Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
Michael Lee
Tue, October 5, 2021, 4:55 PM
A pollster that typically leans toward Democrats shows the Republican Party with a lead in its latest generic congressional ballot poll, a potentially concerning sign for Democrats as next year’s midterms loom.
Salena Zito, National Political Reporter |
October 04, 2021 12:08 PM
MIDLAND, Pennsylvania — For as much cash and strategy as partisans put into creating a wave for their own parties, they always seem to miss where the ripple starts and why.
Friday, September 24, 2021 – 08:00 a.m.
A Superior Judge has set aside Measure K, a voter-approved ballot measure to limit the terms of office and cut the compensation for members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
September 11, 2021 – 08:00 a.m.
In remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America and the thousands of lives lost.
Sunday, July 4, 2021 – 09:00 a.m.
InlandPolitics.com would like to wish everyone a safe and pleasant day celebrating America’s independence from the King of England on July 4, 1776!
Just thought we would give some context for those individuals who didn’t learn U.S. History in school.
Saturday, July 3, 2021 – 07:00 a.m.
The pending retirement of San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator John McMahon has attracted four applicants to replace him.
By Jason Henry | jhenry@scng.com | Pasadena Star News
Published: July 2, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. | Updated: July 2, 2021 at 3:52 p.m.
A nearly $1 million payment to former Fontana City Manager Ken Hunt made him the highest paid city manager in California in 2020, though he didn’t actually work a single day that year.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | The Sun
Published: May 21, 2021 at 11:24 a.m. | Updated: May 21, 2021 at 11:26 a.m.
San Bernardino Mayor John Valdivia this week accused colleague Fred Shorett of having “complete racial bias towards leadership in this community” after the longtime councilman suggested voters decide whether to eliminate the city’s top elected post in 2022.
Thursday, May 13, 2021 – 06:00 p.m.
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge put a rapid end to a purported taxpayer lawsuit targeting a $65 million settlement between the county and Colonies Partners, L.P. and Jeffrey Burum on Thursday morning.
By Jeremy B. White
05/10/2021 08:24 PM EDT
The governor embarked on a road show to trumpet the fruits of an astonishing $75.7 billion state surplus thanks to soaring capital gains during the pandemic.
OAKLAND — Nothing smooths out political turbulence like having money to spend.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom embarked on a cross-state road show Monday to trumpet the fruits of an astonishing $75.7 billion state surplus thanks to soaring capital gains during the pandemic. His first order of business: tell Californians he wants to give them cash and pay some of their utility bills and back rent.
By Brian Rokos | brokos@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: May 7, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. | Updated: May 7, 2021 at 3:07 p.m.
Former Congressman Jerry Lewis of Redlands will not be prosecuted after initially being charged with felony spousal battery, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office said.
Charles Creitz | Fox News
May 6, 2021
In a special “Hannity” investigation, investigative journalist Sara Carter traveled to the Antelope Valley around Lancaster, Calif., where – hundreds of miles away from the Mexican border – the Biden’s border policies are starkly affecting everyday Americans as cartel-linked marijuana growing operations have become a criminal plague.
San Bernardino News Daily
May 5, 2021
It is no secret that San Bernardino has witnessed an extraordinary increase in fireworks activity leading up to 4th of July and well beyond the Independence Day celebration.
Marisa Sarnoff
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Fox News continued its winning streak across the board in Monday ratings, garnering nearly as many viewers in prime time as CNN and MSNBC combined, while CNN’s New Day took a hit in the valuable demographic of viewers age 25-54.
Rene Ray De La Cruz
Victorville Daily Press
The City of Hesperia has prevailed in a court battle with former District 4 Councilman Jeremiah Brosowske, who sued the municipality after he was ousted by the City Council in September 2019 for alleged non-residency.
Monday, November 11, 2019 – 09:00 a.m.
Celebrating and honoring the men and women who have served and protected our great nation.
Thank you for your service.
Dan Walters
September 2, 2019
One of the more curious anomalies about California is that while labor unions’ political power has increased to virtual hegemony, especially in the last decade, union membership has declined just as sharply.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: August 31, 2019 at 9:00 am | Updated: August 31, 2019 at 4:56 pm
A $25 million Home2 Suites by Hilton is planned for San Bernardino’s entertainment corridor, and while the approval process still is in its infancy, Greens Group, the Irvine-based developer behind several sleek new hotels in downtown Riverside and elsewhere in the region, anticipates breaking ground in June 2020.
By Garrett Bergthold, Staff Writer
Posted Aug 31, 2019 at 2:15 PM
Updated Aug 31, 2019 at 2:25 PM
ADELANTO — Councilwoman Stevevonna Evans has been removed from her post of mayor pro tem.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: August 26, 2019 at 2:12 pm | Updated: August 27, 2019 at 12:32 am
San Bernardino leaders have approved 3.5% pay raises for police personnel as required by agreements entered into earlier this decade with the city’s police officers and police management associations.
By Sandra Emerson | semerson@scng.com |
Published: August 26, 2019 at 4:07 pm | Updated: August 26, 2019 at 8:44 pm
An unexpected opening on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors may lead to a game of political musical chairs.
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
A federal judge slammed defense counsel for San Bernardino County this week in his order compelling the release of years of documents relating to an allegedly bogus criminal prosecution of a developer with whom the county had a land dispute.
Thursday, July 4, 2019 – 09:00 a.m.
Wishing everyone a safe and fun Independence Day.
Monday, May 27, 2019 – 12:01 a.m.
In honor of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.
Thursday, April 18, 2019 – 09:45 a.m.
This morning US. Attorney General William Barr released a redacted version of Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller, III.
To read the report, click the following link: https://www.justice.gov/storage/report.pdf
By Jack Katzanek | jkatzanek@scng.com |
Published: April 1, 2019 at 8:00 am | Updated: April 1, 2019 at 8:00 am
More cash made its way to Inland Empire workers in the first quarter of this year, according to a UC Riverside report. But wage increases across Southern California were smaller than gains statewide.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: March 29, 2019 at 5:29 pm | Updated: March 30, 2019 at 12:04 am
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge denied a request to halt San Bernardino’s licensing of commercial cannabis businesses alleged to be out of compliance with city law or the general plan.
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: Mar 10, 2019 at 5:41 AM
HESPERIA — Mayor Pro Tem Bill Holland and real estate broker Bill Jensen chastised Councilman Jeremiah Brosowske at a recent City Council meeting for allegedly taking part in a recall effort against Holland.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: March 8, 2019 at 3:12 pm | Updated: March 9, 2019 at 5:30 pm
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge lifted temporary restraining orders imposed last week against seven commercial cannabis businesses recently approved by San Bernardino city leaders.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: March 7, 2019 at 7:15 pm | Updated: March 8, 2019 at 1:18 am
They found heaps of cash, $200,000 in all, concealed everywhere — in a green metal ammunition box hidden under a step, stuffed inside a paint can, in a shoe box, and in a Dodgers duffel bag crammed into a propane BBQ grill.
Joe Garofoli
March 6, 2019
Updated: March 6, 2019 – 4:53 p.m.
LAS VEGAS — Even at this early stage in the presidential race, California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris has hit upon a crowd-pleasing proposal: Give a $500 monthly tax credit to families earning less than $100,000.
By Wes Venteicher
March 04, 2019 10:16 AM,
Updated March 04, 2019 06:47 PM
The California Supreme Court on Monday upheld a pension law that stripped a retirement perk from public employees, issuing a narrow ruling that sidestepped a bigger question about whether employers can reduce pension benefits for current workers.
By Patrick McGreevy and Taryn Luna
Mar 05, 2019 | 12:45 PM
| Sacramento
California lawmakers were showered with more than $810,000 in gifts last year, many from powerful interest groups lobbying the state who handed out concert and professional sports tickets, spa treatments, gourmet dinners and trips to a dozen countries, new state reports show.
By Jeff Horseman | jhorseman@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: March 4, 2019 at 6:00 am | Updated: March 4, 2019 at 6:00 am
For years, Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff said shrinking budgets imposed on him by the Board of Supervisors made it hard to put as many deputies on the street as he would have liked, particularly in unincorporated communities.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: March 1, 2019 at 2:57 pm | Updated: March 1, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Another denied applicant has sued San Bernardino over the city’s embattled commercial cannabis licensing process, calling greater attention to alleged illegal acts by those in charge of the whole operation.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 27, 2019 at 12:52 pm | UpdatedFebruary 27, 2019 at 6:44 pm
A week after San Bernardino city leaders approved 16 commercial cannabis businesses, a local judge halted the licensing process for seven of them.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com
and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 25, 2019 at 7:00 pm | Updated: February 25, 2019 at 7:46 pm
A Pacific Palisades woman who heads a company that was blocked last week from setting up legitimate commercial cannabis operations in San Bernardino sued the city on Monday, Feb. 25 alleging corrupt practices involving a “pay for play” scheme.
By Staff report
Published: February 24, 2019 at 8:00 am | Updated: February 24, 2019 at 8:00 am
Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael will look back on 2018 and share plans for the coming year at the annual State of the City address on Thursday, Feb. 28.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com and Scott Schwebke | sschwebke@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 22, 2019 at 7:41 pm | Updated: February 23, 2019 at 1:53 am
As California’s self-proclaimed “cannabis landlord” sat in a Los Angeles County jail Thursday night on a drug charge, her real estate attorney stood before San Bernardino city officials trying to expand her empire.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 21, 2019 at 9:20 pm | Updated: February 22, 2019 at 6:08 pm
For about three hours Thursday, Feb. 21, dozens of applicants pitched their businesses to city leaders
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 21, 2019 at 7:40 pm | Updated: February 23, 2019 at 2:06 am
A real estate developer who touts herself as “California’s cannabis landlord” was arrested during a raid by San Bernardino police at her Pacific Palisades home, authorities confirmed Thursday.
By Kevin Smith | kvsmith@scng.com | San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Published: February 20, 2019 at 12:01 am | Updated: February 20, 2019 at 12:02 am
California’s economy is expected to add more than 300,000 jobs this year and in 2020, but that will fall well below some of the more robust growth years the state experienced over the last half-decade.
By Sandra Emerson | semerson@scng.com |
Published: February 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm | Updated: February 19, 2019 at 6:50 pm
Dan Flores has worked side by side outgoing Supervisor Josie Gonzales in San Bernardino County’s 5th District for the past 14 years. Now Gonzales’ chief of staff is looking to succeed his boss when the seat opens in 2020.
By Teri Sforza | tsforza@scng.com | Orange County Register
Published: February 18, 2019 at 8:50 am | Updated: February 18, 2019 at 8:52 am
California’s most affluent special districts nearly doubled their spending over the course of a decade, while the value of their cash and investments nearly tripled, according to a Southern California News Group analysis of state data.
Mark Gutglueck
Posted on February 16, 2019
Jessie Flores, who was inserted into the post of city manager last year by the controlling coalition of the city council as it was formerly composed, was placed on paid administrative leave by a 5-to-0 vote of the Adelanto City Council on Wednesday.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: February 17, 2019 at 8:30 am | Updated: February 17, 2019 at 8:31 am
San Bernardino International Airport and Hillwood Enterprises, LP are moving forward with plans to develop a massive air cargo logistics center at the airport that would house up to 16 aircraft and provide round-the-clock operations.
By Beau Yarbrough | byarbrough@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: February 16, 2019 at 10:45 pm | Updated: February 16, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Fifty years after he and his family arrived, Rancho Cucamonga said farewell to former mayor William “Bill” Alexander.
By Kevin Modesti | kmodesti@scng.com | Daily News
Published: February 15, 2019 at 5:57 pm | Updatd: February 16, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Not that he’s counting down his days to freedom or anything, but Jim Brulte seemed keenly aware that the end of his time as California Republican Party chairman was 11 days away — not 10, not an even dozen — as he sat for an interview Thursday at his house in Fontana.
By Brian Rokos | brokos@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: February 13, 2019 at 7:10 pm | Updated: February 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon was sitting in the audience Wednesday during a joint meeting of the Major County Sheriffs of America and Major Cities Chief Association in Washington DC when the speaker surprised the sheriff by calling him to the front.
By Sandra Emerson | semerson@scng.com |
Published: February 12, 2019 at 7:35 pm | Updated: February 12, 2019 at 7:39 pm
County and business leaders touted the region as a fast-growing, innovative place to live and work during the State of the County 2019 regional business summit Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.
By Jonathan Lansner | jlansner@scng.com | Orange County Register
Published: February 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm | Updated: February 12, 2019 at 4:54 pm
California’s labor movement didn’t have a swell 2018 and shrinking membership could be bad for your wealth, union fan or not.
By Phil Willon and Taryn Luna
Feb 12, 2019 | 5:40 PM
Sacramento —
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in his first State of the State speech that he intends to scale back California’s $77-billion bullet train project, saying that while the state has the capacity to complete the first leg in the Central Valley, extending the rail line to Southern California and the Bay Area would “cost too much and, respectfully, take too long.”
Thursday, November 22, 2018 – 08:00 a.m.
InlandPolitics would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and a political timeout.
By David Allen | dallen@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: November 11, 2018 at 10:00 am | Updated: November 11, 2018 at 10:01 am
The blue wave, teal ripple, purple eddy or whatever combination color/water feature we saw at the national level promises divided government, which is often the best kind.
Sunday, November 11, 2018 – 08:00 a.m.
Thank you to all of the men and women, who honorably served, and have served, to defend and protect our great country.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: November 9, 2018 at 4:53 pm | Updated: November 9, 2018 at 4:54 pm
San Bernardino Councilman John Valdivia still leads incumbent Mayor Carey Davis in the race for the city’s top elected position, unofficial Election Day results updated Friday, Nov. 9, show.
By Sandra Emerson | semerson@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: November 9, 2018 at 6:01 pm | Updated: November 9, 2018 at 6:01 pm
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday, Nov. 13 to discuss the process for filling the impending vacancy following James Ramos’ likely win in the 40th Assembly District.
By David Downey | ddowney@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: November 7, 2018 at 6:05 pm | Updated: November 7, 2018 at 7:05 pm
Voters in several Inland communities appeared to say Tuesday, Nov. 6, that they are ready to welcome the marijuana industry — and especially to tax it — with the notable exception of Hemet.
Jim Erwin
Sunday, November 4, 2018 – 12:30 p.m.
Now that I finally have some time to do some writing on politics, let’s get to it!
I prefer to render political observations after taking in data from a broad spectrum of sources and feedback. Two years ago it had become pretty clear to me in the final four weeks leading up to the presidential Election that Donald Trump would prevail.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: November 2, 2018 at 7:27 pm | Updated: November 4, 2018 at 9:07 am
The battle by former San Bernardino County assessor Bill Postmus to rescind his guilty plea in the Colonies corruption case began Friday with Postmus testifying he was a drug addict when he was coerced into accepting a deal with prosecutors.
By Jeff Horseman | jhorseman@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: November 1, 2018 at 2:51 pm | Updated: November 1, 2018 at 11:44 pm
For Chris Mann, the June primary results in California’s 8th Congressional District played out perfectly, when two GOP candidates, incumbent Paul Cook and challenger Tim Donnelly, finished first and second.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 – 04:30 p.m.
It’s Fox News Channel that’s on top of the latest viewership sampling.
By Beau Yarbrough | byarbrough@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: September 21, 2018 at 6:28 pm | Updated: September 22, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Less than 10 months after hiring a new city manager, the Upland City Council is expected to consider appointing an acting city manager at its next meeting.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: September 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm | Updated: September 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm
San Bernardino approved an agreement with Los Angeles-based ICO Real Estate Group on Wednesday, Sept. 19, for the purchase and development of 6.56 acres just east of the 215 Freeway.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: September 20, 2018 at 10:43 am | Updated: September 21, 2018 at 12:04 am
For the first time in 63 years, San Bernardino council members will receive a pay raise. The City Council on Wednesday, Sept. 19, approved increasing city leaders’ salaries from $600 to $14,000 a year beginning next year, aligning their total annual compensation package with those offered in neighboring cities.
By David Allen | dallen@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: September 11, 2018 at 1:51 pm | Updated: September 11, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Andrew Cruz, the Chino Valley Unified School District board member who sometimes makes puzzling and offensive pronouncements, now seems to be making excuses for Hitler.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 – 08:00 p.m.
In honor of the men and women who lost their lives in an horrific attack on America seventeen years ago today.
By Beau Yarbrough | byarbrough@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: September 10, 2018 at 7:01 pm | Updated: September 11, 2018 at 2:39 pm
A San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy violated the Fourth Amendment rights of a group of Etiwanda Intermediate students when he arrested them because he thought they were uncooperative in a bullying investigation, a federal appeals court ruled Monday, Sept. 10.
By Eric Leonard and Andrew Blankstein
Published at 11:42 AM PDT on Sep 7, 2018 | Updated at 5:44 PM PDT on Sep 7, 2018
Armed, plain-clothes LAPD officers were dispatched to California cities outside of Los Angeles at least a dozen times to provide security for U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris at public events, media appearances, and a party.
Saturday, August 25, 2018 – 10:00 p.m.
U.S. Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) passed away Saturday afternoon following a heroic battle with a treatable, but incurable, form of brain cancer know as Glioblastoma.
He was 81.
McCain’s family was by his side when he left this Earth.
Jim Erwin
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – 09:00 p.m.
The main stream media says one thing. But voters are saying something different.
By James Rufus Koren
Aug 13, 2018 | 4:00 PM
California’s high court has ruled that interest rates on consumer loans can be so high that they become “unconscionable” and, therefore, illegal — a decision that could call into question the validity of millions of loans and upend the state’s subprime lending market.
Friday, August 11, 2018 – 08:00 p.m.
What appeared to be a stoic Highland City Council, a majority of which appeared very unhappy, removed their rubber stamp of approval from the massive 3,600-home Harmony Project on Wednesday evening.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: August 2, 2018 at 3:56 pm | Updated: August 3, 2018 at 7:19 am
High Desert real estate developer and former Colonies corruption case figure John Dino Defazio has filed claims against San Bernardino County and District Attorney Mike Ramos seeking $20 million in damages, alleging malicious prosecution for perjury charges that were dismissed by a judge in January.
By Joe Nelson | jnelson@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: July 30, 2018 at 5:19 pm | Updated: July 31, 2018 at 7:17 am
Vindicated public corruption figure Mark Kirk on Monday sued San Bernardino County and District Attorney Mike Ramos in federal court for $40 million, alleging malicious prosecution in perhaps the biggest and most expensive prosecutorial fiasco in county history.
By Adam Nagourney
July 30, 2018
FRESNO, Calif. — It is vigorously opposed by Republicans, including President Trump. It has been plagued by escalating costs and delays. Californians are mostly against it. And a central question — how is it going to be paid for — remains unresolved.
Sunday, July 29, 2018 – 07:00 p.m.
Speaking of painting a bullseye on one’s forehead
Former Superior Court Judge and Ontario politico Gus Skropos is making waves, threats, or signals, depending on how one wants to interpret it, that he might run yet again for a seat on the Ontario City Council.
.
Bloomberg News
July 27, 2018
Consumer spending propelled U.S. economic growth to a 4.1% pace in the second quarter, the fastest since 2014, letting President Donald Trump claim a win for his policies even though most analysts see the high as temporary.
By Brian Whitehead | bwhitehead@scng.com | San Bernardino Sun
Published: July 25, 2018 at 7:00 am | Updated: July 25, 2018 at 7:01 am
FedEx Express will begin operating daily cargo flights out of San Bernardino International Airport in October, under terms of a new 10-year agreement.
By Jeff Horseman | jhorseman@scng.com | The Press-Enterprise
Published: July 20, 2018 at 10:46 am | Updated: July 20, 2018 at 6:20 pm
The head of the San Bernardino County elections office is out with about 110 days to go until the November election, but not before raising concerns about what he said was the county’s aging voter system, potential cybersecurity issues related to the office’s website and lack of staff.
Capitol Alert
The go-to source for news on California policy and politics
By Taryn Luna
tluna@sacbee.com
Published: July 09, 2018 – 05:16 PM
Updated: July 18, 2018 – 01:26 PM
The California Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in favor of opponents of a plan to divide California into three, saying the measure should not appear on the November ballot.
By Sandra Emerson | semerson@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: July 14, 2018 at 8:00 am | Updated: July 14, 2018 at 11:04 pm
In response to community protest, the city and an Upland developer have backed off their initial proposal to swap the Cabrillo Park soccer fields for a new sports complex in north Upland.brillo Soccer Fields
By Beau Yarbrough | byarbrough@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Published: July 12, 2018 at 4:02 pm | Updated: July 13, 2018 at 11:33 am
The Rev. Jesse Jackson called Thursday for the disbarment of San Bernardino County’s top gang prosecutor over vulgar, racist and sexist comments on social media that targeted, among others, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, former first lady Michelle Obama and someone shot by police.
By James Folmer
Editor Highland Community News
July 11, 2018
Harmony Specific Plan
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Donald Alvarez has issued two rulings on the proposed Harmony master-planned community in east Highland.
Wednesday, August 11, 2018 – 10:00 p.m.
The Hesperia City Council has filled the vacancy left by the unexpected passing of Russ Blewett.