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.
Written by Administrator
Posted February 17, 2010 at 10:28 am
The political chatter is heavy this morning with Fontana City Councilwoman Janice Rutherford rattling the sabre at Second District Supervisor Paul Biane.
And of course, rumors have it that hiding behind the scene with Rutherford is the Lewis Group of Companies pledging their financial support. (more…)
According to article on the Press Enterprise blogs, San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane will announce his intent to seek a third term tonight in Rancho Cucamonga. Biane has picked up two opponents, Peter “Scott” Markovich and Dennis Labadie, so far with rumors of Upland mayor John “JP” Pomierski also joining the race. Insiders tell iePolitics that another candidate is also expected to declare shortly. (more…)
In an extraordinarily surprising move, it appears that the four remaining members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors were not affected by the emotional, pious pleadings of Josie “I wish I had a brain” Gonzales and rejected her ideas about investigating and suing themselves. They claim it is “Premature.”
Hmm . . . they didn’t think that a year ago when they sued those involved in the corruption scandal before there was one ounce of proof of wrongdoing. Here we are a year later and there is still no proof—not a single conviction. So what’s the difference? (more…)
- 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…)
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.
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…)
Sacramento-based sources claim that Senator Robert Dutton (R-31) will throw his hat into the ring to unseat embattled San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane. Three others, Upland Mayor John “JP” Pomierski, KCAA radio host Peter “Scott” Markovich, and publisher of The Alpenphorn News, Dennis Labadie, have all expressed interest in the seat, with the latter two having already declared their candidacies.
Biane was implicated this week as John Doe 5 in a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy and bribery when San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos filed charges against former Assessor and Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor and Third District Chief of Staff Jim Erwin. This, combined with other on-going legal issues, opens the door for a likely successful unseating of Biane. (more…)
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 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…)
- 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…)
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…)
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…)
- 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/
(more…)
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…)
The 2010 San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting calendar is posted to the county’s website. Now that our board members have achieved their full 50-percent raise, they are offsetting it by only showing up for public board meetings slightly more than 50 percent of the time. The board is dark 25 out of 52 weeks this year.
No wonder Ruth Stringer and Dean Arabatzis haven’t been fired. It’s hard to fire someone for doing something one is doing oneself.
I would suggest this proves that a part-time Board of Supervisors would be more than appropriate. These people need to work for a living and have less time to live off of our dime. With benefits they are making well over $250,000 a year. For what?
2010 Board of Supervisors Meeting Dates
| January 2010 |
5 |
12 |
19 |
26 |
|
| February |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
|
| March |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
30 |
| April |
6 |
13 |
20 |
27 |
|
| May |
4 |
11 |
18 |
25 |
|
| June |
1 |
8 |
15 |
22 |
29 |
| July |
6 |
13 |
20 |
27 |
|
| August |
3 |
10 |
17 |
24 |
31 |
| September |
7 |
14 |
21 |
28 |
|
| October |
5 |
12 |
19 |
26 |
|
| November |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
30 |
| December |
7 |
14 |
21 |
28 |
|
| January 2011 |
4 |
11 |
18 |
25 |
|
|
Red indicates no meeting date. |
But this time there is precedent. In 1984 San Bernardino City Councilman Bob Hammock was elected to serve as Fifth District supervisor on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. He was re-elected in 1988. He wanted to run for a third term.
During this same period Assemblyman Jerry Eaves was making a name for himself as a part of the “Gang of Five” going up against Speaker Willie Brown. Jerry made clear his intentions to leave the state assembly and challenge Hammock. (more…)
As more statements from those involved appear in local newspapers, and other information is gathered related to the travel activity of County Supervisor Paul Biane and incoming County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux, it is becoming very apparent that both men are on opposite sides of the coin.
In 2008, both men accompanied local businessmen to West Viriginia for a football and golf outing.
However, their stories in local newspapers diverge from here out.
Devereaux appears to have made an honest mistake in his reimbursement for the travel.
Devereaux was apparently unaware that the rule for reimbursement of private charter travel had been changed some 45 days before the trip.
The old rule, commonly referred to as the “Southwest Airlines” rule mandated the reimbursement for any private charter travel must be done so at the lowest available common carrier flight to the same destination available to the public. Devereaux complied.
(more…)
Sources tell iePolitics that today’s selection of Michael Cramer as the new Chairman of the San Bernardino County Planning Commission reeks once again of Supervisor Paul Biane nepotism. We are told Mr. Cramer is related to Supervisor Biane by marriage—uncle, father-in-law, or something along those lines. We have been unable to confirm that relationship.
Less than a year ago, another Biane relative, Michael Biane, was appointed to the Assessment Appeals Board. Michael is Supervisor Biane’s uncle by blood.
(more…)
It seems we are seeing more grass roots candidates this election cycle and the filing deadline is still weeks away. Political experts say these candidates don’t stand a chance. Without a bankroll they may not. But what is more important is that most of our current entrenched politicos are feeling just a bit of heat. And some of those war chests might have to be spent on campaigning rather than wining and dining their family and friends. That is a good thing.
Sheriff Rod Hoops now has two competitors: Rick Averbeck and Paul Schrader. District Attorney Mike Ramos is being challenged by at least one, Dennis Stout. John Pomierski and Dennis H. Labadie have both thrown their hats into the ring to replace Second District Supervisor Paul Biane. We haven’t heard if a candidate has announced his or her intent to run against Larry Walker, but there is talk that will happen.
(more…)
County Supervisor Paul Biane has broken his silence. Now his statements bear some analysis.
A leisure trip to West Virginia that occurred in September 2008 was reimbursed out of Biane’s campaign funds. Did the reimbursement occur in September 2008 or when the amended disclosure form was filed in March 2009, just 8 days before the arrest of Jim Erwin, former Chief of Staff to Supervisor Neil Derry?
Erwin was charged with ten counts of perjury and filing false documents related to a trip and gift he received in January 2007.
Erwin resigned from his job and was made to post $220,000 bail.
The bet is on March 2009.
The costs were also under reimbursed.
(more…)
I had a chance to meet with Cheryl Ristow, the claimant in the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s sex scandal, yesterday and she showed me her documentation. One of things the newspapers seem to have forgotten is that the report does not clear District Attorney Michael Ramos of lying to the public nor does it suggest that he DID NOT have an affair with Cheryl or any number of other subordinate employees. All it states is that the District Attorneys office did not create a hostile work environment for Cheryl.
Cheryl has the proof, which leads those of us close to the situation to believe that the more-serious hanky-panky is between San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt, along with his Chief of Staff, Mark Kirk, and the law firm investigating the accusations. Helping along with the deceit is likely Human Resources Director Andrew Lamberto and County Counsel Ruth Stringer. (more…)
As San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Ovitt’s first year of service as chairman comes to a close, it is a good time to examine what this Board has accomplished in the past year. By all accounts, we have a Board of Supervisors that is in constant turmoil, unable to complete only the most routine of tasks.
Year 2009 began with promise. Former Chairman Paul Biane completed his lackluster stint as Chairman with a corruption scandal hanging over his head that neutered him to the point of complete ineffectiveness. His successor, Gary Ovitt, was expected to bring a breath of fresh air. Although not known personally for strong leadership skills, Ovitt, unlike Biane, was known for high moral standards. Through his chief of staff, Mark Kirk, Ovitt was expected to accomplish much. (more…)
