Below is District Attorney Mike Ramos’ campaign kickoff. Note the only member of the Board of Supervisors who attended this huge gathering of supporters here in the high desert. Although now edited out of the video, the supervisor had glowing remarks for our district attorney.
Archive for the ‘Mike Ramos’ Category
iePolitics has learned from a well-placed West-End source that the February 10, 2010, incoherent spectacle produced by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and California Attorney General Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown, charging former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin with multiple felonies, including bribery and embezzlement, may have had a much more far-reaching purpose. And that “purpose” has to do with one unnamed, but very identifiable, John Doe; John Doe No. 1, i.e., Jeff Burum, to be exact.
The underlying scheme of Ramos’ recent interest in “cleaning up corruption in San Bernardino County” is oft-discussed by political insiders. His crusade came about only after his power base took a major hit due to the defeat of political crony and powerbroker, San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, by dark horse candidate Neil Derry. (more…)
The article below as well as the three-part series over at www.inlandpolitics.com scratch only the surface of medical atrocity and abuse at San Bernardino County’s only county-run hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Unfortunately, I was very ill and unable to make the meeting with the good doctor and Jim as I would have liked have shared a few of my own war stories from my year of working at the facility and my few days as a patient to see if I could gain a better understanding of why the situation has become so dire. (more…)
Everyone keeps asking how to help. There is one BIG thing every one of you can do to help, not only me, but everyone in this county who has been abused by the system and that is this. On June 1, 2010 vote for Paul Schrader for Sheriff, Scott Markovich for Second District Supervisor, any opponent of Gary Ovitt’s, and any opponent of Mike Ramos. These bastards need to be kicked out of office!
I am sick to death of the Sheriff’s Department telling me they are trying to help when they have been one of the biggest contributors to my problems. HOOPS NEEDS TO GO! We need a sheriff in there with some integrity.
And we need a Chairman of the Board of Supervisors also with some integrity, including in their chief of staff. If the only way to get rid of Mark Kirk is to get rid of Gary Ovitt, so be it.
These days when my political-type friends and I are talking on the phone, the subject of phone taps always comes up. When I’m talking with Bill or Jim, for example, I assume the district attorney’s office has their phones tapped and can hear everything I say. So, since there is always a supply of 7-in-1 and Bordetella in my refrigerator, I always remind Bill that if he’s at my house he can find the clean syringes there. And when talking with Jim, I make it a point of giving him the account number Adam passed along to me for that off-shore account with the $1.02 million in it from Colonies settlement. The three of us are getting our passports ready for the big day. (more…)
Written by Blogger
- Posted February 26, 2010 at 6:19 pm
San Bernardino County currently sports one of the highest, if not the highest plea bargain rates in the state.
A not so flattering statistic to say the least.
Ramos
Over the last several years county supervisors have gave additional millions in budget funding to District Attorney Mike Ramos. The result. More plea bargains with criminal defendants.
Several months ago stories ran here and on iePolitics.com exposing substantial political contributions to Ramos by two attorneys who control the San Bernardino County criminal defense conflict panel. (more…)
A major allegation contained in the recent announcement of charges in the “windshield crack-like” corruption investigation into San Bernardino County government by District Attorney Mike Ramos and Attorney General Edmund “Jerry” Brown has some interesting twists.
Ramos earlier this week announced a series of reforms necessary to put the power of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in check. (more…)
So our illustrious San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos is concerned about expenses paid by former Assessor Bill Postmus out of Postmus’ campaign war chest—not exactly new news. And also not new news is the fact that what is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander—pun totally intended—here in San Bernardino County. (more…)
The most recent arrests of former San Bernardino County Assessor William “Bill” Postmus and former Chief of Staff to Supervisor Neil Derry, James Erwin, highlights yet again the disparity in treatment by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos when compared with other jurisdictions. Ramos clearly is attempting to attempting to “punish” those who are political adversaries upfront as he knows the cases against them are weak and convictions are unlikely.
Take a look at the difference between the Postmus/Erwin case and the case of the four San Jacinto City Councilmen who were recently indicted in Riverside County. The disparity is glaring. (more…)
This is a good illustration of the difference between my perspective and that of the incumbent auditor / controller. I believe that government is the problem and not the solution. Private industry is more efficient, serves the people better and in most circumstances is far superior for improving people’s lives and creating wealth. As you can see in the article (from the Daily Press) below, Larry Walker seems to indicate bigger government is the solution.
APPLE VALLEY • The man responsible for investing San Bernardino County’s revenue had some advice for people looking for a heads up on what’s driving the economy these days.
“The question is what’s the government going to do, it’s not what the market is going to do,” said Larry Walker, the county’s Auditor/Controller-Recorder. (more…)
Adam,
This comment was just posted to the blog:
Adam:
You could still save yourself if you actually told the truth to someone with a FEDERAL badge. If, as Sharon says, you were coerced and threatened, it would be Ramos and Moonbeam who would be facing RICO charges.
I hear from mutual friends that you are starting to get scared, and scared you should be. I know I could pass a polygraph if I had to over what I’ve reported as you having said to me and I also know I’m not the only one you’ve said it to.
As angry as I am for what your lies have done to people I know and care about, I have always felt sorry for you, but mostly for your parents. You have put your family through hell. (more…)
- Written by Senor Blogger
- Posted February 16, 2010 at 6:42 pm
The term “idiot” and San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales remain synonymous.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and Attorney General Jerry Brown made sensational corruption allegations last week as an intro to their respective election campaigns.
Allegations that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. (more…)
We hear our favorite Yellow Singing Canary is getting a wee bit nervous. Seems he is calling his old friends to get someone, anyone, to back him on his trail of deceit. From what iePolitics hears so far, his “friends” don’t want to spend time as roomies with him and Bubba so they are politely declining. I bet in the end, Mr. Aleman is the only one of the currently accused who does jail time, “currently” being the key word.
We are hearing more charges are quite possible, just not of those District Attorney Mike Ramos is currently looking at. We will post more info as it becomes available.
I received the following email a little while ago:
Can you tell me what ever has happened to the case involving over 20 Deputies getting college credits when they did not attend the classes. It seems to just have gone away. This is serious because of the lying these people did and the amount of money they have taken from the County.
I asked our resident expert, AntiCorruptionUnit, as he is the one who broke this story, and here is his response:
Yes the case died a quiet death thanks to Sheriff Hoops. Captain Bart Gray is now retired. His wife was demoted from her position in the training division and sent back to the jail.
Just another cover up by the Sheriff’s Department. No prosecution if forthcoming in this matter.
So where is our crime-fighting District Attorney? Oh yeah, political opps with Moonbeam.
It seems the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors needs some help doing the right thing. They need YOUR help.
The Board of Supervisors has been covering for District Attorney Mike Ramos for months because they are TERRIFIED of being charged and arrested for issues relating to the Colonies settlement, Fair Political Practices Commission violations, and other items. No matter how one feels about the Colonies settlement, it is clear that we have a District Attorney who has lied to the public and abused his office in other areas not directly related to the current corruption scandal.
The Board of Supervisors can and should waive the right to confidentiality and release all information in connection with Ramos’ misdeeds. The public has the right to know in order to make an informed decision at election time. To put this in perspective, how many of you who voted for Bill Postmus for Assessor would have done so if you had known he had been two rehab twice during his stint on the Board of Supervisors? Well, it’s no different with Ramos. Mike has an addiction too. And he has lied to the pubic as well. It’s time the board come clean on Mike Ramos.
Here is how to do it. Click on www.gmail.com. On the right-hand side, click on “Create an Account” and go through the process of setting up a new email account. It only takes a few minutes. Once it is set up, sign into it and hit the “compose” button in the top left-hand corner.
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the “To” section.
bmitzelfelt@sbcounty.gov, pbiane@sbcounty.gov, nderry@sbcounty.gov, govitt@sbcounty.gov, jgonzales@sbcounty.gov
In the “Subject” line insert: “Release the Background Information on Mike Ramos”
In the body, insert: “Please release all information from closed session in regards to the Mike Ramos sexual harassment investigation. You have the right to waive confidentiality and we have the right to know.”
Note: Of course I’m recommending the use of a Gmail account because they are anonymous. I recommend remaining anonymous. However, for those with a lot of backbone, by all means use your regular email. FYI, the addresses I provided go directly to the supervisors’ Blackberrys, so be respectful.
For those who are willing, I’d appreciate a cc or bcc at info@iepolitics.com
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 15, 2010 at 12:09 pm
This last week’s developments involving the filing of charges against two former county officials, the naming of five “un-named” co-conspirators, and the reputation destruction of others referred to in a complaint and accompanying arrest affidavit has commenced a chain of events that will reverberate in San Bernardino County for years.
The charges and accusations come with less than one week before the filing period for the June primary election officially opens. District Attorney Mike Ramos is seeking re-election and California Attorney General Jerry Brown is running for Governor.
After the conclusion of a live press conference District Attorney Mike Ramos made it clear to reporters they could deduce who the “un-charged” or “un-named” parties were by carefully reading the criminal complaint. Figuring out the names wasn’t the least bit difficult. Ramos’ venom was evident. He spoke of personal attacks on himself and his family and concerns over his budget being cut.
Former Assessor and County Supervisor Bill Postmus, who already posted $110,000 bail was re-arrested and forced to post an additional $250,000. Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, who had already posted $220,000 bail was also re-arrested and required to post an additional $380,000.
Neither Postmus nor Erwin had ever been late to any court appearance.
The “un-named” individuals are Jeff Burum, co-managing partner, Colonies Partners, Dan Richards, co-managing partner, Colonies Partners, Patrick O’Reilly, CEO, O’Reilly Public Relations, Paul Biane, second district supervisor, and Mark Kirk, chief of staff to fourth district supervisor Gary Ovitt. (more…)
Dear Members of the Board of Supervisors:
Aren’t all of you tired of being held hostage by an out-of-control District Attorney who uses his prosecutorial powers to threaten and intimidate you when you know you’ve done nothing wrong? Now it looks like he is going to try to extort a larger allocation to his budget so he can waste more money on political persecution.
It’s time to take your authority and power back. Grow a pair!! Seriously. (more…)
Sources close to the investigation have revealed that San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos wanted to have arrest warrants issued for all five John Does at the same time that warrants were issued for former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin. It was Attorney General Jerry Brown who crushed Ramos’ plan to arrest Colonies Partners Jeff Burum and Dan Richards, consultant Patrick O’Reilly, Fourth District Chief of Staff Mark Kirk and Second District Supervisor Paul Biane. It was also Brown who insisted that they not be personally named in the complaint.
iePolitics has learned from a reliable source that our favorite yellow singing Canary has been told by the District Attorney’s office that he will never have to be on the witness stand and offer up testimony against is former boss, colleagues and subordinates. It’s hard to say if this is what he is really being told or is just what he is telling those around him.
I wonder what Adam Aleman will do when he is served with his first subpoena? Will it be the shock it seems it will be? What will be especially interesting is the fact that Adam has told those around him the same story he told me, i.e., he only repeated rumors; he had no first-hand knowledge of anything; the investigators intimidated him, etc. Does he understand the concept of witness impeachment? Wonder what that will do to his plea bargain?
I meant to post this earlier today, but ran out of computer time. This reminds me of one of the very first conversations Mark Kirk and I had in 2008. I chastised him for accepting contributions from Colonies. He told me that Jeff does more for other people in a week than most do in a year. He said that Jeff is very charitable. I know he helped me when I needed it most. I’m glad to see his peers are supporting him.
- Written by Administrator
- Posted February 12, 2010 at 7:28 pm
*** The following letter was forwarded to InlandPolitics with a request to publish after 6:00 P.M. this evening***
.
February 12, 2010
Dear Jeff,
We write this letter to ask you to cease your passive stance towards District Attorney Michael Ramos.
News of the unwarranted attack on your reputation and credibility, and that of your friends and supporters has reached many of us in the last forty-eight hours.
You have been a respected member of your community for years. You have been unselfish in helping your community and neighbors. You built your business from nothing and have come so far to have it all destroyed by this man.
We commend your passion in devoting countless hours of your life to assist those less fortunate in life by contributing back to not just your community, but areas throughout the United States.
You have so many friends and supporters from around the country who stand ready to help you address what has been forced upon you.
It is the understanding of many of us that District Attorney Ramos actually looked you in the eye and assured you that no evidence of any wrongdoing had ever been found against you. It is also our understanding that a Mr. David Ellis, a representative for the District Attorney informed you that a clearance letter directed at you was forthcoming.
Apparently, this was all just an elaborate ruse. (more…)
In iePolitics’ always-continuing quest to assist San Bernardino County administrators in balancing their budget, we have happened upon an obvious cost-cutting measure. We know that District Attorney Mike Ramos and Public Defender Doreen Boxer have already joined . . . um . . . forces, in a Biblical sense of course, so the next step only makes sense. It’s time to consolidate the two departments and allow District Attorney Ramos to have the final decision over all criminal proceedings in San Bernardino County.
“We can’t do that,” you say. Why not? Conflicts of interest do not seem to be of concern to anyone. Take for example, one of the most recent campaign contributions to Ramos of $10,000. That contribution brings the total to $83000 that the law affiliation of conflict panel attorneys James Spring and Earl Carter have given to Ramos since 2004 to support his re-election. This equates to 15 to 20 percent of all campaign contributions received in that same period. The conflict panel attorneys are Ramos’ single largest contributor. (more…)
One can only imagine the discussion during the special closed-door San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, called by Supervisor Josie Gonzales. I wonder which of the four remaining supervisors will be blessed with the duty of having to explain to Gonzales the identities of John Does 4 and 5. At least it will be entertaining for the others.
So Josie, since you seem to think the Board of Supervisors needs to investigate itself, where do you propose to start? Do you realize that all four of the remaining supervisors and a number of their support staff “profitted” from the Colonies settlement in one way or another. So, do you believe that the other four supervisors should place themselves on Administrative Leave and let you run the show? (more…)
Check out 182(a)(2), 182(a)(3) and 182(a)(5)
PENAL CODE SECTION 182
182. (a) If two or more persons conspire:
(1) To commit any crime.
(2) Falsely and maliciously to indict another for any crime, or to procure another to be charged or arrested for any crime.
(3) Falsely to move or maintain any suit, action, or proceeding.
(4) To cheat and defraud any person of any property, by any means which are in themselves criminal, or to obtain money or property by false pretenses or by false promises with fraudulent intent not to perform those promises.
(5) To commit any act injurious to the public health, to public morals, or to pervert or obstruct justice, or the due administration of the laws.
(6) To commit any crime against the person of the President or Vice President of the United States, the Governor of any state or territory, any United States justice or judge, or the secretary of any of the executive departments of the United States. They are punishable as follows: (more…)
- Written by Blogger
- Posted February 12, 2010 at 9:23 am
In this article we will take a close look at the destroy-at-all-cost targeting of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and his Orange County-based political consultant David Ellis, owner of Delta Partners, LLC.
One thing is for certain. It’s becoming increasingly obvious Ramos’ agenda in his falsely-proclaimed never-ending quest to rid San Bernardino County of political corruption, and it definitely isn’t about fighting crime.
That agenda being, neutralize the county’s west-end political power base.
In our last article we discussed the Ramos/Ellis back-stabbing of two politicos. The two being Deputy District Attorney and former Ontario City Councilman Jason Anderson, a now former friend and client of Ellis and perceived threat to Ramos, and Patrick O’Reilly, CEO of Riverside-based O’Reilly Public Relations, and now former friend of Ellis. (more…)
Yesterday’s new conference with San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael “sexual predator” Ramos and California Attorney General Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown seemed to include a lot of hyperbole and leave out a few facts. In one of the latter political whore’s best effort at grandstanding, Brown stated,
What is significant here is the most appalling corruption case in decades, certainly in the history of San Bernardino County and maybe California itself. Individuals corrupted public office and were able to grab more than $100 million of the taxpayers’ money through this scheme.
There is one very big problem with this statement. The county had lost twice in court already. It was strongly suggested to the county by the trial court judge that it attempt to reach a settlement. The Colonies asked for $300 million and the county settled for $102 million. That settlement was negotiated with the help of a mediator who just happened to be a retired California Supreme Court Justice.
Jim has a copy of the last page of the agreement and a bio of the justice on his blog. To read Jim’s entry, click here.
This post could have just as easily been entitled, “I told you so again” but honestly I am very saddened by today’s news regarding John Does 1 through 5 as described in the Jim Erwin/Bill Postmus arrest affidavit. I was writing a message to Mark Kirk when I remembered a comment I made in my first “Blood Stains” post which read (emphasis added):
The elected leaders in this county have blood stains on their hands, not from touching the hand of the crucified Christ, but from playing with the Devil and destroying the innocent, the poor and the weak. They have not used their power and authority with wisdom, grace, or benevolence, but rather with selfishness, abusiveness, intolerance, indifference and mean-spiritedness.
Doing what is right can sometimes be painful, but will never be as painful as being brought to one’s knees by an angry God who gave in abundance only to see it unappreciated and abused. Everyone on the Fifth Floor has been given an abundance; some would say an overabundance. One day many of them may wake up to find it gone and their power gone too. Then it will be they who ask for grace and mercy. Maybe if they are lucky we will have replaced them with leaders with integrity who show them more grace and mercy than the current leadership has shown us. (more…)
I’m afraid I’ve been very busy today moving so I learned of the arrests last this morning and didn’t have an internet connection. As of a short time ago Bill Postmus has made bail. I’m told they are trying to get Jim out today too.
I’m told the rumor is true that Bill did have meth in his possession at the time of his arrest, which will likely be the only legitimate charge in all of this.
I know both have their detractors but this bail is ridiculous. See my previous article on the subject: Eighth Amendment
Anyone of us could find ourselves the object of a district attorney’s or law enforcement officer’s wrath. As I keeping saying, an out-of-control district attorney is more dangerous to a free society than any criminal he prosecutes.
I’m sure that is what the reporter who called me a little while ago regarding Former Assessor Bill Postmus’ and Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin’s early morning arrests was thinking. Well, yes, as a matter of fact I do believe this is just another attempt by a desperate district attorney to be re-elected and a governor-wannabe-again feeling the pressure from Meg Whitman.
Ramos will do anything to deflect from his own misdeeds. And time will prove these charges are as trumped up as the last ones.
One thing comes to mind here and that is something Postmus keeps telling me. He claims this whole corruption scandal is the result of Mike Ramos wanting to get at Jeff Burum. He thought Erwin would roll on Jeff the first time. If anything, their friendship seems stronger. I expect today’s event to strengthen it even more. (more…)
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
˜Eighth Amendment, Constitution of the United States˜
Today’s hearing in which Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, entered a plea of not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges and bail was set at $75,000, three times the usual bail for an involuntary manslaughter charge, begs a comparison to San Bernardino County’s own high-profile prosecutions. Those, of course, are the Jim Erwin and Bill Postmus criminal cases. (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…)
- 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…)
- 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 Blogger
- Posted January 31, 2010 at 11:31 am
Cases involving four criminal defendants which are now entering the evidentiary stage appear to now rest on the sole testimony of one key witness.
Former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman who has plead “no-contest” to one count of Vandalism, two counts of Destroying or Altering Documents, and one count of Presenting a false claim, is now the “go to” guy for District Attorney Michael Ramos, who is attempting to portray himself as a corruption fighter.
Some glaring issues arise here when taking a look at Aleman’s charges.
More questions continue to be raised regarding the recently released report into the conduct of District Attorney Michael Ramos and his department, involving a former mistress of Ramos.
I last focused on statements made to investigators by Ramos and the number of inconsistencies.
Now let’s look at the treatment of Investigative Technician Cheryl Ristow. Ristow had a 17-month long affair with Ramos in the 2003 to 2005 period of time.
Even though it would now appear it was more of a relationship of necessity and convenience for Ramos.
Wanna have sex? Just pick up the phone.
After all, Ramos is the DA.
At the last court appearance former Assistant Assessor and Chief of Staff Jim Erwin made in front of Judge Duke Rouse, arguments were heard to have an evidentiary hearing to recuse the District Attorney’s office from Erwin’s case. During those arguments, the deputy Attorney General assisting in the prosecution suggested to Judge Rouse that Erwin wants to be given “special” treatment. This particular statement highlights the ignorance of the Attorney General’s office in reference to the political corruption in San Bernardino County. (more…)
Former San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office Intergovernmental Affairs Director Rex Gutierrez appeared in court today for preliminary hearing on charges of embezzlement and grand theft relating to time card fraud. His case was bound over for trial starting in about 60 days.
Among the witnesses was San Bernardino County Human Resources Director Andrew Lamberto, who testified that Gutierrez’s work hours were determined by his immediate supervisor, former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman. Aleman has already plead guilty to four felonies in connection with the scandal, including presenting a false claim, in exchange for his testimony against the remaining defendants.
Lamberto’s assertion appears to be in direct conflict with state law, which does not restrict a salaried employee’s work schedule except for sick leave and vacation time. The county’s position has been that Exempt employees, such as Gutierrez, defendant Greg Eyler, and all the staff members for the Board of Supervisors (BOS), County Counsel, and the County Administrative Office are in fact salaried employees who are not required to work a set number of hours. This sudden switch in policy described at today’s hearing by Lamberto will likely result in not only a much more intensive grilling of Lamberto at trial, but also subpoenas being issued to the five Chiefs of Staff to the Board of Supervisors as well as those in the County Administrative Office and County Counsel to explain the disparate treatment of employees covered under the same Memorandum of Understanding and the same California Labor Codes. (more…)
- Written by Senor Blogger
- Posted January 28, 2010 at 11:45 am
The long-awaited investigation into sexual-related misconduct and work place activity of District Attorney Mike Ramos and his department management staff was released yesterday afternoon. The investigation was triggered by allegations made against Ramos and his managers by Cheryl Ristow, an employee in the District Attorney’s office.
True-to-form, San Bernardino County fails to disappoint by creating a bigger mess.
Local newspapers jumped on the “Ramos is cleared” band-wagon immediately. One even attacked the claimant Cheryl Ristow in the headline.
Ramos immediately claimed vindication on all fronts and denied everything once again.
- Written by Administrator
- Posted January 27, 2010 at 8:43 am
City of Grand Terrace council member Bertha Bea Cortes is the focus of a complaint submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney this week.
InlandPolitics.com received a copy of the complaint by email this morning.
The complaint signed by twelve citizen’s of the city alleges that Cortes committed multiple violations of the Political Reform Act. Specifically, that Cortes engaged in a conflict of interest in violation of section 1090 of the California Government Code, and committed perjury by filing false statements of economic interest, known as Form 700.
InlandPolitics.com has received permission to use excerpts from a journal submitted as an exhibit by the complainant to county investigators.
The journal is handwritten and covers the time period from April 24, 2004 through July 25, 2005.
This is the first of a multi-part series delving into the investigation of alleged misconduct by District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Tomorrow, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will consider the release of the Ramos investigation report. The report, all memos, findings, conclusions, and most importantly the interview notes are subject to public disclosure. It will be interesting to see what county supervisors do.
As expected, inside sources say that only Supervisor Derry is for full disclosure. (more…)
I have been calling for San Bernardino County Human Resources Director Andrew Lamberto’s termination for a while now. It’s not only the things his department has done to me personally, but also having a Human Resources director who supports a hostile work environment.
In my own personal situation, I have been discussing the Equal Employment Opportunity investigation that was completed at the Victorville Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) in 2005. Many accusations were made, and most substantiated, including the fact that our three female African American employees were referred to as “The Sister Act” and “The Black Caucas;” our younger female employees were subjected to sexual harassment and intimidation including the fact that a nearby apartment was used by our district manager to bring his latest conquests to; older employees and others the district manager did not like were subjected to a “personal vendetta;” etc. The end result was that he was demoted and transferred.
Unfortunately, Human Resources has a very short memory and denies the investigation even took place. Well, that was until an investigation was initiated at this manager’s new office. Hmm . . . guess what? He had to be demoted and transferred yet again. Seems like once should have been enough and termination should have been the only outcome. But we know of the disparate treatment in county government. (more…)
Here is the list for the current election cycle. Note the $1,000,000 contribution to their own PAC.
| DATE | PAYEE | CONTEST | POSITION | PAYMENT TYPE | AMOUNT |
| 02/19/2009 | ADAM FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,900.00 |
| 08/24/2009 | ADAM FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,500.00 |
| 09/24/2009 | AVILA FOR MAYOR | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $500.00 | |
| 02/19/2009 | CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $5,000.00 | |
| 02/13/2009 | CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY SPEAKERS CUP | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $60,000.00 | |
| 02/13/2009 | CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN PARTY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $10,000.00 | |
| 06/26/2009 | CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN PARTY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $25,000.00 | |
| 08/24/2009 | CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN PARTY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $50,000.00 | |
| 04/20/2009 | CALIFORNIANS FOR JOBS AND A STRONG ECONOMY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $5,000.00 |
These require no editorial. I think they speak for themselves.
| DATE | PAYEE | CONTEST | POSITION | PAYMENT TYPE | AMOUNT |
| 07/11/2007 | ABEL MALDONADO FOR SENATE | STATE SENATOR 15 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $2,500.00 |
| 05/10/2007 | ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY 2008 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 06/22/2007 | ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY 2008 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $2,600.00 |
| 08/01/2008 | AGHAZARIAN FOR SENATE | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,500.00 | |
| 10/17/2008 | AGHAZARIAN FOR SENATE | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,600.00 | |
| 03/21/2007 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2008 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $2,500.00 |
| 10/30/2007 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2008 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,600.00 |
| 08/01/2008 | ANNA CABALLERO FOR ASSEMBLY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $2,000.00 | |
| 08/30/2007 | ANTHONY ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $4,500.00 |
| 10/16/2008 | ANTHONY ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $900.00 |
| 05/29/2008 | ARABO FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 78 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 10/17/2008 | BILL BERRYHILL FOR ASSEMBLY | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,600.00 | |
| 07/30/2007 | BILL EMMERSON FOR ASSEMBLY 2008 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $7,200.00 |
| DATE | PAYEE | CONTEST | POSITION | PAYMENT TYPE | AMOUNT |
| 12/30/2005 | AGHAZARIAN 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,200.00 |
| 09/28/2005 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 02/21/2005 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 02/06/2006 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 06/02/2006 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $500.00 |
| 10/11/2006 | ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 20 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,500.00 |
| 03/23/2006 | ALVAREZ FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 69 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,200.00 |
| 06/02/2006 | ANTHONY ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,500.00 |
| 10/11/2006 | ANTHONY ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,300.00 |
| 12/30/2005 | ARAMBULA FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,200.00 |
| 12/30/2005 | BASS FOR ASSEMBLY 2006 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,200.00 | |
| 06/21/2005 | BILL EMMERSON FOR STATE ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 08/15/2005 | BILL EMMERSON FOR STATE ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $1,000.00 |
| 04/05/2006 | BILL EMMERSON FOR STATE ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $155.00 |
| 10/11/2006 | BILL EMMERSON FOR STATE ASSEMBLY 2006 | STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 | SUPPORT | MONETARY | $3,300.00 |
The story below from inlandpolitics.com is disturbing to say the least. The problem is that it may only be the tip of the iceberg in terms of backroom deals and cover-ups that have occurred as part of the investigation into San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and his sexual exploits. We will probably know more next Tuesday after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meet in closed session.
On Decemer 18, 2009, Mark Kirk and I met to try to resolve differences. I asked him about the status of the Mike Ramos. Mark’s only response was “I have a plan.” Last Friday when I received the call about the memo where it appears the report was gutted and the investigation covered up, I kept asking, “Are you sure? Mark said he had a plan.” I sure as heck hope what we see now is not the “plan.”