Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
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.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 26 January 2012 09:27 PM
A proposal to reduce San Bernardino County supervisors’ positions to part-time status would leave little time for them to meet and respond to constituents’ needs, board Chairwoman Josie Gonzales said Thursday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/26/2012 12:53:12 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Million Air, the upscale jet refueling facility at San Bernardino International Airport, has been operating without a business license since April, city officials said Thursday.
The facility, which caters to private and corporate aircraft, has been the most high profile business drawn to the airport and has been touted by airport officials as an example of the airport’s potential prosperity. It began operations in 2010.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/25/2012 04:21:42 PM PST
A proposed initiative to make county supervisors’ jobs part-time would spell doom for residents desiring a stronger presence of government in their communities, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Josie Gonzales said Wednesday.
Safety union announces push for part-time supervisors
January 25, 2012 10:31 AM
Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • On a split vote Tuesday morning, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors directed staff to draft a ballot measure that would require voter approval for any future pension increases for county employees.
A few hours later, the county Safety Employees’ Benefit Association announced it was funding an effort to reduce the Board of Supervisors to part-time status.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 01/23/2012 03:05:32 PM PST
The president of San Bernardino County’s most powerful labor union announced Tuesday it is bankrolling an initiative to reduce county supervisors’ jobs to part-time status.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 24 January 2012 07:08 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors moved forward Tuesday with a proposal to require voter approval of future pension increases but face opposition from employee unions who quickly announced plans for a competing measure aimed at supervisors.
The board agreed to have county staff draft a ballot measure requiring voter approval before retirement benefits for county employees, legislative officers and elected officials could be increased. But final approval is not assured with supervisors split 3-2 on whether to consider the proposal.
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.
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.
Thursday, December 22, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Once again San Bernardino County can’t line up its stories.
Or should we just say lies?
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/21/2011 07:01:53 PM PST
San Bernardino County will hold its annual State of the County Address in February at the Million Air jet refueling facility at San Bernardino International Airport, where federal agents served a search warrant in September.
County spokesman David Wert said the county held the event at Million Air this year to much success, and therefore decided it was the ideal location to hold it again.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 12/21/2011 10:31:20 AM PST
A union representing San Bernardino County public- safety employees has agreed to labor terms proposed by an arbitrator in June that averts 14 percent pay and benefits cuts to certain employees, the county announced Wednesday.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011 – 11:15 a.m.
You gotta love it!
San Bernardino County has announced the location of its always much anticipated State of the County event to be held in February 2012.
Monday, December 19, 2011 – 10:15 a.m.
Nice try. But it’s too late!
Too late, for those involved, to runaway from the mess at the San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) and Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) that is.
Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 10:50 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Safety Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) should reconsider and accept a contract offer from county supervisors.
A contract affecting the union’s Specialized Peace Officer Unit representing Probation Corrections Officers, and Welfare Fraud and Coroner Investigators.
Why?
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 December 2011 09:49 PM
A union representing San Bernardino County public safety employees will vote again on a previously rejected contract as it faces a possible 14 percent pay and benefit cut.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 16 December 2011 10:53 AM
A retrial of two businessmen accused of attempting to bribe a top aide to San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales has been postponed until March.
BY CASSIE MACDUFF
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 06:30 PM
The sloppiness in fiscal matters at San Bernardino International Airport extended to the highest levels, a review of billing records revealed.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 04:33 PM
The man who had been put in control of nearly every facet of San Bernardino International Airport’s development and management could have a diminished role by Christmas.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 14 December 2011 06:19 PM
San Bernardino County is planning to impose a 14 percent pay and benefit cut on some public safety employees if they don’t agree to a proposal the union had previously rejected.
By 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.
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.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/07/2011 06:27:17 PM PST
The leader of the board that controls San Bernardino International Airport announced on Wednesday an aggressive effort to respond to concerns about the airport’s operation.
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.
BY CASSIE MACDUFF
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 02 December 2011 08:31 PM
The San Bernardino International Airport Authority’s move to a beautifully remodeled former Norton Air Force Base Non-Commissioned Officers Club seemed ill-timed, considering the recent grand jury criticisms and an FBI raid.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 01 December 2011 04:11 PM
The developer of San Bernardino International Airport will no longer be overseeing the airport’s development after $4 million worth of construction work stacked up without being paid.
BY CASSIE MACDUFF
COLUMNIST
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 22 November 2011 10:11 AM
Local restaurants have gotten a boost from San Bernardino International Airport employees dining at public expense.
Public records I requested in September for credit card receipts of the airport’s then-executive director and assistant director were finally provided this month, revealing this routine.
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.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
ighori@pe.com
Published: 14 November 2011 08:14 PM
San Bernardino County supervisors will consider a proposal today to cut their own benefits by 20 percent, rolling back compensation that came under criticism from the civil grand jury.
Sunday, November 13, 2011 – 01:30 p.m.
Is San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris in the sights of San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales?
Looks like this may be the case.
Joe Nelson, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/08/2011 12:48:26 PM PST
In what is being called an unusual move, the San Bernardino County Grand Jury is refuting claims by San Bernardino International Airport officials that its audit on airport operations was riddled with errors.
Saturday, November 5, 2011 – 12:01 p.m.
What a shocker!
The “L” word finally emerged in San Bernardino County government last month.
Joe Nelson and Josh Dulaney, Staff Writers
Posted: 11/01/2011 05:59:53 PM PDT
Embattled San Bernardino International Airport developer Scot Spencer has racked up roughly $545,876 in delinquent property taxes since 2005, of which $31,618 has been seized by the county tax collector.
Saturday, October 22, 2011 – 05:00 p.m.
Last modified: Saturday, October 22, 2011 – 10:40 p.m.
It’s too late!
The clock struck midnight at San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA) last month when federal agents walked through the doors with search warrants.
Now San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales, who is also vice-chair of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, is trying her best to re-write history and un-ring the bell as to her role in the lackadaisical oversight that went on.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 21 October 2011 04:56 PM
Scot Spencer, whose companies have developed, managed and leased space at San Bernardino International Airport and owed about $673,820 in rent as of early October, was evicted from at least one space he rents there on Thursday.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/13/2011 11:56:05 AM PDT
Airport panelists on Wednesday talked about how to communicate with San Bernardino International Airport staff, but before setting policy, they decided it would be best to talk about it again later.
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.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/09/2011 07:50:17 PM PDT
Amid an FBI probe into San Bernardino International Airport, one elected official has called for more transparency with the public and a wholesale change to internal communications at the airport.
Cassie MacDuff
Cassie MacDuff
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 07 October 2011 10:29 PM
The embattled San Bernardino International Airport Authority took some giant steps in the right direction last week, ordering a review of contracts with a controversial developer and promising to become more transparent.
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 KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 06 October 2011 04:52 PM
The public agency overseeing San Bernardino International Airport will review all of its agreements with the airport’s developer Scot Spencer at its Oct. 12 meeting during closed session and discuss whether to terminate parts of those agreements, said Tim Sabo, legal counsel for the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and the related Inland Valley Development Agency.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/05/2011 05:54:49 PM PDT
A committee of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority (SBIAA) board will meet Thursday afternoon to discuss the selection process for a new interim director at the airport.
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.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/03/2011 06:10:17 PM PDT
For years, civic and business leaders have doggedly worked to convert San Bernardino International Airport into a promising commercial venture and a major passenger airport.
And many steadfastly believe it’s getting there.
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.
Spencer
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/30/2011 06:16:21 PM PDT
The airport developer at the center of a federal investigation said Friday he has no intention of stepping down.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/29/2011 06:08:54 PM PDT
It is too early to speculate on what steps the San Bernardino International Airport will take to find a new top executive, officials said Thursday.
By Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 09/28/2011 03:34:06 PM PDT
Donald L. Rogers, the executive director of San Bernardino International Airport Authority, announced his retirement Wednesday at a meeting of the authority’s board in Loma Linda.
11:04 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
A week after an FBI raid, Donald L. Rogers, executive director of the embattled public agencies that oversee San Bernardino International Airport, resigned Wednesday.
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.
Wednesday, September 27, 2011 – 10:45 a.m.
Rumors and accusations are starting to swirl in reference to possible political fundraising at San Bernardino International Airport by two of the Airport Authorities own board members.
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.
Cassie MacDuff
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, September 26, 2011
Cassie MacDuff
The FBI raid on San Bernardino International Airport last Wednesday concerned enough people to pack the room where a special meeting of the airport authority board was held late Friday afternoon.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 – 11:30 a.m.
It was only a matter of time before federal officials descended onto the debacle involving the redevelopment of the former Norton Air Force Base.
4 investigations in less than year
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 09/24/2011 07:10:43 PM PDT
The federal raid at San Bernardino International Airport on Wednesday marked the fourth FBI investigation in San Bernardino County in the last year, leaving some public officials wondering when the next shoe will drop.
10:31 PM PDT on Friday, September 23, 2011
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Just two days after the FBI and others raided San Bernardino International Airport searching for evidence that could be tied to conspiracy, bribery, fraud and money laundering, officials with the two public agencies that govern the airport offered little comment at a special meeting held Friday afternoon to discuss it.
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