Histories will of course be written as to how the Obama Presidency was culturally possible. I look to my own feelings for answers.  He won my vote early, but when did he capture my heart? I've voted for plenty of politicians and I really liked some of them - but this is different.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something close to love for Obama and his family.  It's more than slightly irrational. Symbolism is already threatening to swamp the man and I'm aware of this - but I just can't quit loving the guy, the moment and the hope he represents.  And so, as I blog my way out the door here at KPBS it's time for some soul searching...

I often overlook local election issues in favor of presidential races and state propositions - and my guess is, many people do the same. Despite receiving a "Voting Guide for Republicans" in the mail each election, I do my research on the issues rather than blindly fill out my ballot with the guide's recommendations. (I do wonder sometimes how many people use political party guides as command rather than recommendation. My recommendation is do a little research on an issue or don't vote on it at all.)

But researching local candidates is often tedious. Here in Vista, we are electing Vista Unified School District governing board members. And I do care - aside from working towards being a public school teacher myself, I may one day have children in the Vista Unified School District - but even after looking over candidate bios, I find few meaningful ways to distinguish the candidates.

Elizabeth Jaka is a "community volunteer" who seeks to "provide quality educational programs that will give our children the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century." Sounds great! Steve Lilly is a retired educator who wants to see "increased student learning" and assessments that "provide teachers and principals timely data on student performance" (what a concept - tests that indicate performance). Also noble! Angela Chunka wants to give students access to the latest technology and close the achievement gap - no argument here! Stephen Guffanti and Eileen Fernandez want to see students reading and writing English at grade level - a no-brainer, right?