Seven Hours in Fifteen Minutes, Sweetwater defendants find little solace in open session’s public comment.

Seven Hours in Fifteen Minutes

For those that missed it, here is “seven hours in 15 minutes” of public comment at the Sweetwater Union High School District held On January 30.

Board members and administrator face almost 800 people in open session. On the agenda, a request for the district to fund an estimated $1.2 million in legal fees for current and past board members and administrators charges with several felony and misdemeanor charges in District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis’ pay to play corruption charges.

With almost seven hours of open session, teachers, students and the community speak out against the alleged corruption giving receiving little support.  Not only did public speakers speak against those charged with crimes, but Board Member John McCann and Superintentent Dr. Edward Brant got an earful from the public in their roles in what that majority of speakers called a long time of controversy, corruption and lies. Legal fees, the Vega Report, recall petitions, wrongful hiring, campaign contributions and Brown Act violations, stepping down from office and a strange cat fight between members of the public and Board Member John McCann dominated the long night.

Board Member Arlie Ricasa defended the need for funds, but offered “conditions” be added to the agenda that if found guilty of any charges, the money should be paid back in full.