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No process yet to replace Sweetwater trustee Ricasa
"The meeting began with the district’s attorney, Daniel Shinoff, outlining a process in which an ad hoc committee might be composed of the board president, vice president, and the mayors of Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City. Following a review of applications, the ad hoc committee would interview candidates and forward prospects to the board. Public comment would be integrated into the process." So, Dan Shinoff's idea is to give the public a token by allowing them to provide public comment (for probably no more than two minutes) regarding a group of people, whom the public had no say so in the choice of (those same people). A group of individuals who are to represent the public on the people's business. As long as the public is removed from the selection of these individuals, the process will be flawed. And, the last thing I want is a bunch of career politicians choosing yet another of their "buddies" to be on the school board.— January 15, 2014 10:22 p.m.
No process yet to replace Sweetwater trustee Ricasa
In September 2011, Brand told the Reader that his staying on as superintendent is conditional. He said: “If it ever gets to the point that they stop accepting my recommendations, then the good news from my perspective is, I have the wherewithal to say, ‘Thanks, it’s been fun.’” Yeah, right! That's pretty much what he said way back when, when he said if he didn't have the support of all five members, he would not keep the job. Brand will leave when he is good and ready to, and not a day earlier.— January 15, 2014 8 p.m.
No tough justice for former Southwestern College official
"In mitigation, however, España suggested that Wilson did not set out to destroy the college and that he had worked for the college for 30 years. Further, she argued that Wilson might not have received adequate instruction in filling out his 700 form (statement of economic interests)." This is so totally unbelievable; a criminal case Judge accepting "ignorance of responsibility" as a defense for committing a felony. "He was accused, for instance, of taking tickets to a San Diego Chargers game against the Kansas City Chiefs and a series of meals with tabs as high as $800 from a contractor whose company he later recommended for a $2.7 million contract." (SDUT) The instruction on the Form 700 are as clear, concise, and understandable as is possible. How the Judge can come to that conclusion after all the individual incidents that led to John Wilson being charged with all those crimes is totally unbelievable. Judge España has singlehandedly undone years of hard work by the prosecutor's office and the public in turning this very serious breach of "public trust" into a joke. She has set into place the very defense the rest of the perps can now freely use to absolve their guilt as well. How she can not dismiss charges against any other who are being charged with failing to comply on their 700 Forms is beyond me. Afterall, if they were too hard for John Wilson to understand, they are obviously too hard for everyone else. "España concurred with the argument that Wilson’s attorney proffered: “It was a huge error in judgement,” she said, “that lasted a number of years.” No Judge España, it was criminal behavior “that lasted a number of years.”— January 8, 2014 7:58 p.m.
Santa and Grinch visit Sweetwater District meeting
Hello, TimTim!— December 16, 2013 9:19 p.m.
South Bay schools defendants get day in court
How does the "largest public corruption case in the history of San Diego County" go from something over 250 felony and misdemeanor indictments to a single misdemeanor conviction/perp? It was either "the largest," or it was something very much smaller that was being hyped by candidate Dumanis. Money was misspent, the process was abused, the public was robbed, the system was gamed, all in the name of what? Petty misdemeanors? Since when is accepting a bribe by a public official a petty crime? The system is broken, and the breakage is in the DA's office. Shame on Bonnie Dumanis, and shame on Leon Schorr. You both might as well have said you don't really give a damn about what happens in the South Bay. Your messages is loud and clear. "Just don't get caught, but if you do... no big deal."— October 31, 2013 10:14 p.m.
Donna Frye asks Sweetwater school board to make information available to the public
"Frye had requested a contract from Sweetwater on the controversial private investigative agency that Brand uses at his discretion. Information related to the agency was not available on the district website, which underscored the point of Frye’s visit — that the district needs to assist citizens in obtaining information to enable them to participate in a fully informed way at board meetings." I would bet that Jim Cartmill, Arlie Ricasa, and Pearl Quinonez, all thought her visit was because of the great job they were doing. John McCann would have simply labeled her a "libtard" and dismissed her out of hand.— October 19, 2013 7:13 p.m.
Unreasonable search of Olympian High School students?
I think the word was "bullshit." After all, isn't that what they are feeding us?— October 6, 2013 6:02 p.m.
Unreasonable search of Olympian High School students?
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes! I always have my back covered.— October 6, 2013 6 p.m.
Unreasonable search of Olympian High School students?
“School officials may search individual students, their property, and district property under their control, when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that the student is violating the law, board policy, administrative regulations, or other rules of the district or the school.” Board Policy "Later in the day, the girls’ parents would learn the suspects had been identified to the school administration as “two African-American girls” who were allegedly following the victim." "The search of “African-American girls” extended beyond J. and T. According to T., two other African-American girls came into her fifth-period class and were angry because they, too, had been hauled into the office and accused of stealing a wallet." Well, Wahib, What was your plan? Haul every black female student in until you "maybe" found the wallet? Being black and female is NOT "reasonable suspicion." You sir, are an ignorant buffoon. And a racist!— October 5, 2013 7:10 p.m.
Sweetwater school board questions funds for investigators
In further presenting his case, Brand said ESI has capabilities and “can access emails and cell phones and connect the dots.” Sorry Ed, but when you sic the investigator on private citizens who are engaged in lawful activity, you have crossed the line. It's way past time for you to go. Since your three "in the pocket" cronies on the board won't do it, it's time for them to be gone too. The combined failure that you and your leadership have brought to the South Bay is astonishing. You have brought nothing but further shame on what was once one of the best school districts in the state.— September 25, 2013 10:36 a.m.