o7”The magic of it all, the secret,...

o7”The magic of it all, the secret, is hard work -- making sure

standards are taught at every grade level. As we’ve all learned, it’s

just a lot of hard work and concentration.”f7

-- Robert Barbot, Newport-Mesa Unified School District

superintendent, on standardized test scores released by the state

Department of Education that showed gains in English and math

proficiency at every grade level

o7”We are so joyous. We believe that God has relieved us and

delivered us from this legal battle.”f7

-- Praveen Bunyan, pastor of St. James Church, on a judge’s ruling

allowing the Newport Beach parish that split from the national

Episcopal church to keep its property

o7”It’s possible to feel patriotic and still feel like we are not

well-guided by our administration.”f7

-- Ken Rhea, a Costa Mesa resident, at a candlelight vigil for the

mother of a fallen American soldier who is demanding an end to the

war in Iraq

o7”There are going to be specific projects across the district

that would only be approved if there was money to do it. To some

extent, this whole process is a bit of a chicken and egg thing.”f7

-- Mark Buchanan, facility advisory committee chairman for

Newport-Mesa Unified School District, talking about the proposed

$282-million school bond, Measure F

o7”I know that they put up a fight.”f7

-- Ryan Hawks, son of missing Newport Beach couple Tom and Jackie

Hawks, after hearing testimony about the final moments of his

parents’ life