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Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
As an example of what the district does, according to the July 2014 financials, they owe the mello roos fund $20 million loaned to the general fund, and $3 million loaned to the cafeteria fund. Since May 2013, they have lent the general fund $126 million! If it weren't for the mello fund, the district would not have enough money to operate!!— August 13, 2014 7:43 a.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
Anniej yes. At last count it had about $16 million. One other CFD, i forget which has about the same amount.— August 13, 2014 7:33 a.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
There are 18 CFD's within Sweetwater. Each CFD has its own Mitigation Agreements that spell out how the funds can be used. The earlier CFD's, like for Eastlake I and II specify the funds can only be used for schools and infrastructure. The later CFD's allow for admin buildings and other non school and infrastructure uses. The problem has been the district had placed all the money in one account, then lent the money to other district funds like the general fund, cafeteria fund, etc. They are required to pay interest back to the fund on money borrowed, but it is questionable if they have repaid the full amount owed. The district has raised the mello roos tax by 2% every single year. Most taxpayers don't notice because its about a $40 increase per household. They are allowed to do so. The issue here is that some CFD's are funded and paid at about 180% meaning we have repaid almost double of the amount initially issued but the district continues to charge us. We need to be more vigilant about the CFD's, requesting documents and holding the district accountable for how the money is spent.— August 13, 2014 7:16 a.m.
33% of the profit? No problem — hey!
So I keep reading about the corrupt nature of the property deals in Sweetwater. And there is little doubt that corruption has occurred. My question is - why will no attorney, elected official, investigator, grand jury, district attorny, government agency, or anyone else in a position of authority or expertise, step up and take a lead on this? Where are Donna Frye or Cory Briggs? What about Lorena Gonzalez, ben Hueso or Shirey Weber? Maybe even Juan Vargas? Bonnie Dumanis what about you? Randall Ward or Lynn Neyland? Ca Dept of Ed? FBI? SDCounty Grand Jury? Hello! Can anyone hear us? I feel like we are the little community in Horton Hears A Who! We need to keep hollering as loud as we can until our Horton hears us! As a resident and voter of the South County I feel like most elected officials in our area have let us down. Mayor Cox has done the most with her public meetings and attendance at board meetings. The rest have done little to nothing and clearly are not concerned. They would rather attend the Lemon Festival and glad hand, take pictures and post how hunky dory all is!— August 3, 2014 6:50 p.m.
33% of the profit? No problem — hey!
As I read these comments about more money being squandered by current and prior district leadership and Trustees, I get more angry of the following facts at Eastlake High: 1. Enrollment is over 3000 again, or about600 more than the campus maximum 2. Not enough textbooks - my son's AP History class is about 25 textbooks short. He does not have one and will have to wait 2-4 weeks to get his. 3. Ipads for 9th graders - Eastlake expected 717 freshman but 840 enrolled so they are short. They are scrambling to find additional ones but no ETA. 4. 9th graders are interspersed with 10th and 11th graders, so those with Ipads wont use them in those classes. 5. About 5 new portables on campus are still not ready. They were moved from Mar Vista and still need final upgrades and repairs. ETA 2-4 weeks. 6. Variuos construction projects still going on in and around campus. 7. The new left turn lane coming out of the front of school is still not ready. 8. Traffic is horrendous and the school is jammed tight. Its like Times Square or Champs Elysess on a Friday night. 9. Not enough chairs in some classes. My sons photography class has folding and lawn chairs that students are using. And Im hearing similar things from Olympian, Otay Ranch and Bonita. Does any district leadership or Trustee care about what is happening at schools? Or is it just about property deals and the money?! I would love to see a story of the end result of years of corruption and mismanagement at this district. It is happening at Eastalke and others schools. How has it directly impacted the foundation of our schoosl - teaching and learning! Eastlake High is what has happened!!— August 1, 2014 7:34 a.m.
We don’t want the stinkin’ charter expansion
The Charter at Castle Park was started in Ed brand style - bullying, forceful, secretive, maybe even illegally. That certainly is par for the course for Ed. Good riddance! As far as the CVESD Charters, they are popular with parents and students as they are providing a great alternative to the traditional schools. Their popularity with parents, and the fact that they wanted their kids to attend CVESD k-8 charters, is what started Brand on the open boundaries, iPads, and charters course. CVESD seems to have the charter thing down. Results, ie attendance - seems to support this even though most teachers don't. Their is a place for charters! The additional choice is great for parents and children, and it keeps the traditional schools on their toes. However, Ed Brand charters are no good for anyone!— July 17, 2014 7 p.m.
Gandara to go on 60-day lobster fast
I agree with all that Susan has done a great job on this story. Thank you Susan for continuing to shine the spotlight on this cesspool of corruption when other news outlets would only occasionally report on it. Now the real work begins for our community. Do we really want change here in the South Bay? If so, we need to step it up and start by finding good candidates for Trustee to support. Not ones in it for themselves. We have an uphill battle with this. Our community is so apathetic that it's frustrating. Recent history proves this! Bertha and Pearl re elected while under indictment. John McCann winning the primary! We've got work to do. By the way, rumor has it here in Eastlake that Jim Cartmill will run in November. Amazing if true! The man has no shame!! Come on South Bay, let's wake up!! Keep these slime balls out of office!!!— June 28, 2014 9:41 a.m.
Don’t trample the streetscape, Santa
I own a business on Third Ave along the route. It is a great event for the community and families! It also showcases those businesses on Third to those that don't normally go downtown. This tradition needs to continue. A few rotten apples should not ruin a great event for many businesses, families, and the Chula Vista Community at large!— June 21, 2014 10:45 a.m.
General’s disregard for the warrior
I'm sure El General also feels the same about the Cartels that violate gun laws in Mexico, and that they should also be held to the same standard as our Marine!— May 10, 2014 10:58 p.m.
“John McCann and Ed Brand should resign”
2nd page. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2014/m…— May 8, 2014 6:31 a.m.