I was asked to add this story to the blog. It relates to the Boros situation: Deputy Sheriff Found “Not Guilty” on Theft Charge KASEY CASTILLO Associate Lackie, Dammeier & McGill More than one of the bloggers after the “not guilty” verdict commented that it was a waste of taxpayer money to go to trial over such a small thing. But for those of you in law enforcement, you know that allegations of theft, even over such a small thing — a novelty Zippo lighter — are nothing to take lightly and would be career-ending. That is exactly why San Bernardino Deputy Sheriff Jason Boros sought out to vigorously defend himself with the assistance of PORAC’s Legal Defense Fund and the law firm of Lackie, Dammeier & McGill. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with 34 CommentsPaul Schrader I am curious about how many of you would vote for Paul Schrader instead of Rod Hoops or his expected successor, John McMahon (sp?). Here is a link to Paul’s blog: Paul Schrader. Paul’s blog is being added to the blogroll.
by Administrator with 3 CommentsI would like to get all of you cops off of the District Attorney arrest story and onto something else. Even I am weary of all the bickering. So, Rick Roelle is running for First District Supervisor. Right now he is one of two Safety members doing so. How would all of you, especially those currently working for the department, feel about SEBA endorsing Roelle? Remember that an endorsement will come with a five or six digit dollar amount in support of his campaign.
by Administrator with 7 CommentsThe story below is on the old blog along with a couple of related stories. This is now more of an issue than it was last year simply because one of the individuals involved is running for county supervisor, the spouse of the other is running for Congress, the master of ceremonies is running for re-election (if she can afford it) and the beneficiary of the fundraiser is also both seeking re-election and under investigation. iePolitics: Looking for additional information regarding sexual assault by local congressional aide Posted on May 31, 2011 by Administrator This incident is said to have happened at Kinari in Victorville. It occurred at an official function. The aide and the wife of a prominent local politician were drinking heavily. Before the night was over, a Kinari employee was sexually assaulted. Agreement was made to keep the assault covered up. We have a good idea what deal was made and why but would like confirmation from anyone familiar with the incident.
by Administrator with No CommentsI know I still owe you all the Rick Roelle story. I haven’t been up to it but I will get it out soon. The Ronald Reagan story below was supposed to be published last night but I had all sorts of problems with the software and the people who said they would give me quotes. I finally left out everyone who did not give me everything I needed–a quote, a photo, and a link to their website. So if you are not included, that’s why.
by Administrator with No CommentsToday Californians celebrated Ronald Reagan Day across the state. Former President Reagan not only served as our nation’s 40th Commander-in-Chief from 1981 to 1989 but also as California’s Governor from 1967 to 1975. In 2010 then Senator George Runner authored Senate Bill 944 making Reagan’s birthday, February 6, a special day of significance in his honor. Runner said, “In these challenging economic times, we can learn much from our former governor and president. Ronald Reagan believed in the American people, and he was confident that our nation’s brightest days are ahead of us.” It was October 27, 1964, as part of a television program called Rendezvous with Destiny, that Ronald Reagan presented “A Time for Choosing,” in support of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. Goldwater lost the election while the powerful speech launched Reagan’s political career. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with No CommentsToday, I came across a signature gatherer who was collecting signatures for the part-time Board of Supervisors. She is located at the Vons on the corner of Bear Valley Road and Hesperia Road. She said she will be there most days from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It looked like she had already collected a lot of signatures.
by Administrator with No CommentsAs Mark Uffer’s case against the County of San Bernardino moves to trial on February 27, we can expect to hear information that will once again show all of use what a dysfunctional Board of Supervisors looks like. One can only wonder what anyone on the Board of Supervisors or Greg Devereaux is thinking. The County was keenly aware that it was likely to lose the Elizabeth Sanchez case and settled it. There were fireworks there that would have made Board members and their staff uncomfortable. Once the County fired Uffer it was likely he would team up with Sanchez. Now here we are with less than a month to go, $900,000 later, and explosions coming soon. One would think that with three members of the Board are up for election that they really can’t afford the negative publicity that is coming. Oh sure, Brad is running for Congress so he won’t be around and will once again think his Teflon coating has saved his reputation. Not so quick Brad!
by Administrator with 3 CommentsBelow are the categories for Conflict of Interest Statements (FPPC 700) that certain elected county officials and employees must complete each year. Until we raised a major amount of hell, Dr. Dev GnanaDev, medical director of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, did not have to file a conflict of interest statement pursuant to the County Code. Keep in mind that GnanaDev was administering about $21 million in contracts, awarding a large amount of that money to himself and his medical group. Also keep in mind that GnanaDev owns property near ARMC that he has been trying to develop. And keep in mind that GnanaDev has a medical billing practice in this county that he has his wife run and strong arms other ARMC doctors into using.
by Administrator with No Comments(Apple Valley) – Animal lovers are 1-1 in Super Bowl successes today. Skechers aired its Super Bowl ad featuring racing Greyhounds with the Tucson Greyhound Park as its backdrop; however, activists were able to use the event to raise awareness about abuse within the dog racing industry. Skechers became the subject on an online protest and petition campaign through Change.org in November 2010, when Grey2K USA learned that the commercial had been filmed for airing during the Super Bowl. The petition garnered more than 120,000 signatures and resulted in protests at Skecher outlets throughout the country. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with No CommentsThe action of Congressman Buck McKeon is now under review by the House Ethics Committee, the Sentinel has learned. Following revelations that McKeon received a discounted mortgage for his personal residence from the former Countrywide Financial Group, the House panel took up the matter. “Congressman McKeon appears to have obtained a significant discount on his VIP loan as a direct result of personal intervention by [then-] Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo,” Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., ranking member of the House oversight panel, wrote in a letter released last month. The House Ethics Committee has been asked to look into the matter and determine whether the loan amounted to an improper gift. Countrywide Financial has been at the epicenter of the subprime mortgage crisis. In June 2009, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged Angelo Mozilo with insider trading and securities fraud. Since that time information has surfaced showing that large numbers of influential business executives and government officials received so-called “VIP” or “Friends of Angelo” loans from the mortgage lender, in which loans were granted at lower rates than were available to the public. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with 7 CommentsI received a couple of emails about a tax revolt over the PG&E situation making Hinkley homes worthless. I have not heard of this person. Can one of you activists who I sorta know–Bob, Steve, or Norm–let me know what is up and if this is real?
by Administrator with 3 CommentsAs I was writing the Neil Derry piece, I was reminded of how many times I have sent email to the Ramos camp, only to be totally ignored. So, if they don’t want to give me their side, I have no obligation to write about it. But more than that, I find a similar attitude among certain groups. I will write a story on anyone running for office who wants to take the time to add me to their press release list, contact me, etc. I am not going to beg.
by Administrator with 13 Comments(San Bernardino) – San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry came out swinging this past week with a political mailer that pulls no punches. Starting this early in the campaign season, weeks before the filing period opens, signals a very expensive race that insiders say will far exceed seven figures between the two major candidates. In Derry’s first mailer, he capitalized on James Ramos alleged checkered past as a casino boss and rumored Mexican Mafia member. Ramos is the chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, whose casino is located in the Third District above the city of Highland and he is Derry’s most significant opponent. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with 1 Comment(San Bernardino) – For a second time in a little over a week, a San Bernardino County employees’ union has endorsed the Elected Official Pay Reduction Act. The San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) endorsed the initiatve that would amend the county’s charter. County supervisors are arguing that citizens cannot introduce a charter amendment for this purpose. However, there is precedence since the board, itself, has introduce two charter amendments to increase their own pay in the past. The initiative will reduce the pay and benefit package of members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors from a high of $308,000 a year to $60,000. It will also make the board part-time and reduce the amount each member can spend on staffing and office space. To read the rest of the story, click here.
by Administrator with 1 CommentThat was the message at a meeting I attended tonight. That’s all I’m gonna tell you for now because it has been a very long, tiring day. I will get the whole story up tomorrow.
by Administrator with 3 Comments(San Bernardino) – Imagine my surprise when a couple of nights ago I decided to look at the adoptable cats page on the San Bernardino County website and there was not a single cat available for adoption. My heart sank. San Bernardino County, the largest county in the contiguous United States, is home to the infamous Devore Shelter, the county’s main animal detention center. Devore has been the subject of a variety of complaints to animal welfare organizations and was the Southern California shelter targeted for protest by the New York Animal Rights Alliance America. It was while I was covering that protest for an Examiner.com article that I met Michelle Parlato. Parlato was the coordinator for the successful event. To read the rest of this story, click here.
by Administrator with No CommentsRead about it on Bill’s blog: Right to work
by Administrator with No CommentsThat must be what has happened since there is no other excuse for San Bernardino Public Employees Association General Manager Bob Blough and I being on the same side of any issue. SBPEA has endorsed our part-time Board of Supervisors initiative. Now, logically, it should have happened. It is just hard to believe that Bob did not allow our personal differences to get in the way of doing what is best for the employees he represents. All I can say is WOW!
by Administrator with 1 CommentIf everything goes right, 8th Congressional District candidate Gregg Imus will be among the guest speakers at tomorrow’s Americans for America Tea Party meeting at the Green Tree Inn at 6 p.m. His campaign staff has been collecting signatures for both the part-time BOS and part-time California Legislature petitions. I expect both petitions to be available for signature at the event. For more information, here is their Facebook page.
by Administrator with 1 Comment