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Sweetwater scandal: Ed Brand’s claims contradicted
As the old saying goes, "There is no honor among thieves". Now that Brand has cast aspersions, implicating McCann, Quinones and Lopez, what is his next move? It is as if Brand must have decided who is expendable and who still has something he needs. Jim and Arlie, hmmm, what makes them so special? They've been around since Brand's first go 'round as superintendent, so maybe they are privy to things Brand doesn't want to get out. But then, Ed Brand likes to cultivate new friends, so he might have already moved on. I am pretty sure Bertha Lopez knew Brand would do his best to make her look bad. It isn't really a secret that she has been shown disrespect by Brand and the other board members. McCann and Quinones, however, must be wondering what happened. Unless Brand has convinced them that this is part of a complicated plan that will eventually prove them blameless in the end. Hope they aren't falling for that one. Time for people to start telling the truth, and see where that gets them--for a change.— June 2, 2013 10:27 p.m.
Grand Jury transcripts--are there hidden costs to bond construction?
anniej, the only conclusion I can reach is that the corruption was uninterrupted. That it has been 'open season' on the students and taxpayers of Sweetwater (and San Ysidro and SWC) for a very long time. Possibly since the big bond issuances started to take place. They certainly don't seem to be spending much time dealing with educational questions--what is their moral compass, you ask? They appear to be without a 'true North', so even if they were to have a moral compass, it would spin wildly. Another 'favorite' anecdote: Quinones hands out a box of envelopes for a contractor to solicit donations. While the board hasn't approved payment for the company. The contractor throws the box in the trash. Pearl calls him and asks about the donations--he tells her he threw it all out. Their company didn't get paid for work done. Subcontractors had to declare bankruptcy. This is who is in charge of education in Sweetwater. Scum.— June 2, 2013 4:13 p.m.
Grand Jury transcripts--are there hidden costs to bond construction?
I have finished reading three of the four PDF files provided by the U-T. Favorite moment: Gandara shows up at a restaurant disheveled, shirttail hanging out, hair all messed up, basically inebriated (accompanied by his daughter), and asking why the group was meeting at this restaurant. (Apparently he hadn't been invited...?) So they seat him in a corner table away from the others, and eventually he leaves with several bottles of the restaurant's wine. Wow.— June 2, 2013 3:46 p.m.
Grand Jury transcripts--are there hidden costs to bond construction?
I am amazed, however, that the Watchdog section is including links which include Reader coverage of this. That can only be a good thing...and they are providing links to PDF files of the Grand Jury testimony.— June 2, 2013 3:41 p.m.
Judge to release grand jury transcripts in alleged corruption cases
Visduh, I hope you get your community to watch these two, so that they don't set up a little empire of their own, a la Brand and cronies. (However, I do take some solace in learning that Sweetwater isn't the only district with palpably cheese-brained trustees. Hope I haven't offended anyone).— June 1, 2013 4:13 p.m.
Grand Jury investigation transcripts for South Bay school districts released
Has Brand given up on his Loyal Voting Block? Will "Coach" Fast Eddy send in the substitutions...does he have pals warming up on the sidelines? How about a new game, one that measures who can throw whom under the bus the quickest and with the most accuracy? That sounds about right for Fast Eddy's own CIF section.— June 1, 2013 4:08 p.m.
Grand Jury transcripts--are there hidden costs to bond construction?
I have to wonder just why Ed Brand chose to throw McCann under the bus, (not surprised he made sure Ms. Lopez was mentioned in connection with deals)--I am sure McCann thought he would be safe. As he supposedly was responsible for bringing Brand back to Sweetwater's helm. Brand must have decided that Ricasa and Cartmill are more trustworthy for some reason. Bound by some sort of blood oath? Some pact made by moonlight? Who knows... So it looks like Brand is ditching McCann. Brand must have something up his sleeve, as McCann has not been indicted thus far. Or maybe Brand is just trying to spread the blame so that all are tainted. Will McCann's response be that Brand is a liar? If that is the case, where does it stop? And we definitely need more information on what Dianne Russo knew, did and all the pertinent timelines. I haven't read all the info available via the PDF files, but I hope to get through it in the next couple of days.— June 1, 2013 3:57 p.m.
Safety of Sweetwater school district’s buses below par
This is a treasure-trove of information! Has it made it into the public record? Susan, can you highlight this? It deserves some space!— June 1, 2013 9:22 a.m.
Grand Jury investigation transcripts for South Bay school districts released
Totentanz— May 30, 2013 10:13 p.m.
Grand Jury transcripts--are there hidden costs to bond construction?
Collusion, the operative word for the day.— May 30, 2013 7:57 p.m.