Politics, Government & Business in California's Inland Empire
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
[email protected]
May 6, 2016 - 5:07 PM
Trade associations, unions and other lobbyist employers spent more than $74.3 million during the first three months of 2016, recent state filings show, with some groups spending significantly more compared to the same period in the last legislative session.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
[email protected]
February 10, 2016 - 3:33 PM
The daily fantasy sports industry’s string of easy wins in the California Legislature may be about to end.
Capitol Alert
By Jim Miller
[email protected]
September 6, 2015
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, beginning with the recall campaign and on through his two terms in office, repeatedly linked the state’s tribal casino business to state finances.
Saturday, September 5, 2015 - 11:30 a.m.
Settlements have been reached with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over the mismanagement and plundering of accounts held at a now-defunct Redlands-based investment advisory firm.
Sunday, June 21, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
It’s time for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to put an end to a long-running and embarrassing legal battle, arising out of an admitted murder-for-hire scheme, hatched by two of its members.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 06/05/15 - 8:10 PM PDT |
SAN BERNARDINO >> A jury on Friday awarded a man $2 million in punitive damages in a civil case he brought against two San Manuel tribal members who authorities say conspired with the Mexican Mafia to kill him.
By Mark Gutglueck
Posted on February 14, 2015
(February 13) - A series of events has moved allegations of drug use by San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos front and center, together with suggestions that county officials have ignored or covered up indications of that activity because of his extensive personal wealth which has been used to support other elected county officials’ own political efforts.
Sunday, February 8, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
The long-awaited punitive damages trial for Plaintiff Leonard Epps has been set for April 13, 2015.
Sunday, January 18, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
We’ve written about it here before. If you want to be a county supervisor, be prepared to do your job.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/25/14, 6:31 PM PDT | Updated: 41 secs ago
REDLANDS >> The amount of money flowing into the City Council race at this point has nearly reached $180,000, of which $18,528 was raised this month, according to campaign finance reports.
October 25, 2014
Who knew that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians had significant interest in the quiet little town of Redlands? The tribe, which has a large casino on reservation land North of San Bernardino is taking great interest in the Redlands City Council election, and spending big money too.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014 - 10:00 a.m.
Little ole Redlands, California is becoming the hot bed of local politics this cycle.
The simmering, by a handful, over Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry vying for one of three seats up for election on the Redlands City Council is taking the spotlight. One has to admit the contest is more interesting than the sleepy 31st Congresssional District race.
By Sandra Emerson, Redlands Daily Facts
Posted: 10/13/14, 8:13 PM PDT |
REDLANDS>> A second political action committee has entered the Redlands City Council race in opposition of a candidate.
Sunday, June 22, 2014 - 01:00 p.m.
It would appear local Inland Empire newspapers need to make a choice.
Either adopt the true purpose of a newspaper and be a public watchdog, or become a sock puppet!
Sunday, June 8, 2014 - 12:00 p.m.
Some ominous business activity is raising questions over the actual health of the East San Bernardino Valley business climate.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 03/30/14, 7:59 PM PDT |
San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos is trailing his challenger in contributions by nearly $22,000, according to recently released campaign finance reports reflecting the period Jan. 1 to March 27, but Ramos possesses a substantially larger war chest.
By JOHN HOWARD
CAPITOL WEEKLY
March 1, 2014, 3:00 AM
Rival attempts to legalize Internet poker in California are underway in the Capitol, setting the stage for a lobbying and political showdown over a market worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
By Joe Nelson, The Sun
Posted: 12/06/13, 8:10 PM PST |
HIGHLAND >> The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians announced Friday that former National Gaming Commissioner Teri Poust will serve as interim gaming commissioner for the tribe following the abrupt resignations of former commissioner Norman DeRosiers and Deputy Commissioner of Gaming John Roberts.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 - 10:30 a.m.
One sure has to hand it to San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor James C. Ramos (D-San Manuel Indian Reservation).
By Joe Nelson, San Bernardino Sun
and Lori Fowler, The Sun
Posted: 09/24/13, 6:39 PM PDT |
Two San Manuel tribal members who conspired with members of the Mexican Mafia to have a man killed have failed to comply with a court order to produce their financial records in a civil trial, an attorney said Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 - 09:00 a.m.
The circle of helpless victims surrounding former San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Burnell, and former Redlands Investment Advisor John Thornes, has now grown by two.
Another defendant has also entered the scene.
By Joe Nelson, San Bernardino Sun
Posted: 08/25/13, 7:19 PM PDT |
The second phase of a trial in which a man suing two San Manuel tribal members, alleging they had the Mexican Mafia try to kill him, begins Monday in San Bernardino Superior Court.
Friday, August 23, 2013 - 09:00 a.m.
Could outside management be in the cards for San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino?
August 19, 2013
There’s a saying: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
But investors eager to earn the 15 percent to 50 percent returns they say were promised by a former San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy couldn’t resist.
To read column by Cassie MacDuff in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Monday, July 22, 2013 - 10:00 a.m.
A long-time Redlands-based investment advisor, who is at the center of allegations he misappropriated $4.2 million of client funds is leaving the securities business.
Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 02:40 p.m
Law enforcement officers, likely federal agents, appear to have executed a search warrant Midday Thursday at the home of Christopher Burnell.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
Is there a problem?
It would sure appear that way!
Everyone, including the voters, was warned long before the November 2012 election.
Saturday, June 22, 2013 - 01:00 p.m.
Here’s some news of interest flowing across the transom this past week.
High volatility affecting investment markets
A roller coaster stock and bond market has investors a little jittery these days. The main reason is a fear the Federal Reserve will stop printing money soon. Over the past few years, the Fed has used its printing press to keep long-term interest rates low, and thus prop-up stock and real estate values. Now the time to test whether or not the economy will move along on its own is approaching.
June 20, 2013; 11:01 AM
St. Bernardine Medical Center received a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians towards the purchase of the da Vinci Surgical System.
To read the contributed story in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Monday, June 17, 2013 - 03:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, June 17, 2013 - 10:00 p.m.
The saying “absolute power corrupts absolutely” definitely rings true in San Bernardino County.
An ongoing political finance case, and a new revelation, add to the argument that the 2011 prosecution of Former San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry, on a campaign finance violation, was a politically-motivated attack orchestrated by San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos, a self-proclaimed political enemy.
He sues two men to reclaim money
By Greg Cappis, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/30/2013 05:35:52 PM PDT
REDLANDS — Millions of dollars were zapped from two accounts managed by a downtown brokerage firm — Thornes and Associates Inc. Investment Securities, 412 E. State St., according to a regulatory agency.
May 07, 2013; 06:29 PM
SACRAMENTO — Representatives of some of the state’s most successful tribes with casinos have met privately to hammer out a proposal to legalize online poker, tribal leaders and others said Tuesday.
To read story by Jim Miller in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Thursday, March 28, 2013 - 10:30 a.m.
I was stunned to read an online opinion editorial by County Supervisor James Ramos on Wednesday.
Published: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 - 12:00 am | Page 6B
Last Modified: Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013 - 12:11 am
Following three years of decline, California’s Indian casinos enjoyed a comeback in revenue during 2011, according to a new report.
February 18, 2013; 04:17 PM
SACRAMENTO — San Diego County’s Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians this month became the first California tribe to get a casino agreement through the federal courts.
To read story by Jim Miller In The Press Enterprise, click here.
Friday, November 30, 2012 - 08:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, November 30, 2012 - 09:40 a.m.
Last Tuesday’s events at a regular meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors was the first opportunity to shed light on a glaring issue facing county leaders, newly-elected Third District Supervisor James C. Ramos, and voters.
Monday, October 19, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Here’s a recap of news of interest flowing across the transom this past week.
Market skid continued on
The Dow Jones Industrial Average skid of more than 1,000 points continued last week. Most analysts expect a bumpy road ahead as negotiations over avoiding deep federal budget cuts try and get off the ground.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/11/2012 01:59:30 PM PST
James Ramos rose from an impoverished youth on the San Manuel Indian reservation to one of the most prominent movers and shakers in San Bernardino County, possessing a commitment to education, community service and philanthropy.
Published: 03 November 2012 - 07:17 PM
County supervisors earn six-figure salaries, control millions of dollars in spending and serve a vast population. But at its heart, the race for a supervisor’s seat is run like much smaller campaigns — door to door, voter by voter.
To read story by Jeff Horseman and Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Thursday, November 1, 2012 - 02:45 p.m.
InlandPolitics.com has learned that another 70,000 copy distribution of a Special November 2012 edition of the San Bernardino County Sentinel newspaper has commenced dropping in Third Supervisorial District mailboxes this week.
Admin Note: To some surprise this opinion editorial was published in the Monday edition of The Sun newspaper. The author has released his work to InlandPolitics.
John Berry
Monday, October 29, 2012
Few stories, in my 20 years as a newspaper reporter, ever electrified readers more than one I wrote for The Press-Enterprise in 2008 when a pair of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians got house arrest for crimes that would have sent anyone else to prison.
Admin Note: Supervisor Derry has indicated he returned the reporter’s phone call. The reporter never called back.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/29/2012 08:30:49 PM PDT
Job growth, public safety and zero tolerance for government corruption are among the key issues for candidates vying for the 3rd and 1st district San Bernardino County supervisor seats as the Nov. 6 election nears.
Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 29, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA- A new wrinkle is surfacing in a hotly-contested race for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.
The legal requirements surrounding the 2011 resignation of San Bernardino City Councilman Jason Desjardins due to his business, Big Z towing, having a tow rotation contract with the San Bernardino Police Department is now emerging in the race between Third District Supervisor Neil Derry and San Manuel Tribal Member James C. Ramos.
Published: 23 October 2012 - 05:59 PM
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry won support Tuesday, Oct. 23, from his colleagues to send a mailer to constituents in the days before the Nov. 6 election despite criticism from his opponent who called it political.
To read entire story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Published: 22 October 2012 - 07:08 PM
A proposal by San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry to spend about $50,000 in county funds to mail his constituents information on a new state fire fee is being criticized as a political move by his election opponent.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Friday, October 19, 2012 - 10:30 a.m.
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Candidate James Ramos is still ducking crowds these days.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Member and lifelong Democrat is running against Republican Third District Supervisor Neil Derry.
Sunday, October 15, 2012 - 07:45 p.m.
HIGHLAND— San Manuel Tribal Member James Ramos appears to be on the defensive these days.
The Board of Supervisors candidate, who has already ducked out on two forums in Lucerne Valley and Yucca Mesa, is now giving Loma Linda the cold shoulder.
Sunday, October 14, 2012 - 12:30 p.m.
State Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) received a strong boost to his pretty much invisible campaign last week.
Posted: Saturday, October 13, 2012 5:30 am
By Stacy Moore Hi-Desert Star
YUCCA MESA — Neil Derry, defending his county supervisor’s seat against James Ramos, said the challenger tells lies and doesn’t understand county issues during a speaking engagement Wednesday at the community center here.
Saturday, October 13, 2012 - 09:00 a.m.
The San Bernardino County Sentinel newspaper has been a source of consternation for many Inland politicians.
That premise hasn’t changed.
Published: 12 October 2012 - 05:17 PM
After a bitterly fought June primary campaign, San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry and challenger James Ramos are ready to battle again in the Nov. 6 election.
To read story by Imran Ghori in The Press Enterprise, click here.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 -06:30 p.m.
The plot thickens in the race to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District.
Late last month San Manuel Tribal Member and Board of Supervisors Candidate James Ramos appeared with Supervisor Neil Derry at a candidate forum sponsored by the Highland Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, September 30, 2012 - 08:00 p.m.
It was a couple rocky days for San Bernardino of Supervisors Candidate James Ramos last week.
By Guy McCarthy
September 18, 2012
Opponents in the campaign for Third District, which includes Redlands and Loma Linda, continued sparring this week over the use of eminent domain as a way to deal with underwater mortgages in San Bernardino County.
By Guy McCarthy
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - 12:12 p.m.
James Ramos, candidate for the Third Supervisorial District in San Bernardino County, which includes Redlands and Loma Linda, announced his opposition in August to use of eminent domain as a possible tool to protect homeowners with underwater mortgages.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - 10:45 a.m.
When there’s money or revenge in it, there’s five Inland Empire republicans that’ll be there with a knife in their hand or their hand out.
If it involves trying to torch another republican over a democrat so be it.
Just show them the money.
Friday, September 14, 2012 - 08:15 a.m.
Here’s some news of interest flowing across the transom Friday morning.
First-time unemployment claims rise again
Initial first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose to 382,000 last week. The number was up 12,000 from the previous week.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 10:30 a.m.
It’s true that in politics perception is reality.
In the race for San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor deception to create a perception has been a key factor.
THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
Published: 24 August 2012 - 06:18 PM
House Speaker John Boehner took a major detour on his way to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla.
To read column by Ben Goad, Imran Ghori and Jim Miller in the Press-Enterprise, click here.
Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 09:30 a.m.
Is San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Member James Ramos already looking to another elected office in 2014?
Published: 07 August 2012 10:01 PM
SACRAMENTO - California’s Indian-gaming industry pumps $7.5 billion annually into the state’s economy and supports more than 52,000 jobs, according to a tribal-commissioned study meant to showcase the contributions of their casinos.
To read story by Jim Miller in the Press-Enterprise, click here.
Published: 02 August 2012 04:38 PM
Former San Manuel tribal Chairman James Ramos outspent Supervisor Neil Derry by more than two-to-one in the June election, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
To read story by IMRAN GHORI in the Press-Enterprise, click here.
Sunday, July 22, 2012 - 11:30 a.m.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry picked up an unexpected supporter for his pension reform proposal this past week.
His opponent.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - 04:30 p.m.
It looks as though InlandPolitics.com may have been correct in its assumption last year that $250,000 from the San Manual Band of Mission Indians could influence the endorsement process of the San Bernardino County Safety Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA).
Sunday, June 18, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Why would the political advisor to the San Bernardino County District Attorney be communicating via e-mail with the county’s convicted former Assessor?
BY IMRAN GHORI AND JIM MILLER
[email protected] | [email protected]
Published: 08 June 2012 06:15 PM
In his attempt to unseat county Supervisor Neil Derry, former San Manuel tribal Chairman James Ramos won strong support from east San Bernardino Valley cities in the 3rd District, according to a review of unofficial precinct results.
Ramos won precincts in Redlands, Highland, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Mentone and Yucaipa while Derry performed best in desert and mountain areas such as Big Bear, Oak Glen and the Lucerne Valley. Former Twentynine Palms Mayor Jim Bagley picked up support in his home base.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
[email protected]
Published: 06 June 2012 07:03 PM
Get ready for the sequel.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry and former San Manuel tribal chairman James Ramos will face each other again in November.
Their primary race was the most bitter and expensive of the county contests decided Tuesday, June 5.
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/06/2012 05:54:24 PM PDT
Candidates for San Bernardino County’s 1st and 3rd District supervisorial seats will be ramping up their campaigns over the summer, vying to win in November’s general election.
In the 5th District, Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Josie Gonzales took home nearly 63 percent of the vote Tuesday, securing her place on the board for another four-year-term, her third.
Tuesday, June 6, 2012 - 07:45 a.m.
The decision on who will be elected to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District will have to wait until November.
Tuesdays results Tribal Member James Ramos leading incumbent Neil Derry .
Third candidate, Jim Bagley, received 20.25% of the vote and was eliminated.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - 01:30 p.m.
Absentee ballot and early voting breakdown could be going County Supervisor Neil Derry’s way this week.
As expected, voter turnout is depressed.
Party affiliation breakdown of the ballots cast so far could be a bad sign for Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman and Supervisorial Candidate James Ramos, who has spent more than $1.1 million attempting to unseat Derry.
Monday, June 4, 2012 - 09:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, June 4, 2012 - 10:30 a.m.
One’s gotta hand it to Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman and San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Candidate James Ramos.
Ramos pounded on incumbent Neil Derry all last week and into the weekend.
Everything in the arsenal was deployed. Yes, AM-FM Radio, Ham Radio, Smoke Signals, Death Rays from Mars, Television and negative hit pieces in the mailboxes!
No stone was left unturned.
Money & Politics | Spotlight
June 4, 2012 | Coulter Jones and Elizabeth Titus
In a state with nearly 38 million people, few have more influence than the top 100 donors to California campaigns – a powerful club that has donated overwhelmingly to Democrats and spent $1.25 billion to influence voters over the past dozen years.
These big spenders represent a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of individuals and groups that donated to California campaigns from 2001 through 2011. But they supplied about a third of the $3.67 billion lavished on state campaigns during that time, campaign records show.
Point of View
James Ramos
Posted: 05/31/2012 11:17:54 AM PDT
The decision to run for San Bernardino County supervisor wasn’t an easy one for me. My friends and family told me that running would bring out the worst in my opponent, and they were right. This campaign has brought out so many untrue statements about my family and my heritage. It’s tough to sit back and stay positive, but it’s the belief in our county that drives me.
Thursday, May 31, 2012 - 08:00 a.m.
The sign flap involving San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors candidate and Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos could have evolved out of another issue.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - 12:05 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 - 04:15 p.m.
Yes, it’s election season indeed!
This time the stupid award goes to Third District Supervisor Candidate and Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 - 09:00 p.m.
Another public safety organization endorsed the reelection bid of San Bernardino County Third Supervisor Neil Derry Monday.
Monday, May 28, 2012 – 09:30 a.m.
It’s safe to say there’s a plethora of political mail traversing the hotly-contested race to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District.
A race between County Supervisor Neil Derry and Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos.
The third candidate in the contest, Jim Bagley, has been running a sign-only/name identification campaign.
Sunday, May 27, 2012 - 11:00 a.m.
It’s safe to say there’s a plethora of political mail traversing the hotly-contested race to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District.
A race between County Supervisor Neil Derry and Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos.
The third candidate in the contest, Jim Bagley, has been running a sign-only/name identification campaign.
Sunday, May 27, 27 - 09:30 a.m.
Here’s some interesting information flowing across transom this weekend.
Gotham City label becoming appropriate once again
San Bernardino is racking up homicides faster than the Los Angeles Angels are racking up wins.
A sad situation to say the least.
Published: 26 May 2012 12:30 PM
Few legislative races on the June 5 ballot feature the same thicket of independent groups’ money and motives as Riverside County’s 31st Senate District.
Campaign filings last week helped flesh out who’s behind the nearly $700,000 deluge in outside money (so far.) Here’s a quick rundown:
Saturday, May 26, 2012 - 11:30 a.m.
The race to represent San Bernardino County’s Third Supervisorial District has definitely heated up.
A contest where Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos is trying to unseat County Supervisor Neil Derry.
BY IMRAN GHORI
STAFF WRITER
[email protected]
Published: 25 May 2012 03:33 PM
Four years ago, San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry ousted longtime incumbent Dennis Hansberger in a contest marked by personal attacks.
Derry’s bid for a second term in the 3rd District also has been defined by negative campaigning.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - 09:30 a.m.
It sure looks as if San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Member and San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors candidate James Ramos’ campaign is pulling out all the stops in the final days running up to the June 5 primary.
Ramos is seeking to unseat Supervisor Neil Derry in the three-way contest.
Election 2012
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/19/2012 06:01:36 PM PDT
Things don’t appear to be slowing down one bit in the contentious race for San Bernardino County’s 3rd District supervisorial seat in the June 5 primary election.
Outspoken incumbent Neil Derry has sharply criticized one of his two opponents, former San Manuel tribal Chairman James Ramos, saying Ramos doesn’t have the political background to serve a constituency of roughly 407,000 people.
Friday, May 18, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
The sauce pan is simmering in the race for San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor.
The three-way race consisting of Supervisor Neil Derry, Former Twenty-Nine Palms City Councilman Jim Bagley and Former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Chairman James Ramos is heating up heading into the home stretch to the June 5th primary.