Mega-fund-raising in San Diego by this kind of take-the-money-and-run fund-raiser fits perfectly with the approach of University of California President Janet Napolitano who continues to insist on raising the price of in-state undergraduate tuition while adding more out-of-state and foreign students who pay higher tariffs, all the while maintaining six-figure salaries for too many administrators.

A stunning recent report in the Sacramento Bee indicated that fully 20% of undergraduate spots at the campuses of UCLA and Berkeley currently go to non-Californians -- which amounts to authorized hijacking of our State system of higher education.

Salt-of-the-earth State Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins is the only California legislative leader outspoken in opposing these Napolitano's policies, as Governor Jerry Brown officially votes against tuition hikes at Board of Regents meetings but does nothing to rein in Napolitano's political power. (Like, Governor Brown, is it really good for California to have a former Arizonan and head of Homeland Security running our flagship University system?)

Meanwhile, locally, huge gifts from private donors to UCSD likely will increase private influence over the school's direction, if the past is any indication of what the future holds.

While we're talking about de-railing the purpose and direction of the University of California system, I want to add that, according to the San Jose Mercury News, 30% of incoming freshmen at Berkeley and UCLA last Fall were out-of-state and foreign students. Also, Janet Napolitano said this week she intends to freeze at the present level the number of spaces open to California students in the Fall of 2015 at all UC campuses.

Students and the current vogue of pandering to "Military Veterans" in our institutions of higher learning are only nostalgic images dragged across the diorama when our Educational Elite need to have taxpayer and voter compliance. And we long ago gave away the idea that our California institutions of higher learning are supposed to focus on our in-state students first.

“This is an entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment that requires innovative thinking, initiative, focused action and collaborative communication. The ability to develop deep, trusting relationships with Advancement leadership is essential.”

How did her skills prove useful for the SD Opera? Not so great, so it seems.

From the reports at the time of the near-demise of SF Opera, Ms. Spira Campbell was not making a great effort in the past several years when it came to fundraising. I am sure, however, she is good at throwing parties for wealthy people.

Maybe all the bigwigs who walked out on the opera need another social outlet. If so, and if her parties are good enough, UCSD may do ok.

But as was mentioned, the investigation of the opera's operations has not concluded. Let's hope we actually find out what was going on with all the travel, the perks, the bonuses and all the rest of it. Tax ramifications, anyone?

Money, money, money, follow the money.

That show had a lucrative run while it lasted!

The Ian and Ann Show