Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 10/21/16 – 10:43 PM PDT |
SAN BERNARDINO >> James Ramos, chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, is making some rather unconventional changes to his staff, while his colleague, Supervisor Janice Rutherford, is picking up his former chief of staff.
Joseph Turner
Friday, October 14, 2016 – 11:15 a.m.
On December 2, 2015, radical Islamic terrorists massacred 14 people and wounded 21 more in what at that time was the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11.
It was tragic and shocking. Many of us never believed that San Bernardino would ever be the epicenter for a terrorist attack.
Saturday, February 6, 2016 – 12:00 p.m.
There are new rumblings of political dissension at the San Bernardino County Government Center.
Monday, October 26, 2015 – 04:30 p.m.
As much as San Bernardino County officials would like to believe to the contrary. Last week’s revelation of the public agency’s human resources director’s guilty plea to solicitation of prostitution has grown legs with Southern California media outlets.
Saturday, October 24, 2015 – 09:30 a.m.
The latest debacle at the San Bernardino County Government Center shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 06/25/15 – 7:17 PM PDT |
San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford has been honored by the American Society for Public Administration Inland Empire chapter with the 2015 Outstanding Elected Official award.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 06/22/15 – 8:31 PM PDT |
San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is spearheading an effort to align various public agencies in mountain communities within her district as a council of governments to improve collaboration on issues pertinent to the communities the agencies serve.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 05/25/15 – 5:12 PM PDT |
San Bernardino County appears to be getting its money’s worth out of the state Fair Political Practices Commission.
By Ryan Hagen, San Bernardino Sun
Posted: 05/19/15 – 7:17 PM PDT |
SAN BERNARDINO >> The county Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to pay a consultant group up to $5 million over four years to help with development of a “complete county” plan that goes beyond a general plan — in fact, they say, it goes further than any city or county ever has.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 – 09:00 a.m.
San Bernardino County leaders are working overtime trying to put out fires caused mainly by its Sheriff’s Department.
Fires that have, and will, cost the county’s taxpayers dearly.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 04/14/15, 9:46 PM PDT |
SAN BERNARDINO>> County supervisors are demanding action in response to a video that shows sheriff’s deputies punching and kicking a suspect after he attempted to surrender at the end of a lengthy pursuit last week.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 – 09:30 a.m.
San Bernardino County, California’s warped political and governmental structure is finally coming at a cost.
By Greg Cappis, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 01/09/15, 10:20 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO >> In a new courthouse that is part of an underfunded county court system, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors met with the Inland Empire caucus of the state Legislature on Friday afternoon to discuss issues facing the region.
By Staff reports
Posted: 12/01/14, 7:30 PM PST | Updated: 1 min ago
Former Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, was sworn in Monday as San Bernardino County’s new 4th District Supervisor, representing several West Valley cities, in a day when new faces appeared on county boards in San Bernardino and Los Angeles.
SHEA JOHNSON
STAFF WRITER
Posted Aug. 6, 2014 @ 7:12 pm
Updated Aug 6, 2014 at 7:17 PM
VICTORVILLE — San Bernardino County supervisors and CEO Greg Devereaux on Wednesday touched upon a myriad of subjects affecting the county, including a push for technical education, the need for more private sector jobs and the ongoing impact of prison realignment.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 05/27/14, 12:38 AM PDT |
San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford, who represents the 2nd District, is being challenged by a political newcomer in the June 3 primary — a former crime scene investigator from Lake Arrowhead unhappy with a newly adopted sober living home ordinance.
The 2nd District includes Rancho Cucamonga, parts of Fontana and the mountain communities of Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.
Published: May 18, 2014 Updated: 9:51 p.m.
The June 3 election for two seats on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors features a battle between two Inland political heavyweights while a first-term incumbent who quickly rose to a leadership position faces a challenge from a political newcomer.
To read story by Imran Ghori in the Press Enterprise, click here.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 04/14/14, 9:24 PM PDT |
Federal and local law enforcement officials on Monday said they were unaware of any other allegations of inmate abuse by deputies in San Bernardino County jails, and that pending criminal and administration investigations are exclusive to West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 – 09:00 a.m.
Here’s the latest numbers from campaign finance disclosure reports filed in San Bernardino County this week.
March 10, 2014; 03:12 PM
There will be contested races for every Inland county supervisorial seat up for election in the June 3 primary, candidate filings show.
To read story by Jeff Horseman in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Saturday, March 8, 2014 – 09:30 a.m.
Several San Bernardino County incumbents have drawn challengers.
One last minute add caught the elected official by surprise.
By Beau Yarbrough, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
and Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 03/07/14, 9:48 PM PST |
San Bernardino >> Friday was the filing deadline for candidates vying for seats at the state and local levels for the June 3 primary election.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 02/26/14, 8:07 PM PST |
ONTARIO >> People will need to think bigger and collaborate more to help San Bernardino County meet its future economic, educational and quality-of-life goals, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Janice Rutherford told more than 1,000 people at Wednesday evening’s State of the County event at Citizens Business Bank Arena.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 02/23/14, 6:56 PM PST |
ONTARIO >> County officials and working professionals will likely have a lot to talk about this year at the State of the County address.
By Mark Gutglueck (www.sbsentinel.com)
Posted on February 14, 2014
(February 14)– A delay in the selection and approval process for four lucrative county contracts for the provision of what is known as conflict representation for indigent defendants in the county’s courts has resulted in the exposition of a series of apparent irregularities in the rating and recommendation system being used in the competition for the contracts.
Sunday, February 9, 2014 – 02:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, February 10, 2014 – 09:30 a.m.
Was the fix already in?
Questions have arisen regarding irregularities in the competition to win the right to provide conflict representation to indigent criminal defendants in San Bernardino County.
Thursday, February 6, 2014 – 04:00 p.m.
The stepfather of a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is rumored to be on ice until the supervisor stands for reelection, later this year.
But maybe it just fell through the cracks of the overloaded justice system!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014 – 05:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, February 5, 2014 – 11:00 a.m.
The past few days we’ve been discussing the fact that five San Bernardino County officials collectively violated the county’s new campaign finance limits some fifteen times in 2013.
Now comes the dubious attempt to deflect the issue.
Saturday, February 1, 2014 – 04:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, February 3, 2014 – 07:15 p.m.
San Bernardino County’s campaign finance ordinance must have been meant as a cocktail party joke.
Monday, February 3, 2014 – 09:45 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, February 3, 2014 – 01:15 p.m.
A combination of new contribution limits and the sluggish economy is having an effect on local totals.
Friday, January 31, 2014 – 12:30 p.m.
Last Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted to start the process to amend the campaign finance ordinance related to contribution limits.
The county tells local newspapers the changes are recommended by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), and it’s all their idea,
It smelled kind of fishy at the time. Well now we know why.
Friday, January 24, 2014 – 09:30 a.m.
Multiple sources say there could be trouble in paradise!
Paradise being the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
Friday, January 17, 2014 – 01:00 p.m.
Looks like San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor and Board Chairwoman Janice Rutherford is throwing a cozy meet-n-greet next month.
Posted: 11/22/13, 12:13 PM PST |
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford will address the Inland Valley Business Alliance’s Ultimate Business Connection Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., at Antonino’s Restaurant & Lounge, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.
By William Cutting
Tuesday, October 30, 2013 – 07:00 p.m.
Chad Mayes, Chief of Staff to San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford, is starting to ramp up his campaign efforts in his bid to win the 42nd Assembly District race.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 10/09/13, 6:52 PM PDT | Updated: 2 hrs ago
ONTARIO >> While the Inland Empire experienced major losses in the manufacturing and construction sectors during the Great Recession, the unemployment gap is closing, economic output is steadily increasing and the housing sector is showing signs of recovery, a Claremont McKenna College professor said Wednesday,
September 17, 2013; 05:52 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors agreed Tuesday, Sept. 17, on a general set of principles as they pursue a charter revision but differed on how quickly to proceed.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Sunday, August 25, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom last week, in case you missed it!
San Bernardino County to take sweeping charter reform to voters.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors thinks the county charter needs a major overhaul.
August 20, 2013; 06:15 PM
San Bernardino County voters may be asked to overhaul the 101-year-old charter that outlines how county government operates.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
By Canan Tasci, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Posted: 08/12/13, 10:01 PM PDT | Updated: 3 hrs ago
SAN BERNARDINO >> Omnitrans is expected to provide the Federal Transit Administration a report by Sunday detailing how the agency is going to correct a number of deficiencies it was cited for in an April audit, officials said Monday.
Monday, August 12, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom this Monday morning.
Dutton to run for S.B. County Assessor-Record?
Former California State Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) may have found a place to go.
That’s the latest.
Sunday, August 11, 2013 – 12:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, August 11, 2013 – 09:30 p.m.
This news has been suppressed for nearly a year now.
But officials on the Fifth Floor of the San Bernardino County Government Center have started letting it out there, so it must not be a classified secret any longer.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/11/2013 07:01:36 PM PDT
The San Bernardino Valley’s public busing service, Omnitrans, violated multiple federal guidelines in awarding contracts for its sbX Rapid Transit Bus line, including one no-bid contract worth $15 million and another that included a 15 percent markup on all change orders, according to a Federal Transit Administration audit.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013 – 08:30 a.m.
It’s a black-eye for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, and Sheriff’s Department.
But don’t tell anyone!
Thursday, August 1, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Campaign finance limits are having a definite impact on San Bernardino County officeholders.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/23/2013 06:30:24 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday extended a temporary moratorium on commercial solar energy projects by 10 months, 15 days in order to set design standards and land-use parameters for such projects.
Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 02:00 p.m.
The closed session agenda item for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to decide, whether or not, to approve an undisclosed settlement amount to end a lawsuit filed by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy, has reportedly now been postponed.
Saturday, July 13, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
Is it really a surprise?
Sources say members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have been caught off guard by the revelation of a costly settlement with a Sheriff’s Deputy fired for using leave, in order to care for a sick parent, in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is expected to approve a, yet-to-be-announced, settlement with a Sheriff’s Deputy, who was targeted, and terminated, for exercising his rights under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), in order to care for his ill mother.
By Joe Nelson
Posted: 06/19/2013 03:34:59 PM PDT
A Federal Transit Administration audit, conducted in April on western San Bernardino County’s public transportation system Omnitrans, turned up 22 deficiencies, 19 of which pertained specifically to the agency’s $192 million sBX Rapid Transit project, The Sun has learned.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
In didn’t take long.
San Bernardino County politicos, a obsessed with making themselves look good the past couple years, now find themselves in an unexpected predicament.
Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/09/2013 07:16:20 PM PDT
The 29-member board of directors for San Bernardino County’s transportation planning agency, San Bernardino Associated Governments, has elected Bill Jahn, a member of the Big Bear Lake City Council, as president for 2013-14.
June 07, 2013; 07:55 PM
San Bernardino County Board Chairwoman Janice Rutherford has hired a former aide to disgraced ex-Assessor Bill Postmus as a policy advisor.
To read column by Imran Ghori, Jeff Horseman and Jim Miller in The Press Enterprise, click here.
April 11, 2013; 04:28 PM
San Bernardino County’s two newest supervisors are also the wealthiest of the five members of the board, recently filed financial disclosure statements show.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
By Joe Nelson
joe.nelson@ inlandnewspapers.com @SBCountyNow on Twitter
Posted: 04/10/2013 06:29:11 PM PDT
Updated: 04/10/2013 09:01:26 PM PDT
ONTARIO — A rebounding economy. A more idealistic Board of Supervisors with a focus on ethics and good government. And most importantly, a Countywide Vision to ensure San Bernardino County residents, business owners and community leaders prosper for decades to come.
Thursday, March 28, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Here’s some news flowing across the transom Thursday morning.
Barstow Court to remain open
The state has coughed-up funds to temporarily keep one courtroom open at the Barstow Court facility through early summer.
Joe Nelson and Sandra Emerson, Staff Writers
Posted: 03/16/2013 05:17:55 PM PDT
Updated: 03/16/2013 06:51:03 PM PDT
After nearly nine years and roughly $46 million in taxpayer money spent by all parties involved, San Bernardino County’s indemnity lawsuit against Upland and two transportation agencies has left scars, but none that cannot be healed, officials say.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/18/2013 02:59:46 PM PST
Updated: 02/18/2013 09:01:20 PM PST
Recent court closures in San Bernardino County and resident transportation problems arising from them will be the topic of a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
February 12, 2013; 08:56 PM
A group of Inland city officials urged San Bernardino County supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 12, to end the county’s costly lawsuit against three public agencies to recover $102 million paid in the controversial Colonies settlement.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson and Sandra Emerson, Staff Writers
Posted: 02/10/2013 03:34:01 PM PST
Updated: 02/10/2013 10:57:13 PM PST
San Bernardino County’s lawsuit against Upland and two transportation agencies in which the county seeks to recoup a portion of a $102 million legal settlement could force Upland into bankruptcy court, City Manager Stephen Dunn said.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 – 09:15 a.m.
Here’s some news of interest flowing across the transom this week.
San Bernardino County Supe’s elect Rutherford chair
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously elected Second District Supervisor Janice Rutherford as it’s new chairperson. Second District Supervisor Gary Ovitt will be vice-chair.
THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
January 06, 2013; 06:33 PM
You’ve spent more than a year running for Congress, endured millions of dollars in attacks from your opponent and shadowy Super PACs, and yet still prevailed.
To read column by Jeff Horseman, Imran Ghori and Jim Miller in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/18/2012 07:24:19 PM PST
Citing glowing recommendations from his colleagues at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the surrounding local law enforcement community, the Board of Supervisors Tuesday appointed Assistant Sheriff John McMahon to replace Sheriff Rod Hoops who retires Dec. 31.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 – 01:35 p.m.
As expected, San Bernardino County Supervisors appointed Assistant Sheriff John McMahon to replace retiring Sheriff-Coroner Rod Hoops Tuesday afternoon.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/04/2012 11:50:22 AM PST
Updated: 12/04/2012 09:59:35 PM PST
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved forming an ad hoc committee that will screen applicants for sheriff and provide a recommendation to the board.
Wednesday, October 28, 2012 – 10:00 a.m.
The years long saga over the installation of a Spanish-language radio tower in an unincorporated area adjacent to the city of Yucaipa is finally over.
Published: 22 October 2012 – 07:08 PM
A proposal by San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry to spend about $50,000 in county funds to mail his constituents information on a new state fire fee is being criticized as a political move by his election opponent.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Published: 17 October 2012 – 06:19 PM
San Bernardino County voters will face two competing measures Nov. 6 that will decide how much supervisors should be paid.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Monday, October 15, 2012 – 05:00 p.m.
State Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) either isn’t sure about his chances of defeating Congressman Gary Miller (R-Rancho Cucamonga) or has no intention of serving in the U.S. House of Representatives more than six years.
Both men are seeking to represent the 31st Congressional District.
Jim Steinberg,Staff Writer
Posted: 10/03/2012 10:15:43 PM PDT
FONTANA – School board members on Wednesday night defended their decision to issue a controversial class of bonds to stave off a likely state takeover.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 – 10:45 a.m.
When there’s money or revenge in it, there’s five Inland Empire republicans that’ll be there with a knife in their hand or their hand out.
If it involves trying to torch another republican over a democrat so be it.
Just show them the money.
Friday, September 14, 2012 – 08:15 a.m.
Here’s some news of interest flowing across the transom Friday morning.
First-time unemployment claims rise again
Initial first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose to 382,000 last week. The number was up 12,000 from the previous week.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/27/2012 06:47:51 PM PDT
San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is ramping up her opposition to a controversial proposal that would have the county partner with a private firm and use eminent domain to seize underwater mortgages to stimulate the housing market.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/07/2012 09:59:56 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to place on the November ballot a measure aimed at blocking a competing measure proposing to set supervisors’ total pay and benefits to $60,000.
The countermeasure, introduced by the board last month, proposes to set supervisor pay and benefits commensurate with their counterparts in Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties.
Sunday, August 5, 2012 – 10:30 a.m.
One has to hand it to San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux.
The man single-handedly tubed county pension reform last week.
A seemingly easy task to accomplish.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/01/2012 08:36:12 PM PDT
Citing concern over potentially hindering contract negotiations with labor unions and the threat of litigation, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday tabled proposed ballot measures aimed at reforming pension plans.
Supervisors Janice Rutherford and Neil Derry proposed ballot measures for the Nov. 6 election that would require voter approval of any retirement benefit increases, have employees pay more into their retirement plans, change the retirement formulas and prevent pension spiking, among other things.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/31/2012 06:21:44 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday will hold a special meeting to discuss proposed pension reforms and to consider forming a special panel to provide input on assisting businesses in low income areas.
Supervisor Janice Rutherford is proposing that any increases to county employee retirement benefits or changes to formulas used to determine benefits first be approved by voters.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 – 01:00 p.m.
Will San Bernardino County Supervisors send two pension reform measures to the November Ballot?
Probably not?
Why? Egos and ineptitude.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 30 July 2012 07:14 PM
San Bernardino County officials are hoping to get a handle on rising retirement costs with a pair of pension reform proposals that could move forward this week.
What remains uncertain, however, is whether it will be accomplished at the ballot box or the bargaining table.
Joe Nelson and Neil Nisperos, Staff Writers
Created: 07/24/2012 08:00:34 PM PDT
Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law Tuesday a bill that will allow the state Fair Political Practices Commission to enforce new campaign finance rules in San Bernardino County.
It is the first time the state’s political watchdog will contract with a county to enforce its campaign contribution limits.
BY IMRAN GHORI
ighori@pe.com
Published: 23 July 2012 06:40 PM
Faced with a November ballot measure that could reduce their pay by 73 percent, San Bernardino County supervisors are considering putting a competing measure before voters that would keep their compensation in line with neighboring counties.
If the board agrees to go forward with the proposal, it could head off efforts backed by county employee unions to cut $92,000 from supervisors’ yearly pay. The county proposal would give voters two measures to choose from. The one with the largest number of majority votes would take effect.
Editorial
Posted: 07/23/2012 04:07:32 PM PDT
Momentum is building toward needed reforms of San Bernardino County’s pension system.
Today the Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss proposals by 2nd District Supervisor Janice Rutherford related to capping benefits, restricting pension spiking and requiring voter approval for any increases to pension benefits.
Sunday, July 22, 2012 – 04:30 p.m.
San Bernardino County’s largest employee union is teeing up on two county supervisors it believes are unfair towards its members.
Why?
Pension reform.
Special Section: San Bernardino
The deterioration of San Bernardino’s public finances to the point where city officials are willing to declare bankruptcy could be the prologue to another fight over public employee benefits.
Pension costs are not the only source of San Bernardino’s financial ills. The city’s own financial analysis blames weak revenues, deficit spending and accounting errors for a $45 million deficit.
Point of View
Supervisor Janice Rutherford
Created: 07/19/2012 11:50:12 AM PDT
You, your spouse and your children owe roughly $1,000 each to cover the unfunded pension liabilities of San Bernardino County employees. And, if reform doesn’t come soon, that growing tab could cripple our economy for decades to come.
In the just-approved county budget, we are spending $375 million on pension obligations. This year we are spending $48.4 million more than last year. Just imagine what could be accomplished with those millions of dollars.