By now, I’m sure we’ve all heard about the troubles at Sweetwater Union High School District: corruption, scandals, and even a “naked chick” joke. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize the political opportunity to be seized amid the drama — but, what if the supposed “fall guy” for much of the trouble at Sweetwater was the one being targeted? I’m …
Should Arlie Ricasa Return to Work?
Yesterday, the U-T broke the news about Arlie Ricasa receiving clearance to return to her 6-figure salaried position at Southwestern College. Ricasa, a boardmember of the Sweetwater Union High School District, has plead not guilty to eight felony corruption charges. Do you think Ricasa should return to work? Vote in the U-T’s online poll and let your comments be heard!
The Sweetwater Ripple Effect
You wouldn’t think a corruption scandal in San Diego’s South Bay could have repercussions 700 miles to our east in El Paso, TX. However, the same night Mitt Romney clinched the GOP nomination, 8-term Democratic Rep. Silvestre Reyes was denied a return pass to Congress — despite recent high-profile endorsements and events hosted by former President Clinton, and President Obama. …
Sweetwater Recall: Union-driven, or broader coalition? Let’s see…
An interesting story posted the other day in U-T San Diego, questions whether or not the recall attempt against three members of the Sweetwater Union High School Board is union-driven or a broader coalition of community members, parents, and taxpayers. Of course, we’ll run down the facts and let you decide…
Ricasa: Don’t make me gut my children’s future!
Wow. Just saw this article from the U-T where Sweetwater school board member Arlie Ricasa, through her attorney, is claiming that she’ll have to gut her own children’s college fund to pay for legal services stemming from her alleged indiscretions — 4 felonies, 2 misdemeanors — if the school board (ahem, taxpayers) won’t approve the legal payments. This brings up a philosophical question for …
Recall Ricasa: We Told You So
Interesting little post from the Recall Ricasa site after months of inactivity. After the events of this week, perhaps they did tell us.
Handcuffed Kinde (or, How Durkee Became The Delinquent Democrat)
Although many of us are enjoying the Labor Day weekend holidays with friends & family, one of the most interesting news items for politicos this weekend could be unfolding right now for Democratic politicians across the state. As reported by the Associated Press, longtime Democratic operative Kinde Durkee was arrested on Friday by FBI agents on suspicion of mail fraud. …
Block for Senate, (Insert Name Here) for Assembly
In local political news today, the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote that Marty Block — everyone’s favorite tax-raising-after-he-promised-not-to-do-so Democrat — is looking to run for the State Senate seat currently held by a termed-out Christine Kehoe. Former Assemblywoman Lori Saldana is in the mix, and there are rumblings that newly-elected Assemblywoman Toni Atkins might jump in. All depending upon redistricting, of …
Kudos, John McCann. Kudos.
In a headlining story posted by the San Diego Union-Tribune today, Sweetwater School Board President John McCann has finally stood up for South Bay taxpayers, and has cancelled Superintendent Jesus Gandara’s taxpayer-funded credit card. As reported by the U-T, Gandara has racked up nearly $31,000 in charges to the card which include $11,500 on meals alone. On top of the exorbitant $250,000 …
A South Bay Update
As an update to the ongoings in the South Bay, I’m sure some of you have heard by now that Democrat Sweetwater School Board member Arlie Ricasa was hit with a $2,000 fine by the FPPC. As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune, she was caught not fully reporting an $18,000 loan on her campaign financial documents. Good, now …
Recalls, Corruption, Bribes, Drugs, a Grand Jury, and Arlie Ricasa
Quite an interesting headline for a blog post, right? Well, as I was blog trolling this morning, I found a new post over on the Recall Ricasa blog regarding the recall of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez, but also some interesting tidbits on Sweetwater Union High School District’s superintendent Jesus Gandara and his family’s involvement in crooked politics in Texas. According …
Funny Business in Sweetwater
I was alerted to a story by the U-T regarding scores of change orders being made to construction contracts at the Sweetwater Union High School District. In the article, several residents raise concerns about the oversight (or lack thereof) regarding the district’s spending of Proposition O funds. Within the last few months however, there has been a Recall Ricasa blog …
Valencia Beaten to a Pulp
I THINK I am breaking this story… At approximately 1:30AM this morning Andrew Valencia, candidate for Sweetwater Union High School Board, was assaulted while delivering signs near Imperial Beach. Valencia, who was accompanied by volunteers for most of the night, was momentarily alone in a local fast-food restaurant taking a quick break from dropping off candidate signs when two males …
Breaking: Sweetwater Schools using public funds to promote Ricasa during re-election?
In the midst of a re-election challenge, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) President Arlie Ricasa is receiving significant positive name recognition from a taxpayer-funded public relations effort, paid by Sweetwater schools. Ironically, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) confirmed yesterday it would investigate a complaint filed on September 20, 2010, against Ricasa for alleged improprieties associated with using funds …
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