Editor’s Note:  This is one of those stories that sounds more like an aluminum foil gathering’s conspiracy theory . . . that is until one examines it more closely.  Once one looks at all that are involved in this shut-down—from political donations and support of certain city officeholders to business beneficiaries of such an enforcement—it starts to sound like a much more viable theory.  In a few weeks after the FBI and IRS have made more of their investigation public, we’ll ask Senor Blogger to give us some specifics of who is donating to whom and who has political debts to be paid.

Could there be a “karaoke connection” to this week’s FBI/IRS raids in Upland?

Curious and coincidental it may seem—and it may be entirely coincidental—but just this past January, code enforcement officers unexpectedly descended on a number of nightlife establishments in Upland’s neighboring city of Rancho Cucamonga to kindly “inform” them that, according to Rancho Cucamonga municipal code, live entertainment, including amateur karaoke singers, requires a special entertainment license.

Although many readers may ponder why one would spend their evenings listening to terrible amateur singers belt out poorly performed tunes, karaoke nights at Rancho Cucamonga bars prove popular for owners and customers alike . . . Continue reading →