Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
May 20, 2013; 06:34 PM
Ontario, San Bernardino County and Culver City filed an appeal late Monday, May 20, of the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission’s approval of an LAX expansion plan.
To read story by Cassie MacDuff in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/20/2013 08:33:53 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – It seems that no one wants to administer the attempts to recall nearly all of the city’s elected officials.
The dais was nearly empty Monday night as the city council asked the county registrar of voters to handle any further questions related to the recall efforts.
Beatriz E. Valenzuela, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/18/2013 05:38:40 PM PDT
Updated: 05/18/2013 07:19:15 PM PDT
Fewer offenders released from state prison after the implementation of Gov. Jerry Brown’s Prison Realignment have been rearrested and conviction rates for the same group of offenders have remained virtually the same, according to a new study from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. San Bernardino County rates, however, are lower than the state average.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/18/2013 07:48:47 PM PDT
Updated: 05/18/2013 07:49:35 PM PDT
Two years after being indicted in a major San Bernardino County corruption case, Mark Kirk is back in the political arena.
Liset Marquez, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/17/2013 07:41:52 PM PDT
Updated: 05/17/2013 07:42:00 PM PDT
ONTARIO — Attorneys representing several cities and San Bernardino County opposed to a plan to modernize Los Angeles International Airport say they are in the process of filing a lawsuit against the agency that oversees LAX.
By Lori Fowler
lori.fowler@ inlandnewspapers.com @IECourtsNow on Twitter
Posted: 05/16/2013 05:31:14 PM PDT
Updated: 05/16/2013 05:31:22 PM PDT
A group of local officials are spearheading an effort to re-staff courts and provide more funds to what they call a starving court system.
Posted on | May 15, 2013
A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has bad news for Ontario International Airport.
To read column by Cassie MacDuff in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.
State Assembly Member Norma Torres (D-Pomona) handily defeated Mayor Paul Leon (R-Ontario) to fill the 32nd State Senate District seat vacated by now-U.S. Representative Gloria Negrete-McLeod on Tuesday night.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/14/2013 05:17:03 PM PDT
San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux presented the first budget projections for the next fiscal year to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/13/2013 05:15:52 PM PDT
Updated: 05/13/2013 05:15:59 PM PDT
San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux will discuss proposed budget programs for the next fiscal year and the county’s financial condition during a study session of the Board of Supervisors today.
Saturday, May 11, 2013 – 04:00 p.m.
Even though San Bernardino County is about to make a record annual payment of $172.5 million to its pension fund, there is a little bright light shining through.
May 10, 2013 7:16 PM
Jim E. Winburn, Staff Writer
HESPERIA • San Bernardino County officials helped to dedicate the new High Desert Public Safety Operations Center in Hesperia on Friday, a joint-agency emergency hub to deal with regional and countywide catastrophes.
Friday, May 10, 2013 – 09:00 a.m.
In a strange turn of events, state prosecutors now say it’s no longer necessary for the California Supreme Court to throw out two long standing case law precedents, and more than a dozen underlying appellate opinions, in order to reinstate key bribery and conflict of interest charges against defendants in the well-publicized case involving the 2006 Colonies Settlement.
By Brian Sumers Staff Writer
brian.sumers@dailybreeze.com @briansumers on Twitter
Posted: 05/09/2013 06:34:18 PM PDT
Medium-size airports like LA/Ontario International Airport have lost a significant number of flights in the past six years, while larger facilities have been less affected, according to a study released this week by researchers at MIT.
By Brian Sumers Staff Writer
brian.sumers@dailybreeze.com @briansumers on Twitter
Posted: 05/07/2013 06:50:20 PM PDT
Updated: 05/07/2013 07:32:30 PM PDT
Los Angeles World Airports officials have a suggestion for business leaders and politicians in the Inland Empire who want airlines to add flights at LA/Ontario International Airport: Open your checkbooks.
Liset Marquez and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 05/07/2013 11:00:57 AM PDT
Updated: 05/07/2013 09:49:23 PM PDT
Ontario and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will join Inglewood and Culver City in a legal battle over an environmental plan for LAX approved by the Los Angeles City Council last week.
May 07, 2013; 05:51 PM
San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer Greg Devereaux will stay on until 2017, and possibly beyond that, under a contract extension approved Tuesday, May 7, by the Board of Supervisors.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
May 04, 2013; 05:24 PM
Law enforcement officials first announced the formation of a task force focused on political corruption in November 2010, when FBI agents and San Bernardino County district attorney’s investigators raided Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/04/2013 06:22:53 PM PDT
In 2010, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos announced the formation of the Inland Empire Joint Corruption Task Force, prompted by allegations of rampant corruption in local government. His announcement followed an FBI raid at the county-run Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where it was alleged that some public officials had been receiving free medical care.
California Charter Academy
By Beau Yarbrough
Posted: 04/26/2013 04:57:27 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — The two men who allegedly misappropriated $5.5 million in taxpayer funds meant for California charter schools may be inching toward a trial date, five and a half years after they were indicted.
By Mark Gutglueck
sbcsentinel@yahoo.com
Republished from Friday, April 19, 2013
(April 19) The California Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney have overstepped their prosecutorial authority and are engaging in “an impermissible charging scheme” in the pursuit of a bribery and conspiracy case against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum and three former public officials, according to a defense brief filed with the Supreme Court on April 15.
Jim Steinberg, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/22/2013 11:24:13 AM PDT
Property values in parts of San Bernardino County are on the rise, a sign that the regional economy could be on the mend, county officials said Monday.
But it comes with a catch: higher taxes.
April 19, 2013; 05:04 PM
San Bernardino County is proposing to award a multimillion-dollar contract to operate its landfills to a company that has drawn criticism from an environmental group over its safety record.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/19/2013 11:31:16 PM PDT
A defense attorney, in a motion filed with the state Supreme Court, alleges that state and San Bernardino County prosecutors are asking the high court to overturn a century of established case law and reinstate bribery charges against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.
By William Cutting
Friday, April 19, 2013 – 07:30 p.m.
I stumbled upon this story over at MousePrint.org and thought our readers over here at Inland Politics might have an interest in it.
According to this blog posting, District Attorney offices across the nation are allowing debt collectors to use District Attorney stationary to go after bad check writers. Presumably, the DA’s office receives a cut of some kind, be it a slice of the collected funds or perhaps a licensing fee to use the stationary.
By Joe Nelson
joe.nelson@ inlandnewspapers.com @SBCountyNow on Twitter
Posted: 04/18/2013 07:35:56 PM PDT
The president of the union representing San Bernardino County’s prosecutors, deputy public defenders and child support attorneys has threatened a strike if the county continues imposing concessions he said are not on par with other counties.
Thursday, April 18, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Another unfunded special unit being created by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos?
Looks like it.
April 17, 2013; 04:08 PM
A defense attorney accused prosecutors of attempting to “radically change” state bribery law in its California Supreme Court petition to restore charges against Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
April 17, 2013; 11:00 AM
Former San Bernardino airport manager Scot Spencer and a business investor of his appeared in court Wednesday, April 17, on corruption charges and both were ordered to return on May 29 for a status hearing.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 – 12:oo a.m.
A democratic political activist and former staffer of Former U.S. Representative Joe Baca, who was wrongfully charged by San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, will appear, with his lawyer, on KTIE-AM 590 Wednesday evening.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 – 04:30 p.m.
The defense in the highly-publicized Colonies case accuses the State Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney of using an “novel charging scheme” to bring its case against Rancho Cucamonga Developer Jeffrey Burum, Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin, Former County Supervisor Paul Biane and Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Supervisor Gary Ovitt.
April 16, 2013; 10:35 PM
Scot Spencer, the former San Bernardino airport manager charged with conspiracy and perjury, was released on $1 million bail on Monday, April 15.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
April 16, 2013; 09:39 PM
San Bernardino County has the second-highest number of former state prisoners being monitored by county probation officers under California’s realignment shift.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Sunday, April 14, 2013 – 11:45 a.m.
After a protracted negotiations period, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is set to impose a one-year contract on the union representing the positions of Deputy District Attorney, Deputy Public Defender and Child Support Attorney, effective immediately.
A contract that will deal a serious blow to take-home pay.
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: 04/11/2013 04:24:32 PM PDT
San Bernardino County prosecutors have filed multiple counts of conspiracy and perjury chargers against former airport developer Scot Spencer, left, and investor and co-conspirator Felice G. Luciano, right, in connection with the development of the San Bernardino International Airport and related companies.
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.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
The political advisor to San Bernardino County District Attorney Micheal Ramos has found himself in the middle of a second politically-motivated and malicious prosecution by his client.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/09/2013 10:57:57 AM PDT
Bios: Scot Spencer | Felice Luciano
Photo Galleries: Scot Spencer | D.A. files charges against Scot Spencer
View: Criminal complaint | Grand Jury report
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/07/2013 05:20:32 PM PDT
Updated: 04/07/2013 05:29:38 PM PDT
San Bernardino County is hosting its annual State of the County event on Wednesday at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. Its focus will be on the Countywide Vision plan and the progress made since its implementation in June 2011.
Friday, April 5, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
When the San Bernadino County District Attorney announced charges against former San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA) Project Manager Scot Spencer, and an associate, last week I asked myself two questions.
Child porn possession case was dismissed after evidence pointed to Clauder’s son
By Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/03/2013 11:07:16 AM PDT
Related story: San Bernardino political activist vindicated on child porn charge, record ordered destroyed
View: Sheriff’s report
A political watchdog and former aide to Rep. Joe Baca, charged in 2009 with felony possession of child pornography but whose case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, has filed a $7.5 million claim against the county.
Sunday, March 31, 2013 – 11:15 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, April 1, 2013 – 08:00 a.m.
Could it be an attempt at brainwashing the public for maybe the twentieth time!
Maybe the term “deceiving” is more appropriate.
No tenant: Commercial carriers have yet to sign on to former military base
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/29/2013 06:48:36 PM PDT
Photo Gallery: SBIA
SAN BERNARDINO — Nearly two decades after Norton Air Force Base closed, the airport that replaced it has no passenger carrier.
March 29, 2013; 05:59 PM
When San Bernardino airport officials first began working with Scot Spencer in 2005, they said they did so with their eyes open.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/29/2013 10:01:07 AM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Former San Bernardino International Airport developer Scot Spencer pleaded not guilty Friday to criminal conspiracy and other charges during his arraignment via closed-circuit television in San Bernardino Superior Court.
Friday, March 29, 2013 – 08:30 a.m.
Both defendants in the new San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA) fraud case, filed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney on Monday, arrived in Southern California yesterday.
March 28, 2013 8:42 PM
Jim E. Winburn, Staff Writer
VICTORVILLE • High Desert government representatives have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to find the money needed to keep the Southern California Logistics Airport control tower open.
Thursday, March 28, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
I was stunned to read an online opinion editorial by County Supervisor James Ramos on Wednesday.
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.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 04:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 10:15 p.m.
The California Supreme Court rendered a ruling Wednesday afternoon that will impact the highly-publicized Colonies criminal case.
By Joe Nelson
joe.nelson@ inlandnewspapers.com @SBCountyNow on Twitter
Posted: 03/27/2013 08:11:53 PM PDT
Related story: Report details Scot Spencer’s actions at San Bernardino airport
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/27/2013 01:46:27 PM PDT
Former San Bernardino International Airport developer Scot Spencer has waived extradition, and should return to San Bernardino this week for arraignment, prosecutor Robert Brown said.
Ryan Hagen, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/27/2013 01:06:14 PM PDT
San Bernardino is suing the state to prevent the Department of Finance from carrying through with a threat to withhold more than $15 million in taxes to make up for low- and moderate-income housing funds the city allegedly owes.
By Matt Clark
March 27, 2013 – 06:01 p.m.
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest-paid county executives.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
It’s unbelievable!
Mayor Patrick Morris, the mayor of bankrupt San Bernardino, is still telling newspapers that San Bernardino International Airport (SBIA) will get a scheduled passenger airline.
Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/26/2013 12:44:55 PM PDT
Bios: Scot Spencer | Felice Luciano
Photo Gallery: D.A. files charges against Scot Spencer
View: Scot Spencer investigative report | Criminal complaint | Statement from 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales | 2010-11 Grand Jury report
Timeline: SBIA and Scot Spencer
Related stories: Grand Jury questions management practices at SBIA | Former SBIA developer Scot Spencer charged with $1.75 million fraud
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 – 10:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 – 09:15 a.m.
Is San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos finally behind the eight ball?
Could a chain of events finally be in-play that has many local politicos, movers and shakers, and campaign contributors cringing?
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Did Press Enterprise Columnist Cassie MacDuff get her chain jerked by newspapers editors over her initial column on the arrest of San Bernardino International Airport Developer Scot Spencer?
Andrew Edwards, Ryan Hagen and Joe Nelson, Staff Witers
Posted: 03/25/2013 08:59:57 AM PDT
Bios: Scot Spencer | Felice Luciano
Photo Gallery: D.A. files charges against Scot Spencer
View: Criminal complaint | Statement from 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales | 2010-11 Grand Jury report
Timeline: SBIA and Scot Spencer
Related stories: Grand Jury questions management practices at SBIA
Scot Spencer, the former airline executive and convicted felon who was nonetheless entrusted with leading the development of San Bernardino International Airport, faces five years in prison after being charged with an alleged associate with conspiring to steal more than $1 million in public funds.
March 25, 2013; 09:25 AM
A long-running investigation into business dealings at the San Bernardino International Airport Authority resulted in criminal charges and the arrest of former airport developer Scot Spencer, District Attorney Michael Ramos announced Monday, March 25.
To read story by Iman Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Monday, March 25, 2013 – 11:00 a.m.
Former San Bernardino International Airport Developer Scot Spencer, 48, was arrested in Boca Raton, Florida on Sunday.
Monday, March 25, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
Last Modified; Monday March 25, 2013 – 10:45 a.m.
Well, here comes another sure-to-be-touted press conference from San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 22, 2013 – 09:30 a.m.
The California Attorney General and San Bernardino County District Attorney has filed papers with the State Supreme Court opposing parts of the highly-publicized Colonies criminal case from moving forward.
By Joe Nelson
joe.nelson@ inlandnewspapers.com @SBCountyNow on Twitter
Posted: 03/20/2013 07:32:04 PM PDT
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge on Wednesday dismissed former San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry’s misdemeanor conviction for failing to report a $5,000 campaign contribution in 2007.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 – 03:00 p.m.
A San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge set aside a misdemeanor conviction of a former county supervisor Wednesday morning.
Posted: 03/19/2013 09:55:37 PM PDT
Updated: 03/20/2013 12:02:30 AM PDT
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon on Tuesday gave his first interview since the deadly Feb. 12 standoff between disgruntled former Los Angeles police officer Chris Dorner and deputies in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 – 10:00 a.m.
One has to really wonder just how unhappy San Bernardino County officials are these days.
March 17, 2013 9:04 AM
Jim E. Winburn, Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO • Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s Desert Protection Act is kicking up more dust in the High Desert as the pending bill threatens to shut down future mining prospects, San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Robert Lovingood said.
March 17, 2013; 06:35 PM
Turnout in last Tuesday’s special election in Inland Southern California’s 32nd Senate District stands at a whopping 9.6 percent.
To read the Political Empire column in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Sunday, March 17, 2013 – 12:30 p.m.
The California Attorney General has filed its Opening Brief on the Merits in its appeal of the dismissal of key charges in the well-published criminal case stemming from the $102 million settlement between San Bernardino County and Colonies Partners L.P. in 2006, some six and one-half years ago.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/16/2013 06:51:47 PM PDT
A San Diego Superior Court judge, in an effort to encourage a settlement between San Bernardino County, and Upland and two transportation agencies, purged his Feb. 5 decision to dismiss all damages claims the county made against the city and the two agencies.
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.
By Imran Ghori
March 15, 2013; 05:23 PM
A Rancho Cucamonga developer accused of bribing San Bernardino County officials will essentially get a “free pass” if prosecutors are not allowed to restore charges dismissed by a lower court judge, the state Attorney General’s office argued in a brief filed with the California Supreme Court this week.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/12/2013 08:49:23 PM PDT
San Bernardino County on Tuesday settled its nearly 9-year-old lawsuit against the city of Upland and two transportation agencies regarding the county’s landmark settlement with Rancho Cucamonga investor group Colonies Partners LP in 2006.
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