaniel serves as the director of bands and choirs at Desert Hot Springs’ Bella Vista Elementary School and is an adjunct professor at Brandman University, School of Arts and Sciences. In a joint statement from students Brandon Ulin, band president, and Kathryne Whalen, choir president, the students said, ``He is our role

model, friend and champion ... he understands many of our issues because they were once his. He helps us with our family issues, insecurities, bullying and always finds a way to make us feel better.’’ McDaniel was also recently named one of Riverside County’s teachers of the year Continues on Page 2

Trump Rolls On, Rolling Back LGBTQ Protections

Continues on Page 2


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