Jim Cartmill, Arlie Ricasa, John Mccann and Pearl Quinones have consistently gone above and beyond when it comes to alienating the taxpaying public. Board meetings have deteriorated to the point of a 3 ring circus.

Our last board meeting was proof positive that if it were not for the public and Lopez the monthly meeting would be over within an hour and that includes Closed session, since I have no doubt everything would be on the consent calendar. These persons are not really interested in serving, quite frankly I have no idea what their interests are. No doubt Cartmill, Ricasa, and Quinones's attorneys have advised them not to step down out of fear that it would make them appear guilty of the criminal charges that have been filed against them. Mccann on the other hand was looking to use Sweetwater as a spring board for higher office, alas he personally torpedoed that goal.

It is amazing how when it comes to, lets call them. missteps at board meetings, we are advised "there was a problem with the audio". 'Problem' my foot, as with recent public record requests Ed Brand has for the past several weeks attempted to keep the public at bay by telling them, 'due to graduation the information you requested will not be available until June 28th.'

Those who are looking for change at Sweetwater are detested, and every road block possible has been used to circumvent their efforts.

I'm new on the block but it seems that the DA should expand its investigation. Anyone out there keeping a list of all these PRA obstructions, Brown Act violations, etc?

What we need is some teeth in the Public Records Act, or else the gorillas will continue to bully the public.

Please come and help consider what changes we, the people, can accomplish tomorrow (6/26) at the 4th and Orange library. Park near 4th at the back door and plan on arriving before 6:00 p.m. You can vent your frustration but also let's try to make some progress.

There can only be one reason for the constant delay in getting information out of SUHSD. There is most definitely some things they are hiding. As the old saw says, "If you have nothing to hide, why don't you show us..."

Too bad that the board goes along with the charade by giving Brand the lead in all this. Here would be a great way to earn back the trust of the public. Just start keeping an open book.

Hey, I think frustration is an easy word, more like disgusted, irritated, angry and any other word you can think of would sum up what these people are probably thinking. Gosh these peeps are patient people, how long has this crap been going on? Like 3 years and they are still asking questions that all of us should be asking.

Hey SUHSD if your reading this GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, STOP DODGING THE PUBLIC IT LOOKS LIKE THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING AWAY. YOUR JUST PISSING THEM OFF EVEN MORE.

They sure do have our attention, I'll say that for the lot of them: in addition to the indictments for perjury, extortion, etc., etc., there are Brown Act violations by the numbers; PRA requests foot-dragging; much sleight-of-hand (when is a contract not a contract? When it's a MOU, but YOU can't see it!); call-in board meetings from a janitor's closet. WHEN WILL THE PERFIDY STOP???

So sad to think that the good intentions of the Brown Act (that the public's business actually be done in public) are for naught.

Yet, we need to make sure to call them OUT for every transgression, otherwise they will believe they are getting away with it all. The more 'call outs' we have, the more ammo at election time. TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK

So we are pretty sure the tactics currently being employed by those who are indicted is to "stay in place", thereby attempting to give the impression that all is well.

The tactics by the Sweetwater District Office as lead by Fast Eddy, scammer of scammers, include stalling on all requests for public documents, as well as continuing 'business as usual' with real estate deals chugging along (as noted in the recent Star-News). So does that make three real estate deals happening? 3rd Avenue, not too far from St. Rose of Lima. L Street, otherwise known as the Grand Fiasco, the pit wherein what--upwards of $20 million of Sweetwater's best have been laid to rest? And then Moss St.

Let's not forget all the arrangements with the institutions of higher learning...so amazing that so very little gets done in the open air where we can see it.

Mr. Brickley, you are right. If we know about what I just mentioned, yet Fast Eddy and friends are not sharing more, it is because they have more to hide.

We might as well prepare ourselves. It isn't going to be pretty. It isn't going to be nice. It is as if this district has been carved into pieces of cake and given out to friends at the District Garden Party. And the school children are looking in through the wrought iron gates at what used to be their school district.

Eastlaker - "and the children are looking in through the wrought iron gates at what used to be their school district" - wow your words really struck a cord. What is sad is the 'WE ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS, or should be"!!!!!

Thank you for the reminder Woodchuck: 6 PM meeting today at the South Chula Vista Library on Orange between 3rd and 4th. Park in the back, corner of 4th and Orange, there's an entrance there.

It is like really ironic that these people represent these poor kids. Kids feel they deserve everything and their actions have no consequences well I wonder where they learned that. This board is the one that decides if kid should get suspended or a teacher disciplined. Who the hell disciplines them? Who can suspend or expel them? Dont you all think the public should be able to do that. BTW where the hell are all the other politicians in this area why are they so quiet. Oh yeah they dont want to get involved you know that innocent until proven guilty crap.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE CORRUPTION ALL OF YOU THIS HAPPENED ON YOUR WATCH AND YOU WILL ALSO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE.

Just thought I would correct the title of this article--"Sweetwater runs afoul". That should cover it.

Well folks it has begun, recently graduated seniors receiving ROBO CALLS from Alliant University. How did they obtain the seniors home phone numbers? I thought the Public Information Act would have protected the personal info of the students.

What do you know the calls do make it perfectly clear that student loans are available. Surprise, surprise.

Southwestern would be a far more viable option and much less expensive.

Did you know that you can watch the San Diego County Board of Education meetings? I just found out. That would be a great recommendation to make to the SUHSD board: live webcasts of all board meetings. (without technical malfunctions, of course)

I just watched an archived webcast of the May meeting. George Gastil, from Assembly member Shirley Weber's office, read a letter (from her to the board) in which she states that she received 900 letters regarding a SDCOE decision that concerned her. She has no authority over their decisions, but it doesn't hurt to have her pen a letter and have it read in public.

Now we know what to do: 1. Send 1,000 letters or emails to all our representatives 2. Start attending SDCOE meetings

If you want to watch it for yourself: http://webcast.sdcoe.net/cs/boardmeeting050813/# Mr. Gastil is at 1:40:45

I believe that student record data, including telephone numbers, are protected by the federal FERPA law (which mandates privacy for student information). You can learn more by googling FERPA. It is outrageous that SUHSD students are subject to robo calls from a PRIVATE, expensive so-called university without having the chance to opt-in (better than opting out). Wonder how the district moguls will explain THAT?

Let me make a correction to my previous post, it was what sounded like a student, calling from a Mar Vista number. The female, on behalf of Sweetwater, was endorsing, promoting, encouraging recently graduated seniors to enroll in Alliant where student loans are available.

JIM CARTMILL, you said we were in the preliminary stages, it appears you LIED TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH BAY. ROBO calls from Sweetwater sound a lot more like 'done deal' to me.

Arlie Ricasa, are you aware of these calls? You freakin work for Southwestern. why haven't any of our students received a Sweetwater paid for call promoting Southwestern?

I apologize for the misinformation.

Check out "Blogger vs. Behemoths" here on the Reader, featuring some of your favorites and mine, Mr. Shinoff and friends. He of the lovely presentation on how to know your place, sit down, shut up and let Sweetwater do what it wants...can you say corporate intimidation clothed in civil trappings? Can you say, just another way for Ed Brand to spend/waste tax dollars and keep his friends driving nice cars?

A great line from the "Blogger" piece...goes something like this: If anyone is using this law firm, they are hiding something.

Gosh, you think?

So disappointed in Dan Shinoff. He KNOWS better because he really knows the law. He has gone astray. Dan....take the time to think about the folks you are supposed to represent.

The message rings loud and clear - change, REAL change is what is needed.

The meeting last night brought to the forefront the obvious - we can not simply replace the majority of the board and feel as if we have accomplished something. No we must do our due diligence and bring about a new foundation on which to build.

TERM LIMITS - one of the speakers at last nights meeting spoke of this change. TWO TERMS. There are petitions if you would like to sign. All we need is 1,000.

REPRESENTATION BASED ON RESIDENCE - the majority agreed. I personally do not see that helping, I as a voter want to be represented by the entire board, I want to be able to express my ideas and hopefully be heard by all 5, especially since many students are no longer going to their home schools. But perhaps my age is showing and I simply do not want my rights limited. If I have vetted a good candidate in National City, even I do not live there, I want to continue to vote for that candidate. Now some have used the dirt at Southwest as an example why local representation would be better. Look folks, we as taxpayers are more and more voting for someone and walking away. So I guess my point is this, WE THE PEOPLE HAVE TO STAY ENGAGED. Do you think that dirt would have sat there for over 2 years at my community school? That would be a no. But again this my opinion, and I am opening it up for discussion. A petition for this is available as well.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS - Maty Adato is working on this, please help by commenting on theses blogs and at the board meetings your thoughts. Jim Cartmill, Brand and the others do read them - I would not put it past Brand to have hired someone whose MJO (major job objective) is to read them and report back.

EDUCATION OF THE SOUTH BAY - This is a must, each one of us can share in this responsibility. In whatever way we can we must become the town cryer. Instead of THE BRITISH ARE COMING - we need to cry CHANGE IS NEEDED. Social media is one example. All of you who have children - have them forward on for example, The READER stories, have your child ask their friends to go and have their parents read the story. Those of you who are involved in local sports - copy a story on about 20 pieces of paper and hand them out. T shirts, "SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT - LARGEST CORRUPTION SCANDAL IN SAN DIEGO HISTORY - ask me about it". Wear them to Von's, Costco. Neighbors, we must begin a serious conversation, we must take back the power that our vote give us. NOW IS THE TIME!!!

Far reaching consequences from these selfish greed-driven fools. Private schools will of course loan money, very appealing but trying to pay it back after graduation on a dream and a prayer ain't funny. Wonder what that tuition turns into with interest on top - more than you can make - nobody really guarantees you work but they say they do to get your $. Don't do it kids. Community college is much safer so there isn't crazy debt before you even get to your first job. Sorry this is how do-badders look out for your future. Blood-Sucking Sickos.

anniej Who's the graphic arts person or student that can design T shirts? I'll buy 1. I'd like a tank top with "South Bay School Corruption Brought to You by Superintendent Brand and the Board" Something like that :)

Good idea about the tee shirts.
How about

STOP Sweetwater Schools Corruption NOW!

Ask me How!

Slogans should be concise and include a 'call to action'. Maybe an image of a bandit in a mask with an X across it.

Could we make a few Polo Shirts, I wear those to work and work in Chula Vista. BBQ

As a reply to Wabbit about Shinoff, unfortunately lawyers by occupation, like Police, work with people who are often "criminals", and "criminals" talk about who is the "Best" in the business, so by association the "bad' apples turn-up in the same basket.

The compelling thing about the "Blogger vs. Behemoths" is something my father (a lawyer) said about civil cases "many of them (Civil Cases) become personal, one Party trying to punish or get back at the other party"

I think Shinoff and his Associates have forgotten this and at some point quit making a mountain out of a molehill. BBQ

I do not know a graphic artist, but I am sure someone on these blogs might. Is there a start up cost?

Often, a shirt vendor will do the art work. Check with ASB folks, or others who frequently order shirts, to find out who is reliable, and is big enough to supply various styles and sizes. I recommend that we pick a color and stay with it....In this case, red would work well with an outline of a bandit-type person with a mask in black. (There are lots of shirt vendors, some better than others.)

Perhaps someone can volunteer to be the treasurer and start collecting money for the shirt effort...I'll be happy to contribute to the start-up. We'd need to collect enough to underwrite the purchase of a first order and then start selling. (Maybe a PayPal account for online shirt sales?)

Here's a thought -- the upcoming Bonita Fest (perhaps other venues such as the Lemon Festival and other similar fairs) would be a great place to sell shirts and spread the word. They would also be great places to solicit 'interest' cards or contact information from folks who would be interested in participating once strategies are in place, especially as the campaign season opens up next spring. Once there is a logo design established place, banners and buttons can also be made for sale.
Someone with business experience would need to assist with the formalities to get up and operating. Perhaps there can be a finance committee chair; and a person who will guide the actual organization, and explore opportunity and responsibility for non-profit status.

It is like a campaign, but not for an election (yet)...rather to get folks rallied and aware that there are opportunities to protest the status quo and to help educate everyone about the need for change. GO TEAM!

We also need to look into the business card idea. I LOVE THIS IDEA. We could hand the, out by the thousands. We would need to come up with a message that we all agree upon, perhaps the same message that is on the tshirts. Something that will get the attention of those we hand them to. We need to educate as well as stimulate the community into action.

Any ideas?

bbq When I was trying to find a lawyer to represent me against brother Ed in 2007 I was surprised that at least one attorney I randomly chose to contact from North County already knew who he was. He told me it would be a conflict of interest to help me but didn't say why. Wonder who used attorney rep by Shinoff on the district's back?! They seem very similarly matched.

Great idea!

How about

Take Back Our Sweetwater Schools Stop Corruption NOW! Image of a bandit with a mask, someone who is obviously stealing something with a big X across it...

You can help! Find out more: www. (web address here)

On the back, there can be some bullet points

X # of indictments for fraud, perjury, extortion, bribery and corruption $Millions of our TAX Dollars for failed real estate 'deals' OUR students enticed to pay big bucks for private college connections Toxic Dirt dumped and left on School Campus, $XXXX to remove Brown Act Violations Galore SUHSD out of compliance on Public Records Requests And there's even MORE dirt uncovered every month!

Nice Job! Hey - did that turn out to be actual toxic dirt she let drop onto a kid campus or was it found to be not and all the crazy just hazy? News said at one point they found out it was just (200,000$?) dirt.

I like the business card idea. Maybe they could say "For more information call Ed Brand" and his phone number. I would also like to see some of the board members get some attention. I think they're getting off scot free. It's easy to ruin someone's day and then walk away if you don't have to face them in your neighborhood, local shops or church.
Let's turn up the heat and get them all out of their comfort zone.

I'd like to see a simple, easily reproducible logo and a short message that isn't negative yet still drives the point home. I found this website that might generate a good slogan: http://www.sloganizer.net/en/

Something like: $weetwater or Sweetwater -our choice, our vote.

LOVE BVAgency's postcard idea. It is the truth that four have been indicted, thus no one would be able to claim they have been libeled.

As for McCann, let's not let him get off and look like an innocent with a cherubic face on the dias with the others. How about a big question mark across his face, to indicate that the other shoe has not yet dropped on him.

We need a website on the postcard where folks can sign up to get more information, give money, and help with whatever comes next.

Let me know where to send some money for this effort.

Did Maty Adato get the the documents that she requested ? It's Friday, June 28.

BVA: One small suggestion: Safeguard Education (as opposed to SafeguardING).... then, it becomes a 'call to action' with the command, "safeguard"....

LOVE that word Also like INTEGRITY

It appears that Tom Hassey funded a dinner at La Bella's last evening. The purpose, to promote Alliant University. There was a gentleman there who asked some excellent questions, one of them being 'I thought the District was only in the preliminary stages'? Well Mr. Hassey took issue with that question and allegedly stated IT WAS A DONE DEAL; he went on to advise that he and Ed Brand were buddies. Well by golly that is old news, everyone knows that Brand and Hassey are joined at the hip - if I may, allow me to remind you of their failed Bank business partnership - then there was also the money that each of them gave/lent Jim Cartmill for Cartmills bankruptcy. So, a few questions come to mind-

Jim Cartmill, since this is ' DONE DEAL' why haven't we been told?

Why have the public records requests asked for - copies of the Alliant deal been delayed?

Why, is a teacher, who is best buddies with Brand, but does NOT live in our District, privy to signed contract deals, when we are not?

Is this a business deal, have Brand and Hassey entered into a business partnership with Alliant, and we are not being told?

Is it possible that Jim Cartmill too has entered a business relationship with Alliant? Surely Brand would not sign a deal without Cartmill having full knowledge, and surely if Cartmill had full knowledge he would NEVER, EVER subject the taxpayers to this cat and mouse game.

And so I ask WHAT IS GOING ON?

No limit to time/ Time to disclosure-

Alliant robo calls / Privacy foreclosure. Term limit TIME Return all signs. Campaign fund maxes! Don't re-gift our taxes--- Lost in the board's gibberish maze labyrinthian South Bay haze!

Maybe Brand got ahead of himself with his buddies and money wasters and felt the economy like we all did - he was going to b a bank like he said to me in '07. I believe he would sign whatever made him happy at the time.

I mean student loans need a loaner

Lender

Student loans are made available from commercial lenders and through banks, but I believe there is also some level of 'guarantee' by the Federal Student Aid folks. Our tax dollars are involved, that's my take on it. I believe one of the loan programs is called Stafford loans...you can probably check them out online.

ALL student loans are guaranteed by the feds, all of them, there is NO RISK at all by the lenders.

Thank You Sunshines!

Still more to learn

Sounds like business as usual in Sweetwater. Hopefully only a few unsuspecting students and parents will be financially hurt by the Alliant scheme. Then maybe the DA's office can take on Fast Eddy. Too bad it has to go this way,but there has to be victims before action is taken.

It may be that Ed and CO would like to be the LENDERS, garnering sizeable interest incoment from loans that are guaranteed by you and me taxpayers. All they have to do is get the people to apply for the loans through an in-house arrangement that creates a pipeline for their new suckers, er....customers. It would be a good idea for someone to attend the Alliant 'info sessions' and see how the pitch for loans goes and if there are 'preferred' lenders. HMMMMMMM Seems far-fetched, but at this point, slimey Ed is capable of any self-serving gig. And, as someone mentioned, it may be that Cartmill is in on the deal.

Our poor kids. I don't know if it's been mentioned before, but the reviews for Alliant are awful! Read the students' and former staff reviews. They paint a very scary picture. http://www.collegetimes.tv/alliant-international-university-san-diego/ If anyone finds out about another Alliant informational/recruitment meeting, please post it here. I'd like to go and ask them a lot of questions.

Jim Cartmill has a lot of questions to answer. Why, are we the taxpaying parents, the last to know the details of the deal brokered with Alliant? Which bank(s) are funding these 'student' loans?

Jim Cartmill sat there looked his neighbors in the eye and obviously misled them. His words not mine "the dance has just begun".

A copy of the contract was asked for, the response, 'due to graduation this public records request will not be provided until the 28th' well, the 28th has come and gone and no copy.

Regarding campaign contributions Ms. Adato has received a response, written format of a new proposed bylaw. It was just received yesterday and is being reviewed. Attorney Schinoff exerted an earnest effort to work with Adato and Cheers and was most responsive - allow me to comment - "when working with an attorney is easier than working with a board or superintendent HOUSTON WE GOTTA A PROBLEM!!!!!!!!"

Back to Alliant: We know Ed is everything but altruistic. Everything is for Ed, and whatever the scheme, he will get part of the pie. Perhaps this time he has cut Cartmill in for a slice. Please keep diging.

For Alliant, it means more 'customers' for their over-priced classes of questionable value. These private so-called colleges have been under a microscope of late, for taking huge sums of financial aid and student loan money, leaving their students with precious little to show for their huge investment. For Ed and Co, possibly a piece of the action could be the motivator for their enthusiasm. Sweetwater students have plenty of lower-cost higher ed possibilities.

Perhaps the MOU/non-contract, according to Cartmill, shares more than Ed (and Cartmill?) want us to know, ergo the delay in getting the documents. I wouldn't be surprised if when they are finally produced, they have been altered.
Again, I suspect Ed's prior history as a wannabe 'banker' may be a lead in this mystery. If he and pals can bankroll the student loans that Alliant will hawk, they would get a hefty guaranteed interest rate wtihout any risk to their investment.

oskidoll and others - no doubt there is more to this 'dance' than Cartmill is willing to admit. Or could it be perhaps, Cartmill was not served a piece of the pie. Of interest, I am sure, would be the email that Brand's dear friend Hassey sent out calling 'come one, come all - do I have a deal for you'. Will try and post.

Brand - Hassey relationship - pull up a chair and Hassey will tell you all about it. Brand - relationship with Alliant? Was there A COKE AND A SMILE DEAL? Stay tuned........

Hello out there - the JUST and the unjust - hope we have your attention on this issue .........

Interesting isn't it, 'the gandara' and the rest of the cast of players in the Sweetwater corruption case believed they were untouchable, laughed at the blog comments - DO YOU THINK THEY ARE LAUGHING NOW?????

Subject: This Thursday at La Bellas....my treat

Good Evening Kids...and when i say kids I mean you......your parents and even grandma and Grandpa.....also your brothers and your sisters....I am older then most folks.....oh i am so old and yet so excited for you and your Goals and Dreams

I want to visit with your whole family ...and most important you...my X-Student

I am going to introduce you to folks from Alliant University and the liaison to Alliant University......Ms CABE

I already booked the room and the gentlemen at La Bellas was excited to host you.....FOOD and MORE FOOD...............

when....June 27th.....Thursday when..... ....La Bellas on 3rd Avenue....Chula Vista How.....food on me......delicious Spaghetti......wonderful salad....bread rolls and if enough of you show up...PIZZA Time....5 PM

Teachers are attending too......

Please come and lets see if we can help you in your decision of where and how your going to school.........

All past students are invited.....even if you were in my class 15 years ago......please come and let me share your life

Please hit the reply button and let me know if your coming and if you are bringing guests...the more the merrier

Mr. Hassey

While Mr. Hassey may believe in Alliant, the question remains why does he seem to know it is a done deal, yet, we the taxpaying community, whose resources are being used to promote Alliant (ROBO call) and LIVE IN THE DISTRICT do not?

Who is sharing this info with Hassey, and why is he favored over us?

OMG...was this missive actually put out there by a so-called teacher Hassey? Even with the grammar errors? What did (does) the guy teach? and to whom was it sent? if it was a list from the SUHSD student records, he is violating FERPA (Family Education Right to Privacy Act). Pretty scary? Wonder if he/Ed is getting a commission on every new 'body' he brings to Alliant? That's how most of the private so-called colleges pay their 'admissions counselors'...it is a nasty enterprise. "The more the merrier" indeed.

They will not bring kids to over-priced contracts! Lending for profit no matter what it does to unsuspecting families is wrong. Not June 27th - When an what time? July?

I mean for a chance to meet u Annie and our friends at Alliant

Ed lived in Bonita - new construction - when he started his teaching career - 30 something years ago - is he out of proper guidelines now living in Rancho Bernardo?

Didn't read Luzzaro yet - guess tongue in cheek - week in review is good thing

Anybody get Public Records to read today?