SAN BERNARDINO • Though Jermaine Wright Sr. appears to be campaigning online to run for San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor, the Adelanto School District trustee said he’s still only pondering a bid in the June election.

Wright, co-owner of local child care and transportation companies, has set up campaign profiles on Facebook and Twitter. He touts himself as a conservative whose platforms include county transparency, common-sense business practices in government and private sector job creation.

But Wright said by phone he won’t make up his mind until mid-January. He’s trying to gauge whether he would stand a solid chance against incumbent Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, a resident of Wrightwood.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

(San Bernardino) – Last week the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to impose more than 14 percent in cuts on members of the Specialized Peace Officers Unit of the San Bernardino County Safety Employees Benefit Association (SEBA), the union representing sworn peace officers.  Supervisors Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt voted against the measure.  Today, 73.5 percent of the unit’s membership voted to accept the arbitrator’s award they had previously rejected, thus avoiding the deep cuts.

“We’re proud of the Specialized Peace Officers for choosing the terms of their employment rather than settling for an imposed solution,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Josie Gonzales. “These public safety professionals have joined a growing number of county employee groups who have recognized the current economic realities and agreed to terms that will help avoid layoffs and allow the county to continue to provide an acceptable level of service.”  Supervisor Gonzales is one of the three county supervisors who voted in favor of imposing the cuts and who is under federal scrutiny in two FBI raids.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

I listened to the show for quite some time before realizing who the guest was.  It wasn’t until the water contamination in Hinkley was mentioned that my ears perked up and I actually paid attention.

Towards the end of the show, a caller called from up north.  He mentioned the water situation at Norton Air Force Base. He asked if Erin remembered him and then mentioned about being called a “gadfly” here in San Bernardino County.

I can’t say I remember this guy, and it’s possible he was a “gadfly” at the city council meetings, not the BOS meetings.  But it sure did bring back some memories.  All of us who try to shine the light on San Bernardino County corruption are “crazy,” “gadflies,” and worse.  Of course we are usually right too.  And how many of the name callers have been indicted or are about to be?

BTW Brad, despite our differences, your son is extremely cute.  I did laugh at the fact that you call him “Jack” when his given name is “John.”  That is like the Kennedys.  Yes, I do know that “Jack” is the nickname for “John” based on the French translation, but I still suspect a little Democratic-Blaney-Hamptons influence.   Jack or John, he is still a cutie.

If true, what does this say about Greg Devereaux and the BOS in relationship to them imposing a contract on rank-and-file specialized peace officers?  We hear the CAO/BOS intends to do the very same thing to Safety next year.  Would I be the only one appalled by such an action, if this is accurate?

Anyway, today part of Janice’s so-called ethics proposal is apparently going to be to change the County Charter to update the relationship between the CEO and BOS.  In other words, Janice, just like the rest of the BOS, the CEO, and County Counsel, all know that Devereaux’s contract is illegal as is the ordinance they passed last year.  They want to clean up their act, not by making things right, but rather by covering their tracks and hiding their illegal actions.

BTW, for those who have asked, here is Devereaux’s contract, which is already posted elsewhere on the blog and has been for a long time, Stevie:  Devereaux contract 1-12-10 Now compare it to what is allowed in the County Charter and County Code.  But I digress.

This is just another example of Miss High and Mighty taking care of those who cover for her.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, has changed in San Bernardino County.  It also makes ya miss Paul Biane.  At least his worst offense at board meetings was not wearing a tie.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/13/iepolitics-pandering-janice/feed/ 5 http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/10/the-sentinel-district-divisions-stall-county%e2%80%99s-mid-year-budget-adjustments/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/10/the-sentinel-district-divisions-stall-county%e2%80%99s-mid-year-budget-adjustments/#comments Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:58:07 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=11324 Continue reading →]]> The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors this week failed to collect the required four votes to ratify county chief executive officer Greg Devereaux’s recommended mid-year budget adjustments.

Under the county charter, four votes are required to make routine after-the-fact changes to the yearly budget passed to cover the governmental fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30.

Currently, supervisor Neil Derry must abstain from any votes impacting the expenditure of federal funds because he was charged with violating campaign contribution reporting regulations in April. Derry has not yet been given by the federal government clearance to cast such votes, despite a plea arrangement arrived at in August that saw him plead guilty to a single misdemeanor campaign reporting violation and the dismissal of two more serious felony counts. The county’s budget contains some revenue that originates with the federal government. Federal funds cannot legally be disbursed by an elected official accused or convicted of a felony.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

I would have to look at the disciplinary action to remember the whole list of names I was forbidden to write on the blog, but as stated above, Greg was among them.  Funny how a couple of years later the newspapers and district attorney can write some of the same things (only they have been much more salacious) and it is okay.

Now that I am much closer to the situation, I do believe that Greg and the others got a raw deal, not because they didn’t do what they are accused of, but because the district attorney’s office is charging people with things that are not crimes.  The whole conspiracy thing is a lot of crap.

What really needs to be done is to change the MOUs of exempt employees so that they must work a minimum of 40 hours per week.  Categorize them as something other than “salaried.”  And put stronger checks and balances in for those department heads who hire for reasons other than the employee being the most qualified.  The BOS seems to forget they approve the hiring of all of these contract employees.  But as with everything else in the county, the BOS continues to shirk responsibility and then acts surprised when a new scandal erupts.

Well Billy, I think my first response is that whether we are discussing Colonies, the BOS, Greg Devereaux, the DA/AG/FBI, or any other person/entity in a long list of county concerns, there is very little black and white.   Since you used Jim as an example, I will too.  Has Jim done some things wrong? It is my belief the answer is yes.  Do I also believe he has been singled out and maliciously prosecuted?  That answer is yes too.  Almost $3 in bail is outrageous.  The trumped-up charges are also outrageous.  I will continue to say that probably forever.  At the same time, I do believe he has committed criminal wrongdoing.  I guess what I am trying to say is that I am not taking one side over the other; I simply believe in justice.  Justice would have been served perhaps with a FPPC fine or, in the case of the extortion if that proves to be true, a felony or two with probation and maybe some jail time if warranted–just like someone who is not Ramos’ political enemy.

There is no doubt most or all of those who have been implicated in the Colonies scandal and other scandals are without halos, as are we all.  But, more importantly, our county’s top two law enforcement officers, Sheriff Rod Hoops and District Attorney Mike Ramos, are the most corrupt individuals in the county.  When our chief law enforcement officers are corrupt, then our system of justice is inherently corrupt.  We will never see the system fixed with bandaids by taking down a corrupt developer here and a corrupt politician there.  We must first cut out the cancer and not allow it to grow back.  Our top cops need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and made an example of for everyone to see.  Only when we have cops and prosecutors that are doing the job they are sworn to do—seeking justice, not revenge and not convictions for the political purposes—can we expect to make inroads into the corruption that has plagued this county for decades.

One of the things I have learned the hard way in the 4.5 years I have been doing this is that not all of those who say they want justice or want to clean up the system are genuine.  Some have some rather nefarious motives for “standing for justice.”  Barb Stanton comes to mind on that one.  Others are simple as unethical as those they try to expose.  Traci Dean comes to mind in this instance.  I have said it many times.  If fire is the corrupt act, then fighting fire with fire makes both parties equally corrupt.  It is not okay to lie, cheat, and steal to take out someone for lying, cheating, and stealing.

As for me speaking out on this issue, I think if you go way back you will see that I have many, many times.  I have also put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, by filing FPPC complaints, complaints with the AG/DA, Grand Jury, and Secretary of State.  I was told point-blank by Joy Chadwick, Supervisor Ovitt’s current director, that as a county employee I should not expect to be treated any way than I have been treated over the past few years if I am going to speak out about corruption.  In other words I should shut up or quit my job.  She didn’t feel county employees have the right to whistleblow and expect to keep their jobs.

That being said, as I said to someone tonight, I’m trying hard to keep off the witness stand in the corruption cases.  As he said to me, “You’re a little too late.”  Well, since, as I have told a few people lately, “I’m a mixed bag,” meaning I am not going to lie for anyone, and of that personal knowledge I do possess, I can harm both sides, I still hope to stay off the witness stand.

There is so much going on behind the scenes in the Colonies case it would make your head spin.  The media isn’t even doing a half-assed job of covering everything and certainly has no interest in the truth.  I think there are many surprises coming.  Remember, you have only read part of one side. That one side still has a lot to offer, but then again, so doesn’t the other side, which has hardly been heard at all.  Reality is far removed from what the public has been allowed to view up to this point.

I was asked a couple of weeks ago what I thought of Mark Kirk. I have a really hard time answering that.  When I got to know him, I thought very highly of him.  Yet, instead of using the single most powerful position in this county’s government or good, he was greedy, selfish, and arrogant, none of which are crimes.  But, when one has the power to do something about corruption and, instead, chooses to look the other way, are they not equally corrupt?  There is a part of me that feels sorry for Mark because I do feel some of the charges are trumped up, yet does he deserve it for not doing something when he could?  I’m not sure of the answer to that.  Like I said.  Little is black and white.

There is one case I do want to testify in and that is Mark Uffer’s.  I already have the subpoena, which I voluntarily picked up from his attorney’s office.  There is no doubt Mark and I had major issues, but right now I hate county administrators more.

I doubt Mark’s case will go to trial, which is too bad.  He has one major thing going for him and I believe that will cause the BOS to settle because none of them want to have to answer certain questions under oath.  However, if the truth were exposed, it would go a long way in cleaning up this county.

You see, one of the things Ramos knows, and I believe he is holding over BOS members’ heads, is the way in which the BOS uses technicalities to get around the Brown Act.  Rarely does a controversial matter go before the BOS without them knowing the outcome before they ever let it on the agenda.  Such was the case in Uffer’s termination.  They worked for months to get three votes to fire him and did not put it on the agenda until they had secured all three votes.  The holdout was Brad Mitzelfelt. Once he agreed, the termination was agendized and not a moment before.

When the members of the public show up on controversial projects or plans, such as redistricting, it does not matter what they say.  Redistricting is a perfect example where the outcome was known before the matter was agendized.  All of those that came to voice their opinions were wasting their time.  Josie, Janice, Gary and Greg had made sure the votes were there to accomplish what they wanted to accomplish.  I knew about it weeks ahead of time and I am not the only one.

Devereaux also flat out refuses to abide by the California Public Records Act or even the county’s Sunshine Ordinance.  By allowing the CEO to refuse to provide the public with access to county records, Ramos is facilitating corruption, not cleaning it up.

So, I would say that if Ramos were really interested in cleaning up county corruption, the Brown Act and the California Public Records Act would be places to start.  But cleaning up corruption is not his objective.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/06/iepolitics-in-response-to-billyjackattack/feed/ 4 http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/05/from-havasu-lake-3/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/12/05/from-havasu-lake-3/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:48:02 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=11255 Continue reading →]]> Dear Sharon

Recent questions have been raised on iepolitics in regards to the readily apparent guaranteed ascendency from local print media employment to highly paying county positions.

Nowhere is the manipulation and in fact actual dissuasion of the press more evident than in a review of the record at Havasu Lake Ca.

Public exposure of bad acts is of course deadly to the actors, and if the following facts give the first impression of being just too over the top, just  too bald faced to be believable, one only has to remember that we are dealing with the same crew that produced Brad Mitzelfelt, Anthony Adams and Michael Orme……

1-Nip it right at the Bud! And in the case of Havasu Lake Ca. this occurred by actually forcing the Editor of the Havasu Sun to agree to not cover any hard news stories in exchange for being allowed to sell newspapers in the Tribe’s store! The Havasu Sun is published by the Havasu Lake Firebelles, a local 501linked directly to San Bernardino County Fire. (Megan?)

2-Vanishing act for front page story. Across the lake at The Havasu News Herald, Editor Becky Maxxadon recently ordered a reporter to cease and desist coverage of allegations of the theft of $7K from the Senior Center by Brad Mitzelfelt appointee Karen Chamberlain. In a telephone interview Becky refused to clarify why this had occurred and did not deny this event, saying only that “I am going to talk to that reporter!” (retaliation for honestly stating that Becky had ordered her to drop the story.)

3-Also at the Havasu News Herald,in a previous sit down interviews, Editor Becky Maxxadon and Reporter David Bell, both related the same story of being threatened with litigation by Tribal Attorney Lester Marston,(in Tribal Court….) in retaliation for accurate, factual reporting of events.

4-At the Needles Desert Star Editor Robin Richards says that “Havasu Lake is within our coverage area,” but declined to cover the Karen Chamberlain issue unless the SBSD “Sends me something.” Editor Richards attempted to explain this, saying that this was the” first he had heard of it,” although the story from the News Herald had been hand delivered to his office months ago.

This is the same Editor that withheld publication of the Cook case from the citizens of Needles prior to a vote on a gaming agreement with a local Indian Tribe.
In a sit down interview in the offices of the Needles Desert Star, the lead reporter stated that “This story is huge,” yet Editor Richards declined to publish this sad story of a DUI accident and ensuing Ninth Circuit decision in which a Tribal employee drove away from the casino drunk and amputated Cristopher Cooks leg. The holding in Cook was that the Tribe enjoyed Sovereign immunity. Did Robin think this ruling irrelevant to the issue of a casino in Needles?

5-In a recent telephone interview, a San Bernardino Sun Staffer could not explain why the Sun coverage of events at Havasu Lake had been purged from the Sun online archives. During a search of the Sun’s archives only one story could be found in response to the following key words:

A-Havasu Lake
B-Havasu Landing
C-Bill Postmus
D-Brad Mitzelfelt
E-Pasquale Rotella
F-Nocturnal Wonderland
G-Golden Voice
H-Rave
I- Chemehuevi Indian Tribe

The Sun staffer actually stated that
“The archives are only accessible to staff working on stories.”

A comparison between the Sun and the PE archives raises many questions, not only has the Sun declined to cover any further events at Havasu Lake,(including the Chamberlain case) but the management at the Sun has actually attempted  to obfuscate the existing record. Who are the beneficiaries of this ?

Will the front page headlines detailing Pasquale Rotella’s unpaid $198,000 SAR bill and the deaths of five citizens magically reappear?

1. Megan Mitzelfelt
2. Scott Van Horn
3. George Watson
4. Bob Page
5. David Wert

Can you think of others?

Speaking of Megan Mitzelfelt, we hear she is pregnant again but we also hear she is back to her full salary and benefits.  Can anyone confirm?

My favorite page of the whole document is Page 28.  I will let the more observant readers of this blog figure out why that is.

Out here at Havasu Lake we have much to be thankful for, not the least of which is iepolitics and our dear friend Sharon.

iepolitics has proven to be the lone voice of reason in the face of corruption, speaking truth to those in power, and doing so boldly.

iepolitics coverage of events at Havasu Lake, in compilation with the development of dedicated opposition to Supervisor Mitzelfelt and his violent triple felon associate, Gary Chamberlain, has had an immeasurable impact on Brad Mitzelflet’s mean-spirited, revenge oriented political aspirations.

Brad, in the political analysis of your electability to higher office, what credit do Sharon and I deserve?  Both Sharon and myself are arguably your biggest victims, but unfortunately for you, we  have stood up and became the means to your end.

P.S. At this late date, in the midst of a cover-up scandal over Brad’s criminal appointees theft, after the sordid debacle of Brad’s Havasu Lake M.A.C., after the Brown act violations, after Brad’s role in the Postmus case,after the Havasu Water Company nightmare, after all of this and much more, Brad is again in contact with violent Triple Felon Gary Chamberlain.

A prudent politician would surely strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, but in the case of Havasu lake it is either “do or die” for Brad, who apparently could not care less about the appearance of his actions,only his addiction to office.

Brad’s record at Havasu lake is fatal to his narcissistic  dreams. How does it feel Brad?

Well it took a LOT of digging and research and brain-picking of those who used to work there to come up with the lies.  But I did.

I have to get one more document tomorrow and then I will lay it all out for everyone.  Ms. Smoke-N-Mirrors has been caught again.

Hmm . . . I guess time card fraud is only applicable if certain people don’t like you or if you go to the wrong church.

I noted one interesting point.  Josh Candaleria gave the invocation.  Josh is a former employee of Gary Ovitt and now works for Greg Devereaux.  What was interesting is that Ovitt introduced him as someone who goes to his church.  Doesn’t that make Ovitt, Enriquez, Cadaleria, PonTell, and Devereaux, or so we have been told, all members of the same church.  Now my question is this:  Is this the same church Enriquez was pastoring and somehow related to the Ontario YMCA?  How much discretionary funding did the YMCA get from Ovitt?  Now maybe this is all inaccurate, but that is not what we hear.

Here are a few of the figures we got from a CPRA request:

FY 2005‐06:
1. Ontario Montclair YMCA – Capital Improvement Project (General Fund) ‐ $237,500

FY 2006‐07:
1. Ontario Montclair YMCA – Priority Policy Needs (i.e. Board Discretionary Funds) ‐
$3,000

FY 2007‐08:
1. Ontario Montclair YMCA – 4th District Operating Budget (General Fund) ‐ $490.13
2. Ontario Montclair YMCA – Board Elective Funds (i.e. Board Discretionary Funds) ‐
$120,000

FY 2008‐09:
1. Ontario Montclair YMCA ‐ Priority Policy Needs (Board Discretionary Funds) ‐ $25,000
2. Ontario Montclair YMCA – Public Health Department (??) ‐ $300

FY 2009‐10
1. Ontario Montclair YMCA ‐ Priority Policy Needs (Board Discretionary Funds) ‐ $25,000

Total Ontario Montclair YMCA = $411,290.13

Hmm . . . from Supervisor Ovitt’s website:

He currently serves as Pastor for Community Christian Fellowship, an Evangelical Christian Church in Ontario. Larry has served as the Pastor for over 17 years.

Through February, 2010, Larry served as the Executive Director of the Ontario/Montclair YMCA.

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt

One of the personality traits that Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and his wife, Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt, seem to share is that they are both so arrogant that they think they can do whatever they want with taxpayer resources.  They are special after all.  Or maybe just stoned.  But whatever the case, they use and abuse their positions and violate the public trust.

According to sources, Brad attempted to prevent Mark Uffer from being hired in Needles. He also tried to get me fired from a small writing job.  Megan also tried to keep a potential employer from giving me work.

And now a funny little thing happened yesterday.  I was subpoenaed into a deposition on my writ of mandamus.  There was zero reason for the depo because my case does not have one thin cent attached to it.  My thoughts and actions are irrelevant.  But it was a billing opportunity for the county’s high-priced attorney they fly in from Oakland for both my case and Mark Uffer’s case.

Now the depo is where it gets interesting.  First, the county didn’t pay just one outside attorney to attend my depo, but two.  I’m told that is unusual and unnecessary.

Second, we knew before we ever went into the thing that despite claiming that I was being depo’d about my writ of mandamus, the real reason was Mark Uffer’s case against the county in which I will be a witness if it goes to trial.  What this did, in effect, is allow the county to conduct a depo on a case without opposing counsel present.  And that they did.

The county’s hotshot attorneys wanted to know all about my relationship with Mark Uffer.  They wanted to know about Service First (which obviously has zero to do with my writ).   Then presented me with my declaration in Mark’s case and questioned me about it.

But that was not the end of it.  Next came questions about my blog.  Ok, that might be expected.  Except out of over 10,000 blog entries and 25,000 comments, they were only interested in one subject and one subject only:  the posts I wrote about Megan Mitzelfelt and her drug usage.  Now tell me what those posts written this year have to do with a writ filed about 19 months ago?

Their half-ass excuse was they wanted to know about my relationship with Brad Mitzelfelt, which amounted to a grand total of a question or two.  No, it was intimidation, plain and simple.  And it was brought about by Brad and Megan.

Well Brad and Megan, you have already tried to blackmail me and you know how far that got you.  My answer is still FUCK YOU!!!  Of course there is a second part of that answer too which will be very visible on the blog.  We know you have not been to rehab.  So . . ..

Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt

This information came from a former Fifth Floor staffer.  It seems that Megan took it upon herself to send a letter/email to all five supervisorial districts regarding issues at County Fire.  Can anyone shed some light?

Second, is a list of suggested classifications for BOS staffers.   “Suggested” is the key word.  They don’t have to abide by these suggestions.  And to make it all the worse are the educational suggestions and pay levels.  Look at how many classifications do no require bachelor’s degrees:  Administrative Analyst, District Director, Field Representative, for example.   Then look at the pay.  With benefits, they all far exceed $100,000 a year.

For the BOS not to require bachelor’s degrees for these positions, it suggests that one or more of each of these positions has an incumbent who does not have a degree.   Janice obviously has a B.S. degree.

As the first photo points out we had a lot of hardened criminals at the protest today, so much so, that as the second photo shows, the Sheriff’s Department dispatched three units to the Devore Animal Shelter during our protest. Does that surprise anyone?

And, no, we were not blocking any entrances or exits nor were we inside the fence.  We stayed out up against the outside of the fence on the roadway.

I will have the full story tomorrow, but thought I would share just a bit tonight.  As we all know, San Bernardino County leaders haven’t gotten around to reading the Constitution of the United States yet, especially not the First Amendment.  Let’s see.   It was enacted when?

Well the Bill of Rights will celebrate its 220th birthday next month.  I guess with all the golf tournaments to raise campaign contributions, accepting bribes, taking vacations on the taxpayers’ dime, and all the other stuff our poor overworked members of the Board of Supervisors have to do, we can’t expect them to be bothered reading and understanding such a trivial document.  What is a little intimidation in county government anyway?  Isn’t that the San Bernardino County way?

A second initiative should be ready for download very soon.  It will be the ethics and campaign finance initiative.  As you all read in the news, Supervisor Janice Rutherford plans to introduce her own initiative that does about ten percent of what ours does.  It does not keep board members from making big money as consultants on projects they voted on once they leave office nor does it keep board members from running for other offices while on the BOS.

I want to serve as County Supervisor.  If you think back, it’s been a very logical progression.  I waited until the district lines were final, I filed the necessary financial paperwork, and I declared for Supervisor within days.  I hope that demonstrates my mindset.  I haven’t opened a Congressional account, I haven’t declared for Congress, and I’m not out there campaigning for Congress.  It’s just not my priority.   My priority is fulfilling the duties of my current office and focusing on the same goals: ethical government, smaller government, veterans, and public safety.  I’m also running a very serious campaign for Supervisor.  That’s it.

Signature gathering for a part-time BOS is going EXTREMELY well.  And don’t forget that it will lower their pay and benefits from over $300,000 to $50,000 a year.

The Sentinel has learned that a curious alliance has formed between supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, his field representative Jesse Flores and now-discredited Republican political operative Jeff Gibson.

The alliance involves a seemingly far-fetched get-rich-quick scheme involving an active gold mine just across the San Bernardino County line in Inyo County. Of significance is that the effort includes the questionable use of the supervisorial office’s authority to facilitate the creation of a new community services district in one of San Bernardino County’s most remote locations to execute the plan.

Members of Mitzelfelt’s First District staff were puzzled and have now grown increasingly wary of the relationship that has developed over the last several months between Mitzelfelt and Jeff Gibson. The only member of Mitzelfelt’s staff favorably disposed toward Gibson, who was convicted a decade-and-a-half ago of electioneering fraud, is Flores, individuals close to Mitzelfelt’s office have told the Sentinel.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

(SAN BERNARDINO) In November 2009, when members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to terminate County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer without cause, which provided him with an additional year of salary and benefits, they thought they were avoiding a legal hassle.  Instead, they opened a costly can of worms that has now cost taxpayers an additional $782,452.20 on top of the $323,000 severance package.

As early as 2008, at least one member of the Board of Supervisors indicated he wanted to terminate Uffer’s contract and replace him with then-Ontario City Manager Greg Devereaux.  Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt was a close friend to Devereaux and worked with him when he was mayor and as a member of the Ontario City Council.  However, the three votes to replace Uffer with Devereaux did not materialize until October 2009.

In 2008, the first of numerous arrests of high-ranking county officials was made.  By 2009, the corruption scandal had clearly touched the Board of Supervisors with the arrest of Third District Chief of Staff Jim Erwin.  Several other board staffers were subpoenaed to testify before the Grand Jury and were also interrogated by the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit.  The investigation has been far reaching with three members of the Board having now been charged criminally and at least two others possibly facing charges in the future.  Two chiefs of staff have also been charged and one is working as an informant with the District Attorney’s office.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

I know that Fantasy Island only existed in the minds of its creators and so seems to be the case with the “Airport to Nowhere.”   As this investigation continues we are hearing of more and more names, some of them big names, being dragged into the scandal.  I wonder how many careers and lives this may very well ruin.

I suspect that decades from now as Pat and Josie sit in their rocking chairs covered with an afghan in the old folks home, they will still be looking out the window for  “The Plane!  The Plane!”

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/26/iepolitics-the-plane-the-plane/feed/ 3 http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/22/iepolitics-petition-read-for-download/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/22/iepolitics-petition-read-for-download/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:58:44 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=10885 Continue reading →]]> For those that want to download the petition rather than find a signature gatherer, the petitions and instructions are here.

I have to tell you that in over five years of operating this blog, I have never felt the satisfaction I did yesterday when the signature gatherer stopped me to ask for my signature.  I was not aware they were in my area collecting signatures.

This kid struck up a conversation with me.  I asked to see the petition as I had never actually held a hard copy of it.  I pointed out to him the portions I had a part in helping with and explained the issues to him more fully.  It was a very rewarding feeling.

I cannot release our stats but I can say the response is beyond anything we had imagined.  I was back at the same store today and watched customers clamor to sign the petition.  It was very exciting to say the least.

I have always preferred to remain behind the scenes.  Those who know me well know that I am basically very shy.  The blog is an alter-ego that is meant to be entertainment, therapy, and a place to vent.  I think we perform a service for many but at the same time it does not define me as much as many try to use it to do so.

By posting this I already know that Brad, Megan, Zook and others will contact these people to let them know they do not want to feature iepolitics because I am nothing but a disgruntled county employee who is suing the county.  When I am allowed, I will have a few stories to tell about the extremes these three have gone to to keep me unemployed and with no money.  There are things happening behind the scenes so I am not worried about any of them as I fully expect two or three of them to be criminally charged before the end of the year.

However, even with that being said, do I really want to put myself through any more of their crap in order to add some additional readers?  I’m just wondering how some of you feel about expanding our readership through participating in shows such as this.

I want to thank each and every one of you that have signed the petitions.  We appreciate the support.  I apologize for not getting back to everyone right away.  The fastest way to get my attention is through the iePolitics site or email but now that I see residents of San Bernardino County outside of the high desert have picked up on the initiatives, I will check the ReformSBCounty email address more often.

For those wondering why we haven’t started the speakers bureau or gotten more press releases out, we are simply overwhelmed at the response and will be in touch with everyone.

Thank you again for the support.  I’m glad to know that I am not the only one who thinks a salary and benefit package of $306,000+ a year is too much for meeting 26 times in that year.

The First District has been the most maverick district for as long as I can remember and I have officially lived here for 37 years.  There is a significant “kick the bums out” attitude up here, which makes me wonder who might be accepted by the voters for the Eighth Congressional District.  I am not at all convinced any of the “chosen” ones will have an easy time of it.  High Desert residents are fed up with piss poor representation at the municipal, county, state and federal levels.  All incumbents need to watch out.  In the meantime, we shall cut the pay of those we can.

˜Albert Einstein˜

Well, the short answer is that someone (people) with the ability to approve spending large sums of taxpayer money to settle personal vendetta did so.  Or it could be that half-assed attorneys gave half-assed legal advice for the purpose of building up billable hours?

Today, I obtained two bits of information.  First, I now have a copy of the Judge Alvarez’s ruling on the county’s motion for summary judgment in Uffer v. County of San Bernardino.  Read it here:  UfferMSJ

Once you read it, then answer the following questions:

1. The county of San Bernardino paid not one, not two, not three, but four attorneys to appear at this hearing to argue the county’s case.  This included flying one in from Oakland because apparently the other three were not quite competent enough.  Is this a good use of taxpayer money?
2. According to a response I received on a CPRA request I received today, the cost of attorneys so far in this case is $782,452.20, not including uninvoiced/unpaid fees already encumbered.  I hear the real total is over $1 million.  Would you say the county is getting its money’s worth?

I also submitted a CPRA request for the case against the Public Attorneys Association.  The county lost that case big time and then lost again when the PAA asked for legal fees.  The county appealed the judge’s decision in granting the PAA attorneys fees for filing a frivolous case against the PAA.  Rather than just paying up, it appealed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal.  How much as this cost taxpayers so far in attorney’s fees?  So far it has cost $92,055.00.

Then there is the Colonies case and the resulting case against SANBAG, etc.  Those legal costs are in the $10 million range or higher I believe.  And what so many seem to forget, the county lost twice in court and its attorneys wanted the county to continue to foot their bill for additional appeals.

And finally, there is my case.  We are not suing for one thin dime.  All we are asking is that the county fill out the necessary paperwork they are required to fill out under the Government Code.  But these hotshot legal beagles lied to the BOS and told them that by having Human Resources fill out the forms, the county would be liable—a total lie.  What is the cost to taxpayers for fighting me on this?  I have no idea as I have not done a CPRA request on it.  I do know the county is on its third attorney.  I also know the county is now flying an attorney down from Oakland for each of my court appearances.  I guess there is no one qualified to fill out a form in Southern California.

Or could it be billable hours and personal vendetta?  Don’t ask Mark Uffer, Jeff Burum, or the Public Attorneys about that.  None of them would have a clue what you are talking about.

Actually, we knew the initiative would be popular among voters but we had no idea just how popular. For an initiative that mainstream media has refused to write about, the signatures are coming in way ahead of schedule.

Next year when CEO Greg Devereaux imposes a contract on some county employees, cutting their pay and benefits, it will be lots of fun watching the voters impose pay and benefit cuts on the Board of Supervisors.  Turnabout is fair play, right?

Imagine that!!! 

Credible information has come to light that implicates certain members of the Board of Supervisors and their attempts to interfere with former CAO Mark Uffer’s employment attempts.  It seems that firing him wasn’t enough for the supervisors that were involved; they wanted to make sure he was not employable as well.  Cooperating with the authorities aside, it seems that they really wanted to damage him.  The supervisors fired him for no cause instead of allowing him to resign then disparage him subsequently in public forums.

Information is now available that Uffer can now prove that two of the Supervisors that voted to fire him on November 17, 2009 participated in public conversations with potential employers that were designed to further damage his reputation and limit his ability for future employment.  Uffer remains in Needles trying to salvage that hospital while it goes through a sale process.  Employers that give out “wrong” information could be subject to a claim of defamation, if the statement is factually false and tends to blacken the character of the former employee. It could be claimed to constitute the tort of intentionally interfering with prospective contracts of employment, if the information is shown to have cost the employee a job.  Why the County would condone this behavior by elected officials is astounding.  Well, maybe not in San Bernardino.  It will be interesting to see what Mitzelfelt and Ovitt have to say when they are asked on the witness stand to explain their conversations.

Developing…………………………………

We have heard that Barstow residents are a tiny bit upset with Bradley.  As a matter of fact, we hear they are so upset that they plan an all-out attack against him if he runs for Congress.

It seems the fine people of Barstow got their feelings  hurt because Bradley could not wait to redistrict Barstow out of the First District.  We heard he was afraid that Mayor Joe was going to run against him.  Plus, he didn’t really like Barstow anyway.

Don’t feel badly Barstow.  My whole community was redistricted out of the First District so Brad could get rid of me, and that is no exaggeration whatsoever.

We have also heard that incumbent Republicans are trying to protect the few seats they have.  There may be a Republican shift eastward.  Rumor has it Lewis may run for the 31st, McKeon may run for the 8th, and Elton Gallegly may run for the 25th (best as we can tell from the maps).

Here is Ryan’s FEC information:

 CHALLENGER

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/15/iepolitics-breaking-news-another-candidate-for-congress/feed/ 2 http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/11/iepolitics-liar-liar-pants-on-fire/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/11/iepolitics-liar-liar-pants-on-fire/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:41:07 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=10813 Continue reading →]]> Questionable campaign donation prompts county supervisor to change policy

A potentially illegal campaign contribution to San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford has prompted her to require all donors to her campaign to acknowledge that the money they are contributing is their own.

Rutherford, who recently proposed campaign finance reforms in the county, said she received a telephone call about a month ago from someone informing her that a $1,000 contribution to her campaign, given on July 29, 2010, by Rancho Cucamonga hair stylist Hank Beffre, may have been a pass-through contribution from Upland contractor Raul Madrid.

A pass-through contribution, a potential felony offense and punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 by the state Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), is when a donor, wishing to conceal their identity on campaign finance records, has a third party contribute on their behalf. The true donor either reimburses the third party for the contribution or provides the money up front.

The caller, whom Rutherford would not name, had seen something written on a local blog about the questionable contribution and contacted her, Rutherford said Tuesday. She said she contacted the District Attorney’s Office and reported it, but was unaware of the status of the investigation.

District Attorney spokesman Christopher Lee declined to comment.

“The fact that this sort of thing happened just speaks to our need for campaign finance reform in this county,” Rutherford said.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

I just received your press release regarding fingerprinting of Foodstamp recipients in San Bernardino County.  Although I agree that Foodstamp (and honestly all welfare recipients) should be fingerprinted, you are NEVER going to do anything about welfare fraud in this county unless you first rid this county of Linda Haugen and Nancy Swanson.

I know you don’t want to hear it, but welfare fraud cannot be caught if workers are disciplined for making fraud referrals.  I know from first-hand experience.  I also know from first-hand experience that county welfare statistics are falsified by said Haugen and Swanson.  Larry Walker wanted to bring in external auditors to audit the department when we provided hard-core proof but the CAO put a stop to it.  With the falsified statistics, the county gets more welfare funding which makes for more money that can be wasted on big screen TVs and the like and a bigger empire which means a promotion for those at the top.

Neil, I have offered to have welfare fraud investigators meet with you to tell you the truth.  I have never been taken up on that offer.  TAD employees have also always been willing to meet with you to tell you the truth but no one wants to hear it, especially Devereaux.

Don’t get me wrong Neil.  I support what you are trying to do in this county, especially when you have four colleagues who are just as happy to let the CEO tell them what to do and continue to cover up corruption.  But if you are serious about welfare fraud in this county, continuing with fingerprinting will do absolutely nothing to solve the problem.  Do something that is meaningful.

I have made this offer before and I will repeat it.  I will take a polygraph as long as Linda Haugen and Nancy Swanson also take them.  Whoever is caught lying about this issue loses their job, including all rights to their retirement.  Since you guys want to get rid of me and think I’m lying, why don’t you take me up on it?

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/11/iepolitics-earth-to-neil/feed/ 3 http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/11/iepolitics-cao-and-bos-declare-war-on-cops/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/11/iepolitics-cao-and-bos-declare-war-on-cops/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:28:04 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=10792 Continue reading →]]> For those who did not notice the county’s proposal for a new contract with SEBA, here are the county’s proposals:

This correspondence shall serve as the County’s written request to commence negotiations and the following shall constitute the County’s written proposals:

1. Benefit Plan: Eliminate Benefit Plan contributions and replace with Medical Premium Subsidy. Clarify/amend language to conform to County policy, practice, plan documents and/or applicable law and regulations as appropriate.

2. Other benefit provisions such as Dependant Care Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, Merit Advancements, Reemployment, Retirement Medical Trust, etc:  Clarify/amend language to conform to County policy, practice, plan documents and/or applicable law and regulations as appropriate.

3. County Management Rights: Incorporate language clarifying County management rights, including assignment of County vehicles.

4. Full Understanding, Modification and Waiver: Amend language to be consistent with County practice and/or clean up language as necessary.

5. Leave Provisions: Clean up language as appropriate, to include Amendment #1.

6. Overtime: Eliminate compensatory time banks. Clean up language as necessary.

7. Retirement System Contributions: Eliminate County pick-up of employee contributions for existing employees and new hires; establish a new/reduced pension formula for new hires.

8. Salary Administration: Establish step advancements at 2.5% for new and existing employees.

9. Salary Adjustments: Reduce salaries by 7%.

10. Seniority Watch Preference and Rotation: Eliminate article. Propose new article for Deputy’s with 20 years of uninterrupted service as a Safety employee to be given preference for days off and shift schedules.

11. Wage Differentials: Clarify language in regards to payment of differentials during periods of leave and non-work time. Establish fixed dollar amounts.

12. Deputy I/Il Classification: Change Deputy Sheriff Classifications to Deputy I for all Deputies assigned to Detentions and Corrections Bureau and Court Services and Deputy II for Deputies assigned outside of Detentions and Corrections and Court Services, e.g., Patrol.  Adjust pay scale, decreasing pay for Deputy I classification to provide for a 10% salary spread as appropriate. “X” step existing employees who currently earn more than the new top step for Deputy I classification.

13. Other non-economic articles: Update and clarify language as appropriate. For example, incorporate language for 9/80 and 12/80 schedules.

Here is the link to the actual letter:  County Proposal  It is my understanding that since SEBA negotiated away the Evergreen Clause, Devereaux has said he intends to impose his wishes on the cops if they don’t agree to concessions on their own.  Of course, he cannot impose anything without BOS approval.  It is also my understanding that both Supervisors Derry and Mitzelfelt have said they will not vote to impose.  However, I believe it only takes three votes and Supervisors Rutherford, Ovitt and Gonzales will do whatever Devereaux tells them to do.

If anyone has any updated information on negotiations, we would appreciate it if you would share it with us.

If only I had a brain

When Supervisor Neil Derry was charged, but not yet convicted, of money laundering, the local media was quick to call for his resignation.  However, we have not seen the same indignation towards other members of the Board of Supervisors who have been involved in far more serious scandals.

San Bernardino County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Josie Gonzales has been involved in one way or another in three of four FBI raids in this county.  Gonzales was the major contributor to the coverup of wrongdoing at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.  She even chided doctors for speaking out at a Board of Supervisors meeting after their behind-the-scenes pleas for help were covered up.  She has strongly supported Dr. Dev GnanaDev and many feel it is because he has covered for her.

Gonzales is said to be a suspect in the scandal at ARMC.  That is yet to be seen.  But her obvious coverup for unethical behavior by Medical Director, Dr. Dev GnanaDev, suggests she is likely culpable.

Gonzales is also quick to point out that she ultimately voted “no” on the $102 Colonies settlement.  She forgets to add that she voted “yes” the first time and only changed her vote when she realized she could and the settlement would still pass.  She even admits that rather than facing possible corruption head on like a leader should do, she literally hid behind potted plants.  Now there is leadership for you!

Now she claims she is “beyond angry” over the situation at the SBIA.  Where was her anger when she was signing off on contracts and looking the other way as a felon was running the place?  It seems Gonzales’ self-righteous indignation only surfaces when she is on the hot seat.  She needs to go.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/08/iepolitics-time-for-gonzales-to-resign/feed/ 16 http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/08/iepolitics-can-you-contact-me-again/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/10/08/iepolitics-can-you-contact-me-again/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:07:25 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=10782 To the KFI newsman who contacted me regarding the initiatives, I cannot find your email or cell phone number.  Can you email me again at iepolitics2010@gmail.com?  Thanks.

If this rumor is true, I think it is highly unlikely the grand jury has been impaneled to prove the innocence of the Colonies four.  It shall be interesting to see who gets indicted this time around.

 The Committee to Reform San Bernardino County Government experienced some delay in moving its initiatives forward. According to its website, it took a little longer than anticipated for the county’s legal department to provide the proposed initiatives with ballot titles and statements—the green light needed to move the initiatives forward. Since that hurdle is now overcome, the group is preparing to circulate petitions in order to gather signatures needed to place the initiatives on the ballot.  According to the committee spokesperson, the group needs to gather approximately 43,250 signatures but expects to collect as many as 65,000.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

But it seems our other Fifth Floor Marine, Brad Mitzelfelt, ran for cover.  Unlike Derry, who issued a lengthy press release to remind everyone what an ass the Devil is, Mitzelfelt ran for cover never to be seen.  There was one tiny quote in the newspaper.

We here at iePolitics wonder when Mitzelfelt will grow a backbone.