10:00 PM PDT on Monday, July 26, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterrise
San Bernardino County is no longer revealing its litigation costs in its civil lawsuit against former county officials accused of corruption.
County officials say they’re doing so to protect their legal strategy and that state law allows them to keep information about litigation records confidential until the matter is resolved.
Monday, July 26, 2010 – 09:07 am
Updated: Monday, JUly 26, 2010 – 12:50 pm
A story in this mornings Sun and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers regarding San Bernardino County’s group health benefits contract with HealthNet Inc. depicts a very short-sighted situation.
While the focus of the story is the decision of having more than 10,000 county employees plus dependents losing the ability to use local pharmacies and its impact, there are larger issues of limited availability to the employees.
San Bernardino County
Workers won’t be able to use small pharmacies
Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer
Created: 07/25/2010 08:06:05 PM PDT
The issue is the right of consumer choice vs. saving money.
It’s about supporting local businesses or shrinking expenses.
And independent pharmacy owners across San Bernardino County are hopping mad.
Liset Marquez, Staff Writer
Created: 07/25/2010 07:03:13 AM PDT
ONTARIO – It’s official: The City Council has agreed to recognize the Ovitt family by naming the public library in its honor.
The exact wording of the dedication will be determined at a future meeting.
Paul Biane
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/24/2010 09:55:39 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Paul Biane plucked a cabernet grape from a vine at his family’s winery and pinched the grape between his fingers to expose a green seed inside.
When the seeds are brown in color and the sugar content high, the grapes are ready to harvest, he explained.
The winery’s blended table wine hasn’t been produced commercially for some time, but the 46-year-old San Bernardino County supervisor talks of expanding operations and selling the wine again after he’s done with politics.
Saturday, July 24, 2010 – 05:00 pm
From District Attorney investigators recently pulling time card records of at least one current high-profile County Government Center employee, to pre-election day cover-ups, to intrigue surrounding the Public Defender’s office disqualifying itself in the conspiracy case involving former Assessor Bill Postmus, things are about to start stirring in San Bernardino County political and legal circles.
Much is happening these days.
Friday, July 23, 2010 – 03:47 pm
Updated: Saturday, July 24, 2010 – 09:25 am
Sources tell InlandPolitics that San Bernardino County has taken attorney-client privilege to a new level.
In San Bernardino County only, the amount of taxpayer money spent on outside counsel is privileged.
July 22, 2010 5:38 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • Two months after San Bernardino County placed him on paid leave amid harassment allegations, the 2nd District’s former top aide has taken a new county position as an assistant recorder.
Matt Brown, previously chief of staff to 2nd District Supervisor Paul Biane, was put on administrative leave in early May, days after Brown sent his boss a letter alleging he was being threatened and retaliated against for cooperating with a corruption investigation. The environment was so hostile, Brown wrote in the letter, that it led to him seeking medical help.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 21, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A former top aide to San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane who has been out on paid leave for two months is taking a new position as assistant recorder.
Larry Walker, the county’s auditor/controller/recorder/treasurer/tax collector, announced in a memo to his staff Tuesday that Matt Brown, until recently Biane’s long-time chief of staff, had joined his office.
Cost-saving measure
47 to shift to county’s jails
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/21/2010 08:03:25 PM PDT
Come July 31, 47 sheriff’s deputies from stations across San Bernardino County will be transferring from their respective stations to the county’s four detention centers to eliminate about $8 million in overtime at the jails.
To make up for the loss, another 44 deputies will be transferring from their respective stations to backfill the vacancies left at the other stations from the deputies transferring to the jails.
Brad Mitzelfelt
July 21, 2010 5:00 PM
By Brad Mitzelfelt, First District Supervisor
Economic development and environmental stewardship can exist side-by-side.
Perhaps the most obvious example is the push for renewable energy. San Bernardino County is the epicenter of this emerging and important industry because the sun shines bright and long here, especially in the Mojave Desert.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – 07:42 am
The other San Bernardino County budget shoe dropped yesterday in an op-ed by County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux published in The Sun / Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspapers.
The last paragraph sends the key message:
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 02:57 pm
Updated: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 06:07 pm
Last Update: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 08:02 pm
Well, well, well………Can you say ouch?
Matt Brown, now former chief of staff to Second District Supervisor Paul Biane is now being called Assistant Recorder. Even though county human resources classification database lists no such position title.
Brown would appear to be assuming the assistant department head position previously held by Elizabeth “Betsy” Starbuck, who was fired last Friday.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 07/20/2010 05:39:24 PM PDT
San Bernardino County leaders are applauding a new law that will allow the county to have more than one grand jury, but it’s not clear if or when the law might be used.
The law, signed last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, gives the county’s presiding judge the ability to create a second civil grand jury that would be able to investigate government entities in the county.
Devereaux
Gregory C. Devereaux
Created: 07/19/2010 07:29:13 PM PDT
On June 28, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a balanced budget for the fiscal year that began on July1. With the help of employee-approved salary deferrals, the use of reserves to create ongoing funding, and departmental budget reductions, the board was able to close an $89.4 million shortfall. The new budget eliminates 529 county positions, 85 of them currently filled.
As difficult as it might have been to balance this year’s budget, even greater fiscal challenges lie ahead. Due to a continuing decline in property tax revenues as well as increased costs, $133 million in deficits are projected for the next four years, including a $48 million deficit for the fiscal year that begins less than 12 short months from now.
Derry
Parties can’t be held on county property
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/20/2010 08:32:03 PM PDT
Rave organizers can scratch Calico Ghost Town and Glen Helen Regional Park off their lists of potential venues as San Bernardino County leaders on Tuesday said county-owned facilities cannot be used for rave parties.
In a memo sent Tuesday, county Chief Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux said existing county policies barring events that create “unreasonable security, utility, custodial or other operational problems” mean raves cannot be held at county owned facilities.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, July 16, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI and DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County pays the highest car allowance of any Southern California county and provides it to the most employees, according to a survey released this week.
The $1,123-a-month stipend, provided to officials and staff members who use their own vehicles instead of county-owned cars, is almost twice as much as in other nearby counties.
A county union has moved to recover legal costs from San Bernardino County after the judge hearing a lawsuit filed by the county encouraged them to do so.
A lawsuit filed against the San Bernardino County Public Attorney’s Association by the County, at the recommendation of County Counsel Ruth Stringer and Public Defender Doreen Boxer, was dismissed a few months ago.
At that time the judge in the case, Christopher Warner, expressed his displeasure at the county for bringing such a ridiculous action.
July 14, 2010 2:57 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
ADELANTO • San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday approved agreements that help secure $100 million from the state to triple the capacity of Adelanto Detention Center.
Clinching the $100 million hinged on the county’s commitment to sell 20 acres near the Apple Valley Juvenile Detention Facility for the construction of a state prison reentry facility.
San Bernardino County officials have taken a new approach at inquiries into costs associated with civil litigation related to alleged time card fraud in the Assessors operation under Bill Postmus.
The new approach? We’re not going to tell you.
Yes, that’s right. An official request for an updated legal cost figure was met with the following response. The cost of taxpayer-sponsored litigation is now confidential!
Written by Administrator
July 13th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Almost two years ago I argued with a chief or staff or two as to why it would be wrong and unethical for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to bypass Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales and give the vice-chairmanship to newcomer First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. Josie had paid her dues; it was her turn in the rotation; and it would look bad, not only because she was the only minority and woman on the board, but also because the corruption scandal was just heating up and no one really knew at that time if Mitzelfelt would be dragged into it as Postmus’ chief of staff. We wrote a number of articles chastising the board for even considering not electing her to the position she earned.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Press-Enterprise
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the hiring of a new chief of staff for Board Chairman Gary Ovitt on Tuesday.
Larry Enriquez replaces Mark Kirk as Ovitt’s top aide. Kirk moved over to the county administrative staff as part of a board projects team created this month.
Jesse B. Gill, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/13/2010 04:59:08 PM PDT
The county Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday on a resolution that could mean a new tax for property owners to support the operation of street lights in the unincorporated “doughnut hole” area.
The community facilities district would levy a tax to each property owner in the area, based on the size of their parcels and how many street lights they require, said Pam Vandervoort, regional manager for the county’s special district department.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/13/2010 07:13:11 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday rejected an appeal attempting to block construction of a 27-acre solar plant in the High Desert community of Newberry Springs.
The county Planning Commission approved the project on April 22, and Newberry Springs residents James and Ramona Doles, who live across the street from where the solar plant will be built, subsequently appealed the decision.
Environmental report goes to judge
July 13, 2010 4:53 PM
By Jessica Cejnar, staff writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Nursery Products won approval from the county a second time to build a sewage sludge composting facility about eight miles west of Hinkley.
Three members of the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors approved Nursery Products’ conditional use permit Tuesday. Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales dissented. Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt was absent.
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, July 12, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A proposal for an open-air sludge composting facility near the High Desert community of Hinkley that has raised objections from residents will go back before the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.
The board approved the project in 2007 but after opponents sued a Superior Court judge found that part of the original environmental impact report was inadequate and overturned that approval. Nursery Products, the proponent of the project, is again seeking approval of the 80-acre plant on 160 acres near Highway 58, eight miles west of Hinkley.
Reporter Joe Nelson
Sun / Daily Bulletin
Monday, July 12, 2010 – 10:45 am
Last Updated: Monday, July 12, 2010 – 12:08 pm
One thing is obvious these days. Investigative reporting by local newspapers is long gone.
More and more local newspaper reporters are becoming increasingly pliable to ignoring facts when it suits them. A prime example today is a one-sided story in the Barstow Desert Dispatch related to action by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on the Nursery Products LLC – Hawes Composting Facility near Hinkley.
Written by Administrator
July 12th, 2010 at 9:00 am
It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil and human behavior certainly suggests that the adoration of the almighty greenback brings about the demise of many a man. When we come across a panhandler on the street, some of us will throw change his way while others will look in the opposite direction, assuming he is trying to mislead us and get something for nothing.
The same goes for charities and non-profits. Some of us take the good works they tout at face value while others look at all who ask for money with skepticism.
July 11, 2010 8:34 AM
By Jessica Cejnar, staff writer
HINKLEY • A citizens group opposing a proposed sewage sludge composting facility near Hinkley will go before the Board of Supervisors Tuesday in an effort to get the conditional use permit for the project revoked.
This is the second time Nursery Products’ Hinkley project has gone before the Board of Supervisors. County staff is recommending the Board approve the project’s conditional use permit, saying the benefits outweigh the potential impacts. The county initially approved of the facility in 2007.
The ongoing saga involving San Bernardino County supervisor Paul Biane and his apparently former chief of staff Matt Brown just keeps getting better and better.
During our last update we informed you that Brown was reportedly balking at taking a position in the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office.
Sources at the time were telling InlandPolitics.com Brown wanted his legal bills paid for by the county.
Now we have learned of a new request.
Written by Administrator
July 10th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
It doesn’t seem to matter if we are discussing Jeff Burum, the Lewis Family, or any other of a number of successful, wealthy businessmen in our community, they are all “corrupt.” I don’t mean that they are really, truly corrupt, but they are “corrupt” in the minds of the less successful. The common thought seems to be that if one has money, then one has no integrity. Our community doesn’t allow for making an “honest” hundred million or so. Hard work, sacrifice, intellect, college education, and just plain good old-fashioned luck can all be damned. If one is successful, then one must be a crook.
John “JP” Pomierski
Cloud over Upland
Mayor’s future is on the line
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 07/10/2010 07:08:31 AM PDT
UPLAND – Mayor John “JP” Pomierski was elected by Upland voters to save the city from the verge of bankruptcy.
The citizens trusted his abilities as an Upland businessman to lead them to the financial stability the city enjoys now, 10 years later.
But his own business dealings have come under scrutiny by federal investigators. A June 10 raid by FBI and IRS agents on Pomierski’s home, City Hall and two local businesses has left residents questioning the integrity of the mayor who helped pull the city out of its fiscal darkness, and wondering what his future might be.
Rutherford
Point of View
Councilwoman Janice Rutherford
Posted: 07/08/2010 07:57:07 PM PDT
Congratulations to the San Bernardino County Grand Jury for uncovering massive increases in the portion of the county budget that county elected officials are spending on taxpayer-financed aides, analysts and public relations advisers.
The Grand Jury learned that the county Board of Supervisors is using taxpayer dollars for the bloated “Fifth Floor,” totaling a stunning $65 million in 2010 alone.
San Bernardino County may have identified a source for potentially significant savings.
Significant as in $2 million per year, according to sources. A nice amount especially in light of budget constraints.
Boxer
Widely covered in numerous stories at iepolitics.com is the dissension within the San Bernardino County Public Defenders Office.
Clearly, various personnel and managerial miscues in recent months has cast a spotlight on the department. A department with such great responsibility to criminal defendants must perform at an optimum level. The Public Defender must garner trust and also possess the skill necessary to maintain client confidence in their legal counsel.
Written by Administrator
July 6th, 2010 at 1:28 am
In writing this series about corruption at San Bernardino County’s only county-operated hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), there was one thing I could never understand about the situation and that is why does ARMC contract out over $28 million in services every other year but is not required to go through the RFP process even though many of these contracts are for a million dollars or more, well above the statutory limit for no-bid contracts. So I asked an expert and here is his answer:
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, July 5, 2010
Cassie MacDuff
San Bernardino County administrator Greg Devereaux continues to put his imprint on the county government.
Devereaux announced last week that he’ll move at least nine Board of Supervisors staff members under his office, where they will serve the supervisors but report to him.
From a competitor in Kern County, to a middle-man operative, the cast involved in a coordinated effort to prevent a High Desert composting facility from opening is interesting.
The facility to be operated by Nursery Products, LLC is located eight miles west of Hinkley, California, and it’s causing quiet a stir in the High Desert.
Greg Devereaux
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/03/2010 07:10:35 AM PDT
San Bernardino County’s nearly 19,000 employees have accrued $152 million in vacation and sick time, holiday pay and administrative leave – an unfunded liability that will need addressing to keep the budget on track in coming years, officials say.
The problem is not the accrual, considered a standard process in many counties and municipalities, but the fact that the county has not funded the accrued time in past years, County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux said.
Ramos
Sources inside the San Bernardino County’s District Attorney and County Administrative Offices are quietly confirming the cost of DA Mike Ramos’ alleged corruption investigations involving multiple individuals has exceeded $5 million.
A huge taxpayer price tag for Ramos’ reelection showcase and political vendetta.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By JEFF HORSEMAN
The Press-Enterprise
The staffs working directly for the five San Bernardino County supervisors have almost doubled since 2003, costing millions of dollars, coming not from the general fund but from the board’s discretionary accounts, a report released Wednesday states.
An annual report by the county grand jury said that money should be in the general fund to cover the county’s budget shortfall, which stood at $89.1 million prior to Monday’s passage of a 2010-11 spending plan.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 06/30/2010 09:20:01 PM PDT
During the last fiscal year, San Bernardino County supervisors used $2.6million earmarked for special projects and programs in their districts to fund additional staffing in their offices, the Grand Jury has found.
Since 1999, each county supervisor has been allocated discretionary funds to fund special projects and programs benefitting their communities. The amount each supervisor has received since 2005 ranges from $400,000 to $750,000, according to the 2009-2010 Grand Jury report released Wednesday.
Sources tell InlandPolitics.com that Matt Brown, chief of staff for county supervisor Paul Biane has been offered a position with Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Walker.
But it seems Brown is balking at taking the job.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/29/2010 06:07:17 PM PDT
San Bernardino County’s West Valley juvenile hall will close early next year and the county Probation Department could lose as many as 39 officers as it seeks to cut $10.2 million from its budget.
West Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center in Rancho Cucamonga will close in March, seven probation-corrections officers will be laid off next month and 32 more officers could lose their jobs by the end of the year, Chief Probation Officer Michelle Scray said Tuesday.
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, June 28, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a $3.8 billion budget Monday that calls for deep cuts in almost all departments, including layoffs in the probation, public defender and planning offices.
The spending plan for the 2010-11 fiscal year eliminates 529 positions, 85 of which are filled. The general fund, which makes up $2.2 billion of the budget, is down $89 million from the previous year while funds allocated to specific programs are up $191 million, County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux said.
James Rufus Koren and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 06/28/2010 06:23:41 PM PDT
San Bernardino County’s budget for the new fiscal year calls for cutting hundreds of county jobs and holding off on raises for many county employees.
County leaders approved the 2010-11 spending plan Monday. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
The $3.8 billion spending plan calls for cutting 529 county positions. County leaders acknowledged the budget included “painful decisions” but said it will help the county remain on solid financial ground into the future.
Sunday, June 27, 2010 – 11:27 a.m.
San Bernardino County is set to adopt its 2010-11 budget next year and the revenue assumption appears to be significantly better than originally thought.
Currently the county projects combined annual operating deficits totaling $222.1 million dollars through the 2014-15 fiscal years. A bright estimate considering current conditions.
County alleges fraud in Assessor’s Office
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/27/2010 07:02:50 AM PDT
As the trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez comes to a close this week, a civil lawsuit against the defendant and four other former executive staff at the county Assessor’s Office lingers on.
The county filed the lawsuit on May 12, 2009, the same day a county-commissioned investigative report detailing alleged misconduct in the Assessor’s Office under the reign of Assessor Bill Postmus was released to the public.
Written by Administrator
June 24th, 2010 at 10:00 am
A view of Hinkley, California from Highway 58
I spent a better part of two days this past week exploring Hinkley, California, trying to get a feel for the community and those who live there. It seems to be an area without definition and little has been written about it, which left me with a lot to learn.
San Bernardino International Airport still has no carrier deal.
10:21 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
By KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino International Airport expects to operate at a loss of about $4.9 million when its fiscal year starts July 1, according to the budget approved Wednesday.
That’s also assuming an airline would bring in $2.5 million in revenue. So far, no airline has chosen to land at the airport despite the terminal being essentially complete.
InlandPolitics.com is still piecing together information still being received related to the contract vote by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA).
It’s seems to be boiling down to the money. The unions money!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
At Tuesday’s meeting, San Bernardino County supervisors took item #52 off calendar.
The item was a no-bid six-month contract with John Husing of Economics and Politics, Inc. in the amount of $6,000 for economic consulting services.
Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer
Created: 06/22/2010 04:49:13 PM PDT
County employees represented by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association have agreed to benefits concessions that will reduce a projected $89.4 million deficit in fiscal year 2010-11 by $13 million.
The union also agreed to $42 million in salary concessions that will provide savings to state and federally funded portions of the county’s budget, said county spokesman David Wert.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 06/22/2010 05:02:48 PM PDT
Pit bull owners in San Bernardino County’s unincorporated areas will soon have to have their dogs spayed or neutered or face county fines.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave initial approval to an ordinance requiring all pit bulls and “pit bull-type dogs” be spayed or neutered. Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt authored the ordinance, which he said aims to cut down on the number of pit bulls in county animal shelters and on the number of pit-bull attacks.
June 22, 2010 4:11 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • In a move bringing some relief to officials scrambling to balance the San Bernardino County budget, the county’s largest employees union has agreed to concessions that will save at least $13 million.
The San Bernardino Public Employees Association, representing more than 16,000 employees, narrowly approved the proposed deal, with just under 51 percent of members voting in favor of eliminating scheduled 6-percent salary hikes.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
As last nights vote count and election process by the San Bernardino Pubic Employees Association (SBPEA) is called further into question, a few details need to be clarified.
First, it is appropriate for a labor union to conduct membership-wide votes for matters related to the general business of the organization. The types of matters I’m referring to include, but is not limited to, election of officers, by-law amendments, and dues increases.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/21/2010 06:55:33 PM PDT
Three days after his job at the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office was eliminated, Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez asked developer Jeff Burum to persuade then-Assessor Bill Postmus to extend his pay until he found another job.
State and local prosecutors on Monday introduced as evidence in Gutierrez’s trial an e-mail the councilman sent to Burum on Oct. 10, 2008 – three days after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors eliminated Gutierrez’s position as intergovernmental relations officer at the Assessor’s Office.
10:12 PM PDT on Sunday, June 20, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Concerned about the increased number of pit bull attacks in recent years, San Bernardino County officials are proposing an ordinance that would require owners to spay and neuter their pets.
In the past five years, four people have died due to injuries from pit bull attacks in the county, according to the county’s Animal Care and Control Division. Just this year, six attacks involving pit bulls were reported, including two that involved young children who died as a result.
One thing is certain. San Bernardino County is in need of a competent economist.
They certainly don’t have one now.
The county’s long-term reluctance to take preemptive steps at dealing with budget impacts is alarming. The turmoil with its employee unions severely complicates matters.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/15/2010 06:06:09 PM PDT
The county Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to move forward with a plan to spend $25 million on a new crime lab, but the union representing most of the county’s rank-and-file public safety officers says the county should hold off for now.
Bill Abernathie, president of the Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA), says a new Sheriff’s Department crime lab is needed but that, with the county facing a nearly $90 million budget gap for the coming year, this might not be the time.
The largest bargaining unit for the San Bernardino County Safety Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) overwhelmingly rejected a proposal negotiated by union leadership to cancel a series of wage increases over the next two years in an effort to assist in balancing a $90 million deficit.
By a roughly three to one margin, the Safety Unit representing Sheriff’s Deputies and District Attorney Investigators, rejected the modification proposal. The smaller Specialized Peace Officer Unit also rejected by approximately a two votes.
Written by Administrator
June 13th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
So is our illustrious San Bernardino Board of Supervisors up to stupid again? We hope not. But we won’t know for sure until Tuesday’s meeting. BOS agenda item No. 16 has left us scratching our heads. This board item approves new,2-year contracts with all of the various medical providers for Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), with the exception of the Anesthesia contract, which is extended six months.
Rutherford
With a November run-off with San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane on the horizon, Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford can’t be the least bit pleased with this mornings FBI/IRS raids believed to be focused on Upland Mayor John “J.P.” Pomierski.
Pomierski is a staunch supporter and ally of Rutherford in her quest to unseat Biane.
Pomierski is also the only Upland politician to support San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos for reelection.
I can definitely see Rutherford throwing Pomierski under the bus.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 9, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane and Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford are preparing for a lengthy campaign in which an ongoing corruption investigation is likely to continue to dominate the debate.
In his bid for a third term representing the 2nd District, Biane managed only a slim lead against Rutherford in Tuesday’s election, with 34 percent to her 31 percent. With neither candidate able to garner more than 50 percent of the vote, they will face off in November.
08:47 AM PDT on Thursday, June 10, 2010
Cassie MacDuff
Two incumbents fared poorly in Tuesday’s election: Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco and San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane.
But this was none of the anti-incumbent fever sweeping politics nationwide.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/09/2010 06:52:06 PM PDT
A cloud of suspected corruption hanging over the heads of San Bernardino County supervisors Paul Biane and Gary Ovitt didn’t prevent them from coming out ahead in Tuesday’s primary election.
Biane received 34 percent of the vote and faces a runoff election in November with his challenger, Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford.
It was an interesting but not unexpected appearance at the election night party for county supervisor candidate Janice Rutherford.
Guess who showed up last night just after the second Election Day vote results were updated showing colleague and Second District Supervisor Paul Biane in a close race and definite November runoff with Rutherford?
As of the 11:51 P.M. update by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters there was no placement change from previous results.
There is still a large number of precincts in the 2nd Supervisorial District left to be counted.
Biane
San Bernardino County supervisor Paul Biane will face Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford in a November runoff.
In early numbers both Biane and Rutherford are in a tight first and second placing.
Chaffey Union High School trustee Art Bustamonte is pulling a distant third place.
.
Results as of 10:32 P.M. on 06/08/2010
Biane 34.14 % 4,687 Votes
Rutherford 31.14 % 4,275 Votes
Bustamonte 16.43 % 2,256 Votes
Ovitt
Fourth District supervisor and Chairman Gary Ovitt has handily won reelection to a third term on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
A review of Board of Supervisors candidate Art Bustamonte’s campaign finance records revealed some very odd donor characteristics.
Odd as in a red flag.
I’ve reviewed many a campaign report, and a few of the donors on Bustamonte’s report definitely stand out.
Written by Administrator
June 7th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Dr. GnanaDev,
Rumor has it that you claim you do not understand why you are being attacked. Well let me tell you all about it from my personal perspective.
I have discussed the issues with some of your colleagues but I also worked at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for just over a year. Much of what I write about I witnessed first hand.
Derry
Neil Derry
Posted: 06/06/2010 05:51:16 PM PDT
This is my first full budget cycle as the newest member of the Board of Supervisors. As a candidate, many people approached me to provide insight into the workings of San Bernardino County government. As a newly elected supervisor, many more provided their perspective and painted their colorful pictures. However, I was determined to educate myself and observe the inner workings firsthand so that I could arrive at my own conclusions instead of being influenced by the biases of others.
Paul Biane
San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane continues to raise funds as election day approaches.
Biane reported new contributions as follows: Read the rest of this entry »
Primary ballot filled with key local, statewide races
James Rufus Koren and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 06/05/2010 09:23:48 PM PDT
Two crowded Assembly races, a billionaire-on-multimillionaire gubernatorial battle and a fistful of county and judicial contests await voters in Tuesday’s primary election.
Most of the excitement on the ballot comes in nonpartisan races for county office and in Republican races for state offices.
Greg Devereaux
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 3, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux called for deep cuts in a proposed budget released Thursday and offered a gloomy forecast for upcoming years.
The 2010-2011 spending plan, which the Board of Supervisors will consider at a June 28 hearing, slashes county departments by an average of 8 percent and could result in more than 500 layoffs.
Rebecca U. Cho, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/03/2010 05:54:09 PM PDT
Pundits may be preaching an economic turnaround, but San Bernardino County residents aren’t feeling the conviction. And public officials could be bearing the brunt of dissatisfactions over the economy, a survey shows.
Just nine percent of 1,052 respondents believed the economy was excellent or good. This was a decline from 12 percent last year and a severe drop from 40 percent in 2008, showed an Inland Empire Annual Survey from Cal State San Bernardino.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/03/2010 06:20:27 PM PDT
San Bernardino County released its proposed 2010-2011 budget Thursday and it’s not looking good for public safety.
The Public Defender’s Office is eliminating 39 positions due to continued suspension of state funding and a significant reduction in general fund financing.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 2, 2010
By DUG BEGLEY
The Press-Enterprise
Public confidence in San Bernardino County officials is at its lowest point in more than a decade, according to an annual survey released Wednesday.
Recent corruption scandals and a sluggish economic rebound have residents in the funk, according to the Inland Empire Annual Survey, and they are taking it out on local officials.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 06/02/2010 06:48:57 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices are preparing to eliminate about 85 positions as the county tries to reduce its $89.4 million budget gap.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to receive the proposed 2010-2011 budget today, county spokesman David Wert said.
Dead silence.
I’m sure most at the San Bernardino County Government Center like the current silence, when it comes to talk of forming an Ethics Commission and implementation of a Sunshine Ordinance.
An Ethics Commission is a necessary element needed in San Bernardino County Government for a myriad of reasons covered on this blog. It is becoming more and more evident that a commission with broad powers to investigate, level fines, and make formal referrals is desperately needed. Other counties have found the same necessity.
GnanaDev
Written by Administrator
June 2nd, 2010 at 12:26 am
Several weeks ago iePolitics was tipped off to the fact that Dr. Dev GnanaDev, medical director for San Bernardino County’s only county-run hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), owns a number of pieces of real property in San Bernardino County and elsewhere. Because of some of the accusations surrounding at least one piece of said property, which we will detail at a later date, an attempt was made to verify that Dr. GnanaDev properly reported his real estate investments on his Form 700.
Growth brings in donors
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/01/2010 09:59:31 PM PDT
The mayoral campaigns in some of the Inland Empire’s fastest growing cities rake in more than $100,000 each in political contributions.
The last mayoral race in Montclair, a city with little room to grow, brought in $13,000 in contributions.
Anger and confusion seems to be dominating labor relations in San Bernardino County these days.
Ballots with proposals dealing with a myriad of concessions and givebacks have been hitting employee mailboxes. When you talk to the employees and look at information provided, it’s easy to see what’s happening.
Biane
The cost of San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane’s legal representation has blown past the $100,00 mark.
Campaign finance records filed by Biane last week reveal payments of $17,820.60 to the Los Angeles-based law firm of Corbin, Athey & Fitzgerald LLP. The additional payments puts the total paid to the firm at approximately $81,000.00.
10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, May 30, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford raised more money during the most recent campaign fundraising period than San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane, whom she is challenging in the June 8 election, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday.
Rutherford reported $136,196.25 in campaign donations between March 18 and May 27, while Biane reported $101,756 in contributions during the same period.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/29/2010 07:07:15 AM PDT
Staff at Arrowhead Regional Medical in Colton failed to properly screen children for abuse, overmedicated patients with antipsychotic drugs and painkillers and failed to follow proper guidelines for restraining patients, according to a recently released federal investigative report.
An inspection by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in November also determined that one physician’s assistant was allowed to work at the county hospital for nearly six months without certification, another ordered medication for a patient without a doctor’s approval, and that a doctor removed the appendix of a patient without her consent.
Gary Ovitt
I won’t bother getting into campaign finance disclosures or any analysis for this seat.
Why?
After reviewing campaign finance filings, making general observations on the ground and looking at the challengers. There is only once simple conclusion to make.
A review of campaign finance disclosures filed with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters this week gives some interesting twists in the race involving Second District Supervisor Paul Biane.
Biane is seeking a third term amongst a field of five challengers. A run-off is all but assured.
The following e-mail was received from an employee st San Bernardino County-owned and operated Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). InlandPolitics would like to reiterate to our readers that the the lack of concern for quality of patient care is alarming and of most concern to us here. Tags for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Justice have been attached to this story to allow the agencies to flag the post. InlandPolitics has learned Special Agents for the California Department of Justice have been questioning employees connected to the facility.
Supervisor Josie Gonzales
Written by Administrator
May 28th, 2010 at 12:09 am
As I noted last night, I finally took the time to view Tuesday’s San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting. I had heard the doctors showed up in force and by force. And that they did.
Dr. David Lanum spoke first. Honestly, I was embarrassed for the doctor. His “speech” was mostly memorized and well rehearsed. And that is okay. His presentation, however, reminded me of Mark Anthony’s soliloquy to the Roman people in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. You remember:
Rutherford
Sandra Emerson Staff Writer
Created: 05/27/2010 06:19:42 PM PDT
San Bernardino County’s $102 million settlement with a Rancho Cucamonga developer has been a major influence in the endorsements for supervisor by four elected Upland officials.
Mayor John “JP” Pomierski, Councilman Ray Musser, Councilman Ken Willis and City Treasurer Dan Morgan have announced their support for Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford for county supervisor against 2nd District incumbent Paul Biane.
May 27, 2010 5:18 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • Six months after he was suddenly fired without cause, the former top executive of San Bernardino County is suing the county for wrongful termination.
Former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer on Wednesday filed a lawsuit alleging that county supervisors and their top staffers retaliated against him for his cooperation with the county grand jury and District Attorney’s office.
Uffer
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 26, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County’s former top administrator filed a wrongful termination lawsuit Wednesday, accusing supervisors of firing him in November because he was cooperating with corruption investigations.
The complaint was filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court a month after the county rejected an April 1 claim by former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer seeking $15 million in damages.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/26/2010 06:30:04 PM PDT
Former San Bernardino County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer filed a lawsuit against the county on Wednesday alleging whistleblower retaliation for cooperating in an ongoing corruption probe with state and local prosecutors.
Uffer alleges his termination occurred one week after he met with the Grand Jury to discuss questionable use of county-issued credit cards by Mark Kirk, chief of staff for Supervisor Gary Ovitt, and Brian Johsz, Ovitt’s district director.
Ron Wall
Posted: 05/25/2010 08:14:08 PM PDT
I attended the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting May 11. Two physicians reported concerns about the quality of care at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), the political environment and the lack of action to correct problems.
After Dr. John Steinmann and his colleague Dr. Keyvan Safdari presented their concerns, the hospital CEO Patrick Petre defended the practices of the hospital. Members of the board asked questions to clarify what Petre described. A lack of expertise by the members is evident. They do not know the regulations surrounding hospital licensure, Medicare certification or regulatory limits to physician contracting. This allowed Petre to gloss over issues by providing vague responses.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/25/2010 06:53:05 PM PDT
High Desert residents will no longer have to make the trip to downtown San Bernardino to attend Board of Supervisors meetings under a pilot program approved by the board on Tuesday.
The board approved a plan to outfit the board chambers in San Bernardino and a facility in either Victorville or Hesperia with audio and video equipment that will allow residents to address the board with their concerns and opinions via closed-circuit video.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/25/2010 06:21:26 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDIN0 – Adults who host rowdy parties and allow minors to drink alcohol in their homes will be subject to hefty administrative fines under a new law approved by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The “social hosting ordinance” returns to the board on June 15 for adoption and goes into effect 30 days thereafter.
Employees are starting to give a glimpse at just how cover-ups and vicious politics override patient care priorities at San Bernardino County-owned and operated Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).
Threatening physicians, profiteering, and strong-arming have become commonplace at the struggling hospital.
Written by Administrator
May 24th, 2010 at 9:02 am
“Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both. — Eleanor Roosevelt”
So far in this series we have discussed the District Attorney’s office and the Conflict Panel. There are three other components to justice, or the lack thereof, in San Bernardino County: the Public Defender, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Superior Court bench. Today, we will discuss the office of the Public Defender.
Written by Administrator
May 24th, 2010 at 5:27 am
As a child growing up with a mother who prescribed to old-fashioned thoughts about medical care, I was always told never to allow doctors to operate on cancer because exposing cancer cells to air would cause them to grow exponentially. Of course, today we know how to use surgery to cure an otherwise fatal tumor.
Several years ago all of Southern California watched the crisis at the Los Angeles County-run King-Drew Medical Center. If history can predict the future, we have a similar, fatal cancer growing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) that needs to be excised fully and quickly.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/23/2010 09:44:34 PM PDT
To reduce commutes, supervisors to vote Tuesday on closed-circuit public video
By Joe Nelson
Staff Writer
San Bernardino County is considering a pilot program in which the public can avoid long hauls to San Bernardino by addressing the Board of Supervisors via closed-circuit video.
The Board of Supervisors will vote on the item at Tuesday’s meeting.
One things for certain.
San Bernardino County doesn’t want any bad news made public. And when it does go public by way of internal leaks, the course of action is to downplay or deny.
10:12 PM PDT on Friday, May 21, 2010
By LORA HINES
The Press-Enterprise
The ability of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton to ensure high quality health care has been compromised by systemic problems involving critical areas, including patient rights and surgical services, according to federal investigation reports.
During a lengthy November inspection, regulators documented cases of patient abuse, improper sterilization of operating room and equipment and use of medicine as a patient restraint, according to a 200-page report issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Many people are asking why it appears San Bernardino County seems to be ignoring many of the problems occurring at its own Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).
The answer that seems to be surfacing is political.
As in campaign contributions.
Brad Mitzelfelt
May 19, 2010 5:40 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • Now leading the agency that oversees local boundaries and services, 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he will push to build more cooperative — and less adversarial — relationships with local agencies.
The San Bernardino Local Agency Formation Commission on Wednesday unanimously elected Mitzelfelt as its chairman. He had previously been serving as vice chairman.
This morning a meeting was held at San Bernardino County-owned Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC).
It was very interesting to say the least.
In politics, such a meeting is referred to as circling the wagons and is indicative that things aren’t going well for top management.
Written by Administrator
May 19th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Sometimes I really wonder who is the worst lawyer, District Attorney Mike Ramos or County Counsel Ruth Stringer. From Ramos we have learned that the Constitution of the United States is not applicable in San Bernardino County, at least not in connection with political enemies. And County Counsel Ruth Stringer has taught us that copulation involving public resources is covered by the “deliberative process” and therefore not subject to review, not that we wanted to review the copulation, only the expenditures attached thereto.
This mornings article in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspaper titled “Top doctors defend quality of care at ARMC” appears to have been written about a medical facility somewhere else.
Maybe in a “Banana Republic”.
While San Bernardino County and some of its doctors at county-owned Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) try to mitigate and deflect allegations of misconduct and medical treatment gone haywire, more information continues to leak out of the facility that paints a grim picture.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/18/2010 07:11:21 PM PDT
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies will soon vote on a concessions package that includes pared down retirement benefits for new hires.
The cost-savings package also includes a one-time cash payment in place of a raise.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/18/2010 07:56:03 PM PDT
Top doctors at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center on Tuesday defended patient care and operations at the county’s hospital in the wake of a federal investigation and recent criticism by two doctors.
Orthopedic spine surgeon John Steinmann and anesthesiologist Keyvan Safdari addressed the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on May 11, alleging neurosurgery patients at the hospital have received substandard care and that medical director Dev GnanaDev wields too much power over contracts.
Evidence is surfacing that a major cover-up is in progress at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Allegations surfaced months ago that San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Second District Supervisor Paul Biane and Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales received extensive free medical care at ARMC. A complaint has been filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) alleging Form 700 violations due to the fact that these supervisors, along with former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer, received free medical care, which constitutes a gift of public funds, and did not report said gifts as required by law on their Form 700s.
Written by Administrator
May 18th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Today I had the chance to meet directly with an Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) doctor, who contacted iePolitics due to the articles we have been writing about the hospital. The doctor provided iePolitics with a plethora of documentation to prove claims of mismanagement, inappropriate financial arrangements by ARMC Medical Director Dr. Dev GnanaDev, and a host of other accusations. We will be discussing some of these issues in the days to come.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped the hammer on San Bernardino County’s budget last Friday, with what is referred to as the “May Revision” to the upcoming budget for the fiscal year commencing on July 1.
The Governor is slamming local governments by transferring responsibility for many social services onto the backs of counties.
This was the first shoe to drop.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/10/2010 05:53:29 PM PDT
A Fontana recycling plant owner has filed a $100 million federal lawsuit against the county, alleging it has held his application for an operating permit hostage the last three years in an attempt to shut him down.
Alamo Recycling owner Michael Mendonca said he has been ensnared in bureaucratic red tape since he applied for an operating permit in November 2007, more than a year after he purchased the property in December 2006.
Written by Administrator
May 12th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Yesterday we witnessed something at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors session that we don’t see often. Subordinates of a sort spoke out against their administrator. Dr. John Steinmann, an orthopedic spine surgeon, and Dr. Keyvan Safdari, an anesthesiologist, both spoke of heavy handedness and retaliation by Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Medical Director, Dr. Dev Gnanadev.
Steinmann indicated to the members of the Board of Supervisors that patient care is suffering as a result of Gnanadev’s leadership. As we have discussed here repeatedly, retaliation is the name of the game at ARMC, a practice likely initiated and certainly promulgated by former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer. And now we learn it is more true than we realized.
Bustamonte
By Joe Nelson
Posted: 05/12/2010 06:17:18 PM PDT
A challenger of San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane has called for a Grand Jury investigation at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Art Bustamonte filed a written complaint with the Grand Jury on Tuesday, after hearing testimony at the Board of Supervisors meeting from Dr. John Steinnman, an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital, who said Dr. Dev GnanaDev, the hospital’s medical director, has a number of financial conflicts of interest and wields too much power over contracts, often threatening to cancel them.
May 11, 2010 3:18 PM
BROOKE EDWARDS AND NATASHA LINDSTROM Staff Writers
VICTORVILLE • Four months after Victorville City Council asked the grand jury for help conducting an independent investigation into the city’s finances, it appears the citizen watchdog group has stepped up to the plate.
In a rare move, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved paying $195,000 to Michael Kessler & Associates Ltd. to provide the 2009-10 grand jury with forensic accounting services.
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/11/2010 06:39:51 PM PDT
Two doctors from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center told the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the hospital’s medical director has financial conflicts of interests that have kept him from punishing bad doctors.
Dr. John Steinmann, an orthopedic spine surgeon at the county hospital, said medical director Dr. Dev GnanaDev wields too much power over awarding and relinquishing contracts and uses that power to reward himself and others while patient care suffers.
At some point you have to be amazed at the duplicity in the San Bernardino County government hierarchy.
I mean you can’t make this stuff up.
Finally, evidence has surfaced proving what county supervisors suspected all along. Their top legal advisor was breaching attorney-client privilege in February 2009.
Written by Administrator
May 10th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.
I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of over-treatment and therapeutic nihilism.
San Bernardino, an “All America” designated city in 1976.
Thirty-four years later it’s a city exactly the opposite.
Decades of petty political infighting and misguided priorities further complicated by a antiquated Councilmatic Ward System has pretty-much destroyed a city that’s only viable because of a California State University campus, a courthouse, an Indian casino, and county government operations speaks volumes to the situation.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/09/2010 07:03:23 AM PDT
The Board of Supervisors is poised to sign a letter of support for legislation that would require registered sex offenders to provide law enforcement all of their online addresses, e-mail addresses and instant messaging user names.
On Tuesday, the board will vote on whether or not to ratify an action to support Senate Bill 1204, introduced in February and authored by Sen. George Runner, R-Antelope Valley.
GnanaDev
Written by Administrator
May 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
We are learning as one agency after another investigates San Bernardino County’s hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), that the place is falling apart.
There are several reasons for this situation but perhaps the most important is the fact that a hospital of this size needs a full-time medical director. I believe we already have a full-time medical director, Dr. Dev Gnanadev.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane ended a not so good week taking an ironic slap at a former friend and colleague.
The week started with a new controversy surrounding a complaint from Biane’s chief of staff Matt Brown. Brown claims he’s being harassed and retaliated against for cooperating with county investigators in a probe which has targeted his boss. Brown’s complaint letter made waves for Biane most of the week.
Then yesterday comes along this beauty of a campaign piece delivered to Second District mailboxes.
GnanaDev
Well another “I told you so” for iePolitics.com and inlandpolitics.com. We’ve been called liars and such over accusations about patient care, billing, and malpractice at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Now we learn that ARMC’s Medi-Cal and Medicare contracts are in jeopardy.
Both hospital director, Patrick Petre, and San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales, attempt to downplay the significance of the actions taken by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; however, a loss of these contracts would be substantial. The hospital is required to provide care whether it gets paid for the services it provides or not and that includes care to Medicare and Medicaid patients.
Joe Nelson and Jim Steinberg, Staff Writers
Posted: 05/06/2010 07:15:56 PM PDT
COLTON – Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, the county’s public hospital, has until May 17 to provide a plan to federal officials as to how it will improve its patient care, or face losing its contract for Medicare and Medical services.
In November, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched an investigation at the hospital based on four patient complaints, reported to CMS by hospital administrators, said Patrick Petre, hospital director.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, May 6, 2010
By LORA HINES
The Press-Enterprise
Federal regulators have warned officials at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton that the hospital is in jeopardy of losing its Medicare reimbursements because of problems including patients’ rights, infection control and surgical services discovered during at least two recent inspections.
Officials with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in an April 30 letter told hospital administrators that they “are initiating a process that could result in termination of the hospital’s Medicare provider agreement on or before July 30, 2010.”
May 06, 2010 4:39 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • Days after claiming he’d been harassed and threatened for helping investigators in a corruption probe, the top aide to a county supervisor has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The county has informed Matt Brown, chief of staff to 2nd District Supervisor Paul Biane, that he should not return to work while the county looks into his allegations, county spokesman David Wert said.
As if anyone with an ounce of intelligence couldn’t see it coming, the obvious was revealed this evening.
Matt Brown, Chief of Staff to Second District Supervisor Paul Biane has a civil attorney. The attorney being none other than Sanford Kassel.
Supervisor Paul Biane
Joe Nelson and Wendy Leung, Staff Writers
Posted: 05/05/2010 07:00:59 PM PDT
The chief of staff to San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane has been placed on paid administrative leave, after claiming this week that he was being harassed and retaliated against for cooperating in an ongoing corruption probe.
Matt Brown’s leave became official Tuesday when the county launched an investigation into his allegations, county spokesman David Wert said Wednesday.
Written by Administrator
May 5th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Just when we think the corruption scandal involving the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors can’t possibly get better, it always does. The most recent revelation is from Second District Chief of Staff, Matt Brown. He confessed on Monday to being one of the informants against his boss, Supervisor Paul Biane.
And he claims he is being retaliated against for the same.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/04/2010 06:16:05 PM PDT
The county on Tuesday launched an investigation into allegations that Matt Brown, chief of staff for Supervisor Paul Biane, has been subjected to repeated harassment and retaliation for cooperating with state and local prosecutors in a corruption probe.
In a letter addressed to his boss and carbon-copied to the other four members of the Board of Supervisors on Monday, Brown pleaded for the alleged misconduct to stop and said he has been under the care of a doctor for job-related stress.
10:09 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 4, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
The chief of staff to San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane revealed Monday that he has been cooperating with authorities in an ongoing corruption investigation and is facing retaliation as a result.
In a letter to Biane, Matt Brown states that he has been questioned by the district attorney and attorney general’s office and the grand jury about members of the Board of Supervisors. As a result, he said he has faced daily questions along with harassment and veiled threats about his job.
Mitzelfelt calls for investigation into accusations
May 04, 2010 4:47 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • The top aide to a county supervisor said he’s been harassed and threatened for cooperating with criminal investigators in a far-reaching corruption probe.
Matt Brown, chief of staff to 2nd District Supervisor Paul Biane, has sent a letter pleading with Biane to put an end to “continued harassment, reprisal, retaliation or adverse action as a result of my cooperation with law enforcement.”
