Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
Capitol Alert
By Alexei Koseff
akoseff@sacbee.com
February 12, 2016 – 3:20 PM
The Legislature’s non-partisan fiscal analyst believes Gov. Jerry Brown is underestimating the amount of savings from Proposition 47, the controversial ballot initiative that reduced some nonviolent drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.
James Rufus Koren
February 13, 2016
An investor group led by the chief executive of Freedom Communications will not be among the initial bidders for the bankrupt company, in a reversal from a plan first announced in November.
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By Mark Hensch
February 12, 2016 – 07:54 am
Donald Trump has more than double the voter support of any other Republican White House hopeful nationwide, according to a new poll.
Published: Feb. 11, 2016 – Updated: 10:20 p.m.
The developer of the World Logistics Center in Moreno Valley spent more than $800,000 in the last few months of 2015 to promote the mega-warehouse.
To read article by Imran Ghori in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
February 11, 2016 – 4:31 PM
Wily politician that he is, Jerry Brown tried to dampen potential opposition to an overhaul of criminal sentencing laws he’ll place on the November ballot.
From Daily Tax Report
By Laura Mahoney
Feb. 9 — A California State Board of Equalization member is backing a bill to tighten monetary contributions to—or at the request of—board members with the goal of ending perceived conflicts of interest at the only elected tax board in the country.
By Erica E. Phillips
Updated: Feb. 11, 2016 – 3:33 p.m. ET
The two busiest U.S. ports on Thursday reported slight growth in imports, the latest sign that many companies are holding back on spending as they wait for the economic picture to clear.
Thursday, February 11, 2016 – 10:00 a.m.
The battle for South Carolina is heating up between GOP Front-runner Donald Trump and Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
Thursday, February 11, 2016 – 09:30 a.m.
Finally someone has made a cogent attempt at calling out the media idiots that believe they have the power to predict and, more importantly, influence voter preference.
Shelby Grad and Richard Winton
February 10, 2016
At the center of the FBI’s investigation into abuses at the Los Angeles County Jail was a top-secret program known as Operation Pandora’s Box.
Published: Feb. 10, 2016 – 3:48 p.m.
Riverside County Supervisor John Tavaglione this week called out Sheriff Stan Sniff, saying the sheriff’s office has been less than forthcoming with information for an ongoing review of public safety spending.
To read article by Jeff Horseman in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
jmiller@sacbee.com
February 10, 2016 – 3:33 PM
The daily fantasy sports industry’s string of easy wins in the California Legislature may be about to end.
Patrick McGreevy
February 10, 2016
The state’s ethics watchdog agency has launched a yearlong overhaul of California’s law governing campaign finance and lobbying with an eye toward streamlining and simplifying rules that many politicians complain are too complex, the agency’s top official said Wednesday.
Joel Rubin, Cindy Chang and Harriet Ryan
February 10, 2016
Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca pleaded guilty Wednesday to lying to federal investigators, a stunning reversal for the longtime law enforcement leader who for years insisted he played no role in the misconduct that tarnished his agency.
By Shea Johnson
Staff Writer
Posted: Feb. 9, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Updated: Feb 9, 2016 at 4:44 PM
SAN BERNARDINO — Seven deputies placed on paid administrative leave but not charged for their role in the April 9 arrest and beating of Francis Pusok returned to work late last week, a Sheriff’s Department official said Tuesday.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 – 09:00 a.m.
GOP Front-runner Donald Trump is now the official front-runner after his strong New Hampshire Primary Election victory Tuesday night.
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By Fred Barnes
Feb 10, 2016 – 6:44 AM|
Donald Trump got everything he wanted in New Hampshire primary—and a whole lot more. He’s not only a stronger frontrunner in the Republican race than ever; he’s now in the driver’s seat on the road to the presidential nomination.
Published: Feb. 9, 2016
Updated: Feb. 10, 2016 – 7:12 a.m.
Riverside council members decided late Tuesday to place a measure on the June ballot that would give the city attorney the power to prosecute misdemeanor crimes.
To read article by Alicia Robinson in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Published: Feb. 9, 2016 – Updated: 1:25 p.m.
Registration is open for Claremont McKenna College’s half-day conference about the future of Ontario International Airport.
To read brief by Fielding Buck in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
jmiller@sacbee.com
February 9, 2016 – 4:08 PM
Voters trying to follow the torrent of unlimited outside spending during this year’s California campaigns now have an easier-to-use alternative to the state’s unwieldy Cal-Access system: an enhanced search tool launched Tuesday.
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
February 9, 2016 3:25 PM
The 2016 political campaign season has scarcely begun, so of course it’s time to begin noodling about 2018 – and particularly the governorship that Jerry Brown will finally relinquish.
Ivan Penn
February 9, 2016
There’s an unusual new entry to the long list of reasons why Californians spent the last year paying significantly more for gasoline than other U.S. drivers: a mystery ship.
Business & Real Estate
By Dale Kasler
dkasler@sacbee.com
February 9, 2016 – 10:18 AM
CalPERS has completed one of the biggest real estate investments in its history, purchasing a New York office tower for $1.9 billion.
By Melody Gutierrez
February 8, 2016
Updated: February 9, 2016 – 7:27am
SACRAMENTO — A fight over encryption-protected smartphone data is heating up in California and New York where lawmakers and law enforcement groups are pushing bills to enable investigators to unscramble data to obtain critical evidence in human trafficking, terrorism and child pornography cases.
California
Jonathan Cooper, Associated Press
February 8, 2016 – 6:26 PM
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The California Legislature on Monday unveiled a bill imposing a new tax on health insurance plans that would prevent a massive $1.1 billion hole in the state budget.
Bob Moffitt
Monday, February 8, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
The California Petroleum Market Advisory Commission heard testimony from oil company and consumer groups today explaining why we’re paying 77 cents-per-gallon more for gas than the rest of the country.
By Kevin Smith, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 02/08/16 – 5:56 PM PST |
California motorists have long complained about high prices at the pump, but few drivers are aware of all the factors that push gasoline prices so high.
By Neil Nisperos, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 02/07/16 – 4:20 PM PST |
RIALTO >> One of the larger redevelopment projects in the Inland Empire is currently taking shape in and around the former Rialto Airport, with developers in discussions with potential tenants and city officials eager to usher in new housing, job and revenue opportunities.
Tatiana Sanchez
February 7, 2016
Judith Benitez had gone most of her adult life without knowing how to drive.
The 35-year-old woman from Mexico who is in the U.S. illegally would ask family members for rides to pick up her children from school. Trips to the grocery store or the doctor’s office were complicated.
Sunday, February 7, 2016 – 01:30 p.m.
Five fresh polls out of the state of New Hampshire released on Sunday Morning give a better indication on voter preference in the state.
The news was good for front-runner Donald J. Trump.
Sunday, February 7, 2016 – 12:00 p.m.
I had the opportunity to watch the entire ABC/WMUR GOP debate on Saturday Night, and honestly there’s wasn’t much to speak about.
By Melody Gutierrez
February 6, 2016
Updated: February 6, 2016 – 2:53pm
SACRAMENTO — California has come a long way to dig itself out of budget deficits, but the state remains on shaky ground due to nearly $400 billion in unfunded liabilities and debt from public pensions, retiree health care and bonds, financial analysts say.
Capitol Alert
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
February 6, 2016 3:40 PM
The two immense public works projects that would be Jerry Brown legacies will soon face pivotal moments.
By Steve Peoples and Julie Bykowicz
Feb. 6, 2016 – 11:44 PM EST
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — There have been no higher stakes on a Republican debate stage in the 2016 campaign for president than there were Saturday night.
Saturday, February 6, 2016 – 12:00 p.m.
There are new rumblings of political dissension at the San Bernardino County Government Center.
February 6, 2016
January is a good time for government. While most citizens are recovering from the holidays and getting back to normal life, they aren’t paying much attention to the ramblings of elected officials.
Published: Feb. 5, 2016 Updated: 1:49 p.m.
After her rival won the Democratic Party’s pre-endorsement, state Assembly candidate Eloise Reyes is striking back with the AFL-CIO’s help.
To read post by Jeff Horseman in The P-E Political Empire Blog, click here.
By Morgan Cook | Feb. 5, 2016 – 6:18 p.m.
The newly minted 2015 Prosecutor of the Year in Riverside County was honored even though he had a recent drunk driving conviction in San Diego County and an altercation with San Diego police that made the news in 2006.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
jmiller@sacbee.com
February 5, 2016 7:17 PM
California’s campaign finance disclosure calendar means the public only now is getting a look at elected officials’ fundraising and spending during the second half of 2015.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
jmiller@sacbee.com
February 5, 2016 2:06 PM
Members of the California Legislature began the election year with more than $40 million cash on hand after raising about $39 million last year, according to campaign reports filed this week.
Victoria Stilwell
February 5, 2016 — 5:30 AM PST
Updated on February 5, 2016 — 7:16 AM PST
Job growth settled into a more sustainable pace in January and the unemployment rate dropped to an almost eight-year low of 4.9 percent, signs of a resilient labor market that’s causing wage growth to stir.
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By Bradford Richardson
February 05, 2016, 08:17 am
Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has dramatically cut into the nationwide lead of primary rival Hillary Clinton, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.
Published: Feb. 4, 2016 – Updated: 10:08 a.m.
Is Shellie Milne the most prolific fundraiser in the race for Riverside County supervisor? Or is it Chuck Washington?
To read article by Jeff Horseman in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
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By Daniel Borenstein
dborenstein@bayareanewsgroup.com
Posted: 02/04/2016 06:00:00 PM PST
Updated: 02/04/2016 09:14:06 PM PST
Two years ago, Gov. Jerry Brown pushed through a 32-year plan to shore up the California State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Thursday, February 4, 2016 – 12:30 p.m.
Yep! The race for San Bernardino 7th Ward city council seat is up in the air.
It sure is.
By Shea Johnson
Staff Writer Follow @@DP_Shea
Posted Feb. 3, 2016 at 1:12 PM
Updated Feb 3, 2016 at 5:32 PM
VICTORVILLE — The city touted its economic growth during its annual address Wednesday, announcing that negotiations had concluded to draw a “major” manufacturer to Southern California Logistics Airport that will create 100 new jobs.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
jmiller@sacbee.com
February 3, 2016 3:53 PM
It’s been a heady ride for California finances in recent years, with budget revenue outpacing estimates by billions of dollars, buoyed along by the state’s healthy economic growth in 2015.
Could that trend be coming to an end?
Wednesday, Feb 3, 2016 – 8:10pm EST
SAN FRANCISCO | By Jim Christie
The bankrupt city of San Bernardino, California, said in a court filing on Wednesday it had reached a tentative agreement with the creditor holding its pension obligation bonds on how the debt would be treated in the city’s plan to exit bankruptcy but did not provide details.
James Rufus Koren
February 3, 2016
Wells Fargo & Co. will pay $1.2 billion to settle claims that it duped the federal government into insuring thousands of risky mortgages in the years leading up to the housing crash, the San Francisco banking giant said Wednesday.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 – 10:00 a.m.
So much for Rialto Real Estate Broker Scott Beard shaking up San Bernardino City Hall from the inside.
Published: Feb. 2, 2016
Updated: Feb. 3, 2016 – 8:04 a.m.
Employee furloughs, Friday office closures and a hiring freeze are among the ideas suggested by a Riverside County supervisor Tuesday, Feb. 2 to deal with the county’s ongoing financial challenges.
To read article by Jeff Horseman in The Press-Enterprise, click here.
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
February 2, 2016 – 3:37 PM
Within the Capitol – and the media that cover it – there’s a tendency to conjoin Gov. Jerry Brown’s two tax-increase proposals.
Joel Rubin
February 2, 2016
A federal jury found two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies guilty Tuesday of falsifying records about the beating of a jail inmate but deadlocked on whether the deputies used excessive force.
Capitol Alert
By Christopher Cadelago
ccadelago@sacbee.com
February 2, 2016 – 1:09 PM
Campaign mailers promoting candidates, a staple of political races even in an age of social media appeals, are getting a reboot of sorts.
Javier Panzar
February 2, 2016
Another Republican has entered the race to challenge Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), a first-term congressman whose Inland Empire seat is considered vulnerable this fall by both national Democrats and Republicans.
The State Worker
By Jon Ortiz
jortiz@sacbee.com
February 2, 2016 – 5:38 PM
At 11,459 pages, the political action committee finance statement filed by the California Correctional Peace Officers Association Monday night is a hefty tome and quite possible a record-setter for the largest disclosure ever filed by a PAC.
Water & Drought
By Ryan Sabalow, Phillip Reese and Dale Kasler
rsabalow@sacbee.com
February 2, 2016 – 10:12 AM
The snow keeps piling up, but the rules requiring water conservation aren’t going away.
By Michael Wines
Feb. 2, 2016
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Detective Ryan Wicks trained the headlights of his Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor on a young man spotted fleeing local gang members and climbed out of his car, a battered black-and-white cruiser of mid-2000s vintage. The odometer stood north of 95,000 miles. A rear fender was scarred by the belt buckles of hundreds of suspects who had been spread-eagled against it.
By Ryan Hagen, The Sun
Posted: 02/01/16 – 9:26 PM PST |
SAN BERNARDINO >> An agreement between the city and its firefighter union that ends more than $40 million worth of disputes is now final, with approval from both sides.
By Liset Marquez, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 02/01/16, 5:55 PM PST |
ONTARIO >> When the new executive director for the Ontario International Airport Authority takes the helm in March, he will earn an annual salary of $398,500 — and bonuses could push it over $500,000 a year.
By Teri Sforza
Feb. 1, 2016
Updated Feb. 2, 2016 – 12:07 a.m.
The battle for the congressional seat being vacated by Loretta Sanchez is firming up as a faceoff between two longtime O.C. Democrats: Lou Correa and Joe Dunn.
Ben Adler
Monday, February 1, 2016 | Sacramento, CA
New fundraising reports show two Democrats lead the field in California’s U.S. Senate race, just as they do in recent polls.
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
February 1, 2016 3:55 PM
California gasoline prices have been dropping sharply of late – below $2 a gallon in some areas.
Abby Sewell
February 1, 2016
Campaign finance reports filed Monday gave a glimpse at the strength of candidates running for two open seats on the powerful Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Monday, February 1, 2016 – 08:30 p.m.
Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (27.7%) took first place in the Iowa caucuses on Monday evening.
Monday, February 1, 2016 – 09:00 a.m.
The Iowa Caucus is finally here.
Thank God!
Monday, February 1, 2016 – 08:30 a.m.
It’s nice that San Bernardino County coffers are flush with money.
Because it looks like it’ll be needed for the pension fund, the San Bernardino County Employees Retirement Association (SBCERA).
Dan Walters
By Dan Walters
dwalters@sacbee.com
January 31, 2016 3:30 PM
California’s state and local governments hit us with about $250 billion in taxes every year, $6,000-plus per Californian.
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By Jeff Horwitz and Jack Gillum, Associated Press
Associated Press
Jan. 31, 2016, at 11:56 p.m.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s campaign filings show the billionaire show the Republican front-runner spent just $6.8 million in the final three months of last year. The outlay is less than half of what Ted Cruz, his nearest rival in the polls, spent during the same period.
By Adam Pearce and Mira Rojanasakul
January 31, 2016
On Jan. 31, presidential candidates reported how much they raised and spent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Super-PACs also filed their third and fourth quarter fundraising and spending. Here are the latest standings.
To read expanded article, click here.