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Harshed mellow at “A Doobie Falls”
Since when did hiking have anything in common with defacing nature? Strangely confused mindset on the part of those accessing this area--would it be possible to work with any on-campus groups for a clean-up? Is there a student Sierra Club affiliate that could coordinate something? Because the concept that destroying your own back yard is not a good idea is truly something university students should have figured out. While lunkheads can appear anywhere, it might be time to let this particular group know that this is not how you make friends in your neighborhood, and this is not what you want your green space to look like.— July 27, 2014 2:32 p.m.
Sweetwater land deals — the beef goes on
Why? Because they have been getting away with it for about 25 years now, and must feel very confident that they are immune...after all, it isn't as if the DA will open up more cases now, is it? There apparently being some sort of internal judicial damper on really cross-examining the collective Sweetwater mess, all those who have created the real estate and financial train wrecks that comprise Sweetwater's current situation must feel very confident that they will swan off into the sunset, with all deals intact.— July 24, 2014 8:07 a.m.
Disabilities act lawsuits pile up
Caution, shakedown artists at work!— July 24, 2014 6:11 a.m.
Sweetwater land deals — the beef goes on
Isn't it amazing that apparently Sweetwater is continuing on this path of destruction, despite what the public wants, despite what the Ed Code says, despite that the county Board of Education appointees are supposed to supply much needed leadership to this district? Why does the money get spent in ways the public does not want it spent, and why are things like bus routes for students cut? Tom Calhoun defended the decision to cut bus routes, because he said that the board had voted that about a year ago. Yes, but haven't we established that four out of five members of that board have been convicted of crimes. Doesn't that indicate that it might be time to revisit a few of the decisions of that board, as they might very well have been exceedingly poor decisions? So--Calhoun and friends have opted to continue with the Ed Brand Memorial Empire...when really, truly, it is time to demolish that corrupt agglomeration. It was a very bad idea for those bus routes to be cancelled/cut. It is a very bad idea to continue with all the Ed Brand schemes. Listen, my friends, new board members, Dr. Glover--we need a clear demarcation that shows one and all that Ed Brand's influence is completely gone from this district. Read the Ed Code (not the same thing as Ed's personal sidestepping of all rules and regulations). Abide by the Ed Code, listen to the public, pay attention to the needs of the students. This district does not exist for the sole purpose of completing Ed Brand's fantasies. Time for McCann to get that through his skull. Time for that to register in everyone's mind. We get to move forward in positive, honest ways now. We do not have to stick to the Ed Brand version of corruption. Let's get with the new, improved program.— July 24, 2014 12:20 a.m.
Cartmill for Sweetwater board — get real
Thanks, anniej--I am getting confused. Between Espana's nonsensical rulings, as well as stating that she was not aware or informed of the Sweetwater codes...and then these appeals, because Espana's (deliberate?) ignorance opened up the doors again...it isn't easy to keep track. But I guess that is part of the point of this mess. If you can't be honest, then at least confuse people enough so they give up and go away??? Except, we will not go away, until or unless things are cleaned up and running honestly FOR THE STUDENTS here in Sweetwater. By the way, anyone know how long we have to wait on this last ruling?— July 23, 2014 12:15 p.m.
Cartmill for Sweetwater board — get real
So, the ruling is out and Cartmill as well as Bertha Lopez will be able to run. Anyone know the lineups as they now stand?— July 23, 2014 10:42 a.m.
Titanic operas
Wouldn't it be great to have an operatic event at the water's edge here in San Diego--such as where the symphony holds their summer pops concerts? Even if it were to be a variation, such as a recital, or a lightly-staged work, it would be a great way to introduce more people to opera. Opera + food trucks + bayside = happy San Diegans? Fireworks are optional, as far as I am concerned! P.S. I have wanted to attend something at that venue in Bregenz for quite some time.— July 20, 2014 9:31 p.m.
We don’t want the stinkin’ charter expansion
anniej, yes, why are our public school taxes being used to support a *private* Charter? We got a partial answer at the board meeting when Mr. Calhoun said that the district charges the charters some 3% handling fee...and then there is the concept of using charter designations to give schools in Performance Improvement a clean slate. But there is also the fact that once charter designations are in place, the community has little control over that school...forgive me if I am wrong, but aren't teachers of charter schools in somewhat weaker positions than are teachers in regular public schools? Administrators have much more freedom to move teachers like chess pieces, and in this way...retaliate against teachers if they so choose. Yes, this type of administrative control must have been very appealing to Ed Brand. Perhaps Dr. Glover can do something about this issue? I am of the opinion that all of Ed Brand's pet projects need to be thoroughly scrutinized, all of the consultants he had a hand in hiring need to be stringently evaluated and his efforts to set up the Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the separate CIF section should be examined as simply part of his Jobs For Friends program. Here's a thought...if you want an Athletic Hall of Fame, why not have a virtual one, online. And why restrict it to athletes of Sweetwater? Why not have a Sweetwater Alumni Hall of Fame, for all former students who have made outstanding contributions in their chosen fields? Again--we need to really think about what should stay and what should go!! (Reminds me of another old rock song...)!— July 20, 2014 7:12 a.m.
We don’t want the stinkin’ charter expansion
After school programs bring lots of money with them. We have some highly-touted programs and some highly paid people in charge. Can we take a closer look? Are any of their enrollment and attendance numbers being independently verified? Because I have often heard that numbers can be inflated so that certain levels are achieved and dollars obtained. Sweetwater needs to make sure that any programs being run for Sweetwater students are well-run. Believe it or not, I have actually heard that sometimes what is on paper differs enormously from the reality of the situation. I am not saying that is what is going on with the Boys & Girls Club program and the Y program, but I am saying that now is a very good time to make sure NO ONE is 'adjusting' any data points along the way. Sweetwater has had far too much history with that, and we need to demonstrate that now--finally--everything is open and above-board.— July 19, 2014 12:42 p.m.
Cartmill for Sweetwater board — get real
Now that it has been announced that real estate recovery in San Diego county is slowing down, I think it is important to think about one other item that was mentioned ever-so-slightly at the board meeting. The new school which will be built at the corner of Hunte and Eastlake Parkway (I believe this is what I heard). This school, if I heard correctly, is supposed to be a combined campus, with grades 7 - 12 being taught. I do not know if the campus will be divided into two parts, or if it will be set up by department...at any rate, I guess Sweetwater is thinking that many new homes will be built south of Otay Towne Center. On the one hand, it is good to think ahead. On the other hand, will we, the taxpaying public be given accurate information, or will we be spoon-fed what the district wants us to hear? Again, we need full cooperation from the board. Let's not have any further 'quick deals'. There is NO REASON TO DO THAT.— July 18, 2014 7:09 p.m.