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Ian Campbell blasted in opera magazine
I tracked down and read the article, and must say that reading about Faye Wilson yelling, "Idiots!" (when leaving the meeting that resulted in the opera's stay of execution) really made me wonder. So she thought that everyone who wanted to save SD Opera was an idiot? Or was it that anyone who had the temerity to disagree with her was an idiot? Somehow I get the feeling that the California AG's office might be able to find out who the idiots are, if indeed there are any. I hope they have their best people on the case.— August 15, 2014 8:59 p.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
There is a question I keep hearing, but I never hear an answer. It has to so with agreements and developers...and that 1/3 of proceeds/profits going to private individuals. Once again, I am no expert on anything, but it makes me wonder why it is that a question that has been asked for the past 4 - 5 months is so difficult to answer. Is it because no one wants to go on record with the answer, because that answer will be so disturbing to the public? How can it be that any public entity can give away that kind of money? Especially when there has been land speculation with our public money already--that should not have been taking place. As a change of pace, I have a joke for all of you...How many pieces of property does it take for Sweetwater to build an administrative headquarters? I don't know, but it looks like an infinite number, especially since there is still wheeling and dealing over the plans for the bus lot...taking over one from the city, but we will be parking more buses, so...."we are looking at adjacent pieces of property..." Yes, there it is, the infinite scheme of property acquisition, brought to you by Sweetwater. Can we please just get honesty from start to finish? Can the public be informed completely about all this? We don't want to keep hearing about things when it is too late to do anything about them.— August 15, 2014 8:51 p.m.
Olympic committee to palm off training center?
The Olympic Training Center didn't get the corporate sponsorship it needed after ARCO dropped out almost 20 years ago. People who bought expensive homes in the "Woods" areas did so thinking there would be a commercial area with restaurants and views of the lake within walking distance of their homes, and it was a disappointment when the condos were built. And those condos were built out very quickly. And very close together. To me, they look more like student housing than anything else, which is making sense with the talk of the OTC being retained as the athletic facilities of the university (unnamed) being discussed by Chula Vista. So, how does a community turn some negatives into positives? Start by involving the community a bit more--people are correct in saying that the city plan has been stomped on. Many times there have been items which are a part of the plan, but which disappear. It doesn't engender a great deal of trust in city government. I have also heard fears that the university might end up being several storefront offices for a few "for profit" schools...which will definitely not enhance Chula Vista's reputation. So why didn't Chula Vista work with the OTC in a consistent and gradual manner, so that a working relationship would make it easier to get things done that satisfy both entities? I wish I knew. IF--some people still have thoughts of San Diego getting the summer Olympics at some point, I thought I heard that for some reason, areas specifically designated as property of the US Olympic Committee cannot be used as venues. So that a transfer from the USOC might mean that the OTC (under a different name) could be eligible IF San Diego obtained the summer Olympics. But all of that seems far-fetched to me.— August 15, 2014 6:48 p.m.
Ian Campbell blasted in opera magazine
Do you think the amendment was more of a face-saving mechanism?— August 14, 2014 7:41 p.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
Could we compare the illegal list to the legal list and see which one is longer?— August 14, 2014 6:12 p.m.
Unconventional logic
Not to mention any below-grade parking structure. I am told that the number of cars destroyed on the UCLA campus a couple of weeks ago following the water pipe failure is in the thousands.— August 14, 2014 6:07 p.m.
Ian Campbell blasted in opera magazine
On the one hand, we in San Diego are very fortunate that there is a turnaround underway with the SD Opera, that the true opera lovers have stepped up to ensure this art form will survive here. On the other hand, I believe it is good that the truth about the Campbells is being heard--so that other arts organizations will know better than to hand over all the power to a "power couple". Never hand over all the power, especially when the purse-strings go along with it! And about that amendment...hmm is right.— August 14, 2014 6:03 p.m.
SD pension mess hits Journal's front page
How long have there been pension problems in San Diego? Seems to me, at least 10 years, or more. Since when is doubling down good practice when it comes to money you can't afford to lose? Or am I missing something?— August 14, 2014 2:05 p.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
I am no expert, but I believe it means that the property or properties would be considered to be in a position to proceed with a building project as permits and utilities and street access are in place. So there would be a higher value on a property being "entitled" vs. merely being a piece of property without any permits, access or utilities. Anyone, feel free to correct me or add to this.— August 13, 2014 12:02 p.m.
Sweetwater district’s mellow ruse
To answer your question--because no one in authority calls Sweetwater on all their irregularities. The general public calls them on it, the Bond Oversight Committee calls them on all sorts of things. The big kids haven't come out to play...so nothing has stuck. More's the pity. Meanwhile, the students of Sweetwater and the taxpayers of Sweetwater are getting robbed. And all the communities of this school district are being grossly short-changed. It is horrifying and tragic, because there are young people who will not have the future they should have. Because the money is going off in mysterious directions--with, apparently, no concern of the County Board of Education, the State Board of Education, or any local, state or federal authorities who are charged with maintaining the law. Ed Brand always said he had friends everywhere, so maybe he does. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would want to be a friend of anyone as dishonest as Ed Brand. But then, I am not inside all the deals.— August 12, 2014 11:28 p.m.