Saturday, July 24, 2010 – 05:00 pm
From District Attorney investigators recently pulling time card records of at least one current high-profile County Government Center employee, to pre-election day cover-ups, to intrigue surrounding the Public Defender’s office disqualifying itself in the conspiracy case involving former Assessor Bill Postmus, things are about to start stirring in San Bernardino County political and legal circles.
Much is happening these days.
Friday, July 23, 2010 – 03:47 pm
Updated: Saturday, July 24, 2010 – 09:25 am
Sources tell InlandPolitics that San Bernardino County has taken attorney-client privilege to a new level.
In San Bernardino County only, the amount of taxpayer money spent on outside counsel is privileged.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/23/2010 05:57:50 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDIN0 – In a motion seeking dismissal of state charges of extortion and bribery against former San Bernardino County assistant assessor Jim Erwin, Erwin’s attorney claims state and county prosecutors have failed to clearly state the charges, thereby thwarting Erwin’s ability to properly defend himself.
Criminal defense attorney Rajan R. Maline on Friday filed the motion in San Bernardino Superior Court, in which he also alleges that the three-year statute of limitations has expired for the offenses in which both Erwin and former county Assessor Bill Postmus stand accused.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 02:57 pm
Updated: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 06:07 pm
Last Update: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 – 08:02 pm
Well, well, well………Can you say ouch?
Matt Brown, now former chief of staff to Second District Supervisor Paul Biane is now being called Assistant Recorder. Even though county human resources classification database lists no such position title.
Brown would appear to be assuming the assistant department head position previously held by Elizabeth “Betsy” Starbuck, who was fired last Friday.
Ramos
Almost six months ago, on two seperate occasions, local private criminal attorney’s personally approached San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos with a complaint.
What was done about the complaints to Ramos? Nothing.
Why? The complaint involved supporters of the District Attorney.
District Attorney Mike Ramos
The San Bernardino County Sentinel
Friday, July 16, 2010
Former sheriff Gary Penrod accumulated compromising information and materials pertaining to district attorney Mike Ramos which was then utilized to blackmail Ramos and head off an incipient effort by the district attorney’s office to file criminal charges against Penrod pertaining to a host of criminal acts the sheriff was himself involved in.
Written by Administrator
July 10th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
It doesn’t seem to matter if we are discussing Jeff Burum, the Lewis Family, or any other of a number of successful, wealthy businessmen in our community, they are all “corrupt.” I don’t mean that they are really, truly corrupt, but they are “corrupt” in the minds of the less successful. The common thought seems to be that if one has money, then one has no integrity. Our community doesn’t allow for making an “honest” hundred million or so. Hard work, sacrifice, intellect, college education, and just plain good old-fashioned luck can all be damned. If one is successful, then one must be a crook.
Written by La Cochita
July 9th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
David Ellis is the founder of the Dave Ellis Group and Delta Partners, LLC, a full-service government relations and public affairs firm located in Orange County, California. He is San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ campaign consultant and political advisor.
Not long after Sam Clauder’s arrest on child porn charges, Ellis was at an event where he was overheard saying, “I think we have Clauder right where we want him,” referring to Clauder’s arrest and incarceration. Remember, Sam Clauder was a Democratic operative and vocal opponent of Mike Ramos and other San Bernardino County Republicans.
Moonbeam and Robin
Batman: “Haven’t you noticed how we always escape the vicious ensnarements of our enemies?”
Robin: “Yeah, because we’re smarter than they are!”
Batman: “I like to think it’s because our hearts are pure.”
Written by La Cochita
July 10th, 2010 at 2:35 am
Riddle me this readers: What were they thinking?
Point of View
Richard Grenell
Created: 07/08/2010 07:52:54 PM PDT
In the aftermath of the announcement that District Attorney Mike Ramos’ team failed miserably to prove that Rex Gutierrez participated in a conspiracy or lied on his time card, there was one little-noticed comment that stood out.
Assistant District Attorney Jim Hackleman, Mike Ramos’ appointed hatchet man, accidentally confirmed a suspicion many San Bernardino County residents had suspected for many months. Hackleman was asked by the media if the DA’s Office would seek a re-trial of their failed and costly conspiracy case and his comments were very telling. Hackleman proved just who was driving this wild political investigation when he said, “We’re going to sit down with our partners in the Attorney General’s office and will thoroughly review and refine our case with them.”
Rex Gutierrez
08:44 AM PDT on Thursday, July 8, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Former San Bernardino County assessor’s official Rex Gutierrez will be retried starting Aug. 30 on corruption charges.
Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse scheduled the new trial at a brief hearing Wednesday. A pre-trial conference will be held Aug 6.
Gutierrez
A new trial date has been set for Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez.
During a status conference yesterday, Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse set a pre-trial hearing for August 6th and a new jury trial for August 30th.
I would have missed this gem over the weekend, but a photo in a Sounthern California newspaper was the tip off.
This past weekend San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos rotated into the Presidency of the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA).
Yes, now the CDAA is stuck with this man as their leader.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 – 09:30 pm
Wait just a minute!
One thing is for certain. The David Lewis calamity has disappeared way too conveniently.
Questions need to be asked. Official questions. The kind of questions asked by the U.S. Department of Justice. They are already here, and if they aren’t already engaged on this, they should be. It’s clear no agency in this county can be trusted.
Ramos
While Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office Inter-Governmental Affairs Officer Rex Gutierrez was allegedly doing city work on county time and county work on city time, what was our favorite San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos doing?
Well he had his own version of “inter-governmental affairs” on his mind. Yep, that’s right. He was busy with affairs for sure. You know the kind-fornication, copulation, making whoopee-not with the wife he tells these women he is divorcing, but with his subordinates.
Gutierrez
Jurors’ remarks provide encouragement
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/03/2010 09:50:18 PM PDT
Prosecutors say they are not deterred by their failure to convict Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez and are convinced they’ll do better the second time around.
Assistant District Attorney Jim Hackleman said prosecutors had a chance to talk to jurors following the mistrial that was declared Wednesday in the two-week trial of Gutierrez, 50, who is charged with two felony counts of grand theft and one felony count of filing a false claim.
Ramos
InlandPolitics.com has learned that five more women have come forward against San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Additional details will be forthcoming during the next 72 hours.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, July 2, 2010
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos began his year-long term as president of the California District Attorneys’ Association Thursday.
The group, whose membership is made up of district attorneys across the state, meets in Monterey this weekend for its semi-annual conference.
Ramos
Sources inside the San Bernardino County’s District Attorney and County Administrative Offices are quietly confirming the cost of DA Mike Ramos’ alleged corruption investigations involving multiple individuals has exceeded $5 million.
A huge taxpayer price tag for Ramos’ reelection showcase and political vendetta.
Written by Administrator
July 1st, 2010 at 4:56 pm
As I read various blog comments and accounts of Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former San Bernardino County Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez’ corruption trial and non-verdict, I realize the magnitude of what happened Wednesday is lost on most. Let me explain.
The District Attorney pulled out all stops to keep this case from going to trial any sooner than necessary due to his re-election campaign and fear certain information might come out during the trial. Gutierrez refused to waive time further. The District Attorney used every procedural delay available and the trial did not commence until the last possible moment. The District Attorney was hoping a smoking gun would materialize but it never did. The District Attorney’s hand was forced.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, July 1, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County prosecutors didn’t have any second thoughts about retrying a corruption case that ended in a mistrial, a district attorney’s official said Thursday.
Prosecutors made the announcement only minutes after Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse declared a mistrial in the criminal case against Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez. The state attorney general’s office, co-prosecuting the case, joined a statement supporting the decision.
Rex Gutierrez
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 07/01/2010 04:37:59 PM PDT
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – Feeling optimistic and vindicated, Councilman Rex Gutierrez on Thursday announced he will seek re-election to the City Council in November.
A San Bernardino Superior Court jury on Wednesday failed to reach a verdict on Gutierrez’s criminal trial, leading Judge Duke Rouse to declare a mistrial. The outcome spelled relief for the embattled councilman, who was confident enough to announce his wish to remain on the City Council.
District Attorney Mike Ramos / Attorney General Jerry Brown
.
Thursday, July 1, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.
Once thing is for certain.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos drawing Attorney General Jerry Brown into his crusade against his political enemies was a smart move.
Even though Defendant Jim Erwin pushed him into it.
Gutierrez
10:21 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 30, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the criminal corruption case against Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez after a jury deadlocked on a verdict.
In a brief comment as he left the courtroom, Deputy District Attorney John Goritz said the office plans to retry Gutierrez.
June 30, 2010 5:49 PM
SAN BERNARDINO • Judge Duke D. Rouse declared a mistrial Wednesday in the corruption case of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, who’s accused of defrauding taxpayers while working in the San Bernardino County Assessor’s office under Bill Postmus.
Prosecutors argued Gutierrez, 50, worked on Rancho Cucamonga matters on county time and filed false time cards during his 22 months as intergovernmental relations officer in the Assessor’s office. He faced two felony counts of grand theft of more than $400 and one felony count of filing a false claim.
Aleman
Breaking news here. The jury in the Rex Gutierrez trial didn’t believe key prosecution witness Adam Aleman.
Wow, no kidding.
Gutierrez
Joe Nelson and Mike Cruz, Staff Writers
Posted: 06/30/2010 04:06:38 PM PDT
A mistrial has been declared in the trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez.
The 11-woman, one-man jury voted 7-5 and 8-4 in favor of convictions on Gutierrez’s two felony charges of grand theft and 9-3 in favor of conviction on one felony count of filing a false claim.
Jurors began deliberations on Monday.
The jury in the trial of Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez announced it was at an impasse Wednesday afternoon.
Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse declared a mistrial and sent the jury home after being informed a unanimous verdict could not be reached.
The jury, consisting of 11 women and 1 man, could not reach a verdict on any of the felony charges, consisting of two counts of grand theft and one count of filing a false claim.
The jury in the Rex Gutierrez case will commence their third day of deliberations at 9:30 a.m.
Expect a verdict if there is going to be one. After today the probability of a mistrial increases.
Stay tuned.
Another interesting aspect of today’s deliberations in the Rex Gutierrez trial was the request for testimony read-back by the jury.
The jury requested the court reporter read-back testimony of the defendant.
***This post was updated and revised late Tuesday night after the receipt of clarification on the jury’s inquiry. A completely different line of inquiry occurred than that originally published***
The jury deliberating the fate of Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez ended its first full day of deliberations with no verdict and a couple questions for the court and attorneys.
Cortes
Written by Administrator
June 29th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Here is the order: Councilperson Cortes v. Moore Note: There are two separate files when you open the document. The first is the application and the second is the order.
A couple of things are noteworthy. First, the order is for 100 yards and includes city hall, city functions, etc. The defendant is a resident of Grand Terrace and this order basically denies her right to participate in city government or even pay her trash bill in person. If this order is made permanent, she would not be allowed to attend a 4th of July event if the city is sponsoring one, or a Christmas pageant, or a parade.
Jury deliberations to determine the fate of Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez has reconvened.
Gutierrez faces three felony charges related to alleged time card fraud during his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus.
Rex Gutierrez
10:27 PM PDT on Monday, June 28, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
The first case to go to trial in a corruption investigation against five San Bernardino County officials went to the jury Monday.
In his closing arguments before a packed courtroom, defense attorney James Reiss called his client Rex Gutierrez a pawn in prosecutors’ attempts to go after an influential developer.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/28/2010 08:25:01 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez, while employed at the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office, honestly documented his activities, deceived no one and became a political pawn in a corruption probe by state and local prosecutors, his attorney argued Monday.
During an emphatic closing argument in San Bernardino Superior Court, defense attorney James Reiss decried prosecutors’ allegations that Gutierrez conspired with Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum and former Assessor Bill Postmus in taking a job at the county office while performing work in his capacity as a councilman.
The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.
~George Washington~
Written by Administrator
June 28th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
I intended for the final installment in this series to profile the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. But how many times can I write about the incestuous relationships between District Attorney Mike Ramos, Conflict Panel attorneys, Public Defender Doreen Boxer and judges—relationships that often should be prohibited by conflict laws if not their own sense of integrity and morality? Unfortunately, as we know “integrity and morality” are not important qualities to many of these individuals.
It was the defense’s turn this morning in San Bernardino County Superior Court in the trial of Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is facing three felony counts related to alleged time card fraud while working for Assessor Bill Postmus.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/27/2010 09:52:30 PM PDT
After seven days of testimony, the trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez approached its end Thursday with prosecutor John Goritz delivering his closing argument.
Defense attorney James Reiss delivers his closing argument today in San Bernardino Superior Court.
Gutierrez
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 24, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez defrauded San Bernardino County taxpayers as part of a “culture of corruption” at the assessor’s office, a prosecutor charged Thursday in his closing argument.
Deputy District Attorney John Goritz told the jury there was overwhelming evidence of a conspiracy that allowed Gutierrez to get his position as intergovernmental relations officer at the assessor’s office through a political favor yet avoid any discipline for failing to do much work.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 06/24/2010 07:30:48 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez knowingly falsified time records and was paid for hours not worked in the county Assessor’s Office, and should therefore be convicted of grand theft, a prosecutor said Thursday in San Bernardino Superior Court.
“The evidence shows, well beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant lied on his time cards and didn’t show up for work regularly,” prosecutor John Goritz said during his closing argument Thursday in Gutierrez’s trial. “You can decide this case based on that alone.”
June 24, 2010 1:45 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
SAN BERNARDINO • As arguments wrap up in the first jury trial in a far-reaching county corruption probe, a judge on Thursday dropped one of four felony counts against an executive staff member of former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus.
Defendant Rex Gutierrez, also a Rancho Cucamonga councilman, is accused of defrauding taxpayers by working on personal or Rancho Cucamonga matters on county time and falsifying time cards, during his service as intergovernmental relations officer under Postmus.
Closing arguments began this afternoon in the case involving Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez.
Gutierrez is now charged with only three felonies related to his employment under former Assessor Bill Postmus, after Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse acquitted him of Embezzlement by a Public Officer, count number three of the complaint. The Embezzlement charge dismissal is a blow to the prosecution. The embezzlement charge is what is referred to as a “general intent” crime with a lower threshold to prove guilt.
This morning Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse dismissed one felony count against Rancho Cuamonga City Councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez,
During preparation of jury instructions defense attorney Jim Reiss made a motion to dismiss count three of the complaint for Embezzlement by a Public Officer (Penal Code Section 424). Reiss argued Gutierrez’s duties and responsibilities did not subject him to penalty under the law.
Gutierrez
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/23/2010 06:42:31 PM PDT
Defense attorney James Reiss rested his case Wednesday in San Bernardino Superior court following testimony from four character witnesses in the trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez.
Each of the character witnesses described the Gutierrez as an “honest man.”
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A San Bernardino County prosecutor hammered at the credibility of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez on Wednesday as the former county assessor’s official continued his second day on the witness stand.
The testimony came as the prosecution and defense called their last witnesses in the sixth day of the corruption trial. Closing arguments are scheduled for today.
Wednesday, June 23, 2020 – 3:45 P.M.
Testimony in the trial of Rex Gutierrez ended this afternoon following the conclusion of Gutierrez’s testimony and that of four character witnesses for the defense and two rebuttal witnesses for the prosecution.
Deputy Attorney General Melissa Mandel finally entered the picture. Mandel cross-examined at least two of the four character witnesses. Mandel’s demeanor came across less than hospitable considering the witnesses had nothing to do with the situation.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 – 1:25 P.M.
This morning it was more of the same at the trial of Rancho Cucamonga city councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez. Things picked up right where they left off.
Gutierrez took the witness stand again and was subjected to further berating by Deputy District Attorney John Goritz. Goritz can’t help but raise his voice.
Rex Gutierrez
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, June 22, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez denied allegations Tuesday that his former job at the San Bernardino County assessor’s office was a sham.
On the fifth day of testimony in his corruption trial, the defendant countered other witnesses who said he got the job as an intergovernmental relations officer as a favor through influential Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, and that he did little actual work.
Rex Gutierrez
Gutierrez rejects Burum link to job
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/22/2010 08:08:23 PM PDT
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez took the witness stand Tuesday in his own defense, denying allegations that his nearly two-year employment in the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office was political in nature and influenced by developer Jeff Burum.
Defense attorney James Reiss began presenting his case Tuesday in San Bernardino Superior Court in the trial of Gutierrez, 50, who is charged with felony grand theft, misappropriation of public funds and filing a false claim.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Rancho Cucamonga city councilman Rex Gutierrez testified today in his own defense.
Attorney Jim Reiss questioned Gutierrez about his background, namely his work history. In addition to his background history Gutierrez went over the process by which the city of Rancho Cucamonga and National CORE partner up. Defense attorney Reiss questioned Gutierrez about his lengthy relationship with developer Jeff Burum, that began around 1992. Throughout this relationship Burum and himself would keep in contact on a consistent basis, Gutierrez said.
Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez has taken the stand in his own defense this morning.
Gutierrez faces four felony counts related to allegations of time card fraud and a conspiracy to give him employment.
Written by Administrator
June 21st, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.
˜Socrates˜
In the first three parts we examined the District Attorney’s Office, the Conflict Panel, and the Public Defender’s Office. It is now time to turn our attention to the Superior Court bench.
Monday, June 21, 2010
This mornings events at the trial of Rancho Cucamonga City councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez had the atmosphere of watching paint dry, until the lead District Attorney investigator on the case was questioned by defense attorney Jim Reiss.
Gutierrez is charged with four felonies related to alleged time card fraud and prosecution claims that his hiring by former Assessor Bill Postmus was a conspiracy orchestrated by Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum.
Gutierrez
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, June 21, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez and developer Jeff Burum exchanged seven phone calls while the City Council was hearing pitches from rival developers hoping to build on a 1,200-acre parcel, a district attorney’s investigator testified Monday.
Schyler Beaty, a senior investigator, said telephone records show the calls took place March 2, 2009. They occurred between presentations from different companies presenting plans for the highly sought-after surplus San Bernardino County land located in Rancho Cucamonga.
Gutierrez
Today starts week two of the trial of Rancho Cucamonga City councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez.
State and county prosecutors are attempting to weave a conspiracy theory with allegations of time card fraud allegedly committed by Gutierrez, while he was employed by Assessor Bill Postmus.
Written by Administrator
June 20th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
This past week San Bernardino County Deputy District Attorney John Goritz and state of California Deputy Attorney General Melissa Mandel unveiled their “conspiracy theory” in the trial of former Assessor’s Office employee Rex Gutierrez. In addition to having worked for the county, Gutierrez also is an elected member of the city of Rancho Cucamonga City Council. Gutierrez is accused of conducting city of Rancho Cucamonga business on county time.
Staff reductions proposed despite budget increase
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/20/2010 08:18:15 PM PDT
Editor’s note: Part one of a two-part look at San Bernardino County’s justice system.
A reduced work force could have a significant impact on operations in the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, despite a $1.5 million budget increase.
The proposed budget for fiscal 2010-11 includes a staffing reduction of 34 positions – more than half of which were already vacant. But three prosecutors also were elected to the judicial bench this month, and five to six other personnel have retired or left for various reasons.
Prosecutors’ strategy may set stage for future trials
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 06/19/2010 06:14:18 PM PDT
The week-old trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez marks the first jury test of the theory by prosecutors that developer Jeff Burum engaged in a broad conspiracy to influence San Bernardino County officials and enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers.
Gutierrez, 50, is charged with felony grand theft, misappropriation of public funds and filing a false claim for allegedly performing political or city business while collecting a salary as an intergovernmental liaison in the county Assessor’s Office.
Speak of being bent over. Go ask San Bernardino County Public Attorneys Association members.
This attorneys group primarily represents county prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Like a bunch of lap dogs, the group ran out and voted through a labor contract modifcation with San Bernardino County, which effectively cancelled ongoing cost of living adjustments.
Aleman
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, June 15, 2010
By RICHARD K. DE ATLEY
The Press-Enterprise
The credibility of the prosecution’s star witness in its corruption case against former members of the San Bernardino County assessor’s office was attacked in court Tuesday after he testified about how a Rancho Cucamonga city councilman was hired as a favor for a developer.
Former assistant assessor Adam Aleman said the councilman, Rex Gutierrez, was made an intergovernmental affairs officer in 2007 by then-San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus.
Cortes
Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes, who has become a figure of some controversy in recent months, this week filed for and was granted a restraining order against one of her constituents. The incident that precipitated the filing grew out of an apparent misunderstanding on the councilwoman’s part or otherwise her belief that a citizen’s disapproval of the way in which she has conducted herself in office constituted a threat to her safety and well being.
The Sentinel has learned that on June 1, Cortes was seated at the bar at JB’s Bar and Grill. That evening, seated across the bar was another Grand Terrace resident, Kay Moore, who resides with her husband, Steve, in the 23000 block of Westwood Avenue. Kay Moore, who was familiar with who Cortes was and her position with the city, remarked upon Cortes’ presence to another patron. Moore made further note of her disagreement with Cortes’ politics.
The long-awaited trial of Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez is set to begin today in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
The Gutierrez matter is the first in a series of cases involving alleged corruption brought forward by District Attorney Mike Ramos leading up to his reelection last week. Ramos avoided a run-off with two lesser-known candidates by a margin of 4 percent.
In the Inland Empire there is always an interesting political dynamic afoot.
This one is a beauty.
Sources tell InlandPolitics that San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, a Republican, has embarked on an effort to fulfill a commitment he made to Democratic candidate for Governor Edmund “Jerry” Brown.
Today agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service executed search warrants at Upland City Hall and three locations related to Mayor John Pomierski and a business partner.
Sources say Pomierski’s residence, business, and the office of a business partner are also involved in today’s activity.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 9, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane and Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford are preparing for a lengthy campaign in which an ongoing corruption investigation is likely to continue to dominate the debate.
In his bid for a third term representing the 2nd District, Biane managed only a slim lead against Rutherford in Tuesday’s election, with 34 percent to her 31 percent. With neither candidate able to garner more than 50 percent of the vote, they will face off in November.
Gutierrez
By Mike Cruz
Posted: 06/09/2010 03:58:55 PM PDT
Jury selection got underway this morning in the criminal trial for Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez in connection with alleged malfeasance at the county Assessor’s Office.
Two panels of potential jurors were on tap for the jury selection process before Judge Duke Rouse in San Bernardino Superior Court. Gutierrez, 50, sat next to his lawyer James Reiss at the counsel table as the jurors entered the courtroom.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/09/2010 06:52:06 PM PDT
A cloud of suspected corruption hanging over the heads of San Bernardino County supervisors Paul Biane and Gary Ovitt didn’t prevent them from coming out ahead in Tuesday’s primary election.
Biane received 34 percent of the vote and faces a runoff election in November with his challenger, Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford.
Ramos
The one interesting result from yesterday’s election creating a buzz is the ballot performance of San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.
Ramos ran for reelection on a corruption fighting platform. He ran against two relatively unknown candidates who enjoyed little or no financial resources.
The result? Ramos woefully underperformed every other county-wide incumbent.
All appointed and elected San Bernardino County incumbents running for county-wide offices successfully secured election or reelection last night.
Results as of 3:53 A.M. on 06/09/2010.
Office Candidate Pct % Votes-
Sheriff-Coroner Rod Hoops** 66.72 % 88,021
Paul Schrader 21.61 % 28,507
Mark Averbeck 11.67 % 15,394
District Attorney Michael Ramos** 53.72 % 72,387
Bob Conaway 27.31 % 36,792
Frank Guzman 18.97 % 25,558
Assessor-Recorder Dennis Draeger** 73.25 % 95,129
Alfred Palazzo 26.75 % 34,737
Auditor-Controller Larry Walker** 70.97 % 94,242
Ensen Mason 29.03 % 38,542
Sup.of County Schools Gary Thomas** 60.27 % 78,828
Arturo Delgado 22.32 % 29,192
Rita Ramirez-Dean 17.42 % 22,782
All appointed and elected San Bernardino County incumbents successfully secured election or reelection this evening.
The following absentee results have been posted.
Results as of 10:32 P.M. on 06/08/2010.
Sheriff Rod Hoops** 67.45 % 43,975 Votes
Paul Schrader 20.71 % 13,502 Votes
Mark Averbeck 11.84 % 7,720 Votes
District Attorney Michael Ramos** 54.90 % 36,655 Votes
Bob Conaway 28.33 % 18,913 Votes
Frank Guzman 16.77 % 11,199 Votes
Assessor-Recorder Dennis Draeger** 74.96 % 48,467 Votes
Alfred Palazzo 25.04 % 16,192 Votes
Auditor-Controller Larry Walker** 72.42 % 47,844 Votes
Ensen Mason 27.58 % 18,225 Votes
Sup.of County Schools Gary Thomas** 63.13 % 40,827 Votes
Arturo Delgado 19.55 % 12,642 Votes
Rita Ramirez-Dean 17.32 % 11,199 Votes
Yesterday’s pre-trial court hearing in the case against Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former Assessor’s employee Rex Gutierrez was interesting to say the least.
Between Friday and Monday’s proceedings you would have thought it was two different cases.
Within a just few days of a story being published here at inlandpolitics, regarding the mysterious appearance of signs attacking San Bernardino District Attorney Mike Ramos, something interesting happened.
The signs quietly dissappeared.
Aleman
(Wearing make-up)
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, June 7, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Attorneys offered a preview Monday of their arguments in the corruption trial of former San Bernardino County assessor’s official Rex Gutierrez as they prepare to begin the case this week.
Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse heard from prosecutors and defense attorneys regarding potentially significant witness testimony at a pre-trial hearing. Rouse denied a request by prosecutors to allow hearsay testimony from one of their key witnesses and put off a decision on what, if any testimony, influential Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum must provide.
Developer intends to take 5th in Gutierrez trial
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/07/2010 09:05:31 PM PDT
A lawyer for developer Jeff Burum said Monday that he advised Burum to assert his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself if called to testify in the criminal trial of Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Rex Gutierrez.
Burum’s lawyer John Vandevelde made the revelation in San Bernardino Superior Court as trial proceedings began for Gutierrez, who faces felony charges stemming from an investigation into alleged malfeasance at the county Assessor’s Office.
Written by Administrator
June 7th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Today San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse denied without prejudice the People’s motion to allow hearsay into evidence in the trial of Rex Gutierrez. Gutierrez, who is charged with two counts of grand theft, one count of embezzlement, and one count of presenting a false claim. At the last moment, the People attempted to claim that Rancho Cucamonga businessman Jeff Burum conspired with former Assessor Bill Postmus to hire Gutierrez so that Burum would have him available to him. None of this was brought up during the preliminary hearing but instead appears to be a ploy to save this prosecution. However, neither Postmus, Gutierrez or Burum have been charged with this “conspiracy.”
Primary ballot filled with key local, statewide races
James Rufus Koren and Joe Nelson, Staff Writers
Posted: 06/05/2010 09:23:48 PM PDT
Two crowded Assembly races, a billionaire-on-multimillionaire gubernatorial battle and a fistful of county and judicial contests await voters in Tuesday’s primary election.
Most of the excitement on the ballot comes in nonpartisan races for county office and in Republican races for state offices.
Gutierrez
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, June 4, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
A former San Bernardino County assessor’s official will go to trial Monday with influential developer Jeff Burum among the witnesses expected to testify.
Prosecutors told Superior Court Judge Duke Rouse on Friday morning that they were ready to proceed with their case against Rex Gutierrez, 50, on charges of grand theft, misappropriation of public funds and filing a false claim.
The trial for Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman and former Assessor employee Rex Gutierrez will commence next Monday.
Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse set the trial in motion when prosecutors and the defense indicated they were ready to proceed.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 3, 2010
By RICHARD K. DE ATLEY
The Press-Enterprise
A woman’s lawsuit claims San Bernardino County district attorney candidate Frank Guzman libeled her and breached attorney-client confidence when he used her case on his campaign website to criticize District Attorney Mike Ramos.
Guzman denied the woman had been his client, and said her lawsuit was a pre-election “cheap-shot” engineered by Ramos.
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 2, 2010
By JIM MILLER
Sacramento Bureau
SACRAMENTO – More than any Assembly seat in the Inland area, the 63rd Assembly District sits atop what not long ago was a gusher of campaign money.
The district includes Rancho Cucamonga-based Colonies Partners, which reported more than $1.2 million in political spending from 2002 through 2008.
But with only days until Tuesday’s election, the development company and its leaders have been absent from the seven-way Assembly contest, the most competitive GOP legislative primary in the state, as well as other campaigns, according to reports filed with the state.
Dead silence.
I’m sure most at the San Bernardino County Government Center like the current silence, when it comes to talk of forming an Ethics Commission and implementation of a Sunshine Ordinance.
An Ethics Commission is a necessary element needed in San Bernardino County Government for a myriad of reasons covered on this blog. It is becoming more and more evident that a commission with broad powers to investigate, level fines, and make formal referrals is desperately needed. Other counties have found the same necessity.
Expect all county-wide officials to be either elected or reelected on June 8th.
Most of San Bernardino County’s elected or appointed incumbents had to run at least a basic campaign this year. Something that is healthy.
Guzman
By: Frank H. Guzman
One of the problems with our judicial system is that anyone can file a frivolous lawsuit. Just pay the filing fees and find an attorney who does not take the time to investigate and learn the truth about the facts.
The frivolity of this lawsuit is obvious: typically in these cases, one attaches a written agreement evidencing such agreement. And in all cases when an attorney undertakes representation, such undertaking is evidenced by a written Retainer Agreement. None exists in this case.
San Bernardino City Attorney Jim Penman donating $500 to District Attorney Mike Ramos’ reelection campaign?
Yes indeed. What a surprise, especially for these two politicos.
Ramos’ latest campaign finance disclosure filed this week shows Penman coughing up the cash.
InlandPolitics has learned that an illegal bail bond practice may have once again reared it’s ugly head in San Bernardino County.
The last people to be caught doing what is known as bail bond “capping” were the Tidwell brothers. They were prosecuted.
Guzman
By Joe Nelson
Created: 05/27/2010 05:38:32 PM PDT
The former defendant in one of San Bernardino County’s most complex real estate fraud case sued her former attorney today, alleging he breached attorney-client privilege and libeled her by posting false information on his campaign Web site.
Jane Un filed the lawsuit today in San Bernardino Superior Court against Frank H. Guzman, who is running against Michael A. Ramos for District Attorney. She also filed a complaint with the California Bar Association.
High Desert developer John “Dino” DeFazio, charged with two counts of alleged perjury related to testimony he gave before the San Bernardino County Grand Jury last year, appeared before Judge Michael Dest in San Bernardino County Superior Court this morning.
The case was continued and a July court date was set.
A local San Bernardino Certified Public Accountant probably regrets hooking his wagon to District Attorney Michael Ramos.
CPA Marvin Reiter signed on as Ramos’ official campaign treasurer and now suffers the potential consequences of his decision.
By PE Politics
on May 26, 2010 4:22 PM
Sexual harassment allegations have surrounded San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos in recent months.
Now, a mysterious campaign sign has picked up on the topic. This one appears in Colton near Interstate 215. It’s unclear who is behind the sign, since it does not list a campaign committee.
Ramos has consistently denied the allegations.
To read entire story, click here.
Emmerson
Written by Senor Blogger
May 25th, 2010 at 12:46 am
Is Assemblyman Bill Emmerson (R-Hemet/Upland/Redlands/Wherever) turning against one of his strongest endorsers? For years, DA Mike Ramos and Bill Emmerson have been politically close. DA Mike Ramos has endorsed Emmerson for legislative offices through the years, and Emmerson has backed Ramos for district attorney.
However, is that supposedly close political relationship about to change?
Written by Administrator
May 24th, 2010 at 9:02 am
“Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both. — Eleanor Roosevelt”
So far in this series we have discussed the District Attorney’s office and the Conflict Panel. There are three other components to justice, or the lack thereof, in San Bernardino County: the Public Defender, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Superior Court bench. Today, we will discuss the office of the Public Defender.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos is once again under investigation by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) See letter:
(Click image to enlarge)
Written by Administrator
May 24th, 2010 at 7:00 am
This is the second letter received from the FPPC on this matter. The first letter acknowledged receipt of the complaint and advised they would determine if there was enough evidence to investigate. The 460 speaks for itself so it would have been hard to say there is no evidence.
One things for certain.
San Bernardino County doesn’t want any bad news made public. And when it does go public by way of internal leaks, the course of action is to downplay or deny.
The small efforts deployed against San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos might be somewhat comical, but that’s about it.
The two term incumbent DA is on a sure path to reelection in a little more than two weeks. The two attorneys in the race, Frank Guzman and Bob Conaway, lack ability to raise the necessary funding for a successful candidacy.
Ramos effectively dissuaded any serious contenders from coming forward and challenge him.
** This story is being brought forward at the request of a reader. The point being District Attorney Mike Ramos appears to be focused so much on eliminating his political enemies, than seeing justice done on true crimes against the community and its residents.
Kenneth Good
By Charles Roberts, Editor
Highland Community News
Published: Thursday, May 13, 2010 4:38 PM CDT
Rico Von Heninburg has had 71 court dates so far, and neighbors say that’s enough.
Kenneth Good, 87, was awakened in the predawn hours of Aug. 29, 2008, by a man beating him with a barbell. He was knocked unconscious, and called 911 when he awoke at 5:15 a.m.
(Click image to enlarge)
Written by Administrator
May 19th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Obviously, Deputy McGruff has failed at his assignment. We need the big guns. Time to call on the National Guard. We hear these signs are all over the west end. We need to line the streets with militiamen and tanks to be sure we are all safe from these dreaded signs.
Like, umm, where can I get one to go with my Frank Guzman sign?
Written by Administrator
May 19th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Sometimes I really wonder who is the worst lawyer, District Attorney Mike Ramos or County Counsel Ruth Stringer. From Ramos we have learned that the Constitution of the United States is not applicable in San Bernardino County, at least not in connection with political enemies. And County Counsel Ruth Stringer has taught us that copulation involving public resources is covered by the “deliberative process” and therefore not subject to review, not that we wanted to review the copulation, only the expenditures attached thereto.
Finally! One of the alleged corruption cases is on the radar screen. Really it is!
The case calendar of Rancho Cucamonga City Councilman Rex Gutierrez now has a trial approaching.
Gutierrez is charged with grand theft and other crimes related to alleged time card fraud during his tenure at the Assessor’s office.
Written by Administrator
May 16th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
It seems someone has called a spade a spade. Yep, that’s right! Someone finally recognizes Mikey for what he is.
Apparently, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos has his “panties in a wad,” to quote my source. Ramos had a large campaign sign posted at Ford Street and I-10. Well someone wrote “womanizer” on it. Mikey found out and the Redlands Police Department was called to take the sign down, enter it into evidence and investigate the crime of the century. So our tax dollars are once again being put to good use and the citizens of Redlands can feel safe knowing that there is so little crime in Redlands that their officers have time for such an important investigation.
This is a case where a picture tells the story.
Pictured is Hannah, age 9, from Fontana, campaigning near Ontario Mills Mall Saturday afternoon. Be part of the movement to restore integrity to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s office and cast your vote on June 8th for Frank Guzman!
You still have until May 24th to register.
Hannah is counting on you!
The National Tax Limitation Committee Newsletter a paid voter guide sponsored by millionaire businessman Lew Uhler allowed a shot a San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.
Orange County Attorney Jim Lacy is Treasurer for this and several other guides.
The guide, which primarily targets a republican audience landed in mailboxes of permanent absentee voters starting yesterday.
Here’s the back page of the four-page newsletter.
Click on image to enlarge.
It appears the Ramos portion was not paid for by any group or person and was done so at the decision of the committee.
It’s not known if Ramos will seek to bring criminal charges against Mr. Uhler, Mr. Lacy, or anyone else responsible for this publication of accurate facts.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written by Administrator
May 14th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Meting out justice in California’s court system is no easy task, but finding justice in San Bernardino County, where the line between right and wrong has been blurred into oblivion, is almost impossible. Friendships between defense counsel and prosecutors or judges and sheriffs are hardly unheard of in the legal community but sleeping with the enemy—literally, has become a way of life in our local justice system.
Written by Administrator
May 14th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
That is the only logical excuse we can come up in reference to the fundraiser being held on May 20, 2010. Among others, it is being sponsored by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association. But this late in the primary and with the campaign war chest he already has, there is no reason for this fundraiser. It’s kind of a bizarre fundraiser, don’t you think?
Frank Guzman
When I was asked to be interviewed by the combined editorial boards of The Sun and Daily Bulletin I hesitated because I knew the Sun’s reputation for lack of objectivity.
However, I accepted under the mistaken premise that maybe, just maybe, because of the corruption which has overwhelmed our county, this time they may be objective in their endorsements.
Written by Administrator
May 12th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I will not publish the Sun’s endorsements here. You will have to look for them yourself. I am completely disgusted with them. You can tell there was no point in challengers even bothering to show up.
For a paper that sometimes rails against county corruption, one would think all Board of Supervisors-appointed incumbents would be looked at as suspect. But the paper is endorsing incumbents across the board, except maybe superintendent as that has yet to be announced. Instead of being a watchdog for the public, it has become a lapdog for the Board of Supervisors and appointed officials.
Ramos
Words can speak volumes about motivation.
On February 18, 2010 after arriving back back at LAX/Ontario International Airport from a trip to Sacramento, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos was elated after receiving a text message on his cell phone telling him the the Petition for Review filed by Defendant Jim Erwin was denied by the California State Supreme Court.
At some point you have to be amazed at the duplicity in the San Bernardino County government hierarchy.
I mean you can’t make this stuff up.
Finally, evidence has surfaced proving what county supervisors suspected all along. Their top legal advisor was breaching attorney-client privilege in February 2009.
** The following Letter to the Editor of the Press Enterprise newspaper was forwarded to InlandPolitics.com yesterday due to its non-publication.
I write in response to the story “Corruption campaign part of San Bernardino County DA’s race” by Richard K. De Atley. If you wonder why your circulation is declining it is because you have abdicated your responsibility to “investigate.” You simply report – or rather repeat whatever you are told. The public corruption in San Bernardino County is partly the responsibility of the press who act like press agents for politicians rather than skeptical seekers of the truth. You acknowledge the bloggers; making it evident that you are aware of other sources of information or “news.”
Ramos
In a Press Enterprise story published this past week, opponents trying to unseat San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos lashed out at the two-term incumbent and provoked a response.
Challengers Frank Guzman and Bob Conaway hammered away at Ramos for his handling of corruption investigations and his womanizing within his department.
As if anyone with an ounce of intelligence couldn’t see it coming, the obvious was revealed this evening.
Matt Brown, Chief of Staff to Second District Supervisor Paul Biane has a civil attorney. The attorney being none other than Sanford Kassel.
11:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, May 5, 2010
By RICHARD K. DE ATLEY
The Press-Enterprise
It would be an understatement to say San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos has had a tumultuous second term.
He has filed bribery charges against two former county officials and his office brought the state Attorney General’s office into the corruption investigation after one of the accused claimed Ramos had a conflict of interest in the case.
Written by Administrator
May 5th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Just when we think the corruption scandal involving the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors can’t possibly get better, it always does. The most recent revelation is from Second District Chief of Staff, Matt Brown. He confessed on Monday to being one of the informants against his boss, Supervisor Paul Biane.
And he claims he is being retaliated against for the same.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Created: 05/04/2010 06:16:05 PM PDT
The county on Tuesday launched an investigation into allegations that Matt Brown, chief of staff for Supervisor Paul Biane, has been subjected to repeated harassment and retaliation for cooperating with state and local prosecutors in a corruption probe.
In a letter addressed to his boss and carbon-copied to the other four members of the Board of Supervisors on Monday, Brown pleaded for the alleged misconduct to stop and said he has been under the care of a doctor for job-related stress.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/03/2010 07:42:05 PM PDT
The chief of staff for San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane said in a letter Monday that he has been the victim of repeated harassment and retaliation for cooperating with prosecutors in an ongoing corruption probe.
In the letter addressed to his boss, Brown outs himself as a witness in the criminal investigation of the county’s $102 million legal settlement with Rancho Cucamonga-based developer Colonies Partners LP in November 2006. State and local prosecutors allege the settlement was tainted by conspiracy, bribery and extortion.
By Mike Cruz
Created: 05/03/2010 12:44:01 PM PDT
Former county Supervisor and Assessor Bill Postmus and co-defendant Gregory Eyler appeared briefly in Superior Court this morning on charges related to an investigation of malfeasance in the Assessor’s Office.
Eyler’s lawyer, Stanley Hodge, was unable to appear for the hearing in San Bernardino Superior Court. The lawyers and Judge Michael Dest agreed to return to court June 21 to determine if all parties are ready for a preliminary hearing on June 23.
Written by Administrator
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
So now San Bernardino County Second District Chief of Staff Matt Brown has outed himself as a witness for the prosecution in connection with the current Colonies scandal. Surprise . . . surprise . . . surprise.
We could have told you that! Well, actually we already did tell you so . . . a very long time ago.
Written by Administrator
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Last week’s turning over of discovery by San Bernardino County lead prosecutor Louis Cope to the defense counsel of former Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin has proven to be interesting, just as expected.
First and foremost, it is difficult to call the discovery “evidence,” unless one wants to term it “evidence of no wrongdoing.”
Written by Administrator
May 3rd, 2010 at 6:34 am
Good lawyers know the law; great lawyers know the judge. — Author Unknown
Justice is defined as “the upholding of what is just, especially fair treatment and due reward in accordance with honor, standards or law.” In other words, in a county run by scoundrels, justice is hard to find.
In part one of this series we are going to examine the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Michael Ramos, and the relationships the office and its elected leader enjoys with the county’s criminal justice system.
Written by Administrator
May 1st, 2010 at 6:57 pm
Justice in San Bernardino County has become as elusive as a Sasquatch or the Lockness Monster. Perhaps not as evident to the public but obvious to many of those close to the system who witness the backroom deals, the personal relationships between opposing parties, and the actions taken for political gain.
Only in San Bernardino County do we have the Public Defender sleeping with the District Attorney literally; the Conflict Panel, which is supposed to represent indigent defendants, donating heavily to the District Attorney and Sheriff; and judges with financial arrangements connected to officers of the court.
After receiving a few feedback comments I decided to write a follow-up piece to my first story on this topic in a effort to make my point clearer.
The op-ed written by Frank Pine, Editor of the San Bernardino Sun / Inland Valley Daily Bulletin titled “Whose attorneys are they?” available here lists a myriad of block walls county supervisors “could have” employed to avoid waiving attorney-client privilege related to the Colonies Settlement matter. A waiver was requested by San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos and California Attorney General Edmund “Jerry” Brown in order for their prosecutors and investigators to access documents and lawyers who worked on the litigation.
10:00 PM PDT on Friday, April 30, 2010
Cassie MacDuff
Now that they’ve done it, San Bernardino County supervisors’ decision to make a “limited waiver” of attorney-client privilege in the controversial $102 million Colonies settlement seems so obvious.
Why did it take two months to come up with such a simple solution?
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/30/2010 05:59:46 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Former county supervisor Bill Postmus has a new court-appointed attorney after the Public Defender’s Office declared a conflict in his alleged corruption case tied to the $102 million Colonies lawsuit settlement in 2006.
Judge Michael Dest appointed conflict panel lawyer Richard Farquhar, based in Redlands, to represent Postmus at a hearing Friday in San Bernardino Superior Court. Postmus’ previous court-appointed lawyer, Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lawrence, announced that his office could not represent the former supervisor.
Ramos
Written by Administrator
April 29th, 2010 at 10:46 am
As mentioned last week, I submitted a California Public Records Act request for a copy of any one of the tape recordings made when San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a loud party complaint in Mentone.
During that call a very drunk District Attorney Mike Ramos confronted deputies and told them to leave. He could have been arrested for Penal Code Section 647(f) or 148(a). However, he was not. At least one of the deputies recognized him.
A review of online court records shows the case against Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and Former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin slated for the courtroom of Assigned Superior Court Judge Duke D. Rouse for all purposes.
Rouse is already assigned to the case filed against Erwin more than a year ago.
Rouse is currently under challenge from Erwin due to his ties to the law firm of Gresham, Savage, Nolan and Tilden, where Rouse was a partner until 2004.
Sun / Daily Bulletin newspaper Editor Frank Pine put in some extra effort over the past few weeks.
He even inked an op-ed column on the subject.
Pine and his newspapers spent their time hammering away at the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors over their slowness to waiver “Attorney-Client Privilege” protecting documents and lawyers involving the $102 million Colonies Settlement from being accessed by state and county investigators.
Written by Administrator
April 28th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Friday shall prove to be interesting. Former San Bernardino County Assessor will be back in court regarding the appointment of the Public Defender’s Office to handle his defense.
There is a little bit of a problem with Doreen Boxer’s office handling the Postmus defense.
It’s really getting deep here.
While I’m glad to see the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors make available to prosecutors materials related to the Colonies settlement, the legal premise is kind of interesting.
I can’t seem to find any licensed practicing attorney that buys the restrictive limited waiver story.
The uniform response seems to be a waiver is a waiver.
06:48 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Special Section: San Bernardino Co. Probe
Ending a standoff with state and local prosecutors, San Bernardino County supervisors agreed Tuesday to provide them with documents in the Colonies Partners legal settlement that is at the center of an extortion and bribery investigation.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-0, with Supervisors Paul Biane and Gary Ovitt not participating, to a limited waiver of its legal privilege a week after prosecutors threatened to take the county to court.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/27/2010 08:49:27 PM PDT
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to allow state and local prosecutors to examine confidential information from its litigation with Rancho Cucamonga developer Colonies Partners LP to facilitate a corruption probe.
Board members Josie Gonzales, Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry voted 3-0 in favor of a “limited and restricted waiver” of the supervisors’ attorney-client privilege, which will allow prosecutors to examine documents from the case file and interview attorneys retained by the county during the heated litigation.
Prosecutors first requested the waiver on March 12 and then threatened legal action last week after two meetings with County Counsel Ruth Stringer and two closed-session meetings of the Board of Supervisors failed to produce a resolution.
Mike Cruz, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/26/2010 05:22:15 PM PDT
SAN BERNARDINO – Former county Assessor Bill Postmus and his former assistant Jim Erwin were arraigned Monday on corruption charges in connection with an investigation by state and local prosecutors into the county’s $102 million Colonies lawsuit settlement in 2006.
Postmus and Erwin made a scheduled appearance before Judge Michael Dest in San Bernardino Superior Court, where the court entered not guilty pleas to all charges on behalf of the defendants, said Deputy District Attorney Lewis Cope, after the proceedings.
Written by Administrator
April 26th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos and the treasurer for his re-election committee have been notified by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) of the recently-filed complaint regarding their claim that there were a minimum of 127 credit card purchases under a $100 that did not have to be itemized on their Form 460. This means that the Commission did not reject the complaint outright but will be investigating it further.
Written by Administrator
April 26th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Jim Erwin were arragined today in Department S23 of the San Bernardino district of the Superior Court of California where Judge Michael M. Dest entered pleas of “not guilty” for both defendants. In addition to Raj Maline, counsel for Erwin, and Steve Levine, counsel for Postmus, Steve Harmon was present as a new member of the defense team.
Written by Administrator
April 26th, 2010 at 5:20 am
There is quite a potential for bombshells dropping this week in a number of ongoing corruption-related issues.
On Monday, we have the arraignment of former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus and former Chief of Staff Jim Erwin. It is expected that the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office will turn over discovery for the case. This may very well prove to be interesting. First, the rumor that the District Attorney may ask for a gag order would be funny if it didn’t keep popping its ugly head up. If true, it begs the question, “What is the District Attorney trying to hide?” Well, that has birthed a few more rumors, the most prevalent of which is that among the discovery will be information showing that Second Supervisorial District Chief of Staff Matt Brown dropped a dime on his boss, Supervisor Paul Biane. Rumors of Matt’s pending termination have been running rampant for a couple of weeks now.
Executive Editor Frank Pine
Posted: 04/24/2010 07:03:10 PM PDT
In two days, San Bernardino County’s Board of Supervisors will decide whether to hand over to state and local prosecutors confidential information related to the county’s legal wrangling with Colonies Partners LP over a controversial land dispute.
The dispute was settled in 2006, when the board voted 3-2 to pay Colonies $102 million for legal expenses, land and flood-control improvements on the developer’s Upland property.
Frank Guzman
The California Republican Assembly has officially endorsed local attorney Frank Guzman for San Bernadino County District Attorney.
Guzman is challenging two-term incumbent Michael A. Ramos.