Tuesday, April 3, 2012 – 09:30 a.m.
It’s usually a good idea not to pound on one candidate too often.
It can give the wrong perception.
But sometimes events happen that need to be covered.
Once again, it’s the campaign of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos.
Ramos is running to try an unseat San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry. This election contest, which can’t seem to come fast enough, will occur on June 5.
This latest stunt engineered by the Ramos camp relates to campaign signage.
Ramos, in his limited campaign appearances, always tells people he wants to be one with the earth and is a big nature lover.
You know, heritage, roots, bird songs, etc…..etc…..
But in this case he seems to be taking it a little too far.
Sprouting up in mountain communities within the San Bernardino National Forest are large Ramos campaign signs.
You know signs really wouldn’t be a big deal except for the fact they’re nailed to trees.
That’s right! Rocket Scientist campaign workers are pounding nails into live trees.
Something that depicts a campaign either lacking commonsense or coming un-hinged.
It’s also something that’s against the law.
It would appear the Ramos camp can expect a phone call and a probable citation from either the U.S. Forestry Service or California Department of Forestry in the near future.
On another sour note, it seems Derry supporters residing near the San Manuel Reservation have been receiving some unwanted attention after placing campaign signs in their front yards.
The unwanted attention has been in the form of cars being egged or, get this, having salad dressing poured on them.
Speaking of ugly campaigns….
Looks like a mistake by a campaign worker. At least he didn’t get caught lying about what he does for a living trying to mislead voters like Derry did. And this story just shows how desperate derry’s campaign is becoming. It gives me a warm feeling.
Repairman:
Really? You are dismissing this as a “mistake” by a “campaign worker?”
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Neil Derry’s signs were found nailed to trees in a National Forest. Felony charges would not surprise me in the least.
But that’s hypothetical; I do not think Neil Derry has any “campaign workers” that are this stupid.
Derry has a business license. The only person lying is Ramos, who won’t tell voters the truth about his income. Tribal Chairman Ramos.
Repairman: I know the man who made this “mistake”. Unfortunately, there are other locations that have these 4×4 signs nailed to trees. Try Hwy 38 where Baldwin Lane intersects. This is Forestry land. As I understand, campaign signs are only allowed to be posted on residential and private property…not at business ( not until 45 days prior to the June 5th election). There are 4×4 signs posted at the old Valero station at the corner of Greenway and Big Bear Blvd. Then there’s the 4×4 posted on a cyclone fence that is owned by a firewood company, directly across the street from the Big Bear City Post Office.
The bottom line is, the Ramos camp is out of control, disregarding the “rules of engagement”. This is typical. The candidate won’t speak for himself (only through his spokesman….doesn’t that concern you??? ).
Will Andre the spokesman be running the 3rd district if James is elected? I asked a Ramos supporter what James’ platform was, regarding the economy in Big Bear Valley… he said he didn’t know. This friend has attended a number of meet and greets and James has been very vague. This is a man, if elected, would send us back to the days of Dennis Hansberger. All the progress made these last three and a half years will be lost.
Wake up Ramos supporters! Look at the track record of what Supervisor Derry has done for this District. Quit listening to the propoganda that these hateful people are spewing out. Get the FACTS before putting your name to a candidate.
Come to the Candidate Forum tonight in Big Bear to see the three candidates on the same stage for probably the only time before June 5th election. Masonic Lodge – 385 Summit Blvd – Big Bear Lake – 6:30 PM – down the street from the SB County Courthouse.
Observer of Facts: Yes a mistake, do you really think Ramos personally supervised the installation of every sign?
What?: There’s a judge that said derry was lying, the same one that said he could not describe himself as a businessman and made him change his occupation on the ballot. Did you not know that? or were those facts inconvenient for your variation of the truth? Now who is it that say’s Ramos is a liar other then you and what exactly is it he is lying about?
And didn’t derry plead no contest to failing to report a campaign contribution?
Bob Ybarra;
Have you alerted the authority’s about this problem?
And what exactly has he done for the county? other than being arrested for trying to hide campaign contributions ?
Repairman: Please don’t be ignorant about Neil’s accomplishments. You are one of those with venom spewing out.
Just locally in the Big Bear Valley:
1. Acquired $60K to fund a BMX track for our kids.
2. We are set to break ground on the new Moonridge Animal Park relocation. This sat on Hansbergers desk for over ten years.
3. Along with the Soroptimists, he are enlarging the pool at the Ranch.
4. The gymnasium at Meadow Park is being renovated.
5. He has attended well over 150 functions up here, including the Polar Plunge a couple of weeks ago in the lake. The water was 34 degrees. He did it to raise funds for the special olympics.
6. He has allowed Bear City Park (condemned since 1984)to be renovated and functional for the local citizens.
County wise:
– Since taking office, he has refused compensation for his fuel costs, unlike the other four supervisors.
– He fought against the raises that the supervisors gave themselves when he took office.
– He introduced the Sunshine Ordinance which allowed the public to view all expenses that are charged to each district. To my knowledge, he is the only supervisor who keeps this updated.
– He is well versed in the needs of his district. He has proven time and time again to be on top of issues that concern his constituancy.
– He has fought the State in regards to the illegal Fire Tax. What has James done to protect the taxpayer ….oh, that’s right, he DOESN’T pay State or Federal taxes.
Please Repairman, think about what you are saying before you post things. Try and find ONE quote from Mr. Ramos in the newspaper. ALL of his thoughts are spoken by Mr. Andre. What kind of a potential supervisor are you supporting?? I’ll tell you – one that can’t think for himself on the spot, for fear of saying the wrong thing.
As for me, I want a Supervisor that I can depend on and doesn’t talk in circles without saying anything.
I am so looking forward to tonight’s candidate forum where Mr. Ramos will HAVE to answer questions and not rely on his mouthpiece to convey his thoughts to the public.
Oops…typo on #3. He is enlarging the pool at the tennis ranch.
I found these headlines about derry,
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.
It was the latest twist in an ongoing corruption investigation in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry pleades guilty
I couldn’t find anything like this about Ramos.
Well Repairman…..it’s obvious that you are not looking in the right places. You know as well as I that the accusations last year came from the “other” Ramos, and was ALL politically motivated. When you upset the political apple cart as Supervisor Derry did when he first took office, you make a lot of enemies. There will always be fallout from cleaning house and making elected officials ACCOUNTABLE to the people that elected them. Supervisor Derry is not afraid to do the right thing, no matter what the opposition plans in way of retaliation.
This will be my last post in reference to you. I can see that you are not open minded enough to hear the truth. Nice chatting with you.
Well Bob Ybarra:
It’s obvious you are derry’s tool.
Hey repairman, why won’t Tribal Chief Chicken Feathers show up for any candidate debates?
Wiseman:
Don’t know, you should ask him. But my guess would be he doesn’t have to to beat derry.
Ramos can paste (LITTER)our district with huge EXPENSIVE signs in an
attempt to mislead voters by adding “County Supervisor” under his stained name…but we know what he is…
…Ramos is ashamed to state he is a Tribal Chairman of an Indian Reservation, what he should be ashamed of is the safe haven he provides the Mexican and Russian Mafias for a hefty profit!
SO NOW, every time we see a “James Ramos for County Supervisor” sign
we will ALL KNOW HOW THE SIGNS WERE PAID FOR
…WITH DRUG AND ASSASSINATION PROFITS.
Hi Repairman, I know Bob Ybarra and he is not a tool for Derry. Doesn’t need to be as Mr. Derry is very well liked and appreciated up here in BB.
No one ever mentions when Derry was first elected, he made Jim Erwin his Chief of Staff ! Erwin has been charged with serious charges in regards to the Colonies case. And guess why Derry is in office ? The big boys with the money, needed to get Hansberger out, because he would not do what they wanted ! DUH !!!
Sounds like what Colonies did to Jon Mikels . And it wasn’t the voters who voted Mikels out, it was who had the most money that won. Right on Anonymous.
In comment #16, “Anonymous” says that Jim “Erwin has been charged with serious charges in regards to the Colonies case”
Let’s not forget that these “serious charges” are unproven allegations by a DA with a history of selective and politically motivated prosecutions.
So far, his prosecution of “the Colonies case” has been going in reverse.
Rumor has it that the appellate court ruling is due this month. If the demurer that dismissed many of the charges against “the Colonies” defendants is sustained, I predict that the tenure of Mike Ramos will soon be an unpleasant memory.
Anonymous #17:
In my opinion, Jon Mikels was arrogant and hot headed, and his defiance cost the county taxpayers over $125 Million. I was very happy when the people elected another candidate.
However, based on your opinion that Mr. Mikels lost because the other candidate had the “most money,” we can definitely look for James Ramos to unseat Neil Derry.
Let’s check back in June and see if that precedent holds true. I predict not.
Hansberger, the “Anonymous” cloak will not work. You, sir, have that deep rooted PERSONAL hate against Erwin, which keeps you bringing him up! He is irrelevant to Derry. Besides, perhaps he’s not such a bad guy after all. But if you insist on bringing him up, this one is for you- then be reasonable and forget Erwin.
So yes, he was Derry’s Chief of Staff years ago, his mistake was accepting an airplane ride, a watch, a few expensive drinks- in short, an all paid expensive good-time vacation- ALL OF WHICH HAD ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH DERRY, Derry was not even around ERWIN BACK IN THOSE YEARS!
NOTE:
ERWIN has NEVER harboured, protected, or given shelter to DRUG TRAFFICKERS, ASSASSINS, THUGS and SWINDLERS as the CHIEF of the San Manuel Reservation, JAMES RAMOS, has and currently does. It is documented and widely known.
If James Ramos’ residence was not the RESERVATION- he would be in JAIL for aiding and abetting the mafia. But our laws can’t touch him, THAT IS DANGEROUS for us!
Yes, Derry asked Erwin to resign until all this vacation fiasco was settled by DA Ramos- BUT we all have witnessed how much OUTSIDE THE LINES DA Mike Ramos has colored in order to torture, humiliate and put Erwin’s life on hold–and NOT because Erwin broke the law, but because Erwin pissed Ramos off when he endorsed Derry and not Hansberger IT’S POLITICS, and it’s a personal abuse of power on DA Mike Ramos’ behalf.
If Erwin’s case was about breaking the law, it would have been over years ago…dismissed…the prosecutor on the case knows it’s wrong to manipulate the system to “teach Erwin a lesson” but his hands are tied…DA Mike Ramos is out for vengeance, pure and simple.
Since DA Ramos will not permit the case to be dismissed as it legally should be. Maybe together the prosecutor and the judge on the case will have the courage to do the right thing, apply the law, fairly not politically, and allow Erwin to get this MINOR INCIDENT behind him, offering him the opportunity to regain control of his life.
Chief Ramos is beyond vile. Along with tools like repairman and other slime trying to convince us that casinoboss is anything but the despicable garbarge that he is. Derry on the other hand is a great supervisor, honest, competent and smart. Everything Ramos, Hansberger and the Redlands mafia are not.
Boy, the Ramos sympathizers sure have there panties in a wad over illegal signs? Guess they can’t handle social media displaying Ramos’ arrogance.
Anonymous: Let me rerun the headlines for you
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry pleads guilty.
If that is your interpretation of honesty, that he pleads guilty when caught, then he’s your man.
Repairman, you add a new meaning for a far left winger in my book.
There are people working in this County who have committed heavier crimes than Derry, some have been convicted, others escaped thanks to Mike Ramos and Rod Hoops.
Why don’t you quit driving down the left side of the roadway,try driving in the center JUST a little, it will give you room to manuever in case of collision.
AntiCorruptionUnit:
You seem to be saying in order to be a good right wing republican you have to turn your back on corruption.
And if you drive down the center of a street you will cause the collision.
Here’s a headline from Colorado this morning another good example of a law and order conservative.
A former Colorado police sheriff, who was once named national “Sheriff of the Year,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of trading methamphetamine for sex with a male prostitute.
Repairman,
The reason you sound so annoyingly ignorant all the time is because all you do is “READ THE HEADLINES” but you are oblivious to the reality of San Bernardino County politics.
Since your such a big fan of Neil Derry lets put the TRUTH about him out there- you can’t argue with the truth.
The ONLY thing Derry is “guilty” of is PROTECTING his supporter, who FEARED to openly exercise his constitutional, and God given, RIGHT to openly support whomever HE chooses!
HAD NEIL DERRY NOT PROTECTED HIS SUPPORTER, HIS SUPPORTER WOULD HAVE BEEN THE TARGET AND THE THE ONE ARRESTED- I’D SAY DERRY WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A HERO.
District Attorney Mike Ramos, along with the likes of you, Rod Hoops, and James Ramos, only bring distress and fear to good, honest citizens. You guys have only added to the vast wasteland San Bernardino County has become!
Electing Neil Derry will, IN TURN, inspire our up and coming youth, and all citizens in SBC, to stand up, fight back, and to restore our county, without the FEAR the “RAMOS’, HOOPS, and their cronies” HANG OVER OUR HEADS should we dare to voice our opinion.
Repairman:
Give it a rest; even the James Ramos campaign consultants recognize the insignificance of the Neil Derry plea.
The whole intent of the prosecution was to cast aspersions on Mr. Derry, and force him to spend time and money defending the charges instead of focusing on his job as Supervisor. Judge Dest saw right through the motive, and forced the prosecutors to dismiss the silly felony charges.
The taxpayer funded Mike Ramos team obviously looked long and hard for something they could prosecute Mr. Derry on, and all they could come up with was the alleged laundering of a single $5,000 campaign contribution that was fully reported.
Anonymous:
Covering up a crime makes him a hero?
Observer of Facts:
So your saying he pleaded guilty to a lie?
Repairman:
You have obviously never been the Defendant in a frivolous civil lawsuit, where you felt you were 100% right, but paid some money to the Plaintiff to settle the matter so you can concentrate on more productive things.
I have, and it did not mean I was agreeing that the other side was right. It meant that I wanted to get rid of the nuisance and move on.
That’s what Neil Derry did here. As you will recall, the prosecution charged him with 2 felonies for a single event that, if even true, constituted a minor campaign contribuition reporting violation. Those felony charges were dismissed as a function of the deal Mr. Derry agreed to.
You can spin this anyway you want, and you obviously want to portray Mr. Derry as a criminal.
I see it as a selective and politically motivated prosecution by a corrupt District Attorney.
Observer of Facts:
He is the first marine I’ve ever heard of that wouldn’t stand up for himself.
Repairman:
Neil Derry has “stood up for himself,” and more importantly his constituents, to a greater degree than any County Supervisor I have seen in the 45 years I have been following San Bernardino County politics.
In fact, his doing so is the precise action that angered Mike Ramos and friends, and triggered the bogus felony charges.
Also, it’s nice of you to acknowledge that he served his county as a member of the United States Marine Corps.
He stood up for himself by pleading guilty for something he didn’t do?
Who’s spinning now?
Repairman:
Regarding: “He stood up for himself by pleading guilty for something he didn’t do?” Please see comment #31.
As I understand your logic, I guess that means that the prosecutors failed to stand up for themselves when they agreed to dismiss the felony charges.
Repairman,
Why aren’t you bothered by District Attorney Mike Ramos’ cover up of how he transferred thousands of dollars into GRETCHEN RAMOS’, his wife, PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNT?
Ramos kept quiet UNTIL it he was caught,and was forced to pay a fine…Neil did NOT attempt to embezzle money-Derry reported EVERY CENT!!
Mike and Gretchen are your personal friends, but they are dishonest- true political liars- and swindlers!
Neil Derry is none of the above…he has our respect NO MATTER WHICH WAY YOU TWIST AND TURN the truth about this man’s character and honesty!
Observer of Facts:
You are comparing a civil lawsuit to a criminal trial there is no comparing the two.
Repairman:
RE: “You are comparing a civil lawsuit to a criminal trial there is no comparing the two.”
In the Neil Derry prosecution, no “criminal trial” occurred. The matter was settled before a trial, just as many civil matters are.
That seems to me to be a valid comparison.
“Mike and Gretchen are your personal friends, but they are dishonest- true political liars- and swindlers!”
HOW TRUE…BOY OH BOY, WHERE OH WHERE DO I START!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEY ARE ALSO VERY NASTY PEOPLE, YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO CROSS THEM!!
Once again, Mr. Ramos desperately needs a new campaign manager and new PR to manage his campaign. Thus far, they all seem to be grossly incompetent.
Branson: It’s not the consultants, it’s the candidate. Ramos has no knowledge of County Government, or as the forum showed, any government. This guy is an empty suit and no consultant can cover that up. Ramos won’t speak to the press, he has to read all his lines, and he is embarrassing his supporters. Poor BB Councilwoman Liz Harris has got to be beside herself for supporting Ramos. Ha Ha.
Councilwoman Harris is not the only one left feeling suckered, have you seen that LONG laundry list of supporters? Throughout the county many seated elected officials have shamelessly sold their soul to James Ramos!
Ramos can’t even control his own family how is he going to look out for the people in his district. I’m sure some of his stanch supporters are in for the hand outs and perks that come along with being his friend. Just because Ramos has more money than god doesn’t make him the best candidate. Oh sure he’s done some great things for SB county, but trust there is a monetary benefit to him somewhere. The tribe up on the hill get to make their own laws people. That seperates them from the rest of us. They don’t even have to respond to orders of the court. They are their own nation. I’m not saying the news and events recently haven’t called Derry into question but some of know all too well the games the DA plays with peoples lives in this county. Everyone wants to refer back to the Colonies and all the political contributions and favors Derry was supposed to be involved with or knew about but I don’t think anyone with a lick of common sense would beleive it would be any different with Ramos just because he has his own money. Gimme a break. Ramos and his brother have their share of dirty little secrets and back room deals don’t kid yourself. Repairman you either work for Ramos or you want to so bad you can taste it. I would vote for Derry everyday and twice on Sunday over another rich, make my own rules, and I’m better than everyone else because I’m special candidate. Ramos is hanging on the leg or anyone he can. I hope the citizens of San Bernardino who actually vote can recapture that back bone that once made San Bernardino a nice place to live and say enough already. Derry the best BOS of the bunch. Granted that isn’t saying much but it’s the best I can come up with.
awkward onlooker:
Nope, I don’t know him, I don’t work for him, and I don’t want to work for him.
This is just a hobby for me.
@Repairman
Wow, how sad and lonely your life must be, you are here all the time!
Go visit a friend, or go fishing with Hansberger.
Anonymous:
I appreciate your concern.
Repairman,
sorry about my last lame comment, in fact, everyone is here all the time, means nothing, and everyone’s opinion is important, right or wrong.
I honestly meant no disrespect, but you get pretty nasty about Derry and many of your comments tend to be flat out lies about him, or just mean personal attacks, twisting the reality of San Bernardino politics.
You do not have to vote for Derry, or like him, but you have to admit, he has always been honest and courageous- your “James Ramos-Mike Ramos” crowd of friends have made him pay for it, still, he has come a long way! Perhaps you should reacquaint yourself with him now.
Anonymous: Once again I don’t know James Ramos-Mike Ramos or their crowd of friends. What part of
“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.
It was the latest twist in an ongoing corruption investigation in San Bernardino County.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry pleades guilty”
is a flat out lie? And why is telling the truth about someone a mean personal attack? What part about that is nasty? How can you turn your back on corruption so easily?
Repairman:
Your above quote must have come from The Sun, the media source who for over a year tried to deceive readers into believing that The Colonies case did not go to trial.
For the record, it was a single $5,000 campaign contribution, and it was fully and accurately reported.
What is the source of your quote that “Neil Derry pleades [sic] guilty?”
I cannot speak for “Anonymous,” but I do not turn my back on corruption. I find Mike Ramos tenure as District Attorney to be the epitome of corruption and selective and politically motivated prosecution, and am anxious for it to end.
I’m still looking forward to the day he has to disclose to the taxpayers how much money he spent on The Colonies prosecution.
Repairman where are the quotes from the papers about DA Ramos funneling contributions to his wife or Rutherford and her missreporting of funds? Better yet, how about Josies alledged involvement in ARMC or taking bribes? And do even look closely at Ovitt. If you really want to know the truth about Derry’s case, pull the file and read it. Otherwise everyone knows you can always beleive whats reported in the paper. Especially the fish wrap called the Sun Telegram.
Repairman, you’ve become quite a popular fellow here, but not in a good light.
Your true purpose in this site is crystal clear.
Your “hobby” here is not a sincere one.
Your aim is not to engage fairly, but only for the sake of obscuring the true meaning and words of others.
Perhaps you should consider taking a little time off in order to “Repair” yourself, and when you return you may even be a true RepairMAN.
For me Mr. Derry admitted to his crime that he made a mistake! It takes a big man to admit to his wrong doing and it is over! Derry will pay the price at the polls, and if Derry wins Derry will be a better politician for the people. Is it true James Ramos has his casino sign a waiver if they get CANCER from all the cigarret smoke the Casino is not Liable? Now that inhuman and treating human beings like animals with no human rights. Now I am gettin mad!!
Red Robin:
Do you really think it was a “crime?”
CasinoBoss Ramos is the crime. Tax evading filth is all this socalled Indian is,,,,all the time ripping off poor people up at his casino. What a fat parasite.
Red Robin:
From the vary start the plan was to hide a $5,000.00 contribution from a developer. How is that a mistake?
Derry wasn’t hiding anything… maybe (or definitely) suggesting to the developer that he give the contribution to Postmus’ PAC was a bad idea.
The developer is the one that was trying to hide from the wrath of the Redlands Good-Olde Politicians (GOP) club boyz Hansburgerler and DA Mikey.
Q: Now, these same GOP clowns are supporting a DemoRat for 3rd District Supervisor?
A: Daddy Hansberger aka Mayor McCheese can’t believe what’s happening to McRedlands… “Who the hell are you boyz backing? I didn’t raise you two to be wimps and to give back everything to the native DemoRats did I! This is proof positive that the McRedlands GOP club is dying, so I’ll be honest boyz, I’m moving out of County if an indian casino boss takes over… no way an Obama loving DemoRat will be in my club!”
Observer yes from my point of view I believe what Mr. Derry admitted too was a mistake, and Derry doesn’t try to hide it, nor does Derry need to explain it. Derry is a USA Marine he took the hit from those dirty rotten Postmus and Stubblefield, and keeps moving like a true warrior of honor does to survive. Derry was abandoned by the SBCO Sheriff Union, Jim Erwin who is upset with Derry, and Colonial, SBCO District Attorney Office and San Manuel J. Ramos Tribe why did all above abandoned Derry? When Jim Erwin resigned when Derry beat Hansburger, and God for that, I believe Derry found himself, and looked into the mirror and said “I am no mans puppet, and I have been lied to and this man, Neil Derry, has had enough. The above people have dried up Derry’s money to get puppet Ramos in as the new puppet for the Puppet Masters Colonial, SEBA, Jim Erwin the bad SBCO Retired Sherriff who has dis-honored his Peace Officer Badge, and now they support James Ramos, and we wonder why the FBI, and The State Attorney General are here! SBCO Board of Superviors and SEBA and the DA Office need a good old fashion Enima!!!!!