In addition to the “confidential” memo I received the other day, I also received a memo written by the sender addressing some additional issues. I have read it several times and I do not see anything unusual in the spelling, syntax, style, or font that would give away the writer. I have decided to publish it: Document 100
I received an envelope today containing a letter to me and a copy of a memo from the Upland City Attorney to the Upland City Council regarding former city manager Robb Quincey. It details the concerns the attorney had at that time regarding a deal Quincey made to promote a police sergeant and about whether or not the city should cooperate with the FBI in the matter. The memo is marked “confidential” and “attorney-client privilege.”
Obviously, someone violated the “confidential” and “attorney-client privilege” part of it. Here are my questions:
Editor’s Note: As always, Naomi and I would really, really appreciate the clicks on the link below, comments if you dare, and “likes” if you have a Facebook account. Tweets are also appreciated.
We also appreciate you patience as I get over the cold from hell. All that is left is a mild lingering cough that only acts up once in a while. I’m gearing up to get regular articles out on both politics and animal welfare starting December 1. We shall see if anything gets in my way this time around. Also, please remember to look for us on Facebook and Twitter @iepoliticscom.
(La Quinta) – La Quinta Councilman Stan Sniff has died at the age of 85 due to an undisclosed illness. Sniff was a fixture on the city council continuously since 1986, making him the longest-serving council member in city history. He served as Mayor Pro Tem first in 1991 and five times subsequently, most recently in 2006. During his tenure Sniff did not miss a meeting until this past year when his health appeared to be declining. He was not able to attend a special tribute to his life’s work two weeks ago.
Sniff lived in the Coachella Valley since 1928. He was a date farmer in the valley and remained active with farming and land use issues throughout for more than 50 years. According to the biography on the city of La Quinta’s website, “Council Member Sniff has served as the Vice Chair of the La Quinta Redevelopment Agency. He serves on CVAG’s Energy & Environmental Resources Committee and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission. He has been active in local retail, tourist and farming industries for over fifty years.”
At the November 14 Upland city council meeting, two city residents encouraged the city council to remain resolute in the face of a wrongful termination claim filed by former city manager Robb Quincey.
Quincey was city manager in Upland for slightly more than six years, having been handpicked by former mayor John Pomierski to oversee the city’s operations in March 2005. Quincey’s authority became synonymous with Pomierski’s rule. As Pomierski dominated the city politically by virtue of an iron clad ruling coalition consisting of himself and council members Brendan Brandt and Ken Willis along with former councilman Tom Thomas, Quincey became the vicar of Pomierski’s policy.
Pursuant to the terms of Quincey’s contract with the city, which were in essence dictated by Pomierski, the city manager was given unprecedented autonomy at City Hall, including the authority to fire at will all of the city’s department heads. Moreover, at Pomierski’s bidding, Quincey was given a so-called super-bonus, that is, job security in the form of protection from being fired himself on a simple majority 3-2 vote of the city council. Thus, to remove Quincey as city manager, it was required that at least four of the city’s five council members had to vote to terminate him. To further ensure Quincey’s loyalty to him and his regime, Pomierski conferred upon his city manager a salary and benefit package that not only topped the compensation offered city managers throughout San Bernardino County but dwarfed the pay of all but a select handful of city managers throughout the state. On top of his base salary of $368,529 per year, Quincey was provided with benefits totaling $92,096 for a total annual compensation package of $460,625.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
A couple of days ago I was driving down Apple Valley Road. In front of me was a truck with two untethered dogs in the bed, one of which was trying to get the courage to jump out. At the first stop signal I snapped a few pics because I thought it would make a good story for my new column. I wanted quotes as to the law and how both animal control and the cops would handle such an incident if they witnessed it. I will give you that answer when the story is published.
My reasons for posting this is two-fold. First, I emailed Gina Whiteside, head of animal control for Apple Valley; the captain of the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station; and Brian Cronin, head of animal control for the county of San Bernardino. Ms. Whiteside provided me with a lengthy response after hours and indicated that she had also forwarded my email to the captain for further response. I heard from Brian Cronin the next day. Two days later and nothing has been received from the Sheriff’s Department.
I am a member of the public who made an inquiry both as a private citizen and as a member of the media. The Sheriff’s Department has blown me off once again. The only way I get their attention is to write bad cop stories or when they come across me in the middle of nowhere late at night. So let it be.
The second reason for this post is a pic that was posted on Facebook. DO NOT look at the next page if you get upset easily. It is an example of why there will always be animal welfare stories on this blog. Continue reading
This just goes to show you that the only place political mail belongs is at the bottom of the bird cage:
Dear Democrats,
I have been notified by several Democrats that a mailer and a robo-call have gone out to the homes of Democratic voters in the City of San Bernardino claiming endorsement by the Democratic party of individuals who are not endorsed and not even Democrats. As you know our By-laws allow us to only endorse registered Democrats. When candidates choose to “Steal” (I don’t know how else to describe something that is taken without permission) it devalues our endorsement unless we challenge this behavior.
VICTORVILLE—The current San Bernardino County grand jury has carried over the investigation the two previous grand juries have undertaken but not completed into operations at Victorville City Hall, the Sentinel has learned.
Ted Burgnon, the foreman of the 2011-12 San Bernardino County Grand Jury, on October 31 in writing informed Victoville city officials the grand jury is extending a probe into city finances and actions that was first taken up by the 2009-10 grand jury.
To assist it in the investigation, the grand jury has retained the independent San Francisco-based auditing firm of Harvey M. Rose Associates to go over both the city’s books and those of the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority, a joint powers authority involving the county, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Adelanto chartered to transform the former George Air Force Base into Southern California Logistics Airport. The airport property has been annexed by Victorville.
Questions about the fiscal health of Victorville have existed for some time, together with suggestions of mis- and malfeasance on the part of city officials and consultants and contractors working with the city.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
This memo was sent to iepolitics as well as a number of news agencies: ScandalMemoSB
It looks like Victorville mayor Ryan McEachron is serious about running for Congress in the 8th District. He will join Gregg Imus, who has already declared. Among others we have heard showing interest in the new seat are First District supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, Victorville councilwoman Angela Valles, Assemblyman Steve Knight, Senator Sharon Runner, former Assemblyman Anthony Adams, and Board of Equalization member George Runner.
Editor’s Note: As always, we appreciate the clicks, likes, and comments.
(PALM SPRINGS) – Senate Bill 469 has been sitting on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk awaiting his signature or veto since September. With less than two days before he must act or the bill will automatically become law, local officials are not clear which direction he will go. Some local officials are concerned about what the bill’s passage means for their jurisdictions while others feel it will have little impact on their cities.
The Small & Neighborhood Business Protection Act (SB 469) requires that before a big-box store where ten percent or more of the merchandise is non-taxable receives approval, an economic impact report be completed at the developer’s expense. The new requirement adds about two years to the approval process.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
There will be a candidate forum featuring the candidates for San Bernardino City Clerk and City Attorney on October 26, 2011. Please see flyer for additional details: FLYER – Forum
What a difference a year and a council seat make. Last year about this time, three Apple Valley Town council member candidates took a “no taxes” pledge. Here they are: Pledges
The pledges read:
I pledge to the taxpayers of Apple Valley and all the people of this state that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.
Now that everyone, except for Debbie Stone, has made the wrong decision to continue Michael Antonucci as a contracted Fire Chief employee of the City of Upland, let us hope you can cut that time in-half.
Editor’s Note: As always, we appreciate your clicks, likes, and comments. Keeps us both fed. But on a more important note, this is really an important bill as it further erodes local control over land-use decisions. No matter how you feel about superstores, this is another California job killer. You might want to call the governor’s office and ask him to veto it at (916) 445-2841.
(SAN BERNARDINO) – Senate Bill 469 is on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk awaiting his signature or veto. Local officials are concerned about what its passage means for their jurisdictions. The Small & Neighborhood Business Protection Act requires that before a big-box store where ten percent or more of the merchandise is non-taxable receives approval, an economic impact report be completed at the developer’s expense. The new requirement adds about two years to the approval process.
SB 469 will require a total of 13 new findings be made for each project including: An assessment of whether the superstore would require the demolition of housing or any other action or change that would result in a decrease or negative impact on the creation of extremely low, very low, low-, or moderate-income housing; an assessment of whether the superstore would result in the destruction or demolition of park or other green space, playgrounds, child care facilities, or community centers; an assessment of whether the superstore would result in any other adverse or positive economic impacts or blight.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Editor’s Note: Once again I ask: Is this too Orwellian, Revelations upon us, or great technology to make our lives better?
09:49 PM PDT on Saturday, August 27, 2011
BY DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
STAFF WRITER
dsantschi@pe.com
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies patrolling Highland are getting high-tech help fighting crime.
Eleven of the Highland station’s 13 patrol cars have been equipped with automatic license plate readers, a system of cameras that scan plates looking for cars that have been stolen or are suspected of having been used during a crime.
The other two unmarked cars, used for investigating gang crimes, will have the cameras installed on their trunks within the next week, according to the station commander, Capt. Dave Williams.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
by: admin on August 25th, 2011
If you missed it like I did Tuesday night, the Town of Apple Valley had another special meeting on Thursday of this week. I had to check Mayor Nassif’s claim that it was announced, sure enough, he announced it, but the agenda wasn’t published until sometime late yesterday. I noted the date and went to check Wednesday morning to find out what was going on and nothing was posted. It’s posted now.
I gaffed a couple of comments at the meeting. It wouldn’t be the first time, but I chewed the Council out during public comments for not publishing this meeting last week. This was intentionally done with the shortest possible time to read the documents and then make the meeting for comment. They did this intentionally as I said, so the fewest number of people would be present. The meeting started at 5:00 P.M. and I was the only person there from the public. What was on the agenda that made this thing so damn important? Well things they didn’t want you, the public to turn out for. For instance, the mundane assignment of the mayor and two alternates to represent Apple Valley at the League of California Cities 2011 conference, which is scheduled for September 21-23? That couldn’t wait, or was it just discovered that Apple Valley didn’t have a voting member selected? This required an all hands on deck, jump through hoops meeting? No, that wasn’t it. What was critical, was the other two items that had to do with getting the excess RDA money covered by putting Joe Brady’s AMCAL senior affordable housing project on the Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule, and get the RDA staff paid as well using the same. Agenda Item Three was tabled…..so they jumped through hoops and then tabled the item???
To read the rest of the story, click here.
San Bernardino – July 19, 2011
I will be honest, I can’t keep up with what is going on in your city. Rather than your interest in the fire department, I am much more interested in Greg Devereaux’s and Gary Ovitt’s connection to Upland as numerous sources tell me they are both being investigated in connection with Upland. I can’t figure out why.
I have the cheapest cell phone imaginable, and as such, can view very little of the internet on it. I tried reading the comments on the 15 employees on Jim’s blog, but my phone can’t handle that much data.
Former San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors member and former Public Defender will formally announce on Wednesday his candidacy for City Attorney for the city of San Bernardino. Now this should make for an interesting race! I don’t know what Pat Morris’ relationship with McKenna is, but I suspect it is a lot better than with Jim Penman. It certainly can’t be worse.
Well I finally heard back from the Town of Apple Valley on my request. They were going to try to charge me .25 a page for the forms. I explained to the clerk that the most she can charge for FPPC 700s is .10 a page and that is state law. She then proceeded to tell me that the town council passed a resolution that the town can charge .25 a page. I explained to her that the town cannot overrule state law. She said she would call me back and she did a few minutes later. I will be picking up the forms on Monday at a cost of .10 a page.
That was almost a $10 difference. Citizens who don’t know their rights get screwed over by government every chance government has. Now we shall see if she tries to make me fill out a CPRA request when I get there, which is forbidden by state law. But I’m sure there is a town resolution . . ..
I cannot believe that every FPPC filing clerk I deal with is totally incompetent. I strongly suspect that it is in reality politicos who want to keep their FPPC forms as private as possible. That is why so many of them file manually rather than electronically. It is also why so many entities don’t make their forms available on their websites.
What we have been able to confirm so far is that an official function took place at Kinari. The congressman was in attendance as was at least one aide. The aide was heavily drinking along with the wife of a Victorville councilman. Somewhere during the evening, the aide is alleged to have sexually assaulted a female Kinari employee.
About a year and a half ago Mark Kirk told me that he felt iePolitics was harming the reputation of San Bernardino County. That’s pretty funny these days, don’t you think? Besides for the fact that county administrators claim a) they don’t read iePolitics and b) no one else takes iePolitics seriously, I’m not sure how we can harm the county. Then, of course, we are not county elected officials on a perp walk televised on state-wide television indicted for 29 felonies. I sorta think that might have done slightly more to the county’s reputation that what this blog can do. But I appreciate all the power the detractors claim we have when they don’t actually realize what they are saying.
City Council and Interim City Manager,
We have developed FACT SHEETS for at least eleven different subjects concerning the fire chief and his management, or mismanagement, of the fire department. We are sending the first of these FACT SHEETS concerning the recently purchased Type IV fire engine.
We believe the fire chief intentionally misinformed city staff, and the citizen’s of Upland, concerning the purchase, assignment and use of this piece of fire equipment.
The following FACT SHEETS are not “position papers”. We are not subjective with our facts. The facts are the facts and can not be denied.
The deceit of the executive staff of Upland must end! This includes all executive staff members: i.e. Police Chief, Fire Chief, Finance Director, HR Director…
Integrity must be re-established within our city government. The only way to do that, at this point, is to hold people accountable for their actions; not turn your head and hope it goes away. We will not allow these egregious actions to not be addressed and corrected!
Respectfully,
Concerned Government Workers for Change
Where was it held? Kinari in Victorville
Who was there? Buck Johns (host); Congressman Buck McKeon (keynote speaker); Supervisor Josie Gonzales (master of ceremonies); Ryan McEachron (candidate); Joe Brady (is said to be considering a run for first district supervisor); and about 100 others
Who was not there? Brad Mitzelfelt, Angela Valles, Rudy Cabriales, Jim Kennedy, Mike Rothschild
In a nail-biting 3-1 vote, tonight the Apple Valley Town Council approved construction of a Walmart Supercenter. As with many Walmart Supercenters, the project has been surrounded by controversy and threatened litigation since inception. The project had received unanimous Planning Commission approval on January 5, 2011, but then pulled because of litigation threats. Walmart the began collecting signatures as part of a petition drive to allow voters make the decision.
In a highly symbolic vote tonight, Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett, Apple Valley Town Councilman Curt Emick, and San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt voted to terminate the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority’s (VVEDA) contract with attorney Andre de Bortnowsky, who has represented VVEDA since 1991. deBortnowsky has increasingly come under fire since the election of Victorville City Councilwoman Angela Valles and Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett last November. Blewett and Valles both contend his dual appointment to VVEDA and as city attorney for Victorville is a conflict of interest. A request for proposals will be issued to obtain new legal counsel.
Representatives from Adelanto and Victorville voted against the change. Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron, who is the city’s representative on VVEDA, is said to have showed his anger over the vote. Adelanto’s representative indicated they voted no simply because of their city’s financial condition and fear that the change could cost additional money. Councilwoman Valles, who is not on the board, attended the meeting and spoke during the public comment section.
I’ve been in one of my writer’s block kind of modes the past few days but I do have one small update. On Friday I had lunch with city of Victorville Councilwoman Angela Valles. That interview will be among the interviews I hope to post at Examiner.com this week. I did ask her about her intentions to run for First District Supervisor. You will have to read the story to find out that answer.
I just received an invite from Victorville Councilwoman Angela Valles to a link on Facebook for a “Recall Rothschild Rally.” The rally is being held at Kanari on April 9. This, of course, has to do with the turnaround Mike Rothschild made in regards to funding for law enforcement positions. I mean the city is only on the verge of bankruptcy.
Mitzelfelt: Problem boils down to accountability, communication
VICTORVILLE • San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has joined Hesperia in demanding details on how Victorville has been handling a regional redevelopment agency’s more than $300 million in outstanding debt.
The multiple requests for information come as the regional agency governing Southern California Logistics Airport is facing dire financial straits, including cash-flow shortages and debt service that’s exceeding revenue.
March 18, 2011 8:47 AM
Concerned about an alleged conflict of interest, Hesperia Mayor Pro Tem Russ Blewett has called for replacing the attorney of a regional redevelopment group who also serves as Victorville’s city attorney.
Blewett made the motion at a Wednesday night meeting to issue a Request for Qualifications for a new attorney to serve the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority, a regional board helping to develop Southern California Logistics Airport with representatives from Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto and San Bernardino County.
It seems things are getting more and more bizarre with Bill Jensen and the High Desert Tea Party. For a group that supposedly aligns itself with self-governance and against federal interference in local issues, it is hard to understand why the local chapter would want to take on service rats, denying the disabled an important tool for self-sufficiency.
Kudos to Councilman Russ Blewett and the remaining three councilmen who stood their ground and voted to allow the rats in public buildings. Raspberries to Jensen supporter and friend Bill Holland who voted to ban the animals.
Editor’s Note: As always Naomi and I appreciate your clicks.
Ryan McEachron
I had an unexpected opportunity to sit down with city of Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron to find out all I ever wanted to know about politics in the ”Key City of the High Desert.” Needless to say I had questions about Orange County developer Buck Johns’ influence in the city’s politics, probes by a variety of local and federal agencies, the city’s financial status, and McEachron’s interest in a run for First District Supervisor.
The city of Victorville is located in the south central portion of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County. Most Southern Californians know it as their first stop as they cross over the Cajon Pass en route to Las Vegas, the Colorado River, or parts beyond. Interstate 15 cuts through the center of the city, having replaced parts of Route 66 many decades ago. However, some remnants of the Mother Road remain and are highlighted in the Route 66 Museum located in the city’s Old Town area.
The city of Victorville, along with the entire area known as Victor Valley, has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades. It has also seen setbacks, such as the closure of George Air Force Base and now its second housing crisis. Crime and blight have beset even some of the nicer neighborhoods. Of bigger concern, however, to the residents of the city, is what many consider mismanagement of city finances. No longer a small town, the backroom deals and good-old-boy politics and policies of the past are now casting a very dark shadow over the city.
Victorville is currently facing scrutiny by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United State Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) probes. And an audit released today shows a city with spending out of control and a city close to $200 million in the red with cash reserves dwindling. The audit, conducted by the same firm used by the city of Bell, Mayer Hoffman McCann, also identified over $20 million in bond money that was not spent in accordance with bond covenants.
With all the negative news about Victorville as a backdrop, I can say not too much surprised me about what its mayor had to say as the politics of the city have been headline news for several years and those headlines have escalated exponentially since the election of newcomer Councilwoman Angela Valles. It doesn’t seem Victorville can keep secrets any longer, and most would agree that is a good thing. The only question is whether the transparency is too little, too late, to save the city from bankruptcy.
The one answer that did surprise me was McEachron’s response to my questions about whether he would consider a run for the Board of Supervisors. Readers will have to skip to the end if they want to know if there is a possibility of “Supervisor McEachron” in the future.
Wow Sally, I wonder if that Crebs will be a convicted felon or will just plead to a misdemeanor. I guess it must feel good to cut a deal to save your ass. And we mustn’t forget that good Crebs name.
Here is the second anonymous email:
Hello,Well I must have been on to something. Doesn’t a fee resolution require two readings at City Council? If you take a look at Monday’s (28 February) City Council Agenda, there is no mention of the Fire Department’s fee resolution. It must have been pulled or I am incorrect in the requirement of two readings. If it is the later, that means the inflated and fraudulent numbers presented by the Fire Chief is now law and you should expose the fraud and corruption enforced upon the residents of Upland by the Fire Chief. Local government needs to be held accountable for their actions.
There are two new emails from an anonymous source regarding the Upland Fire Department:
Mayor of Upland, Upland City Manager, Upland Police Chief and Upland Fire Chief. What do these four have in common? All four ran the City of Upland, together. 3 out of the 4 are gone. Now the fourth needs to go. Let’s review.
1. Intentional misutilization/misuse of the Ladder Truck, by the Fire Chief, placing at risk ¼ of the City of Upland. The entire northeast portion of Upland is open to a very serious fire risk due to the intentional misutilization of the Upland Ladder Truck as the only primary first response piece of equipment ran out of Station #164. The Ladder Truck has no water pump and no water tank, two items that are mandatory for an initial fire attack. Continue reading
Upland Mayor John Pomierski resigns
“All city officials want the public to know that city government will continue to function in a professional manner,” the release says. “Acting City Manager Stephen Dunn will continue to serve as the city’s top administrator.”
Editor’s Note: There is a comment on the story from Navy Chief Strahl that after the story ran, he received a call from Mayor Ryan McEachron that city hall employees have been ordered to inspect city flags and replace those that need it. It shouldn’t take a newspaper story to make that happen.
February 21, 2011 6:25 PM
VICTORVILLE • Hours after a news story was published about a Navy sailor who removed a shredded American flag from Hook Park, the sailor’s Victorville home and cars were egged in what he suspects is retaliation.
Navy Chief Brian Strahl said he, his wife and their 10-year-old daughter were getting ready to go out to dinner when he realized vandals hit their home with about 20 eggs.
I’m not sure if this person wants to remain anonymous or not. Again, I am just going to reprint the email and let all of you comment. Here it is:
1. No flights, no planes, and at a $200M price-tag, what is wrong with this picture.
Where are the FBI? Where is the US Justice Department? How can the crooks in San Bernardino justify spending $200Million, $100M from local cities and $100M from all the other tax-payers in the US on an airport that has no planes and no cargo operations? Even if they finish spending all the money their goal is to attract an airline that doesn’t carry cargo and doesn’t serve food to passengers…such an airline does not exist.
Upland Fire Station
I wish to remain anonymous. You want examples of the misappropriations and extravagant spending by public officials? Just ask the Upland Fire Chief? Just check out Upland Fire Station #164. How can such a plethera of ammenities be allowed in these days of limited monies? Look closely at the attached photos. Why such extravagance in this age of budgetary constraints? Why such excessiveness during the worst recession in history? Why such splendor granite counter-tops and full granite back-splashes in a public funded facility? Why stainless steel appliances?
The Daily Bulletin ran an article over the weekend about Upland’s ladder truck. They got it wrong! The Upland Fire Chief is putting at risk 25% of the residents of Upland (20,000 people) and you they assisted him in the public justification of an unjustified ladder truck. The facts: The ladder truck has NO capability of interior structural firefighting, but yet is ran as the first response piece of firefighting equipment for the whole northeast portion of Upland.
Check out the “Upland Today” paper from the City of Upland. They are patting themselves on the back for purchasing a new Type IV fire truck. Let me checkout how much Upland has spent on the Fire Department within the last two years.1. $7 million Fire Station (Taj-Mahal)2. $1.5 million ladder truck – Upland only has one building over 3 stories tall
Just look at the Regular Meeting Agenda posted on line for the City of Upland’s web site for 15 February 2011. Explain why page 50 (Fluid Clean Up) page 7 of 11 for Item 11A – shows fringe benefits at double the rate of all of the other fees (Vehicle Fires, Vehicle Extrication, Air Ambulance)? Since when does a support vehicle cost more than an Engine? Support vehicle $147, Engine Amoritization $130. That’s not right.
Check out the Upland City Council Meeting Agenda for 15 February 2011. Item 11A. The resolution is supposed to be for (Section 1) ”hazardous materials discharge resulting from vehicular accident” and (Section 2) “skilled nursing facilities”. Why are they also going to start charging for “Vehicle Fire”, “Vehicle Extrication”, “Air Ambulance” and “Over the Side”. What other departments charge for “vehicle fires” and “vehicle extrication”? The answer is none.
I received a series of anonymous emails today regarding the city of Upland Fire Department. Life is not such these days that I can take on any more projects. So I am going to reprint each of the emails and see if any of our readers from the various fire departments and from the city of Upland can shed some light.
Buck Johns
Ryan McEachron
Exactly what does Buck Johns hold over the heads of city and county politicos? Last week we discussed what he may be doing to Supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt. Johns has destroyed the EB-5 program; the VV2 power plant which the city of Victorville poured over $100 milliion into; and as a consultant, Johns was allowed to sit in on closed council sessions. Now this story appears in the Daily Press:
Victorville refunds $500K to EB-5 investorBrooke Edwards
02/11/2011 5:39 PMVICTORVILLE • The city agreed to refund $500,000 to an Asian investor who loaned the money through Victorville’s EB-5 program — a program that’s since been terminated by the federal government. Continue reading
