Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
Is it really a surprise?
Sources say members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have been caught off guard by the revelation of a costly settlement with a Sheriff’s Deputy fired for using leave, in order to care for a sick parent, in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Records, obtained from the case file at the U.S. Distrct Court in Riverside, show Sheriff’s officials, never for a minute, believed Deputy Travis Bauer’s claim that his mother was sick. The department proceeded to target Bauer, with the objective to end his employment.
He was eventually fired.
In January 2012, Bauer, with competent legal counsel, sued the county for violations of federal law. A move that was completely unexpected by the county.
Over the course of the next 16-months, the county initiated three attempts to either dismiss, or delay, the case, which alleges multiple federal and state causes of action. However, the federal judge assigned to the case didn’t see things the county’s way and set the matter for trial.
What wasn’t expected?
The case rapidly became riddled with contradictory evidence, and false statements, made by sworn and non-sworn management and supervisory personnel. Then depositions and other evidence from the discovery process leaked out showing an ugly set of circumstances.
Less than one week before Bauer was to take his case before a Federal Jury, county lawyers filed a notice of a yet-to-be-disclosed settlement with the court.
That’s if county superviors agree to approve it.
County records show the matter as never being discussed before supervisors in closed session. In other words, county supervisors were never made aware of the case. How county lawyers obtained the authority to even offer a likely hefty settlement remains a mystery.
How newly-appointed Sheriff-Coroner John McMahon allowed this situation to develop remains unknown.
The incident will obviously become fodder for the June 2014 primary election. So far, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Schrader has announced he will run against McMahon. Retired Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Keith Bushey is reportedly also considering a run.
The settlement, if approved on July 23, will be made public that day.
County records show the matter as never being discussed before supervisors in closed session.
>>> You mean the BOS got a SPOONFUL of their own medicine?!!!
County Counsel thumbed their nose at the BOS and cut a deal!!!
Just like the BOS thumbed their nose at the People of San Bernardino County and CUT A DEAL with District Attorney Mike Ramos, County Sheriff’s Hoops and McMahon?
“Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down-wown
The medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way”
Administator, when you say it will be made public that day, do you mean they will vote on it in open session? Or will they announce it in open session? Will it be an agendized item that we can speak on for our three minutes? Or will it be announced and then it could be commented on at the end in the public comments?
Everyone who spoke at McMahon’s appointment should show up for one big fun “I told you so”!!!
#3
That would be a waste of time…and nothing would be accomplished.
“…while observers from outside the county continue to laugh at what this county has become.”
You mean the outside world is witnessing SBC’s COMICAL havoc of wedged loyalties, deception, foolishness, AND CONFUSION??
Abbott: Well, let’s see, on THE TEAM we have uh Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third…
Costello: Are you the manager?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: You know the guys’ names?
Abbott: I sure do.
Costello: Then tell me the guys’ names.
Abbott: I say, Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know’s on third and then you…
Costello: You the manager?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: You know the guys’ names?
Abbott: I’m telling you their names!
Costello: Well who’s on first?
Abbott: Yeah.
Costello: Go ahead and tell me.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy playin’ first base.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy on first.
Abbott: Who is on first!
Costello: What are you askin’ me for? I’m askin’ you!
>>>>>> Abbott: I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. >>>>>
Costello: You ain’t tellin’ me nothin’. I’m askin’ you, who’s on first?
#5, I agree nothing would be accomplished. It wouldn’t change their behavior, and the press would ignore it. But, I don’t agree it is a waste of time. Numerous people exercising their right to chastise them in public while they have to sit there and listen to it would at least bother them. I know Josie can’t stand it when she is taken to task, I have witnessed it myself, her ego is so huge. She was the ringleader of that circus, her and her ad hoc committee of two(one of which was on vacation). She should be reminded of it, if for no other reason than to let them all know that some of the public is paying attetnion, and one day someone might hold them accountable.
And some commentators on this blog could watch from their living rooms and comment on the apparel of those that speak. Win win.
#7 I agree. I watched from the peanut gallery when Paul Schrader had over 100 supporters show up at the Board meetings to protest any appointment. The had name badges stating they support Schrader.
They made some of the Schrader supporters stay out of the room because he filled up the room with them. They lied to Schrader and still did what they wanted.
I watched Schrader and supporters make a good stance against Josie. In the end it was a done deal.
Until we replace the Board with non career politians, this will continue.
They will do what they want.
Also the press ignored Schrader and his group.
WOW is this a “golden nugget” or what?
Our beloved John McMahon who should be able to walk in the door of any BOS member and say, “hey” I need to let you know about this problem DID NOT do that???
How about the “devil” himself? Didn’t bother as at least a courtesy to the BOS to inform those WHO support him a “heads up”?
OMG!!!!!
Don’t you get it ACU, this was all about the last election, and the one coming-up next year.
If the Devil of a CEO had brought the Bauer mess to Closed Session, like he was supposed to back on January 2012, two things would probably be different right now:
-Neil Derry would still be SBCo. Supervisor for the Third District
-Rod Hoops would still be SBCo. Sheriff
Instead, Devilreaux didn’t use standard protocol, probably with the advise and blessing of his District Attorney… WONDER WHY?????<– ONE QUESTION MARK FOR EACH SUPERVISOR DUPPED BY THE "PROCESS".
I get it LSW.
BUT REMEMBER dude, lots of stuff going on behind the scenes that DO NOT make the blogs.
What is hilarious is ET Snell the public clown, was the one clowning the BOS in reality. See July 9 BOS meeting VIDOE and tell me if you see something different.
Ol Janice the wonder woman, MIGHT have just found out what happened but didn’t have enough info to handle the clown.
THAT is what I see.
All of the Clownty Stupidvisors are going to continue and PLAY STUPID…
Ringmaster Davey “Big E” Ellis told them: DON’T WORRY (about ET Snell’s REVELATIONS)… LOOK HAPPY (you’re on TV!)
That’s why Davey Boy gets the BIG BUCK$ from DA Mikey and SEBA, and lands new Clounty clients like our appointed Sheriff John McMahon… its like they’re all ADDICTED TO E.
Ringmaster Davey “Big E” Ellis is OFFICIALLY Sheriff John McMahon’s campaign manager, BIG E is also SEBA’s political consultant.
I wonder if Davey told McMahon don’t tell the BOS your in deep shit on the Bauer case?
You know, Sheriff John McMahon has screwed up and let this get out of the bag. I wonder how many other deputies have been screwed like this. Now we look at his adviser Dave Ellis another turd. His endorsements a list of politicians.
Why did the board of supervisors do this to us and appoint him? I guess they hate the tax payers and voters.
The madness must stop or we will see an end to the final shreds of public support. McMahon has performed exactly as expected…poorly. The BOS had an opportunity to fix this broken ship with Bushey but chose to go with the anointed one. You can not repair a broken organization with another broken individual. I feel so sorry for the line deputies who are just seeking some leadership to restore the pride in a once well-oiled machine.
When more facts come out in the Bauer matter, it will just confirm what people are saying now with limited information.
McMahons entire team on the Bauer matter was comprised of employees who were far from bright themselves, THEY all got their heads handed to them along the way, EVERY stinking one of them, EXCEPT a couple who were HONEST.
Now we see this issue with the BOS, McMahon don’t even know how to COVER HIS ASS with those who appointed him.
It’s just going to get better.
And just think if there were NO BLOGS, NO one would know a thing.
That has to be pissing off David Ellis and SEBA!!!!
The fact that David Ellis is a political consultant to SEBA AND John McMahon’s campaign manager is a glaring conflict of interest. How could it not be? SEBA should have let him go when he signed on with McMahon if. This alone should show people that SEBA is not an organization that has the members’ interests at heart. One of the SEBA Board members is a local city councilman. He should have seen that this is a concflict, or he shouldn’t be on the Board or a city council.
The BOS missed the boat. We could’ve had a real leader Paul Schrader. Well you get what the clowns give you. Schrader is still fighting and making sure the corruption is exposed. It might be his second run, but he is out there trying to do the right thing.
The funny thing about this is, SEBA asked McMahon to make changes in the Department using Schrader’s list of improvements he would make. McMahon has failed to implement any changes. Great job McLoser!
Ellis is a drain on the county. Cut that cancer and it would help.
#21, didn’t SEBA give McMahon money already?? Did they ask McMahon to make the changes before or after they gave him money?? Maybe they should not give out their money to a McNuggetMcLoser that won’t make changes for the membership. What a joke, SEBA is a joke.
#21, You like Schrader, think SEBA will ever endorse him?
Who was the HRO who gave the initial OK to deprive Bauer of his State and Federal rights for FMLA? This happens more than is known in the county. There is a pattern. Is it just a few HRO or more who deny the FMLA and then target the individuals?
@anon#24
I believe I read it was none other than the former Laura Ornelas who has since departed
I also think that she was the one changing documents and writing the responses to each of Travis Bauer’s appeals on behalf of the supervisors. She fled the state
SEBA has not endorsed anyone. The day after McMahons appointment he went roght ovet to SEBA asking for money. David Ellis who also works for SEBA (did you know that) advised them to give McMahon money. After that they met with McMahon and askeded him to make the changes outline in Schrader’s letter to SEBA.
SEBA has not endorsed anyone yet.
If they endorsed McMahon after the Travis Bauer’s lawsuit it would be very bad for them in a PR way. Now they had the members vote on the endorsement in 2010. They did it like a year prior ro the election and only Averback and Hoops were running at that time.
Now with Paul Schrader in the race far enough out, it will give them another person to look at. Will they endorse him? I’m not sure. They might stay out of the whole thing not to piss McMahon off, but to also save face. I would love to see SEBA support Paul.
I think it’s crazy they ask McMahon to make the changes that Schrader wants. One reason I think Schrader is a leader is the changes he wants to make. He would be a deputy friendly sheriff.
It was Laura Ornelas who was KICKED out of the civil service hearing after a conflict was determined.
After that hearing I believe it was when the Bauer complaint was amended to make her and John McMahon a NAMED defendant.
Between County Council Cynthia O’Neal and Laura Ornelas it was the first time a pair like these two ever got slapped around by opposing council.
The way this case was laid out with little difficulty it shows how inept SEBA has been in representing their members before this case made it’s way to the present stage.
Captain Lacy from internal affairs referred to this Ornelas as an EXPERT, LMAO not EVEN close on that one.
The County NEVER had a case against Bauer, they wanted you Kool-Aid drinkers behind the scenes to think everyone had their “A” game on like always, when in FACT this case proves how CORRUPT the county has always been.
Well if SEBA is not conflicted now, by having David Ellis as the political consultant for them and McMahons campaign manager I don’t know what a conflict is.
Was it O’Neil or Ornelas that submitted 2 false memos during Travis Bauers civil service hearing? Both were in the name of sgt’s that during their testimony pointed out that not only did they NOT draft the memo’s, they told the county that they had not drafted them…….but they submitted them as true without disclosing anything……
What’s even more IRONIC and MORONIC, these idiots who committed misd, or perhaps a felony, are still working somewhere like no biggie!!!!!
What a f’n joke
McMahon is a clown
ACU, does SEBA and the members understand that having Ellis working for them as an adviser and working as Sheriff Jaohn McMahons campaign manager is a conflict?
Wow Lauren, Phil, and Grant (SEBA E BOARD) WTF?
This idiot McMahon has screwed over many a deputy and now his is caught with Borrow. How do we back him and how do you keep Ellis?
This shit is nasty and for any of you to claim McMahons a good dude need to 5150 yourself. This really sucks.
Attention SEBA members. If you are in trouble or have been in trouble and SEBA has or will sell you out, go see LDM and sue SEBA and the clowns on the board. They know what they are doing. It’s time for them to pay out of their pockets for holding up McTurd!
SEBA donated $20k to McMahon’s campaign. Also, I wonder if the others named in an email from Marnati in the Bauer case are going to get lawyers for the comment Marnati made of those he “got rid of.”