Saturday, April 30, 2011 – 10:30 a.m.
Inflation pressure continued to build on the U.S. economy this week.
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Archive for April, 2011
Jason Abbott, Staff Writer
Saturday, Aprl 30, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Anybody who thinks that California Attorney General Kamala Harris oversaw any type of “impartial” investigation of Third District Supervisor Neil Derry can put that thought to rest. By reading the filed criminal complaint, there is not one single reference to state investigators. As discussed here earlier, this was an investigation initiated by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, and Kamala Harris had little to do with it.
By PE Politics
April 29, 2011 10:23 AM
Riverside County grew by 1.7 percent during 2010, the highest rate of any California county, according to new estimates from the state Department of Finance.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, April 29, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Opponents of San Bernardino County’s medical marijuana ordinance filed a lawsuit Thursday, claiming that the ban on dispensaries was approved illegally.
Hudson
10:24 PM PDT on Friday, April 29, 2011
By ALICIA ROBINSON and DUG BEGLEY
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside officials are disputing allegations that management staff bypassed city procedures to steer contracts to City Manager Brad Hudson’s friends, and that employees who spoke out were berated and threatened with termination.
Officer Michael McDonagh sits in front of his locker at the Colton Police Department on Tuesday. McDonagh s layoff goes into effect today. He is one of eight officers in Colton being laid off. (Gabriel Luis Acosta/Staff Photographer )
By Ryan Hagen Staff Writer
Posted: 04/29/2011 06:06:19 PM PDT
COLTON – In four years of police work, Officer Nellie Johnson has often felt her heart thump as she chased criminals, drew her gun or stared down threatening suspects.
By James Rufus Koren Staff Writer
Posted: 04/29/2011 01:17:59 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Teachers were voting Friday on a plan that would save the school district millions by furloughing teachers and shortening the school year.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, April 29, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
POMONA – Officials from throughout the Inland region implored a group of state senators Friday to put aside partisan politics and find a compromise to solve California’s budget crisis.
By James Rufus Koren Staff Writer
Posted: 04/29/2011 07:01:09 PM PDT
POMONA – Possible cuts to schools and universities have been the main focus of this spring’s state budget debate, but public safety programs are on the chopping block too, Inland Empire leaders told a group of state senators on Friday.
Burton
PolitiCal
On politics in the Golden State
April 29, 2011 | 8:45 pm
California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton said President Obama has failed to justify his policies, and said he would fare worse in the state next year than he did in 2008.
Filed under: Barack Obama, Campaigns, Democrats, Elections, In the News, Politics, State of California, U.S. Government
PolitiCal
On politics in the Golden State
April 29, 2011 | 4:21 pm
California Democrats are moving toward enacting a plan that allows small groups of party insiders to decide which candidates get party endorsements, an attempt to do an end-run around the spirit of the “top-two primary” system adopted by voters.
Friday, April 29, 2011 – 11:25 a.m.
InlandPoltics.com has provided limited coverage of the investigation and case surrounding the falsification of training records within the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Primarily out of respect for the rank and file members within the department.
That is until now.
Filed under: County of San Bernardino, Courts, Law Enforcement, Legal, Mike Ramos, Politics, Rod Hoops, State Superior Court
Friday, April 29, 2011 – 10:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, April 29, 2011 – 12:17 p.m.
The not-so-bright idea to require all San Bernardino County employee unions to uniformly agree to benefit concessions has blown up in Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux’s face.
James Rufus Koren and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Created: 04/28/2011 09:50:02 PM PDT
All of San Bernardino County’s elected officials, except for District Attorney Michael A. Ramos and Sheriff Rod Hoops, have agreed to the same benefit cuts being asked of all county employees.
By Sandra Emerson Staff Writer
Created: 04/28/2011 05:12:27 PM PDT
UPLAND – City Manager Robb Quincey recently cashed out nine months’ worth of leave time, totaling nearly $140,000 in take-home pay.
By Mike Cruz Staff Writer
Posted: 04/28/2011 06:55:28 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – While Bob Page repeatedly advised county departments not to give any special favors to a Fifth District campaign contributor’s development in Bloomington, he was named in nearly 100 emails as he checked on status updates as the project traversed the building permit process, according to Superior Court testimony.
By Ryan Hagen Staff Writer
Posted: 04/28/2011 06:44:24 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE – City Attorney John Harper, who has provided legal advice for the city since it incorporated and served as city attorney since 1988, resigned Thursday.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, April 28, 2011
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council will consider lifting restrictions on the posting of campaign signs.
Negrete-McLeod
By PE Politics
April 29, 2011 7:36 AM
State Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Chino, represents all of the city of Pomona. And a press release this week from Cal Poly Pomona describes the school as being in Negrete McLeod’s district.
Filed under: Bill Emmerson, Budget, Democrats, Finance, In the News, Politics, Republicans, Robert Huff, State of California, State Senate
April 28, 2011 9:05 AM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • When Amy Lyn De Zwart opted for an early retirement from the Victor Valley Water District in 2005, it was with the comfort that her health insurance premiums would be covered for life.
April 28, 2011 8:49 AM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The Victor Valley’s first Walmart Supercenter could break ground in Apple Valley by fall, after a split Town Council approved the project without sending it to the ballot at taxpayers’ expense.
Brown
By David Siders
dsiders@sacbee.com
Published: Friday, Apr. 29, 2011 – 12:00 am | Page 1A
Gov. Jerry Brown is letting convicted killers leave prison on parole at a far higher rate than previous governors, only rarely using his power to block decisions of the parole board.
L.A. NOW
Southern California — this just in
April 28, 2011 | 11:45 am
The state Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would dissolve the city of Vernon.
Filed under: Cities, County of Los Angeles, In the News, Legal, Politics, State Assembly, State of California, Vernon
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
April 28, 2011
Updated at 3:40 p.m. to include Department of Finance comments.
To buy negotiating time for Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax extensions, lawmakers are seeking to halt Department of Motor Vehicles notices for drivers whose vehicle registration expires in July and later.
Filed under: Budget, Democrats, Finance, In the News, Politics, State Assembly, State of California, Transportation
Friday, April 29, 2011
When Gov. Jerry Brown speaks to the California Democratic Party at their convention this weekend in Sacramento, it’s time for Krusty to lay out to his fellow Democrats just how he intends to lead the state out of its budget impasse and what role liberals, labor unions, environmentalists, minorities, women and civil rights advocates must play in the process.
Valero Energy, the nation’s biggest independent oil refiner, had “record exports coming from the United States” during the last three months of 2010, Chief Executive Bill Klesse recently told investors and analysts. Above, Valero’s Wilmington refinery in October. (Christina House, For The Times / April 29, 2011)
By Ronald D. White, Los Angeles Times
April 28, 2011, 7:08 p.m.
Gasoline prices are skyrocketing — and so are oil company profits.
Thursday, April 28, 2011 – 11:35 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, April 28, 2011 – 02:20 p.m.
Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger has been busy these days trying to re-emerge in local politics.
Taking every opportunity to criticize and Monday night quarterback.
Filed under: Board of Supervisors - San Bernardino County, Campaigns, County of San Bernardino, Democrats, Dennis Hansberger, Elections, Fair Political Practices Commission, In the News, Indian Tribal Governments, Mike Ramos, Politics, Republicans, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, State of California
Economic Report
April 28, 2011, 10:17 a.m. EDT
Applications jump to 429,000, the highest level in three months
By Jeffry Bartash, MarketWatch
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — New applications for U.S. unemployment benefits jumped last week to the highest level in three months, potentially a sign that recent improvement in hiring trends may have slowed.
Economic Report
April 28, 2011, 10:29 a.m. EDT
Inflation measures pick up
By Greg Robb, MarketWatch
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The U.S. economy slowed markedly in the first quarter and inflation accelerated, clear evidence of the double whammy on the economy from higher gasoline prices.
Filed under: Business, Economy, Finance, In the News, Investments, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Government
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/27/2011 08:44:36 PM PDT
When the state Attorney General’s Office filed criminal charges Tuesday against Supervisor Neil Derry for allegedly laundering money through a political action committee, it marked the second time in two years that a San Bernardino County official was hit with charges for campaign disclosure violations under the Political Reform Act.
But experts say the action – which highlights various facets of campaign law – isn’t that common.
Derry
If mistake, says he will correct it
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 04/27/2011 09:36:16 PM PDT
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry reacted Wednesday to state charges that he laundered a campaign contribution, saying that if he made a mistake, he’ll correct it.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 26, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside County should achieve changes to its pension system through collective bargaining, and supervisors should refrain from publicly discussing the details of the ongoing labor talks, the Board of Supervisors decided in a 3-2 vote Tuesday.
11:49 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI and DUG BEGLEY
The Press-Enterprise
Special Section S.B. County Probe
In his first public statement since he was accused of trying to disguise a campaign contribution, San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry said Wednesday that he’s always tried to comply with campaign reporting laws.
Lorson
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
By ALICIA ROBINSON
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside Development Director Deanna Lorson on Wednesday was named an assistant city manager, becoming one of three executives with that title.
*Administrator’s Note: MacDuff’s dislike for Derry and fondness for ousted Supe Dennis Hansberger shows here. No surprise though! Obviously, MacDuff has forgotten about Hansbergers problem from a few years back. InlandPolitics.com will give a reminder later.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Cassie MacDuff
The man who made ethics and transparency the cornerstones of his service as a San Bernardino County supervisor is charged with hiding the true source of a campaign contribution during his 2008 race.
Garagos
Judge rejects effort to get D.A. recused from Kouladjians’ bribery prosecution
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/27/2011 06:03:50 PM PDT
The criminal charges filed this week against San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry could affect the trial of two Los Angeles-area businessmen accused of bribing the former chief of staff for Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Josie Gonzales.
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
April 27, 2011
Most California voters still support Gov. Jerry Brown’s special election to resolve the state deficit, but they send mixed messages when it comes to approving taxes on the ballot, the latest Public Policy Institute of California survey shows.
Filed under: Budget, Economy, Education, Elections, Finance, In the News, Jerry Brown, Politics, Polls, State of California
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
April 27, 2011
Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg today said he is willing to consider calls to target GOP districts with steeper cuts if legislative Republicans will not vote for taxes or to put taxes on a statewide ballot as part of a budget solution.
Filed under: Budget, Democrats, Finance, In the News, Politics, Republicans, State of California, State Senate
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
April 27, 2011
A top adviser to Gov. Jerry Brown suggested Wednesday the governor would veto legislative tax proposals that do not require voter approval, but the California Teachers Association remains steadfast in its belief that lawmakers should pass taxes without going to the ballot.
Filed under: Budget, Democrats, Education, Finance, In the News, Politics, Republicans, State Assembly, State of California, State Senate, Unions
By John Howard | 04/28/11 12:00 AM PST
Next year, the first time since 1992 that legislative and congressional candidates will run in districts not drawn by politicians, there likely will be races in which more districts are competitive, local GOP fundraising efforts are hampered and organized labor may get heavily involved in Republican primaries.
Money & Company
Tracking the market and economic trends that shape your finances.
April 27, 2011 | 6:53 pm
A proposed law that would have ended “dual track” foreclosures in California failed to win a key vote in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Filed under: Business, Economy, Finance, In the News, Real Estate, State of California, State Senate
A copy of President Barack Obama’s long-form birth certificate after its release by the White House. (Olivier Douliery, MCT / April 27, 2011)
By James Oliphant and Christi Parsons, Tribune Washington Bureau
April 27, 2011, 6:19 p.m.
Reporting from Washington— President Obama’s decision to release of his long-form Hawaiian birth certificate after more than two years of ignoring calls to do so reflected White House frustration with incessant questions about his birthplace and a political calculation that it was time to settle the matter for any wavering voters in the middle of the electorate.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 – 08:10 p.m.
Why all the effort to make it look like Attorney General Kamala Harris handled the investigation leading to the charges filed against San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 – 02:45 p.m.
The ink wasn’t even dry on the ‘filed’ stamp affixed to the criminal complaint against San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry before the recanting started.
Granlund
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 – 02:30 p.m.
It looks like Brett Granlund was correct after all.
San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry was going to be charged.
Neil Derry and Bill Postmus
10:44 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Press-Enterprise
Special Section S.B. County Probe
PDF: Charges against Neil Derry
PDF: Declaration in support of the complaint
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry is accused of laundering campaign contributions through a political action committee controlled by former Assessor Bill Postmus, according to a felony complaint filed Tuesday.
Supervisor accused of hiding campaign donation
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/26/2011 10:33:07 PM PDT
The state Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday filed criminal charges against San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry, accusing him of laundering a campaign contribution through a political action committee controlled by former county Assessor Bill Postmus.
Supervisor now facing charges
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/26/2011 10:33:08 PM PDT
Supervisor Neil Derry, who faces felony charges for allegedly laundering a campaign contribution, is a former U.S. Marine and Desert Storm veteran who first charged into public office by taking nearly 70 percent of the vote in the 2001 race for San Bernardino’s 4th Ward City Council seat.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/26/2011 10:34:23 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Valerie Pope- Ludlam, who was the first black woman elected to the City Council and later pleaded guilty to taking bribes from a developer, has died. She was 78.
$66.5M by ’13 now possible
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 04/26/2011 10:36:33 PM PDT
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified may face a nightmarish $66.5 million deficit in three years, according to a possible scenario presented to school board members at a recent budget meeting.
Qunicey
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 04/26/2011 03:40:06 PM PDT
UPLAND – The City Council will hold a special meeting on May 4 regarding City Manager Robb Quincey’s employment.
Finances, ethics also discussed
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 04/26/2011 06:28:14 PM PDT
UPLAND – Two members of the City Council will review the way the council selects members of city commissions and committees.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 26, 2011
By BRIAN ROKOS
The Press-Enterprise
The San Bernardino City Council on Tuesday took a step toward eliminating three commissions that were characterized as inactive or having fulfilled their purpose.
Granlund
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 – 02:20 p.m.
How does that saying go? Never throw rocks from a glass house.
Here’s one for the books.
James Ramos
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 – 02:00 p.m.
It looks like San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos is setting the stage to take on Third District Supervisor Neil Derry in June 2012.
08:59 AM PDT on Tuesday, April 26, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Special Section: San Bernardino Co. Probe
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge agreed Monday to delay a preliminary hearing on corruption charges against former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin for a month.
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, April 25, 2011
The Press-Enterprise
ICB Financial, the Ontario-based parent company of Inland Community Bank, eked out a profit of $50,000 in the first quarter, or a penny per diluted share. That’s down from $187,000, or 4 cents per share, in the same quarter last year.
Out-of-state witness holds up conspiracy, bribery trial
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/25/2011 07:35:25 PM PDT
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge on Monday granted a prosecutor’s request to delay a preliminary hearing for former county Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin.
Jesse B. Gill, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/25/2011 05:55:21 PM PDT
No charges have been filed against a sheriff’s deputy who allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old female Explorer, officials said Monday.
Chantal M. Lovell, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/25/2011 08:12:51 PM PDT
REDLANDS – Some city employee bargaining units are still willing to work with the City Council subcommittee negotiating with them over the past few months.
Defense attorneys put focus on emails, role of supervisor’s aide
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/25/2011 08:40:03 PM PDT
Defense attorneys for two Los Angeles-area businessmen accused of bribing a San Bernardino County official in 2008 to get past hurdles facing their Bloomington development focused much of their attention Monday on a stack of emails involving the recipient of the alleged bribe.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 04/25/2011 05:16:27 PM PDT
CHINO – Officials are evaluating whether to stay with the city’s longtime trash hauler or open up the contract to bid.
April 25, 2011 4:11 PM
Brooke Edwards, Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • Three city managers and two of Victorville’s attorneys were among those subpoenaed for testimony by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury as part of a two-year investigation into the city’s finances and management practices.
Filed under: Budget, Cities, County of San Bernardino, Finance, In the News, Legal, Local Government, Victorville
L.A. NOW
Southern California — this just in
April 25, 2011 | 4:31 pm
In another swing at the judge who declared Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional, backers of the measure Monday asked that his decision be voided because he failed to disclose that he was gay and in a long-term relationship.
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2011 – 12:00 am | Page 3A
Jerry Brown’s insider attempt to crack California’s budget nut has been no more successful than Arnold Schwarzenegger’s outsider attack.
Both relied on unrealistic assumptions about Capitol reality – Schwarzenegger because he was a newbie and Brown for reasons known only to him.
Filed under: Budget, Democrats, Finance, In the News, Jerry Brown, Pensions, Politics, Republicans, State Assembly, State of California, State Senate, Unions
PolitiCal
On politics in the Golden State
April 25, 2011 | 4:12 pm
One of the nation’s leading credit-rating agencies continues to hold a “negative” outlook for California, citing the state’s sizable deficit and its leaders’ persistent inability to close that gap.
A motorist pumps gas in New York, one of six states, including California, where gasoline is averaging more than $4 a gallon. (Peter Foley, Bloomberg / April 26, 2011)
By Ronald D. White, Los Angeles Times
April 26, 2011
Memorial Day fun probably won’t stretch to the fuel pump this year: The relentless surge in gasoline prices means the traditional start of the summer driving season could test records set in 2008, analysts said.
California Watch
A Project of the Center for Investigative Reporting
Submitted by Louis Freedberg on April 26, 2011
The likelihood is growing that many school districts will have to cut the number of days students spend in class in response to the state’s deepening budget crisis, according to state education leaders and experts.
Monday, April 25, 2011 – 02:58 p.m.
A superior court judge granted a short delay requested by county and state prosecutors in the case involving former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin.
Filed under: County of San Bernardino, Courts, In the News, Jim Erwin, Legal, Politics, State Superior Court
11:13 PM PDT on Sunday, April 24, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside County supervisors failed to follow their own policies when awarding a new criminal defense contract earlier this year, a newly released grand jury report concludes.
11:17 PM PDT on Sunday, April 24, 2011
By ALICIA ROBINSON
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside will cut $6.5 million and nearly 40 percent of the jobs from its development department because of expected state-level reforms to redevelopment, city officials said.
Quincey
Week ahead
Metro Gold Line workshop Tuesday
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 04/24/2011 10:16:15 PM PDT
It could be a late night for the Upland City Council.
Leaders will meet in closed session tonight to discuss Robb Quincey’s job performance. The city manager has been on paid leave since Jan. 4.
Decision on ballot in Pomona in 2012
Monica Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Created: 04/24/2011 07:02:39 AM PDT
POMONA – The city’s Charter Review Commission has decided that Pomona voters should determine if the city will have a police commission.
By PE Business
April 25, 2011 7:00 AM
KTR Capital Partners, a New York City-based investor, has closed on the purchase of two warehouse buildings in San Bernardino totaling more than 1 million square feet, according to a statement. The buildings are a short drive from Interstate 215.
A cap on pensions and a later retirement age — even for current public employees — are supported by the poll’s respondents.
By Shane Goldmacher, Los Angeles Times
April 24, 2011, 4:23 p.m.
Reporting from Sacramento— California voters want government employees to give up some retirement benefits to help ease the state’s financial problems, favoring a cap on pensions and a later age for collecting them, according to a new poll.
Filed under: Budget, Economy, Finance, In the News, Jerry Brown, Politics, Polls, State of California, Unions