Open and Transparent; ONLY When it Suits Them

*** UPDATED ***

I was checking the upcoming agendas for PUSD and noticed a new posting for a "Special Meeting" to be held on SUNDAY, December 6, 2015, at 2:00PM. I thought to myself, "Seriously? 2:00 PM on a Sunday? What is SO important a special meeting needs to take place on a Sunday afternoon?" The only thing listed on the agenda was an "ACTION ITEM" that stated, "Interview and Approval of Potential Special Counsel for the Board". 

Not long ago at the end of a Board Meeting Kimberley Beatty brought up for discussion the prospect of putting out an RFP (Request for Proposal) with the intent of hiring an attorney to represent the Board. The item was not on the agenda and she skirted the law and requirement for posting to the agenda so action could be taken by simply "Giving Direction" to staff to come up with an RFP and have it out the following week. Beatty openly said she wanted to avoid having to comply with the Brown Act and public notice during the discussion about the RFP and hiring an attorney to represent the Board.

I check the agendas for the District several times a week to keep up on the huge number of "Special Meetings" that Beatty is notorious for. She is large and in charge and as long as she is holding the gavel as President of the Board,and  she is going to exercise every chance she can to drive her agenda. She and Charles Sellers are driving their agenda at all cost and will not stop until they have what they want. What is that? The removal of Dr. John Collins as Superintendent.

I arrived at the District Office at about 1:40 PM. I was the only person in the parking lot at the time. By 1:50 there were several people pulling into the lot and heading to the building. I know most of the players within the District and none of these people looked at all familiar. I entered the building and within minutes Sellers arrived. Sellers entered the building and looked around and then exited the building. I watched as he rushed over to Beatty and the two had an animated conversation as Beatty got out of her vehicle. The two came into the building and immediately told staff to move the meeting from the Board Room to a smaller room to the rear of the Board Room. At this point, Beatty asked those waiting to join around her. She then explained the meeting or "interviews" would be held in the smaller room. The meeting/interviews would not be recorded. She then told them they would be called in alphabetically.

While this was going on, Andy Patapow arrived and went into the Board Room. He was then told the meeting location was changed to the smaller room. Shortly after this, Dr. Collins came into the lobby and was told the meeting would be held in the smaller room and not recorded. Dr. Collins told Beatty this was unacceptable and due to his inability to hear in the smaller room and the inability to video the meeting, the meeting needed to remain in the Board Room as indicated to allow him to participate and hear what was going on. This is when all hell broke loose.

Charles Sellers came over and began a tirade in a loud voice. He was animated and yelling at John Collins. Sellers said, "You have no business being in this meeting. You are not sitting on the Dias. You are not going to participate in this.You can sit in the public like everyone else." For the record, I was the only member of the public in attendance. Sellers was animated and yelling. His face red and clearly out of control. Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff tried to calm Sellers asking him to step into the Board Room to discuss his concerns. Sellers was not listening to anyone.

After Dr. Collins told Sellers he was going to participate as is his role as Board Secretary at an agendized meeting, Sellers, Beatty, O'Connor-Ratcliff, Patapow and Zane entered the room and began discussion related to where the meeting/interviews would take place and whether Dr. Collins would participate. I sat and listened to Sellers demand Dr. Collins not be included in the meeting and there being no need to video record the meeting. Beatty supported Sellers in his assertions and plead her case for moving the meeting to the smaller room and no video recording.

Patapow, Zane and O'Connor-Ratcliff did not agree with this and the meeting was held in the Board Room and it was streamed live and recorded. Dr. Collins sat in his usual place on the dais. I was the only member of the public in attendance for this meeting. There was a reporter who sat listening to the goings on, but not taking any notes. Sellers made it a point to speak to the reporter to downplay his tirade and explain his reasons for acting like a complete ass.

The meeting was supposedly for the purpose of hiring an attorney to assist the board with negotiations related to buying Dr. Collins out of the remaining time on his contract. Sellers and Beatty want their OWN attorney because they do not trust anyone THEY did not hire themselves.

This meeting was called by Beatty because she can. There is and was no urgency to have this meeting on a Sunday with short notice. Beatty and Sellers are trying to ram rod their agenda because it will become more difficult when she is no longer president. This meeting was held today in hopes no one would pay any attention. They were right. ALMOST no one paid attention.

Beatty and Sellers are meeting and talking as they ram their agenda. They are skirting the law and ignoring everything to do with "Open and Transparent" as they so often tout. Pay attention people.

**UDATE** 12/6/2015

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MEETING HELD ON SUNDAY WAS THE RESULT OF A FOUR HOUR CLOSED SESSION "SPECIAL" MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 11/30/2015. I WAS ALSO TOLD "FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, THERE'S REALLY NOTHING NEFARIOUS AT PLAY WITH THESE RECENT MEETINGS... THE BOARD IS JUST WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH SOME VERY DIFFICULT THINGS." I TRUST AND BELIEVE THE PERSON WHO PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION. 

I will accept this as true. I am still suspect of the true reasons for the need to hire additional council. Current council or new council are all bound by the same ethical obligations. The client is the School District, through the School Board. Shopping attorney's until one garners the answers they are seeking is NOT good business practice nor ethical on the person seeking the answers. It is clear from the conversation at the end of the Board Meeting, the purpose of the new council is to meet with Dr. Collins' attorney. Anyone with a fraction of a brain can figure out this is to either seek a buy out of the remainder of his contract or the result of pending or potential litigation as a result of the actions of certain members of the Board of Education.

The discussion the followed the selection of council was pathetic at best. It can only be understood to listen to it and attempt to follow the logic. If you can do that, add a comment to this post, cause I didn't follow. The board agreed on a selection. Beatty said she would notify the attorney. Then things got weird. Discussion was then centered on having this attorney meet with Dr. Collins attorney as soon as possible. The board went back and forth about meeting with the attorney first or after. It appeared to me the attorneys who "interviewed" for this NEW position were in the dark as to what exactly they were being hired to do. Logic would dictate the client would meet with THEIR attorney FIRST and discuss concerns and desires for potential outcomes of whatever it is you are about to embark on. It was clear there was a haste in desire to DO, without regard for clearly identifying what it is the attorney is to do.

In a vacuum and lacking transparency and open governance, we are left to speculation and questions. But, as long as the person holding the gavel is driving the agenda, that will not change. Looking forward, who is there to take the gavel and lead this district?

Re-Call Effort a Waste of Money

I have been following the re-call of PUSD Trustee, Andy Patapow. Keith Wilson, Christopher Garnier and their supporters have set out on a journey that if followed through, will cost taxpayers anywhere from $160,000 to $800,000. To unseat a trustee whose term expires in one year. To help people understand the costs and effects of this effort, I gathered information about the re-call effort.

The SD Registrar of Voters provided the following information. To qualify this effort for election, proponents must serve the incumbent a copy of a “Notice of Intention” to re-call him/her from office. Within seven (7) days the proponents file with the Registrar the original “Notice of Intention” and an affidavit of time and manner of service of the “Notice of Intention”. The “Notice of Intention” must be signed by at least ten (10) registered, qualified voters. Wilson struggled to get this part of the process right. Twice it was rejected for having persons signing the “Notice of Intention” that were not “qualified” to do so. The third try (three is a charm) was certified by the Registrar. The effected candidate is given seven (7) days to submit a 200 word statement disputing the re-call effort. Wilson then must have the petition prepared within ten (10) days. There are a number of technical requirements for this step. The Registrar notifies the proponents in writing the findings as to whether form and wording of the petition meets requirements of the Election Code. Once the petition is approved (rumor has it this process has been completed), the petition can then be circulated for signatures. The proponents have up to 160 days to gather and submit signatures for approval. To cause an election, 10,600 signatures will be required. That is 10,600 VALID, registered, PUSD voter signatures. Once the signatures are submitted, the signatures on the petitions are verified. This will cost the petitioner $25,000. IF the petitioner gathers the necessary 10,600 VALID signatures, an election will be called. The election would be called within 125 days.

So, let’s try and do the math. Today is November 6, 2015. Based on comments from Garnier, the form and wording has been approved. The clock is ticking for the gathering of signatures. Using 120 days as a base number (they can take up to 160 days) for submitting the signatures, that puts the date at around March 1, 2016. The Registrar will take thirty (30) days to verify the signatures and we are at April 1, 2016. The election must be held 88-125 days from the date the election is called for. This then makes the election sometime in June 2016, given the best of circumstances for the proponents of the re-call. Andy Patapow’s term is up in December of 2016. There is a clause in the election code that prohibits the recall of an incumbent who has six (6) months or less to serve in his/her term. So, what is the real point of this re-call?

If the recall election is actually held, the cost for the election must be paid for from the PUSD operating budget. The cost will vary depending on if it is held on a normal election day, a Primary election day or as a special election. The cost of the election if held with the June Primary is upwards of $200,000. A special election could cost $800,000 or more.

We are back to motivation.

I have written about Garnier’s motivations. The reasons cited in the “Notice of Intention” cite the CAB’s as reason for the re-call effort. The real reason is the failure of Beatty and Sellers to garner support for the removal of Dr. Collins. Kimberley Beatty and Charles Sellers are privately (and maybe in the future) publicly supporting this recall, hoping to eliminate Andy Patapow and get a person who thinks like they do, so they can move forward with removing Dr. Collins. Beatty and Seller’s have "de facto" voted to waste tax payer dollars, simply because they can't get their way and fire Dr. Collins - and refuse to work honorably with him through the end of his contract. Their support of such a waste of tax payer funds may open them up to recall. This is a sad state of affairs.

Andy Patapow has devoted 50 years of his life to PUSD as a Principal and Board Member and has done nothing to merit re-call. I could write for hours about the positive contributions Andy has provided students of the PUSD. This re-call effort is a spiteful action against a man of integrity and honor, by a group of angry, disgruntled people, who have an agenda that is not focused on children and education. It is time to send them a message.

Do not support this re-call effort.

E-Mails Begin to Tell a Story

I have been reviewing a number of e-mails received through a "Public Information Request" of the Poway Unified School District. I could write for days on the content I have, but I decided to parcel them out as I review and attempt to understand the motivations of certain people. The motives are beginning to emerge and ties various individuals have, is interesting, to say the least.

Back in September 2014, Christopher Garnier sent an e-mail to Dr. John Collins with the subject, "My Thoughts and My Desires". The e-mail was sent on September 27, 2014, at 8:31 PM. See below:

Page 2

The e-mail speaks for itself. The first paragraph, at the beginning of this two page e-mail, paints a picture of what is to come. The genesis for what is going on today?

In January of 2015, Christopher Garnier sent an e-mail to Kimberley Beatty that was a follow up e-mail to his complaint of having to pay for items he was seeking through a Public Records Request.

Another example of the e-mails sent by Christopher Garnier is one sent on May 25, 2015. Christopher Garnier adds a subject line that says, "Happy Memorial Day Dr. Collins".

I did not receive a copy of the attachment which was included in the original e-mail. An example of a veiled threat and Christopher Garnier's continued harassment and intimidation.

Another example of the intimidation tactics and harassment from Christopher Garnier is this e-mail sent on October 7, 2015 at 8:11 PM, with the subject, "I Hope you gentlemen are having a relaxing night."

Most of the e-mails sent by Christopher Garnier are rambling repeats of his belief there is rampant district wide racism. What Christopher Garnier leaves out of all his rants, are the things he did to elicit the response he received. He fails to accept any responsibility for HIS actions and words, spoken and written.

I am attempting to figure out a better way of presenting the volumes of e-mails associated with Christopher Garnier. The extended rants make it difficult to present here. I'm sure there is a manner in which I can do so, but I have not figured it out yet. I will work on that and when I figure it out, post them here for people to make their own judgments.

Until then, let us focus our time and energy on "KIDS and EDUCATION". Let us all support our teachers, who do a wonderful job every day, under difficult conditions and without the respect and appreciation they all deserve. THANK YOU for all YOU do for our KIDS!!!!!!!

Christopher J Garnier and Free Speech

"Freedom of Speech" is a phrase that is so often used, abused and misunderstood. Let's look quickly at what the First Amendment to the Constitution says; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 

So, "Free speech" in lay persons terms, "is the right to communicate one's opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship." What about me and you? Do you and I have to sit idle and be restricted in our response to abuses of "Freedom of Speech"?

Christopher Garnier has written and said many things over the past year. He has a dialog consisting of phrases that are used to bolster his status, in an attempt to make his words more meaningful. Maybe it is his own reputation for rectitude (in his mind) that give him the belief his words are power. His righteousness, justification for conduct producing unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences – affronts to sense or sensibility, disgust, shock, shame, embarrassment, annoyance, boredom, anger, fear, or humiliation. 

Christopher Garnier relishes the spot light. He grabs for the glitz and glamour of his self absorbed worth. He cries racism when challenged for the words he chooses. He deflects when challenged or called out. 

Let's look for a moment at Christopher Garnier, his words and actions and consider his motives. In weighing his interests, we should take into account the importance of his words and conduct to society (keeping in mind the social importance of his right to expression). His mantra is centered on the removal of Dr. John Collins, Superintendent of the PUSD. Garnier has repeatedly attempted to bolster his credibility with self aggrandizing statements. A highlight of the oft repeated statements of Christopher Garnier;

• I am a man of great pride.
• When I say something, I stand by my words.
• I enjoy looking a person in his or her eyes and telling the truth.
• I'm a former Marine Corps Officer.
• I served this Great Nation as a Marine Corps Officer and combat helicopter pilot.
• As a Marine Corps Officer in both Iraq and Afghanistan I was forced to deal with the truth.
• I am a busy man, raising my three children, own my own business and pursuing my doctoral degree from USC.
• I'm a scary man because I'm ONLY controlled by my beliefs of righteousness and those beliefs place a mirror in front of those who fall short.
• Marine Corps Officers live by a code and honesty is the spearhead of that code.
• My Marine Corps ethos of honor, courage and commitment with the faith that I have been internally blessed with will guide me.
• I'm a black man and my wife is white.
• I'm a black disabled veteran.     

You will hear and read these comments in a variety of venues. Christopher Garnier is very adept at producing unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences for people, by the manner in which he comports himself. He uses his color to intimidate and as a shield for protection. The dialog of Christopher Garnier is often an affront to sense and sensibility. He attempts to show disgust for another persons actions, occurring over 20 years ago, yet accepts no responsibility for his own words and actions from past or present. Christopher Garnier intentionally uses words to shock and embarrass. He does so to create fear and humiliate. The question is WHY?   

If there was not a spiteful motive behind Christopher Garnier's words and actions, it would be difficult to argue against his "right" to say what he does. His offensive conduct falling under the theory of "a great social utility" diminishing the greater public voice from overriding his interest. Christopher Garnier may, accordingly, speak and write with freedom, but shall be responsible for abuses of this freedom. 

What spiteful motive could Christopher Garnier have for attacking Dr. Collins and others in the district? What is his motivation? I think it is Christopher Garnier who would best be able to provide this information. Christopher Garnier was once an "Impact Teacher at Del Norte". A job that did not last long. In an e-mail, Christopher Garnier wrote, about his leaving this position, "I am confident I did a great job with the task that you charged me with but because of personal beliefs, I must move one."  This appears to be the genesis for Christopher Garnier's motivation. There is also the short lived "coaching" position Christopher Garnier held within the district. 

To understand fully the motives of Christopher Garnier, there is a video on YouTube I stumbled upon where Christopher and his wife are front and center, telling their story. The video is titled; "Black Marine Pilot Called a "Boy", Punished for Reporting it" (link attached). The video is hosted by Walter Davis, who hosts his own show called "Progress in the World" as well as Nilsa Acevedo, his co-host and host of a show titled "Progress in your World". The video is approximately one hour and forty minutes long. Grab a drink (you will need one) and listen to his words. The motivation for Christopher Garnier is hidden in his words, throughout the video.

I am culling through a stack of e-mails written by Christopher Garnier that will further paint the picture of an individual whose spiteful motive is becoming crystal clear. If you want to see more of Christopher Garnier, check out the blog titled; "San Diego Rostra" and a post titled, "Strike TWO On Poway Schools Recall - Notice Invalidated Again (link attached). 

Until next time, let's shift the focus from Christopher Garnier, his wife and Keith Wilson to "Kids and Education".

Keith Wilson Character Counts

"Character Counts" teaches six pillars of character to live by. These six pillars apply to everyone and exclude no one. The Josephson Institute explains the six pillars of character as;

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

- See more at: https://charactercounts.org/sixpillars.html#sthash.y5RnWvM7.dpuf

Children begin to learn about character from their parents, long before they enter the educational arena. Our children are little sponges, watching and listening to everything we do and say. When our children enter school, they begin to learn from their friends as well as our teachers. Some children arrive at the door with a base, built by their parents, who demonstrated good character and instilled it in their children.

On October 8, 2015, I submitted a Public Information Request, seeking e-mails, exchanged between several individuals. I sought to examine the dialogue and exchange of information between members of the public, board members and the Superintendent.

What I discovered was both frightening and appalling.

One of the individuals whose e-mails I sought to examine was Keith Wilson. Keith Wilson is the driving force behind the "Re-Call" effort to remove PUSD Board Member Andy Patapow. Keith Wilson is also a regular speaker and critic of the District, Dr. John Collins and Mr. Patapow. I wrote in a recent post about Keith Wilson's fixation with sexual innuendo. His many rants before the school board, during the public comment time of the meeting, often contained reference to something sexual in nature. Keith Wilson will often attempt to qualify or minimize his statement as not really being sexual, just a way to get his point across. Keith Wilson clearly relishes the spot light and enjoys the response he gets when making his off colored comments directed at various members of PUSD.

While reviewing the mountain of e-mails, I came across three e-mails sent by Keith Wilson on September 11, October 11 and 12, 2015, that paint a picture of his character, or lack there of. On September 11, 2015, Keith Wilson sent the following e-mail to Dr. John Collins and Cc'd his daughter;

The next day, Keith Wilson followed the above e-mail with the one below;

Then on October 12, 2015, Keith Wilson sent the below e-mail to Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services, Tracy Hogarth;

The link at the bottom of the e-mail is for the song;

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood".

The above e-mails are but a small sampling of e-mails sent by Keith Wilson. In my opinion, they paint a picture of a troubled individual, who lacks character. Keith Wilson has shown through his writings in these e-mails, he is not a good person. Keith Wilson has proven he is not someone to look up to and admire. Keith Wilson shows he is not thinking right nor doing right. Keith Wilson has illustrated he does not know the difference between right and wrong and does not do right. Keith Wilson has proven to not set a good example for everyone and has not shown any effort to make
the world a better place.

Keith Wilson;

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

When we judge a person and their character, we often do so after giving the benefit of doubt, for prior words and actions. After repeated words and actions, we see the habits of a person and this shapes our judgement of their character. Keith Wilson lacks character in my opinion and his destiny will soon be clear. He will no doubt cry foul for being the focus of such a post here. I simply suggest he find a mirror, free from distraction and take a good long look at what stands before him. Keith Wilson, ask yourself; "How is my character viewed by others?"

Character starts with "Trustworthiness" Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation  I am reviewing many other e-mails that need to be shared. I will be doing so over the next several days. Until then, share with friends, who Keith Wilson is and ask if this is a person who should be taken
seriously.

Keith Wilson and Fixation with Sexual Innuendo

Keith Wilson is an individual, who has repeatedly made juvenile remarks during “Public Comment” at School Board Meetings, often containing sexual innuendos. He has written comments containing sexual innuendos and suggestions to various school employees and managers through e-mail. Wilson has exhibited a fixation with Sexual Innuendo. At Monday nights PUSD School Board Meeting, Wilson was prepared to bring sexual innuendo into his comments. Reference the below e-mail, sent from Keith Wilson to Candy Smiley on October 16, 2015;

From: Kjwilson8806@aol.com
Date: October 16, 2015 at 9:51:05 AM PDT
To: csmiley@powayteachers.org
Cc: csellers@powayusd.com, kbeatty@powayusd.com, moconnorratcliff@powayusd.com, tjzane@powayusd.com
Subject: IBPS

Dear Ms. Smiley,

At the next school board meeting I may mention that you are in bed with Collins.  I want to assure you that this is not intended to suggest anything sexual but only to inform the community that you and Collins negotiate with each other to determine the amount of salary increases you will give each other.  That's IBPS at it's best.

I find it incredible that our school board looks on like voyeurs as the community gets screwed.

This song is dedicated to our school board:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIMnOG6FDls

Wilson did not follow through on this threat, but instead, I believe, prepared a speaker slip, that was equally juvenile in nature, but also sinister in practice. Let me explain. Each member of the public wishing to speak at a school board meeting is required to complete a “Speaker Slip” and turn it in to the Clerk of the Board. Speaker slips are numbered in the order they are received. Keith Wilson’s slip was number 13. Speaker slip number 14 was submitted next. Here are the two slips (I submitted a Records Request on Tuesday and picked these up today after paying $5.00);

Wilson was hoping to embarrass Mr. Patapow and then use the outcome, to in some way, again, use sexual innuendo to try and make a point.

Let me explain why I believe STRONGLY, Wilson is the author and or person who submitted Speaker Slip Number 14. (I am meeting with a former associate I worked with in Law Enforcement who has agreed to evaluate these slips. He is a 30 year forensic handwriting expert) I had been made aware of the above e-mail, sent by Wilson to Ms. Smiley, on Friday, the 16^th. I was seated one row behind Wilson at the Board Meeting on Monday, the 19^th. Wilson was called to speak and gave what would be described as tame, bland or lacking the normal vitriolic tirade he is known to deliver. As Wilson resumed his seat he uttered, “Watch this” and sat down. Mr. Patapow called the next speaker; “Jack Mehoff”. Wilson immediately began laughing, his face became extremely red and he was covering his face with the papers he was holding in his hands. It was clear to me what had just happened. You be the judge.

October 20, 2015, at 4:31 PM, Wilson then sent the below e-mail. The e-mail was sent to a laundry list of individuals; Mr. Patapow, Charles Sellers, Kimberley Beatty, Ms. O’Connor-Ratcliff, Mr. Zane, Ashly McGlone (Voice of San Diego), garnier48, kgarnier1231, Pat Maio (San Diego Union Tribune), Steve Dryer (Pomerado News), TomMoore and yellowings.     

E-Mail;

Dear School Board Members,

I have reviewed that video of last night's meeting and I am shocked that out of the clear blue, Mr. Patapow asked for a hand job.  He may have misinterpreted the show of love from the teachers but that is not an excuse.  Andy should receive the most severe reprimand from the Board.

A tip of the hat to Michelle, the blinkers came off and she ran the best race of her career finishing in the money. 

I think it is a great idea to interview for another attorney to serve the Board.  Danny Shinoff violated the most basic principle of a lawyer's professional responsibility in not informing the San Ysidro School Board of the offer that was made.  Were his motives to bill more hours?  How could you as a Board trust him any longer?

But old reliable Andy was there carrying water for the superintendent but did not realize he had a hole in his bucket.  Andy knew he was suppose to be against the addition of another lawyer but did not know how to articulate Collin's position.  This is all further proof that Andy is nothing more that a puppet on a string and shame on the two board members that played to the crowd last night giving support to him.

Collins had that look on his face that Andy was struggling and would not come through for him.  Just a quick thought, why would Johnnie need a shower in his office?  Superintendent's work must get pretty dirty in some way or other.

Finally, I ask all of you to review the video of last night's meeting and you will see the look of disgust on Mr. Seller's face as he heard Andy's off color comment.

It is clear, from the actions of Wilson at the Board meeting and the contents of the above e-mail, Wilson is the person responsible for Speaker Slip number 14. I have made a number of Public Records Act requests under Government Code Section 6250, seeking e-mails of various individuals. The contents of these e-mails paint a picture of a disturbed, angry and juvenile group of individuals. I will be sharing these e-mails in the coming days.

Dueling E-Mails and a Re-Call

 Dueling e-mails and perceived back room dealings of Charles Sellers and Kimberley Beatty need to be brought into the light of the day. By now you are all aware of the re-call petition submitted my Keith Wilson, seeking to re-call Andy Patapow. The effort is a colossal waste of money, time and effort. I will write about all that next time. Right now, I want to bring to light the activities of Beatty and Sellers who are trying to feign ignorance and non-involvement.

I have been watching from the cheap seats, the actions of several community members and board members Sellers and Beatty. The actions of the community members, appear to be coordinated with Sellers and Beatty. The private meetings and exchanges of e-mails paint a disturbing picture. The whole picture will be difficult to paint due to the use of personal e-mails, not necessarily subject to discovery through normal channels. But, I have a snapshot that may offer a glimpse of what is hidden in the backrooms used by this gaggle of individuals.

 I became aware of the re-call effort and initially laughed it off as being simply a grab for headlines, and a further attempt to try and bring discredit to those who do not subscribe to the antics and beliefs of a small but vocal group of individuals. The first e-mail was written by Board Member Andy Patapow, who is the focus of the re-call effort. Andy writes;    

On Saturday, October 5^th, I received a phone call from Board member Charles Sellers, asking me to meet with him.

At that meeting, Mr. Sellers informed me that a petition to recall me from the Board of Education had been completed by a member of the public – and that he – Charles – was delivering the message that I could step down voluntarily if I wanted to avoid the embarrassment of a public recall petition.

Mr. Sellers shared a print copy of the petition with me, but did not allow me to see the names of the petition signers.

Mr. Sellers gave me a “decision deadline” of Monday.

Mr. Sellers called me at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, asking if I had made a decision.  He then texted me, saying that the deadline for my decision was extended to noon on Tuesday.

At 1:50 p.m. today (Tuesday), the author of the petition, Mr. Keith Wilson, served me a “Notice of Intention to Circulate Recall Petition” at my home.

10 individuals signed this petition.  They are:

·  Keith and Linda Wilson

·  Chris, Kimberley, Dr. Ramona and Winslow Garnier

·  Brooks, Monica and Virgil Iler

·  Anjum Razvi

Mr. Keith Wilson listed the following reasons for recalling me:

·  I voted for the Capital Appreciation Bonds (CABs)

·  I have accepted gifts from the bond underwriters

·  I have refused to fire any financial consultants or district employees responsible for the CABs

I am sharing this information with you tonight because the “Notice of Intention to Circulate Recall Petition” must be filed with our local newspaper and I wanted you to be informed before your read about it in the newspaper. 

As allowed by law, I will be submitting a response to this recall petition to the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters within the next seven (7) days.

I have honorably served our District for the past 50 years.  20 of those years have been as a Member of the Board of Education.

I am proud of my contributions and proud of my record.  Most of all, I am proud to work with and for PUSD’s outstanding students, teachers, classified personnel and community members.

Andy Patapow

Board of Education

Several days later, Charles Sellers wrote the following e-mail;

Dear Colleagues,

I have read Andy Patapow’s version of events and, while generically correct, they do omit many specific details which I believe shed considerable light on what actually took place.

First, let me state emphatically that I am neither a participant in nor a proponent of this recall effort.  I did, however, hear about it and contacted Keith Wilson to learn if it was true.  When he confirmed that it was, I asked if he planned to give Andy any warning about what was coming his way.  I felt that after 50 years of service to public education that’s the least he was owed.  I was told that if I felt that strongly about it I could tell him myself.

This was not an easy thing to do and anyone with an ounce of political sense wouldn’t have touched it with a ten foot pole.  But I am not a politician and I believed that it was morally incumbent upon someone to at least let Andy determine his own fate.  Here is where we start to correct some of the facts.

At no time did I ever utter the word resign, much less suggest that he do so.  I did say that I saw three possible options.  Retire, Do nothing and let the process play out, or Contact the parties to see if some compromise short of recall could be worked out.  I also said there might be other options but I had not thought of any.  Andy was very gracious and thanked me for giving him the heads up.  He did not appear bitter nor did he seem to blame me for what was happening.  I gave him a copy of the petition.  It lacked signatures because they were not given to me.  I told him that he could probably guess who was behind it anyway, which he agreed.

I did not give him a “decision deadline” of Monday.  He asked how much time he had and I stated that the proponents told me they planned to go forward on Monday if they did not hear from him.  It was their timeline, not mine.  He rose and shook my hand and said that he needed to consult with some people and that he would be in touch.

I did not hear from him so I called at 11:30 am on Monday to see if he needed anything from me.  He said that he and his wife were still discussing it and had not made any decisions.  I asked if he wanted more time.  He said “Well, that’s up to you”.  So, I called Keith Wilson who agreed to wait another 24 hours before proceeding.  I then texted this information to Andy.

At about 1:30 pm on Tuesday, I got a call from Andy who asked “What’s goin’ on?”  I replied that “I have no idea what’s goin’ on Andy” and he said “OK, thanks”.  It was literally a ten second conversation.  The next contact I received was his email through the District.

Anyone who tries to make more out of my involvement than what I have just described is at best ignorant, since they weren’t there, and at worst putting their own political spin on events.

I made a humane attempt to soften the blow of an oncoming train to another person.  In hindsight, it made little difference to the outcome of events.  But I have no regrets for that and I encourage each of you to ask Andy what, if anything, I have written here that is not true.

So, maybe someone can help me. If Sellers knew nothing, can he explain this?

It appears to me, Sellers AND Beatty were involved in discussions, related to a re-call, at the very least as far back as September 8, 2015. The inference, from this e-mail, is there was discussion for a re-call prior to this e-mail. Wilson followed up with David Morton, who referred Wilson to Vargas, who provided details on what is necessary to qualify a re-call for election.  I highly doubt this e-mail is the extent of THEIR involvement.

You be the judge.

The re-call effort has been a rocky one for Wilson, et al. The first petition was disqualified. They tried again, only to have the second petition disqualified. Their third effort (threes a charm?) appears to be moving forward. I will share at length what the re-call effort will need moving forward and what it will and will not accomplish. To say the effort is a colossal waste of time, money and effort, is an understatement. But, given past words and actions of those involved, it is clear none of that matters to them. Time, money and many people’s efforts will again be directed away from what is really important; Children and Education.