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Transparent as mud in Chula Vista
I seem to recall that the 'charter school' concept was born in response to the increasing demands for a voucher system, proposed to give frustrated parents more choice in public school selection when their local neighborhood schools were failing them and their children. It now seems that the charter school concept is vulnerable to corruption by those who see profit for themselves instead of a viable and responsible alternative to the failures of the public schools, which in many cases were the result of corruption such as we have seen at Sweetwater. Perhaps it is now time for a thorough evaluation of the charter school concept and corrective measures to remedy what has gone wrong there. Perhaps the voucher concept is cleaner and less vulnerable, certainly less cumbersome.— March 3, 2015 12:40 p.m.
Graphic designer, eh?
The essential phrase here is 'art student' which implies that the practitioner who calls him/herself a graphic artist or designer has in fact studied some of the basics with a curriculum that includes training in basic design, color, etc. The ability to use Photoshop in itself is not indicative of any competency as an artist, graphic or otherwise. Today, it seems that far to many users of Photoshop or other electronic 'art' programs have skipped the art education part and gone directly to self-titles as 'graphic artists or designers.' I would prefer that they use the term 'graphic technician' instead.— February 25, 2015 2:14 p.m.
The garbage man challenged
I quite agree with both eastlaker and annie j. above. We have learned much about the opportunists and how they will take advantage of the public and the public's coffers when not watched closely. We have also learned that sometimes the public servants are also those very same opportunists! Given what we have observed, I am thinking about Shirley Horton's recent comments during her wandering, nearly stream of consciousness thoughts expressed during her 'interview' for the vacant council seat. At one point in response to 'why do you think you are the best candidate' type question, she mentioned the importance of the upcoming major projects (bay front development and university project), saying, "it is important to have the RIGHT PEOPLE in place" for the projects to succeed and implying that she would be the person to arrange such. Very telling comments indeed!! We know how important it is to be vigilant and to continue close observation of the workings of our public agencies and how our public money is spent. Thanks to the spirited and dedicated group who uncovered so much perfidy at Sweetwater, to Susan Luzzaro for her investigative reporting, and to the READER for providing this forum.— February 22, 2015 12:09 p.m.
The garbage man challenged
eastlaker -- I am assuming that your post ends with a rhetorical question. I agree with your assessment. It seems to me that David Malcolm prefers to operate in the shadows, using his wealth and connections to further whatever business deals he is orchestrating. His apparent current involvement in civic and community affairs is focused on backing those causes where he can develop ties with those he might later influence within organizations such as South Bay Community Services. While some such organizations provide philanthropic benefit, they also provide 'connections' to those whom David would likely like to influence for his own purposes. They also provide handsome salaries for their top executives and former protegees such as Shirley Horton. Why would he share his opinions and ideas with the rest of us? He has made it clear (through his messy and self-dealing stint at the Port) that he is primarily interested in outcomes that benefit his own bottom line. As anniej says, 'just my opinion'.— February 20, 2015 3:34 p.m.
Fabiani grills Faulconer on conflicts of interest
But does Fabiani have the 'clean hands' necessary to pontificate here? Seems to me Mr. Fabiani also has 'issues' about stadium financing proposals and should avoid calling the kettle black.— February 17, 2015 5:16 p.m.
The garbage man challenged
Really Sjtorres....what vendetta do you have against Susan Luzzaro, who again has written an even-handed story about our public servants? You frequently 'insinuate' such things as you have in your post above. What proof do you have that Jill Galvez is a) a gadfly -- please explain your use of this derogatory term which implies that Galvez is not serious about her complaint in this matter; and that b)she and Luzzaro are 'buddies' and c) how will this story help Jill Galvez? Please help us all understand how you come up with your somewhat snotty allegations and why we should pay attention to your posts.— February 17, 2015 1:52 p.m.
Land sakes, Sweetwater, get it together
AMEN to everything Visduh posted above! Yes, it is up to the board to clean house and right the Sweetwater ship. And they need to make it happen SOON. March 15 is just around the corner!— February 14, 2015 1:32 p.m.
Land sakes, Sweetwater, get it together
Thanks for the intel. It would have been helpful for Calhoun to have 'splained about just who was doing what, wouldn't it? Wonder how much that outfit is being paid for their role in the Fifth Avenue property scheme.?— February 11, 2015 4:31 p.m.
Land sakes, Sweetwater, get it together
From anniej's post of Feb. 4, referencing Trustee Hall's questioning of Calhoun about the authorship of the web notice on the SUHSD site announcing the public hearing Feb. 5 : " She pressed, she wanted to know who wrote it - Mr. Calhoun's response 'the City and BRG' - " (anyone know who or what the BRG is?) So take a look at the actual notice: the language states: "The Sweetwater Union High School District Invites You to a Public Presentation and Discussion of the District Plan to Rezone the District Administration....." Further, " The District will close and relocate....the District proposes to rezone the....SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA." The part I have typed in all caps is the ONLY reference to the City. Finally, "The District desires to hear community comments on the land use entitlement process." So, according to the actual notice, it was supposed to be the District's show and not the City's, which seems logical. But Calhoun's reply to Ms. Halls question would have us think the driving force is the City, even though the language of the notice is clear...it is the District that was to host the meeting, inviting pubic comment, and otherwise run the show. Was Calhoun trying to deflect blame for the notice which we now know was prepared without knowledge or approval of the District Board? PS The notice is also interesting in that it refers callers interested more information about the meeting location to contact Kathie Washington. Anyone know who that is? My guess is that she works in Calhoun's dept but that is only a guess.— February 11, 2015 11:59 a.m.
Land sakes, Sweetwater, get it together
And I hope they focus on Laura Duzyk, crony of Russo. Duzyk is at the CBOE that has looked the other way when it should have been overseeing the questionable fiscal activities at SUhSd. Surely she has some skeletons in that very big closet too.— February 10, 2015 8:01 p.m.