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Teachers for Sweetwater district face insurance cost hike
If I could, I would ask Mr. Brand why he thinks he and his wife deserve such a top-notch medical plan when he is systematically trying to make sure all the teachers and their families will pay more and get less coverage. But we all know that Fast Eddy never answers questions from the public. What can I say? The term "low-life" would actually be a compliment when applied to him. Meanwhile, of course, he is playing games with all the bond monies, making deals on the QT that don't seem to hold up to the light of day, and yet--no one steps in to stop him. Do his friends at the County B of E and the State B of E feel that secure that when questions are being asked in a public forum, they themselves will be able to plead ignorance, or possibly "the 5th"? Stop this miserable creep. Let him know that no one buys what he is selling, and his dishonesty is an insult to this community, the teachers, the students and the taxpayers. Please let me be the first to declare Fast Eddy officially the worst superintendent I have ever heard of.— October 17, 2013 10:57 a.m.
Alliant University's San Diego campus could be sold
So--maybe Fast Eddy is going to get a cut when the Alliant property is sold and redeveloped...that is probably what has been going on.— October 17, 2013 7:47 a.m.
Alliant University's San Diego campus could be sold
After all we have seen and heard with regard to the frenzied machinations of Sweetwater Union High School District, and after many calls for forensic accounting going back 20 years or so...I really think it is high time for all of Sweetwater's books to be opened up. If Alliant is so shaky that selling their property is being strongly considered, then they have probably been borrowing lots of money. For all we know, Sweetwater has been used as a source--because we just do not know where all our Mello-Roos funds are. We don't know where much of our money is. We don't know why Sweetwater bought property that is now in private hands, and why Sweetwater is still $40 million in debt (at least) on real estate schemes brought on by our own Dr. Demento. Sure would be nice if there were someone with the authority, intelligence and integrity to call Brand on his crazed schemes. Meanwhile, students and teachers get less and less to work with, and the sky seems to be the limit for what Brand gets. Are we speaking to the void?— October 17, 2013 7:44 a.m.
Alliant University's San Diego campus could be sold
Will Sweetwater be financing the buses to transport the students to San Francisco? I wonder if the Brandmeister is still working some angles or if he is ready to throw in the towel on this one... Pretty sure the reason Brand and pals were trying so hard to muscle into the property in National City is that they knew things would be shutting down in North County. And while we don't know exactly what Brand's cut was/is, we can all rest assured that it was something, because Ed Brand doesn't do anything unless he gets paid.— October 16, 2013 10:49 p.m.
Meet John Donne
Very nicely composed, well-written article. Made my day!— October 15, 2013 6:08 p.m.
Sweetwater school district's real estate deals gain momentum
So is Sweetwater Union High School District and Real Estate Shell Game open for business? The (dis)honorable Superintendent "Fast Eddy" Brand, presiding. "Friendship has its perks," beamed Eddy, as he handed out the benjamins to all his private investigator pals. "Thanks, guys, when you said you wouldn't mind digging through the muck for me, I knew we had a future together. "What's next you ask? Why, once we take all those agreed-upon health benefits away from the teachers, we'll really be able to start pricing properties!!!"— October 13, 2013 8:57 p.m.
Mitt Romney's La Jolla mansion not a done deal
Looks like the CA Coastal Commission is caving right, left and down the middle. Anyone see the article about the 35 year old member of the commission who said he had attended many Comic-Cons--looks like they just ignored all the issues with the expanded convention center. While I am tempted to say, "What a bunch of idiots!", I am sure the story is larger than that.— October 13, 2013 12:24 p.m.
South Bay judge upholds majority of indictments in pay-to-play
There is always the chance that more will be uncovered as we draw closer. I do think some of these people are starting to sweat, even if they are trying to hide it. Maybe there are some "deals" that have been made among those charged, with each other, that is--to keep some matters under wraps. But that could change. You are right in that the surface has barely been scratched. I am hoping that since several of the "critics" of Fast Eddy have been targeted with being investigated by a P.I., the eyes of all will be upon him. He's been skating, but might slip and fall one of these days.— October 11, 2013 4:29 p.m.
SOS — Save Our Sealife — in Chula Vista
I have to think that City Hall is at least a little concerned about this. When the reports are that Chula Vista is back in the green, why can't something be done for this asset? It is--or should be--a major learning center for all the schools in this area, as well as a place where high school students can get all their volunteer hours that are required for graduation and for the applications to the UCs and SU schools. When more and more, the public is aware of the importance of marshland and tidal areas for all sorts of creatures, it is very surprising to me that there isn't more being done to keep this going. Yes, there is major competition with the problems on the national scene, but can't we do something for our own town?— October 11, 2013 1:31 p.m.
South Bay judge upholds majority of indictments in pay-to-play
The responsibilities that have been placed on this judge and this court and this community are enormous. We rely on them, which is to say we rely on US to follow through with all the trials, the investigations, the depositions, the examinations and cross-examinations. We require a good job to be done, so that we can continue the effort to clean up this school district. I have faith in the judicial system, and faith that everyone involved will be honest participants in this process. I have heard some people like to cast aspersions on those of us who live in south San Diego County, who like to say we are used to corruption, that we wallow in it. I don't really think that is true. I think those sorts of ideas are mouthed by people who fear honesty, fear the future and fear making sure all students have the opportunity for a solid education, one that provides them with the initiative to continue on developing their talents. We in this part of San Diego County happen to know that our communities are improved when all students have equal opportunities, and the funding for schools is applied in ways it is supposed to be applied--not given away to corrupt friends of corrupt "public servants".— October 11, 2013 1:20 p.m.