Well that was the intent this morning. But we never made it into the courtroom. The hearing was continued, which was disappointing. The trial is still scheduled to start in a month and cannot be postponed again. However, we were hoping to have the witness list revealed today. Continue reading
For anyone who has utilized the services of San Bernardino County’s hospital and is not an Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) VIP, it comes as no surprise that ARMC’s billing system is a mess. Those who handle the billing are spread throughout the medical center and no one talks to one another. As a matter of fact, turf wars exist that sometimes result in billing being months, and yes, even years behind. It is yet one more area of ARMC that its medical director, Dr. Dev Gnanadev, has micromanaged into disarray.
ARMC has traditionally served the indigent and low-income members of our county. As such, many receive Medi-Cal, SSI and other government entitlement programs. Such programs are strict about billing, but if done correctly and timely, result in millions of dollars being returned to San Bernardino County. “Correctly” and “timely” are the key words here. Continue reading
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.
Today I received a letter from San Bernardino County Counsel advising that the tape recording is confidential. At least they did not deny its existence or that the incident occurred. However, we all know this types of tapes are made available to the media on a regular basis. Just look at COPS or any of the other shows that document real incidents. And, how often are 9-1-1 tapes, videos from patrol units, etc., released to the public. Continue reading
Tim Donnelly, Candidate for the 59th Assembly District, is holding a townhall meeting this Saturday, May 1st at the Twin Peaks Senior Center on Grandview Rd. in Twin Peaks. All mountain residents are invited to learn about their mountain candidate, and how they can become involved and shape a campaign so that their voice can be heard. The meeting will start at 5 PM, and we have the room until 830 PM. No Cost. No RSVP is required. See you there!
To make a comment or ask a question online: Facebook
To find out more about the candidate: www.donnellyforassembly.com
Yes, of course I saw your comment about me on Jessica’s Facebook page. You know, you epitomize what is wrong with the Republican Party. So, we know you’re running Don Kurth’s Campaign, Paul Biane’s Campaign, and Chris Lancaster’s campaign. Gee, the three dirtiest campaigns so far this season in this county. Of course, two of the three are really dirty politicians. Any other candidates we need to be sure NOT to vote for?
Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll have time to write about what you’re doing in the 59th District. I think some of the GLBT organizations need to know so they can boycott all of your candidates.
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The Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition
along with Drug Free RC invites you to attend their first Community Networking Lunch Friday, April 30th, Noon Lions East Community Center, Filippi Room 9191 Baseline Road, Rancho Cucamonga The Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition
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Strengthening community action for the safety of our children |
There will be a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, April 29, 2010, beginning at 6 p.m. It will be held at the VFW Hall, 8751 Industrial Lane, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Fourth District Supervisorial candidate Ron Wall will be in attendance.
Candidates on the June 8 ballot for positions in the West End of Inland Empire have been invited to talk about their campaign and answer questions.
I do not have information about any other candidates. If anyone has a list of those candidates expected to be in attendance, please send it to me.
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. You see, Bill was one of many county officials who were present when Doreen and Mike had their little fling at the City/County Conference in Lake Arrowhead. Postmus had to discuss Doreen’s indiscretion with her. Now her office could be ordered to defend him. Can you say conflict of interest?
Let’s see what Judge Michael Dest does. If the matter was before Judge Duke Rouse, Postmus would be in deep do-do as Judge Rouse is showing himself to be the friend of District Attorney Mike Ramos we never knew about until revelations of his personal and financial relationship with the firm handling the Ramos’ sexual harassment claim came to light. I have to think Judge Dest is being a bit more careful and will determine there is a conflict.
Adam, Adam, Adam . . . you know I think you had potential to do great things in life. Why are you so hellbent on destroying yourself and those who love you?
As we’ve mentioned just a time or two here on the blog, Adam and others are being investigated by a number of private investigators. Every day something new is revealed. Continue reading
I started receiving complaints via email a few days ago regarding a blogger who calls themselves “Guest.” Obvious to those of us who have been doing this for a while, “Guest” is a troll and a high-ranking county employee (or former). “Guest” has been using a proxy but their writing style and obsession with the blog is familiar to many of us. Well, last night “Guest” decided to get particularly rude, and in their hurry to insult all of us, they forgot to use the proxy. Their home IP address showed up. It was easily traceable as has been pointed out to them in the past. Continue reading
Well we have made it to the NewYork Post. I was told about this, so I checked it out and there was this article. I cut some other articles above it. Check it out. Look at the bottom of the page. Continue reading
I attended the monthly lunch meeting of the High Desert Republican Women Federated at Spring Valley Lake today. The ladies put on a candidates’ forum for the 59th Assembly District. It was the first time all six candidates were in attendance at the same forum. It was long!!!
I purposely tried to stay low-key and asked my friend who was with me not to say anything about the blog or my situation with the county. She has a hard time not talking about both! But I just wanted to be a casual observer today. Continue reading
Paul was contacted last week by Elaine Hogue Assignment Editor at ABC 7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles. She asked Paul if they could come by his home on April 28th, and interview him regarding his run for Sheriff of San Bernardino County. I think the momentum for a Fresh Start is picking up. This should run at noon and that evening on April 28th. Lets Roll!!!
I was spending some time over the last few days giving some thought to former County Administrative Officer (CAO) Mark Uffer’s teaching job at California State University, San Bernardino and came up with some more appropriate courses I believe should be instituted at the school.
Uffer is currently assigned to teach PA 664 – Management of Public Organizations, a graduate level course.
Tuesday morning the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will considering waiving its attorney-client privilege protecting communications related to the litigation and 2006 settlement of the lawsuit between the County Flood Control District and Colonies Partners, LP.
The $102 million settlement was to compensate for damages created by flood control actions resulting from the construction of the 210 freeway in Upland.
Finally, someone has stood up to the Lewis Group of Companies and said enough is enough.
That someone is the State of California.
The State of California Department of General Services announced it has canceled an agreement with Lewis Companies and Shapell Homes to redevelop the now closed Fred C. Nelles Correctional Facility in Whittier.
Guys, your prediction of Anthony Riley’s demise was premature. I have had to be in Apple Valley each of the last two days at both ends of the town. I see giant Riley signs EVERYWHERE. I don’t see any Ken Hunter signs. Are you dropping out of the race? Running scared? Inquiring minds want to know.
I got to listen to their show for a little bit and I have to agree with a request they are making of registered Republicans. Able Maldonado does not deserve our vote for Lieutenant Governor as he is one of the turncoat Republicans who voted with the Democrats for higher taxes. His opponent is Sam Aanestad. Here is Sam’s Facebook page: Facebook and his website is found at www.voteforsam.com. Consider voting for Sam this June 8. I will post more information as I have time.
A couple of years ago I was just getting to know a few lower-level politicos, one of them being Jessica Austin, who was serving as an aide to San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor at the time. I had been told by someone that San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos was the “dirtiest politician in San Bernardino County.” To be honest, at the time I didn’t really even know who Mike Ramos was.
I asked Jessica what the above comment meant. She indicated she wasn’t sure as all she knew about him was that he was a womanizer and cheated on his wife a lot, a whole lot. This was one of many conversations we had over the next year or so about cheating men and how much disdain we both had for men who could not keep it zipped up. We also had a lot of conversations into the early morning hours about ethics in government and politics and how there is so little of it. Jessica reminded me several times that her major included an ethics emphasis and she wanted to do her share to clean of up politics once she graduated from college. She also said that she would never work for an unethical boss. Continue reading
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) continues to be the subject of numerous investigations and inquiries. The hospital, once a shining star in our county, has lost its luster in wake of accusations of mismanagement, malpractice, patient abuse, and fraud. Much of the controversy involves the empire-building by former County Administrative Office Mark Uffer and ARMC Medical Director Dr. Dev Gnanadev. Both men are known for their tyrannical control of every aspect of hospital operations, with Gnanadev even running roughshod over the always-despotic Uffer.
In their quest to gain recognition and respect for ARMC and, more importantly, themselves, both men plotted to contain any negative publicity about the hospital. Employees who question practices or report misconduct are themselves subjected to threats of discipline, using the loss of medical licenses due to phony accusations by hospital management as a means of control. Continue reading
A civil trial in a multi-million dollar libel lawsuit filed by the wife of former Sheriff Gary Penrod against a High Desert newspaper publisher and has been postponed until August.
Lawyer John Rowell, who represents Penrod’s wife Nancy Bohl, appeared for a hearing via telephone Thursday in San Bernardino Superior Court and requested a continuance, according to court records. The trial that was set to begin Monday was re-scheduled for Aug. 9 with a trial readiness hearing set for Aug. 5. Continue reading
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.
This is the second time in recent months Ramos has been the subject of a FPPC investigation. Earlier, he was found to have not reported $10,000 in income given to his wife Gretchen for campaign-related functions. Ramos paid a $200 fine to settle the claim.
It is expected that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will discuss the California Attorney General’s request that the county waive its attorney-client privilege regarding the $102 million Colonies settlement in closed session during their April 27, 2010, regularly-scheduled meeting. Second District Supervisor Paul Biane and Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt have both recused themselves. Third District Supervisor Neil Derry and Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales have suggested they will vote in favor of waiving privilege. Only Supervisor Mitzelfelt has not committed one way or another.
In a strongly-worded letter, Senior Assistant Attorney General Gary Schons threatened county supervisors with legal action if they did not waive their attorney-client privilege. However, the supervisors’ duty is to the citizens of San Bernardino County, not an Attorney General grandstanding for political benefit. Continue reading
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.
On advice of attorneys, the “not guilty” pleas were entered with the condition they could later be withdrawn. As stated repeatedly on iePolitics, there simply is no evidence that a criminal act has been committed as the elements of Forgery, Bribery, and Extortion are not present. It is expected that the pleas will be withdrawn and a motion made for the case to be dismissed. The case is set for a dispo hearing on June 3, 2010. Continue reading
iePolitics would like to offer San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos a sincere apology regarding our speculation that Ramos may have charged multiple boxes of condoms to his credit card that was paid by his campaign account. We now know that was not the case. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
When Annabel Park imagined what it would be like to head a new national political movement, here is what she had in mind: a coming together of engaged, intelligent citizens who had tired of the angry rhetoric and accusations of the Tea Partiers; Americans of all political persuasions joining in a spirit of equanimity to discuss the nation’s problems, and maybe even share a laugh. It was this beautiful vision that danced in Park’s head on a recent Saturday as she made her way to Busboys and Poets, a cafe in Washington, D.C., for one of nearly 500 Coffee Party meetings taking place nationwide that day. She knew the house would be full—word had spread quickly on the group’s swelling Facebook page. Park, a documentary filmmaker, was especially pleased that C-Span had arranged to broadcast the meeting.
But from the moment folks in the crowd stood up to speak their minds, Park knew these people had not come to sip cappuccinos and set an example of civility for an overheated nation. They were angry. They hated the Tea Party, and the Republican Party. They wanted to get even. One audience member said America was under the thumb of oligarchs and denounced “moneyed interests.” A few people hissed when Sarah Palin’s name was mentioned. Also on hand were the usual suspects drawn to the C-Span bat signal. A man representing Code Pink, the left-wing protest group, said that “racism was the basis for everything that’s going on right now.” He also seemed to have a real problem with “fear-based rhetoric” and Northrop Grumman. Continue reading
This comment just appeared on the “A Memo from Sheriff Rod Hoops” post and it says a lot. It is a point AntiCorruptionUnit has been trying to get across; however the comment did not come from him. Here it is:
What should be emphasized about San Berardino County Sheriff Rod Hoops is that he is the “Go to” guy for other chief’s of police throughout Southern California.
Since Hoop’s and S.E.B.A President/P.O.R.A.C. Legal Defense Fund Board Member Bill Abernathie have such a slobbering level of affection for one another, any chief that really wants an officer fired can contact Hoops, who will then tell Abernathie that “Officer John Doe” does not appear to fit into “Chief’s long term plans.
This is code for this officer not to receive a successful legal defense, or L.D.F. authorization for any future appeals. Since P.O.R.A.C. President Ron Cottingham is an appointed board member of Calpers, retirement of any kind for this officer will be denied.
Sheriff Hoops, and those before him also guarantee a ringing endorsement for themselves from police chief’s come election time with how the sheriff’s department handles officer involved shootings, and in-custody deaths for their department’s. Like former Sheriff’s Homicide Sergeant Bobby Dean would often say at an officer’s shooting scene; “All shootings are good, some are just better than others.”
As a token of their appreciation, these chief’s of police always provide an overwhelming endorsement to the sitting sheriff’s campaign, and (encourage) others to do likewise.
In internal affair’s investigations, hire your own labor law attorney. No attorney from S.E.B.A. or P.O.R.A.C. can any longer be trusted.
I forced myself to watch it. I can’t tell you how happy I am that he has put a protocol in place to send early-release prisoners who commit new crimes back to prison. Wow! That is a novel ideal. What would we do without him? I’m glad he is working so hard to keep us safe.
Remember on June 8: Frank Guzman
Ray Moors, owner of the four Joey’s Bar-B-Q restaurants in the west end of San Bernardino County and east end of Los Angeles County, contacted me today regarding his candidacy for the 61st Assembly District. Democrat Norma Torres is the current representative in the Assembly.
Ray doesn’t have a campaign website up yet but may as soon as tomorrow. He is the only person running for the Republican nomination. For now, you can look at his business website, which made me really, really hungry: Joey’s Bar-B-Q. Someone will have to give us a critique of the food! I will post the link to his campaign site as soon as it is up and running. Continue reading
From Brad’s Facebook page, is a picture of his little cutie. I’ve had my share of issues with the First District, but even I have to admit his son is a handsome baby.
Magic Johnson is speaking on April 29, 2010, at the county-sponsored “Business Insight Series.” I’m sure he will leave behind an autographed something or two. So who gets it? Whose Form 700 should it go on? And who will take it but not report it?
Only a handful of managers have been axed and most of the crooks are still employed by the county, so this should be yet another scandal to follow and yet another Fair Political Practices Commission complaint to file. We’re chomping at the bit guys!
I’m reading between the lines on a Facebook entry, so perhaps someone can fill us in. It looks to me like there may be a protest scheduled at San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ office (or perhaps the County Government Center) scheduled for April 27, 2010. I’m guessing this is the Medical Cannabis people protesting over a raid? I’m not sure but I like the idea of picketers at Mike Ramos’ office for any reason, so if this is true, would someone give us the details please?
From their website:
Vote SAFE Now is a statewide ballot initiative that would secure California’s voting process by requiring voters to present photo identification at the polls; allow county Registrar of Voters additional time to count military votes that are mailed in from outside the U.S.; and protect the identity of absentee voters by concealing the voter’s signature on the envelope. Voters without I.D. will still be allowed to vote provisionally.
They are collecting signatures at this time and the petitions can be downloaded at their site: Vote Safe Now
iePolitics is starting a new, in-depth series on Dr. Dev Gnanadev and his destruction of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC). iePolitics and InlandPolitics have received a number of tips during the past few months regarding the goings-on at ARMC but we need more specific information especially regarding the various medical groups he controls and that impact on patient care at ARMC, malpractice that has been covered up, free medical care given to politicians and their families, use of students to perform procedures required to be done by licensed professionals, etc. Continue reading
I recently contacted Ray Moors the Republican Party candidate for State Assembly District 61. And he supplied me with a biography about him and his campaign and this is what he had to say.
I am a 30-year-plus “blue collar” business owner of Joey’s Bar-B-Q restaurants in the Inland Empire. I possess an extremely well rounded knowledge of prudent, ethical business practices both as a former labor representative and as an employer.
Today California is in the greatest economic crisis I have ever witnessed.
Career politicians, government employees nor bureaucrats can solve these economic problems. I am committed to creating new business opportunities in California while protecting those businesses and jobs that are still here. A state without employers is a state where there are no jobs, no tax dollars generated to fund government and no solutions for society. Continue reading
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) complaints against San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane, Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, and former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer have been resubmitted as it did not appear, based on their response, that the FPPC understood the basis of the first complaint. The complaint alleges the following: Continue reading
I am circlating a petition to request that the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors remove Sheriff Rod Hoops from his position. The petition can be downloaded and printed on legal sized paper and need to be returned no later than May 22, 2010. Here is the .pdf file: Petition 1
I have dozens and dozens of businesses and plenty of citizens gathering signatures to present to the Board of Supervisors in one month. The only requirement is the person be a citizen of San Bernardino County. It doesn’t matter if they are a registered voter or not. I am also requesting the parents of the children in this County, to please ask your children to mail a letter to the Board of Supervisors requesting they dismiss Sheriff Rod Hoops from office for his utter failure to eliminate and disclose the corruption in the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.
Continue reading
San Bernardino County Fire Chief Pat Dennen announced his retirement today after serving this county for 12 years, the last 4 of which have been as chief. His total fire service career spans 36 years.
I got to know Pat and his wife last year for reasons I will explain at a later date. Knowing the issues I was having in my life, they were kind enough to invite me to the County Fire/Special Districts Christmas Party, which I thoroughly enjoyed attending. It was easy to see how well run the department was by all the commraderie and happy demeanors, something we don’t see in too many county departments these days. I was very impressed by what I saw. Pat got in trouble for inviting me, but that is a story we will also save for a later date. Continue reading
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.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer is the assigned instructor for a graduate degree public administration course at California State University San Bernardino.
Here is the course listing found on the CSUSB website. Continue reading
Sorry for the late notice but if you are interested:
DATE: Friday, April 23 from 6-8pm
LOCATION: Grand Terrace Senior Center, 22627 Grand Terrace Road (off Barton Rd.), Grand Terrace
I spoke to a friend from my old San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) office today. She was telling me they work overtime every weekend. The problem is they have hired so many new employees with federal stimulus funds that there is not enough work for them to do. So, to solve that problem, they don’t work during their regular work hours so that they can justify the overtime hours where they have to list the work they did. Of course, they love all the extra pay for doing nothing. And they don’t understand why they should have to give up their raises or face layoffs since TAD is flush with money.
And I believe there will be about 300 new workers on board very soon. This county is so well run!
Former GOP Chairman Endorses Morrell
Upland, California – Margaret “Maggie” Stewart, former chairman of the San Bernardino County Republican Party, has endorsed conservative businessman Mike Morrell for the Republican nomination for the 63rd Assembly District.
“Mike Morrell has been a successful business owner and created many jobs over the past 25 years,” said Stewart. “He will vote against government bureaucracy in an effort to make California ‘business friendly’ again and oppose new taxes and spending.” Continue reading
Fourth Supervisorial District Candidate Ron Wall sent me his Facebook information today. Here is the link: FaceBook I don’t see a website yet.
And sort of a sad one too. I never thought after 30 years of employment with the county of San Bernardino, I would be suing them. Yesterday one of my attorneys filed a Petition for Peremptory Writ of Mandate against the county. It is the first of a handful of legal actions my various attorneys will be filing on my behalf against San Bernardino County. I expect the next lawsuit to be filed very soon. For those of you in need of a bulldog employment law attorney, I have one. I want to give his firm a little advertisement here on the blog, but I’m not sure if I’m allowed to so for now, if you want his name, contact me privately.