Good Afternoon,
I am running for the 43rd Dist. (Baca’s Seat) and would love to get your support.
As a strong Republican, I believe our Constitutional Principles, are being threatened by the factions of a Socialist mind and trying to bring balance to a divided House is difficult; however, with conviction of values fixed deep within my soul, I have been “on a mission”, to exalt this position, as set forth by the Oath everyone takes when signing in for the Office.
Why am I interested in such an office, you might ask?
1. The convergence of interest and morality, has brought an enormous disadvantage to Congress, as our Economic Infrastructure wanes in the balance of a once, wealthy nation.
2. The moral and virtuous framework of our freedoms with respect to liberty, justice and the over-all respect of property seems to be by the demand of the current administration and not by the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.
3. I would like to implement the ethical traditions of our Constitution, which once was the driving force of “EXCELLENCE” in the US. (more…)
I always laugh at those who can’t wait to tell me that the blog is “insignificant.” Early Saturday morning I received a text message from First District Chief of Staff David Zook saying he was told I mentioned he was not returning my messages. Then at 12:45 a.m. this morning I receive an email from County Spin Doctor (just kidding David!) David Wert advising me that he was working “late” to be sure he got in his 40 hours this week and was trying to get an answer for me. For those who think no one cares what we write on the blog, I always find these types of communication interesting.
They all dis our blogs, but they sure do read them!
I know some of you hate it when I post videos that have nothing to do with politics, but I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head for days. I finally looked it up on You Tube. I was raised on Gospel music and this sure is some good Gospel music. For the rest of you, skip to the next post.
So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work.
Peter Drucker
Interesting changes are being made in San Bernardino County’s Transitional Assistance Department’s (TAD) management structure. Unless Assistant Administrative Officer Linda Haugen and TAD Director Nancy Swanson are even more stupid than we already know, they have to be very nervous about the new head honcho in town, County Administrative Officer (CAO) Greg Devereaux. Linda Haugen was able to . . . um “charm” . . . her way out of trouble with former CAO Mark Uffer but those who have worked with Devereaux say he cannot be “persuaded” by the same means. We know that neither Linda nor Nancy are capable of producing anything resembling a well-thought-out and intelligent work product, so they have a lot to worry about.
Before being devoured by TAD, the Jobs and Employment Services Department (JESD) was considered one of the best departments to work for in the county. Employment Services Specialist positions were highly sought after. The department was known for treating its employees and the public very well. It had a positive work environment for employees and did an awesome job of helping the less fortunate in our community. (more…)
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 7, 2010 at 10:08 am
It looks like The Sun newspaper is feeling a little self-conscious these days.
Editor Frank Pine, the subject of much criticism on this blog over the past several months for his rose-colored glasses when it comes to his newspapers non-reporting of stories for which they have facts in hand is trying to defend his actions.
Are Pine’s rose-colored glasses the problem? Or is there an agenda?
It sure hurts when questions like this become focused on a local newspaper. (more…)
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 7, 2010 at 2:01 am
It seems San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane would like all of us to drink his flavor of “Kool-Aid”.
However, in Biane’s case it’s either a bottle of Kettle One vodka or a few bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Biane, who himself has apparently been a subject of focus by District Attorney Michael Ramos is attempting to woefully spin a ridiculous story that no one believes.
The District Attorney has made a referral to the California Fair Political Practices Commission related to a trip the two-term county supervisor and incoming county administrative officer Greg Devereaux took with two West Valley businessmen in September 2008.
While Devereaux appears to have made an honest attempt to comply with state law regarding such travel by public officials, Biane did the opposite. (more…)
- Written by Senor Blogger
- Posted February 7, 2010 at 10:46 am
District Attorney Mike Ramos
Pathetic.
There’s just no other word to describe it. Well maybe “disingenuous” might work as well.
Does San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos have an honest bone in his body?
Since the re-election window is approaching on the event horizon, our illustrious District Attorney has embarked on taking credit for everything around. Sources tell InlandPolitics this may soon include the invention of sliced bread.
If anything, Ramos prostituting himself around the county is at least entertaining.
This week we were all treated to how Ramos envisioned and implemented the District Attorney Truancy Program. A highly successful program that has dramatically reduced student truancy throughout the county.
As usual, local newspapers fell for the Ramos public relations sham. Gullible Inland newspapers oozed out articles and editorials praising Ramos for his great idea.
Not so fast! (more…)
Rank ‘Em: One-Ring Starting Quarterbacks
Created: February 4, 2010, 12:29 PM
Now that Drew Brees has his ring, where does he rank among the greats?
After completing the best season in New Orleans Saints history, Drew Brees has finally won his first Super Bowl.
Brees’ lone Super Bowl victory puts him on an eclectic list of starting quarterbacks with one title to their names. From all-time greats like Brett Favre to big personalities like Jim McMahon, 18 men have started and won pro football’s biggest game but once in their careers.
Below, we’ve listed the 18, and now it’s up to you to rank them from top to bottom.
You must submit at least FIVE for your rankings to count.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
It seems like this election cycle we have more than the normal amount of challengers in local races. I suspect that has to do with the fact that so many of us are fed up with the arrogance, greed and lack of integrity of most of our elected leaders. My friends, those of the political persuasion—y’all know which ones I mean—don’t think any of these candidates stand a chance because they don’t have the hundreds of thousands of dollars it takes to fill our mailboxes with an over-abundance of slick campaign flyers. And much of our more-recent election history proves them right.
That being said, I’m not particularly ready to throw in the towel and sit back while so many completely corrupt incumbents have an easy time of it, spending their war chests on criminal defense and living the high life. Some of them are incredibly cocky about their expected victories before even knowing the entire list of candidates running against them. They know they have the big bucks to finance their campaigns if they need it. We know who they are and who the contributors are who will give them unlimited funds to assure they stay in office. (more…)
Dear Friends,
In California, a lot is at stake in 2010. While many in politics tax our lives to the hilt, new candidates speak of “fixing the problems” in Sacramento. But will these same men and women try to fix the problems with more government programs or more public spending?
I have raised my family and built my business on the American pillar of self-government. If elected to our State Assembly, I will keep my word to fight to end the job killing regulations, the anti-family laws, and the new taxes passed by the liberals in our State Assembly. If not, I will resign. Period. (more…)
While the president of our nation tells us to stop watching political news, we the people have ignored that order. While he may prefer to rule over an uninformed electorate, he is too late. Just as Washington DC is an island surrounded by reality, so is Sacramento. The echo chambers are inside the Capitols-not outside.
Political news is on the hearts, minds and lips everywhere in town, at the post office, coffee shop; at the grocery store and at the bank…That is all you hear folks talking about. A few years ago you would expect to hear the usual complaints about our government with few or no solutions offered. Now I hear desperate pleas to implement real solutions while our leaders would prefer for you and I to mind our own business. Now this generation has learned anew it is their government and as its rightful owners, they will be taking it back with no apologies offered. (more…)
After posting the story below, I received a not-so-happy email regarding the situation at Havasu Lake. It was not aimed at me, but at Supervisor Mitzelfelt. Here it is:
Dear Sharon:
These are the people that caused you to write about BLOODY HANDS, and you are familiar with the theory of “DIRTY HANDS”, it seems that they cannot tell the truth if their life depended on it!
I am in possession of the official record and Frank Bigwood is not on the M.A.C! Becky Griffin confirmed this in a telephone conversation with me and insisted that the published M.A.C. roster is accurate and no other appointments have been made to our M.A.C.
Mike Aleksich and Terry Gardner have been part and parcel of the corrupt, fraudulent M.A.C. both displaying highly questionable ability to deal in good faith with issues of public safety.
Both Terry and Mike have taken part in a campain to actually dissuade C.H.P. patrol of Havasu Lake as well as actual violations of law, Brown act, Public records act,and more!(CORRUPTION)
Both Terry and Mike have sat on a County Board when they Knew very well that the make up of that board was in fact Fraudulent with two never appointed imposters(Rich Fiala, Lucille Ogle) and a triple felon as chair! Our M.A.C. has lacked a quorum since 2004 at least and these people were part of the deception!
The record of events at Havasu Lake is clear. These appointments do nothing to better our dire situation, the appointment of Frank Bigwood being especially detrimental to political discourse at already troubled Havasu lake. Frank serves as editor of the Havasu Sun where he was forced to agree not to carry any hard news coverage of Havasu Lake in our only local paper! A quick review of the past several years of The Sun shows this to be true.(Franks#1.760.858.4729)
As far as our M.A.C. goes it is even worse, during Gary, Terry’s and Mike’s tenure of fraud our local school was closed and not one mention at M.A.C., our Court House was closed and not a word,our locals being pre-occupied with carrying on vendettas against neighboring individuals and businesses, as well as attempting to shield 502s. This sad record speaks for itself and indicates that these individuals are not qualified to serve on our M.A.C.
Frank is not on the M.A.C. and anyone who alleges otherwise is a liar, lets see the appointment documents! Thank you !
Here are the websites for the grass root candidates that have contacted iePolitics so far:
59th Assembly District
63rd Assembly District
Assessor-Recorder
None
Auditor-Controller-Treasurer
Ensen Mason (website to be added soon)
Board of Supervisors—Second Supervisorial District
Board of Supervisors—Fourth Supervisorial District
None
District Attorney
None
Sheriff
Superintendent of Schools
None
Any challengers for any elected office in San Bernardino County are welcome to contact us at info@iepolitics.com to be added to our blog roll. All candidates are also welcome to their own sign-in to add press releases and other information to the blog.
I just came across this comment on the blog. I do not know how I missed it. Can anyone shed some light?
I take that route on occasion because it is peaceful and beautiful. It would be a shame to see this happen to that area.
Dear Sharon, IEPolitcs came recommended to me as a possible way to shut down a boondoggle of a project perpetrated on us my our Board of Supervisors. They plan on widening the road on which we live. It is Summit Valley Road, it connects Hesperia to the I-15 via a very winding road called State Hwy 138. They intend to use eminent domain and steal property to make Summit Valley Road a 4 lane expressway, which will dump into a two lane very winding 138. They have had the meetings and told us to our face that this project is 5 to 7 years off, but we found out today that it is very close to going into the construction phase. I am so sick of lying politicians. There must be some recourse to make them accountable to their constituencies. I would be eternally grateful for any help you could provide. Thank you. Debra Hennington Weisser
You know Brad, this would have been so much less embarrassing for you if your Chief of Staff would have just returned my text message. He didn’t even have to talk to me. But in the end, at least we have made progress. No more convicted felon on the MAC. And there are two appointments being made on Tuesday. Very good. Still not sure how Frank Bigwood is on the MAC, but maybe there was a board item not in file at the clerk’s office.
I also noticed you are going to help out the Havasu Senior Center. Good for you. I know the good people of Havasu Lake appreciate your efforts.
|
There is still the problem of the disappearing MAC minutes taken by the felon’s wife. Or has that been resolved too? Stringer’s office seems to be putting up roadblocks to keep the public from being able to view those minutes.
 |
| - – - – - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA – - – - - |
Dear Friend:
I am pleased to let you know of President Obama’s decision to create a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund to assist community banks in extending credit to small businesses so they can create jobs and expand. I introduced a similar proposal last October with Senator Jeff Merkley to provide capital to community banks, with requirements that they lend to small business owners and individuals.
Small businesses generated 64 percent of the jobs created over the last 15 years, but many of our small businesses can’t get the loans they need to expand and create new jobs. The best way to help our small businesses is to increase lending through community banks. I applaud President Obama for building on the legislation that Senator Merkley and I introduced to restart lending to small businesses.
Our Bank on Our Communities Act (S.1822) established a framework similar to the President’s proposal to assist community banks in extending credit to small businesses and individuals to spur job growth. The President’s proposal would use $30 billion in existing TARP funds to lend to small and medium-sized banks on the condition that they devote the highest percentage of their lending to small businesses in their communities.
Currently, small businesses employ one half of the nation’s workforce. Fewer than one third of these businesses report that their credit needs are being met today. Fifty-nine percent of them now rely on credit cards to finance their daily operations, up from 44 percent at the end of 2008. Community banks hold less than $1 billion in assets and still made 48 percent of small business loans, despite the fact that they hold only 11 percent of national bank assets.
By assisting community banks in helping small business, new jobs will be created and our economy can continue to improve. This is an important step toward that goal.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
To respond to this message, please click here. This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office.
With the pending arrival of newly hired San Bernardino County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux, we are pondering some points:
- Will Assistant County Administrative Officer Dean Arabatzis now be required to work 40 hours a week at the County Government Center? Five days a week, every week?
- Will the Fifth Floor continue to be a ghost town on both sides of the isle on Fridays?
- Will CAO Devereaux also work five days a week?
- Will County Counsel Ruth Stringer and her deputy county counsels be allowed to continue to accrue millions in leave balances?
- What will replace our beloved “Service First”?
- Will Chicken Man show up to board meetings in a chicken suit?
- Will Board of Supervisors staff follow Devereaux’s lead and start working five days a week, 40 hours a week?
- Will department heads caught lying and cheating have consequences similar to line staff?
- Will David Wert be required to work 40 hours a week, five days a week, every week?
- Will department heads who go on vacation be required to green-slip their time?
- Will non-elected department heads be allowed to continue bonking their line staff?
- Will anything be done about sexual harassment and racial discrimination in the work place?
- Will anything of significance ever get accomplished by the Fifth Floor in a timely manner?
- Written by Senor Blogger
- Posted February 5, 2010 at 6:42 am
Remember John Hueston?
Hueston is the “special counsel” who brought a civil action against Republican Party official and former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and several of Postmus’ former aides and advisors.
His civil lawsuit against Postmus was heralded by the anti-Postmus crowd and unquestioned by the local media.
Maybe it’s time for the media – and more importantly, the board of supervisors – to start asking pertinent questions
John Hueston, who is a Democratic Party luminary, apparently has billed an estimated $700K from county taxpayers in compiling a 33-page “report” skewering many rising Republican Party officials and staff in San Bernardino County and California – and even throughout the Unites States. Hueston’s “report” spared no Republican – Bill Postmus, and nearly all GOP county supervisors, were slimed by his lackluster research, which relied on third-hand rumors, gossip, speculation, and wild conclusions drawn by supposed super lawyer John Hueston. (more…)
- Written by Blogger
- Posted February 5, 2010 at 12:22 pm
One has to admit the political buzz in San Bernardino County is non-stop.
Many reverberations have crossed the transom regarding District Attorney Michael A. Ramos’ motivation for his politically charged actions over the past 18 months.
Some motivations that have surfaced of late have gained credibility.
While Ramos is employing the “I’m fighting political corruption” mantra in limited public appearances throughout the county, other issues have arisen that involve not only Ramos, but his Orange County-based consultant David Ellis, owner of Delta Partners, LLC.
It becomes really slimy and underhanded from here.
While Ramos is mostly known for his interest in having serial extramarital affairs, drunkenness, and an affinity for golf, he also worries about his political future. With his past, who wouldn’t.
Ellis on the other hand cares about three things and three things only. Those being Franklin, Grant, and Jackson!
He’ll sell anyone down the river for a buck.
Let’s talk about a couple targets of the Ramos/Ellis tag team. (more…)
Throughout the investigation into the sexual harassment complaint against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, iePolitics suggested that the final report against Ramos would be scathing. That was based on several factors. First, we had seen some of the evidence first hand—evidence that we mistakenly believed could not be covered up. Second, we had sources close to the investigation. Third, Ramos loves to drink and spill his guts. Even he confided to his drinking buddies that his days were numbered.
We expected the report to be out some time in November, but suddenly there was one delay after another. And, Ramos started flexing his muscles once again, sending his investigators out to harass members of the Board of Supervisors and their staffers with frivolous questioning and intimidation. Then we heard of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) referrals just days before the report was to go before the Board of Supervisors and guessed a deal had been cut. It was upsetting, but not surprising, to see the final report. No one can objectively look at that final report and not come to the conclusion that something smells, stinks actually.
The report reeks so badly of deal-cutting between certain members of the Board of Supervisors and Ramos that formal calls have been made for federal investigators to intervene to determine if crimes have been committed. Several current and former Government Center employees have already interviewed with federal investigators regarding Ramos’ actions.
When one compares the aggravated circumstances of Second District Supervisor Paul Biane’s FPPC filings (or lack thereof) and newly-hired County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux’s “mistake” to the approach taken with Jim Erwin, it is obvious one or more persons have been given special treatment. The question is, “In exchange for what?” And that exchange, if proven, carries far harsher criminal penalties than an FPPC fine.
Despite inaccurate headlines by local newspapers, the already-completed report did NOT clear Ramos of lying to the public nor did it clear him of the allegations that he had a sexual relationship with one or more subordinate employees or of having a sexual relationship with Public Defender Doreen Boxer, which could be the most problematic of all of the allegations against Ramos. The report also did not clear his executive staff and some attorneys of sexual rendezvous with subordinates in the stairwells, misuse of county vehicles, time card fraud, political activity on county time, illegal wiretaps, and a host of other allegations that appear to have enough footing to warrant further investigation. (more…)
Dutton Takes Aim at State RegulationsBill requires Auditor to recommend eliminating regulationsSACRAMENTO – Senate Republican Leader-elect Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) is keeping his pledge to protect and create jobs in California by identifying and eliminating unnecessary state regulations. Senate Bill 942 calls upon the non-partisan State Auditor to review existing regulations and to recommend eliminating those found to be unnecessary or too costly. The bill also requires that regulations sunset after 10 years unless they are determined necessary. “The regulatory maze in California is mind boggling,” said Senator Dutton. “Over decades of time state bureaucrats have developed one of the most confusing and burdensome regulatory systems on the planet.” More than 600,000 Californians lost their jobs over the past year. The unemployment rate statewide is 12.4 percent, one of the highest in the nation. In San Bernardino and Riverside Counties the unemployment rate is 14 percent. The well-respected Economist magazine observed that California’s “high taxes, coupled with intrusive regulation of business and greenery taken to silly extremes, have gradually strangled what was once America’s most dynamic state economy.” “California’s economy can thrive once again, but only if state government comes to its senses and helps employers make a profit so they can hire people,” continued Dutton. “There are millions of people in this state who want a job. Let’s pass common sense bills like SB 942 that will help put California families back on the road to prosperity.” -30- |
| California Supreme Court upholds the will of the people and rights of victims
The California Supreme Court made the right choice on Monday when it sided with voters and victims by upholding Jessica’s Law 2,000-feet living restriction for sex offenders who were paroled after the date the law was passed. I am pleased with the ruling. The court has upheld the will of the voters and the rights of victims who, let’s not forget, have suffered from the hands of society’s worst criminals. The court’s ruling is consistent with the intent behind Jessica’s Law, which is to provide better safety for children by preventing paroled sex offenders from living near schools. According to the Declaration of Independence, our leaders have the right to rule only with ‘the consent of the governed’ and the California Supreme Court proved that today. It’s a good day for Californians and for Democracy. (more…) |
Washington, DC – Emphasizing that Washington needs to stop out-of-control and reckless spending, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement in opposition to House passage of a shocking $1.9 trillion (15.3 percent) debt increase:
“Congressional Democrats are proving that they are all talk, and no action when it comes to fiscal responsibility,” said Bono Mack. “Raising the debt limit by 15.3 percent on the coattails of passing a massive new budget plan to fund bigger government is yet another shocking example of how out of touch Washington is with the needs of the American people. (more…)
Dutton Report Alert
Bill responds to Upland murder, places restrictions on mentally disordered offenders
Senator Dutton discusses his proposed legislation on John and Ken
To make our neighborhoods safer, I am crafting legislation that will give more control to local authorities when mentally disordered offenders are released back into neighborhoods.
Many of you are aware of a homicide that took place in Upland last month. The murder took place in an unsupervised home where seven male offenders were living. All seven men had been released from mental hospitals under the Department of Mental Health’s Forensic Conditional Release Program (ConRep).
It turns out that because of some quirks in the law, local communities are kept in the dark when high-risk individuals like these seven offenders are placed in their communities.
In the next several days I will be introducing a bill that will do three things:
- Allow the District Attorney’s office to notify local law enforcement agencies when a ConRep individual is being placed in their community.
- Prohibit these individuals from living closer than 2,000 feet from a school – the same as Jessica’s law.
- Limit the number of ConRep individuals who can reside in the same home to three.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk about this issue on the popular John and Ken radio show on KFI 640. I invite you to listen to an audio recordering of the interview.
I will keep you up-to-date on the progress of this common sense legislation as it is considered by the Legislature in the weeks to come.
The situation at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center is more serious than even I realized. I have not been writing about it because of the type of investigation that is going on. This investigation is not being completed by the county or standard state agencies that normally investigate the hospital. I will update as information becomes available. I do expect to see at least one termination at a very high level and there is a potential for criminal charges being brought. (more…)
San Bernardino County Budget Whiz Extraordinaire Dean Arabatzis is claiming that if county employees once again agree to forgo their raises this year (that is last year’s raise and this year’s raise), layoffs will not be necessary. We all suspect smoke and mirrors. It will be interesting to see if that projection remains the same once newly-hired County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux starts to work officially. (more…)
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today issued the following statement on the Administration’s $3.8 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2011:
“Despite recent calls for fiscal responsibility, the Administration’s budget proposal represents more of the same – reckless spending that piles on more debt and more taxes on every day Americans,” said Bono Mack. “It is past time for Washington to get its budget under control – we cannot afford this aggressive expansion of government programs that only adds to our unsustainable budget outlook. (more…)
It seems our illustrious San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and his Chief of Staff David Zook do not care that they have a three-time felon running the show in one of the communities in their district. Here is the latest announcement:
MAC REPORT
We will be scheduling a MAC meeting
For sometime in March. I hope to have
discussion/answers regarding the following
items:
- Plan for our next assigned Sheriff Deputy
-Updates on the Havasu Water Company
from our citizens committee
-17 Mile Road Cleanup
-New roof for the senior centerTime and date of the meeting will be posted
as soon as possible.Gary
I debated about posting this to the blog or sending private messages to the two individuals this intended for, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chiefs of Staff David Zook and Matt Brown. David will not return my text messages and I have been hearing what both have to say behind my back so I decided to be out front with this post.
I’ve known David very casually for a while as we both worked for the same department at one time. I know David is a very dedicated family man and he seems to have a strong faith in God. I have never met Matt in person but have spoken to him over the phone a few times and have exchanged some text messages and emails with him. From what I have heard about Matt, he too is a dedicated family man and has a strong faith. I also worked for his mother-in-law, Sandy Harmsen, for a couple of years. So for various reasons I have always tried to cut both David and Matt some slack on the blog. However, that slack has ended.
My “career” as a blogger began as a result of corruption within the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department and San Bernardino Public Employees Association. The “career” has lasted for almost four years now because, as we all know, corruption is rampant and widespread in San Bernardino County, touching every department in one way or another. (more…)
(INLAND EMPIRE, CA) – The California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) announced its unanimous support and endorsement of Paul Chabot for the 63rd Assembly. CPCA is dedicated to serving over 1,400 active and retired municipal California police chiefs. Municipal police chiefs are responsible for providing front line law enforcement services to more than 78% of Californians.
“I am grateful and honored to receive the support of the California Police Chiefs Association. Law enforcement leaders are dealing with a number of challenges in today’s climate. They can count on me to fight every single day for public safety and victims rights. Having worn the badge myself for nearly 15-years, I understand and appreciate the very difficult and dangerous job asked of the men and women who protect the thin blue line. I am forever grateful for their leadership and service,” said Chabot.
“Cautiously optimistic” and “nervous” are two of the phrases I have heard repeatedly about San Bernardino County’s new head honcho, County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux. Even before assuming office, Devereaux has ended a decades-long policy of 9-80s for county management, a move that makes line staff very nervous as many depend on “flex time” to survive in these hard economic times. But it is also a sign that Devereaux is not going to be afraid to lead.
After six years of despot leadership by former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer and his band of thugs, it is easy to understand why line staff are wary of our new leader. I’ve been asked my opinion repeatedly by everyone from the lowest level employee to managers to newspaper reporters. Here is my standard response:
Seeing Devereaux’s close, personal relationship with the Fourth District makes me nervous on a personal level, especially when considering what the Fourth District recently did to me. That being said, I have two friends who are long-term city of Ontario employees who have nothing but respect for Devereaux. They are rank-and-file and are allowed to work 9-80s. Ontario employees, most of whom are represented by San Bernardino County Public Employees Association, have the best contracts of any governmental agency in San Bernardino County.
From what I hear from those that know Devereaux, he is tough but also fair. I also hear he will not take the crap from county managers that Uffer not only tolerated, but encouraged. He will not play the games Uffer played and will not tolerate bad managers. Unlike Uffer, he is consistently described as a ‘professional.’ (more…)
- Written by Blogger
- Posted February 4, 2010 at 11:41 am
InlandPolitics.com has learned that the outside law firm hired by county supervisors to handle litigation against former Assessor Bill Postmus and five others has already exceeded its budget with little or nothing to show for it.
Attorneys John Hueston and Leeran Factor from the law firm of Irell and Manella were given an appropriation limit of $500,000 by county supervisors last spring. A number already well above any potential recovery in the litigation.
County sources now say expenses have inexplicably escalated and the amount is now approaching $700,000. However, county supervisors have given no additional spending authority above the original amount.
County supervisors are described as being distressed over the situation. (more…)
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 4, 2010 at 3:55 pm
The campaign finance disclosure statements for members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors show healthy sums for all members with the exception of Jeff Stone who is seeking state legislative office.
Here is the annual summary for all five supervisors who collectively raised $ 1,048,448.90 in 2009.
Excellent job in a poor economy.
SUPERVISOR CONTRIBUTIONS EXPENSES CASH ON HAND Bob Buster $ 250,453.25 $ 215,632.20 $ 167,261.80 John Tavaglione* $ 138,555.00 $ 244,672.73 $ 421,458.13 Jeff Stone $ 66,575.00 $ 122,667.62 $ 1,035.02 John Benoit* $ 342,412.44 $ 65,493.13 $ 288,023.95 Marion Ashley* $ 250,453.25 $ 215,632.20 $ 167,261.80 * Candidate for election or re-election in June 2010 Source: Riverside County Registrar of Voters
Unlike their San Bernardino County brethren, the Riverside County bunch seems to be a little more frugal with their cash spending habits.
A brief review of the expenditures revealed no payments to criminal law firms.
The story from InlandPolitics below is simply amazing. We all heard the rumors of District Attorney Mike Ramos putting the screws to Supervisor Paul Biane. We heard stories of him being in hiding and waiting for District Attorney investigators to show up at his door to place him in handcuffs. His attendance at Board of Supervisors meetings waned. He looked sullen when he did appear in public. Some suspected it was his alcoholism but those in the know knew it he was scared to death. He seemed paralyzed.
Why shouldn’t he be scared? Of course he should be scared. The stories of backroom payments from developers abound but those could be true or they could be urban legend. What we know to be true are the unreported gifts such as the recent revelation about the trip with a developer on a private jet to a football game back East. There are also other stories of trips to Mexico and Cuba. And we know from the “Jim Erwin Model” that such lapses result in felony charges and arrests. Paul has had a lot to be worried about. (more…)
As I started reviewing the financials for the 63rd Assembly District, I came across a trend that prompted me to dig a little deeper. We will post more tomorrow, but for now take a look at the donations from Lewis Homes, one of the largest developers in the state of California. You will see a lot of money being donated to political campaigns, but as we will show tomorrow, that is only part of the story: (more…)
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 3, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Supervisor Paul Biane
Campaign finance records obtained from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters reveal a county supervisor retained a criminal defense attorney last year.
Apparently, Second District Supervisor Paul Biane was concerned enough over an investigation by District Attorney Mike Ramos that he retained legal counsel. Records show Biane paid $49,782.53 from his campaign funds to the Los Angeles-based law firm of Corbin, Fitzgerald and Athey LLP for legal services. (more…)
Twelve citizens of the city of Grand Terrace have a filed a request with District Attorney Mike Ramos to investigate one of his many mistresses for Government Code section 1090 violations. Which mistress you may ask. Yes, I realize it is difficult to keep them all straight. This time around it is Bertha Bea Cortes, a councilwoman for Grand Terrace.
Cortes has bragged to community members about her relationship with Ramos and her use of that relationship to effect a prosecution of fellow councilman Jim Miller for, you guess it, Government Code section 1090 violations. What’s that old adage about “living in glass houses”?
Unlike Miller, Cortes’ violations appear deliberate. Additionally, Cortes, who sources indicate to iePolitics has children living in the home, reports no income whatsoever despite an active real estate license, and advertising by herself and her broker on her behalf. It is unclear how she paid to keep her license active or for the advertising, or for that matter how she feeds and clothes her children with no income. There are no $11,000 payments on Ramos’ 460 to Cortes, so her source of support remains a mystery.
A trip to the Registrar of Voters office today was fruitful indeed. First, we find that the San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller-Treasurer has a hard time meeting accounting deadlines. His financial statements, which were due February 1, 2010, have yet to be filed with the Registrar’s office. They checked several “boxes” for me to be sure and there was nada.
Senator Gloria Negrete McCloud also has the same issue. Not sure if we can chalk it up to laziness, an oversight, or a flagrant lack of respect for the law.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos filed his financials timely. He shows an ending balance of cash on hand of $393,592.28. It’s his expenditures that are interesting. InlandPolitics will have additional information on some of those expenses that we will cross-post here. But there are others we want to share now. (more…)
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 3, 2010 at 12:25 pm
The campaign finance disclosure statements for members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have some interesting characteristics of note.
Here is the annual summary of all five supervisors who collectively raised $899,384.54 in 2009.
Not bad for a poor economy.
(more...)
Crestline resident and KCAA radio host Peter “Scott” Markovich has announced his candidacy for the position of San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor currently held by Paul Biane. Markovich is the second opponent to announce his intentions to run. His website can be found at: http://www.markovichforcountysupervisor.com/
February 01, 2010, 10:01 AM
Republicans lose races when we nominate flawed candidates.
In 1998, we nominated Dan Lungren for Governor. The NRA and those supporting the Second Amendment so disliked him, they supported Gray Davis–and Lungren lost by 20 points.
In the 2006 GOP primary, Senator Abel Maldonado was the favorite to win the nomination for State Controller. But, due to his support of tax increases, big government, weak votes on the “life” issue, he lost. His legislative record, even then, was so poor that Assemblyman Tony Strickland was able to easily defeat him. (more…)
Paul Chabot, Lieutenant Commander (S) Candidate For 63rd Assembly District Announces Endorsement of San Bernardino County Undersheriff Richard Beember (Ret.)
(INLAND EMPIRE, CA) – San Bernardino County Undersheriff Beemer retires, immediately endorses LT Commander (s) Paul Chabot and co-hosts upcoming fundraiser event.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Undersheriff Beemer and I look forward to his guidance throughout this campaign and beyond.” Beemer is a outstanding American who protected us here at home, but also oversees during his combat service where he received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His participation in our Rancho Cucamonga fundraiser later this month will be a wonderful opportunity for area residents to meet a law enforcement legend and military hero,” said Chabot. (more…)
January 31, 2010
I am suspicious of the motives of the individuals or organizations that have been or now are against a reasonable Voter ID initiative, such as Senator George Runner’s proposed ballot initiative known as VoteSAFE. Nearly 100 countries in the world have some type of Voter ID policy in place including Mexico.
I am concerned about the recent “money saving” consolidation of our county’s elected positions. We were told that this move could save up to one million dollars a year. Did that take into account the $80,000 worth of raises that were given out as part of this consolidation? ($40,000 to Larry Walker, $30,000 to Dennis Draeger, $10,000 to Rod Hoops). The raises are unnecessary and unfair. The county has shed many other jobs, leaving those left behind to work harder and take on more responsibility. Did they get huge raises? Our county charter states “no increase shall exceed 4% of the annual salary of the elected official unless submitted to and approved by the voters of the county at a county-wide election.” Do these raises sound like more that 4% to you? Does it seem right that the Board of Supervisors can circumvent the spirit of our charter by playing a shell game with the duties?
Ensen Mason
Victorville
Paul is running for Sheriff for San Bernardino County. This is from his Facebook page:
You’re smarter and better informed than ever. We think we can learn from you – and you may learn a few things from us. Together we’ll filter out the nonsense. We may use what you say on TV so if you have something to say… bring it. The Filter – raw, uncensored and real – airs Monday through Thursday on KNBC Digital Channel 4.2 (Charter Channel 304, Cox Channel 804, Time Warner Channel 225).
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/station/shows/The-Filter-with-Fred-Roggin-58170267.html
(The article has little to do with politics, but I found it fascinating. – Administrator)
Henrietta Lacks' cells were essential in developing the polio vaccine and were used in scientific landmarks such as cloning, gene mapping and in vitro fertilization.
Journalist Rebecca Skloot’s new book investigates how a poor black tobacco farmer had a groundbreaking impact on modern medicine
- By Sarah Zielinski
- Smithsonian.com, January 22, 2010
Medical researchers use laboratory-grown human cells to learn the intricacies of how cells work and test theories about the causes and treatment of diseases. The cell lines they need are “immortal”—they can grow indefinitely, be frozen for decades, divided into different batches and shared among scientists. In 1951, a scientist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, created the first immortal human cell line with a tissue sample taken from a young black woman with cervical cancer. Those cells, called HeLa cells, quickly became invaluable to medical research—though their donor remained a mystery for decades. In her new book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, journalist Rebecca Skloot tracks down the story of the source of the amazing HeLa cells, Henrietta Lacks, and documents the cell line’s impact on both modern medicine and the Lacks family.
Who was Henrietta Lacks?
She was a black tobacco farmer from southern Virginia who got cervical cancer when she was 30. A doctor at Johns Hopkins took a piece of her tumor without telling her and sent it down the hall to scientists there who had been trying to grow tissues in culture for decades without success. No one knows why, but her cells never died. (more…)
Maybe when San Bernardino County’s Chief Legal Eagle Ruth Stringer is booted in a few weeks, President Obama will appoint her to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. From our experience she would be a perfect fit with the aberrant justices already sitting on that bench.
Under Stringer’s matronly tutelage we have all been blessed to learn new legal concepts not taught in any law school but practiced with fervor here in San Bernardino County. For example, “fornicating” is apparently synonymous with “deliberating” as in the “deliberative process.” We are not sure what an elected official and his inamorata would deliberate about at 2 a.m. that the public isn’t entitled to know since the “deliberating” is taking place on our dime. We also haven’t figured out why salmon and wine can be made public but the raw oysters and asparagus cannot. Perhaps it is the “Stringer Rule of Libidinous Measure.”