Original Story Written by
Wendy Fry
CHULA VISTA — District Attorney investigators executed search warrants Tuesday morning at the homes of two more former Southwestern College officials.
Investigators retrieved pictures, computers, cell phones and documents evidence from the Chula Vista home of former board President Yolanda Salcido, 54, and the Jamul residence of former trustee Jorge Dominguez, 63.
About four investigators arrived at each person's home around 7:30 a.m., search warrants in hand. Those documents are expected to be unsealed within a week.
The DA's office is gathering a case that South County elected officials accepted thousands of dollars worth of gifts, entertainment and meals in exchange for key votes on construction contracts.
In December, other Southwestern officials were searched as well. They were Nicholas Alioto, former vice president for business and financial affairs; Greg Sandoval, former vice president for student affairs; Arlie Ricasa, now on leave as director of student development and health services; John Wilson, former director of business services.
Sandoval is a former Sweetwater school board member, and Ricasa is currently on the board.
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis charged Sweetwater school officials in January, and they have pleaded not guilty to corruption charges. No charges have been forthcoming connected to Southwestern contracts, although a contractor who worked for both districts pleaded not guilty to bribery in the widening probe.
In the November 2010 elections, Salcido lost her seat to challenger Norma Hernandez, the college’s former president, and incumbent Dominguez lost his seat to Tim Nader, a former Chula Vista mayor.
The new board majority at Southwestern conducted a probe of the past administration, released last week. It revealed meals, golf games and other fraternizing among officials and contractors, the sort outlined in the DA's case against South Bay officials.
