Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/01/2012 07:16:08 PM PST
Document: James Ramos Flier
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry has launched an assault on the character of his major opponent, San Manuel tribal chairman James Ramos, in a campaign mailer tying Ramos to “gang members,” “drug dealers” and “killers for hire.”
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/01/2012 02:01:30 PM PST
The labor union representing roughly 11,000 San Bernardino County employees announced Wednesday it will support another union’s effort to reduce county supervisors’ jobs to part-time.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 31 January 2012 11:22 PM
An influential union that is backing a proposed ballot measure to reduce San Bernardino County supervisors’ positions to part-time has more than a half-million dollars in its political action committee fund, according to campaign finance reports released this week.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – 12:30 p.m.
It’s only February and the first serious blow has been leveled in the race to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District.
Executive Editor Frank Pine
Created: 01/28/2012 06:06:04 AM PST
San Bernardino County’s Board of Supervisors asked county lawyers last week to draft language for a ballot measure that would give voters the final say on increases to pension benefits for public employees.
Supervisors Janice Rutherford, Gary Ovitt and Josie Gonzales voted yea with supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry voting nay.
Monday, January 30, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.
Within all of San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors candidate James Ramos’ negative baggage appears to be a glimmer of a motivating interest as to why the current millionaire chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is seeking the county post.
The Tribal chair, who is seeking to oust Third District Supervisor Neil Derry in June, may have a personal finance cause.
Executive Editor Frank Pine
Posted: 01/28/2012 05:38:39 PM PST
San Bernardino County’s Board of Supervisors asked county lawyers last week to draft language for a ballot measure that would give voters the final say on increases to pension benefits for public employees.
Supervisors Janice Rutherford, Gary Ovitt and Josie Gonzales voted yea with supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry voting nay.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 09:00 a.m.
Could the lack of a business license at Million Air San Bernardino LLC derail the state of the county event scheduled for February 29th?
It’s just another embarrassment for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, and in particular Supervisor Josie Gonzales, who allowed the event to be held at the lavish facility.
Friday, January 27, 2012 – 09:45 a.m.
Well we finally have it.
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Josie Gonzales admits she’s in it for the dough.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 26 January 2012 09:27 PM
A proposal to reduce San Bernardino County supervisors’ positions to part-time status would leave little time for them to meet and respond to constituents’ needs, board Chairwoman Josie Gonzales said Thursday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/26/2012 12:53:12 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Million Air, the upscale jet refueling facility at San Bernardino International Airport, has been operating without a business license since April, city officials said Thursday.
The facility, which caters to private and corporate aircraft, has been the most high profile business drawn to the airport and has been touted by airport officials as an example of the airport’s potential prosperity. It began operations in 2010.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/25/2012 04:21:42 PM PST
A proposed initiative to make county supervisors’ jobs part-time would spell doom for residents desiring a stronger presence of government in their communities, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Josie Gonzales said Wednesday.
Safety union announces push for part-time supervisors
January 25, 2012 10:31 AM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • On a split vote Tuesday morning, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors directed staff to draft a ballot measure that would require voter approval for any future pension increases for county employees.
A few hours later, the county Safety Employees’ Benefit Association announced it was funding an effort to reduce the Board of Supervisors to part-time status.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 01/23/2012 03:05:32 PM PST
The president of San Bernardino County’s most powerful labor union announced Tuesday it is bankrolling an initiative to reduce county supervisors’ jobs to part-time status.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 24 January 2012 07:08 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors moved forward Tuesday with a proposal to require voter approval of future pension increases but face opposition from employee unions who quickly announced plans for a competing measure aimed at supervisors.
The board agreed to have county staff draft a ballot measure requiring voter approval before retirement benefits for county employees, legislative officers and elected officials could be increased. But final approval is not assured with supervisors split 3-2 on whether to consider the proposal.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 23 January 2012 08:14 PM
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry will return to normal voting at today’s board meeting even as he sparred with federal officials over the exact nature of his eight-month suspension.
Due to criminal charges he faced last year, Derry had not taken part in votes involving federal funds.
County supes to approve $2.63 million for SVL fire station
January 23, 2012 4:57 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Two weeks after slashing their own benefits, San Bernardino County’s supervisors Tuesday will consider extending the compensation cuts to all county elected offices.
By Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 01/23/2012 03:05:32 PM PST
Two San Bernardino County supervisors are requesting that benefits for all county elected officials, not just the Board of Supervisors, be reduced to be in line with elected officials in other counties.
Supervisors Neil Derry and Janice Rutherford are pushing for the ordinance, which comes less than two weeks after the board approved a similar ordinance that reduced total compensation for future supervisors by roughly $48,000 annually.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/23/2012 03:37:18 PM PST
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is poised to direct county administrators to draft a ballot measure that would require voter approval for any proposed increases to county employee retirement benefits.
Monday, January 23, 2012 – 11:00 a.m.
You gotta hand it to Leroy Hansberger these days.
Yep, the truth hurts.
The life-log county resident, and father to former County Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, has been making it known his son ran a piss-poor campaign four years ago. A campaign in an election where his son lost to Supervisor Neil Derry.
THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
Published: 22 January 2012 07:52 PM
Workin’ It
When Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. visited Riverside last week, a lot of the discussion was about the jobs created by goods movement and related construction projects such as the Magnolia Avenue underpass.
Add Laurence Parker to the job-creation list. Parker, waving an American flag and dressed as the Statue of Liberty, crashed Boxer’s presser to get a little attention for Liberty Tax Service, which has an office on Magnolia just north of the underpass. Usually he just stands in front of the office to draw the attention of drivers, much like a sign-spinner.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 – 09:45 p.m.
San Manuel Casino boss James Ramos is doing a pretty good job of whoring himself with his Tribe’s dough.
Saturday, January 21, 2012 – 06:15 p.m.
The highway funding arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation has cleared San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry to resume voting on federally-funded expenditures in his duties as an elected official.
The Federal Highway Administration gave Derry the green light effective Friday.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 21 January 2012 05:49 PM
After slashing their own benefits earlier this month, San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday will start taking aim at extra compensation for other county-wide elected officials.
The board will vote on a proposal by Supervisors Janice Rutherford and Neil Derry to direct the county administrative and counsel offices to prepare an ordinance that would cut benefit packages for the assessor-recorder, auditor/controller/treasurer-tax collector, district attorney and sheriff. If a majority of supervisors agree, the ordinance will return to the board at a future meeting for a vote.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 20 January 2012 10:26 PM
Future retirement benefit increases for San Bernardino County employees could be decided by voters under a proposal that will go before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Thursday, January 19, 2012 – 03:00 p.m.
Take two for San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors candidate James Ramos.
Meaning yes, another push poll.
AV councilman increases 1st District candidate field to six
January 18, 2012 5:46 PM
Brooke Edwards Staggs
Apple Valley Councilman Rick Roelle announced his intentions Wednesday evening to compete for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor in the June election.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/17/2012 12:41:37 PM PST
CHINO HILLS – Services have been finalized for former state Sen. Ruben Ayala.
The rosary service has been scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 14085 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 January 2012 09:08 PM
San Bernardino County will assume control of its redevelopment projects while beginning to shut down the agency that has overseen the community-improvement efforts.
January 16, 2012 4:27 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
A former aide to 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt on Monday announced a bid to replace him in the June election.
Michael Orme, field representative for U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon and owner of Mavericks Consulting, marks the fifth candidate to join the supervisorial race since Mitzelfelt announced his run for Congress on Thursday.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 13 January 2012 09:24 PM
High Desert voters will see a crowded field seeking to replace San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt in the 1st District.
Barstow, Lucerne Valley now in Derry’s territory
January 13, 2012 4:43 PM
KATIE LUCIA, Staff Writer
BARSTOW • San Bernardino County 3rd District Supervisor Neil Derry said his main focus this year will be getting to know the High Desert communities now in his jurisdiction.
January 12, 2012 10:33 AM
From Staff Reports
Four locals declare bids for 1st District Supervisor:
First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt announced he’s running for Congress to represent the newly formed 8th District.
The announcement came minutes after U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, announced he’s retiring after 17 terms representing portions of the High Desert.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 11 January 2012 06:59 AM
San Bernardino County supervisors rolled back their own health and retirement benefits Tuesday, approving a proposal to reduce their compensation by about 18 percent.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 – 11:25 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, while adopting cuts to their own benefits package, wouldn’t go near a proposal by Third District Supervisor Neil Derry to have the cuts apply to all of the county’s elected officials on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012 – 08:30 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will consider slashing their own lavish benefits package Tuesday morning.
A benefits package unmatched anywhere in the state and possibly country.
Monday, January 9, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, January 9, 2012 – 11.24 a.m.
According to the Z107.7 website in Morongo Basin, Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) has dropped his bid for a seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
The radio station apparently let the cat out of the bag early.
By Mark Gutglueck
Friday, January 6, 2012
Questions continue to dog the second highest ranking member of the county auditor-controller/treasurer-tax collector’s office with regard to the role he and a political action committee he controlled played in illegally passing through and laundering money for those convicted of or charged with participation in a bribery and extortion conspiracy.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 05 January 2012 10:12 PM
Until November 2010, top San Bernardino County employees could rack up an unlimited number of vacation, holiday or administrative hours.
The policy allowed them to stockpile vacation time and earn large payouts when they left the county, said Supervisor Neil Derry, who proposed the cap.
BY DUANE W. GANG
STAFF WRITER
dgang@pe.com
Published: 05 January 2012 01:38 PM
Former Democratic state Sen. Ruben S. Ayala, author of the Peripheral Canal bill who for two decades represented parts of San Bernardino County in the Legislature and was the first Latino mayor of Chino, died Wednesday. He was 89.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – 03:00 p.m.
Was it a misunderstanding or a lie?
A regular question in San Bernardino County government.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 02 January 2012 06:51 PM
San Bernardino County has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a lawsuit by a woman injured in a motorcycle accident who claimed that a county road was dangerous and poorly maintained.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 30 December 2011 07:21 PM
Leaders with three Inland groups overhauling former military bases say legislation that would dissolve the state’s redevelopment agencies doesn’t apply to them.
The legislation was upheld by the state’s Supreme Court on Thursday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 12/30/2011 11:37:49 AM PST
Investigations into corruption in San Bernardino County advanced in fits and starts over the past year.
Prosecutors gained ground when former Supvervisor-turned-Assessor Bill Postmus agreed in March to plead guilty to bribery, conflict of interest and misappropriation of public funds and to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Jermaine Wright campaigns on social media, but hasn’t officially declared
December 28, 2011 3:30 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Though Jermaine Wright Sr. appears to be campaigning online to run for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor, the Adelanto School District trustee said he’s still only pondering a bid in the June election.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 12/24/2011 06:11:58 AM PST
San Bernardino County’s imposition of labor terms on a law enforcement union could have longstanding ramifications on its relationship with the bargaining group.
Thursday, December 22, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Once again San Bernardino County can’t line up its stories.
Or should we just say lies?
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/21/2011 07:01:53 PM PST
San Bernardino County will hold its annual State of the County Address in February at the Million Air jet refueling facility at San Bernardino International Airport, where federal agents served a search warrant in September.
County spokesman David Wert said the county held the event at Million Air this year to much success, and therefore decided it was the ideal location to hold it again.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 12/21/2011 10:31:20 AM PST
A union representing San Bernardino County public- safety employees has agreed to labor terms proposed by an arbitrator in June that averts 14 percent pay and benefits cuts to certain employees, the county announced Wednesday.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 – 11:00 a.m.
A stark contrast has emerged between San Bernardino County and neighboring Riverside this week.
A contrast in how each county deals with collective bargaining and budgeting.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 20 December 2011 08:46 PM
San Bernardino County has hired a consultant to prepare a study on whether it should impose fees on developers to pay for streets, parks and other improvements.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – 11:15 a.m.
You gotta love it!
San Bernardino County has announced the location of its always much anticipated State of the County event to be held in February 2012.
Monday, December 19, 2011 – 10:15 a.m.
Nice try. But it’s too late!
Too late, for those involved, to runaway from the mess at the San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) and Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) that is.
Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 01:00 p.m.
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos, candidate for the Third District seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, received some unwanted results from a poll he recently commissioned.
One would think a poll revealing problem results would be kept quiet. Especially if the candidate was on the receiving end of bad news.
But in this case, it appears the Redlands political crowd can’t keep anything under wraps.
Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 10:50 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Safety Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) should reconsider and accept a contract offer from county supervisors.
A contract affecting the union’s Specialized Peace Officer Unit representing Probation Corrections Officers, and Welfare Fraud and Coroner Investigators.
Why?
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 December 2011 09:49 PM
A union representing San Bernardino County public safety employees will vote again on a previously rejected contract as it faces a possible 14 percent pay and benefit cut.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 December 2011 10:53 AM
A retrial of two businessmen accused of attempting to bribe a top aide to San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales has been postponed until March.
Friday, December 16, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 10:39 a.m.
A $10 million Federal Highway Administration grant to the city of Highland is no more.
BY CASSIE MACDUFF
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 06:30 PM
The sloppiness in fiscal matters at San Bernardino International Airport extended to the highest levels, a review of billing records revealed.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 04:33 PM
The man who had been put in control of nearly every facet of San Bernardino International Airport’s development and management could have a diminished role by Christmas.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 06:19 PM
San Bernardino County is planning to impose a 14 percent pay and benefit cut on some public safety employees if they don’t agree to a proposal the union had previously rejected.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 13 December 2011 08:54 PM
An ethics advisory group formed by San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is proposing a package of reforms that include campaign contribution limits, policing lobbyists and prohibiting supervisors’ staff from working on their political campaigns.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 13 December 2011 09:50 PM
The recent budget dispute among San Bernardino County supervisors highlighted Supervisor Neil Derry’s continued inability to vote on budget decisions due to criminal charges he faced earlier this year.
By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/13/2011 06:59:46 PM PST
A group of San Bernardino County public safety employees, including probation officers and district attorney’s investigators, face a 14 percent cut in pay and benefits unless they agree to a previous proposal by the county.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 – 12:01 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 – 01:45 p.m.
You gotta hand it to those crack San Bernardino County lawyers.
Based upon recommendations from CEO Greg Devereaux and, according to him, county attorneys, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to impose a 14% pay cut to Probation Corrections Officers, Coroner Investigators and Welfare Fraud Investigators.
The classifications make up the Specialized Peace Officer Unit represented by the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA).
Tuesday, December 13, 2011 – 09:25 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors appear to be on collision course with the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA).
On Tuesday, a majority of county supervisors intend to reject the advisory award by a neutral arbitrator and impose a one-year contract on Probation Corrections Officer, Coroner Investigator and Welfare Fraud Investigator members in the Specialized Peace Officer Unit represented by SEBA.
An illegal act under the expired agreement.
By Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 12/12/2011 06:05:49 PM PST
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today will consider cutting salary and benefits for a group of probation correction officers, a move officials say will result in $3.6million savings annually.
Monday, December 12, 2011 – 09:45 a.m.
The writing is on the wall, or should we say on the agenda, in the budget standoff at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has been blocking the approval of first quarter budget adjustments affecting millions of dollars in funding.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 12/11/2011 08:25:53 PM PST
Campaign-finance limits and tougher penalties for violating them are on a list of reforms submitted to San Bernardino County supervisors by an ethics advisory group formed by Supervisor Janice Rutherford.
Rutherford, who campaigned on a platform of governmental reform amid continuing corruption scandals in the county, said she will begin working on reform ordinances – targeted at people in county office and people who aspire to it – next month.
They will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 11 December 2011 07:46 PM
Sixteen San Bernardino County cities waiting for public safety funds are among those watching to see how a budget update dispute among county supervisors will play out.
Sunday, December 11, 2011 – 09:45 a.m.
The San Bernardno County Board of Supervisors is set to impose a hefty pay cut on the Specialized Peace Officers Unit. A represented by the San Bernardino County Safety Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA).
A cut of 14%.
December 10, 2011 2:21 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • When San Bernardino County launched a videoconferencing facility here in September, residents gained the ability to deliver live comments during Board of Supervisors meetings without driving to San Bernardino.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 10 December 2011 05:36 PM
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center won’t be joining other hospitals in banning smoking on its grounds, at least for now.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 12/08/2011 08:04:06 PM PST
San Bernardino County prosecutors have filed four additional perjury charges against an Apple Valley businessman accused of lying to the Grand Jury in a sweeping county corruption probe.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/07/2011 06:13:57 PM PST
Colleagues of San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt are accusing him of holding the county’s budget hostage because he is not getting the additional funding for his district that he wants.
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