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Home Remodeling and Construction in Bergen County, NJ Do you have a home, townhome or investment property that you'd like to remodel in Bergen County NJ? Oliver Developments LLC is a full service general contractor based out of Bergen County, NJ that specializes in home remodeling and new residential construction projects such as home additions, kitchen remodeling, basement remodeling, bathroom remodeling, project management and more.
Carmelo Oliveri (owner of Oliveri Developments) is a native of Bergen County NJ. As our many residential projects and satisfied clients will attest, we attend to every detail of every project – from realizing your larger vision to flawlessly executing the finishing work. Combining our expertise in architecture, design and general construction, our team fields three highly trained and seasoned Project Managers, twelve Carpenters and an administrative staff.
Remodeling and Construction Services We Offer:
- Whole Home Remodeling
- Home Additions
- Kitchens, Bathrooms and Basements
- New Construction
- Pre-Construction Management
- Construction Project Management
Home Remodeling Services Bergen County NJ
We provide a variety of home remodeling services for residents of Bergen County. From a complete interior and exterior home makeover to remodeling a single room in your home to building a 1000 square foot new addition. Oliveri Developments LLC can help you design, plan and build the home that you've always wanted. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Basements and more.
New Construction Services Bergen County NJ
Do you have an empty lot you'd like to build on? Maybe you'd like to build a shop or a new garage? New construction projects require intense planning and management skills and this is where Oliveri Developments LLC excels. We've streamlined the construction process for Bergen County homeowners and we can help you plan, design and build any type of residential structure on your Bergen County, NJ property.
Construction Project Management Services Bergen County NJ
We offer project management services where we are engaged by the owner as an extension of the owner's staff to direct, coordinate and/or monitor the team, the contractor(s), the various regulatory agencies involved with a project and all other elements involved in getting a construction or remodeling project from being a concept to a completely finished product ready for your family to enjoy. When it comes to managing a remodeling or construction project many homeowners think they can do it themselves (it usually overwhelms them with stress!). Others will believe the low-priced contractor and their smooth sales pitch and have faith that he really does know what he's doing. But what if they don't know? What if the project just doesn't go the way you had planned…? What do you do then?
We are expert planners and managers with very clear directives and very clear and concise communication between us and our team. We take the stress out of construction projects, no matter how complicated they may seem.
We Buy Houses in Bergen County, New Jersey
In keeping with our mission to constantly improve the services we can provide to our customers, Principal owner of Oliveri Development is also Broker/Owner of Blast Realty LLC, 140 E Ridgewood Paramus NJ 07652
With the implementation of our realty services division, Oliveri Development LLC along with Blast Realty LLC now has the capability to:
- List and sell the homes we build as well as the homes of our current clients.
- Arrange short term rentals for client's whose projects require them to move out of their home.
- Help our clients identify & acquire properties ideal for Knockdown / rebuild or renovation.
Blast Realty is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Real Source Association of Realtors, The Garden State and NJMLS Multiple Listing Services and are preferred vendors on Realtor.com.
Why Choose Oliveri Developments LLC For Your Real Estate and Remodeling Needs?
When you choose Oliveri Developments LLC to complete your home remodeling or construction project you are taking on a valued partner with a vested interested in making your home the best it can be. Our dedicated project managers and craftsman will treat your project as if they were working on their own home. We're here to help you "Build Your Dream".


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If, like me, you're playing StarCraft II on a Mac, you've little choice in the hardware on which you'll play it. But if you're in the market for a new PC, you may want to make it a StarCraft-playing beast.
Fortunately for you, TechSpot has put the recently released StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty through its paces, determining which video cards and CPUs handle ultra high quality graphics at ultra high resolutions best. Don't know your GeForce GTX 260s from your GeForce GTX 480s? Brush up!
The good news is that it doesn't appear that you'll need to spend much to get the most out of StarCraft II, which won't tax your octo-core CPU set up as much as you think it might.
If you're cool with your current Windows PC, let us know what your specs are.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty GPU & CPU Performance [TechSpot]

subset: commoncrawl


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Dear Slice: Porta National Park
Slice mail answered.
Digging through the Slice mailbag we have a report on Porta National Park in Asbury Park from amusebouche1. As you may recall, this week's My Pie Monday included a Porta-inspired pie from tommyeats. Since this first report, amusebouche1 has made return visits with more intel here. For more pictures check out his blog.
Porta has a lot going for it. First a great personable staff, two wood-fired Neapolitan ovens, they use Italian "00" flour and trained/visited with Roberto Caporuscio at Keste' on Bleecker Street in NYC. Keste' is the official location in the USA for APN (Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani) whose mission is to protect and preserve the Neapolitan pizza tradition and promote the art of pizza making. The organization also certifies professional pizza makers in the tradition of Neapolitan Pizza. Roberto is President. I do not know if the staff is certified or just went for pizza and chatted.
As you can see from the picture, Porta is in an odd location and not welcoming from the outside. But it is one block from the boardwalk/beach and directly behind Asbury Park's legendary Stone Pony, once home to Bruce Springsteen. At one end of the space are three large garage doors that lead to an outside gravel patio with a bocce ball court. I imagine in the summer Porta will be packed.
The inside is also as industrial as the exterior. The walls are unpainted cinderblock, the floor is cement. The beams and duct work are exposed and even the bar feels handmade but not by a carpenter. The tables are picnic tables. It is cavernous and loud. The two ovens are located at the back as is the prep/serving area.
I have been there twice and both times I ordered a carbonara. It is topped with guanciale (cured pig jowl), Parmigiano Reggiano, roasted egg, extra virgin olive oil, parsley, black pepper $13. I had the Parmigiano replaced with fresh mozzarella. The pies could not have been more different. Pie one was mostly crust with little mozzarella but nicely cooked. Pie two pictured below, was nicely cooked but suffered from too much cheese. But I liked both for different reasons.
My wife ordered a Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, extra virgin olive oil, basil $12. She felt the crust was under done. It was also a different diameter from mine. We noticed this was a trend at other tables. As for the crust, it contains no sugar or EVOO. It will char but not caramelize.
On my second visit a friend of mine ordered the Italian stallion, pictured below. It is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian roasters/peppers $16. It was good, but not great.
I will go back in a few weeks to see what has changed and order the arugula. It is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, garlic, arugula, truffle oil $14 and a Verdi imperial stout (11.2 oz) $12. But I do think Porta National Park has all the correct pieces of the puzzle, the menu for me is happily edgy (guanciale where else?), but some pieces need a better fit.
Porta National Park
911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (map) 732-776-7661; pizzaporta.com
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Green roofs – roofs with soil and plants placed on top of conventional roofs – are growing in popularity. And that's a good thing.
Urban sprawl and growing population density contribute to climate change in a way that is often overlooked: heat islands – urban areas that are hotter than surrounding rural areas.
According to the EPA, "Heat islands can affect communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, Kyle Walsh Pa Women Fashion Ankle Boots High Square Heel Round Toe Platform Autumn Winter Bootiesair conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water pollution." That's a significant amount of harm!
Green roofs may alleviate some of the harm that heat islands create.
Plants on green roofs capture airborne pollutants and atmospheric disposition and filter noxious gases. By helping to moderate temperatures inside the buildings beneath them, green roofs also reduce the stress on power plants, which can reduce the amount of CO2 released into the air. And the benefits don't stop there. Here is a list of the personal and community benefits of green roofs.
In California alone, 14 of the most massive 20 Kyle Walsh Pa Women's Elegant Pumps Ladies Stiletto Pointed Toe High-Heel Autumn Spring Office shoes occurred in the last 15 years. When correctly built, green roofs can aid in the protection of homes because the common plants used in extensive green roofs are sedums and succulents, which retain much more water than other plants making them less likely to ignite or catch fire.
Green rooftops act as an additional barrier between the sun's harsh ultraviolet rays and the waterproofing membranes on your roof that can be damaged by drastic temperature fluctuations.
The extra layer of protection from the sun that green roofs provide helps to reduce energy costs by acting as natural insulation. The National Research Council in Canada found that green roofs reduced the need for air conditioning by nearly Eric Carl Women Sandals High Heels New Prints Summer Fashion Leather Sandals Platform shoes Woman Casual Slipper. Lindsay Phillips Women's Liz Ballet FlatThis process of lowering the temperature of the building is called evapotranspiration, whereby the plants absorb water through their roots and use the heat in the surrounding air so the water evaporates.
A recent study conducted at Stanford Medicine concluded that green roofs aren't just good for the environment, they actually boost productivity. The study further showed that contact with nature not only lowered stress, but improved concentration and mood.
As discussed earlier, UHI is caused by the heat created by energy from people, cars, buses, and trains in big cities. Areas affected by UHI can have worse air and quality than their rural neighbors. Green roofs help reduce the UHI effect because the plants absorb carbon dioxide and leading pollutants.
Green roofs absorb and retain 70–90% of rainwater during the summer and 25–40% during the winter, ERSER Bright Lemons Oil Womens Running shoes Wide Widththereby acting as a natural filter for stormwater runoff.
Now that you know about the benefits of green roofs, let's talk about the different types of green roofs, of which there are mainly two: intensive and extensive, which is determined by the depth of planting soil and the amount of maintenance they need.
Intensive green roofs are basically elevated parks. They're recreational areas on rooftops that can support gardens, trees, playgrounds, parks, walkways, benches and other activities that require complex structural support.
Chicago's City Hall is a great example of an intensive green roof.
Because of installation and maintenance costs and requirements, intensive green roofs are best suited for commercial or government buildings.
If your town or city is proposing new construction, attend the town hall or meeting to advocate for the addition of a green roof. You can also organize to introduce a green roof initiative like the one recently passed in ERSER Art Guitar bluee Road Running shoes Women.
Extensive green roofs are a shallow covering of greenery on the roof. Not designed for recreational use, the extensive garden is simpler, costs less and has many of the same benefits.
Because of the lighter nature of extensive green roofs, they require a weight capacity limit of only 15–50 pounds per square foot, which means they need less structural support. And, once established, they also require less maintenance. They are a great option for homes and condos.
The first thing you should do is check with a professional installer ERSER Beach Heaven Outdoor Running shoes WomenERSER White Poodle Dog Hawaiian Floral Women's 2018 Nylon Running shoesto be sure your roof is a good extensive green roof candidate.
A green roof can be built using a variety of materials, but the basic features of a green roof include:
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You might love the idea of green roofs, but if you're not quite ready to create one for your building, you might want to consider a rooftop container garden. But, before you start planning the garden, make sure you have both the legal permission and the structural integrity ERSER gold Leopard Print Skin Long Distance Running shoes WomenERSER Brown Giraffe Skin Womens Brooks Running shoes Sizerequired for the task.
Our most vulnerable communities are affected by extreme heat first – and most. The EPA warns that cities like Chicago could see 30 more days per year of 100+ degree weather. If green roofs can help reduce the urban heat island effect, then let's work to ensure municipal governments – and the real estate developers they approve – commit to the best kind of urban jungle: green roofs.
Posted on July 22, 2019
Netroots Nation, the yearly progressive conference that brings together activists, politicians, the news media and more for four days of trainings, panels, networking and featured speakers, was held in Philadelphia July 10–13 – and CREDO members and staff were out in full force.
Nearly every year, CREDO plays a role at the event, from its nascent beginnings more than 15 years ago to this year's largest-ever conference.
CREDO Action Co-Director Heidi Hess opened the Friday afternoon keynote addresses with a moving speech celebrating the power of the progressive grassroots movement and reflecting on our responsibilities to work hard and dream big when it comes to using our power to create the world we all deserve.
CREDO Action Campaign Manager Thaís Marques hosted an organizing training entitled "What is Absorption? Turning Mobilizing into Organizing at Scale" with Nicole Carty of PowerLabs. During her session, Thaís explained how we can turn moments of outrage into meaningful, real and lasting power, and used her experience as an organizer at Movimiento Cosecha as an example of how she helped bring people from all walks of life, especially in immigrant communities, together during and after powerful mobilizations.
And CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy joined the Netroots "town square" with a major presence designed to bring together activists and progressive leaders to meet our staff and learn more about our mobile and energy products. We were honored to play a large role in the success of this year's Netroots Nation, and we look forward to seeing our friends and fellow CREDO members in Denver next August!
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Posted on July 16, 2019
I know what you're thinking. It's 2019, aren't our phones waterproof yet? The answer is Womens Boots Leather Knee Boots with Zipper Wedge Heel Non-Slip High Boots Warm Outdoor Hidden Heels Boots for Fall Winter. While new Faux Suede Women Winter Warm Ankle Boots Lace Up Casual shoes Women Gladiator Round Toe Women Flats shoess and Androids are designed to resist some kinds of water and dust damage—if treated properly—they are Women's Comfort shoes Microfiber Spring & Fall Sneakers Flat Heel White Black.
So before you head to the pool, beach, or river this summer let's talk about some things you can do to help prevent accidental water damage to your phone.
This solution is for the more budget-conscious consumer. A smartphone dry bag is just a thin bag in which you can seal your smartphone. At a cost between $7-30, it is a great option if you are looking for a limited use solution such as a day at the beach or pool. But there are a few downsides you should be aware of:
Some popular brands include VIC Women's Casual Canvas Slip-On shoes, Nicole Miller New York Womens Rainyday, Skechers Women's Madison Ave Charcoal 5.5 B US, Vansky, and Mpow.
Some people make fun of the Ziploc-type bag phone case, but this cheap solution actually works. Waterproof phone pouches work especially well at the beach because they keep both sand and water away from your smartphone.
Here's a video tutorial that shows how two bags provide superior protection by securing the initial seal. And if you think this option is enticing, you are going to love this upgraded option involving a vacuum-sealing device like the Food Saver.
Before you go running towards the open water with your newly protected device, be sure to test it in a sink or basin filled with water. Once you've tested the device, you'll be primed to capture amazing underwater images of your epic waterborne adventures.
Check out our post, 5 Things Every Smartphone User Should Know, where we've detailed what you should do if your phone does come in contact with water.
Now that you've properly protected your phone, it's time to lay back, enjoy the summer, and relax.
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Posted on July 10, 2019


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- Did you mean
- farm sheet template
Search results
Respiratory Safety
family members by wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Find out more in our fact ... sheets on how to protect against dust and mold at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79010, or ...
Hazard Communication Program and Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Resources: OSU Hazard Communication Plan Template (PDF) OSU Hazard ... Link to OSU Lab Standard Resources (PPE, SOPs, etc...) OSHA Hazard Communication Fact Sheet OSHA Hazard ... A chemical inventory of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.- Copies of "Safety Data Sheets" (SDS) ...
Animal Science- Hazard Communication Plan and SOPs
Hazard Communication Fact Sheet OSHA Hazard Communication: Frequently Asked Questions Global ... A chemical inventory of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.- Copies of "Safety Data Sheets" (SDS) ... Resources: OSU Hazard Communication Plan Template (PDF) OSU Hazard Communication Plan Template (Word Doc) ...
Electrical Safety & Lockout / Tagout
Resources: OSU Electrical Safety Program OSHA Electrical Safety OSHA Electrical Safety Fact Sheet OSHA ...
Hot Work, Welding, Cutting, & Brazing
Fact Sheet on Controlling Hazardous Fumes and Gases during Welding OSHA Quicktake Hexavalent Chromium ...
Tailgate Safety Training for Employees
Small Farm and Garden Safety Series Fact Sheets (Ohioline) Farm Safety Fact Sheets (Ohioline) Reviewed ... any safety concerns and address any issues. Be sure to document or have a "sign-in" sheet ...
Forklift and Powered Industrial Truck Safety
Forklift Operation Oregon OSHA- Forklift Operation Safety Fact Sheet Intella- Forklift Safety Resources ...
CFAES Field Teaching & Research Safety
Research Safety Plan Template CFAES Environmental / Natural Resources Field Research Safety Guidelines ... CFAES Environmental / Natural Resources Field Research Safety Plan Template CFAES Severe Weather ... Research Plan Template Safety Guidelines for Field Researchers (UC Berkley) OSU FAQ for Standard Operating ...
Employee Safety Resources
Agricultural Operations webpage (English & Spanish versions) OSHA Farm Safety Fact Sheet (pdf) OSHA Youth ... Ready Ag: Disaster and Defense Preparedness (pdf) ASHCA Facts 2015- Be Safe, Be Profitable Farm ... Sheets Printable Safety Posters OSU Ag Safety Posters (Print size 8.5 x 11 and larger) Farm Equipment ...
Building Emergency Action Plans (BEAP) & CFAES Crisis Communication Plan
will be provided by contacting the CFAES Safety and Health Coordinator. The BEAP Template is intended ... Template was created to include information for all departments to use during emergencies; however, some ... needs. Resources: OSU Building Emergency Action Plan (BEAP) Building Emergency Action Plan Template OSU ...


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Experts puzzled by razorbill rescue
Bird experts were puzzled after a razorbill was rescued 60 miles from the coast - only the third time in a century that the seabird has been spotted inland.
Vanessa Hill was on the way to pick up her daughter from school in Tockwith, North Yorkshire, when she saw what she thought was a penguin on the quiet country lane.
The mother, who runs Leeds Cat Rescue, coaxed the bird into a bag and took it to a vets to be checked over.
She said: "He looked a bit confused when I found him and was very indignant when I tried to gather him up - I got a nasty peck for my troubles too.
"I looked online to see where razorbills 'hang out' and came across RSPB Bempton Cliffs, so got in touch with them."
With her daughter Ella, she made the 120 mile round trip to the reserve near Bridlington, and returned the razorbill to the sea.
Keith Clarkson of the RSPB said: "It's an absolute mystery as to how this little bird ended up so far inland.
"There are somewhere around 20,000 razorbills nesting on Bempton cliffs and, to my knowledge, this is only the third time ever that a razorbill has been found inland in the last century.
"We know there were some foggy conditions around the time the bird was found, so it may be that he got completely lost in the fog and couldn't find his way back.
"It's very unusual though."
PA Media


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At Le Buste we offer the brands that specialise in Dd+ Bras that are made for us in mind. We don't want to pigeon hole our size range as we go beyond D-K cup bras Australia. The need for plus size bras is growing and I can't stress enough how important to be in a quality bra and be fit correctly. Quality plus sized bras are not easily accessible on the High Street. It is a specialised industry, with a great deal invested in technology and engineering. The brands we stock may not be new to you, though will find they aren't as readily available as the smaller range. We don't want a mainstream line that hasn't put the technology and thought into what is required for Dd+ bras. It is complicated! The lingerie needs to be engineered correctly with a fuller bust in mind. Even the lines we stock there are slight differences in a single style as the cup size or band size gets larger. It may be some added side support or number of hooks at the back. This means that no matter what the size the fit is not going to change.
Not all brands are made equal and nor do they specialise in fuller sizes. Quality is extremely important in Dd+ bras. Good quality bras (not necessarily expensive) will to stand the test, be supportive, comfortable and be stylish. Choosing the right brand and bra will mean that larger cup sizes fit how they are meant to! We only want to fit you in the best for our size range and are confident that the Lingerie Houses that we stock are a perfect fit for plus sized bras. We are constantly evolving both our lines and expanding our range. For us though it is quality over quantity. We are a proud stockist and stand behind all the lingerie houses that we stock. They each do Dd+ bras exceptionally well. We know that you will love them as much as we do.


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Quake hits South Africa, 1 killed
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — An earthquake shook buildings in Johannesburg and surrounding areas in South Africa's most populous province on Tuesday. At least one person was killed and three were injured, medical staff said.
The magnitude-5.3 quake was centered in Orkney, 170 kilometers (105 miles) southwest of Johannesburg, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
One man died when a wall of a disused mining building fell on him, said Werner Vermaak, a spokesman for emergency responders working in the Orkney area, a center of gold-mining operations. Mine managers ordered the evacuation of workers from shafts and there were no immediate reports of casualties underground, Vermaak said.
Three people were hurt when the quake damaged a training center at a mine, said Phoka Sefali, a receptionist at a hospital in Orkney.
"The roof fell on them, but they haven't got serious injuries," he said.
Hospital staff were on standby, awaiting the outcome of safety checks on miners who were underground at the time of the earthquake, Sefali said.
Quakes are a concern to mining companies that operate around Johannesburg, the biggest city in Gauteng province. Mining is a traditional pillar of industry in South Africa.
Lindy Sirayi, a guesthouse owner in Orkney, said the tremor broke glass lampshades and cracked a wall, and that dogs started barking during the quake, which lasted about a minute. Aftershocks were felt, but the electricity in the guesthouse stayed on, Sirayi said.
The quake was also felt in Pretoria, the South African capital, and Hartbeespoort, a nearby resort town.
The area has periodic, moderate tremors, though the quake on Tuesday was one of the strongest in recent years.


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Welcome to the Cooking module. This resource is based on Licence to Cook, the initative in England which sought to provide all secondary school students with the opportunity to learn how to cook, as well as make informed decisions about their diet and health. It is based on students experiencing a minimum of 16 hours of practical cooking, learning essential cooking skills.
To aid progression and flexibility, the resources have been divided into 3 modules. Modules should be taught in sequence, but the cooking sessions within each module can be taught in any order. The sessions and recipe suggestions are a minimum. For each session, 2-3 recipes and accompanying lesson plans are suggested. These are provided as they help you to teach particular skills and techniques, e.g. using the hob safely. However, if you have established lesson plans and/or recipes, which support the aims and objectives of these sessions, feel free to use them instead.
Sessions can act as a stand-alone lesson or can be integrated into a series of lessons. Ideas are provided in each session. There is also lots of room for students to be creative through the recipes suggested. You could get your students to use a recipe writing frame to develop their own ideas. The students' own recipe creations could then be prepared.
Through experiencing these 16 sessions, students should be confident and competent in preparing and cooking a range of different dishes, plus have the skills and knowledge to adapt these for the future.
Licence to Cook was funded by the Department for Education in England to provide all secondary school students with the opportunity to learn how to cook, as well as make informed decisions about their diet and health. It was ran by a consortium comprising the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, the Design and Technology Association and the British Nutrition Foundation.
The information provided in this Cooking module is provided under the Open Governemnet Licence. Terms can be found at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence
This resource was developed for the DfE Licence to Cook programme 2007-2011.
© Crown copyright 2011


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In Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3 or later, when you set the "Add to playlist" destination setting to Library for the Master File or an Apple Devices share destination, then you share your project or clip, your file might not appear in iTunes. To make sure your media appears in your iTunes library, do the following:
- Open iTunes, then choose iTunes > Preferences > Advanced.
- Check the "Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library" option.
- Share your Final Cut Pro X project or clip again.


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Each week MyOrderDesk posts our favorite Geek Out of the Week on Pinterest. Here is this week's post. Click on the image to view the post on Pinterest.
Check back again next week for our new selection. If you would like to suggest a "cool" image to us, email or call Melissa Sienicki at firstname.lastname@example.com or 866-770-7564.


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When Arne Duncan visited Sweetwater's Castle Park Middle School in September, it created quite a stir — not because he is the U.S. secretary of education but because there were concerns that the school, and the district, went on a spending spree they couldn't afford.
In August, when the Reader inquired about preparations for Duncan's visit, district spokesperson Manny Rubio denied to the public and the media that any money was spent. A September 4 Reader article documents problems related to Castle Park Middle preparations.
The denials from the district that followed are worth wading through because of their contrast with the emails that have recently been provided to the Reader by a source.
On August 23, the Reader sent the district this Public Records Act request: "I would like to know if any Sweetwater money is being spent on the occasion of the visit of Arne Duncan on September 13. I would like to see any invoices, itemized lists, or work orders regarding expenditures for this event."
The swift reply from district spokesperson Manny Rubio is reproduced here in its entirety: "The district is not making any additional expenses for Secretary Duncan's visit. There are a couple of projects that were already underway at Castle Park Middle (such as solar panels and benches being refurbished in the quad area) that got underway prior to our knowledge of Mr. Duncan's visit and are ongoing. The school will be hosting a community event later in the day (after the Secretary leaves) where several items such as catering are being donated."
On the heels of the September 4 Reader article, Rubio wrote: "I just saw your article re: Castle Park Middle posted online today. I wanted to raise a couple of major concerns with you — one is your decision to only use a small portion of my response to you (included below). Your blog post insinuates that we are doing much of the work at Castle Park Middle specifically for the Secretary's Visit. As I pointed out in my email to you, there definitely are projects being done at [Castle Park Middle School], but the major projects were slated for the school prior to our knowledge of Mr. Duncan's visit. You also fail to point out that some of the cost of the event for the day are being donated by the community. I acknowledged expenses were being made, but your characterization of my response was lacking the full context of my comment."
The Reader made yet another push for the requested expenditure information on October 15. The clerk of the board wrote this response: "Your request to me was for 'money spent on the occasion of the visit of Arne Duncan.' There were items purchased for the school to use, but not specifically for Mr. Duncan's visit."
Continued attempts to obtain emails between the principal of Castle Park Middle School, Robert Bleisch, district superintendent Ed Brand, and district CFO Albert Alt were thwarted — until a source provided the emails.
Below, the email excerpts tell a different story about expenditures and Duncan's visit:
Principal Bleisch wrote to Brand on July 25, 2013, "We just got word that Tyler, Arne Duncan's staff, will be visiting CPM [Castle Park Middle] on 8/8 @ 10:00. The purpose of the visit is to check out the facilities. As a result I plan to invest ASB [Associated Student Body] money ASAP to upgrade the cafeteria prior to this visit ($5,000 for new stage, $5,000 for new blinds, $5,000 college banners.)"
Bleisch's email goes on to ask Brand for support in getting: a fresh coat of paint in the cafeteria, 4–6 fans installed in cafeteria, and "college T-shirts" for students and staff.
Bleisch noted that the ceiling fans are necessary because the cafeteria "is extremely uncomfortable as it does not have AC and very poor ventilation."
On July 26, Brand responded to Bleisch's plea with an email to chief financial officer Alt and facilities manager Thomas Calhoun, and a cc to Bleisch: "Let's make it a reality."
As the emails continue, so do the district's machinations to make this "reality" happen.
On July 29, Bleisch wrote to Alt, "It looks like Dr. Brand is giving the green light to move on this. Do I have approval to purchase college gear in preparation for the visit from Arne Duncan?"
On July 29, Thomas Calhoun wrote to staff, "Here is a high priority request for CPM [Castle Park Middle] in preparation for Secretary Arne Duncan's visit. Please see if you can make these dates. Funding will be made available."
On July 30, Bleisch wrote Alt: "We have no choice but to purchase a couple of stages for this event (indoor and outdoor). My ASB can afford $3000 but $17,000 is a little too steep for us. This wouldn't be something you can help us with is it?"
As days go by, the exhortations for money for the Duncan event turn more worrisome. Data-gathering, which is a nationwide concern now in relation to Common Core Standards — appears to become a bargaining chip for money.
Data-gathering has recently emerged as a primary concern for opponents of Common Core Standards and Common Core assessments. Federal laws governing privacy for student data were weakened in 2011. Across the nation, parents have expressed concern that student data will be shared with third parties.
Castle Park Middle School is a Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood school. Promise Neighborhoods are funded by the Department of Education and claim to offer "cradle to career" services. South Bay Community Services is the organization that oversees and distributes the $60 million government investment in Chula Vista.
On August 2 Principal Bleisch wrote to Alt: "By the way, FYI-SBCS [Promise Neighborhood/South Bay Community Services] is prepared to give my school a good chunk of change (over $100K of PN money allocated last year for staff that was not used.) The catch is that they are kinda using the data-sharing agreement as leverage.) They promised to expedite this money transfer as soon as we deliver on the data agreement."
"We sent Dr Brand the revised [data] agreement yesterday. He said it looked good. If there is any way you can help me get that signed I then can put the pressure on them to get me the money. I plan to use this money for the stage and other things needed for the 9/13 visit."
On August 5, Bleisch wrote Alt a reminder. The subject of the email is "Data-Sharing."
"Just a kind reminder if you can help us get this data-sharing agreement signed." FYI-They're [reference to South Bay Community Services] holding up money until I deliver on this [smiley face] need this PN money to pay $17k for a new stage and $3000 Flags, $5000 cafeteria college banners for Arne's visit. (The revised agreement is signed and forwarded.)"
On August 22, Alt wrote to various staff regarding reimbursements for Castle Park Middle School:
"With approval from the Superintendent, I have authorized General Funds to be reimbursed to Castle Park Middle ASB funds. Mr. Bleisch utilized ASB funds to purchase a stage for the school, in particular for the visit of the United States Secretary of Education, Mr. Arne Duncan. The purchase has been made, as evidenced by the check provided as back-up. Could you please initiate the transfer of funds from GF (general funds) to ASB…"
A December 3 phone call to Bleish was not returned.
Sources say that CFO Albert Alt was fired on December 2 by superintendent Brand. Alt's September 4 email to the Reader appears to be the most accurate. Alt wrote: "Some of the purchases are general fund, some are ASB funds…."
More from SDReader
- More stories by Susan Luzzaro
- Sweetwater district sued from Texas — Sept. 13, 2015
- Castle Park Middle School principal punches back!! — Feb. 5, 2014
- Classroom shenanigans in Sweetwater school district? — Jan. 28, 2014
- Few details on Sweetwater district's student-data-sharing deal — Dec. 28, 2013
- Chula Vista school hurries to get ready for Arne Duncan — Sept. 4, 2013
Under the leadership of Ed Brand not much is what it should be.
The information turned over to South Bay Community Services is illegal. Why would a Superintendent authorize this?
The community has, for months been questioning the many hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to South Bay Comm Services, as has Pearl Quinones and Bertha Lopez. I would hope all future monies will be stopped.
Mr. Calhoun should also be questioned, no doubt he was simply following the orders of Ed Brand - it does not always pay to be a yes man when you are being paid with taxpayers dollars.
Hopefully a legal investigation will be forthcoming - a national spotlight needs to be directed to SUHSD to show what happens when all power is turned over to a Superintendent who will go to any lengths to silence those he perceives are critics, including calling community members employers who dare to speak at a board meeting.
Bobby Bleisch, Ed Brand, Tom Calhoun need to be visited by the authorities and put under oath - then and only then will THEY be WILLING to TELL THE TRUTH! THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH.
It is time for Ed Brand to GO!!!!!!!!
What an absolute scam. Perhaps Bonnie can stop prosecuting tree trimmers and get back to work prosecuting this South Bay Scum.
Nice one Susan. No need for anything they bought for a show. Bad ventilation and uncomfortable cafeteria is okay till somebody's looking.? Money not used for staff as it was allocated? Con man Bleisch should not play principal.
Nearly a quarter MILLION dollars to SBCommunity Services in contracts on last month's Suhsd Board agenda alone! They are raking in the dough to pay their CEO nearly $200k per year, and nearly as much for Shirley Horton in a position for which she has no training....a former realtor?
Take a look at FERPA regulations. That is the FEDERAL law (which may be Fast Eddy's downfall) that clearly specifies that student record data is private and may NOT be released by the district without the express consent of the parents. So who asked the parents for permission to 'share' their students' record data.....address, telephone number, etc. etc.
Fast Eddy has been caught in so many lies...lies, lies, damned lies....Ruthie Chapman was right. (If Ed Brand's lips are moving, he is lying.) What an unholy mess.
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.
Add to the list of lips-moving = lying, district spokesperson, Manny Rubio. Pathetic.
Aren't these deals just too cozy for words?
Can we even begin to track down the financial shenanigans that Ed Brand has perpetrated? Can we taxpayers finally find out where the millions are going? Must we keep funding this charlatan and all his charlatan friends in perpetuity?
These scams, back room deals and games of dirty pool need to stop.
We need to get the cuffs on Brand and everyone who has cooperated with him.
This league of self-serving public money-grubbers needs to be corralled and hauled off to a location where they are not in charge of anything.
It's worth noting that I have received several emails which state that Castle Park Middle wants to become a charter school.
OMG you could cut the tension with a knife for those at the District the last 24 hours. How many times can you lie and expect to get away with it? Fire Al Alt? Are you kidding me? Where are those emails who sat on them and who is gonna let somebody know what really went on?
Does my crazy employer actually think they could get away with this stuff. I know/hear what goes on in Cabinet. There will be more revealed. I have tried to lie low because Superintendent Sociopath aka Ed Brand is always sniffing. There are some smart people on that Bond Committee. The public ought to pay attention carefully on what is said.
We District employees need to contact our representatives. Flood Lorena Gonzalez, Shirley Weber, David Alvarez and Ben Hueso with emails. Let them know what is going on. Contact their staff. We have to undermine Ed Brand.
Ed Brand needs to go to his Estate in Escondido and hide behind the access gates to his property in shame. Let him and Tom Hassey share war stories on how they were both misunderstood. Let Ed wind the Eight Day Clocks at Alliant University. Anything but making life miserable for all of us. He could become a member of the Putz Anonymous Support Group. Anything!!
Selling our kids information, spending ASB funds( again student money), to impress Duncan! Not using $100,000 that was supposed to be used for the staff. I'm sure teachers could of used that money to buy supplies, equipment, use for field trips, salary for additional teachers , sports or extra curricular activities. Anything used for student benefit ( Not Common Core, nor Ipads) but then not to be held as leverage for getting student information. Just wrong.... Definitely is a need for house cleaning! These people forgot the reason they went into education. They are Crooks! Crooks need to be behind bars!
Ms. Luzzaro - I am thinking it is more like 'Ed Brand wants Castle Park Middle to become a charter school'.
It is worth sharing that I do not believe the Board had ANY knowledge of the truth regarding the shenanigans that surrounded the Arnie Duncan visit - now that they do one can only hope that they DEMAND answers.
I am thinking it is time for the board to contact legal counsel to have Ed Brand removed from his position. This story is not reporting a scandal it is reporting ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. Do Board Members currently involved in other legal matters really want to add this to their list of stresses - I am thinking NO.
The majority of Our Board members find themselves in the legal fight of their lives - Ed Brand was brought back allegedly to 'right the ship' and in doing so take any added pressure off their shoulders. Yet in truth Ed Brand has done the exact opposite - one scandal after another he has laid at their footsteps - claiming it was all the CAVE PEOPLE'S fault - now ALL OF THE BOARD HAVE PROOF POSITIVE with this story that Ed Brand will go to any lengths.
CAVE PEOPLE - the latest label Ed Brand has given those community members who dare to show up and speak up at Board meetings. (Citizens Against Virtually. Everything = CAVE). Hmmmmm I am wondering if anniej is one of those CAVE PEOPLE? Anyone taking bets?
Board members, I am recommending that you reread this story - the 'data' presented, no longer speculation, but actual written DOCUMENTED PROOF?
You now know the truth - all eyes will be watching to see your response. Will you aid and abed? Or will you stop this?
ASB funds aren't supposed to be spent in the way the CPM principal used them. I'm not sure why all this has gone unnoticed and unchecked. SUHSD top leaders have finally stuck it to themselves. Unless it is true that they are Teflon.
Knowing the truth is one thing, but seeing it in writing is something else. Why do people put things in writing? Oh, that's right, because they are so much smarter than everyone else they will never get caught.
I normally do not defend our board. In this case I agree with you. Management at the district is prohibited from speaking to board members without the superintendents permission. Dr. Alt is an honest man. Did you know he was fired? We are angry over this. Dianne Russo has been seen in the office and people are now convinced she is coming back. The only way to stop the superintendent is to expose all he has done wrong. We deserve a boss who cares about the employees and the students.
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.
I would love to hear from anyone who has solid information on CPM going Charter. From what I've heard Mr. Bleisch has already communicated to his staff that CPM will become part of the Hawking STEAM Charter. He told staff this decision has already been approved by Dr. Brand and the board. He has begun selling the "benefits" of going charter to CPM parents. I'm looking for the truth in this matter, not the Bleisch spin on things. Has the board really agreed to this?
livetoknit1 - I attend all board meetings and have not seen this item agendized. Having said that, as far as the board knowing - hmmm, not sure about that.
If the Board is smart they will advise Brand and Bleisch to cease and desist - no doubt the authorities will be driving up any time now launching a full fledged investigation. The documents named in this story are kin to a felony indictment, not that I am a legal mind.
Can anyone say lawsuit? The Castle Park community, in my opinion has been used by IMPOSTERS, wolves in sheep clothing. They wanted to be heralded, wanted to write books, wanted to impress. I am thinking someone, some entity will step in and offer to represent these students and parents. How dare their personal info be shared. The documentation alleged seems to indicate that a FEDERAL LAW was broken. OH MY!
It is a sad day when the SUHSD Superintendent and his Toadies, takes well meaning people and staffers, potentialy good news and accolades for a economically disadvantaged neighborhood and turned it all to mud.
First to WTFEd after many months, years I find it hard to believe that there aren't many more like you who know the truth and at least say something.
It's about time that some of the Ed Victims start to talk or are their severance packages too big to risk. Dr. Alt where are you? My original talks with you (In your first Month with Big Ed) were so promising, My how quickly Ed got you to cower... To the rest of you is it really that comfortable to be in Ed's shadow?
Where are the Heros who could assist in rooting out the BS in the district? Federal whistleblower laws exist for these reasons. Dr. Alt you got more to gain than lose over this.
As for the "Sale" of information to South Bay Community Services, both organizations should be ashamed. The potential mis-use of the Funds at SBCS should start an upheaval at that institution of public fund abusers and Friends of Ed aka Toadies. Again I would think twice about being associated with Ed, evan to be mentioned in the same blog is bad enough.
One would think that as school with great results and a crappy facility would project better light on program of teaching rather than a falsified, prettied up facility. Again our Districts mis-guided plan of continious "Lipstick on a Pig" ie if we have a pretty new Adminstration Building, then everyone will think we are financially solvent and since it is pretty and clean, we are too.
A final note, one of my neighbors used the auditorium at Eastlake High School reciently and commented on how poorly maintained it was. Mostly dirty, where is the district on maintaining their/our investments? Oh I know T-shirts and college Banners.
I guess this makes me a "CAVE" man, but until I/we see a coherent plan to improve our District it's hard to support the plan of the day.
bbq - You know I have great respect for you and your opinions - I mean after all great minds tend to think alike, haha
Regarding Dr. Alt, are you aware that he has been terminated? According to District insiders he was let go Monday morning after coming back from paternity leave. Why? Well according to District sources, because he was honest and we all have our opinions about how honest people are treated by Ed Brand. You notice I did not include the Board in my commentary. Again 'sources' (geesh I feel like a freakin' reporter) are saying the Board played no part in his firing.
At last months Board meeting Jim Cartmill authorized Maty Adato to meet with Dr. Alt - oh, if you could have only seen Brand's face when that went down - he was NOT a happy camper.
It is being said that while Alt was gone Dianne Russo surfaced, she was seen using the employees entrance - hmmmm, wonder what would happen if I attempted to use that door.
For the record I was not in favor of Dr. Alt coming on board. I was of the opinion that Brand hired Alt because he thought Alt would play Brand ball. I WAS WRONG! Since his hiring I have watched while several community members have spoken accolades about Alt's desire to be transparent. I have listened while he answered questions from the Board and the public - simple answers that all can understand. Taxpayers concerned about Mello too seem to show confidence in the truthfulness of his answers.
So,,,, the 64 thousand dollar question is why now? What devious plan does Ed Brand have that Dr. Alt might have challenged based on good economic sense? What don't we know? What is the truth that Brand is trying to keep from us about the financials of SUHSD? Channel 10 reported on the firing last night, they also mentioned an IRS audit - hmmmm - I am thinking there is financial trouble in the horizon.
If what sources say are true and if the Board was not aware of the firing the Board would be well served by reversing this termination - perhaps, they might instead FIRE BRAND.
Might I remind all that Brand wants that building in the East side, is it possible, that our books are being cooked, as I type - all in an effort to once engage in a land deal. Do the words L STREET ring a bell? Folks I smell fish and we are not having a red tide.
I am told that 'The READER' stories are on the SUHSD's best reading list -
WTFEd, you are correct, District personnel are very upset about the firing -
Dr. Alt, if you are reading this I would recommend that you contact Vince Giaime - hopefully you were smart enough to CYA by documenting 'the goods'
anniej, do you have a link for the channel 10 report, because I couldn't find anything on their website. In fact, I can't find much of anything on the Alt firing...
Any bets on a secret rendezvous between Brand, Bleisch and Calhoun in some out of the way dark restaurant in the next couple of days?
"OK guys how can we spin this and blame it on Lopez"?
It would not be unusual for any school district to spiff up a school for a visit by the Education Commissar of the regime. Even some of the most conservative in the county would have done some extraordinary things to prepare. The difference would have been that such a district would have "found" the funds in a maintenance and repair budget, and then when asked about them would have avoided lying. Spin it? Sure. But engaging in bare-faced lies? No.
If this sort of disclosure came to most other districts in the county, the board would have put the superintendent and his/her cabal on leave immediately. But the normal rules never apply to Sweetwater (or Southwestern or San Ysidro for that matter.)
The comments in the emails are just outrageous. The ceiling fans in the cafeteria were needed because it lacks AC and has poor ventilation. Oh yeah? And how long has that been true? Probably since it was built, many years ago. The kids could suffer it for generations, but Arne Duncan couldn't tolerate it for a few minutes. Great priorities, Sweetwater!
If it is true that Alt was fired, and not bought off/out, he can probably tell many tales. He should know plenty of skeletons. It is most difficult to hide reality from the CFO in any organization because he or she keeps track of the money, and if you want to know the real story, as is said, "just follow the money." That guy should be able to blow the lid off the district and blow Brand into the next county. The things he knows about have to be far more serious than the allegations now headed to trial. If the DA hasn't already called Alt in for an interview, the omission tells us all far too much about her. But we shall see, in due time.
So fast Eddy doesnt like the fact that the CFO is honest and lets him go. Isnt that the definition of a freaking bully? Fast Eddy wants to do want he wants to do and the rest of the people be damned. You guys really should watch the video that is here it is freaking hilarious. You see Fast Eddy looking at Arnie Duncun trying to keep up with the pace and saying look at me, look what I did and Duncun doesnt give him the time of day. The chants from the kids like really dudes you could have done a lot better. My son is a student there and he said they kept laughing because they felt like idiots.
This Rubio guy and Deanne lady watch out because if you think fast Eddy will protect you or your jobs when he is gone you are so wrong. HEY BOARD MEMBERS YOUR ASLEEP AGAIN AT THE WHEEL. WTF IS YOUR JOB DESCRIPTION LET THE IDIOT SUPERINTENDENT DO WHAT HE PLEASES. YOU GUYS ARE IN A SHIT LOAD OF TROUBLE IF THE FEDS ARE INVOLVED. We will all just sit and laugh our ass off because you all deserve everything you get. What a freaking joke!
P.S. Bobby Bleich you are a fake and Brands lacky and everyone laughs at you all the time. you know nothing and do nothing
Please join me and send an email to Arne Duncan demanding answers as to why LEGALLY PROTECTED INFORMATION was shared with Promise Neighborhoods. An explanation as to how any Superintendent would be allowed to remain in his position is in order. Perhaps Mr. Duncan might contact the board and demand action.
Please forward on to ALL you know and ask that they do the same.
Respectfully submitted,
Anyone out there in the banking/financial world?
Might I suggest that since real estate financial negotiations will be coming up relative to the new building Brand is hell bent on purchasing might I offer up the thought that the true financials of SUHSD just might not be presented - after all, there will be a new cook in the kitchen. You know altering the recipe of just how much debt we have,,,,,,,,,, - not that I would EVER mean to insinuate such a thing might happen in a school district where 4 of 5 Board members are under felony indictment.
Board members, are you prepared to once again have to answer to allegations of legal impropriety - - it is time for you to stand WITH the community FOR the students.
We are looking to ALL member of the Board to do the right thing - so, when are you going to schedule the press conference?
As a man who speaks weekly on the importance of truth I see no alternative for Jim other than to relieve Dr. Brand of his responsibilities as superintendent.
Cannot help but reply, "You may speak weekly on the importance of truth, but Jim Cartmill only speaks weakly..."
Oldchulares - it should be so easy for the Board to do.
Again, what does Fast Eddy hold over them, have on them, how is he blackmailing them into silence? There are really no other possible conclusions as to why the continue to stand for such outrageous behavior.
One guess is that he is finding a way to secretly funnel money to pay their legal fees for the upcoming trials, and therein lies the stranglehold he has over them.
That is an interesting idea. An IRS audit of Jim's company Lets Talk Health would identify the source of the $20,000.00 loan for his defense. We were told that Jim has a defense fund that anyone can contribute to.
Ms. Luzzaro, I was wondering if you could make a list of all the Sweetwater problems, in chronological order, so that we could have a reminder of just how many horrific instances of bad decision-making, poor planning, self-serving and dishonesty have occurred.
It would serve as a great point of reference, as well as remind the crook of crooks, Ed Brand, that he cannot escape.
While I'm not sure that Susan ought to take time away from her reporting on new outrages to sum up all the old ones, such a list or timeline would be of great value. There have been so many separate incidents and controversies and accusations and charges filed and denials that were later known to be false that it is hard (well nigh impossible) to remember it all. For those who want to revisit how this district, along with the others, got to this point, such a summary would be invaluable.
Thanks, I was thinking that it would be valuable to see the extended list. Perhaps as a sidebar/link to other stories, and done in a way that it could be updated...because I don't think we are done with the problems list yet.
Regarding asking Ms. Luzzaro to make this list, I guess I was merely thinking that she has the records online of all the "events". Maybe there is an intern at the Reader who wouldn't mind the assignment??
You make a very good point. Why not spruce up? And why not get those kids some fans? This all should have been handled so differently.
We'll see what shakes out about the CFO. I haven't found the story but I understand there was something on about the CFO leaving and also about the district being audited-- not the usual kind of audit where the district selects a company. If I find the story, I'll post it.
None of this is a surprise. This is Brand and Bleisch doing their normal every day routine. How many schools needed to be busted for the misuse of ASB funds before principals figure out that they won't get away with it? Oh wait, they will because Brand is willing to "make it a reality"! It must be nice to work in a world where you can have whatever you want with no regard to rules/laws/ethics. As far as the charter goes, the staff need a 51% vote. Bleisch has been preparing for this since the day he arrived at CPM. Count the number of staff members who have been administratively transferred by Bleisch; those numbers haven't been seen in the district in decades. He had staff members administratively transferred TO him this year. Who even knew that was possible? He is stacking his staff and his votes very carefully. Those who weren't forced out were desperately seeking relief. Also interesting to note how many females were forced/pushed/manipulated to other sites and all replaced by males. Bleisch is beyond aggressive towards females and has been known to trap them in his office during his rampages. This will blow up somewhere down the road. The question is, will it be soon enough. My guess is that his plan is to be an administrator of a charter school by next year and therefore untouchable by the new board members that will replace those sitting in jail. It's worth noting that he was on the founding board/committee/group (whatever it was called) that submitted the petition for the first Mitchell charter school.
Based on the Information in this story I am wondering:
IS JOHN MCCANN A VIABLE CANDIDATE FOR CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCIL? If he is not willing to demand the laws of this great Nation be upheld as a School Board Member can he be trusted to represent the GREAT City of Chula Vista? My opinion - NO!
Looks like those who, just yesterday were so sure McCann would demand Brands firing, are now seeing the light. So much for honor, huh?
Federal laws reportedly broken, and John McCann, where is he? NO WHERE to be seen or heard.
The last I heard, we, the public, were still trying to determine if John McCann was 100%. He had seemed rather quiet and out of it at at least one board meeting, and left early.
But then, he had an attorney send some sort of vaguely threatening letter--was it to the Star-News?--saying McCann was just fine.
Yet there was the planted news story about his recovery and therapy being on-going. So you tell me--is he capable? Is he impaired? Does his eagerness for further office make any sense at all under the circumstances?
And why is Sweetwater UHSD still left to limp along with 4 indicted board members and one who denies he is impaired, but who can't seem to get the job--any job--done???
Margaret, Thanks your comment and for reminding me. I am studying an ASB's year-long expenditure right now. There are obviously rules regarding expenditures, but I am not familiar with them. Some of the things I see listed don't look like what students would choose, rather they look like admin choices. I know kids nowadays are paying for field trips and uniforms -- I'm wondering who the decision makers are and how it all works. Tips appreciated.
Not to be excessive in comments, but I do believe the video is worth watching. For me, it raises a lot of questions.
I think it is not Susan's job to make a list of the offenses so far...she is a reporter who earns her living with the stories she writes for the Reader. Don't make her part of the story because she is more valuable to the cause by reporting it.. Someone else needs to compile the list of egregious events to date. That list will be needed when election times rolls around.
Ms. Luzzaro - And what of the so called spirit packs that parents are 'encouraged' to contribute for? Our superintendent is out spending approximately $10million on a new District office - not to mention the monies that will be spent to build it out, add new furniture, utilities, and other e lenses and we are looking at approximately another $10million.
Our District is loosing MILLIONS on the L Street deal.
'CERTAIN' fair haired employees/consultants are receiving wage increases.
So you tell me why should parents be expected to pay any monies? A team bag, team uniform, warm ups and shoes - oh but that is right we can keep the shoes - big freakin' deal. So, in essence we are paying for team uniforms.
Now allow me to add to that the admission charges for each game, per person.
Then we have the contributions of food and time at snack bars.
Don't get me wrong I contribute time and food for concessions, I have for years. Have purchased prom dresses and paid for grad night, for students that were in need - I do it because we all need to pay it forward.
I guess what I am saying is this, taxpayers are consistently asked to pay more and do more. Yet, our very own District does not even value our teachers, counselors or other employees enough to negotiate a fair benefit package.
We, the taxpayers, are the gift that keeps on giving!!!!!!!!
*I am not asking for a story, just raising an issue that many parents are currently discussing.
Here you can see for yourself how our children were sold out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tQVtD...
Used and abused.
Sams - the video is extremely hard to watch. Young men and women who had no idea what the heck they were screaming for - a new fan in the cafeteria? They were being used by the master puppeteer Ed Brand and his minstrel Bleisch.
As my daddy use to say- enough to make a maggot gag!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now that San Ysidro's bonds have been downgraded, I am wondering what will happen to Sweetwater's bonds?
There is a cynical side to me that says if there is a financial downside to something, it will get plenty of attention, and that the miscreants will get their just desserts. So, this downgrade of the SY bonds is not just a fluke, the other districts will also suffer a downgrade. Which will be first, Sweetwater or Southwestern? I cannot begin to predict. But if, when, that happens it is almost certain that our current DA will react, and react big time. The paltry charges currently lodged against the various board members and former administrators will pale by comparison. The fallout from that downgrade is just starting.
Visduh - Ed Brand had better get going while the going is good.
I have a funny feeling that the truth about EVERYTHING is getting ready to break.
A new case? State and Fed officials? Hmmmmmm
Disclaimer: My name is Carl Bleisch. This article was forwarded to me by a friend who is employed by Sweetwater Unified. I am aware of the other articles in this series. I am merely sharing some personal thoughts:
What are the real issues here? The monies spent on the CPM campus? CPM going Charter? A data sharing agreement between the school district and South Bay Community Services?
Do any of these anonymous complaints and personal attacks I've read stem from personal issues against Dr Brand? Personal issues with my brother? Union rabble rousers fueling the fans of discontent?
I have been privy to some information prior to Secretary Duncan's visit to Chula Vista...after all it was kind of a big deal to have the spotlight shone on a local school for academic achievement.
Although I may have a little bit more insight than most of you posting, I am too far removed to know how much of this negativity is simply some bs witch hunt. Again what I post are my personal observations and opinions.
The college banners and flags that are all over the school now (I don't know about funding)...actually make the school look pretty good and is part of the plan to put the idea/dream/hope/reality of attending college in the heads of these kids on a daily basis. That stuff was done prior to the Arnie Duncan visit too. It was all part of some college bound experience my brother wanted to create on campus. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with that.
I don't know what going Charter actually means. I see Charter schools all over the state. Why would it be bad for CPM to go Charter? Is this mostly a teacher's union issue? I suspect that it is...but maybe someone can enlighten me.
I don't know anything about Ed Brand...but I do know my brother. No doubt he pisses people off sometimes with the way he goes about his business....he pisses me off all the time...but not one of you out there anonymously attacking him from behind your keyboards ever mentions his work ethic, passion, and enthusiasm for the job.
For all the negativity I see on these boards...he must be doing something right. It's not like every school is catching the attention of Washington and getting visits from the Secretary of Education.
By putting your name on your comments you raise their credibility. You want to defend your brother, but against what? You refer to personal attacks, but the vast majority of comments here that mention him are hardly personal attacks. They raise issues of his conduct and his job performance. I've not mentioned him at all.
You do play the union card, something so often done by school administrators, and something done many times during this drawn-out group of criminal cases by those who seek to excuse criminal acts. The comment makers here are almost all ordinary citizens and residents of the district who are outraged at the malfeasance of the board and its employees. It is so easy to dismiss such complaints as union agitation, and forget the substance of what is being said.
You have a strange way of defending him by saying that "he pisses [you] off all the time". That's hardly the trait we want in our leaders and educational managers. And yes, you are too far removed to know much about what is going on in the district and its schools. But if you read all the archived reports that Susan has been making in the Reader, and study the comments, you'll get up to speed, and we'll probably hear nothing more from you that defends the status quo.
When something is rotten, a dog and pony show--even if it features a cabinet member--cannot make the problems go away. Sweetwater UHSD has deep and broad problems, which the administrations have tried to hide from the taxpaying public for years.
We are completely fed up with the lies, the attempts at distraction, all the unnecessary (and possibly not 100% legal) real estate deals, all the convenient jobs found for friends of superintendents...this list is nearly endless. And we are tired of it.
Here is a link to the most recent article regarding San Ysidro School District's situation:
Carl - I don't know how old you are or how you were educated but you are about as naive as it gets. It has not been about the union. I believe it's about corruption and a whole lot of missing and mis-spent money. Decisions that are supposed to help children and teachers situation have been clouded by want for personal success and greed. Looks like fraud at the level of superintendent and school board, who you might know, some are already awaiting trial. Brand is unfortunately my brother and our philosophies are very different. He loves other people's money, has stolen much of mine with assist from fellow bullies, some of them lawyers. Read articles about the earlier years of Ed in Reader archives and UT. Stay open to what you learn, it was hard for me to accept but I had to. I hope the legal process in place to protect the public from supporting illegal acts goes into effect soon because the kids deserve the money be put into the classrooms where it has been lacking due to mismanagement for a long time. My personal belief is that money was a great temptation for Ed to help himself - someone mentioned, cooked the books, trying to cover up, especially since they will not comply with the law the requires them to provide records of expenditures nor do they allow public participation at meetings where expenses and projects are discussed as required by law. On and on...
There is a word out that Arlie Ricasa and Pearl Quinones had a hearing yesterday (12/6).
They have a week to decide if they will take a plea deal or go to trial...so the word goes.
From all indications, things look very serious for them, so my question is--will this affect their votes and the positions they take at the upcoming board meeting? Will this in essence "free" them, and will they vote as responsible individuals, or will they kowtow to Brand and his apparent control of everything?
If I were in that position, I would certainly NOT want to continue protecting anyone else. Especially when that someone always views others as expendable.
A simple question: why don't those two just resign now (which is what they should have done months ago) and go to court and hope for the best deal they can get? The whole spectacle of a board with four members under felony indictment just staying on the job and running things (into the ground) has been Kafkaesque at a minimum.
Mr. Bleisch - it is obvious you are a protector of family and that is a great quality that I respect.
The issues we are commenting on have to do with the students of the South Bay. Ed Brand left during his first tenure due to a Grand Jury investigation,math at is a fact. South Bay community services held the principal of CPM hostage in order to get Federally Protected student information, that is a fact. Our District has 4 of 5 Board members under indictment, that is a fact. The monies spent on banners, stages and paint would have been better spent in the classroom, that is a fact. There are many questions surrounding the two other Charter Dchool financials, listen to the last board meeting audio, that is a fact.
Yes Sir you are correct about the attention - and there is more coming. Unfortunately this new attention will shine the spotlight on the fact that all that glitters is not gold. The new attention will be about a FEDERAL LAW that was broken, and please do not even get me going regarding the alleged tax dollar misappropriation. Funny thing about laws and the CAVE people, they kind of see themselves as watchdogs that do their due diligence.
Your statement 'he must be doing something right' - on that note I will not document the hearsay shared by many of the most talented educators and administrators in the distict - I will step back and let the teachers who have worked with him comment.
'bs witch hunt' - hmmm, you might want to check with Jesus Gandara, Jim Sandoval and the others who will be in court next Friday - you know 'here comes the judge'. Funny they said the exact same thing when their deeds were 'found out'.
shirley began - hip hip hoooooooray! WELL SAID
I wasn't done - I'll be back thanks to you guys.
eastlaker - the legacy of Ricasa, Quinines and Cartmill will be documented for all to read on Google based on Monday nights votes
The ball is in their court - will they vote for the students and taxpayers or will they choose to allow the master puppeteer to pull their strings one last time?
Stay tuned.
As daddy use to say 'it ain't over til its over' - the puppeteer, when he is gone, THEN IT WILL BE OVER.
Thinking out loud here - wondering about the laws that govern truthful * of *.
Manny Rubio is another example that San Diego has always been at peace with it's corruption.
Reason #1 why being a slave to your paycheck can be a problem...
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.
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.
studentfirst, just what was the purpose of posting this second-hand commentary from the news media? It has just about zero relevance to this matter going on in the Sweetwater district. Once again, we see a rant against the "powerful" and "anti-reform" teachers union that accuses the union of being the cause of everything amiss in public education today. Based on some old personal experience, I can tell you that using "powerful" in the same sentence with 'teachers union" in most districts is oxymoronic. The union is really a toothless tiger.
If you want to make a complaint, write to the Reader and get your letter printed. That way it will be noticed widely, and you may convince a few folks of your belief.
It appears this "studentfirst" is trying to divert attention from the story here.
And the connection to this story is? Its relevance to this matter?
Everyone who is part of SEA on Facebook please take a look at the page. If you know someone who is part of SEA on Facebook I highly suggest you take a look. Mr. Robert Bleisch and Ms. Susan Mitchell held a meeting with parents, students, and community at Castle Park Middle School for the STEAM Hawking charter school. Ms. Susan Mitchell passed out documents for parents to sign for them to enroll their children in the STEAM Hawking Charter. Documents that Mr. Bleisch and Ms. Mitchell passed out are posted on the Facebook page.
This information is deeply upsetting. Not much has changed since the last time I worked with these two.
Robert everyone knows you've always wanted to be famous! Everyone knows you love to be in the spot light! Everyone knows you love being the center of attention! Well don't worry your pretty little head because you will be. I hope you're ready to buck up buttercup because you're going to be infamous! Check out these national write ups. link text link text
Quit deflecting Robert.
Here is a little more salt for your wound.
You're welcome.
Thank-you for that ray of sunshine livetoknit1 - this reminds me of what Ed the lie-to-your-face-usurper did to my unsuspecting family, really destroyed, now getting whatever he can take home of yours, no mercy for Ed.
Showboating should be in relationship to accomplishment. this is just hype. I wish the students well.


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Nov 19, 2019
About Western Illinois University: Western Illinois University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, serves over 7,500 students at its traditional, residential four-year campus in Macomb, IL and its metropolitan branch campus in Moline, IL. Compliance to state and federal hiring standards is coordinated through WIU's Office of Equal Opportunity & Access. Western Illinois University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including, but not limited to, minorities, veterans, women and individuals with disabilities. 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4 page summary highlighting results so far from the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Project, funded through Global Affairs Canada
Typhoon Haiyan Hits Philippines
One Year After the Storm
Check out our infographic, From Emergency Aid to "Build Back Safer"
CARE Is There
CARE is providing food, shelter and other lifesaving essentials to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which affected 16.1 million people, displaced 4.1 million and killed thousands of men, women and children.
Notes From the Field
CARE is on the ground in disaster-affected areas of the Philippines. Check out our blog for first-hand accounts and impressions from our emergency team.
Typhoon Haiyan: Photos and Videos
Check out our growing collection of photos and videos related to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
Typhoon Haiyan Box 1
Months after the storm, millions remain in need of assistance.
Typhoon Haiyan Box 2
Rolando hid in a foxhole during the storm. Now, he's ready to rebuild.
Typhoon Haiyan Box 2A
Tarps distributed by CARE would cover the equivalent of 4,040 basketball courts!
Typhoon Haiyan Box 3
More than 1.14 million houses were damaged or destroyed. People still are sleeping in the ruins of their homes or in inadequate shelters as torrential rains add to their misery.
Typhoon Haiyan Box 4
Restoring Livelihoods Essential to Boost Typhoon Haiyan Recovery
Typhoon Haiyan Box 5
And then watch what Eleuteria, 78, did at a CARE food distribution in her her village.
CARE Assisting Remote Areas Hit by Typhoon Haiyan
CARE has reached more than 317,000 people with emergency aid since the catastrophic storm tore a path through the central Philippines on November 7 and 8.
Returning To Normalcy After A Harsh Year
It's been almost one year since I was last in Tacloban on the Philippines island of Leyte. A few days after typhoon Haiyan – one of the strongest storms ever recorded – made landfall, I arrived in the utterly destroyed town.
CARE Is There
CARE is on the ground - now and for the long run - in remote, typhoon-affected areas of the Philippines providing food, shelter, livelihood assistance and other essentials to survivors of the storm.
The deep appreciation expressed by the people who have lived through one of the strongest storms in history has touched our team in the Philippines deeply. The storm survivors are extremely thankful for the support they have received. They say so repeatedly to anyone associated with our relief efforts, and thank you they clearly want passed on to all involved in CARE's work.
And so, to you, our donors and supporters: Salamat!
How CARE works in emergencies
CARE helps communities plan for emergencies; provides lifesaving assistance when disaster strikes; and remains on the ground to support families and communities during the long road to recovery.
In emergencies, CARE is among the first to arrive and the last to leave, helping people survive and rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath of disaster, conflict and crisis.


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Service experts discuss progress in recognizing, treating PTSD and TBI
By Cheryl Pellerin, DoD News, Defense Media Activity May 2, 2017
WASHINGTON -- Heads of military centers and programs targeting post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in service members and their families reported progress Friday in the timely recognition and treatment of these and related health conditions.
Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee's military personnel subcommittee on Defense Department clinical research and program assessment for PTSD and TBI were Navy Capt. (Dr.) Mike Colston, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, and Air Force Col. (Dr.) Steven Pflanz, deputy director of psychological health for the Air Force.
Joining them on the panel were Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Chris Ivany, chief of behavioral health in the Army Office of the Surgeon General, and Navy Capt. (Dr.) Thomas Johnson, site director for the Navy Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Colston began the testimony by noting that last year about a quarter of service members were seen for PTSD, TBI or a mental health condition. "We made PTSD and TBI leadership issues with an emphasis on prevention," he said, describing recent progress.
PTSD incidents decreased from 17,000 to 14,000 from 2012 to 2015, and TBI incidents decreased from 31,000 to 23,000 over the period, he said. The center expanded access to care by tripling its mental health infrastructure since 2001, and a recent Rand study found that DOD outperforms civilian health systems in outpatient follow-up after psychiatric inpatient care for PTSD or depression, Colston told the panel.
"One of our largest tasks is better understanding why PTSD and TBI often present with depression, chronic pain, substance use disorders and suicide risk," he said, noting that longitudinal research efforts such as a 15-year study on TBI aid understanding and provide a framework for creating effective rehabilitation and support programs.
"We've evaluated over 150 mental health, TBI, substance use and suicide-prevention programs over the past five years, [and] this program evaluation has been invaluable," Colston said.
"Publication of this five-year study will be completed later this fiscal year and will help us … [ensure] our funding is tied to programs that work, such as the U.S. Army's embedded behavioral health program and its associated health data portal," he added.
In 2015, there were more 52,000 overdose deaths in America. Opiate overdose deaths went up to 10.4 per 100,000 in 2015. The DOD rate was 2.7 for 100,000, about one-fourth of that. This was accomplished because leaders were focused on service members' well-being and a focused outcome-based effort on prevention -- primary prevention, selective prevention and indicative prevention, drug testing, provider training, pharmacy protections and medication therapies, Colston told the panel.
"We hope to generalize some of the successes we've seen in PTSD and TBI incidents and opioid overdose deaths in other areas such as suicide prevention and alcohol use disorders," he said.
In his remarks to the panel, Ivany said health care is essential to readiness, which is the Army's first priority. No area has faced as many challenges, made as many changes and achieved as many advances as Army behavioral health care, he told the House members.
"Early in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army realized that the size and the organization of our behavioral health force was insufficient to meet the needs of our beneficiaries," Ivany said. Officials greatly increased resources and expanded the number of clinical programs, he added.
Senior Army medical leaders also made a pivotal decision to centralize the oversight and direction of all clinical programs and built a small team of professionals in the surgeon general's office to do so, he said. The team analyzed the effectiveness of clinical programs, identified best practices and replicated them across the force.
From this process came embedded behavioral health, which has reduced barriers to care for soldiers in combat units, and improved access and readiness.
"Today, over 450 providers in 62 embedded behavioral health teams support every operational unit in the Army," Ivany said, noting that soldiers receive care earlier and need less hospitalization to receive treatment.
Other innovations such as school behavioral health were drawn from the civilian sector. The Army embraced this approach and placed providers in schools on Army posts all over the world.
In TBI care, in partnership with DOD and other services, the Army has implemented a clear set of clinical standards and delivers them in interdisciplinary clinics across the force, Ivany said.
In his remarks, Pflanz said all Air Force mental health providers receive training in one or more of the several evidence-based therapies for PTSD, and all airmen can be confident that they will receive state-of-the-art treatment when they enter an Air Force mental health clinic.
Fortunately, Pflanz added, PTSD and TBI rates remain low among airmen.
"Even so," he said, "we're excited about the successful translation of research into clinical practice, including requiring evidence-based therapies for PTSD, event-driven protocols for recognizing TBI, and the use of progressive return activity in the management of concussion."
Other developments that help identify and manage these conditions include integrating behavioral health care into primary care clinics, embedding mental health professionals into operational units within highly stressed career fields, and comprehensive screening for PTSD and TBI following deployments and throughout an airmen's career, he said.
On the horizon, Pflanz added, the Invisible Wounds Clinic being established at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in 2018 will powerfully enhance PTSD and TBI treatments and will function as a referral center and a projection of treatment and expertise Air Force-wide.
"A multidisciplinary task force is identifying and resolving gaps in the continuum of care and the integrated delivery evaluation system for airmen suffering from invisible wounds," he said, noting that work is underway on 27 solutions ranging from education and training to culture and policy that will translate directly to improved services for the airmen.
In his remarks, the director of the Navy's Intrepid Spirit Concussion Recovery Center said that about 80 percent of all TBIs are classified as mild. Those who have suffered mild TBIs may experience only subtle changes in mood, memory, sleep and balance. They have no visible signs of injury, Johnson said, but often struggle to function at work, at home and in the community.
"The reality is there is currently no diagnostic tool that is sensitive and specific for mild TBI," he said. "However, we have worked to overcome this [by] developing a holistic, integrated, interdisciplinary treatment model that employs a standard evaluation that includes physical, psychological and spiritual dimensions."
The center uses this information to diagnose and treat each patient with traditional therapies and complementary and integrative medicine, he added.
"We use a minimal amount of medication, almost no narcotics, and over 90 percent return to full duty upon completing the program," Johnson noted.
The Military Health System, in partnership with civilian academic institutions, has a robust research portfolio to address gaps in knowledge and improve care for service members with TBI, he said, including a progressive return-to-activity protocol that gives providers guidelines on how to increase activity in a way that maximizes recovery.
DOD is undertaking an ongoing longitudinal study of TBI in members of the armed forces to gain a better understanding of the condition and ensure patients receive the treatment they need, Johnson said.