Mr. Jaime Mercado, a highly respected former board member did not abandon his seat on the dais to chase down an illegally placed OLD campaign sign. John Mccann totally disrupted the board meeting YET AGAIN, with a temper tantrum. Mccann has history in the realm of temper tantrums, he allegedly aimed his speeding car at a gentlemen he had issues with in a parking lot, he acted out in the district parking lot and called 911 to report an alleged pretend assault which a JUDGE THREW OUT OF COURT with a directive to Mccann to knock it off (paraphrase), and now in this picture he is seen yet again in the parking lot. (Perhaps he should stay out of parking lots since they seem to bring out the worst in him)
Yes, public and elected officials THIS IS WHAT WE ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH. What the community is wondering is why this emotionally damaged man continues to plague us.
tim tim - no doubt those elected and public officials and VOTERS that are reading this blog are getting a true look at what YOU! JOHN MCCANN aka tim tim is all about.
Bob_Casteneda - many of us, myself included fell asleep at the political wheel. It is gratifying to see so many new groups organizing to get the message out. While many of our positions may differ, at least we are talking and sharing our points of view.
No matter the venue, no matter the delivery - lets start talking!!!!!!! Lets take the time to attend at least one board meeting, take the time to email worthwhile information to all we know, let's take the time to research the issues. Then, and only then should we consider ourselves worthy of casting our vote.
Together we can all bring about positive change.
Bob C. I agree with anniej. I am one of those who never paid attention in the past. Now I stay up untiil dawn reading the grand jury transcripts. I have been talking to people and they are listening. We are reaching a tipping point. What's that quote ? Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
timtim, First off it is a wednesday evening, I do not know the make-up of the group but it will be some of the 300,000 you claim the 6 do not represent, it is also a group of your constituents (sp), it is an opportunity to interact with the community you claim to represent.
Feel free to interact with Al Alt or Ed for my number and we can meet at a convenient time for us both.
I am doing this because I care about my community and yes I have a vested interest, I still have a son in the district, I also have a significant amount of my net worth tied up in a house in this community and the strength of the school district is a main selling factor.
So again stand up for who you claim to be, a "Leader', by the way a true leader deals with his critics, not avoiding them or calling them names especially when offered an "Olive Branch", by protection I mean for you to have an opportunity to speak your peace with as little interuption as can be achieved.
Again I sit a jilted peacemaker, Best to John/timtim, madame timtim and the little timtims, BBQ
Mr. McCann,
Aren't you embarrassed yet? We are.
I am getting tired of explaining to colleagues from other districts that SUHSD is comprised of passionate educators and education support professionals, who just happen to be governed by petulant, arrogant, corrupt buffoons. The distance from which we may travel from the district boundaries and still have to do so is getting longer and longer.
I can't imagine that you don't know the difference between Mercado's filing a police report and your calling 911 to have four patrol cars show up to the DO. If you really don't, why not call one of our brothers or sisters at the Chula Vista Police Officers' Association. They will explain it to you.
And finally, it is disconcerting and sad that you feel the need to interject your military service into nearly every conversation. You were on active duty for ten months and never got close to combat. I was on active duty for 48 months and also never got close to combat. I would be horrified if someone were to refer to me as a "hero." You should be, too.
I'll bet you didn't know that last year we celebrated the retirement of a teacher who was one of the most decorated Vietnam veterans who ever worked in the district. You were probably writing a graduation speech in which you used the word "Iraq" more times than the word "Sweetwater." His silver star and three purple hearts make your service and mine look rather inconsequential, don't you think?
I think the bottom line is that we think you should grow up. Start doing your job with the passion and pride that we do ours. This is not a stepping stone to higher office (especially not now.) This is a high calling in and of itself. And right now, your job is about five and a half feet taller than you are.
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.
MS. LUZZARO - WE HAVE MISSED YOUR CRACKER JACK REPORTING. Hopefully you were enjoying yourself on a beach somewhere, sipping out of a glass with a pretty pink umbrella and a pineapple wedge as your stirrer.
I so hope that Mr. McCann has a speedy recovery. No doubt his wife and children have been put thru a lot. I send wishes of Gods speed for a full recovery.
I also hope that the other employee of the District is fairing well. Please know Sir, your health is important to us as well.
Dr. Brand should have released well wishes for the other employee as well, yet in his defense, YES YOU ARE READING MY WORDS CORRECTLY, there is the possibility he did not know that the other victim was an employee. Let us consider this - those of you who have been in an accident, where police presence was needed, how many of you knew the name or identity of the other driver UNTIL the police report was released to you or your insurance company. Now if by chance Brand calls in sick tomorrow - the cause is simple - anniej defended him and he fainted and hit his head.
Hopefully the investigation will prove it was an accident no laws broken, Mr. McCann will have a full recovery, the other unnamed SUHSD employee will heal as well and we can all get back to the business of anti corruption.
A certain lady with a dark streak in her hair sends her sincere well wishes to Mr. McCann.
Vote the Bums out! That is the only solution. They can be subject to recall at any time, but we know just how difficult that process is to accomplish.
Trials for the four indicted ones coming in February. Let's look forward to justice there. Convictions for a felony means they cannot continue to hold office. We can hope!
Otherwise, three are up for election in 2014 - Cartmill, Ricasa, McCann. The first two are also among the indicted. Perhaps McCann will choose to run for another office instead.
In the meantime, you are doing a good job of unmasking the stupidity, flagrant abuse of authority, and questionable spending of the public's money. Keep it up, good people. It is frustrating as hell, and of course, we all have better things to do than to keep up the rant. Remember, we DO have the right to speak and to assemble, as much as those in power would wish otherwise.
Don't forget to pat yourselves on the back. I am impressed with your stamina and persistence.
Sweetwater teachers held demonstrations at the October and November school-board meetings. For over a month, many teachers have been “working-to-rule” (performing no unpaid jobs) and picketing before and after school. Outside the November 18 board ...
This is the partner of "VigilantinCV." Susan is absolutely correct about how important being able to read is -- almost. The rest of the equation is math, particularly algebra. I was an accounting major and I was surprised how often simple algebra helped me figure out an accounting problem. Even more surprising to me was how helpful simple algebra has been useful all my life in doing word problems. And I don't mean word problems out of a textbook, but real-life problems. A situation will come up and, usually involving some numbers, and if you state the problem and then write it down in equation form, it is easy to solve. The "=" is the "is." Just state a problem in English and when you come to the "is," you have the equation.
I am 82 with a Ph.D. in economics and cannot see why my education with rote learning of the multiplication tables, plus algebra isn't the way to go.
Honored to have your thoughts and your hands on experience Dave. I, too, have been hearing the buzz words common core generally let them wash over me with the associated buzz word "critical thinking." I think the advice people have reiterated on this blog about educating oneself...not just relying on the buzz words...is important.
Separate from or maybe part of the discussion: I just want children to learn to love to read--that will take them 9/10 of the way they need to go.
Some of this reminds me so very much of "the new math" and all the emphasis on scientific notation...and that seems to have gone away. I am wondering if the Common Core elementary school math program is 'the new math 2.0 or 3.0' or something of that sort.
I was taught that the best math was the most 'elegant'--simple, direct.
While I will agree that mental dexterity is important, I believe that memorizing math tables helps a great deal in mental dexterity! Brain circuitry benefits from memorization...which doesn't mean that drills are the only thing!
Are there websites with Common Core materials available for the public to take a look at?
And weren't we supposed to have those public info sessions/task force meetings on Common Core?
I am not surprised that Sweetwater is not forthcoming with information, as they like to play everything close to the vest. (Wouldn't want the public to actually be able to follow where the public's money is going, after all).
It seems that convincing the public to throw everything out for something untested is a bit careless. I think that it would be better to have two or three states try it out, have assessments, have educators make adjustments as necessary and then implement it in sector, IF AND ONLY IF results are born out. I also think that guidelines need to be in place so that providers aren't gouging the public. Additionally, any 'data mining' needs to be monitored strictly and opt out conditions must be available.
My opinion only -
To the average taxpaying homeowner who values educating our youth - the Union appears weak. It is clear Brand is doing what he believes he can get away with. Why not ask for help from the Teamsters?
*for the record I am not, nor have ever been a member of a union, but I do believe in them - why? Well, take a look at Ed Brand - - he is the Wikipedia definition of why unions are necessary.
Those who were attended could not be described as a mob. The meeting started at 6. It was announced that at 9 the board would again go into closed session. Since the meetings are ended at 10, that left about three hours - HOWEVER! There were two presentations, the first took 1 hour. With 2 hours left and another presentation still to come it was clearly evident Brand had no intention on listening to the concerns of the taxpayers, teachers or other employees.
Yes, when blocked they did take gain entry, and yes we were boisterous, but mob - no never!
Community, students, teachers/employees SEE YOU NEXT MONTH RIGHT?
I went to a bakery in National City and what did I see in the window? - a big sign asking people to attend the board meeting tomorrow - Monday. It's great to see how people from all over the district are taking notice of the transgressions that we're so tired of.