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Court Update
Karen Taylor

The court of appeals rehearing was held in Los Angeles on June 23rd, 2008. We were expecting this to be a closed hearing, but it was open, and members of the press were there. The line was long, waiting to get in the courtroom, and there was some concern that we would not all get in. Those from the state homeschooling groups were really glad when they kept on counting past us, meaning we were going to be allowed to observe the proceeding.

CHN, CHEA, and HSC had many attorneys present, and they traveled quite a distance to be there. I think it was good that so many of them were able to hear the arguments.

The hearing began at 10:00 am and it was supposed to go for 2 hours. Instead, it went on for an additional 45 minutes, and that was at the discretion of the three judges. There were 12 attorneys who spoke and each had an agreed upon time limit. But, the judges were very involved and often stopped them and asked questions. It was very interactive, and the judges were attentive. They also made
references to some of the amicus briefs, and were very knowledgeable.

Our state groups had an attorney present to speak on behalf of California homeschoolers. She spoke for 15 minutes, which was longer than the court expected for her, but when it was noted that she had gone over (because so many questions were asked), one of the judges asked if she had anything else to add because "Your argument has been excellent so far." That was very nice to hear! I think her points were some of the best received of the day.

I know everyone who was present will take something different from the day. For me, it seemed that the judges are trying to do what they feel is best. At one point, one of them said "Keep in mind this court has an obligation to interpret the intent of the legislature, and it is a huge burden." Right before they left the courtroom, one of them thanked those in the courtroom for appearing and being diligent in providing information, and said that the issues are monumental. It appears that they have an understanding of the significance of their decision. Homeschoolers in California as well as the nation hope that they'll reach a favorable decision.

What to do while we wait

Waiting for the court decision is hard for some, and CHN is hearing from anxious members. Of course this situation is a worry because we don't know how the judges will rule, or if there will be new legislation proposed. We've always had that to contend with, and that's why all three state organizations monitor legislation.

What we do know, is that if the decision is not favorable, we will have a plan in place. There would be an appeal. Please don't worry about something that might drag on for a very long time.

We have the freedoms we have today because of homeschooling pioneers who faced real dangers, and they did it without attorneys. Today, we have attorneys - lots of them! Why, we even have the governor saying positive things. Let's focus on that, while at the same time preparing to be ready for any inconvenience that might face us next year. Together, we can do it. It's why we have state groups and are organized! The not so good news is that very few homeschoolers join one of the state groups. It's extremely important that this change as soon as possible. We need a much higher head count of actively participating homeschoolers who have joined a state homeschool group. We already know that homeschooling is huge, and now we need tangible proof. Whether you're an independent, in a charter school, public or private ISP, you need to be counted and have a voice in all this by your active membership.

Please keep your CHN membership current (responding when you get that first email reminder will save us money in mailed reminders), and then ask everyone you know to support homeschooling by becoming a CHN member too. I have such a strong feeling that it's going to be important for all homeschoolers to be better connected. It's time for homeschoolers to join together in this way, through membership in one of the three state organizations. This is the most important thing you can do while we all wait!

Legal Update Page: Over 12,000 viewings!

Be sure to watch our Legal Updates page on the CHN website for up to the minute news on the court case.
This is a great page to refer those who have questions about the current situation.

Lytle Creek
CHN Spring Camp Out ’08

Our Spring camping trip was a great way to spend time with friends and get to know more homeschooling families.
One of the highlights of our CHN camping trips are the amazing talent shows that are put on by the kids. This time we had amazing talents - magic tricks, karate moves, beautiful singing, costumes, dog tricks, acrobatic stunts, and more!

One of the best things about our homeschool camping trips is making new friendships. We hope that more families will join us at each new trip!

Our next camping trip will be October 10 - 15th at Carpinteria State Beach. Please join us for one of our favorite trips ever!

Carpinteria State Beach Camping

Friday, October 10th to Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
$20 per person for CHN members and $25.00 per person for non-CHN members for the entire week, plus the campground’s $8 daily parking fee for your car (this price is subject to change by the campground).

We have some great memories of past Carpinteria trips to share!

The pictures from our 2007 trip are HERE and the pictures from our 2006 trip are HERE

You may register for this trip now!
Click here for the Registration Form!

Bill Watch: S. 3076:
'Home School Opportunities Make Education Sound
Act of 2008'

This bill was recently introduced in the Senate of the US Congress. It is in the first stage of the legislative process where the bill is considered in committee. It could undergo significant changes during this process.

"A bill -
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax deduction for itemizers and nonitemizers for expenses relating to home schooling."

Proposed legislation

Read the counter points here