LANCASTER – Sandra Johnson will be the first to tell you that she has lived the American dream. Having legally immigrated to the United States from Chile at a young age, Johnson grew up with very little, but worked hard to change her circumstances and steadfastly pursued her dream of opening a learning institution.
Today Johnson is the chief executive officer and co-founder of the University of Antelope Valley (UAV), which has grown from a small CPR startup company into a nationally accredited institution with three campuses.
“Through hard work, dedication, honesty, [being] law abiding, and fear of God, it works to be able to reach your American dream,” Johnson said. “And with me living that and being an example of that, I know that I would be the best candidate for that [City Council] position for our community.”
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris agrees. That’s why he appointed Johnson to the Lancaster city council in September 2011 to replace Sherry Marquez, who resigned due to family matters.
“I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and this is definitely my calling,” said Johnson. “I had the blessing of being appointed, and I said that if I was to accept it’s because it will be a long-term commitment.”
Johnson is hoping that voters will help her fulfill that long-term commitment by electing her to one of two open seats on the Lancaster City Council this April.
Having sat on the city council for roughly five months, Johnson has nothing negative to say about the council. Rather, she said what struck her almost immediately was the positives of the current council.
“They all had the same kind of mindset like mine, which is that entrepreneurial mind, that mind of vision, that mind of thinking ahead in the future, that mind of making a difference in our community because we’ve all lived here for so long,” Johnson said. “It was very comfortable for me to walk right in and feel like I belonged already.”
Additionally, she said she was proud to be the only female on the council.
“That was an honor for me to have that female voice, that female touch, and that female vision,” Johnson said. “Not necessarily to just represent females… but everyone in our community.”
She says if elected, she will work hard to represent the community and to address what she believes are three of the most important issues facing the city right now — education, unemployment and crime.
“I would love to be able to be a voice for our city,” Johnson said.
As co-founder of a university that graduates more than 1,000 students a year in programs ranging from career-specific certificates to master’s level programs, Johnson said her commitment to education is already evident.
“We’re giving [students] that opportunity to learn, whether it be a trade or a degree, in order to become productive citizens in our community,” said Johnson. “And it’s very rewarding when you see these students graduate and then they become an example for their families and examples for their community.”
Johnson says her experience running UAV also puts her in a unique position to further her second goal for the city, which is to create more jobs for its residents.
“Creating jobs is very important because that’s what our community runs on,” Johnson said. “With us here at the university having 140-plus employees, it shows that we had the creativity of being able to create jobs in this type of environment… we also create jobs every single day for our graduates, so I’m able to share those tools with our city.”
If elected to the Lancaster City Council, Johnson also hopes to make a difference in crime, which she believes to be one of the top three issues facing the city.
“I know how it feels to hurry and get home because it’s getting dark, or that there’s a house that they’re dealing drugs from, or that I need to run away from that gang,” Johnson said, referencing her humble beginnings. “I know how it feels to have a challenging environment.”
Johnson said that Lancaster’s crime rate has dropped 42 percent and credits the decrease in crime to a hardworking Sheriff’s department.
“But it’s still not enough, and that’s definitely one of the things that I want to try and make even better,” she said. “We have Impact Homes and Wellness Homes that are such great assets to children in the neighborhoods where I grew up… those are the kinds of areas that I am looking forward to making even better.”
When asked about funding for her campaign, Johnson said she had not set a limit on funds for her campaign, but said she intended to run a grassroots campaign.
“Coming from humble beginnings I’ve been raised to stretch the dollar, which is wonderful because that’s exactly what I’m doing in this campaign,” she said.
Johnson said she has contacted family members and close friends to see if they are able to contribute to her campaign, but said she mostly planned to get the word out on her own through “knocking on doors and doing whatever is necessary.”
Asked specifically if Mayor Parris had contributed funds to her campaign, Johnson said: “At this point, my answer would be no, but if he’s willing to, I’d be more than happy to accept because it does help my purpose.”
Her purpose, she said, is simply to become an advocate for the community where she has lived her entire life.
“With her becoming a city council member, there’s no personal goal there, there’s no hidden agenda, there is no reason for her to do this other than to help the community, to have a direct impact on the community that she has been a part of for 40-plus years,” said husband, Marco Johnson. “If the community wants someone who is here for the community and that’s it, then she is definitely the person.”
*This is the last of the profiles The AV Times has published featuring Lancaster city council candidates. Previous council candidate profiles featured John Kiramis, Michael Rives, Isaac Grajeda and incumbent Ken Mann. The AV Times will now publish profiles featuring Lancaster mayoral candidates. Profiles will be published in random order.
Justice Callout says
Only in Lancaster can you “slip” into office without saying a word. We truly deserve her.
Leo says
She’s for the blacks and by the blacks people only, there’s a big difference between helping and oppresing people.Oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner. It can also be defined as an act or instance of oppressing.
Emily says
If you ever met Sandra Johnson you would not ask why she avoids questions and does not want to debate.
wow says
Sandra hid during the election ducking debates & not taking questions. She lied by saying she lowered crime 50% in 4 years when she was appointed 5 months ago and she expects votes. Enjoy.
Jeannie says
LEave Sandra alone!!! She is the best!! She should be the mayor
here says
what ever happened with Integrity, responsibility, truth, and consequence????
wow says
Sandra hid during the election ducking debates & avoiding questions. She lied by saying she lowered crime 50% in 4 years when she was appointed only 5 months ago & now she expects votes.
Leo says
jajajajaj in hell you mean?
Leo says
jejejeje u r nut
Leroy says
Leo, just learn to say no to drugs and kool aid.
CKAY says
Sandra’s latest mailer today says she lowered crime 50% in the past 4 years. Wasn’t she appointed only 5 months ago. Maybe she’s Batwoman!
Jeannie says
Stop picking on Sandra!! She is the best councilwoman in Lancasters history. So what if her mailer made an honest mistake.
surely surely says
Jeanie, really this must be Crystal the best council woman. Run your school how about going back to only CPR
Leo says
honest honest r u jocking eh ? jejejee
Jeannie says
Sandra just made a mistake on her hand out. Leave her be. Shes still the best councilwoman and educator Lancaster ever had.
here says
Again what happened with Integrity, responsibility, truth, and consequence ?????? Hold yourself to these words and what they stand for
here says
Good someone caught that. I don’t understand why you want to run for council your supposed to be running the school UAV. Theres a saying
your honor shows when no one is looking this is how your judged.
CKAY says
Sandra’s latest mailer claims she lowered crime 50% in the last 4 years. I thought she was only appointed 5 months ago. Maybe she’s Batwoman!
here says
Really Sandra fabricated information. Batwoman does not use a broom
CKAY says
DO NOTHING. ABSOLTELY SAY NOTHING. SEND MAILERS SUGGESTING YOU’VE BEEN ON THE COUNCIL AWHILE AND NOT APPOINTED 5 MONTHS AGO AND THEN RIDE REX’S COAT TAILS. SMART!
LILANN says
Johnson proves that not only can she run but that she can hide as just as well. NOT ONE Q&A during the whole election. Just 5 dumb answers in the AV Press to 5 softball Q’s sent to her. Let’s increase the council to 7 like the Parasite wants and appoint more like her.
Cindy B. says
I voted for them. I think they have a chance if the mysterious votes from Rexs favorite baptist church dont all come in at the last minute.
Stinger says
It’s really simple: Do NOT vote for Parris’ cronies. DO vote for Mike Rives and John Kiramis. This will unbalance Parris’ control over the council and make him have to actually explain WHY and HOW things that he pushes for will benefit the citizenry.
Gladdis says
Bottom line, is it to late to get one of the Kings opponents in a position to win the election? It makes me sick to think Rex and his Band of Brothers (and sisters)get to continue there game called “Lancaster” It seems that he has appointed one of his cronies to every possible post, panel, commission, department,team. They’re all collecting paychecks and only making things better for themselves,their friends, or fellow Lancaster Baptist Church Members.
If there was a rally for an opponent, I would attend.
Diane S. says
The bottom line is we deserve Rex Parrasite, his council of crooks and the Lancaster Baptist Church running Lancaster.
LILANN says
3/19/12 AVPress. Sandra’s answer on bringing jobs here is “to creat new economic partnerships between businsses, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS and the city” I wonder which “educational institution” she’s referring to which gets the lion’s share of tax dollars for this bright idea.
Dolores says
She also states that she has the Sherrif Dept’s backing and as we can see they seem to be sending their kids from their VIDA program to her trade school, to think that she is, or Mayor Parris is paying big money to have someone tell them what to say…..
William says
Lilann. Do you know of any kind or organizing group that is working to put in office people other than Parris’s people? It would be great if a group could organize and, maybe, get contributions and get out the vote.
I don’t mean to put it all on you to do something but you seem to be highly motivated. I’m not sure, but I doubt that this website publishing various complaints is enough to make anything positive happen. But, it’s a place to start organizing if that is allowed on this site.
I live in Palmdale, and I’m on the side of people who want to be rid of Parris and some of the worst council members. It will benefit the entire Valley.
Gladdis says
I would also be interested and have a group of neighbors who are ready for real change as well. Some voted for Parris in the past, but have seen what a self serving individual he has shown himself to be.
here says
she paid her own students to work for them
here says
hire your own students
Dolores says
Wow, I can’t believe how much this lady is disliked, is this how the rest of Lancaster feels? or is it only on this site?
surely surely says
Deplores its true she is disliked. Funny though she puts a blind and a dead ear to what those are saying around her
LILANN says
Let’s not bicker boys. This is Sandy’s site. Calling her corrupt would imply she has a brain to begin with. Without Rex and a road map, she’s lost.
... says
It must be her site… Every post by someone identifying themselves as an employee is promptly removed…
DDawg says
I still recall when Bailiff Ron Smith fled out the court room when the s–t hit the fan and let a lady dep. fight for her life. Rex uses him but knows he’s yellow.
Employee says
[Flagged for inflammatory content and removed]
Justice Callout says
So which Parrasite is In The Know? Ron Smith? No One of Consequence suggests Ron Smith. Hard to say. Parrasites are Parrasites and Lancaster has so many.
Justice Callout says
In The Know/Surely Surely/No One of Consequence? Which Parrisite blog are you? Rex must be chasing extra ambulances to keep you paid.
In the Know says
This page is filled with one (1) person posting over and over with different names to make it seem like many different people are posting. Don’t be fooled “poster”. Your “anonymous” posts are not so anonymous. I have a few of your ip addresses and I will find out who you are. Soon my friend, soon.
Employee says
[Flagged for inflammatory content and removed]
Matt S says
There are more people in this town knowing the U of AV is a sham. Not sure it matters if it’s only one person posting here. (I guess that makes me #2.) I would say the only thing that matters is how many show up to vote. But then few if any believe the Lancaster election is ran clean, so that alone could keep people from the polls. Aren’t votes counted in Norwalk? All ballots that aren’t in Lancaster that is. Didn’t someone post the other day that Lancaster city clerks make sure to destroy absentee ballot envelopes? Wouldn’t that be all it takes to win? Have someone get a hold of a bunch of absentee ballots? How can you tell if they’re really registered, legit voters?
LILANN says
There is no way of knowing if the absentee ballots are a sham because City Clerk Geri Bryan tosses out the return envelopes with the return addresses. Welcome to Rex City.
Matt S says
So in other words, this “gang” can steal the election every time. Surprising they even bother putting up signs and sending out mailers. Guess they got to pretend to campaign. Even if they already know they’ll win,
Stinger says
Gee, Don’tKnow, now you’re threatening people for expressing themselves?
Parris must be so proud of you. Why don’t you go and “guard the back door” for him, Ron. You’re good at that, aren’t you.
LILANN says
Matt’s nose is glued to the back door. Rex’s that is.
Stinger says
I wonder if Parris realizes that when the political bullets start flying, his right hand man, Ron Smith, will run and turn on him so fast it will be stunning. Ron’s cowardice is incontrovertably proven by history.
William says
At the council meetings, is it Smith who seconds every motion, acting like he’s really workin’ hard?
justice_fallout says
Intheknow,
“justice callout” <- its DBW! i called it here first!
Stinger says
Gee, and here I thought I was DBW.
ROFLMFAO! XD
Justice Callout says
Rex steals newspapers and Sandra is just dumb. I vote for Sandra
Mercedes Medrano says
Stiil a mute who plans on stealing an election by being deaf and dumb. That is the best Lancasater can expect.
Monica says
Sandra cant give answers because she cant understand questions. It is like her students who are taught not to ask questions. Just sit there, pay and graduate with a piece of toilet paper
here says
then you hire your own students
Mercedes Medrano says
Tell us Sandra, have you said one word or answered one question during this election? You are a credit to you fellow mutes on the city council and Rex appreciates you all.
gary t says
Give her credit and some time. She will find a new way to emberass Lancaster.
CKAY says
Elect her and I’m sure she will find a new way to embarass us all.
Cory says
Tell us why some of your university instrutors only have high school diplomas. That is not what you sell to your new students. It will catch up to you.
CKAY says
Our Sandra. The embarasment that goes on giving. Vote her out!
Monica says
I voted Sandra. I pray you lose so at least when you cheat your students out of there money it will not look bad for Lancasters council.
LILANN says
I just spoke to 4 nieghbors who changed there votes and did not vote for you Sandra. They are also Latinos who know about you and what you do to your people.
Diane S. says
Let’s stop complaining and vote them out. We got a chance here to stop ruining Lancaster.
Justice Callout says
Sandra Johnson is desperate. Since we got our ballots in the mail, weve gotten 2 fliers and a recorded call from Ron Smith pushing her. Sorry Sandra, no Q&A’s,no votes.
Justice Callout says
The absentee ballots are out and Sandra still is a mute. Vote for the appointed mute or use your ballot to make a possilbe meaningful change. Tell a friend to do the same.
Monica says
I will look for my balot and tell eveyone I know not to vote for this evil Sandra Johnson. Adios Seniora. You cannot lie and steal forever
Diane S. says
Sandras recent very short speach saying all is well in Lancaster was confusing. 2 women tried to ask questions when Sandra finished however Sandra ignored them and walked away.
LILANN says
I may be overweight, you indentured Parrisite, however I can diet. You and lap dogs like you will always feed off the scraps tossed on the floor by your leash handlers. Unless you have already figured it out, it comes lacking character and a lack of will to think on for yourself. What’s really sad is the likes of Johnson, Parris and Mann (did I forget Ronny re-call?) are worse off than you. They just won’t let you ever know it.
LILANN says
Why does Sandra need a political view if all she has to do is hold certificates for the cameras and shown up and vote how Parris tells her?
LILANN says
Praise the AV Univ. of CPR. It is what it is. Sandra’s baited hook called “University”, preying on those who should know better but don’t. No different than the Rex-in-a-Box law firm where ever you look. Yes I know, Sandy and Rexy came from poor backgrounds and need to eat up Lancaster so they may feel full and complete about themeselves. Let them eat, there’s not much left anyhow. Long live their gluttony and don’t forget to finish off with the Boulevard. It may not taste too good since it’s turning into a shell, but it looks appetising enough.
Stinger says
There are some who have posted on this thread that it is unfair to post negative comments regarding Ms. Johnson because we do not really know her. This would be a fair comment but for the fact that Ms. Johnson is; A) Running for office, & B) Unwilling to face the public in any way in which to get to know her. Logically, this means that Ms. Johnson either expects to lose (so why bother to campaign to her anticipated constituents) or expects to win without ever having to answer to the public with her views on the issues affecting the voting public.
In either case, Ms. Johnson has given up her expectations of any deference due to lack of knowledge of her. Indeed, her apparent refusal to actually appear before those who she expects votes from is, in a word, arrogant.
With the above in mind, Ms. Johnson (and her supporters – whether paid or not) should have no expectation of fair treatment in this, or any other, forum as she has already established that she arrogantly cares naught for the opinions of those she would count among her constituents.
I can not, in good conscience, vote for or support such a person.
educator says
Stinger,
when did you ever approach Mrs. Johnson on her positions, or her stance political views in general? This is politics and real and true politicians adress real issues and present a plan when it is necessary. just like you any idiot can stand out and say whatever they believe people want to hear. but when the time is right you will hear that she is of the people of this town and genuinely cares. Call it for profit or not but I bet when you colect your paycheck theres no non profit status behind it!!! you earn it to support yourself and your family. Why can’t she????
Stinger says
Hey, Parrisite, when has she made herself available for approach for “positions, or her stance political views in general?”
Go drink your koolaid.
educator says
Stinger, where do you work, where did you get your advanced degreee? I personally know of many success stories who have graduated from the University of antelope Valley. Do you even work? you seem to have plenty of time to post on this Blog. Whats your mission, whats your purpose? Do you actually expect to derail a campaign or even a University that is far bigger than you could ever possibly ever be. Again if you feel you can make a difference, take your masters degree and apply for a jpb as an educator at the University of antelope Valley which does hold quite a few accredidations. God Bless you and may your soul find peace.
Dolores says
@Educator, I just want to hear you say that you have riased your kids to go to UAV trade school and your are proud of it.
Stinger says
You still have not answered the question: When has Sandra Johnson made herself available for approach for “positions, or her stance political views in general?”
BTW: Thank you for your blessing and please allow me to reciprocate similar wishes in kind to yourself.
Employee says
Hey Educator AKA [removed] and/or [removed] you seem to have a lot of time on yur hands as well. Stop trying to save your wealth. The buck stops here.
Wpayo says
“Stinger”, Please spare us the big, lofty words (“naught”). They dont make you a better person because you use them! We have all seen how ugly you can be and how utterly contemptful of those you are envious of. You are filled with so much bitter ugliness and hatred of people that it pours out on here every time you post.
Stinger says
Go get your $1.50 from Parris, “Wpaidoff.” Sorry if my educated prose is too much for your limited mind.
BTW: The word you were looking for was “contemptuous,” not “contemptful.” Nice try.
LOL!
Wpayo says
I dont take money from anyone. But that is not what I have heard about you….a little birdy told me that you are an overweight slob who relies on a government pay check every month.
Stinger says
You might want to get new birdies, Parrisite. The ones that you have are not telling you the truth… Must be the koolaid.
educator says
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! I first have to ask the question of all the people that posted negative comments about the first University in the Antelope Valley. Call it what you want but if you actually and truly cared about our youth and adult learners you would be the first to step up and ensure that they were being prepared for college level work before they leave the weak high school system that we currently have. I for one will never question the motives of anyone that offers extremely well qualified educators who work their butts off to give some hope to a young man or young woman to better themselves and to be able to contribute to our community and not be a burden to us tax payers. so say what you will, be anonymous talk in the shadows but if you want to mKW difference the UAV web site is always postin positions for QUALIFIED EDUCATORS. Put up or shut up. you can do better theres lots of available properties wher Palmdale or Lancaster would love to help you with funding to open a school… So please be the silent minority and judge when you are on the same level. God Please Bless those who continue to express their own ignorance and not doing anything by running their mouths.
Nicole Dawson says
Thank you! THANK.YOU. These ridiculous comments about such an accomplished woman was really getting to me. I attempted to defend Mrs. Johnson on another story and was bullied. The people writing these comments are jealous and would probably never accomplish in their lifetimes what Mrs. Johnson has accomplished in just 10 years. That’s okay, their negativity will make it that much sweeter when Sandra Johnson takes her RIGHTFUL place on the City Council in April. Mrs. Johnson, if you are reading this, you are an inspiration to MANY!!! You must NEVER forget that!!!!
Jacky Johnson says
Oh please. ONE MORE TIME. THIS IS NOT A UNIVERSITY. It is a trade school. Get over yourself. Although I can not attest to every instructor they have, (Instructor, NOT professor, because they are a trade school) I wouldn’t blame the instructors anyway. Like most Americans, I would hope they would work hard at their craft. And, like most Americans I’m sure they do.
But to pretend this school is doing our youth any favors for charging them MORE then any four year UNIVERSITY for training that for the most part is menial jobs, as in NOT pharmacist, but pharmacist TECHNICIAN, NOT nurse but nurse’s AID, NOT chief but cook, NOT solar engineer but solar panel installer etc., is crazy. Almost ALL paid for with tax payer stimulus money, and sweet city deals.
And this idea that you can only say something about the extreme tuition for what is turning out to be useless pieces of paper if you start your own school is like saying you can only complain about crime if you start your own police force. And in my world one isn’t proud of making a fortune off unsuspecting, naive and ignorant youth. It’s something to be ashamed of. So there is nothing this woman has that would make me jealous. Just the opposite. I pity Sandra. And feel sorry for the young adults being ran through her paper mill.
Dolores says
Well said Jacky, they are puting lipstick on a pig, these people are shameless predetors and it is our youth they are praying on, let keep putting the word out.
Jacky Johnson says
Just think Dolores. There are people here that think taking advantage of the ignorant is something to look up to and it sickens me. We lost our soul when we forgot the rules we used to live by. And that is you don’t take advantage of people just because you can. These folks look up to people like Sandra? Why? Because she figured out that hitting a man when he’s down can be profitable. Used to be we looked up to people that gave superior products and service. Now we just like folk that are rich. Regardless of how they made their money.
What next?
Maybe we can open nursing homes and get rich off giving the worst possible care to the old and infirm. 3 meals a day and a cot. Sandra can run it, and we can be all jealous over the cash she rakes in. After all, if it’s legal!
Call Me Jake! says
I agree with you that the school has been branded incorrectly. It is not really a “university” but more like a trade school. But there is nothing we can do about branding. It is up to the owners and operators of the place!
Now before I begin this, let me clarify that I DO NOT HAVE AN AFFILIATION WITH ANY COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OR LEARNING INSTITUTION.
With that said, you cannot be angry at the Univ. of AVs success.
If people are too dumb or too prideful to research the school and make reasonable choices before enrolling then it is not the fault of the place they enrolled!
The “urban” culture has been brought to the Antelope Valley due to economics. The problem today is that this “urban” culture are obsessed with labels. For example, Charter College is a credible institution (formerly known as Clarita Career College) that has been around much longer than Univ. of AV and it has campuses in three different cities in the Los Angeles area. They always stress to their students the consequences of taking student loans and what the reality of the job market for the careers they are looking into. If I myself were a youth looking for a trade certification, I would pick Charter College before I picked any place else. Yet, because Charter College uses the word “college” in its name, and not “university” it gets bypassed by so many who are just chasing the “university” label.
To get into the local branch of the California State University of Bakersfield, or the California State University of Long Beach engineering program requires a minimum GPA of 2.50, which is too high for many “urban” youth culture. Also you must complete a battery of prerequisite courses on the junior college level that can be challenging. So for many youth, the California State University is untouchable because they do not want to put in the time or effort to be able to attend and they know getting a degree from the Cal State University is not going to be easy.
The most obvious solution then for many is UAV. It does not have the strict g.p.a. and requirements of the California State University yet it provides the label of “university” because, after all, thats all that matters, right? Oh and your diploma from UAV will have the word “university” printed on it, which is all that matters too…uh right? WRONG!
UAV is not a non profit. It is a for profit capitalist venture. So are DeVry, Charter, Pheonix, ITT, LaVerne, CCI, Chapman et al. And truthfully so are the Cal State schools because they have to pay their professors!
Chapman and LaVerne are like the Cal State University schools in that they are for serious students only that emphasize careers in education and counseling and their courses are very challenging. You will pay a pretty penny to go to either of them and you will work hard to get your diploma!
So people, What is the take home message from all of this? Maybe people in the “urban” culture should start getting involved in their kids lives more than they do now, which includes educating themselves and getting involved in their kids education decisions too! And quit expecting everyone else to do so for them. And maybe the “urban” culture should step back and quit obsessing over labels. Sometimes a “college” will do more for you and help you go further than a “university” and sometimes you need to be realistic and know that by your own choices, you just dont have what it takes to go to a real university. And going to a place that calls itself a “university” does not make you any better than someone who went to a place with “college” in the name instead.
To those of you on here whining that your kids were “preyed on” by UAV, you need to wake up! If you really think that they were “preyed on” then you have nobody but yourselves to blame because you failed to be involved in the decision making process to begin with and you taught your kids that certain labels like “university” mean more than others which is absolutely false!
I hope we can have more honest dialogue about this in the future!
Dolores says
Thank you again Jacky, this is @ call me Jake, the point that we are trying to make is just that, if in the past we made the mistake of not speaking out against this type of predetory abuse on our youth, we are not obligated to do now that we are more aware of how hurtful this is for their future, again let spread the word, lets educate, if we made the mistake of not doing it in the past, we now have the opportunity to do so now.
LILANN says
What goes on in the city clerk’s office makes you really pity these poor guys who try to run against Parris and his clowns.
Justice Callout says
City Clerk Geri Bryans office mysteriously opens the absentte ballots as they come in and unexplainably tosses out the return envelopes which are the only way to validate that ballot stuffing did not take place. Then the ballots are left stacked and unsecured in the clerks office. If you ask Geri why the ballots are not counted on election day you will be told it is too much work. Lancaster seperated from the county voter registrar to save money but then doesnt want to do the work. Why would they since it might cost Parris, Johnson and Mann an election the lost. City Hall stinks to high heaven.
Justice Callout says
If you only knew what goes on at city hall with the absentee ballots. Chicago can learn from our clerks office.
CKAY says
Our city crooks devised their own system where they have access to all the votes stored at the clerks office. Of course thet will get elected. What part of crooked don’t you understand.
Stinger says
Indeed! Maybe this time the Attorney General will pay attention after Parris and his buddies destroy ballots that aren’t for Der Fuhrer and his personal Gestapo.
William says
How do you go about requesting an outside agency to monitor the election, if that is a valid concern?
Justice Callout says
Even minor violations like when Parris & Ron Smith were caught in the counting room on election day is not enough to bring in the Ca Fair Political Practice Comminssion. Since Lancaster elected to count their own votes (Parris sold it as a cost savings measure) you have to prove very serious violations. The many little ones do not count.
William says
I guess, then, it’s possible for there to be a lot of ‘little ones’.
Sam says
From what I have been told Sandra Johnson and UAV (University of Another Victim) currently has over 18 lawsuits for being fake, crooked, and ripping people off including there own family members. This is not what you want for a councilwoman. On top of that Rex is her Attourney. Your better off voting for the Devil. We need to make sure that she does not win. She is bad news.
Palmdale_Steve says
These for profit education factories are a coming scandal which sooner or later will explode.
Kids signing up for classes on Federal $$$ thinking that a piece of paper from an non-accredited education institution will lead to a brighter future, but finding out that most employers won’t recognize their qualifications. Check out requirements for Federal jobs, State jobs, jobs at any of the major employers in the AV. They don’t recognize “certificates” “degrees” and other forms of non-accredited education institution awards.
So what happens when one of these young people have to start paying back the money we the Tax payers fronted them for their “education”? Bankruptcy, many years of being saddled with paying back their educational loans, a Federal bail out?
Yea the AVU will one day be put under the microscope, then what happens?
Dolores says
Thank you, I believe we need to speak out about this subject and educate our youth, these loans can not be clear thru bankrupcty, they must be paid one way or another, the Sherrif Dept gave Sandra full access to thier kids on thier at risk kids program, these kids are looking for guidence because they want to change thier iife around and this is were they are sending them to be exploided, I am hopping that the Sherrifs are doing this out of ingnorance, but when I see them sopporting her, it makes me wonder if they are sold out to crooked politicians and those kids are nothing to them but propagnda tools.
Palmdale_Steve says
Dolores
Don’t forget that some of the money that is flowing into AVU$ is in the form of grants and other Federal education handouts that don’t have to be paid back.
Use an Occams razor test on AVU$ and see if all the growth is coming from quality of education or something else.
1) Expansive growth (Check)
2) Buying all sorts of new facilities with what $$$?
3) Quality of product including lack of accreditation from any major independent agencies like Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Buyer beware of AVU$.
Dolores says
Thank you Steve, I was wondering how was she able to have such a nice building and I just found out that there are more properties she has adquire not thru honest and hard work, somone that is involved in City affairs just told me that the Wayne Gretzy (sorry if misspelled name) building by the Jet Hawks stadium belongs to Sandra as part of thier school and they are looking to get permits to serve alcohol??????
Dolores says
Thank you Steve, I was wondering how they manage to adquire such a nice building, and found out that there are more properties owened by the thier trade school, it seems that they did not get them thru honest and hard work. Someone involved in City affairs just told me that the propertie they owen (Wayne Gretzy building) by the Jet Hawks stadium is getting a permit to sell alcohol?????
no one of consequence says
I’m sure most of their money comes from tuition (extremely high tuition) which maxes out the federal financial aid caps on students for each degree level. The federal financial aid award takes into consideration living expenses and whatnot, so it is a lot more than just the cost of tuition at most colleges. But, like I said, their tuition tends to cost the entire award. This is a combination of a little grant money and a lot of loan money for each student.
Also, they still have their liquor permit that came with the old hotel they bought. They also still offer convention/banquet services… And the Gretzky Center has already had a couple of things there….. This is all just more money coming in…
It’s not hard to see that they actually are taking in tons of money through tuition and the other stuff they do. And when you have cash flows like that, getting financing for fancy buildings like the old Gretzky Center is pretty easy. More likely than some money funneling conspiracy is an example of a business spending just as fast if not faster than it earns.
All I’m saying is the best Occam’s Razor phrasing would be “Never attribute to a sinister conspiracy what can be more easily attributed to irresponsible business spending”
Monica says
Sandra steals from her own people. she steals from the city she is suppose to represent and mayor parris makes it possible. if the voting and counting of votes at city hall was not so crooked maybe there may be a chance for good people to replace these bad people
Storyline says
A vote for this woman is a vote for the Parris machine. This is a bought and paid for position as a return favor. Hopefully, the people of Lancaster are not as stupid as Parris believes we are and say NO to this woman during the election.
Monica says
Sandra and mayor parris are both dishonest people who feed off of us and use us like we dumb immigrants. Maybe we do not know the language to good but we know when a thief has a hand in our pocket. Shame on you Sandra. We expect this from mayor parris. Look in the mirror. he will only let you wash his clothes. when you have no more use to him he will flush you and your school in the toilet
Monica says
I think mayor perris will bring her more children to cheat and take money from at her universty.
Jen says
Children shouldn’t be going to a university in the first place! it is a place for adults or people who are mentally at the adult level I should say!
William says
You’re a child. You will always be your parents’ child. What a silly comment you made.
Are you a ‘Rexbot’?
Jacky Johnson says
Kinda like her remark, “university”!
This isn’t any university. It’s a predatory trade school. And for those arguing that their kids should of known better??
Really? You should know a scam artist when you see one? How dare you allow yourself to be scammed! Kind of like arguing that you should know better then to allow yourself to be victimized by a criminal. Nothing like blaming those victimized. This is our current administration’s whole argument.
“Well. it’s your fault because you believed us when we said we would give you your money’s worth!”
“How dare you hold us to the promises we made!”
“Stupid person! It’s your fault and yours alone that you actually thought we were telling you the truth when we said that for thousands, we would give you a future!”
And the best?
“Isn’t it great that we will never be held morally responsible for our very questionable product, because we got a whole group of rexbots that will blame those we victimize for being to ignorant to question our sales pitch!”
Welcome to Lancaster’s leadership.
Slogan? “There’s a sucker born every minute, and we’ll fleece em for all they got! Why? Because we can!”
LILANN says
Besides paying your debt off after the election what else do you get from Rex? Unlike Ken Mann, at least you’re not lying about maybe taking money from old Rex.
Monica says
Stay away from Sandra and stay away from that thing she calls a University. El Diablo is a beater chioce.
CKAY says
3 blogs in a row n.o.o.c. Rex will be proud. That’s $4.50 plus the right to carry his briefcase for a full day. Attaboy Ron.
Stinger says
LOL!
LILANN says
There are levels of cheating just like there are levels of stupdity. Case in point look, at n.o.o.c aka Ron Smith who gives advice on reading what one writes. I’d question his grammar but he would probably take it s a compliment. There is a big difference between placing a gun to one’s head and forcing them to attend the University of CPR and mechanical drawing versus running a con game on them and selling selling a false dream. Maybe they should hire n.o.o.c.to teach english.
Monica says
I hope she is using the money she cheated my niece out of in that joke university of hers to buy more pretty clothes and not run for election. Cheating someone and stealing there future for yourself is one thing. Cheating money from someone so you can use it to cheat other people is a really bad thing.
N.O.O.C. says
i Never knew there were levels of cheating where cheating one way is “one thing” and cheating another is “a really bad thing”?
do you morons who post here ever bother to read what you type before submitting it?
i understand why you are butt hurt that your niece went to school there and didnt get a job but you have to realize too that there are unemployed people who went to Harvard and Yale who are looking for jobs too.
and like the other poster stated already- it is not like they held a gun to your nieces head and told her to enroll at UofAV. she chose to go there when she could have gone to one of several other colleges in this town.
Dolores says
You should patronize this so called (I can’t say it) “place”, send your love ones there, let them get a certificate from there and be proud.
N.O.O.C. says
No! because I research places before letting my kids go there and because my kids are going to Antelope valley college and College of the Canyons. UofAV is not the only college/trade school in this town and there are many others you could have gone to had you or this Monica chick done her homework first. Nobody forced your kids to go! They probably thought it would be quick and easy and they would get a diploma really fast without realizing the consequences and realizing that the economy can take years to get better so you have to choose a field carefully!
Dolores says
So, you agree, this is not a good place to send our children to, in fact if I get you right, you yourself would never send your kids there, because they will be taken advantage of and ruin thier chances to get ahead in life….. thank you for making my point, now all we need to do now is EDUCATE OUR KIDS TO STAY AWAY FROM AUV.
Dolores says
Monica don’t listen to this person, keep telling people what happened to your nice, we might just help someone to make the right decision, don’t allow these people to keep taking advantage of our kids.
N.O.O.C. says
nobody “took advantage” of your kid Lady! Get it through your thick skull! Did your kid bother to look into the other colleges in this area or didnt they? If not then they have nobody to blame but themselves. Its called choices Lady! Some people make bad ones and have to live with it. We all make bad choices because its part of life. We are in a very [removed] economy right now in case you havent noticed.
N.O.O.C. says
after reading all of the comments here I can see why the Subprime mortgage crisis occurred now and why we are all dealing with the fallout from it. Waahh…waaa…waaah!!! the Bank “forced me” to sign the paper!!!! sob…sob…sob!!! They “forced me” to move into a huge house I couldnt afford under normal circumstances!!!Its not my fault!!!! Boo Hoo!!!!
Dolores says
Well, this is a good oportunity for you to do something positive for the community, just like we educate our children to stay away from drugs, to use safe sex, we should educate them about places like these, we should tell them to STAY AWAY FROM PLACES LIKE AUV FOR PROFIT PREDATORS STUDENT TRAP. do something positive with your life, be an advacate for our youth.
no one of consequence says
So… because she is Latino, her Latino students should be getting jobs based on what? Racial solidarity? BS… Thats true racism.
The actual problem is more likely that UAV will take anyone who meets their extremely low standard for admissions. At traditional schools, if you don’t have the math/reading/writing skills required to have a chance at understanding the material, you have to take classes to catch up before you can start your actual program. With UAV the standards are set so low that almost anyone can jump right in. The problem with taking everyone is that a lot of students can’t keep up and they fail, or just barely scratch by enough to earn the units required to graduate. And as an employer of some of their graduates, I can tell you that some extremely competent people come out of that school, but mostly when you interview these graduates, you can tell they really weren’t prepared for their program of training to begin with.
Also, I have to say this…. getting a paper on the wall does not fix attitude problems, which is the main reason I don’t hire these people when they interview. Think about it objectively… the students you have met who came from uav, how many who are having problems could you describe as ” ghetto”? As in personality and mannerisms, not race. I will tell you right now that that personality type comes across as hostile and negative, no matter if you think is a “cultural” trait or not.
She’s not preying on minorities, she’s preying on ignorance. People need to realize that not everyone gets to be an astronaut when they grow up, so maybe not everyone is cut out for college. The problem is their focus on quantity of students instead of quality like it should. Unfortunately, most students who are cut out for college are smart enough to enroll somewhere else.
Carmen says
I hope what Sandra gets from Rex Parris is worth it because the Latinos whose kids she promised jobs to for taking out loans to go to her school are not happy. There is a word I wont repeat for Latinos who make money off of other Lations
Dolores says
Malinche…. it is not a bad word it means that you sold out your people.
William says
How about ‘Judas Goat’?
Dolores says
that will work as well “judas Goat” I learned something new, thanks.
William says
I can’t recall where I first heard that but a while back, I wanted to use it and looked it up to be sure. It ‘sure’ fits some people in politics.
CKAY says
Your assuming she has been recently influenced by greed. Shepherd Parris does’nt waste time corrupting the innocent. She was morally weak and ripe for the picking when he found her and knew it would take nothing to put her on a short leash. Don’t believe me? Ask her a question when he’s not in the room.
MartaR says
I like to think that she has just been tempted by greed and the bad influence of Mayor Parris who uses her because she is valnurable and comes from a poor Hespanic background and just wants to be successful like everbody. I like to think she is a good person and that Mayor Parris is the bad person.
Stinger says
As long as she votes with the axis of evil in power under Rex, then whether she likes to think of herself as a good person is irrelevant as she is still perpetuating evil.
Dolores says
I hear she has recieved tons of money from us to build and remodel her trade school.
Stinger says
You hear correctly. She is bought and paid for by Parris. Public schools have been closed so that Parris could give the property to her. Properties adjacent to her campus has been bought with taxpayer-paid RDA funds and families kicked out of their homes so that the land could then be developed at further public expense for her benefit.
No wonder why she’s afraid to actually face the real community.
Dolores says
I don’t understand, what makes her special, could we have spend the money on, lets say, the Uneversity of Bakesfield and brough to the valley a real Uneversity? I believe that would have been better use of our money….
Matt Keltner says
I have always thought it would be nice to have a four-year public university in the High Desert, but the reality is that will probably not happen, at least not anytime soon.
The State of California holds the purse strings for the public universities and right now the State is in a financial crisis.
The time for both Lancaster and Palmdale to aggressively try to push for a Cal State A.V. or a Cal Poly AV has come and gone, sadly. The time to do that with some hope of success would have been in the 1990s.
Dolores says
I have notice that USB has an a small presence in the AVC, if we think outside the box would it be possible with the help of our cities maybe bring a bigger presence of USB in the AV, I would vote of help fundraise funds to make that happened. I know it a dream…..
Stinger says
Meh.
This is all well and good, but where is this candidate in debates? Where is this candidate at community events to question her on her positions? Why all the carefully screened propaganda instead of good old fashioned stumping in the community?
I smell a rat…
CKAY says
Notice she’s ushered about and told to keep her mouth shut so she only appears to be dumb and un-opinionated. Also notice how Shepherd Rex does not let this little lamby stray far off the leash. So long as she is limited to passing out award certificates before a camera she wonderful addition to Sheppherd Rex flock of elected and semi-elected sheep.
What’s in you wallet
William says
There is nothing worse in politics than a woman or a minority used as a ‘Judas goat’. I guess it is thought that they can do the dirty work but are insulated from criticism because they are women or minorities.
Haven’t you noticed how often women are spokespersons for big corporations with public relations issues, oil companies, cigarette companies in the past, etc.?
She is there to put a softer ‘female’ face on the corrupt Lancaster City Council and to vote along with Parris on everything. Someone should keep track of her ‘NO’ votes, if there are ever any.
Stinger says
There aren’t.
Leo says
Good point.