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Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
BBQ -- The Brown Act will not permit three or more board members (or any majority) from meeting outside the publicly noticed meeting. They can, however, meet in a 'workshop' type session if it is properly noticed to the public. They are also prohibited from having 'serial-type' meetings on the same topic. As I said in my previous post, I do not expect this interim board to take any courageous steps to reform the status quo during their time on the dais. I predict they will 'maintain' and take minimal actions to keep the necessary work of the district moving forward. So far, we have seen no courage or initiative from the County Office of Education...remember, they had to be sued to even make the interim appointments!— June 1, 2014 12:56 p.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
I suspect the former board did not sue the contractors because, after all, the members (including McCann, I believe) had already solicited and taken their money! It wouldn't have been kosher :-) With regard to the new interim board, I think we ought not to expect more than the bare minimum 'maintenance' from them...don't expect them to be the reformers everyone wants. I think they will allow Brand to 'carry on' as long as he doesn't irk them too much, and we are stuck with the status quo until after the November election when new members take office in December. At least we don't have Cartmill, Quinonez, Ricasa and Lopez to jump on Ed's real estate bandwagon...what the interim board chooses to do, or not do, with the proposed real estate deal for new District Offices will be quite interesting. Also, their choice for an interim superintendent (should Fast Eddy REALLY leave when he promises to) will also be of interest. Don't forget that Laura Duzyk, Assistant County office of Ed superintendent for finances and Fast Eddy are tight.— June 1, 2014 noon
Passport to terror?
I've often wondered why the manager, or 'postmaster' couldn't come to the front counter during those very busy times when impacted with a long line of customers. A good manager will do everything possible to help the customer, even if it means working with the 'peons' at the front counter.— May 31, 2014 10:47 a.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
While I would love to join the 'happy dance' and parade that are forming in celebration of Ed's so-called second retirement, I am cautious about Ed's sincerity, given his past record. Perhaps he is attempting to finesse the balance of the time on his contract (remember they don't have to let him stay at all) and perhaps finagle an extension. At this point, everything and anything are possible with Fast Eddy. Remember also that he and his henchpeople can do a lot of damage between now and whenever he lets the door hit him on his formidable backside on the way out...and the new interim board should be reminded not to give him free reign and certainly to hold his feet to the fire for whatever time he has left on the clock.— May 28, 2014 4:06 p.m.
Villa V
It is unfortunate that some prior owners (subsequent to the 1970's) made alterations to the original Requa designs that are, in my opinion, substantial enough to affect any claim that it has any historic significance at all. For example: The original Moorish-type small fireplace with inviting seating ledge in the living room has been replaced with a huge and overpowering fireplace; the one-of-a-kind romantic winding staircase to the second floor has been replaced with huge and domineering switch-back stairs; the master bath is now a huge spa (note the new 'huge' modifications); the original kitchen is now a huge open-concept that does not reflect the home's provenance; the servant's quarters once on the main floor behind the kitchen have been absorbed into the new huge kitchen. Further, the beautiful copper-clad bathroom off the first-floor library (part of an addition made in the 1950's -1960's) has been changed into another run-of-the-mill bathroom. Although not part of the original Requa structure, the library/copper bathroom maintained the look and feel of the original structure and 'melded' well. It is really impossible to tell that it was not original to the home. The main floor, once tiled to reflect the Spanish-style architecture, is now light wood plank and seems to be all on one level. The dark wood beams and window casements have been painted white and replaced with light wood window frames, respectively. The original mail level floor had a step-up between the living room and the dining room and entrance to the winding staircase, which was the same tile as the mail level. The upstairs once had three charming bedrooms on multiple levels, and two bathrooms that were consistent with the scale and feel of the home. The other bedroom(s) shown in the photos seem to have all the charm of a hotel room and must have been built below the main floor as the small horizontal slit-like windows show from the exterior photos...those windows were once basement windows. I wonder what happened to the basement? It is truly sad that a once unique and truly historic property by a renowned architect has been turned into a "McMansion" with replacement features not aligned with the original historic design. I hope the property does not maintain any historic designation or tax benefits, as those qualities have been removed. Sad indeed. These may not be the only significant alterations, only those I am able to gleam from the photos.— May 21, 2014 10:22 a.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
If they are following Robert's Rules of Order, the vice president takes the role of the president when the president is not able to serve. I don't know what the new board members might wish to do about the officers of the board once they are seated.— May 20, 2014 3:14 p.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
Thanks for the reminder anniej -- however at this meeting, and those to come, Ed will NOT be in charge because the four new temporary members of the Board will be at the dais. I think they will not be likely to tolerate such arrogance and willful arrogance by Brand, and he may be on better behavior because they will comprise a majority of votes of folks necessary for any extension in his contract. Remember, he has something he needs from them. He may need to march to a different drummer during their presence. This may be a brand new ball game. In the meantime, I suggest, with all due respect, that those in attendance who wish to exercise their civil rights of freedom of speech via signage do so with confidence, and not cower in fear of what Dr. Brand 'might' do. I think Visduh's suggestions about the signs is a great one...they will convey the public sentiment to the temporary board members in addition to what ever might be said during public comment. If the members of the public are not disruptive, they have every right to be present and hold their signs.— May 20, 2014 2:18 p.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
Good ideas....remember that signage is considered part of our individual First Amendment right to freedom of speech. signs are considered an extension of that right. If the participants are otherwise orderly, the persons holding the signs should be allowed to do so, especially in a meeting of a public agency that is being held per the Brown Act. GEESH!— May 20, 2014 12:41 p.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
Thanks for the clarification Visduh...I appreciate your points about what we should expect from the CBOE vs. what we have in fact gotten for our tax money. Randy Ward and co are pathetic passive players in this whole ugly scenario and could have done much to prevent the morass. So sad.— May 17, 2014 2:31 p.m.
Sweetwater chaos reaches Judge España’s court
Visduh, thank you for a good review of the current situation, which reminds us of the process stated in the law for filling vacant seats when the school board does not have a quorum to do so. Thanks to Lopez, Cartmill and McCann, who refused/neglected to appoint replacements for Quinones and Ricasa, that is exactly where the SUHSD board is now. If Lopez, Cartmill and McCann had acted in the best interest of the people they are supposed to serve instead of refusing to act at all, SuHSD would not now be in the 'exigent' situation described by the latest judge (who at least is able to grasp that very fact that eludes judge Espana.) I do disagree with your philosophy however that the members of the CBOE should be held harmless because, according to you, 'it isn't illegal to be lazy or want to avoid controversy, or want to duck responsibilities as much as they can. Seats on that board are a sinecure, a 'job that has a pay check or requires no work.'" Where does it say anywhere that the CBOE members don't have to be responsible for anything? I believe the law says that the County Sup of Schools (whom the CBOE oversees) is responsible for oversight, especially fiscal, of the school district (that would include Sweetwater) in the board's jurisdiction. I believe the CBOE Board members took an oath of office that probably didn't mention doing no work or having no responsibility. I for one expect more of my elected officials when they sign up for and run for a position as a representative of the public interest and taxpayers. The County Board of Education is complicit in the Sweetwater mess and should not be let off the hook for their responsibility in allowing the mess to fester so long.— May 17, 2014 11:52 a.m.