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Former South Bay schools officials have day in court
Scary happenings in Judge Espana's court for sure. Felonies dropped to misdemeanors for some of the heavier hitters. I was shocked. This community has suffered enough. Arlie,Pearl,Gandara and Sandoval are next, the rest of the heavy hitters. I'm scared. I was hoping for heavier penalties. I guess it does pay to play. If Pearl and Arlie don't get their way we will be stuck with them until after a lengthly trial and they will probably get the same punishment. They saw what happen to the SWC people and that has emboldened them. Well as the saying goes it ain't over til the fat lady sings.— December 8, 2013 11:27 a.m.
Sweetwater district spent big for Arne Duncan visit
Mr. Bleish, your defending of your brother is as it should be,but I think when the emails and other info is made public the repercussions will be heard all the way to Arnie's office. I also believe that with a couple of new board members( if not Brands choice) we will see Brand gone. The majority will have shifted and we will see Brand gone and your brother in a mess up to his ears. The Promise Neighborhood hopefully will be audited. They keep coming to the trough,now we know why.— December 8, 2013 8:12 a.m.
Sweetwater district spent big for Arne Duncan visit
Hopefully this will be the last board mtg.Pearl and Arlie will attend. If they plea out next Fri.the13th(ha) we will have two seats available immediately. That's my understanding. I got the impression while at the hearing that the players were all given a deal to accept or reject. The attorneys were in the judges chambers for a long long time. The Southwestern people came into the court as a group and were asked if they agreed with and understood what the charges were that they were pleading guilty to. They then had dates set for sentencing. When the attorneys for the Sweetwater crew talked to their clients in separate areas outside the court the atmosphere was electric. Arlie's husband and brother surrounded her and talked with their attorney at length. The same happened with Pearl. We all then were allowed inside the courtroom. A continuance was granted until Fri.the13th. I got the distinct feeling that it will beaver next Fri.or announced who will be going to trial in lieu of a deal. I'm not an attorney but that was my take on the event.— December 8, 2013 7:59 a.m.
Sweetwater district spent big for Arne Duncan visit
Ensenadamaria, you are correct. Alt was fired on Mon.and Russo was with Alt's replacement and past assistant Karen. It was announced to staff that Russo would be training Karen for her new position. What it really means is that Russo will be an expensive consultant and running the show in someone else's name. Interesting that Frances Martinez ,Russo's best buddy in the district has decided not to retire. And yes she is our internal auditor and has been for tooooo long. Coincidence I think not.— December 8, 2013 7:28 a.m.
Sweetwater district spent big for Arne Duncan visit
The Reader's Susan Luzzaro strikes again. Not only does she expose the district in numerous lies she exposes the student data exchange of funds scheme. Oh me oh my, what will the state say. This will certainly bring unwanted attention to Dr.Brand. This man is sooooo arrogant. Just shows that $ is all he is about. He mis spends the Mello-Roos and has our district on the threshold of bankruptcy. That's what staff is saying because Brand fired Dr. Alt. It took time to get the truth about the Arne Duncan festival but you did it again Reader thanks.— December 3, 2013 6:55 p.m.
Sweetwater Athletics Hall of Fame scrutinized
McLaughlin isn't he the attorney that was hired as a consultant and then became a permanent employee with no notice to anyone including the board. Brand's good friend.I thought he was retired. It appears someone needs to contact STRS or PERS to see if we have another problem. Funny business exposed again by the Reader. The constant lies exposed after numerous questions that could have been answered up front. This will also not be addressed by a board that has not learned from there mistakes. I hope the judge is reading the numerous articles so she can sentence these remiss board members appropriately.— November 5, 2013 7:38 a.m.
South Bay schools defendants get day in court
I believe that by the time the wrist slapping is over we will be left with the major players. Sandoval,Gandara,Quionnes and Ricasa. As one of the attorney's said in the last hearing" Can you imagine 15 attorneys questioning each witness for the state". I know this was expected but I feel Chopra was a big disappointment. Hell community service and fines would have at least left an impression. With the pleas at least we will not be paying the legal fees. It's my understanding that each of the big four have paid over 100,000 thousand each so far. This is before trial begins. Sorry but this gives me some sense of relief. These four will never serve in public office ever again the cost to them will be astronomical before this is over Ricasa will definitely lose her job and probably her retirement. Pearl will lose her home unless she Homesteaded it and she maybe forced to get a job to pay for the trial. She already borrowed on the house she has twice. I doubt prison time,but that is still a possibility because the felonies carry a four year term. Let's see who goes to trial.— October 31, 2013 7:51 a.m.
Teachers for Sweetwater district face insurance cost hike
Thank you Susan for being the voice of the South Bay,regards to your colleague Don for his informative article on Alliant.— October 19, 2013 7:26 a.m.
Teachers for Sweetwater district face insurance cost hike
Gosh, I heard 8 million then another 8 million,then another 6 million. This along with a new dist office. Is this nut Brand trying to force another bond, he will need more than the last just to make his dreams come true on our backs.— October 18, 2013 3:20 p.m.
Teachers for Sweetwater district face insurance cost hike
How is it that Diane Russo was at the district office one week ago meeting with staff,she is not an employee. Wasn't she the negotiator last year? Something smells bad here. Could her mistake have made this all happen or am I just paranoid? Could Brand need the monies for his rumored new district office that staff is all excited over?. Well I guess we will see if the teachers have had enough. Brand knows they will give in and SEA needs some high powered attorneys to get involved. That is where dues are supposed to benefit the teaching staff.If the teachers roll over again they may as well give up. Sorry to be so pessimistic but the teachers track record speaks for itself.— October 17, 2013 1:22 p.m.