Controversy has swirled around Albert Einstein Academies – a two-school charter network – for more than a year. From the watering down of the school’s German immersion program to the firing of the elementary school’s principal, community members’ ire has increasingly focused on one person: Superintendent David Sciaretta.
Now, school community members are raising new allegations that Sciaretta misused a school-issued credit card, reports our Jakob McWhinney.
Credit card statements show Sciaretta spent about $10,000 to run a podcast that detractors say had nothing to do with the charter network. They also show he spent thousands more on media subscriptions, like nearly $700 in subscription fees for a newsletter pitched as helping readers “get smarter about China.”
The charges are the latest fuel in a fire Sciaretta’s detractors are fanning in an attempt to get him fired — and bring significant changes to how the charter network is managed.
Toxic Gas Levels Almost Sent South Bay Students Indoors Again
Toxic gas levels emanating from the sewage-polluted Tijuana River nearly sent students of Berry Elementary indoors recently. Berry sits just north of the Tijuana River Valley.
Around 7 a.m., the amount of hydrogen sulfide gas detected by a sensor attached to the school read 67 parts per billion. Protocols from the local air pollution regulator stipulate once the gas hits a level of 30 parts per billion, students with asthma should have their medications readily on hand. At that level, students must limit outdoor activities or move activities inside.
But by 8 a.m., the gas levels dropped below that action threshold.
- Related: State Sen. Steve Padilla, District 18, is running a bill that’s now in the Assembly, which would set a new hydrogen sulfide health standard for California.
To Park at a Broken Meter… or No?
Our Bella Ross sets the scene of a common dilemma:
“You’re hunting for precious street parking when you finally see a break in the bumpers: An open spot. But the meter isn’t taking your card or coins. When technology fails, can you park with impunity? After all, you did try to pay.”
City staff told Ross that, in theory, you’re not supposed to get a ticket if you park at a broken meter.
BUT: All payment methods — from coins to card to parking apps — must be down. If not, you’re still on the hook.
If in doubt, probably document the situation with photos.
In Other News
- Amid attempts to close the city’s budget deficit, San Diego city councilmembers approved an extension to the San Diego Zoo’s lease in exchange for yearly $3 million payments. That price tag will increase 3 percent each year beginning in 2030. Additional goodies were sprinkled in – like splitting parking revenue should it exceed the $3 million threshold. (KPBS)
- Inspectors uncovered the highly destructive Mexican fruit fly during a routine inspection in La Mesa. The state declared a 77-square-mile quarantine zone including the cities of San Diego, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee. Home gardeners, growers, retailers and nurseries should not move any of their produce off their property. (County of San Diego)
- San Diego Community Power obtained an “A” credit rating from S&P Global on Monday, something the power-buying agency had been building reserves to achieve since it began supplying power around five years ago. The lack of a credit rating was a barrier, the agency said, to being able to lower rates more for customers in years past. (San Diego Community Power)
- An El Cajon-based bishop accused of embezzling more than $270,000 from the Catholic Church is officially out. The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Leo accepted the resignation of Emanuel Shaleta, who oversaw the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego. (Union-Tribune)
The Morning Report was written by Jakob McWhinney, MacKenzie Elmer and Will Huntsberry. It was edited by Will Huntsberry.