Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/05/2012 07:38:16 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – The City Council today will vote on recommendations to lay off 77 employees of its now defunct economic/redevelopment agencies – 33 civil service employees and 44 contract employees, City Attorney James F. Penman said Friday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 02/02/2012 04:25:33 PM PST
Document: Ballot Title and Summary
San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters Local 891, the union representing 126 city firefighters, has introduced a ballot initiative proposing an elected fire chief.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/28/2012 10:54:18 PM PST
A controversial state Supreme Court ruling is forcing 400 redevelopment agencies throughout California to close, but officials overseeing redevelopment at the former Norton Air Force Base say work there will continue.
Saturday, January 28, 2012 – 09:00 a.m.
Could the lack of a business license at Million Air San Bernardino LLC derail the state of the county event scheduled for February 29th?
It’s just another embarrassment for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, and in particular Supervisor Josie Gonzales, who allowed the event to be held at the lavish facility.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/27/2012 08:39:26 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – An official with San Bernardino International Airport’s most upscale business paid part of the fees to renew its business license Thursday, but it still wasn’t enough to get a valid license, city officials said Friday.
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.
Will Bigham, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Created: 01/26/2012 10:42:20 AM PST
A committee of the Cal State University Board of Trustees is set to begin the search for a new president at Cal State San Bernardino. President Albert Karnig is retiring at the end of the school year.
Officials dismiss website as ‘cheap stuff’
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/16/2012 05:28:57 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – A business website has ranked the city as the fourth worst-run municipality in the country.
San Bernardino comes in behind Newark, N.J., Detroit and Miami, according to www.247wallst.com, which covers business finance.
By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/09/2012 08:08:49 PM PST
Representatives of Norton Property Management Services, LLC., which rents and operates portions of a hangar at the embattled San Bernardino International Airport, met with creditors on Monday as the company’s bankruptcy proceedings moved forward.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/05/2012 05:29:17 PM PST
An administrative law judge from the U.S. Department of Labor has ruled in favor of a San Bernardino man who says he was wrongfully fired from an aircraft maintenance company that he worked for at San Bernardino International Airport.
By Ryan Hagen and Josh Dulaney, Staff writers
Posted: 01/03/2012 07:04:50 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – High-profile leaders of the city and school district have recently been replaced, and the new year is expected to bring more new faces and approaches.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 30 December 2011 07:21 PM
Leaders with three Inland groups overhauling former military bases say legislation that would dissolve the state’s redevelopment agencies doesn’t apply to them.
The legislation was upheld by the state’s Supreme Court on Thursday.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/29/2011 11:26:57 PM PST
It was a year packed with news.
As the roughest economy in decades continued, cities and school districts were hit with severe budget cuts, affecting teachers, counselors and ultimately students. A corruption scandal involving top former county officials continued to unfold. Cities and school districts gained new leaders and lost old ones.
Today, we look at what’s to come in San Bernardino and take stock of where it’s been.
Will Bigham, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/20/2011 06:07:01 PM PST
Related story: SB Valley College president to leave for Illinois job
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 12/20/2011 08:47:54 PM PST
Here’s a list of some actions taken at Monday’s San Bernardino City Council meeting:
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 12/19/2011 01:55:21 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – City Manager Charles McNeely on Monday denied rumors swirling around City Hall that he will leave his post in January.
When reached by telephone and asked if he intends to step down, McNeely said, “At some point, yeah, but not now.”
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.
Ryan Hagen, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Created: 12/15/2011 03:14:13 PM PST
Cal State San Bernardino is the second-safest four-year public university in the state, according to a new report from StateUniversity.com.
The university’s crime rate puts it eighth overall among the 46 schools in the University of California, California State University and California Community College systems.
Friday, December 16, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 10:39 a.m.
A $10 million Federal Highway Administration grant to the city of Highland is no more.
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.
Josh Dulaney and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 12/14/2011 04:33:17 PM PST
Officials overseeing San Bernardino International Airport approved a process Wednesday by which controversial airport developer Scot Spencer faces removal from most operations.
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 13 December 2011 07:41 PM
The longtime landlord of one of San Bernardino International Airport’s largest hangars has filed for bankruptcy.
The public agency overseeing the airport is owed more than $400,000 in unpaid rent and has filed a suit to formally evict Norton Property Management Services LLC.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/12/2011 07:18:26 PM PST
Teachers and school board members continue to bristle that five schools in the San Bernardino City Unified School District did not qualify for a total of $7.2 million in state funding because of preventable mistakes, even as they push for a waiver.
Repairs driving up price
Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
Created: 12/10/2011 06:07:27 AM PST
Significant water rate hikes in San Bernardino and Los Angeles County cities since the beginning of the year has caused many angry ratepayers to speak up.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/09/2011 02:02:49 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Boeing Aircraft once again is using San Bernardino International Airport to test aircraft.
According to a spokesman, Boeing is in the midst of conducting flight tests on 787 jets.
By Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/06/2011 08:40:50 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – There wasn’t any easing-in period for the three new members who joined the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s board Tuesday.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 12/05/2011 07:59:34 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – An effort to get Mayor Pat Morris to speak from the dais about the ongoing federal investigation at San Bernardino International Airport was thwarted Monday night at the City Council meeting.
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.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/30/2011 08:28:25 PM PST
Subcontractors who are owed roughly $4 million for renovation work at San Bernardino International Airport soon could be getting checks in the mail.
By Melissa Pinion-Whitt, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/30/2011 12:29:42 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Construction began Wednesday on the new San Bernardino County courthouse in downtown San Bernardino.
The estimated $339 million project, which has been in development since 2007, will be an 11-story building with 36 courtrooms.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/29/2011 10:37:42 PM PST
San Bernardino is among the state’s most costly cities to do business in, according to a new survey examining municipalities’ taxes and fees.
Claremont McKenna College’s Rose Institute of State and Local Government and Kosmont Cos. produced the survey.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/29/2011 08:03:09 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – A lease agreement for a new downtown movie theater was approved Tuesday night.
The board of the Economic Development Corporation – the nonprofit agency which has had oversight of redevelopment here since March – voted 4-0 to approve a 10-year lease agreement with Regal Entertainment Group.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/21/2011 08:31:37 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – The City Council voted 4-3 late Monday night to endorse a proposed lease agreement with Regal Entertainment Group to revamp 14 of the 20 screens at the former CinemaStar movie theater near Fourth and E streets.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/20/2011 06:09:52 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – The City Council, acting in its role as the Economic Development Agency board, will consider a lease agreement Monday with Regal Entertainment Group to redevelop the former CinemStar movie theater at Fourth and E streets.
Sunday, November 20, 2011 – 05:15 a.m.
It’s 1976 and San Bernardino is designated an All-America City.
Fast forward thirty-five years to 2011 and the city is now ranked #2 on the list of the poorest cities in America.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/19/2011 02:56:37 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Monday marks the deadline to apply for a part-time job in one of the district’s cafeterias, the first job opening the district’s Personnel Commission has processed in more than four years.
Josh Dulaney Staff Writer
Posted: 11/16/2011 12:46:27 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – In a move that has caused the City Council to draft a resolution in opposition, Caltrans has decided to move its South Region Transportation Permits Office to Sacramento, taking around 20 jobs out of the city.
Ryan Hagen, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/16/2011 12:22:37 AM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – The board of the San Bernardino City Unified School District has postponed a decision on how to choose a new superintendent until Dec. 6, noting that the current members weren’t in agreement and three newly elected members will begin serving then.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Published: 13 November 2011 08:32 PM
An official with the San Bernardino County Central Committee of the Democratic Party has complained about campaign literature mailed to San Bernardino residents that he said falsely implied the party had endorsed five candidates for city office, including three who are Republicans.
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.
Sunday, November 13, 2011 – 12:15 a.m.
The reelection of San Bernardino City Attorney Jim Penman, as predicted, isn’t sitting well with local newspapers.
Newspapers who backed a block of candidates aligned with San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris.
The Press-Enterprise was the first to express its displeasure with the election outcome by way of an anticipated editorial published Sunday morning.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITERS
brokos@pe.com | jmiller@pe.com
Published: 12 November 2011 08:12 PM
San Bernardino City Attorney Jim Penman received support from throughout the city and his opponent failed to convert dissatisfaction into votes, allowing the incumbent to win a seventh term, based on a review of 2010 census and voter registration data.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 11 November 2011 06:55 PM
San Bernardino and its firefighters are at a contract impasse after the union vowed not to accept a pay cut.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/11/2011 08:55:05 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Campaign finance reform has moved forward after the City Council gave authority to have a Charter amendment drafted that limits campaign contributions and spending.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/11/2011 04:37:50 PM PST
Members of Occupy Wall Street-inspired groups from throughout region will protest together today as Occupy Inland Empire for the first time in a rally in San Bernardino.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/10/2011 05:07:46 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – It’s a little after noon on an overcast Thursday, and the city’s most polarizing political figure walks into his favorite dining establishment.
Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/09/2011 04:21:14 PM PST
San Bernardino International Airport has a new interim executive director.
The airport board on Wednesday appointed A.J. Wilson – a former Pomona city manager and veteran of local government – to the position.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – 09:30 a.m.
In February 2011, the City of San Bernardino celebrated it’s foreclosure and taxpayer ownership of the mostly-empty Carousel Mall.
Now, just nine months later, sources report the city’s Economic Development Agency (EDA) is struggling to manage $16.5 million it borrowed on a “line of credit” through Citizens Business Bank.
Money borrowed to acquire the mall note from Center Bank and foreclose on the mall owner.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – 06:15 a.m.
Yep, you really gotta hand it to those newspaper editorial boards!
The oracles at the Sun and Press-Enterprise newspapers told voters to dump San Bernardino City Attorney Jim Penman and City Council Member Wendy McCammack.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – 07:00 a.m.
San Bernardino City Councilman Tobin Brinker, a converted ally of Mayor Pat Morris, was shown the door on Tuesday night.
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.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 08 November 2011 06:48 PM
San Bernardino’s city elections on Tuesday evening went just like Jim Penman would have scripted them:
Penman, the six-term city attorney, defeated former San Bernardino County Public Defender David McKenna. Two Penman allies on the City Council, Wendy McCammack in Ward 7 and Chas Kelley in Ward 5, won easily. And John Valdivia, a Penman-endorsed challenger to Ward 3 incumbent Tobin Brinker, won handily as well.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/08/2011 11:59:44 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO — City Attorney James F. Penman held on tight to win his race against challenger David McKenna on Election Day.
He took 52.17 percent of the 10,438 votes, according to the Office of the Registrar of Voters.
Ryan Hagen, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/09/2011 12:07:25 AM PST
SAN BERNARDINO — Voters swept three challengers and only one of three incumbents onto the board of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 08 November 2011 07:43 PM
On his second attempt, Rikke Van Johnson persuaded his San Bernardino City Council colleagues on Monday to order the writing of a charter amendment that would limit campaign contributions to elected city officials and limit spending on campaigns.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/07/2011 11:33:29 PM PST
SAN BERNARDINO – Fifth Ward Councilman Chas Kelley blasted Public Works Director Nadeem Majaj at the City Council meeting Monday night for what Kelley described as the smearing of a prominent asphalt contractor’s reputation.
Monday, November 7, 2011 – 11:45 a.m.
You gotta love it!
San Bernardino City elections are always filled with cloak and dagger episodes.
Last Wednesdays was a beauty.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 06 November 2011 08:20 PM
The San Bernardino city police and firefighter unions have contributed $196,628 directly or indirectly to City Council and city attorney candidates this year, almost completely bankrolling two campaigns, public records show.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 05 November 2011 08:40 PM
The San Bernardino City Council could undergo radical change in Tuesday’s election, both in the makeup of the seven-member panel and which city leader the majority supports.
By Will Bigham Staff Writer
Posted: 11/05/2011 09:23:26 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Two administrators at San Bernardino Valley College have been placed on administrative leave, according to an email from college President Debra S. Daniels sent Oct. 31 to college staff members.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 02 November 2011 08:19 PM
San Bernardino City Councilman Fred Shorett on Wednesday said he wants state and federal authorities to investigate actions by City Attorney Jim Penman, including whether Penman has improperly assisted vendors in winning contracts and what Shorett called “abuse of power.”
By Ryan Hagen, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/02/2011 06:47:58 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Three members of the City Council on Wednesday called for a host of outside agencies to investigate City Attorney James F. Penman and his office.
By City Attorney James F. Penman
Posted: 11/02/2011 10:22:49 AM PDT
City attorney prosecutors have been investigating alleged irregularities involving city contracts, and cooperating with the county Grand Jury’s confidential investigation into similar allegations involving some of the same individuals who control both City Hall and the San Bernardino airport. Therefore, we have been unable to comment on this matter.
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.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/01/2011 12:34:59 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Jim Mulvihill, an urban planner and a member of the Planning Commmission, is challenging City Council incumbent Wendy McCammack in the 7th Ward election on Tuesday.
Councilman has 1 challenger in SB’s 3rd Ward, budget, jobs are top issues in race
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 11/01/2011 04:49:45 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO — Pharmaceutical salesman John Valdivia is challenging 3rd Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker in the Nov. 8 election.
Staff Report
Posted: 10/31/2011 08:07:45 PM PDT
David McKenna, the challenger to James F. Penman in the city attorney’s race, has acknowledged not having voted for the last five years he lived in Riverside County.
Josh Dulaney, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 10/31/2011 07:56:21 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – City Attorney James F. Penman has created a cloud of fear at City Hall, including threats of raids on public officials, says Public Works Director Nadeem Majaj.
BY CASSIE MACDUFF
Columnist
cmacduff@pe.com
Published: 31 October 2011 05:53 PM
On Halloween day, San Bernardino city workers dressed up in costumes and held a talent contest on the front steps. The mayor recited a humorous limerick that concluded, “Every day is Halloween …”
I would have said, “Every day is a circus” at San Bernardino City Hall.
Monday, October 31, 2011 – 10:45 a.m.
Just as the San Bernardino County Employees Retirement Association (SBCERA) ends two no-bid sweetheart contracts with two politically-connected consultants, two more no-bid contracts involving the same consultants emerge.
BY BRIAN ROKOS
STAFF WRITER
brokos@pe.com
Published: 28 October 2011 04:02 PM
San Bernardino Public Works Director Nadeem Majaj said he’s afraid City Attorney Jim Penman will send armed investigators after him because Penman threatened to raid Majaj’s home and car after Majaj refused to turn over a police report.
Ryan Hagen, The (San Bernardino County) Sun
Posted: 10/27/2011 03:16:03 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – After accepting a top administrative post with the school district, Diego Ochoa has changed his mind.
Ochoa was hired Oct. 18 to fill a newly created position of administrative director curriculum/instruction and accountability and research (secondary education).
Spencer
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL
STAFF WRITER
kpierceall@pe.com
Published: 26 October 2011 07:00 PM
San Bernardino County tax collectors have seized $31,618 from the developer of San Bernardino International Airport and his related businesses, a fraction of the $544,876 he owes in property taxes, according to the county agency.
Two candidates interview for post
Josh Dulaney,Staff Writer
Posted: 10/26/2011 09:57:38 PM PDT
Members of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority Board spent nearly two hours Wednesday in a closed-session meeting, where they interviewed two candidates for the interim executive director post.
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