Update 3/5/08: This post now has 2,003 comments! However, it has exceeded the capacities of our server and has been truncated recently at about 1,529 posts. But one of our readers has stepped up to the plate and painstakingly copied all of the comments into three NEW posts:
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2008 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2007 Comments
- SAUSD-Mijares corruption thread, 2006 Comments
We have also started a NEW open SAUSD thread, which I hope our readers will post to regarding new SAUSD news and views.
You can also go to our home page and go to the right column. Click on “SAUSD Posts” and you can get links to ALL of our past SAUSD articles.
I must say, I am amazed at the stories that have been posted on this blog in the wake of Al Mijares’ exit from the Santa Ana Unified School District. I am posting this item merely to give SAUSD bloggers a place to post their comments. Post away my friends – we have an opportunity now to finally do away with the corruption left over from the Mijares regime. Change is at hand, but we must remain resolute.
I noted that someone affiliated with the SAUSD administration recently posted a threat on this site – alleging possible legal action against SAUSD employees who post anonymously on this site. That is despicable and a form of terrorism. Do not let fear restrain any of you from revealing the truth.
The final challenge we face in Santa Ana is to replace Mijares with someone competent. We won’t have another opportunity like this anytime soon. This process must be open and focused and whatever else happens we must keep Audrey Noji out of the Superintendent’s position. As a member of the Cerritos College faculty and a member of the teacher’s union at that campus I opposed her when she tried to get a job at our campus. If she goes after the SAUSD superintendent post I will do so again. I know we can do better!
All of my children are in the SAUSD system. For their sake and that of all schoolchildren in the district, I urge those who are rebelling against the last vestiges of Mijares’ broken empire to keep the information flowing and to do whatever it takes to ensure that our next superintendent will be up to the task. Mijares certainly was over his head throughout his doomed tenure.
Mr. Rick Lopez
That was quite a response to someone passing along information from the newspaper. I don’t think I’ve seen such a heated response in the recent past. You do seem to have quite a temper.
As I remember you on my campus you are a fairly large man armed with a gun. I don’t think anyone would fault the anon for wanting to remain that way.
This is probably the best example of district intimidation that has been posted yet. Someone comments on a newspaper article and is called out by a man with a badge and a gun.
No wonder you are not only a former city police chief, but a school police officer making half or less of what you used to make.
Shame on you sir for even responding to the allegations if they are false. You are obviously a loose cannon in what has become a very questionable department in our district. You have only helped to reinforce that belief.
Hey! Rick Lopez,
You have got to be one of the smartest person working for SAUSD!
Great response, “1076”
Obviously,
if the allegations are wrong, You (Rick Lopez) took the time to sit down (probably during district time, according to the posted time) and respond to such!
To me and a lot of people, the doubt that was before your response, is gone! Why would you respond to such ill, immoral, untrue and fictitious lies!
Maybe;
because they are not all false allegations!
There was plenty of room at Segerstrom HS to accommodate the Valley HS special ed students. The district’s decision to intentionally overcrowd the Godinez facility was designed to benefit SAUSD admins. Their reckless disregard for adequately providing services and facilities is simple. Lynn Maher, Segerstrom principal, does not want any special ed students on the Segerstrom campus. For two years she has denied entrance of special ed students to Segerstrom. And her gal pal Audrey Noji, along with Rob Richardson, Rosie Avila, Supt. Russo and Dr. Brathcer have supported her zeal to keep the Segerstrom campus free of students Maher deems unsuitable.
I agree 100%. Why does Maher get to pick and chose what students she gets. Why was she picked for Sergerstorm when her old high school Saddleback was failing under her control? Why?
To Blogger 1064
Out of the 10 member of the interview committee only Jack Oakes and Chris Anderson, the only two administrators on the committee, voted for Gomeztrejo. Guess where the actual decision was made?
#1066
Are you talking about that principal over at Willard? Pretty good description of what he’s done to that school.
Hi! I am RiCk LoPeZ, Current motor officer here at Santa Ana Unified School District. I am here to serve and protect (mostly serve myself)
I used to be police chief at maywood. I left my high paying, high roller job because I woke up one morning and decided to leave my 100k salary to fulfill my life’s dream, to be a school police officer in SAUSD for half the money. ooh! and the fact that I was probably going to be fired soon!
OOHH! and stop talking bad about me on this bad bad blog, because if you do, I am going to have to get back on and try to pursued you from believing all these not so true lies about me. because thats what bad lairs like me do to prevent people from thinking that I am, because I’m not. Even though I am, but I don’t want people to know that I am. O.K!
—————————————-
Isn’t funny how things work!
It is almost comical, poster 1067 simply quotes the L.A Times article mentioning rIcK LoPeS and he finds it so compelling, he responds!
I truly now feel at peace when my children leave for school each day, knowing that Mr. Lopez is out and about protecting them and now since he is riding a motorcycle on patrol he will be impounding more cars than before for a small financial kick-back!
great Job,
keep up the good work!
The OJuice just got way jucier!
The trouble with having weak leaders is that they hire the same kind of people. A weak and corrupt leader could never consciously hire a really bright, competent and ethical subordinate. Because you know what that means. The leader’s job is now in jeapordy because of conflicting morals. Most people are NOT shady characters, so it really takes a lot of effort to find like-minded employees who ARE shady.
Guys like the SAUSD Police Chief and the head of HR must literally scour the state for “perfect matches” to hire. Why don’t they just sit outside the jail and snap up all the newly released crooks and pedophiles to staff the district departments? Would save them time.
DSO’s and RSO’s who have their Sh!!T together and do right (even when no one is watching) are automatic targets for elimination. Must be creepy to get written up for no reason and have to watch your back all the time.
I got to laugh at some of the questions to Rick L. Does he live in SA? or is he commuting like 200 miles a day for a big pay cut and lots of “family time” spent on the road?
The trouble with people who get all angry and have some pretty sketchy explanations is that it tips people off right away.
Come on back Rick. We believe you. Really!
The kid from Century who won the car for perfect attendance in SAUSD:
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/santaana/article_1732845.php
Out of the 10 member of the interview committee only Jack Oakes and Chris Anderson, the only two administrators on the committee, voted for Gomeztrejo. Guess where the actual decision was made?
10:17 pm:
Hmmmm who could it be? Maybe the mystery men behind the curtain: Bratcher and Lopez??
They pulled that guy out of the fire at Saddleback just in time. This promotion is gonna come back to bite those pepetrators of illicit selection, in their collective butts.
Mark my words.
Anybody know anything about the departure of Chris Anderson? She supposedly gave two weeks notice. Wonder what that’s all about.
#1085
Wow. She gets things done quickly. So it would be a shame to see her go. Maybe she got that Elementary Admin position?
Why would she possibly leave? She’s got a totally inept and dishonest HR boss. When there is some kind of criminal conduct, shes the one they send out to take the hit. She keeps getting played like a fool. She probably can’t sleep at night with all the illegal schemes that keep surfacing.
What’s not to love about her current job?
Hey, at SAHS there seems to be a real upsurge in ticketing of those not displaying a parking permit in the school lots… we’re talking $63 a ticket for teachers who actually have a permit but forgetting to put ’em up when using their spouse’s car and such things. Appeals are coming back denied without comment. Is this going on all over the district? After reading the LATimes article on our new addition to the SAUSD police force, I’m wondering if we’re experiencing a Maywood-style fund-raising program right here in Santa Ana schools.
#1085 and #1087
I heard she’s leaving the district. If it’s true, it’s probably the best decision she’s ever made!
1087 – who’s doing the ticketing? It may be the District Safety Officers at SAHS or it could be the infamous district school police. Geez, with all the teachers have to contend with at that school, ticketing their cars seems like a gestapo tactic.
#1086 –
It’s that time of year when administrators tender resignations and retire. Here’s hoping Bratcher, Juan Lopez, Don Trigg and Machado decide to spend more time with the family. If accurate, good riddance to Anderson.
Russo has to do something to atone for her brief but incompetent tenure.That’s why Anderson’s departure isn’t a surprise.
The public is still waiting on the disclosure of the final CSR audit promised by Russo.
OOOOHH RiCk,
Where are you?
Tell us how untrue the L.A Times is!
You still need to tell us how you spend those 5k or did you pocket the money at Vegas?
Corruption probe focuses on Maywood
Federal, state and local authorities are looking into claims that a tow firm owner who has city contracts lavished trips and meals on officials.
By Scott Glover and Matt Lait, Times Staff Writers
June 18, 2007
The owner of a tow truck company that landed a lucrative contract with the city of Maywood has spent thousands of dollars entertaining police and public officials, including paying for meals, tickets to sporting events and trips to Las Vegas, records and interviews show.
Two members of the City Council have acknowledged failing to report the gifts as required by state law.
Known in Maywood by the moniker “Bravo” or sometimes “Tony Bravo,” the owner’s real name is Tooradj Khosroabadi. Since 1998, he has made millions towing cars, largely through an aggressive campaign by the city to rid its streets of drunk or unlicensed drivers by impounding their vehicles.
The storage charges were sometimes so high that drivers
What’s happening with the Special Education situation over at Valley?
There was supposed to be a report submitted by the district. Anyone know if it got done?
I hear that the numbers of students that will attending Valley next year exceed the campus capacity. Another overcrowded year.
BTW: Mr. Borelli outlined the outlandish conditions that the special education department had to put up with back in DECEMBER of 2006. In June is when the state got involved. What a mess this district is. Obviously not in the business of taking care of students. Those knuckleheads at the top have no business being in education.
#1092
Not only is Valley overcrowded for next year, the district will be installing *portables* to accommodate the overflow.
Meanwhile Godinez barely has 600 students enrolled for the fall.
While can’t Russo and Bratcher effectively deal with the boundary boondoggle they’ve created?
#1090
Chris Anderson has undone some pretty terrible things that Lopez has done to staff. I think she got scapegoated into doing some of the dumber stuff like voting for ol Fred at Valley and taking the blame for the fraudulent rosters. According to some, she was only one of two who voted for Fred out of 10. the “real” work apparently was done behind the scenes.
The fraud of overcrowding classes and claiming that they were 20 students or less to rip off the state of California has been in operation for more than just this year.
Anderson actually answers her phone and takes care of some pretty stinky situations.
She’s smart to get out. She is among lazy, backstabbing wolves.
I agree with your comments about the other freeloaders. The citizens in SA deserve so much better. Hard working families deserve a decent shot at good education for their children. The current bunch of rip-offs need to go. Add Bishop and Jones to that bunch.
#1094
Dr. Anderson got scapegoated into voting for Freddy and the siphoning of public money? If she got scapegoated then it’s clear she has no educational integrity. One less SAUSD administrator with no educational integrity is a good thing.
Just because she answers her phone doesn’t make her a model administrator.
Nonetheless, I agree with your comments about Jones & Bishop. These two should be tossed out with Bratcher.
At nearly 1100 posts possibly somebody should take the hint.
The reason this blog is the most widely posted on blog within the OJ family is because everyone has a story to tell over and over and over again but very little seems to be done about it until somebody steps up to the plate and does something.
A few teachers stepped up and we have a roster scandel. A couple of more teachers step up and we have a special ed scandal brewing.
But we still have almost 1100 posts here that have told these stories about the problems long ago.
What is fact is this blog can go to millions but until those in the trenches are willing to step out from under this blog and actually go to the newspapers, or public beyond this blog which obviously is ignored by those in power, NOTHING is going to happen.
This is a great place to vent but I’m tired of re-reading about the school cops, the Chestnut administration incompetence, the board incompetence,the superintendent’s incompetence, Segerstroms elite chosen students and all the rest here on Gilligans Island.
It makes for great reading but the people who need to read it, like the state Education department, the Attorney General or even the local district attorney don’t seem to be bothered because obviously no one cares enough to take any action other than to post and hope someone else will do something.
I know easy for me to say. Yes it is. I don’t work for the district but I am interested. I have no political ties nor do I have any influence with those who can do something. Just my opinion folks. I agree with almost every one of you on the problems but I can’t fix them. That appears to be up to you.
Please don’t let this be true!!! I heard from a source that when Dr. Anderson leaves, the District made a deal to move Willard principal Jeff Bishop into her postion. Can you imagine Mr. Bishop hiring and firing our certificated staff? If Mr. Bishop gets into HR, I am jumping ship. See you all later!!
TO: Dr. A. Noji- President, Santa Ana Unified School Board
Subject: Graduation Waivers
Speaking on behalf of members of the staff of Saddleback High School, we
are deeply concerned about the granting of graduation requirement waivers by
our school site administrator, Esther Jones. It has come to our attention,
from a reliable source, that she was directed by Dr. Lewis Bratcher to take
whatever means necessary to increase the graduation rate at Saddleback High
School.
Mrs. Jones granted waivers to course requirements for 30 seniors and
allowed them to gain their diploma in direct violation of Board Policy. In
addition, 15 of those seniors, due to waived course requirements, did not
achieve the mandatory 240 credit requirement directed by Board policy as
well.
This situition occurred last year if you will recall, and we, were given
to understand that corrective action was taken and this type of situation
would not occur again. This type of action is not only illegal but also
unethical. The diplomas that are given out to graduating seniors, who
legitimately achieved passing scores and attained credit requirements, lose
validity and value. These waivers also usurp the final decision making
authority of the teacher. Our fellow teachers have already sited examples
of underclassmen saying things such as
#1096 “I know easy for me to say. Yes it is. I don’t work for the district but I am interested. I have no political ties nor do I have any influence with those who can do something. Just my opinion folks. I agree with almost every one of you on the problems but I can’t fix them. That appears to be up to you.”
If you are a citizen of Santa Ana, you CAN contact district officials and point out this blog and demand answers. If you just need some phone numbers or email addresses, ask and they will be provided.
People in Santa Ana have got to insist on accountability and the end to grave mismanagement of SAUSD school system.
Btw: ALL of the wrong-doers know about this blog. Russo and Olasky might not yet know. But you can fix that, if you want. Just say the word.
#1095
As with any new job, it is always hard to figure out fellow employees. Look at who surrounds Anderson: Bratcher, Lopez, Machado, Trigg etc…. Her BOSS is Lopez. Egads.
I bet in a million years she would never have guessed that she would have to deal with the depth of deception present in the district.
Fwiw, her underlings respected her and she did help out quite a bit with getting decent treatment to abused employees that Lopez would not have done on his own.
It would not suprise me if she was being lied to constantly. One can only take so much.
1097 – It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Bishop was moved downtown. Isn’t that where failing principals go? Sadly, Jane and Audrey speak glowingly about Bishop. They think he’s done wonderful things at Willard. All I can say is that after four years of his reign, Willard has the lowest test scores in the county. It’s more that just a coincidence.
Heard that 20 teachers from Willard put in for voluntary transfers. Seems to speaks volumes about Bishop, but does anyone downtown care?
Rumors.
Anderson got a deputy superintendent position in another district. Her efficiency, competence and professionalism simply didn’t match the office culture that the other Asst. Supers have cultivated over the years.
Fred’s position at Saddleback was not filled. Este and Evie had a falling out and all the additional duties are putting a strain on Evie who will most likely retire this year.
Breaking tradition for the first time remembered, the VP of guidance did not lead the parade of graduates to the stage this year. Ms. Lizardi was relegated to “security” detail. Whatever that is. Petty, mean slight. Everyone saw through it.
Alex Flores and company did an awesome job of asking for additional money for the youth of SA by bringing signs and speaking before the council.
Ms. Martinez came to Saddleback’s graduation. Thanks for all the support!
Bratcher and Lopez are scrambling to keep all the fibs under wraps, but the bad things just keep seeping out. Circle the wagon time.
#1101
Lopez sure better hope that doesn’t happen. Christine Anderson was very professional and just did her job. No bullying in her manner at all.
Bishop is very ambitious and can torment others with gusto as can be seen in the numbers of fleeing staff at Willard. He’s not nice to others, but he is sharp and efficient. He’s also on the favorites list.
He’ll be taking slices out Lopez in under three months of being in that position, is my prediction.
It’s interesting when the bullies turn on their own. They always need a fall guy. With Anderson gone and if something goes wrong – bet it won’t be Bishop who takes the final hit.
#1096 –
Grand Jury
#1104
Sounds right to me. Who shall lead them? It sure as hell won’t be the unions or they would not have let it gone this far!
Interested in becoming a principal in SAUSD? It helps to have been a soccer coach to the daughter of Juan Lopez. Just ask Freddy Gomeztrejo – apparently that’s how he arrived at Valley.
# 106
It has got to really rile some of the district principals and vice principals to see this kind of shoddy HR work based on shortcuts for promotions based on favoritism.
People get demoted all the time in SAUSD. Think anyone will put him back as a vice principal and move up someone with actual PROVEN PERFORMANCE in the district? A newcomer cherry picking assignments over all the deserving veterans is not good for morale at all.
Jane Russo just going to pretend she didn’t notice how that happened?
The shoddy HR practices will continue because Russo allows these sub-standard business practices.
And Russo will continue until the BoE holds her accountable.
And it’s the voters that must force that accountability by rejecting Richardson, Noji and Avila as school board members.
# 1108
Yes it is the voters. Sadly it only taken about 6 months to realize that a Mijares clone or trained seal was put in place to replace him.
It doesn’t take much to see the promotions, the scams, the removal of those who don’t follow the company line, to realize this is the same regime.
Obviously it is the city coupled with the district so teachers now is the time. July is a great time to put out those resumes. You may take a pay cut but you will survive in your sanity. The time to leave is now.
CSEA employees, hey you got it made until they come after you for something you may or may have not done. I suggest you look around for another district or job too.
The state doesn’t seem to be going to step in after all this mess so it’s time to move on. You staying will not change the education profile of the children.
They will be graduated without true diplomas, or drop out as always no matter if you are trying or not. You can’t beat a dead horse.
When I left the district I felt I had abondoned my kids. In my new district I found kids wanting to learn and that was refreshing.
Instead of 20 kids flashing me gang signs, I discovered 20 kids that actually wanted to be someone.
We can’t change the world. With the administration at SAUSD no one can change the concept that Trigg said when he equated children to dollar signs. I didn’t need that and I’m at peace but always concerned for those I left behind.
Sad that good employees have to leave. This flight from the district will even affect the coveted fundamental schools. Even they will be unable to attract and keep the best and the brightest teachers. Great teachers want experienced, ethical colleagues. They want to be in a district that has a good reputation for treating the students and teachers well.
Former VP at Saddleback has filed EEOC complaint against Jones and Bratcher for discrimination.
Should be easy to prove. Some pretty ugly stuff was said about him and to him in front of plenty of witnesses.
Discrimination against people with disabilities is a hallmark of SAUSD practices.
Saddleback has to be the number one favorite school in the district for attorneys who work for the district. Constant revenue stream.
At the beginning of the June 11th week SAEA got wind that the District was bringing in attorneys to interview six Valley teachers over the complaint on Special Education at Valley lodged with the State. SAEA managed to get a Representative posted to the meeting, which took place on Friday June 15th, incase these six teachers wanted SAEA in the room. Under pressure from the District
# 1112
It doesn’t get much more out there than that does it? Even while under strutiny, the district could not care less.
The district response is unbelievable. There is a potential problem and instead of showing that Jane Russo is capable of looking into the matter without all sorts of heavy handed tactics that are obviously meant to intimidate and insult the teachers, we are treated to yet another episode of over the top “management”. How much is our organization paying for all that attorney time to quiz teachers and write up whatever kind of banana republic “admission statements” they cooked up?
Here we have absolutely irresponsible cost overruns for a very simple solution that would yield legal results: have the Assistant Superintendent of Special Ed do her job, investigate and make recommended changes. How tough is that?
Instead it takes a whole batallion of highly paid people to shore up total incompetence and a probable coverup of some sort.
A couple of newbies without proper credentials are now the department heads? Whos stupid idea is that?
These morons spend taxpayer money like drunken soldiers. It seems like the more pricy administrators that are added to the payroll, the more things continue to deteroriate. Then they call in the lawyers to play mommie to clean up the messes that they just won’t take care of.
And you were all warned about Fred Gomeztrejo.
WHO authorized the attorneys in the first place? Did the district submit a written report on the status of the special education concerns, as required by the state? Where is the state oversight on this matter? Which downtown officials were present at the second meeting in Gomeztrejo
If # 1112
# 1117
I believe it and anyone with any horse sense would have never signed them, yet they have 2 lackies wanting to be chairpersons and get on the gravy train to the district even though they may not have the credentials for it.
Those 4 other teachers who would not sign are going to have to step up to the state investigators, the department of the attorney general, or the union, although I’ve lost a lot of faith there.
Otherwise they will have to live with it. They will lose their jobs no doubt but do they really want to stay under this kind of madness? This is even more unsophisticated than MiJares pulled.
The attorneys for the district are part of illegal networking by administrators willing to steal from the community, staff and students. They should be giving a vote of no confidence and should be approached as suspect in any dealings. Always have a tape recorder for meetings, whether you have SAEA representation or not. Typical practice in SAUSD is to hold a meeting and then write up meeting notes that are false and have the unsuspecting teacher sign those notes. There is no longer any reason for SAEA to ignore this overused and highly suspect practice that railroads teachers by inserting false statements and coercion into the process. In addition, teachers who are being forced to sign something can always sign it and note: Signed under threat/duress/pressure by _______________. Or simply write: Refused to Sign.
In addition, every teacher should have SAEA
Appointing the least two qualified teachers to be the department chairs for the new school year is just appalling but sadly, predictable.
Should the BoE continue to overlook Russo’s bungled 6-month tenure, then it’s time to recall Audrey Noji. Then the voters must reject Richardson/Avila in Nov. 08.
Why stop there? Any parent who cares would recall the whole board. That seems like a great place to start. Do you really think it is magic Segerstrom has the pick of the litter? Noji, Avilla, and former board member Tenajaro live 2 blocks away from that school. They don’t want ‘be down ganstas’ in there neighborhoods.
Start from scratch, get the state involved or move on to another district. If this latest doesn’t prove these people are thumbing their collective noses at the district then what will.
#1122
No need to dump the whole board. John Palacio gives out his number and other contact information upon request. He actually knows what is going on but is in a minority position on the board.
Avila, Noji and Richardson have done nothing, to date, to indicate that they want to know what the important issues are currently in the district. Hernandez is new -recently slapped around by Richardson – and has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to figuring out the issues.
Got any ideas for 3 news board candidates who will actually be involved with making this district better?
I have three used up ones, I’ll trade u for 😉
Ahh what the hey. When you lie down with dogs everyone gets fleas. Sweep them all out.
Palacio has made some retribution from his days backing Nativo, but then their was the issue of Grisset school being built several blocks from his home that cost the district a pretty penny when it was cancelled and relocated elsewhere. I think they call that the NIMBY rule.
In all fairness Palacio has made some great statements but look what has happened in the last 6 months anyway. The latest reported fiasco at Valley (if true) isn’t what I would call reassuring for anyone on that board.
Palacio may have found Jesus in the last few years but he needs to do more than pay lip service to it.
Hernandez got slapped down as you mentioned. Now that he is licking his wounds I’m sure he is trying to learn how to get into the clan so it won’t happen again. Scratch.
I may be anglo but I think what this board needs are some savvy hispanic parents such as lawyers, doctors or other well educated individuals not associated with education. People that can read the legaleze presented them and not rubber stamp it because it’s too hard to understand. Find a few of those and maybe you will have a BOE that cares.
What is wrong with this picture?
District sends in attorneys to take statements from the special education teachers and then the teachers get the inaccurate statements back from the attorneys to sign. And they refuse to sign.
what was wrong with asking the teachers to write out their own statements? Professional education teachers are used to writing accurate reports all the time. Why not treat them as professionals and let them write their own observations and opinions? Why do taxpayers have to fork out thousands of dollars for lawyers to write up “spin”? as someone called it.
Anyone who read Mr. Borelli’s detailed list of concerns WAY BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2006 about the special education students would have immediately seen that he was fully capable of writing up a report detailing the positives and the negatives of how the program was being run.
Gomeztrejo being sneaky and manipulative is absolutely no suprise. There are darned good reasons he’s failed as principal twice in other districts. His buddy Lopez did him a favor and the rest of the staff a disservice.
Do not deal with the lawyers for the district or the really bad administrators without representation. In fact, after this little bait and switch, any employee who is not absolutely certain they are dealing with an ethical authority figure in the district should always be on guard and have representation.
Trust has to be earned from here out. Trusting SAUSD administration has gotten a whole lot of people a whole lot of grief. Be and stay cautious.