Terry Hart

"We're letting people know that the governor broke his promises," said Terry Hart, a speech therapist at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Oceanside.

Delaying the negotiations until September means that teachers will not reap the benefits of any salary increase for several more months, said Terry Hart, a teacher at McAuliffe Elementary School and a negotiator for the union.

Waiting to negotiate is a risky move that could pay off in the long run, Hart said.

"There are risks involved both ways, and that's why it's important that the legislators in Sacramento know how important it is to complete their budget plan on time," Hart said.

State law requires the California budget to be finalized in July, but delays are common.

Oceanside's teachers earned a starting salary of more than $37,000 this year.They have received total raises of about 15 percent in the last two years.

Bucking the trend is ex-school teacher Terry Hart who opened her book store, Bookworms in Bell Street, on Saturday.

She said: "I opened this shop because I had always wanted it and Reigate needs it.