Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
Tuesday, May 31, 2011 – 09:45 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 08:09 a.m.
A review of public records from 2007-2009 show alleged bribes, made in the form of political action contributions by Colonies Partners, inexplicably went far and wide.
Not politicians pockets as has been portrayed in the media.
Consumer Confidence Index drops unexpectedly to 6-month low in May; gas, job worries persist
Mae Anderson, AP Retail Writer
Tuesday May 31, 2011, 11:29 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Americans are losing faith that the economy will keep improving, according to a monthly survey.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 60.8 from a revised 66 in April, a sign of the toll that high gas prices, a choppy job outlook and a moribund housing market are taking on people’s psyches. Economists had expected an increase to 67. It was the lowest reading since November.
Les Christie
Tuesday May 31, 2011, 10:43 am EDT
Home prices hit another new low in the first quarter, down 5.1% from a year ago to levels not reached since 2002.
Hagman
Assemblyman Curt Hagman
Created: 05/30/2011 05:19:46 PM PDT
Given the state’s multibillion-dollar deficit and our schools receiving a “C” in a recent national education survey, there should be no higher priority than addressing both problems. You would think the Legislature would be laser-focused on coming up with innovative solutions to promote student achievement and to reform government. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in Sacramento.
Kids fall short of federal guidelines
Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer
Created: 05/30/2011 07:02:01 AM PDT
More than one third of all adolescents enrolled in California public schools do not participate in any school-based physical education classes, according to a new policy study by UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
By Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times
May 30, 2011, 7:12 p.m.
When it’s completed this fall, Riverside’s Hillcrest High School will be a high-tech academic hub with wireless Internet, a robotics lab, digital smart boards in every classroom and a first-rate performance hall worthy of any “Glee” hopeful.
But no students.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
By Ed Mendel
California’s four largest cities all have public pension problems, but their mayors are split on the solution — two negotiating changes in the existing system, and two planning to ask voters to overhaul the system.
Monday, May 30, 2011- 12:01 a.m.
Honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedom.
Supervisor Gary Ovitt
Posted: 05/29/2011 06:02:57 PM PDT
Memorial Day is a special day to honor those men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We celebrate those brave Americans whose patriotism and love of country is echoed in our history – from the American Revolution to the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 10:50 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 08:09 a.m.
A review of public records from 2007-2009 show alleged bribes, made in the form of political action contributions by Colonies Partners, inexplicably went far and wide.
Not politicians pockets as has been portrayed in the media.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 09:30 p.m.
The situation for Americans in general isn’t so hot these days, and it’s likely to worsen.
Corruption charges are overblown, lawyer says
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/30/2011 12:11:09 AM PDT
Over the last two years, Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum has been steadfast in his denial of any wrongdoing in regards to the county’s landmark $102 million settlement with the development company he co-manages, Colonies Partners LP.
City finance director warns council of possible revenue loss
Liset Marquez, Staff Writer
Created: 05/30/2011 12:11:11 AM PDT
ONTARIO – City officials have been warned – by the steward of its finances – to take further actions in the future to reduce costs in case of declining revenues.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 05/29/2011 06:54:16 PM PDT
CHINO – City officials announced somewhat mixed budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year last week with revenue increases, rising pension costs, a significant reserve dip and the spectre of losing redevelopment agency funds.
Cabriales
May 29, 2011 9:38 PM
Brooke Edwards
VICTORVILLE • City records show Mayor Pro Tem Rudy Cabriales voted to approve $55,000 in sponsorships over the last eight years to the High Desert Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit headed up by his wife.
History shows financial crisis takes seven years to heal
May 29, 2011 2:00 PM
Tomoya Shimura
Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • Despite hopeful signs in previous months, the latest employment report sends a clear warning message to San Bernardino County that the job picture is less stable than previously perceived, University of Redlands researchers said.
11:40 PM PDT on Sunday, May 29, 2011
By MARK MUCKENFUSS
The Press-Enterprise
The new commander of the 4th Air Force headquartered at March Air Reserve Base said he is not overly concerned about the impending changes that have rattled some of his colleagues.
Skelton
By George Skelton
Capitol Journal
May 30, 2011
From Sacramento– The landscape will be shifting at the state Capitol. Political dynamics are in transition. And the first unmistakable sign may be the Legislature’s meeting its budget deadline for the first time in a generation.
By Don Lee and Tom Petruno, Los Angeles Times
May 30, 2011
Reporting from Washington and Los Angeles— Signs of slower growth in the United States, coupled with rising fears over the European debt crisis and other unsettling developments, are fueling concern about whether the sputtering U.S. recovery could stall or even enter a new downturn.
By Peter Nicholas, Washington Bureau
May 30, 2011
Reporting from Washington — Two top Republicans said Sunday they opposed raising the nation’s debt ceiling without major moves to slash the federal deficit, a stance that suggests the GOP may be heading toward a high-stakes showdown with Democrats as the deadline for congressional action nears.
Jonathan Fahey, AP Energy Writer
Saturday May 28, 2011, 12:47 am EDT
NEW YORK (AP) — There’s less money this summer for hotel rooms, surfboards and bathing suits. It’s all going into the gas tank.
High prices at the pump are putting a squeeze on the family budget as the traditional summer driving season begins. For every $10 the typical household earns before taxes, almost a full dollar now goes toward gas, a 40 percent bigger bite than normal.
SBUSD classified employees will vote on plan June 8
Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/28/2011 09:33:00 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – The union representing classified employees in the San Bernardino City Unified School District and the district have reached an agreement regarding a 5 percent pay cut.
Redistricting
Similar demographics often cross county lines
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 05/28/2011 09:32:56 PM PDT
Chino and Chino Hills share a Fire Department, a school district, a chamber of commerce and a freeway.
But all that sharing aside, the two San Bernardino County cities have deep differences. One is working-class, the other well-to-do. One is a century old, the other isn’t quite 20. One is home mostly to Latinos, the other has a large Asian population.
Michael
Mayor L. Dennis Michael
Created: 05/28/2011 10:17:46 PM PDT
Any Rancho Cucamonga resident knows full well what an incredible city we have, surrounded by natural beauty, access to a variety of transportation, a healthy business climate, top-notch education and located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
Group to scrutinize salaries, perks given to City Council
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/28/2011 10:15:40 PM PDT
UPLAND – City employees’ salaries and City Council members’ benefits are about to undergo some scrutiny by city officials.
Restaurant owners sought $6.1M
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/28/2011 10:13:32 PM PDT
UPLAND – The City Council has rejected a $6.1 million claim for damages filed in April by the owners of the Chronic Cantina.
Chronic Cantina is seeking damages resulting from the revocation of its conditional use permit in April 2009.
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Created: 05/28/2011 10:14:38 PM PDT
ADELANTO – As the U.S. Supreme Court ordered California officials last week to significantly reduce prison overcrowding, a proposal to build a new 6,100-bed state prison in Adelanto sits on hold, according to city officials.
By Kevin Yamamura
kyamamura@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, May. 29, 2011 – 12:00 am
Last Modified: Sunday, May. 29, 2011 – 9:46 am
Gov. Jerry Brown originally called for a special election in June to ask voters to extend taxes to help balance the state budget, but that became impossible once talks ended in March. Now players at the Capitol are all over the map about whether or when to take the tax question to voters.
John W. Pace, left, stands out as the only recruit wearing the Sheriff’s Department’s tan and green uniform at the graduation of academy Class 383 in April. The other 18 recruits are from local police agencies. (Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times / May 29, 2011)
By Robert Faturechi, Los Angeles Times
May 29, 2011
In an effort to cut costs, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not hired any rookie deputies in the last 19 months, with one exception: an applicant with ties to Sheriff Lee Baca’s son.
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) on the set before the taping of Iowa Public Television’s Iowa Press in Johnston. (Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press / May 27, 2011)
By Maeve Reston, Los Angeles Times
May 29, 2011
Reporting from Pleasant Valley, Iowa— In Iowa’s conservative circles, Michele Bachmann’s name seemed to be on everyone’s lips last week.
Dan Walters
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com The Sacramento Bee
Published: Sunday, May. 29, 2011 – 12:00 am | Page 3A
Now that the tabloid feeding frenzy has abated somewhat, it’s time for a cooler look at the furor over former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fathering a child by one of his household workers.
A few pundits have tried to make the connection between his marital betrayal and his failings as governor, but one has nothing to do with the other.
Saturday, May 28, 2011 – 08:52 a.m.
San Bernardino County seems to be going in a circle in it’s hope to secure uniform labor concessions from its employee unions, while at the same time political power struggles affect the situation.
A situation that will complicate the county’s financial condition and impact operations.
By Andrew Edwards Staff Writer
Created: 05/27/2011 05:33:54 PM PDT
The Inland Empire’s traditional reliance upon construction and the availability of cheap land helps explain why the region lags behind coastal areas in recovering from the Great Recession’s job losses, a University of Redlands professor said.
FREEING UP STATE FUNDS
Bill enables counties to have an easier time expanding facilities to handle the planned thousands of transferred state prisoners
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 05/27/2011 04:42:18 PM PDT
Local sheriff’s departments are pleased that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation that would ease financing for expanding county jail facilities to handle the up to 40,000 state prisoners who may be transferred to local lockups.
Emmerson
By PE Politics
May 27, 2011 5:13 PM
State Sen. Bill Emmerson, R-Hemet, has demanded a spending cap, revamped pension system for state workers, and easing of state regulations as part of any potential deal to let voters consider extending higher taxes.
By Jim Steinberg Staff Writer
Posted: 05/27/2011 05:59:20 PM PDT
RIALTO – Some 60 members of the Rialto Unified School District’s classified employee union carried signs and circulated through the school board meeting room Thursday night in protest of proposed work cuts – amounting to a month or more for many.
By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
May 28, 2011
Reporting from Sacramento — A push by law enforcement and consumer groups to allow parents to restrict their children’s personal information on social networking sites and limit disclosure about adults has stalled in the Legislature amid aggressive lobbying by Facebook, Google, Twitter and other firms.
Employers are hiring again, but many salaries have stagnated or fallen in recent years and haven’t kept up with the higher costs of fuel and food.
By Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times
May 27, 2011, 9:01 p.m.
Tangela Ridgeway agrees that the economy is improving. It’s just the pay that’s getting worse.
The 36-year-old mother of three used to make $18.75 an hour as a front desk agent at a Hollywood hotel. Now, she says, similar positions are listed at $14 an hour.
The National Assn. of Realtors says its index for pending home sales fell 11.6% from March and 26.5% from a year earlier, a sign of weakness as the spring shopping season starts.
By Alejandro Lazo, Los Angeles Times
May 28, 2011
Pending sales of previously owned homes took a tumble in April, according to data from an industry group, a foreboding sign that the key spring shopping season is off to a weak start.
The State Worker
Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers
May 27, 2011
A bill that would freeze pay for the highest-paid state workers stalled today in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, effectively killing it.
Contenders for the 2012 presidential campaign are showing more sympathy for illegal immigrants, possibly because the political environment has muted the need for them to talk tough.
By Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times
May 28, 2011
In the 2008 presidential campaign, some Republican contenders called for millions of people living in the country illegally to return to their native lands before being able to seek legal status.
10:48 PM PDT on Thursday, May 26, 2011
By RICHARD K. DE ATLEY and IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Falsifying attendance at training courses to qualify San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies for higher pay was a common practice condoned and enforced by office supervisors, grand jury testimony shows.
Stone
By PE Politics
May 26, 2011 4:42 PM
Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone has agreed to pay $16,000 for failing to properly report $84,052 in contributions to his 2010 campaign for state Senate.
10:23 PM PDT on Thursday, May 26, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff outlined a budget proposal this week that he said reduces a $60 million budget gap in his department to $17 million and would eliminate the need for large-scale layoffs.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 26, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A week after introducing a reform proposal to limit San Bernardino County supervisors’ use of discretionary funds to hire employees, Board Chairwoman Josie Gonzales announced she will reduce her staff.
10:13 PM PDT on Thursday, May 26, 2011
By GENE GHIOTTO
The Press-Enterprise
A judge Thursday ordered a businessman to stand trial on perjury and other charges stemming from the failed attempt to recall a Lake Elsinore councilman.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 26, 2011
By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO – Inland Regional Center’s first attempt at getting off state-imposed probation has fallen short, with a recent state letter highlighting continued concerns about operations at the San Bernardino-based facility.
Morrell
By Mike Morrell
Posted: 05/26/2011 07:23:50 PM PDT
Gov. Jerry Brown presented his revised budget, traditionally called the May Revision, last week. There was some good news and some bad news.
The good news is an unanticipated $6.6 billion in new revenues. With unemployment in the Inland Empire hovering at 13 percent and an economy still rebounding from the Great Recession, some extra pocket change comes as a welcome surprise.
Donnelly
By Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino Staff Writer
Created: 05/26/2011 09:48:29 PM PDT
In the light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision mandating release of 33,000 criminals in the next two years, two lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are urging the federal government to intervene.
By Ryan Hagen Staff Writer
Created: 05/26/2011 03:49:44 PM PDT
COLTON – Next year’s budget contains “surprisingly encouraging news” for Colton Joint Unified School District, the district’s main budget adviser said Wednesday at a special meeting of the school board.
City Council calls special meeting to discuss options
May 26, 2011 6:49 PM
Brooke Edwards
VICTORVILLE • The federal government rejected Victorville’s appeal of the termination of its EB-5 visa investor program, citing concerns over how the city planned to use the loans from foreign citizens and whether enough jobs would be created.
By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
May 27, 2011
Reporting from Sacramento — Companies lobbying state lawmakers for favorable treatment can continue to shower them with tickets to Disneyland, Dodgers games and rock concerts after legislators scuttled a bill Thursday that would have banned such gifts.
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
May 26, 2011
After a heated and partisan debate, the state Assembly voted Thursday to cancel and then modify an agreement with the federal government under which fingerprints of arrestees are checked for their immigration status.
May 26th, 2011, 12:06 pm
Posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa, is helping lead a bipartisan charge toward federal recognition of legal medical marijuana, co-signing two bills introduced in Congress on Wednesday.
By David G. Savage, Washington Bureau
May 26, 2011, 5:59 p.m.
Reporting from Washington— The Supreme Court gave a big boost to proponents of stricter state laws against illegal immigration by upholding Arizona’s “business death penalty” for employers who repeatedly hire undocumented workers.
Romney
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: May 26, 2011 at 8:21 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitt Romney said Thursday he planned to formally join the GOP race for president during an appearance next week in New Hampshire, a state that is central to his White House strategy.
Bachmann
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 5/26/11 9:22 PM EDT Updated: 5/27/11 10:05 AM EDT
DES MOINES – Hours after Sarah Palin announced a bus tour of the east coast that could presage a presidential campaign, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn) told reporters here that she was likely to announce a White House campaign next month in Waterloo, Iowa.
Thursday, May 26, 2011 – 03:39 p.m.
Apparently the pot is stirring at the San Bernardino County government center over this mornings post on the impending gutting of the supervisorial district staffs.
Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer,
On Thursday May 26, 2011, 12:14 pm EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — High gasoline prices, government budget cuts and weaker-than-expected consumer spending caused the economy to grow only weakly in the first three months of the year.
Devereaux
Thursday, May 26, 2011 – 09:30 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors remains on a path of converting to a staffing platform closer to that of a city council over the next few months.
On Thursday May 26, 2011, 11:01 am EDT
By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Unexpectedly weak consumer spending kept the economy stuck in a slow growth gear in the first quarter and would likely struggle to regain speed amid signs of a slowdown in the pace of job creation.
By PE Politics
May 25, 2011 10:06 AM
Riverside County declared an impasse last week with the Riverside Sheriff’s Association and will impose contract terms on the union starting June 2.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/25/2011 05:08:06 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE – A presentation on how to rebuild the city’s budget to escape what a consultant called serious financial trouble was delayed about 10 minutes Tuesday evening – when the lights went out at City Hall.
Chantal M. Lovell, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/25/2011 10:23:46 PM PDT
REDLANDS – Residents can take a look at the proposed city budget today when it is published for public viewing.
The draft budget will be available on the city’s website and at the A.K. Smiley Public Library. The proposal outlines how the city manager and City Council budget subcommittee plan to fill the roughly $3.9 million gap the city faces in the upcoming fiscal year.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/25/2011 05:49:56 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE – The City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency board, has authorized up to $29 million in bonds, which officials hope to use on infrastructure to lift the city’s stagnant tax base.
Mayor expresses disappointment, but casts his vote in favor of plan
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/25/2011 05:07:46 PM PDT
UPLAND – After review by two committees and scrutiny by the mayor, the city’s process for selecting Planning Commission members remains virtually intact.
10:17 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
By GENE GHIOTTO
The Press-Enterprise
One of two people charged in the effort to hide a businessman’s financial involvement in the failed recall of a former Lake Elsinore councilman pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor count of conspiracy to violate state campaign laws.
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
May 25, 2011
In their first review of Gov. Jerry Brown’s revised budget, Democratic lawmakers are opting to use new tax revenue to reverse child care and welfare-to-work cuts despite the governor’s opposition.
Capitol Alert
The latest on California politics and government
May 25, 2011
With exactly three weeks left until the constitutional deadline to pass a budget, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg can’t wait to cross the finish line.
Skelton
By George Skelton Capitol Journal
May 26, 2011
From Sacramento– My initial gut reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ordering California to empty its prison cells of 33,000 criminals was that Gov. Jerry Brown should respond: “Easy for you to say. You have bodyguards.
May 25, 2011 10:11 AM
Natasha Lindstrom
Staff Writer
ADELANTO • As Adelanto Charter Academy loses its charter two years after opening, details are emerging about the school’s desperate shape and ties it had to locals caught up in what’s been called the largest corruption scandal in San Bernardino County history.
Lawyer targets crucial witness
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/24/2011 07:44:59 PM PDT
Closing arguments in the trial of two Los Angeles area businessmen accused of bribing a San Bernardino County supervisor’s chief of staff concluded Tuesday with celebrity defense attorney Mark Geragos chipping away at the credibility of the prosecution’s key witness.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
A Riverside County committee helping to draft new supervisorial districts will forward two proposals to the Board of Supervisors after failing Tuesday to reach agreement on how best to divide the city of Riverside.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
Riverside County supervisors Tuesday declared their support for public safety and said imposing pay cuts and pension changes on the union representing sheriff’s deputies is unfortunate but will save money and jobs.
By PE Politics
May 24, 2011 5:46 PM
A group of Inland government employees and retirees gathered in Riverside this morning to counter what they said were unfair attacks on public workers and their retirements.
11:48 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
By ALICIA ROBINSON
The Press-Enterprise
A little less than two weeks remain to vote in the Riverside City Council mail-only election in wards 1, 3, 5 and 7.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/24/2011 04:19:23 PM PDT
San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday said they want plenty of input from residents as they prepare to draw new boundaries for the county’s five supervisorial districts.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/24/2011 04:11:23 PM PDT
COLTON – The school board will likely decide tonight to reverse last week’s vote rejecting an early retirement plan for teachers and counselors.
Gonzales
Supervisor acts on reform ideas
Ryan Carter, Staff Writer
Created: 05/24/2011 11:46:06 PM PDT
Josie Gonzales, chairwoman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, said Tuesday that she would lay off a third of her staff, effective in July, as part of reforms she proposed to combat county corruption.
Board member: School’s reputation is tarnished
Wes Woods II, Staff Writer
Created: 05/24/2011 08:44:06 PM PDT
CLAREMONT – A Claremont Unified school board member has blasted a colleague for harming the school district’s reputation and potentially damaging student achievement.
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/24/2011 04:16:17 PM PDT
UPLAND – The City Council Monday night took the first step in changing a statute in its Municipal Code that prevented it from terminating the city manager for five months.
Norquist
May 24th, 2011, 5:20 pm
Posted by Martin Wisckol, Politics reporter
National anti-tax leader Grover Norquist traveled to Sacramento today in an effort to fortify the Republican legislators’ unanimous opposition to Gov. Jerry Brown‘s proposed extension of temporary car, sales and income tax hikes.
By Jack Dolan and Carol J. Williams, Los Angeles Times
May 25, 2011
Reporting from Sacramento and Los Angeles — California’s effort to shift tens of thousands of inmates out of its chronically overcrowded prisons to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court order could be undone by the state’s tough sentencing laws, persistent recidivism and recurring budget crises, analysts say.
Kurth
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 12:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 06:18 p.m.
The Medical Board of California through an enforcement action by the State Attorney General has suspended the medical license of former Rancho Cucamonga Mayor and Assembly candidate Don Kurth.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 10:53 a.m.
First it is former County Counsel Ruth Stringer remaining on county payroll burning accrued leave time while continuing to receive full benefits.
Now it appears former county administrative officer Mark Uffer could be doing the same thing.