Adult School taking a hit when students need help the most

We have to hope that English classes for immigrants are not closed in the budget cuts, when these immigrants succeed, they are a great addition to the country. They start businesses, have better jobs and also pay more taxes. - - Donna Poisl

By J.M. Brown - Sentinel staff writer

LIVE OAK -- "Hello? Is Ann home?"

"Yes, she is. Just a minute. She's in the dining room."

Curious students inside the English as a Second Language class at the Santa Cruz Adult School pick up old desk phones and pretend to call each other as they recite lines of dialogue. They giggle good-naturedly at each other as some stumble through the exercise.

Ranging in age from 18 to 67, the students are Chinese, Mexican, Filipino, Salvadoran and Guatemalan -- brought together not as much by a common language as by a common goal. The dozens who attend the free class each day as work and family obligations permit are all striving to learn a skill that will make life more simple in Santa Cruz County.
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