Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
Supervisor: Attracting out-of-state business vital to the county’s growth
May 17, 2012 9:37 AM
RENE DE LA CRUZ, Special to the Daily Press
While it was billed as a State of County presentation, San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said his address Wednesday should have been titled “county of the state” because of Sacramento’s insistence on passing its responsibilities down to the county level.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 – 10:30 a.m.
Fundraising two hotly-contested races for San Bernardino Board of Supervisors and U.S. Congress is still continuing at crawl this week, with many candidates concerned about collecting on previous commitments.
Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 09:30 a.m.
Here’s some interesting factoids from across the financial and political transom:
First Quarter GDP Revised Lower
First quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was revised lower last week to 2.2%. The revised number was mainly supported by strong auto sales. A component that may not be sustainable looking ahead.
Why? Consumer spending has been outpacing non-existent wage growth.
By PE Politics
April 26, 2012 9:08 AM
With several hotly contested congressional races in the Inland area this year, SuperPacs — political action committees allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money through independent expenditures — are expected to drop large chunks of cash on local races.
In what would appear to be the first instance of such spending, the Jobs Opportunity & Freedom PAC spent more than $23,000 on radio advertising and production in support of Republican candidate Brad Mitzelfelt, Federal Election Commission records show.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/24/2012 06:12:19 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday rejected a proposal to discourage the hiring of illegal immigrants by requiring restaurants to inform customers if they use the federal E-Verify system.
Supervisor Neil Derry proposed amending the county health code to require restaurants to add a green or red overlay to their letter-grading window placards. A green overlay would indicate the restaurant uses the E-Verify system. A red overlay would mean a restaurant does not use the system.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 – 12:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 – 03:00 p.m.
In a Romper Room fashion, an embarrassing display of incompetence decended on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors meeting just before noon on Tuesday.
Neither Chairperson Josie Gonzales nor County Counsel Jean-Rene Basle knew Robert’s Rules of Order or their own procedures regarding the conduct of voting among the boards members.
Gonzales is of no surprise. But Basle, a licensed and practicing attorney, is a another story.
Saturday, April 21, 2012 – 05:00 p.m.
Campaign money was barely flowing, during the January to mid-March reporting period, in the race to succeed San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, unless of course a candidate funded themselves.
April 14, 2012 12:00 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
Just as seven candidates campaign for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor, union groups are lobbying for a ballot measure that would slash the pay, perks and staffing budgets of the county’s five supervisors.
The San Bernardino County Elected Officials Pay Reduction Act, dubbed the “Part-time Supervisor” initiative, is a proposed charter amendment that would reduce compensation for supervisors from an average of $271,000 to $60,000 annually, and cut their budgets from a total of $6 million to $250,000 per office. Wrightwood resident Kieran “Red” Brennan, a former grand jury member, authored the measure and San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association President Laren Leichliter spearheaded its petition drive.
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/27/2012 03:49:41 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved placing an initiative on the November ballot that would cut their pay by more than two-thirds.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 – 09:45 a.m.
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt had a pretty safe seat.
Meaning he was an odds on favorite for re-election.
But instead Mitzelfelt (R-Wrightwood) is now running for open 8th Congressional District seat.
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 03/26/2012 06:31:32 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors met in a special closed session meeting on Monday to evaluate Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux’s performance.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 – 09:45 a.m.
An initiative to amend the San Bernardino County charter to reduce the pay, status and staffs of county supervisors is headed to the ballot.
The “Part-Time Pay for Part-Time Work” initiative, a measure backed by county unions, has officially qualified to go before county voters.
Sunday, November 11, 2012 – 02:40 p.m.
The race to replace First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who is running in the newly created 8th Congressional District, is set to be a real free for all in June, with the top two candidates headed for a November runoff.
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/07/2012 04:53:53 PM PST
More than 73,000 signatures were submitted to the Registrar of Voters on Wednesday to qualify the “Part-Time Pay for Part-Time Work” initiative, which would establish a part-time Board of Supervisors, for the November ballot.
Zook to take helm of Nibley, Utah in April
March 02, 2012 12:12 PM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • David Zook, chief of staff for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, confirmed Friday he’s leaving his post to become city manager of Nibley, Utah.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/28/2012 11:01:27 AM PST
San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday debated the county’s first-ever attempt to create campaign contribution limits for those running for the Board of Supervisors or other county offices.
Will Bigham, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/28/2012 12:05:18 PM PST
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to pay $650,000 to former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer to settle his $15 million wrongful-termination lawsuit.
The settlement was approved on a 3-2 vote after a closed-session discussion, said county spokesman David Wert. The settlement was recommended by the county’s legal counsel.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – 12:50 p.m.
San Bernardino County has settled a lawsuit filed by its former chief executive Tuesday morning.
Monday, February 27, 2012 – 08:15 a.m.
The civil trial of a lawsuit filed against San Bernardino County by former chief executive Mark Uffer has been moved again.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 February 2012 07:39 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors are spending $2.9 million of their discretionary funds this budgetary quarter, providing money for projects such as a community center in Muscoy and the formation of a county arts council.
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.
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