Trustees meet Tuesday, May 2nd to consider Grand Jury Response

The Sierra College Trustees are meeting Tuesday, May 2 at 4pm to consider a response to the Placer County Grand Jury Report blasting Aaron Klein for his frivolous and false charges against former President Ramirez.

See: Board Agenda

Shall we make bets that all will take place behind closed doors and the response will be made after the June Election, most likely at the June 13th Trustee meeting in Truckee --- during the summer break and well out of the public eye.

Be part of the public eye. Come to Tuesday's meeting.

MEETING LOCATION
5000 Rocklin Road,
Library/Learning Resource Center (LRC on the map)
Room #133
Rocklin, CA 95677
Map
To confirm, please call Superintendent/President’s Office, (916) 781-0539

Voice of the People: Lincoln News Messenger

Republicans cautioned not to fall for dirty tricks
Al Sharief, Lincoln
Thursday, April 20, 2006 9:46 AM PDT

Aaron Klein is the poster boy for bad politics.

When Mr. Klein decided last year to run for the position of trustee of Sierra Community College, he did not offer good ideas or credentials to qualify him for the post. Instead he traveled the low road of politics by accusing the college president of various charges that were found to be false by the grand jury later this year.

Unfortunately he was meanwhile elected and went on with his buddy Jerry Simmons to create havoc at the college that resulted in losing a very good president at a great cost to the taxpayers.

Now Mr. Simmons has decided that he needs to move on to a new position and he is running for county supervisor. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Klein are at it again, accusing the incumbent of being not conservative enough and that he is responsible for tripling the county budget. Maybe the budget has increased because of the rapid growth of the county rather mismanagement. Based on Klein's and Simmons' past record I would be very careful not accept their charges at face value.

As a Democrat I would not usually concern myself with Republicans turning on a Republican but since the outcome of the Republican primary will decide the supervisor's race, I would like to caution all Republicans not to fall for Mr. Klein and Mr. Simmons dirty tricks.


Consider track records of Simmons, Klein
Jim Datzman, Lincoln
Thursday, April 13, 2006 10:09 AM PDT

Regarding the article in the News Messenger (April 6, Page A18) titled "GOP Committee Backs Simmons in District 2," accented in the article is the comment "Unprecedented move comes on heels of contentious meeting."

Why does this not come as a surprise that the term contentious meeting would be associated with the political strategies employed by Jerry Simmons and Aaron Klein?

Several months ago both Jerry Simmons and Aaron Klein, as members of the Sierra College District Board of Trustees, were spending their time creating havoc in the district with their claims about mismanagement and their lack of trust in the administration at the college.

They finally got their way, but at no small cost to Placer County taxpayers.

Now both Simmons and Klein are setting their sights at a new level with Jerry Simmons' attempt to unseat incumbent Supervisor Robert Weygandt.

The article includes the predictable kinds of comments by Aaron Klein questioning the conservative credentials of the supervisor and a statement that "The county budget has tripled in the last six years" as a suggestion that Weygandt is not responsibly performing his duties.

I would not be surprised during the next six weeks or so to find our mailboxes filled with slick fliers produced by the Simmons campaign in an attempt to attack the integrity of Robert Weygandt.

I hope that voters will be wise enough to consider the source as well as the track records of Jerry Simmons and Aaron Klein.

Aaron Klein - "Political Cauterization"

There are rumblings over on the Roseville Conservative Blog that Aaron Klein is being "thrown overboard" by the people who backed him, including Jerry Simmons and being made the sacrificial lamb. See below:

From Roseville Conservative Blog
Posted by Prodigal Son 04.19.06 - 12:31 pm

... There is an appearance of distancing from Aaron Klein by the right wing clique that was involved in the unwarranted career wrecking of the former President of Sierra College. That is understandable. He is now radioactive and is being thrown overboard. Simmons is very identified with Klein. And Gaines is vying to be Leslie’s successor. Klein is expendable. That is called political cauterization.The question is, does the cauterization work? I guess that comes under the ”We’ll see” department...

Cover-Up? Whitewash?

It’s been almost a month since the Placer Grand Jury released a report blasting Trustee Aaron Klein for his false accusations of former president Kevin Ramirez. The local press continues to be abuzz with people calling for Klein's resignation. The Board of Trustees is required to respond to the Grand Jury report in a timely manner but at last week's Trustee meeting, the board, led by Jerry Simmons refused to do so.

Rumor has it that a subcommittee will be formed to respond to the report. My bet is that Klein, Jerry Simmons and Tim Leslie, all three of whom led last year’s charge to oust Ramirez will be the only members.

Speculations are that the "subcomittee" will continue to delay responding to the Grand Jury Report until after the June 6th Primary Election where Jerry Simmons is running for Placer County Supervisor and when staff and students are on Summer break. Futher, the June 13th meeting is scheduled to be held in Truckee, one of the few Trustee meetings not held at the main Rocklin campus.

Are these people trying to avoid public scrutiny? Stonewalling? Whitewash? Coverup? Typical Klein and Simmons dirty tricks?

Or is this pure speculation? I doubt it. Let's just wait and see how it all plays out.

But what about Sierra College?

According to an article in the Sunday April 16 Sacramento Bee, (see Bee Article) some are concerned that instead of focusing on the measure B bond proposal to upgrade Sierra College's deteriorating facilities, Trustees are distracted by two other issues:

Grand Jury Report on Klein's False Accusations.
On March 21, newly elected Trustee Aaron Klein was severely rebuked by the Placer County Grand Jury, saying he'd tarnished the school's reputation and helped force former President Kevin Ramirez from office by leveling unfounded allegations of financial misconduct involving Ramirez and the nonprofit Sierra College Foundation. Grand jurors said Klein's claims were "totally without merit" and called for an apology from Klein as well as trustees. The Board of Trustees must respond to the Grand Jury within 60 days.

Simmons' Race for Placer County Supervisor
Three year Trustee Jerry Simmons is focused on his run for Placer County 2nd District Supervisor. According to the Bee, Simmons received a sudden infusion of funds - $91,000 from Jan. 1 to March 17. He had previously not had any reportable campaign contributions filed with the Placer County elections office. Simmons' contributions include various developer and private interests. He claimed contributions from developers would not affect his ability to make unbiased decisions when projects come before the board for approval, should he be elected. Simmons is challenging three-term incumbent Supervisor Robert Weygandt for the nonpartisan seat. Both candidates are Republicans.

After only three years in office, Simmons is taking the next political step. Is it possible that he and Klein had higher political aspirations than Sierra College Trustee when they ran for office. Instead of working towards the betterment of the college, could they have been using their positions merely as stepping stones. If Simmons were to win the race for Placer County Supervisor, how long would it be before he started his next political climb? Should Simmons be turning his back on Sierra College's Bond initiative to feed his own political aspirations?

After the havoc they created at Sierra College, do you think this short-term team should be attempting to oust respected Republican Robert Weygandt who, unlike Simmons has proven his mettle in his 12 years in office. Simmons can only point to the damage he and Klein inflicted on Sierra College in the last year.

With Klein as frontman, Simmons has started his attack on Weygandt with unfounded and distorted charges. Sound familiar? Don't be hoodwinked by false rhetoric. This brand of attack politics should not be tolerated in Placer County. Its citizens deserve better.

The POINT

Let's set things straight. No one is accusing or has accused President Leo Chavez of anything. Not the FPPC, not me. Chavez did nothing wrong. He did not commit any campaign funding violations. He was not fined. The De Anza College **Foundation** was fined for campaign funding violations.

Aaron Klein testified he used knowledge of what happened at Foothill-DeAnza College as a basis to accuse Ramirez of money laundering. He claimed Ramirez must be guilty of the alleged violations because:

he was in charge and either knew or should have known about the alleged violations (See Klein's testimony in the Placer Grand Jury Report)

Well, Chavez was in charge when campaign funding violations took place at De Anza.

Using Klein's logic, Chavez either knew or should have known about the De Anza violations.

Using Klein's logic, Chavez, too must be guilty.

Using Klein's logic, how could he have hired Chavez when the same charges he leveled at Ramirez could also apply to Chavez?!!

Further, while the De Anza College Foundation was actually fined $4,000 for its campaign filing violations, it's very doubtful that the Sierra College Foundation will be found in violation according to the Grand Jury Report.

This is all about Klein and Simmons and their false accusations in a campaign to oust Ramirez.

It's about their double standards and prioritization of their own political ambitions over concern for Sierra College.

It's not about Leo Chavez. Sierra College is lucky to get him as President.

Klein and Simmons continue to hide behind the FPPC claiming that they expect the state Fair Political Practices Committee to agree with them. They know full well that any investigation of their charges won't take place for at least another year because of case backlog. By that time, Simmons will be on the Placer County Board of Supervisors and on the second rung up the political ladder ..who cares how many bodies he leaves on the way.

He and his frontman Aaron Klein have already started scurrilous accusations against sitting Supervisor Robert Weygandt, a Republican who has been the District 2 supervisor since 1994.

In his successful bid to get the Central Republican Committee's endorsement for Simmons, Klein said, "The county budget has tripled in the last six years...In Robert's (Weygandt) mind, saving the fairy shrimp and the red-legged frog ... is more important than funding our law enforcement, traffic reduction and flood control."

Of course, Klein failed to mention that the county's population has skyrocketed in the last six years which **just might** account for the budget increases. He also failed to acknowledge how important open space is to Placer County citizens.

With Klein as his hitman, Simmons is using the same slanderous dirty strategy in his run for Supervisor as he used to oust Ramirez. Are these the kind of leaders Placer County wants?

The politics of personal destruction may work but take a good look at the results. Look at what happened at Sierra College. I ask you, is it worth it?

Sierra College deserves better than Klein and Simmons.

Shocking News: Klein & Simmons hired President whom they'd alleged committed identical funding violations

It's unbelievable but true. In his Grand Jury Testimony, Aaron Klein said he based his charges against then President Ramirez on knowledge he had that

"the FPPC had fined another community college district for a campaign filing violation. He stated that the fine was in the amount of $30,000 and that the violation was identical to the ones committed by the Committees for Measures E, G, and H. "
(see the grand jury report Page 8).

That other community college district was Foothill -De Anza. The violation occurred in 1999.

Just guess who was at the helm when those violations took place???

None other that DR. LEO CHAVEZ, the person that was just hired as the next president of Sierra College, the person that Klein praised, saying in his Blog:

"His experience, the skills that he brings to this job, and his commitment to increasing access to college and excellence in student outcomes, put him in a class by himself. I am proud to have cast my vote for his appointment."

Interesting. How could he be proud to cast his vote for him when he KNEW that Chavez was at the helm of Foothill-De Anza when it was fined by the FPPC for what he claimed were identical campaign funding violations that he had accused former President Ramirez of??!!

Klein continues to claim that the FPPC's investigation will find Ramirez guilty. If he believes this, then he must certainly be sure that Dr. Leo Chavez was also responsible for the campaign violations for which Foothill-DeAnza Foundation was fined. HOW can he laud Dr. Chavez and at the same time hold Ramirez responsible? What kind of logic is this??!!

How could he be so outrageous??? How can Sierra College continue to tolerate his presence as a Trustee??!! Talk about irresponsibility?!! He should be forced to resign. Sierra College should not tolerate someone like this on their Board of Trustees.

Voice of the People: The Union

As of April 5, there have been 4 Letters to the Editor about Klein. All four call for Klein's resignation. The majority of the online responses agree.

Letters to the Editor have red titles. Online responses are in black.

Trustees do disservice
By Roberta Swanson April 5, 2006

After reading The Union and the Grand Jury Report, particularly as they relate to the leadership of the Trustees, I wish to express concern for the future of the Nevada County Campus of Sierra College.

It is clear that at least Mr. Klein and Mr. Simmons were determined to oust President Ramirez from the time Mr. Klein was elected to the Board of Trustees. They threatened action against him which eventually led to his retirement at a substantial cost to the college. They then moved the Nevada County Provost position to a Capitol Outlay position, which probably contributed to the Provost's retirement, again, at a cost to the college (read "Taxpayer") They intend to replace the Provost with a Dean, who will have less status and policy involvement.

The current Board of Trustees is doing a disservice to the District, as well as Nevada County, and should be replaced. Mr. Klein campaigned on a commitment to fiduciary responsibility. What he and others have done to the District is to create a feeling of fear and resentment, which has cost us significantly. Additionally, they have hired a new President at a salary $50,000 more than the previous President. Wake up.

Re: Trustees do disservice
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 05 @ 07:17:55 PDT

Sounds like it's time for a recall. I wonder when a resident will obtain the paperwork necessary for a recall.

Re: Trustees do disservice
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 05 @ 15:40:38 PDT

Rascals! Everywhere more and more rascals!Self-serving agendas! Everywhere! If it ain't Doolittle, its a college trustee; Well, the only chance we have is to root 'em out because they keep forgetting they are there for the benefit of the people and in the case of colleges, to do well for the students, not their own treasury. Looks like another money-making conspiracy to me. Do something about it. Start the recall and let us know where to sign it. I’m sure the paper will print the recall locations.Thanks also to the Union for initially breaking this story.

================================================

It's Klein's turn to go
By Tom Van Wagner
April 5, 2006

Now that the sordid little tale of Grover Norquist wannabe and Sierra College Trustee Aaron Klein has been told, it's time for him to do the honorable thing and resign. Having caused tremendous angst within the Sierra College community, having embroiled the communities-at-large serviced by Sierra College in a false debate and having caused a tremendous waste of time and money to clarify his politically motivated wrongdoing, it's time for the rubber to hit the road. The young Mr. Klein is emblematic of the radical, right wing ideologues bent on reinventing everything not Republican, using a tried and true, dirty trickster, Rovian tool-kit.

Shame on you, Mr. Klein. Please go away.

Tom Van Wagner
Nevada City

Re: It's Klein's turn to go
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 05 @ 08:53:07 PDT

The truth couldn't be plainer. Klein is a dirty little man with bad intentions. Let's force him to resign. He is a cancer that deserves removal!

Re: It's Klein's turn to go
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 05 @ 13:13:28 PDT

Apparently you don't follow the blog guidelines about personal attacks. Before 'forcing' anyone to do anything, I suggest you examine your own assumptions first - then you wouldn't have to be so nervous about signing your work.

By the way, if Mr. Ramirez wasn't concerned about the allegations made, he wouldn't have resigned. A person of principle might have chosen otherwise, but perhaps he was more interested in the well-being of the College. If so, I commend him.

Re: It's Klein's turn to go
by Anonymous on Saturday, April 15 @ 09:15:58 PDT

You're right. Ramirez' top priority was the well-being of the College and was the main reason he resigned. He knew he was in the minority after Klein and Leslie were elected. Given the lies these two perpetrated when Klein began his term, things would only get uglier for the college he loved. So he resigned, rather than put the college through months of upheaval. Surely, he had no idea that his resignation would also cause upheaval to the college. Klein and Simmons are only concerned about their political agenda, not the college. They should be completely embarrassed by what they did to Ramirez and should offer to resign immediately. Can you imagine what would be coming out of their mouths if things were reversed

Re: It's Klein's turn to go
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 05 @ 13:03:57 PDT

Hang in there Trustee Klein! Obviously, you uncovered something otherwise these emotional types who enjoy the status quo wouldn't be screaming and tearing their hair out.

Re: It's Klein's turn to go
by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 19 @ 09:05:41 PDT

Uncovered something? You're sure right there! The Placer Grand Jury's Report highlights the flimsy and ridiculous reasoning Klein used after his very first month in office to hurl false charges at the former Sierra College President and cause his resignation. It's cost the college plenty in both dollars and time lost dealing with Klein's phony charges. Never has it been more clear that Klein is out of his depth. Resign Klein! Do what's right.

==========================================

Klein should go
By Leslie Carroll
April 4, 2006

Sierra College Trustee Aaron Klein accused former President Kevin Ramirez of laundering political contributions through the Sierra College Foundation based on knowledge of an FPPC ruling against "another community college" that was fined for what he claimed were identical violations. Chairman Jerry Simmons claimed a conversation he overheard in a men's bathroom confirmed Klein's charges. They were wrong. A Grand Jury investigation found the charges "utterly without merit." Foothill-De Anza Community College was the college Klein cited that was fined by the FPPC. The Chancellor of Foothill-De Anza when those violations took place was Leo Chavez, recently enthusiastically endorsed as the new president of Sierra College.How could these two vilify one president, then turn around and replace him with someone who, according to them, was in charge while the same alleged campaign-filing violations were occurring in his district? Simmons and Klein should be asked to resign. The community deserves better than these two irresponsible hypocrites.Another irony: Aaron Klein ran on a platform of "fiscal responsibility." Did anyone notice that the new Sierra College president's salary is $43,000 more than Ramirez's? So much for fiscal responsibility.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 08:21:52 PDT

Oh boy, the feeding frenzy has now turned away from Congressman Doolittle towards Trustee Klein who is just doing his job. The Placer Grand Jury was off base editorializing. And, as for the increased salary for the new college head? When trading up for better quality you sometimes have to pay more.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 09:55:22 PDT

Now if we can only GET the quality. Only then will we have to be concerned about paying more.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 19:11:15 PDT

Do you know the qualifications of the candidate that was hired?

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 13:08:22 PDT

Klein wasn't doing his job, he attacked the College president without having all the facts and grossly misinterpting the few facts he did posess. The man is clearly not qualified for the position . And by the way...the Grand Jury was well within their scope and right to editoralize on the investigation.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 13:43:24 PDT

Unfortunately his job is actually neo-con hitman, puppet and shill, which is not the job description that went with his placement. I know, we're wrong, Doolittle and Klein are the epitome of the type of people we should have running our lives and government.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 19:32:48 PDT

There was no reason to "trade up." Ramirez was a stellar educational leader. During his tenure, Sierra flourished and grew from a small one-campus community college into one of the best community colleges in the nation. Why fix what wasn’t broken? Could it be Klein has a political agenda? Naaa.

How could you even think Klein was “just doing his job?” His job is to set policy for the college district in a responsible manner. It took him less than a month in office to falsely accuse the college president of financial "money laundering" -- his terms, not mine --- based partially on a conversation supposedly overheard in a men's john by Jerry Simmons (can you believe THAT?) and partially on his knowledge about another community college being fined for campaign funding violations he claimed were identical to what he was accusing Ramirez of doing. He didn't even take the time to learn that he was vastly mistaken about those violations -- not only weren't they even close to the violations he accused Ramirez of doing, they happened during a time when the president he JUST HIRED was in charge of that same community college!

If Klein REALLY believed he was right about these charges, he would be accusing the *** president he just hired *** of the very same violations he alleged Ramirez committed. This is “just doing his job?” Unbelievable!

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 08:33:59 PDT

Klein's false allegations effectively ended Ramirez' career and cast aspersions on his good character. Rather than being a mature adult and offering an apology to Ramirez, Klein instead was unrepentant. Is this the kind of person we want as a trustee of our community college? I think not.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 11:17:53 PDT

Oh horse pucky. Ramirez' career isn't over. He's a consultant now and his income potential is only limited to the quantity and quality of his connects which in his case is deep and broad. So put the kleenex away. Klein did Ramirez a big favor. It's he who should be thanking Klein.

Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 13:44:45 PDT

Unbelievable comment. Unbelievable, I'm speechless.


Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 19:09:27 PDT

Call 911 if you have a medical problem while reading these comments. My gracious, people should have been taught what to do when they have a speech problem. Oh, sorry not being PC. I should have said when they have a disability. Hand on the hip: "Unreal to the 10th! "


Re: Klein should go
by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 04 @ 16:45:51 PDT

I'm *outraged* that Klein and Simmons hired someone who was the chancellor of a community college that was fined for what they claimed were the same campaign funding violations they'd accused Ramirez of committing. How can they explain THAT!??? Are they really that inept?! How can they look at themselves in the mirror?

==========================================

Klein's motive
By Michelle Olsen
April 1, 2006

Contrary to last week's Grand Jury report, I don't believe it was a question of Aaron Klein not doing his homework when he accused Kevin Ramirez of mishandling Sierra College funds. Rather, it appears to be a ploy to jump-start a well-financed political career through false allegations that generated front page stories. End justifies the means, Aaron?

Michelle Olsen
Penn Valley

Re: Klein's motive
by Anonymous on Saturday, April 01 @ 16:20:20 PST

It is obvious that you have not read the entire Report of the Placer County Grand Jury but have instead based your conspiracy theory and ignorance on just what the newspapers chose to print. The Grand Jury found that the Bond Committees were not following the law and neither was Sierra College but dismissing the lawbreaking as ignorance of the law. The Grand Jury made a grave error in editorializing and not just presenting the facts. Mr. Klein should not have been chastised for raising issues about public money. Local Government boards are the only watch dogs we have over how our tax dollars are used. Shame on you Placer County Grand Jury. Time for a new one that isn't so biased.

Re: Klein's motive
by Anonymous on Saturday, April 01 @ 17:38:08 PST

That's funny, I read the report and came away with a completely different view. Shame on YOU, and Klein

Re: Klein's motive
by Anonymous on Sunday, April 02 @ 15:21:50 PDT

Shame on me? Wow, sounds pretty Elistist of YOU! Guess since beating up Congressman Doolittle didn't work according to plan it's now time to pile on Trustee Klein. Right?

Re: Klein's motive
by Anonymous on Saturday, April 15 @ 11:24:11 PDT
Now it's time for name-calling? NO one is piling on Klein. If you read the Grand Jury Report, you would see their findings spelled out in black and white.

The 2005-2006 Placer County Grand Jury conducted an extensive investigation leading to its Findings and Recommendations. Based on the facts, the Grand Jury makes the following findings (as further detailed in the Findings section):

1. The Foundation could, in fact, operate legally as an intermediary.

2. The Foundation had no intent to suppress donor names.

3. Filing errors were made, but they were due to inexperience, inattention to detail, and confusing underlying documentation.

4. The filing violations were minor and easily correctable.

5. The former President was far removed from the process of making the filings and had no participation in causing the violations.

6. Complainant failed to exert reasonable due diligence before making the complaint. The complaint is utterly without merit.

7. Although not the total basis for the former President’s decision to seek a retirement settlement, the complaint was a contributing and unjustified factor.

8. Complainant’s insistence that the Foundation be barred from supporting Sierra College bond measures by donor solicitation as an intermediary is an unfounded opinion.

Re: Klein's motive
by Anonymous on Saturday, April 01 @ 21:07:00 PST

Yes, read the report, if only for 5 min; it's very well written. ( here [ncfocus.blogspot.com] are some highlights and context )
Anna

Voice of the People: Auburn Journal

As of April 9, there have been 9 Letters to the Editor concerning Aaron Klein. 6 of them are critical of Klein and call for his resignation or removal from office.

Klein made a 'scapegoat' in college politics
Saturday, March 25, 2006 11:19 PM PST

Once again, Aaron Klein is being made a scapegoat for attempting to uphold the oath he took when sworn in as a Sierra College trustee.

For many years, Kevin Ramirez led a majority of the trustees around like a herd of cattle with rings in their noses. While this was going on, the repair and maintenance budget was being raided to increase salaries of administrators and others. As a result, the college has millions of dollars of deferred maintenance that Ramirez wanted a $394 million bond issue to fund.
Virtually every time the grand jury investigated the college during the Ramirez "regime" the reports issued were scathing and extremely critical of "leadership" and fiscal management. The response of Ramirez was always dismissive as he blithely moved forward like Mr. Magoo of funny paper fame.

Now, all of a sudden, a grand jury gets bamboozled and issues a report very supportive of Ramirez and hammers Aaron Klein for attempting to represent the poor abused taxpayers who are sick and tired of seeing money squandered, spent on inappropriate activities while the college leaders keep whining they need more bond money.

Mr. Ramirez feels he has been exonerated by the grand jury. He should be cautioned not to break out the champagne just yet.

It is highly likely that the Fair Practices Political Commission will find the "minor" amount of $104,000 funneled through the foundation to support Measure E was illegal.

Carl E. Hass
Rocklin

Placer grand jury needs to apologize, not Klein
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 12:10 AM PST

In the headline article in the March 24 issue of the Auburn Journal, we were surprised that you would so blatantly print the comments of the Placer grand jury and so viciously denigrate a public servant when in fact, it is the Placer grand jury that should be apologizing to the public for being so blatantly incompetent and reeking of small-town politics and impropriety.
How can the grand jury accuse trustee Aaron Klein of not having dug deep enough to uncover the facts, when they have taken over a year to understand the basic essence of the matter? Meanwhile, everyone already admitted the law was broken; the former president was ousted and, along with his attorneys, negotiated a very comfortable severance, approximately $500,000, including strict "gag" orders to keep the college, Mr. Klein and other trustees from discussing the case in public.

It appears that the Auburn Journal and other periodicals have been duped into breaking the gag order in a manner to "promote" former president, Kevin Ramirez who appears to have friends - or should we say "cronies" - on the grand jury and with the press. It certainly is not correct to attempt to right a wrong - if such is the case - by negatively blaming the one person who was doing his job and was representing the voters in a highly ethical and intelligent manner.

Steve and Paula Ricketts
Meadow Vista

Aaron Klein should resign from Sierra board
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 11:33 PM PST

The criticism Aaron Klein receives is clearly a result of his own actions. The grand jury did a very thorough, unbiased investigation into Klein's claims and found that his charges are utterly without merit. They needed to set the record straight for the good of the college, something that Klein doesn't seem to understand.

It's a matter of public record that Klein made his unfounded claims after exercising extremely little due diligence. He based his claim in part on a second-hand rumor of a men's room conversation from Jerry Simmons.

Klein makes hollow claims about his fiduciary responsibility, yet, his own deeds were, in fact, directly responsible for the college having to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars unnecessarily, creating undue upset and chaos within the college environment, and contributing to declining enrollment.

Aaron Klein greatly harmed Sierra College by what was essentially his first act after being elected as a trustee. This alone demands that Klein should do the right thing and resign as a trustee.

It's also prudent for Jerry Simmons to, at the least, resign as board chairman. The buck stops somewhere, and we need to restore trust and accountability to the college board.

Andrew Wright
Auburn

Apology and resignation asked of Aaron Klein
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11:39 PM PST

I am disgusted that Aaron Klein continues to deny any wrongdoing in his attacks on Sierra College. Let's make no mistake, his actions have not just damaged Mr. Ramirez's reputation, but have had a serious negative impact on the college.

As a trustee, Mr. Klein's behavior is unconscionable, and he should be disciplined by the board for what he has done. He also should publicly apologize for his actions to the College, the community, and Mr. Ramirez, as the grand jury has suggested. His apology should be followed by an immediate resignation.

Jeff Cowen
Auburn

Grand jury 'careful not to jump to conclusions'
Thursday, March 30, 2006 11:35 PM PST

In response to the letter written by Steve and Paula Ricketts titled "Placer grand jury needs to apologize, not Klein," Journal, March 28, I'm wondering if Steve is the brother, or maybe Paula is the sister of Mr. Klein, or maybe either Steve or Paula is a cousin, maybe brother or sister-in-law?

I wonder how you know so much more about the situation than the grand jury, which in your own words "have taken over a year to understand the basic essence of the matter." That would tell me they are doing their job by being careful not to jump to the wrong conclusion. It sounds as though you may have been "duped" by Aaron Klein into believing he was representing the voters in a highly ethical and intelligent manner.

Dan Campbell
Applegate

Klein, Simmons should resign from Sierra board
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 11:19 PM PDT

For Sierra College, the real issue at hand is the overall welfare of this top-notch institution itself. Sierra College's success should be of the utmost concern for all of us and starting from that core principle, Aaron Klein's personal pride and political ambitions should take a back seat.
There is no excuse for any individual to hold themselves above the good of the college itself, and yet this is what he is doing. Klein's unfounded allegations, which have proven to be utterly without merit, have caused bad press and chaos for the college. From a financial standpoint, his actions have cost the college dearly.

Yet, from the beginning, Klein has refused any responsibility in this matter. Klein continues to justify his unjustifiable actions, thereby willingly and inaccurately advancing the idea that there is something amiss at the college.

Klein must resign as he cannot continue as a trustee while he maintains such an irresponsible stance, with a blind spot for what is right and what benefits Sierra College. This is not about saving a political career that very quickly went south. It is about the good of Sierra College. Period.

In order to restore credibility to the college board of trustees, Jerry Simmons should also make a statement that the "buck stops here" and resign as the board chairman for his apparent complicity with this situation and his dubious leadership over this period. Let's restore true fiscal accountability for our college.

Jonathan Taylor
Auburn

Youthful Klein doesn't get it; vote Weygandt
Sunday, April 9, 2006 9:53 PM PDT

Aaron Klein states that the county budget has tripled in the last six years, but fails to mention the enormous growth in county revenue from property taxes. He seems to imply that Robert Weygandt has no sense of fiscal responsibility and that is a falsehood. Unlike Klein, Weygandt has decades of experience in running a successful business and he personally understands the consequences of irresponsible government.

For Klein to state that Weygandt is more concerned about saving frogs and shrimp than "funding law enforcement, traffic reduction and flood control," Journal April 4, is laughable. The preservation of open space through Placer Legacy directly benefits the issues of traffic reduction and flood control. It is a visionary effort that should not be sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics. In the long run, property values and quality of life are enhanced by open space programs.

I cannot respect the aggressive behavior of Klein, or the Republican Central Committee's inability to tolerate dissent. It would appear that raising a voice of moderation in the debate over property development will invite the wrath of the party leadership.

I urge you, my fellow citizens, to vote for principles over party affiliation. And I urge Klein to acquire more life experience before he considers himself worthy of leadership.

David Ryland
Meadow Vista

Remove Simmons and Klein from board
Monday, April 10, 2006 11:11 PM PDT

Dirty politics has already started.

In the race for Placer County supervisor, the Republican Central Committee endorsed Jerry Simmons, while attention-seeking committee member, Aaron Klein, justified this choice by challenging incumbent candidate Robert Weygandt's conservative credentials because he's interested in "saving the fairy shrimp and the red-legged frog."

This is the same Klein who, last year, went witch hunting and disgraced former Sierra College president, Kevin Ramirez, with irresponsible allegations of college spending improprieties that turned out to be false, as proven by the grand jury. Voters should know that this act was done with the complicity of Simmons, who now is a candidate for Placer County supervisor.
Their agenda is all too obvious and they give politics and the Republican Party a bad name. The American people are sick and tired of this type of "throw it out there, maybe some of it will stick" type of dirty politics to advance their special interests.

It has been suggested that Simmons and Klein both resign from the Sierra College board of directors and apologize to Ramirez for the damage they have caused him.

In my opinion, they deserve nothing less than immediate removal from the college board and a possible lawsuit for defamation of character, libel and slander. Maybe this is the only way they'll understand the consequences of their dirty tricks.

Irene Smith
Loomis

Placer residents should be thankful for Aaron Klein
Sunday, April 9, 2006 9:53 PM PDT

When elected officials attempt to divert money in directions other than where the money was voted to go, Placer County residents have a right to know, and action should be taken. Unfortunately, everything comes down to politics, and the recent writers, Jonathan Taylor (Journal, April 5) and Dan Campbell (Journal, March 31), appear to be playing a little politics themselves.

I can't help but wonder what the Kevin Ramirez fans would be saying if it were Aaron Klein caught up in this type of scandal, or even better, John Doolittle. What part of "public disclosure laws were not obeyed," don't you understand?

Just because Ramirez may have a group of buddies on the Placer grand jury, doesn't mean he is innocent of the board's complaint. The state's Fair Political Practice Commission will determine whether charges should be filed against him. It is my understanding Ramirez has been reprimanded for similar actions by past grand juries. However, it obviously didn't do any good.

I am grateful for the work Klein has done for the school, as are the tax payers.

Klein, if you're listening, keep up the great work. Ken Campbell, I think you're the one that has been "duped."

Patrick Hutton
Auburn

Voice of the People: Sacramento Bee

As of April 14, there have been five Letters to the Editor regarding Aaron Klein and Jerry Simmons. Four of them call for Klein's apology and/or resignation.

Placer conservative agenda
Published Friday, April 14, 2006

Re "GOP jousts in Placer contest," April 4: It is clear to anyone who follows Placer County politics, candidates Jerry Simmons, 2nd District supervisor, and Ted Gaines, 4th District Assembly candidate, are two candidates who have been strategically and financially positioned by Rep. John Doolittle.

Through the precise direction of Doolittle, these two men will wage a dishonest and hateful campaign in an effort to crush their opposition. Look what Simmons and his co-conspirator Aaron Klein accomplished as members of the Sierra Joint Community College District board? They manipulated the truth to force Sierra College President Kevin Ramirez to resign.

Don't be fooled by these conservatives. They have their own agenda and unfortunately it does nothing to benefit their constituents.
- Larry S. DuBois, Loomis


Playing politics at Sierra College
Re "Grand jury: Sierra trustee sowed chaos," March 24: The grand jury found that Aaron Klein's public accusation of Sierra College President Kevin Ramirez was "utterly without merit." Klein and Scott Leslie ran for positions on the Sierra College board so they could begin their political careers. Klein, in particular, moved to be able to run for the board. Klein sullied the good name and reputation of Ramirez.
Klein's malicious acts have cost Sierra College Ramirez's retirement settlement of $464,950, $54,750 for a national search for a new president and an additional $42,000 per year that is the difference between Ramirez's old salary and what Sierra must now pay his replacement. Klein, Leslie and President Jerry Simmons have cost Sierra College more than $519,000 in one-time costs and an annual additional cost of $42,000.

At the very least Klein, Leslie and Simmons should resign from the board.
- George Rose, Rocklin


Hypocrisy in Sierra board actions
Published Saturday, April 1, 2006

Sierra College Trustee Aaron Klein accused then-President Kevin Ramirez of laundering political contributions through the Sierra College Foundation based on knowledge of an FPPC ruling at "another community college" that was fined for what he claimed were identical violations. Chairman Jerry Simmons claimed a conversation he overheard in a men's bathroom confirmed Klein's charges. They were wrong. The grand jury investigation found the charges "utterly without merit."
Foothill-De Anza Community College was the college Klein cited that was fined by the FPPC. The chancellor of Foothill-De Anza when those violations took place was Leo Chavez, recently enthusiastically endorsed as the new president of Sierra College.

How could these two vilify one president, then turn around and replace him with someone who, according to them, was in charge while the same alleged campaign-filing violations were occurring in his district?

The community deserves better than these two irresponsible hypocrites.
- Leslie Carroll, Davis


Grand jury's verdict
Published Saturday, April 1, 2006

Re "Grand jury: Sierra trustee sowed chaos," March 24: The Placer County grand jury did an enormous public service by looking into the complaint filed against the former president of Sierra College, Kevin Ramirez.
The report states: "The charges are unfounded, misleading and full of unsubstantiated allegation. The charges are utterly without merit." The complainant, Aaron Klein, should be held accountable for his gross error and asked to resign from the Sierra College Board of Trustees.

In addition, the Sierra College Board of Trustees should complete all of the grand jury's recommendations, but in particular, recommendations three and four that read: "3. As a significant healing step for the college community, the board should acknowledge in some tangible way the contributions of the former President's tenure. 4. Complainant should apologize to the college community and the public at large for filing charges, which the grand jury has proved to have no merit."

All of the recommendations of the Placer grand jury are a positive means for the Sierra College district to recover from the harm caused by an immature board member, but recommendations three and four are critical for the college community to have a complete recovery.

- Kathie Read, Roseville

Politics in grand jury report
Published Saturday, April 1, 2006

We were surprised The Bee printed the comments of the Placer County grand jury that viciously denigrated a public servant when in fact it is the grand jury that should apologize for its blatant incompetence.
How can the grand jury accuse Sierra College Trustee Aaron Klein of not having dug deep enough to uncover the facts, when the jury has taken more than a year to understand the basic essence of the matter?

Meanwhile, everyone already admitted the law was broken. The former president was ousted and, along with his attorneys, negotiated a very comfortable severance, including strict "gag" orders to keep the college, Klein and other trustees from discussing the case in public.

It appears that the gag order has been broken in order to "promote" Kevin Ramirez, who appears to have friends on the grand jury and at The Bee.

Klein was the one person doing his job and was representing the voters in a highly ethical and intelligent manner.

- Steve and Paula Ricketts, Meadow Vista

Klein, 'attack politics' infect trustees

Auburn Journal
Klein, 'attack politics' infect trustees
Guest columnist: Kent Pollock
Saturday, April 8, 2006 10:45 PM PDT

A recent Placer County grand jury report spawned a community debate over its recommendation that Sierra College trustee Aaron Klein apologize for falsely accusing former college President Kevin Ramirez of illegally laundering school bond campaign funds.

A more appropriate focus would be on the cost of the politics of attack and divisiveness that have infected the college's board of trustees.

Fallout from the totally unnecessary controversy continues to stew on and off campus: Campus roofs leak, wiring fails and the sewage and heating systems built years ago struggle to keep operating until voters approve a school bond, but the Placer County Republican Central Committee couldn't agree recently to support a Sierra College bond after Klein, Sierra Trustee Jerry Simmons and County Supervisor Robert Weygandt reportedly engaged in verbal fisticuffs at the meeting. "It was like watching...teenagers in a food fight," said one observer.

An e-mail circulating on campus urges Klein to eat crow and features a photo of him wearing a shirt emblazoned with the jury's characterization of his allegation: "Totally without merit." Interim President Morgan Lynn responded with an e-mail asking everyone to "take the high road because that is what is best for our students."

A Sierra College administrator bangs a telephone into its cradle. "Now they say I can't even buy toner for the copy machine because of low enrollment and budget cuts," she complains.

School administrators tabulate direct costs of Ramirez's forced resignation at $620,133, according to figures supplied to the grand jury by the college (See accompanying chart).

That amount doesn't begin to capture the true financial toll on the school, which is still recovering from severe enrollment declines following the very public smear campaign that led to Ramirez's demise.

In the aftermath, Sierra College's projected student population has declined dramatically while all other area community colleges enjoyed increases. School administrators say there is currently an actual $2 million enrollment shortfall from anticipated revenues.

Meanwhile, Sierra College Foundation's executive director told the grand jury that donations fell dramatically when the controversy hit the media. One huge donor, Thunder Valley Casino, said it would not contribute more "until the college gets its acts together."

And nearly everyone agrees that there are incalculable costs associated with the college's administrators becoming unionized. "We had to unionize," said Brian Haley, dean of Learning Resources. "If Kevin could be mugged at midnight by a politicized board of trustees, then the same thing could happen to any of us."

"The emotional toll on the college remains significant," the grand jury reported.

Like so many unnecessary tragedies, it all started with a lie.

Ramirez and Simmons tell such different stories about a meeting they had the afternoon of Dec. 14, 2004, that one of them has to be lying. Ramirez said Simmons asked him to resign quietly and accept a generous buyout package. Simmons said it never happened. Whomever you believe, Ramirez views the meeting as the beginning of his downfall.

On that day, he said, he had been looking forward with some anxiety to his first board meeting with three newly elected trustees: Klein, Simmons and Scott Leslie. Ramirez took Simmons' meeting request as a sign that a let's-work-together gesture was in the offing despite some hurtful campaign rhetoric.

But Ramirez said he was totally stunned when Simmons suggested that he resign. Later that afternoon, Ramirez told the board he would not resign, and that he wanted his contract extended as a sign of support.

The board immediately went into closed session and set into motion events that ended 38 days later with Ramirez accepting a golden handshake that included a six-figure annual pension (less than he would have received had he served out his career) and lifelong health benefits.

Klein filed his false allegations shortly after his first meeting as a trustee. The grand jury said it issued its findings to clear the air of "unanswered allegations of wrongdoing that never occurred."

In a nutshell, Klein alleged that Ramirez illegally laundered school bond campaign contributions through the Sierra College Foundation to hide donor identities. The jury interviewed everyone involved and sought direction from the state Fair Political Practices Commission before determining that Klein's allegations against Ramirez were "utterly without merit...the facts of the case speak in total opposition to the complaint."

The grand jury found that the Sierra College Foundation did fail to file donor names with the FPPC in a timely manner, but found no attempt whatsoever to hide donor identities, which were included on donor lists circulated among campaigners and were listed on the foundation's Web site. The filing error was easily correctable because the FPPC allows for late filings of the information, the jury said.

The jury also interviewed the contributors in question, who all said they wanted recognition - not anonymity - for their contributions.

"Most relevant to this report," the grand jury said, "the former president was far removed from any of it."

Ramirez recently said he had long ago forgiven Klein and Simmons for forcing him to resign. The former president, under whose leadership enrollment doubled and three new campuses opened, now plays lots of golf, helps raise his grandson and does consulting for other community college districts that recognize his talent.

Interim President Lynn sent a memo to staff last week regarding reactions to the grand jury's report: "This recent development is testing our abilities to continue to focus on our students, so I would ask that we...remember what is important to students and the educational community."

Enough is enough. It is time to leave this sordid affair behind, but neither Klein nor Simmons appears ready. Klein has vociferously disagreed with the jury's findings and has vowed not to apologize for "doing my civic duty."

And during a recent conference call, Simmons responded to a suggestion by newly appointed Sierra College President Leo Chavez for the board to issue a "vanilla response" to the grand jury to calm the waters. Absolutely not, Simmons reportedly replied.

Unfortunately, the politics of attack and divisiveness continue to prevail at the Sierra College board of trustees.

Kent Pollock is a part-time journalism professor at Sierra College and a media communications consultant.

FINANCIAL COST OF KLEIN'S FALSE CHARGES: OVER $600K

Kevin Ramirez Salary January, 2005 through June, 2005 ---------- $100,432

Contract buyout (salary July 2005 through Dec., 2006) ------------- $255,677

STRS Buyout Costs ---------------------------------------------------------- $164,817

Accrued vacation payoff ------------------------------------------------------- $3,824

Morgan Lynn Pay and benefit increase Feb. 8 thru June 30, 2004 -- $17,828
while also paying Ramirez

Frank DeCourten (Lynn's replacement) Pay and benefit increase ------ $7,703
Feb. 8 through June 30, 2004 while also paying Ramirez and Lynn

Miscellaneous Legal expenses for attorney representing college ------- $15,102
in negotiations with Ramirez' legal counsel.

President search ---------------------------------------------------------------- $36,950

President search expense ------------------------------------------------------ $17,800

GRAND TOTAL------------------------------------------------------------- $620,133

Placer County Grand Jury report: REFUTATION OF TRUSTEE’S CHARGES

Read details of the March 21, 2006 Placer County Grand Jury Report:

Go to Grand Jury Report

Grand Jury Report: Klein's Charges "utterly without merit." Klein "sowed seeds of chaos."

Grand jury: Sierra trustee sowed chaos
Ex-president was wrongly accused of misconduct, Placer panel finds.By Kim Minugh -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, March 24, 2006Story appeared on Page A1 of The Bee

A Sierra College trustee tarnished his institution's reputation and helped force former President Kevin Ramirez from office by leveling unfounded allegations of misconduct, the Placer County grand jury has found.

For irresponsible actions that led to damning publicity and chaos in the college community, trustee Aaron Klein owes the public an apology, states a grand jury report obtained Thursday by The Bee. The grand jury also called for the Sierra Joint Community College District trustees to acknowledge Klein's error and apologize to Ramirez and the public.
After reading the grand jury report absolving him of financial and other wrongdoing, Ramirez said, he "cried like a baby."

"It's certainly a vindication for me and my family," he said.
Ramirez praised the grand jury for having the "courage and heart and integrity and sense of obligation to right a wrong like this."

Though recognizing Klein's sincerity, grand jury members found that he failed to fully investigate his concerns that Ramirez might have overseen a money-laundering scheme in 2004 involving the Sierra College Foundation's role in campaigns for three bond measures to improve college facilities.

No such scheme existed, and the foundation's role as an intermediary between donors and political action committees was legal, the grand jury determined.
In a three-page letter filed with the Placer County clerk on Dec. 20, 2004, Klein outlined what he thought to be potential violations of campaign finance law regarding more than $100,000 in donations and held Ramirez ultimately responsible.
Several days later, Klein called for Ramirez's resignation, leading to lengthy public hearings, late-night closed sessions and unrest on campus. Within a month, Ramirez was gone.

The grand jurors did find some discrepancies. The report states that the foundation violated public disclosure laws in several instances but described the errors as "relatively minor." They attributed the errors to "inexperience, inattention to detail and confusing underlying documentation."

Nonetheless, the report chastises Klein for his actions, describing widespread and damaging consequences.

"We concluded that (Klein) told the truth as he believed it, but he exercised little due diligence," the report states. "As a result, the truth he told was unfounded and his complaint ... inflicted damage on a senior public employee, demoralized the Sierra College community and risked the reputation of Sierra College."

Klein did not return phone calls but faxed a written statement to The Bee, stating that he "respectfully disagrees" with the grand jury's findings that the violations were minor.

"The law has a purpose: to shine the light of public disclosure on political campaigns," he wrote in the statement. "We have a legal, moral and ethical responsibility to the public to provide that information before elections, not after they occur."

Klein said that the Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating the matter. A commission spokesman would not confirm or deny an investigation. Bill Halldin, president of the foundation's board, said he continues to believe the foundation acted properly in the campaigns for Measures E, G and H. He stressed that the foundation is composed of volunteers "who are involved because the college is an important part of the community." The grand jury report emphasized that many people involved with the foundation were unfamiliar with campaign finance law or their disclosure obligations.

Halldin said he is unsure if the foundation again will act as an intermediary in the campaign for Measure B, a $78.2 million bond for facility repairs that will go before voters in June.

Though official word from the Sierra board was that Ramirez's departure in January 2005 was mutually agreed upon, Ramirez said Thursday that the grand jury was accurate in finding Klein's complaint was "a contributing and unjustified" factor in his departure.

"That was the straw that certainly broke my back," he said. The other factor, Ramirez said, was a Dec. 14 private meeting in which Ramirez alleges that board President Jerry Simmons said he wanted him to leave the college.

Simmons did not return phone calls Thursday. He previously has said that he told Ramirez he did not support him but did not call for his resignation.

According to college officials, Ramirez's retirement settlement cost the college $464,950. The college also had to pay $54,750 to conduct a national search for a new president. Leo Chavez - announced as the new president this week - will earn $210,000 a year. Ramirez's annual salary was $168,000 a year.

Ramirez, now a consultant for several community college districts, also agrees with the grand jury's assertion that Klein's actions had far-reaching consequences. He described the ordeal as "personally devastating" to his family, as well as the college community.

"I think (the allegations) continue to be very, very damaging and emotionally difficult for the college," he said.

The grand jury's report outlined some of those difficulties in anecdotal terms. It said the foundation's executive director, Sonbol Aliabadi, told the jury that for a period after Klein's allegations became public, donations subsided and one major contributor withheld his gift until "the college gets its act together."
"The campus joke, according to one interviewee, was that 'Every time an article about Sierra College hits a local paper, American River College opens another class,' " the report states.

Though acknowledging that many factors can cause enrollment to fluctuate, a college spokeswoman said enrollment in January 2005 - a few weeks after Klein's complaint was filed - rose only 2 percent from the previous year. Just before Klein's complaint, enrollment had been up 11 percent from the year before.
The report also notes that four senior staff members were driven to tears while being interviewed.

"These matters are all subjective," the report states, "but they are also significant and cannot be lightly dismissed."

Ramirez said he is not waiting for any apologies. "I have forgiven Jerry Simmons and Aaron Klein for what they've done," he said. "I've moved on."