LindaTurner
ccozic: Yes, somebody must dig into how those two long-time staffers got fired after reporting the incident in the girls' dressing room. Saba apparently knew immediately that he had done something wrong, and reported it. No matter why those two staffers were fired, there has to be a clean report. The incident took place in the girls' dressing room. The so-called independent investigator said it took place "backstage." Sounds like a euphemism to me, but I would like to hear both sides. Best, Don Bauder
As a father of children active in Junior Theatre for over a dozen years, I have seen not only numerous amazing, incredible productions, but witnessed first-hand the hundreds of hours of dedicated work put in by (and believe me!) not highly-paid staff workers to make Junior Theatre one of the best, if not the best, junior theatres in the entire country.
Now thanks to this selfish "in-crowd" of corrupt, devious, incompetent, retaliatory Board members (who may soon be facing a criminal investigation), those staff workers have been either fired or harassed into quitting. The result has been a domino-effect that has negatively affected the childrens' productions, JT's financial stability, and trust among the community.
What kind of an organization operates this way and expects to survive, let alone thrive? A house of cards, especially one built with a stacked deck and marked cards, will surely crumble. Shame on these board members who are invested in their own interests first, involved in illegal and unethical behavior, and who have tarnished the name of Junior Theatre. They must resign or be forced out, there is no other alternative, and be replaced with trustworthy individuals who will act in the interest of children and the community first.
Our mayor, city council members, and district/state attorney general must take positive action in restoring the reputation and well-being of our beloved S.D. Junior Theatre.
JustWondering: I agree that the mayor is likely to sit on this report. He doesn't like to take a side in a dispute dividing the community -- at least, he waits until he thinks one side will win. He was sure wrong on the convadium!
However, the Junior Theatre gets money from the city. Therefore, somebody in local government must look into this. Best, Don Bauder
Sometimes withholding money is the only way to clean house IF that's what is needed. Isn't this what happened at the SD Opera? i.e. There was a need to clean house of those who used it to profit for themselves, rather than as a benefit to community culture.
While we are not sure about what's happening at SDJT, the bottom line is making sure the children are safe in their surroundings is paramount.
However, if this is merely a power struggle between adults, whose egos are clouding their judgement, then cleaning house of any and all sides may be the only way to save the program. Sadly, it's usually the adults who damage these programs, and typically over power and control issues.
Believing our Mayor is going to do something about this is unlikely no matter how many pages are written about it. Our Mayor Faulconer has a well documented history of fence sitting or burying his head in the sand to avoid any possibility of being pinned down on any issue. In a recent incident the City Attorney's office even fought to quash a subpoena so he would not be deposed. They even settled a case out-of-court to avoid having him testify in open court. It could have been embarrassing for his future if something was part of a public record.
The allegation made in complaint are very troubling. Especially when innocent children can be, or are involved. In addition, there is also an allegation of a cover-up and possibly retaliatory termination(s). If true, then the possibly of more serious problems needs looking into.
I agree this matter should be thoroughly investigated by a disinterested third party with no connections whatsoever to San Diego's so-called elites who hold the reigns of power. Our Mayor and Council should withhold, in escrow, all taxpayers funding until this organization submits to and passes a full financial audit and receives a clean bill of administrative health.
However, I doubt our Mayor, as chief executive of the City, will actually do anything.
LindaTurner: I became quite suspicious when I read in Valenti's report that the purported "independent" investigator said the incident occurred "backstage," not in the girls' dressing room. I considered it a tipoff that the investigation was a whitewash, but if the other side will come forward, I would like to hear its views. Best, Don Bauder
It's interesting that Gil Cabrera wants to wash his hands (and name) of the events he helped to orchestrate at Junior Theatre. The community was told several times that we should trust the Board and trust JT's lawyer since he was representing Junior Theatre "pro bono".
Pro bono means more than free legal counsel. It means working "for the good". Concerned parents, donors, volunteers and children were told that everything was being done thoughtfully, carefully and with the organization and children as top priorities.
If this is true why will Mr. Cabrera refuse to speak? It is time for him to stand behind his actions and those of the Board whom he was overseeing.
If the Board and Mr. Cabrera continue to hide in silence people may be interested in contacting Edward Cramp, the managing partner at Duane Morris, who conducted the "independent investigation". He surely must be able to stand behind his work.
Mr, Cabrera has happy to use his name and stature to intimidate and silence those who dared question the Board. His silence now speaks volumes.
Our civic leaders must demand transparency from the Junior Theatre Board of Trustees and it's outside council.
Thanks to Don Bauder for picking up this important issue for the SD Reader! And to Matt Valenti for his diligent work! We can only hope that Junior Theater will now receive the support of the city's oversight in this matter. Too many blatant transgressions occurred for business to go on 'as usual".
Francia Cohen FX Mua: As an outsider, it certainly appears to me that some events have not been satisfactorily explained. This is not good for the children and doesn't help the adults, either.
I would like to hear from those on the other side --actually, those on both sides. Best, Don Bauder
Thank you so much Don for having the moral courage to cover this very important story! I am a parent of a child who was at JT and we will not be returning to that theater for classes, auditions or shoes as we no longer feel comfortable there. We don't trust the board of trustees at all and this issue needs to be looked into! How can this be happening? Is the board untouchable? Is there no justice? Why the silence? This smells of corruption and clearly the adults at JT have put themselves before the children. Shameful and scandalous!
JustWondering: You see what the board's silence can do. It says it cannot discuss the dismissal of the two long-term employees because it can't reveal personnel matters. Therefore, some people will assume that the pair are guilty of doing something really reprehensible, when it appears likely that all they did was do their jobs as whistleblowers. Best, Don Bauder
Don: Brouhaha, foofaraw and donnybrook. My vocabulary is improving thanks to your generous sharing. Now if I could just find somewhere to use these elegant words...
Not to make light of this story. I see the parents and children several times a week at the Theatre. Sometimes early, sometimes late in the day. Sometimes to rehearse, sometimes to perform. I often think of them coming from Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, Coronado; fighting the traffic, taking time off work, and all the preparation before and after these trips to the Park. Each performer represents a team of really dedicated supporters, a tremendous investment of time, money and energy. These are some of the parents and children that help make this America's Finest City. Note we also have the Junior Symphony and ballet students swarming the Park. We must treasure these remaining bits of culture that a few young people can still experience.
swell: I agree that Junior Theatre must continue with its city funding intact. It certainly appears that one side must not banish the other side. Some balanced investigations and delicate negotiations lie ahead. But peace -- perhaps a fairly fragile one -- must be restored.
The incident with the girl seemed to touch off the conflagration. But there have to have been pre-existing abrasions.
Oh yes. I explained brouhaha and foofaraw. Donnybrook is a name for annual Irish event famous for its brawls. Best, Don Bauder
Other than making this a terrible experience for the children involved and their families, the Board of Trustees also caused two innocent people to lose their jobs?? This whole thing is so shameful. The following text is for context, taken from Mr. Valenti's documents that he shared in his Facebook comment above:
"Firing two of the whistleblowing staff members, and making a false police report of burglary against two others. The board engaged in a months-long campaign to intimidate and tamper with witnesses to the alleged child abuse by the executive director. (The SDPD quickly cleared these staff members of the false charge and determined the burglary report “unfounded.”)" ---http://jtoversightgroup.org/complaint-to-the-attorney-general/
Matt Valenti: I have read your letter and also your 110 page report. The other side should attempt to refute your examination if it can. Now, it seems to me, your enemies have only resorted to name-calling.
I know how these battles inside nonprofit organizations can cause havoc. I was on the board of San Diego Opera when Tito Capobianco abruptly departed. I was on the committee arranging his contract, which was a very generous one The board split was so wide and so hostile that many people never spoke to others again. I lost several friends over it,
More recently, I was a journalist covering the donnybrook over the proposed ending the opera's long-running history. I knew the people on both sides. I lost some friends over that one, too. Best, Don Bauder