Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
By Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/02/2012 04:00:20 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The city has been forced to let go nearly 20 employees due to the elimination of millions of dollars in redevelopment funding.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 04/21/2012 07:07:01 AM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Fifteen months in prison have hardly changed Rex Gutierrez.
The former councilman does not look older, thinner or more defeated.
His sense of humor, quirky sensibility and panache for flashy ties have not gone away.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Created: 04/14/2012 07:09:23 AM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The first renters at the Lewis Group of Cos. “Santa Barbara” apartments have begun to move in, and the developers plan on building upon the coastal city’s name to create a new brand of upscale apartments.
By Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 03/23/2012 06:53:40 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Former Councilman Rex Gutierrez, who served half of his two years and eight months sentence in state prison, has been released and has moved back to the community.
Gutierrez, 52, was found guilty in December 2010 on four felony counts of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime and filing a fraudulent claim. The crimes occurred while he worked as the intergovernmental relations officer for the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office.
Wendy Leung, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Created: 02/20/2012 05:06:30 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Councilman Sam Spagnolo, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December, is recovering this week from a successful surgery. Spagnolo, 70, said he plans to attend the next City Council meeting on March 7.
By Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 01/20/2012 03:29:05 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – As Ontario steps up efforts to gain autonomy of L.A./Ontario International Airport, leaders from neighboring Rancho Cucamonga are joining a growing number of agencies calling for local control.
By Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 01/13/2012 03:41:57 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Clearly frustrated about the loss of its redevelopment agency, the City Council is contemplating the new year without much of the funding slated for capital improvement and economic development.
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Created: 12/17/2011 04:54:29 PM PST
UPLAND – More than 100 children from low-income families were treated to a $200 shopping spree and much more as part of the 4th Annual Colonies Holiday Miracles event at the Colonies Crossroads Shopping Center.
Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 09:00 a.m.
Speaking of no justice.
Friday’s plea deal between the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office and defendant Gregory Eyler depicts a stark reality when prosecutions turn political in nature.
The move avoids a jury trial originally set for January 30, 2012.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 10/03/2011 04:34:48 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – City leaders are considering possible changes to an ordinance passed in August that requires groups holding a protest or rally on public streets to first apply for a permit.
Rizzo
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 09/05/2011 07:03:08 AM PDT
The former Bell city manager, who was once employed in Rancho Cucamonga, will receive drastically reduced pension benefits after the California Public Employees Retirement System slashed the payouts of top-paid officials.
Jannise Johnson, Staff Writer
Created: 08/26/2011 07:28:16 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – About 20 people showed up Friday to voice opposition to a new ordinance requiring organizers of rallies, protests and picket lines to get a city permit six days before the event.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 08/25/2011 03:05:18 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — Activists who oppose the city’s new permitting process for protests will respond Friday with a protest of their own at Foothill and Day Creek boulevards.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 08/09/2011 09:33:38 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A new fire station, groundbreaking on a veterans project and the completion of the Pacific Electric Trail are on the city’s horizon. But city officials are hitting pause on a number of projects because the future of California redevelopment agencies are uncertain.
County Supervisor Janice Rutherford
Thursday, August 4, 2011
S. E. Williams
Staff Writer
When Janice Rutherford was elected Second District Supervisor last year, voters looked with renewed hope toward a future of clean government. Most were fed-up with the scandals and fraud that have plagued the county for nearly a generation.
The election, once again, gave voters a chance to elect new representation. Although this made voters hopeful—history in San Bernardino County has also taught them to be diligent and remain watchful.
As a result, when Rutherford approached the county’s Chief Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux and asked about the infamous “1,200 Acres” of undeveloped, surplus county flood control property in Rancho Cucamonga, alarm bells sounded and a weary constituency questioned, why?
Upland, R.C. say they would lose influence
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 07/19/2011 05:15:47 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga and Upland are among the cities joining a vast number of municipalities and ethnic groups disappointed at the current maps released by the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Rutherford
Sunday, July 17, 2011 – 11:00 a.m.
The plot thickens regarding a piece of prime San Bernardino County-owned real estate this Sunday morning.
By Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/14/2011 10:05:08 PM PDT
ONTARIO – Officials from several Inland Empire citiessupport an anticipated lawsuit seeking to overturn two new laws to limit or eliminate redevelopment funding.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 – 01:15 p.m.
County insiders are privately puzzled and concerned over new discussions regarding the disposition of a large parcel of county-owned land.
New discussions, which some county officials believe, are being spurred by an Upland developer.
R.C. council approves pact for new city manager
By Wendy Leung Staff Writer
Created: 07/07/2011 09:28:42 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved a new city manager contract, clearing the way for Assistant City Manager John Gillison to lead the day-to-day affairs of City Hall starting Sept. 1.
R.C.’s new city managers to receive less than Lam
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 07/05/2011 05:05:28 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The City Council is expected to approve the contract of the incoming city manager at its regular meeting tonight.
If approved, Assistant City Manager John Gillison will receive an annual compensation package of $262,568, with a benefits package worth $67,440.
Rutherford
Monday, July 4, 2011 – 08:30 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, July 5, 2011 – 10:00 p.m.
An unexpected shoe dropped over the weekend related to the county corruption investigation.
And I mean unexpected!
Plans on hold for R.C. land mired in scandal
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 07/02/2011 07:07:16 AM PDT
Two years ago, wheels were in motion to develop a prime piece of Rancho Cucamonga real estate. City and San Bernardino County leaders were getting ready to select a developer to turn 1,200 acres of former flood control property into a planned community of suburban homes, parks and sports fields.
Lower rate will apply to new employees after July 4
By Wendy Leung Staff Writer
Created: 06/16/2011 08:54:45 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The City Council has adopted a two-tier retirement benefits formula that will affect future City Hall employees.
Kurth
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 – 11:15 a.m.
The Medical Board of California has revoked the license of former Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Don Kurth.
Lower rate to apply to new employees
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 06/12/2011 09:32:15 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The City Council has adopted a two-tier retirement benefits formula that will affect future City Hall employees.
Starting July 4, employees hired by the city will receive a retirement benefits formula of 2 percent at age 55, compared to the current formula of 2.5 percent at 55.
Lam
Staff Report
Created: 06/09/2011 09:31:46 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – City Manager Jack Lam announced Thursday that he will retire Aug. 31 after 32 years with the city.
Lam has been city manager for 22 years.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 06/01/2011 09:11:22 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The city has weaned itself from using reserves to balance its budget, thanks to a slight uptick in revenue and adjustments to the so-called “new normal.”
Michael
Mayor L. Dennis Michael
Created: 05/28/2011 10:17:46 PM PDT
Any Rancho Cucamonga resident knows full well what an incredible city we have, surrounded by natural beauty, access to a variety of transportation, a healthy business climate, top-notch education and located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
Kurth
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 12:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 06:18 p.m.
The Medical Board of California through an enforcement action by the State Attorney General has suspended the medical license of former Rancho Cucamonga Mayor and Assembly candidate Don Kurth.
By Wendy Leung Staff Writer
Created: 05/19/2011 05:30:15 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Not wanting to turn away future funds for city projects, the City Council on Wednesday decided to maintain its naming rights policy and not add restrictions that would prohibit naming public facilities after politicians.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 – 01:00 p.m.
InlandPolitics has learned on May 12, 2011, the California Supreme Court reassigned the criminal appeal of former Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman Rex Gutierrez.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/17/2011 09:30:45 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The City Council will review its policy on naming public facilities at its regular meeting at 7 tonight.
By Wendy Leung Staff Writer
Created: 05/13/2011 03:39:08 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – News of former Supervisor Paul Biane’s arrest Tuesday has sparked discussions over the fate of the city’s newest library – the Paul A. Biane Library.
R.C., Fontana spurred growth
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 03/12/2011 11:09:52 PM PST
Growth in those areas and across the Inland Empire came largely because of affordable homes sold in the first half of the decade, said Brad Kemp, director of regional research at Beacon Economics.
By Canan Tasci Staff Writer
Created: 03/10/2011 04:26:39 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Alta Loma School District officials approved a report saying it may not be able to meet its financial obligations over the next three years.
Board members approved their second interim financial report as “qualified” Wednesday night due to postponement of funds by the state. Districts must submit this report to the county Superintendent of Schools Office by Tuesday stating its financial condition.
By Canan Tasci Staff Writer
Created: 02/25/2011 07:41:57 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Superintendent Michael Whisenand has never had to plan for two budgets or consider laying off teachers.
That changed on Thursday.
Alta Loma School District board members approved sending out 18 layoff notices in March to teachers as well as other certificated employees.
By Wendy Leung Staff Writer
Created: 02/17/2011 04:56:01 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Facing a possible elimination of its redevelopment agency, the city has begun a campaign to get residents and businesses to oppose such a plan. City officials have created a page on the redevelopment agency website, www.rcrda.us/ProtectRancho, that lists information on past projects and includes letters that residents can send to the governor and the Legislature calling for the protection of redevelopment agencies.
Michael
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 01/19/2011 05:19:46 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The city’s future is bright, Mayor Dennis Michael told a group of community and business leaders at his first State of the City address on Wednesday at Etiwanda Gardens.
Special session focuses on 2011 goals
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 01/15/2011 07:06:35 AM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The City Council, with a new mayor and two new councilmen, kicked off 2011 with a team-building session last week that got the five leaders talking about their goals for a financially and politically difficult year.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 12/27/2010 08:01:12 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – With Don Kurth ducking out of the political limelight this year, it was a game of musical chairs on the City Council. Dennis Michael filled the mayor’s seat and two former councilmen rejoined that body.
But much of the political news this year was overshadowed by the guilty verdict delivered to Rex Gutierrez, the former councilman who is currently serving his sentence of two years and eight months in state prison.
Buquet
Buquet is back
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 12/15/2010 07:54:08 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A local businessman with a dozen years of City Council experience is the newest member of this city’s governing board.
Chuck Buquet, 59, was sworn in before the last City Council meeting of the year on Wednesday evening.
Buquet
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 12/02/2010 04:58:32 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A councilman who served 12 years in the 1980s and 1990s was appointed Wednesday to fill the remaining two years of Dennis Michael’s term.
The City Council, on a 3-1 vote, named Chuck Buquet, 59, the third highest vote getter in the November municipal election, to the five-member board. Buquet will be sworn in on Dec. 15.
Michael
New mayor promises openness
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 12/01/2010 07:04:19 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Councilman Dennis Michael became the mayor on Wednesday evening when the results of the November elections were certified in the Council Chambers.
Former Mayor Bill Alexander and Councilwoman Diane Williams were also sworn in.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 12/01/2010 11:05:21 PM PST
The City Council, on a 3-1 vote, has decided to appoint Chuck Buquet, the third highest vote getter in the council member race, to fill the remaining two years of Dennis Michael’s term.
“It just makes good, clean sense to me,” said Councilwoman Diane Williams.
Michael
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 11/28/2010 09:42:20 PM PST
After six years as a Rancho Cucamonga councilman, Dennis Michael will be sworn in as the city’s new mayor. At the ceremony on Wednesday, Councilwoman Diane Williams and former mayor Bill Alexander will also be sworn in to the council. The first item of business will be to decide how to fill the council vacancy left by Michael. Find out what the council decides in the Daily Bulletin later this week.
Kurth
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 11/26/2010 04:45:55 PM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Among those in the audience at Wednesday night’s swearing-in ceremony of the new City Council will be a blue-eyed toddler and a gregarious 2-year-old who’s an expert at disassembling anything that’s baby-proof.
Addie and her baby sister, Grace – new additions to Mayor Don Kurth’s family – will be there to see their father end a chapter of his political career. The one-term mayor did not seek re-election this year. On Wednesday, Councilman Dennis Michael will be sworn in to lead the City Council.
Newly elected group must fill one vacancy
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 11/07/2010 06:03:38 AM PST
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – The election season is over, and the political signs that once blanketed the city are slowly coming down.
But it won’t be until the end of the year, at the earliest, when Rancho residents find out who the fifth member of the City Council will be.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 – 3:30 p.m.
It’s sad.
The San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA), the union representing San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies, suffered stinging blows at a high cost Tuesday night.
The union spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in two races that blew up in its face for one and one reason only.
It forgot how elections are won or lost.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 10/28/2010 06:17:11 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Voters in this city on Tuesday will have a lengthy list of candidates to chose from in a City Council race that has become one of the more unusual elections in recent memory.
Of the 13 candidates running for three open seats, one has been found guilty of multiple felony counts, two are former members of the City Council and another is a sitting councilman whose term isn’t up until 2012.
GUTIERREZ CONVICTED
Mike Cruz and Josh Dulaney, Staff Writers
Created: 10/27/2010 12:20:28 PM PDT
A jury convicted Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez on Wednesday of grand theft, fraud and conspiracy after deliberating for nearly a week.
Gutierrez, in a crisp gray suit and a brightly colored necktie, folded his hands and nodded as the court clerk read the verdicts.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 10/27/2010 06:27:42 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – After 14 years on the City Council, Rex Gutierrez, one of the most controversial leaders in the city and at one time a state Assembly hopeful, resigned from his post Wednesday following a judge’s orders.
Gutierrez was found guilty on all four counts of conspiracy, grand theft and filing a fraudulent claim during his tenure at the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 – 12:30 p.m.
This morning a San Bernardino County jury found former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit grand theft, two counts of grand theft, and one count of filing a false claim.
The charges stemmed from Gutierrez’s employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.
The jury was in its fifth day of deliberation.
Gutierrez remains out on bail pending sentencing. He will resign his city council seat today.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 – 11:00 p.m.
Last updated: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 – 07:55 a.m.
Once again, could the conspiracy angle in the second trial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez be problematic to the prosecution?
It sure seems plausible.
Gutierrez
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 – 05:14 a.m.
Jury deliberations in the re-trial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez have reached their fourth day this morning.
The process has been ongoing since last Thursday.
THE MONEY TRAIL
Source of funds often is elusive
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/24/2010 04:51:48 AM PDT
Mailers targeting the challenger in the race for San Bernardino County’s 2nd District seat on the Board of Supervisors have drawn fire from both candidates in the race and prompted residents and politicos alike to question who is behind them.
While the mailers target challenger Janice Rutherford, a Fontana council woman, her opponent, incumbent Paul Biane, has denied any connection to the group responsible and denounced the message of one of the mailers as “a despicable and cynical example of class war fare.”
CORE stands by work
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/24/2010 05:01:02 AM PDT
Representatives of a national low income housing nonprofit stand behind a $42.5 million project approved by Rancho Cucamonga in 2007 that became a focal point in the criminal trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez.
City Council members approved the project proposed by National Community Renaissance, or National CORE, on a 4-0 vote in August 2007. City Manager Jack Lam, who was the city redevelopment agency”s chairman at the time, Mayor Don Kurth, and redevelopment director Linda Daniels, who opposed the project, were all absent when the vote occurred.
Friday, October 22, 2010 – 12:05 p.m.
The jury in the trial of former Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez ended deliberations just after 11:00 a.m. this morning without reaching a verdict.
A jurors medical appointment ended the session early.
Friday, October 22, 2010 – 12:10 p.m.
The retrial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez, make no mistake, has had its share of twist and turns.
The biggest twist came with the testimony of county human resources director Andrew Lamberto.
Friday, October 22, 2010 – 08:15 a.m.
Friday is day two of jury deliberations in the retrial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is charged with three felonies related to alleged time card fraud during his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.
The jury held one full day of deliberations yesterday and was set to resume at 8:00 a.m. this morning.
The first trial ended in a hung jury.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 – 01:15 p.m.
The final day in the trial of former San Bernardino County Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez had some interesting events of note.
Gutierrez is charged with three felony counts related to alleged time card fraud during his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.
Gutierrez
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/20/2010 08:48:17 PM PDT
Attorneys delivered their closing arguments Wednesday in the retrial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez. The seven-woman, five-man jury will begin deliberating today.
Prosecutors outlined for the jury what they describe as a “culture of corruption” in the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office under the reign of Bill Postmus in 2007 and 2008, and that Gutierrez was hired by Postmus as a political favor to Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, who contributed to both Gutierrez’s and Postmus’ campaigns.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 10/20/2010 05:37:18 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Trying to tap into the anti-incumbent mood, challengers in the City Council race urged residents at a candidates forum on Tuesday to vote out the current council.
Candidates urged voters to “clean house” and accused the City Council of being a “good ole boys club” at an Alta Loma Riding Club event focused on issues of the equestrian community.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/19/2010 07:20:33 PM PDT
A San Bernardino County prosecutor on Tuesday continued questioning Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez on a $42.5 million low-income housing project Gutierrez pushed forward in 2007, which coincided with his hiring at the county Assessor’s Office.
National Community Renaissance, or National CORE, is the Rancho Cucamonga-based nonprofit that develops low income housing projects in communities across the country. It was founded by homebuilders Jeffrey Burum and Andrew Wright about 20 years ago, according to its Web site.
Rancho Cucamonga city councilman says job was not sham
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/18/2010 06:10:17 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez said Monday he had a flexible work schedule while working at the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office over a two-year period, which was sanctioned by his bosses.
Gutierrez, 50, took the witness stand Monday in San Bernardino Superior Court during his retrial, testifying that his job was assignment driven, and much of his work was done in the field.
Gutierrez
Testimony will be challenged
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/17/2010 08:16:53 PM PDT
Defense attorney Jim Reiss will begin calling his witnesses today in the retrial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, bringing the trial into its second phase.
Gutierrez is charged with felony conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft and filing a fraudulent claim. He is accused of conspiring with former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum to bilk taxpayers out of thousands of dollars.
Friday, October 15, 2010 – 9:10 a.m.
We here at InlandPolitics.com couldn’t help but notice the two local newspapers didn’t report on yesterdays events at the trial of former Assessor employee and Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is charged with three felonies alleging time card fraud during his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.
Yesterday, defense attorney Jim Reiss made significant inroads on his cross examination of District Attorney investigator Skyler Beaty.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/13/2010 06:24:35 PM PDT
For nearly two years, Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez attended dozens of city-related meetings and special events when he was supposed to be working for the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office, according to court testimony Wednesday.
Gutierrez’s conduct was also sanctioned by former county Assessor Bill Postmus, who prosecutors allege hired Gutierrez as a political favor for Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, an allegation Burum denies.
Gutierrez
08:48 AM PDT on Wednesday, October 13, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez accused the city’s redevelopment director of being an “obstructionist” when she raised questions about an affordable housing agreement the city was entering into with a developer in 2007, according to court testimony Tuesday.
Linda Daniels, a Rancho Cucamonga deputy city manager who was redevelopment director at the time, said Gutierrez shouted at her after one meeting for not moving the project along fast enough.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/12/2010 10:12:39 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga’s former redevelopment director testified Tuesday in court that Councilman Rex Gutierrez was anxious to push through, despite her opposition, a $42.5million low-income housing project benefiting developer Jeff Burum.
Linda Daniels, now the city’s deputy city manager of economic and community development, took the witness stand Tuesday in San Bernardino Superior Court during Gutierrez’s criminal trial.
Rutherford
07:13 AM PDT on Tuesday, October 12, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford, who has made ethics reform a central platform in her candidacy for San Bernardino County supervisor, has a former aide to former county assessor Bill Postmus running her campaign.
Ted Lehrer, a former spokesman for Postmus, testified last week in the criminal trial of Rex Gutierrez, another former assessor’s employee.
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/11/2010 10:27:20 PM PDT
Campaign mailers sent to Rancho Cucamonga and Upland residents last week have both contestants for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors’ 2nd District crying foul.
Janice Rutherford, a Fontana councilwoman, is the target of both mailers, which were sent out by a group called Citizens Against Corruption Opposing Rutherford for Supervisor 2010.
Adam Aleman
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/06/2010 06:18:18 PM PDT
Former San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office executive Ted Lehrer testified Wednesday in the trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, stating that former assistant assessor Adam Aleman – a key witness for the prosecution – lied to him on many occasions.
Aleman, 27, is testifying against his former colleagues in the office in exchange for a lighter sentence. He pleaded no contest last June to four felony counts of vandalism and falsifying documents he presented to the Grand Jury, which was investigating a reported scandal at the office involving a political operation being run by former Assessor Bill Postmus at taxpayer expense.
11:20 PM PDT on Wednesday, October 6, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus was uncomfortable disciplining Rex Gutierrez for poor work habits because he was afraid it would upset an influential developer, a witness testified Wednesday.
Ted Lehrer, who served as communications officer for Postmus, said in early 2008 Postmus became concerned that Gutierrez was drawing attention from other career employees over his frequent absences.
Time sheet hours at issue
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 10/05/2010 08:57:12 PM PDT
Former San Bernardino County Assistant Assessor Harlow Cameron took the witness stand Tuesday in the retrial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, saying he reluctantly approved Gutierrez’s time sheets even though his work hours were questionable.
Cameron, who retired from the Assessor’s Office in November 2008, said that after former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman resigned in April 2008 following his arrest in connection with a scandal at the office, then-Assessor Bill Postmus arranged to have Cameron sign off on Gutierrez’s time sheets, even though Postmus would retain the duty of assigning Gutierrez tasks.
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Apr | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
| |