Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
YEAR IN REVIEW
By Staff Reports
Posted Dec. 27, 2014 @ 4:31 pm
It certainly was a year to remember, and for some maybe one to forget. There was nothing boring about 2014, though.
SHEA JOHNSON
STAFF WRITER
Posted Dec. 20, 2014 @ 8:39 pm
Updated Dec 20, 2014 at 8:59 PM
In general, city managers top the pay scale among city employees, and a report released this week by outgoing state Controller John Chiang indicates that the top brass in and around the Victor Valley and Barstow regions are not an exception to this trend.
ELECTION SEASON
Code officers encounter mixed bag of compliance issues
GARY BRODEUR
STAFF WRITER
Posted Oct. 3, 2014 @ 4:08 pm
Updated Oct 3, 2014 at 4:14 PM
Victor Valley municipalities are facing a mixed bag of campaign-sign enforcement actions, with one reporting no problems and others actively impounding code-infringing displays.
ELECTION 2014
By STAFF REPORTS
Posted Sep. 14, 2014 @ 10:05 am
Updated Sep 14, 2014 at 10:31 AM
VICTORVILLE — Partnering with Victor Valley College and its Associated Student Body, the Daily Press will facilitate forums on back-to-back nights this week to provide voters a chance to hear from candidates in various races impacting the High Desert.
By STAFF REPORTS
Posted Sep. 5, 2014 @ 6:37 pm
Updated Sep 5, 2014 at 6:43 PM
APPLE VALLEY — Organizers announced Friday that a fundraising “roast” of San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon planned for later this month at Sunset Hills has been canceled.
ANNELI FOGT
STAFF WRITER
Posted Aug. 17, 2014 @ 11:09 am
Updated Aug 17, 2014 at 11:29 AM
APPLE VALLEY — Council members from Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville still had several questions this week after they were presented with the findings of a feasibility study for the creation of a joint powers authority to manage the Victor Valley’s police and fire services.
GARY BRODEUR
STAFF WRITER
Posted Aug. 8, 2014 @ 6:10 pm
Updated Aug 8, 2014 at 6:15 PM
The fields for council elections in three Victor Valley municipalities firmed up at the Friday filing deadline, according to information from city and town officials and the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
GARY BRODEUR
STAFF WRITER
Posted Jul. 10, 2014 @ 1:25 pm
Updated Jul 10, 2014 at 1:53 PM
APPLE VALLEY — Three of the town’s five council seats will be open for election in November. The seats are held by Curt Emick, Scott Nassif and Barb Stanton.
All three were elected to four-year terms on Nov. 2, 2010.
Thursday, June 5, 2014 – 09:00 a.m.
Here’s some other news of interest from Tuesday’s primary election:
Apple Valley fire tax fails
Town of Apple Valley voters rejected a tax increase to provide additional funding to the town’s fire protection district.
The measure required a two-thirds vote.
May 15, 2014 3:56 PM
STAFF REPORTS
APPLE VALLEY • The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has granted the Town of Apple Valley a Certificate of Achievement for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
February 25, 2014 10:32 AM
Rene Ray De La Cruz, Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The Town Council on Tuesday will consider a ballot measure that would increase the amount that homeowners pay for the Apple Valley Fire Protection District’s general obligation bond while extending the tax until 2037.
February 25, 2014 1:38 PM
Rene Ray De La Cruz, Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The Town Council will review its midyear budget report card during Tuesday’s meeting.
December 21, 2013 3:51 PM
Shea Johnson, Staff Writer
The average city worker’s salary was lower than the state average in four of five local cities and towns last year, according to data recently released by the California State Controller.
Thursday, June 20, 2012 – 12:15 p.m.
San Bernardino County cities contracting for law enforcement services with the sheriff’s department are now reconsidering the strategy.
February 21, 2013 2:47 PM
RENE DE LA CRUZ, Staff Writer
HESPERIA • The Hesperia City Council took the first step in joining with local municipalities in an escape from rising county fire and police costs.
Victorville considers feasibility study on Public Safety JPA
February 20, 2013 12:49 PM
Jim E. Winburn, Staff Writer
Victorville is considering banding together with other local cities to create their own police and fire services.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 – 08:00 a.m.
Apple Valley Town Councilman Rick Roelle seemed to have the wind at his back following his strong showing in the June primary, which propelled him into a November runoff against High-Desert businessman Robert Lovingood.
But, appearances can be deceiving.
California pushing for fine due to clerical error
September 12, 2012 5:24 PM
FROM STAFF REPORTS
APPLE VALLEY • A judge granted a preliminary injunction halting the California Department of Finance from imposing $1.2 million in fines on Apple Valley for a clerical error tied to the town’s dissolved redevelopment agency.
Controversial Village PBID renewed on close vote
August 14, 2012 10:25 PM
From Staff Reports
APPLE VALLEY • The Town Council was bitterly split and one resident was escorted out by deputies during Tuesday night’s meeting, as the group debated whether to replace resigned member Ginger Coleman and announced the narrow renewal of a special property tax district.
June 23, 2012 12:00 PM
RENE DE LA CRUZ, Special to the Daily Press
APPLE VALLEY • Some Apple Valley residents will pay higher fees for a variety of services should the Town Council pass a resolution during Tuesday night’s meeting.
The proposed hikes came during the formation of the town’s 2012-13 budget, which revealed that Apple Valley had not raised permit fees in areas such as home occupation permits, special events and conditional use permits since 2008.
Coleman to serve as mayor pro tem
December 13, 2011 10:02 PM
BY Gretchen Losi
SPECIAL TO THE DAILY PRESS
APPLE VALLEY • Barb Stanton is the new mayor in town, with Ginger Coleman tapped to serve as mayor pro tem.
The two were voted and sworn in at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting.
Council weighs cuts to employee compensation to avoid dipping further into reserves
June 25, 2011 1:00 PM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The town will likely be the only local municipality to start the coming fiscal year without an approved budget, as Apple Valley’s Council asks for more time to weigh controversial issues such as funding the golf course and potential cuts to employee compensation.
June 18, 2011 3:00 PM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
New MWA headquarters: By the numbers:
APPLE VALLEY • The Mojave Water Agency has moved into its new headquarters, consolidating from three buildings to one $6 million site a short distance away.
June 14, 2011 3:03 PM
Tomoya Shimura
Staff Writer
The High Desert housing market in May mirrored that of Southern California overall, where median home prices saw the largest year-over-year drop in 20 months.
June 13, 2011 5:16 PM
Beatriz Valenzuela
Staff Writer
The economic woes that have plagued the state, county and Victor Valley cities could lead to reductions in specialized law enforcement teams.
Due to budgetary cuts, some members of local gang teams may be reassigned, according to those close to the program.
Town budgeting for Yucca Loma Bridge this year
June 11, 2011 3:00 PM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The town will have to dip a bit further into its reserves to continue subsidizing its park system and golf course in the coming year. However, no layoffs are projected and few cuts to services, even as Apple Valley prepares to launch construction of the Yucca Loma Bridge, according to a draft budget up for discussion during Tuesday’s workshop.
June 06, 2011 4:39 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • Computer problems, a staffing change and tight finances have stalled budget talks for Apple Valley, with the Town Council expected to get its first look at the plan just three weeks before it should take effect.
June 02, 2011 11:33 AM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • Councilwoman Ginger Coleman is asking her colleagues to take another vote on which developer will partner with Apple Valley in building a low-income apartment complex for seniors near Town Hall.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 10:50 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, June 2, 2011 – 08:09 a.m.
A review of public records from 2007-2009 show alleged bribes, made in the form of political action contributions by Colonies Partners, inexplicably went far and wide.
Not politicians pockets as has been portrayed in the media.
April 28, 2011 8:49 AM
Brooke Edwards
Staff Writer
APPLE VALLEY • The Victor Valley’s first Walmart Supercenter could break ground in Apple Valley by fall, after a split Town Council approved the project without sending it to the ballot at taxpayers’ expense.
Staff asks Town Council to approve project rather than send it to voters
April 23, 2011 2:03 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • Residents may not have a chance to determine the fate of a planned Walmart Supercenter after all, with staff recommending that the Town Council approve the project rather than send it to the ballot.
April 21, 2011 5:45 PM
Brooke Edwards
Victorville is calling for the regional wastewater authority to hire a new attorney, citing conflict of interest concerns.
Andre de Bortnowsky
Split commission may oust Victorville’s de Bortnowsky over conflict of interest concerns
April 21, 2011 3:49 PM
He’s been their attorney for 20 years, since representatives from each local city formed the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority to help redevelop the area surrounding shuttered George Air Force Base.
Thursday, April 21, 2011 – 07:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, April 21, 2011 – 09:05 a.m.
On a 3-2 vote the governing board of the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority (VVEDA) fired its general counsel Wednesday night.
Marks at least fourth position Frank Robinson has tried for in less than three years
March 28, 2011 2:53 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • Town Manager Frank Robinson is a finalist for a city manager position in Iowa, marking at least his fourth attempt to take another job since coming to Apple Valley less than three years ago.
One in a series on the census and the changing complexion of the High Desert.
March 12, 2011 5:40 PM
Brooke Edwards
The Victor Valley has grown much more rapidly over the past decade than San Bernardino County or California overall, according to 2010 U.S. Census data released this week.
Former town leaders oppose specific plan for project
March 07, 2011 5:16 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • It looks as though Walmart will have the signatures it needs to put its planned Supercenter on an upcoming ballot, letting voters decide whether the project should move forward.
February 07, 2011 4:14 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • The town will need to dip a bit further into its reserves to rebalance its budget mid-year, according to a staff report for Tuesday’s special meeting.
Walmart turns to ballot measure to get residents’ approval on Supercenter
February 02, 2011 8:13 PM
Tomoya Shimura
APPLE VALLEY • Walmart has withdrawn its town permit application and is instead turning to residents to help decide the fate of the proposed 24-hour Supercenter in Apple Valley, company officials announced Wednesday.
Decision would mean spending $100 million-plus to take over private water companies
January 26, 2011 6:51 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • The town is once again looking at buying Apple Valley’s two private water companies to form a municipal water district, with mounting concern from residents over rates that have risen an average of 12 percent per year for the past two decades.
January 26, 2011 4:45 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • As redevelopment agencies across California fall under intense scrutiny, the town is eyeing new affordable housing projects to quickly spend millions in earmarked funds and ensure Apple Valley’s program is in compliance with state and federal laws.
December 13, 2010 4:46 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • The town will say goodbye to two council members, welcome two new ones and select its next mayor at the start of Tuesday’s meeting.
With the town’s top position typically going to the highest vote-getter in the recent election, the mayoral seat is expected to go to returning Councilman Scott Nassif.
November 27, 2010 12:00 PM
Brooke Edwards
Adelapple Victeria? Hespelanto Appleville? Or perhaps just Victor Valley?
“If there ever was a time to have serious discussions about consolidating, with all the municipalities struggling as they are — and despite how monumental a task it would be — the time is now,” argued Mike Stevens, a 35-year Victor Valley resident and community activist.
AV, VV government compensation details now posted on state website
November 22, 2010 3:38 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
Nearly 60 city and town employees in the Victor Valley made more than $100,000 in 2009, according to the state Controller’s new database on local government compensation.
State Controller John Chiang recently announced new salary and benefits reporting requirements for all California cities and counties on the heels of public outrage over salary scandals among city of Bell employees.
Frank Robinson finalist for Texas position
November 15, 2010 5:00 PM
Brooke Edwards
APPLE VALLEY • Town Manager Frank Robinson is one of five finalists to become city manager of Round Rock, Texas, according to a statement released by that city.
It’s at least the third job Robinson has tried for in the 28 months he’s been with Apple Valley. In January he applied for a city manager position in Harlingen, Texas, according to www.MyHarlingenNews.com. And this April he was one of eight finalists for president of the Center City Commission in Memphis, Tenn.
By Melissa Pinion-Whitt
Posted: 11/08/2010 10:02:09 AM PST
Two Lowe’s stores in the Inland Empire closed their doors permanently last night, leaving 181 people jobless.
The two locations were at 4060 N. Hallmark Parkway in San Bernardino and 15000 Dale Evans Parkway in north Apple Valley, said company spokeswoman Maureen Wallace.
October 25, 2010 1:32 PM
Natasha Lindstrom
Government salaries:
SACRAMENTO • As probes continue into the exorbitant salaries of city officials in Bell and Vernon, State Controller John Chiang unveiled a new website Monday that details the compensation of local government officials statewide.
Two Victor Valley municipalities — Apple Valley and Victorville — are listed on the state website as “failing to file salary and compensation reports” and could face $5,000 penalties, according to the Controller’s office.
October 16, 2010 6:06 PM
Brooke Edwards
For the next 40 years, property owners from across the Victor Valley are on the hook to help pay down tens of millions of dollars in debt for failed or stalled Victorville projects.
Last year alone, more than $2.3 million in property taxes from portions of Apple Valley, Hesperia and unincorporated San Bernardino County went toward a $21 million payment on bonds for Southern California Logistics Airport. And the Daily Press has learned that at least a quarter of the $300 million in outstanding bonds funded Victorville’s own projects off SCLA property, including land for a city-owned library and work on the Victorville 2 power plant.
September 13, 2010 5:22 PM
From Staff Reports
VICTORVILLE • With the November general election just seven weeks away, the Daily Press and Victor Valley College are partnering on a series of local candidate forums.
Daily Press news staff will moderate the forums designed to give candidates an equal opportunity to respond to questions and voice their positions. Public question-and-answer periods are also planned.
July 29, 2010 8:51 AM
By Brooke Edwards and Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writers
As public outrage brews over the city of Bell carrying some of the nation’s most bloated municipal salaries, some Victor Valley elected officials are trying to spread a message: When it comes to compensation, we’re not Bell.
Members on the Apple Valley Town Council took a few minutes during Tuesday’s meeting to state the amount of money the city pays them annually out of taxpayer dollars.