Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
Bob Smith increases 1st District candidate field to seven
February 04, 2012 12:00 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
A retired sheriff’s deputy of Helendale announced his intentions Friday to run for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor in the June election.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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: 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 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.
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%.
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
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.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 06 December 2011 07:32 PM
San Bernardino County remains unable to pay some of its bills after a second straight meeting where supervisors failed to reach agreement on budget adjustments.
December 07, 2011 9:00 AM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Tensions flared at Tuesday’s meeting of the San Bernardino County Supervisors, when 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt stuck by his decision to reject a quarterly budget adjustment and fellow supervisors accused him of being fiscally “irresponsible.”
Sunday, December 4, 2011 – 12:30 p.m.
Now San Bernardino County supervisors want to cut their benefits package again.
They shouldn’t think twice about.
The benefits package afforded the county’s elected officials is the richest in the state, and can be adjusted by a mere majority vote of the supervisors.
The San Bernardino County Sentinel
Published Friday, November 18, 2011
San Bernardino County this week renewed its contract with the controversial Sacramento-based lobbying firm Platinum Advisors, extending the arrangement for the firm to provide legislative advocacy for three years.
Friday, November 18, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Sometimes you have to count to four.
At least if you want to pass appropriation adjustments through the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
Yes, the apple cart was been turned over at Tranquility Base this week, when first quarter budget adjustments failed to make it through the board.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 11/15/2011 07:13:37 PM PST
San Bernardino County supervisors are looking to cut the benefits a supervisor can receive by 20 percent.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors directed the County Administrative Office to prepare an ordinance that would do just that.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 15 November 2011 06:40 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors clashed Tuesday over how to split funds that help supplement their staffing costs.
Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 12:01 p.m.
What a shocker!
The “L” word finally emerged in San Bernardino County government last month.
Friday, October 21, 2011
The California Attorney General’s Office’s filing of charges against Third District San Bernardino County supervisor Neil Derry six months ago has opened up a can of legal and political worms that is likely to complicate the future political landscape for not only Attorney General Kamala Harris, but San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and at least two of Derry’s colleagues on the board of supervisors.
McEachron
October 19, 2011 11:08 AM
Brooke Edwards Staggs
Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • Mayor Ryan McEachron has formed a campaign finance committee to run for Congress in 2012, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
It’s been no secret that someone has wanted San Bernardino County Supervisors Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt gone.
Now it’s crystal clear.
Friday, October 7, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
The civil trial of a lawsuit filed by former county executive Mark Uffer against San Bernardino County has been continued at the request of both parties.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 04 October 2011 08:48 PM
San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux is facing fallout over remarks two supervisors say mischaracterize their opposition to his budget plan.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 03 October 2011 09:55 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors need to be willing to stand up to employee unions to solve a $134 million budget gap the county will face over the next five years, Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux said Monday.
Monday, October 3, 2011 – 05;30 a.m.
You’ve gotta hand it to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for their campaign finance reform proposals.
The biggest idea is a cap on contributions to the candidates or officials themselves.
10:40 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Despite court setbacks, a proposed open-air sludge composting facility near the high desert town of Hinkley has once again won approval from the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
On Tuesday, the board voted 3-1, with Supervisor Neil Derry absent and Chairwoman Josie Gonzales opposed, to certify the Nursery Products environmental report for the third time.
The Nursery Products project was first approved by the board in 2007, but a Superior Court judge ordered the county to overturn its approval after finding part of the original environmental impact report was flawed.
Supervisors certified the project study again last year after conducting additional environmental reports.
In April, a judge found the report still inadequate.
The sole remaining issue ordered by the court was a water study showing the project would have a proper supply, said Jim Squire, a planning consultant for the county. A water study by a county hydrologist making those findings was part of the board approval.
To read entire story, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 09/27/2011 12:42:57 PM PDT
A proposal to limit how much money groups can give to candidates seeking county elected office was unanimously approved Tuesday by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
The vote gives staff the go-ahead to prepare an ordinance placing a cap on campaign contributions.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 09/27/2011 07:15:14 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $27.6 million plan for the Probation Department to begin monitoring and providing services to low-level parolees beginning Saturday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/26/2011 06:05:23 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today is expected to take its first step in having an ordinance drafted that would establish campaign-contribution limits for candidates seeking elected office in the county.
Rutherford
Saturday, September 17, 2011 – 11:00 a.m.
Now allegations emerge on back door deal proposals over San Bernardino County redistricting.
It never ends.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 09/16/2011 03:44:42 PM PDT
Amid accusations of behind-the-scenes dealings, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Friday approved a redistricting plan that keeps mountain communities split into two districts and moves Barstow into the same district as Redlands.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 09/12/2011 02:21:30 PM PDT
From our archive: Grand Jury questions management practices at San Bernardino airport
San Bernardino County supervisors apparently agree with the Grand Jury that their benefits are excessive but disagree that a conflict was created when the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s and Auditor-Controller’s offices were merged in 2010.
Thursday, August 25, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Three measures filed by the newly-formed Committee to Reform San Bernardino County Government, in an effort to reform San Bernardino County government, are apparently being viewed as partially flawed by county lawyers.
Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 09:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, August 21, 2011 – 11:25 a.m.
A part-time San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors?
It’s highly unlikely. But you never know.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/19/2011 06:11:13 PM PDT
Few former or current San Bernardino County officials were surprised Friday by a judge’s dismissal of most of the charges against a Rancho Cucamonga-based developer.
William R. Snaer
Created: 08/13/2011 07:07:11 AM PDT
Political philosophers call it the Principle of Subsidiarity, the idea that tasks of governing should be managed by the lowest level of government possible. This approach is best because the decision-makers are closest to the people and are most responsive to their concerns. City and county governments listen to voters more closely than the federal government.
Cassie MacDuff
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Cassie MacDuff
Over 25 years of covering government, I am still amazed when elected officials make decisions that fly in the face of overwhelming public opinion.
Last month, the Redlands City Council did it, voting 3-1 to sell a historic packinghouse to a developer who wants to demolish it, despite scores of residents pleading in person, by letter and by email to save it.
Rutherford
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 – 10:30 a.m.
Let them eat cake!
That was the response by three San Bernardino County supervisors during a redistricting meeting on Tuesday.
S.B. County: Supervisors’ favored remapping option puts more of those communities among two districts.
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A divided San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday selected a draft map of new political boundaries that will move more of the San Bernardino Mountains into the 2nd District.
Monday, August 8, 2011 – 02:25 p.m.
The latest disclosure filings by San Bernardino County’s public employee unions reflects a continued build-up of political action money from last years levels.
Posted: Thursday, August 4, 2011 9:52 am
Mountain residents have yet another opportunity to travel down to the Covington Chambers at the county government center to make their voices heard on the supervisorial redistricting process.
August 04, 2011 5:02 PM
SARA MITCHELL
Staff Writer
BARSTOW • The city may be under different county leadership in 2012 as the latest proposed county district lines move Barstow into the 3rd District, where two campaigns for supervisor are underway.
Supervisor Neil Derry and San Manuel Tribal Chairman James Ramos
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Legal fees took up much of San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry’s campaign finances this year even as his opponent began building a formidable war chest, according to recently released campaign disclosure forms.
Brad Mitzelfelt
State of county resilient like High Desert, supervisor says
August 04, 2011 8:36 AM
Tomoya Shimura
Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • Despite the high unemployment rate and budget strain, 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt expressed optimism that the state of San Bernardino County is resilient like the High Desert, speaking in front of more than 200 local business leaders Wednesday.
July 28, 2011 10:34 AM
FROM STAFF REPORTS
VICTORVILLE • In his State of the County address to the Victorville Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt will discuss county issues including transportation, education, economic development and the Countywide Vision.
Mitzelfelt
Supervisor recommends moving Barstow to 3rd District
July 21, 2011 8:44 AM
SARA MITCHELL
Staff Writer
BARSTOW • The mayor and city manager spoke on behalf of Barstow at Monday’s county redistricting workshop but Barstow’s district supervisor said it would be best to move the area to the 3rd District.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County supervisors struggled to reach agreement Wednesday at their third workshop in as many months to discuss new boundary lines for the county’s five supervisorial districts.
Mitzelfelt
Public invited to planning meeting in Apple Valley
July 11, 2011 3:21 PM
From Staff Reports
APPLE VALLEY • First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is asking for the public to weigh in on a bill aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by forcing cities to develop in ways that discourage lots of driving.
Mitzelfelt
High Desert supervisor protests cuts to public safety
June 17, 2011 8:41 AM
Natasha Lindstrom
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Citing concerns over “extremely troubling” cuts to public safety, 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he plans to vote against the proposed San Bernardino County budget when it goes up for approval June 28.
By James Rufus Koren Staff Writer
Posted: 06/16/2011 06:05:39 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – County supervisors on Thursday went through a proposed county budget, one that calls for $3.8 billion in spending – about $91 million less than the 2010-11 budget.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 16, 2011
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County supervisors delayed adoption of a budget Thursday, saying they need more time to review the proposed $3.8 billion plan, which includes cuts and layoffs.
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