iePolitics.net (The old blog) » Uncategorized

Jeffbullas.com: Will Google+ be the Second Biggest Social Network in 12 Months?

Administrator — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:46:41 +0000

Hype and fad are terms that are kicked around as buzz about the latest trend hits the media and the social networks.

Questions are asked …..will the trend in killer high heels last one summer or two, will the fad to wear low hanging jeans become adopted by baby boomers (I wouldn’t like to see that), are tablets about to replace laptops and is the hardcover book about to become a souvenir reserved for the coffee table?

The answers to these billion dollar questions affects and disrupts industries sometimes for months, years or maybe forever. Nokia is fighting for survival after dominating its industry because it ignored a trend for to long. The once dominant Borders bookstore is closing its doors because carrying tens of thousands of printed books in bricks and mortar stores with expensive rented real estate and is a business model that doesn’t work anymore.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: Monopoly

Administrator — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:43:35 +0000

Just thought this was interesting. I had not heard it before. The snopes.com version points out a couple of inaccuracies, but mostly the story is true.

Monopoly

(You’ll never look at the game the same way again!)

Starting in 1941, an increasing number of British Airmen found themselves as the involuntary guests of the Third Reich, and the Crown was casting about for ways and means to facilitate their escape.

Now obviously, one of the most helpful aids to that end is a useful and accurate map, one showing not only where stuff was, but also showing the locations of ‘safe houses’ where a POW on-the-lam could go for food and shelter.

Paper maps had some real drawbacks — they make a lot of noise when you open and fold them, they wear out rapidly, and if they get wet, they turn into mush.

Someone in MI-5 (similar to America ‘s OSS ) got the idea of printing escape maps on silk. It’s durable, can be scrunched-up into tiny wads, and unfolded as many times as needed, and makes no noise whatsoever.

At that time, there was only one manufacturer in Great Britain that had perfected the technology of printing on silk, and that was John Waddington, Ltd. When approached by the government, the firm was only too happy to do its bit for the war effort.

By pure coincidence, Waddington was also the U.K. Licensee for the popular American board game, Monopoly. As it happened, ‘games and pastimes’ was a category of item qualified for insertion into ‘CARE packages’, dispatched by the International Red Cross to prisoners of war.

Under the strictest of secrecy, in a securely guarded and inaccessible old workshop on the grounds of Waddington’s, a group of sworn-to-secrecy employees began mass-producing escape maps, keyed to each region of Germany or Italy where Allied POW camps were regional system). When processed, these maps could be folded into such tiny dots that they would actually fit inside a Monopoly playing piece.

As long as they were at it, the clever workmen at Waddington’s also managed to add:
1. A playing token, containing a small magnetic compass
2. A two-part metal file that could easily be screwed together
3. Useful amounts of genuine high-denomination German, Italian, and French currency, hidden within the piles of Monopoly money!

British and American air crews were advised, before taking off on their first mission, how to identify a ‘rigged’ Monopoly set — by means of a tiny red dot, one cleverly rigged to look like an ordinary printing glitch, located in the corner of the Free Parking square.

Of the estimated 35,000 Allied POWS who successfully escaped, an estimated one-third were aided in their flight by the rigged Monopoly sets.. Everyone who did so was sworn to secrecy indefinitely, since the British Government might want to use this highly successful ruse in still another, future war.

The story wasn’t declassified until 2007, when the surviving craftsmen from Waddington’s, as well as the firm itself, were finally honored in a public ceremony.

It’s always nice when you can play that ‘Get Out of Jail’ Free’ card!

I realize most of you are (probably) too young to have any personal connection to WWII (Dec. ’41 to Aug. ’45), but this is still interesting.

iePolitics: The meltdown behind the supercommittee scene

Administrator — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:45:38 +0000

Here is the article: Politico

iePolitics: Federal indictments imminent?

Administrator — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:04:48 +0000

We think so. However, we think so with one caveat: Nothing, NOTHING is expeditious or efficient when we are talking about the federal government. So, in federal government terms “imminent” could mean six months from now.

That being said, anyone who claims the FBI is here to do anything but help obtain the convictions of the Colonies Four and possibly a few others connected with them is living in a pipe dream. Yesterday’s ruling only bolsters the claims. If a former federal judge can’t sway a current federal judge, these guys need to get ready for the ball and chain.

I still don’t think the state charges on Jeff Burum will stick. But I’m betting he will be charged at the federal level with a much stronger case. Time will tell. The remaining defendants are likely to see additional charges unless they make a deal.

iePolitics: What do the mountain people do?

Administrator — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:24:01 +0000

I do not have mail delivery at my house. I cannot get it. I have a PO Box. Now, due to the Patriot Act, because I don’t have a “home address,” I cannot get a credit card, a debit card, or a bank account because I MUST have a home address. Period. End of conversation.

I guess if someone is homeless, they are no longer allowed a bank account. What happens to SSI checks as lots of homeless people get them? Or, retired people who sold their home and live in a RV?

I finally got desperate enough and bought a Wal-Mart cash card. Guess what? Can’t have that either because they insist on a home address, no exceptions.

I know, for instance, the resident of Wrightwood do not have home mail delivery and if there is no PO Box on the envelope, the letter is returned. So they aren’t allowed to change banks or get a new credit or debit card?

If someone has a great idea, I would appreciate hearing it. There has got to be a way around this.

iePolitics: Stop AB 131

Administrator — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:00:40 +0000

I attended the Americans for America Tea Party meeting tonight. I will have an Examiner article about it tomorrow but I have to say something Assemblyman Tim Donnelly said clicked with me. I decided I need to work harder to support the referendum. If you haven’t signed the petition, here is a website with a list of places where you may find it: www.stopab131.com

iePolitics: Request for assistance

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:14:04 +0000

I received a request from someone who states they live in Arizona’s “most corrupt county.” They would like to start a BOS pay reduction act there and asked if I could provide information.

I know not all states include the initiative/referendum process in their state government. Arizona prides itself on being a “republic” so it is very possible that it is one of the states that does not since the initiative/referendum process is very democratic. Also, what makes this possible for us at the county level is that we are a charter county and the California constitution gives chartered counties that right.

Anyone familiar with the Arizona law-making process? Got a referral to a political law firm?

Raisuli: Cut Nanny Loose

Raisuli — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:05:36 +0000

Forty-six million Americans are currently living in poverty, the largest number since the US Census began keeping poverty records. Forty-six million Americans are receiving food stamps, although it’s not readily discernible since EBT cards are issued to the poor. Otherwise soup kitchens would be as ubiquitous as Obama’s press conferences. How did a nation of rugged individualists become a nation of supplicants relying upon governmental largess for sustenance? What role have progressives’ played in the deterioration of our once shining city upon a noble hill?

Legalized stealing is ethically and thus morally wrong. Progressives use emotional arguments, based upon logical fallacy, to deceive the morally just that they have a property right in what others have earned. Progressives use the power and authority of government to accomplish their goal of stealing what others have earned in order to satisfied their wants, for no one has a right to the property others have earned. Thus, government legally steals wealth others have earned, in the form of taxes, and transfers it to others who have not earned it. For government does not produce wealth. It must rely upon those who do.

The right of property is a natural right that comes from God. While we were asleep at the governmental largess switch, government usurped God.

No one has a right to health care. It is a service that must be purchased like any other service. No one has a right to health insurance. It is a service that must be purchased like any other service. It is solely the responsibility of individuals to either pay for their own health care of buy health insurance. No one is obligated to pay for another’s health care or buy another health insurance. It is immoral for anyone to use the force and power of government to take wealth from another in order to satisfy her/his health care want.

Obamacare is not primarily interested in providing health care to anyone. It is primarily concerned with stealing money others have earned. Even more immoral is that Obama is going to use the awesome power of government to force private health insurers out of business. Obamacare will accomplish this goal by making it impossible for private health insurance companies to stay in business. Obama poured the propaganda foundation for his scheme when he disparaged health insurance companies for earning profits. Are we so stupid a nation to be unable to figure out that health insurance companies have to earn profits in order to remain in business?

Medicare and prescription drug benefits are a combined ninety trillion dollar unfunded liability. They are not sustainable. And herein is found the actual motivation of Obamacare. Obama intends to force us to buy health insurance from him if Americans are not covered by a private plan. This huge inflow of money into Obama’s coffers will be used to satisfy the want of those without health care. But it gets worse, far worse. After Obama’s legislation makes it impossible for private health insurance companies to remain in business, insurance premiums that were once paid to private companies will be paid to the government. It’s called taxes. And we’ll be without freedom to choose health care that’s more suitable for us. Yet it gets far worse.

Obamacare will establish a panel of bureaucrats that Palin called death panels. She was wrong. This panel of overseers of our healthcare will more correctly be known as the death train express. No bureaucrat should ever interfere with medical decisions made by physicians. But this panel will, often. And it will be illegal for Americans to go outside of Obamacare for superior medical treatment. But there are exceptions.

Obama has granted dispensation from Obamacare to many unions and others of his supporters. Congress and Obama will be exempt from Obamacare. Therefore the elite of our country will receive superior medical care while the unwashed masses, which are us, will not have liberty to choose care that’s right for them. This begets an obvious question: if Obamacare is such a great idea, why have so many opted out of it including Obama and congress?

Obamacare will result in rationing. Tell a big enough lie often enough and people will believe it, even if it’s obviously contrary to reason and logic. How can Obama not ration health care if Obamacare will add thirty million Americans to health care with our current health care infrastructure in place? How can Obama not ration health care when the current population of physicians will suddenly be forced to treat an additional thirty million patients? The answer is simple: it can’t. Here’s a promise: if Obamacare is not found unconstitutional or not overturned, health care will be rationed.

We have to be careful of what we wish for because we might just get it, and Obamacare will give it to us. It has stolen our individual liberty to make our own health care decisions. We will become criminals if we choose to seek superior health care outside of Obamacare. Socialism is always destructive to individual liberties. With Obamcare, we crossed Benjamin Franklin, for we have traded liberty for security. In the end, just as Franklin admonished, we will have neither.

President Johnson’s Great Society was an abject failure. He wasn’t so much concerned with freeing Americans from poverty as he was with creating a permanent population of Democratic voters who sold their souls to the devil that is governmental handouts. Johnson’s Great Society has actually made poverty worse by creating a class of Americans who are generationally dependent upon government when they should be dependent upon themselves.

Progressives want to deceive us into surrendering what few remaining liberties we have remaining to the government in exchange for illusory security. Only devious deceivers and the foolish believe that Obamacare care, and the government in general, is capable of taking care of us. What benefits have we received for trading away our precious liberties that was the patrimony of our Founding Fathers?

The self-evident truth of Thomas Jefferson that all men are created equal applies to equality under the law and nothing else. We are not even equal under God’s eyes, for He will judge us based upon how we’ve lived. Only a fool believes we’re all equal. I will never sing like Elvis, play guitar like Eric Clapton, or beat Usain Bolt in a hundred yard dash. Therefore, I was created equal to none of these superstars except under the eyes of the law. And I have no right to the wealth they have earned. It is grossly immoral for me to expect anyone to foot the bill for health insurance that I want.

Progressives’ socialism is inherently evil. It will destroy our country. It’s only “virtue” is that misery will be shared equally by all, thanking Sir Winston Churchill.

We are at a crucial crossroads of American history. We can choose to become completely enslaved by our government or we can return to the brilliance of our Founding Fathers. We can invite more of government’s nose under our tent of freedom, or we can kick the camel back from whence it came. As for me, I am firmly on the side of kicking the camel’s nose. I do not need government telling me what’s good for me. I can figure that out on my own.

Government’s noble lie has been exposed. It is not our protector. It is our slave master. We must restore morality to Americans. We must teach Americans that they can become self-sufficient without a nanny state. We need to pare government and keep paring until it resembles a government that governs least, because, as Thomas Jefferson knew, a small government governs best.

Pay attention to laws such as the hundreds in Obama care. Law is the primary mechanism by which government controls us, and we are definitely controlled. We haven’t been governed since FDR centralized our economy and government.

Here’s a link to an enlightening article about what happens to individual freedom when government cons us into believing that it’ll provide us with security if we surrender liberty that’s taken from us by force of law: http://www.businessinsider.com/ayn-rand-entitlement-programs-morally-bankrupt-and-theft-2011-9

Raisuli: Unofficial Cause of Kelly Thomas’ Death

Raisuli — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:04:54 +0000

While we have not learned the sheriff-coroner’s cause of death, the lawyer representing the father of Kelly Thomas proclaims he knows it. Before we rush to judgment, we ought to learn how the sheriff-coroner classifies Kelly’s death. Moreover, it might be a good idea to withhold judgment until Fullerton PD, the DA’s Office, & the FBI release their reports. Until then, any conclusion we were to reach would be conjecture. With that written I will add my opinion that it looks bad for at least one officer, maybe more.

It does seem as though the proximate cause of death is homicide. But there are many legal definitions of homicide. We’ll have to await the sheriff-coroner’s findings and the investigating agencies reports before we can reach a valid conclusion.

Another clue is if one or more officers lawyered up, especially a criminal defense attorney. It seems that one would lawyer up only if s/he expects bad news.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/thomas-315837-officers-kelly.html

Raisuli: A Fine Rip Off

Raisuli — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:33 +0000

Many years ago I learned that traffic fines were used as a sneaky tax. Traffic are no longer used to discourage violators’ infractions. They have become a way to force traffic violators to foot bills for general governmental operations. Thus, they are a sneaky tax. For instance, a base find of twenty bucks can wind up actually costing violators a hundred-forty-one simoleons.

We need an amendment to California’s constitution restricting fines to no more that the base amount as indexed to the 2010 the Uniform Bail Schedule.

Were I still a cop I would never write another traffic ticket. California is using cops as revenue enhancing agents.

Click on this link found below, and scroll down to the article entitled, “How Much do I Owe?”

http://www.calif.aaa.com/westways/2011-10/Pages/for-members.aspx

Raisuli: Another Progressive Nightmare

Raisuli — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:59:28 +0000

The Dream Act, if passed, will become another Californian nightmare. We can make accurate predictions about the pathogens contained within this bill if we keep a crucial and accepted concept in mind: people act in their own interests.

Government produces nothing. To secure its money, it must take from others that have produced wealth. Therefore, for government to give anything to anyone, it must first take money from someone who has earned it. This is contradictory to our natural right of property.

Since people act in their own interests, we can expect many of those who pay income taxes in California to avoid paying more. US Appeals Court Justice B. Learned Hand said, “Anyone may arrange his affairs so that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which best pays the treasury. There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one’s taxes. Over and over again the Courts have said that there is nothing sinister in so arranging affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible. Everyone does it, rich and poor alike and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than the law demands.”

It’s no secret that progressives are essentially socialists. They use government as a vehicle of their greed to force those who have earned wealth to foot the bill for their envy. This is not merely immoral and contrary to the precepts upon which this country was founded, it is also an affront to God. Yet like an insatiable monster, progressives’ greed knows no limits. As long as there’s money to be stolen, they’ll scheme ways to steal it while rationalizing their bad behavior using their wants as some nebulous entitlement to others’ property.

Here’s the predicable nightmare that will prevent California ever again knowing restful slumber. Those most able to pay taxes will move to states that recognize their rights in the property they have earned leaving those who don’t pay taxes or least able to pay taxes. One of two consequences will follow this scenario: either taxes will have to be raised on those remaining in California or blight will take hold throughout the state.

Exacerbating the exodus of California’s wealthy will be mass migration into the state to take advantage of this proposed reckless entitlement. Since this legislation, which is discriminatory because it applies only to those within a specific group; to wit: illegal immigrants, we can expect that California’s anticipated newest residents will be those who don’t pay taxes or pay little taxes. Hence, they will become an added burden to Californians who will be forced to foot the bill for their want, which, in this case, is free education. But education is not free. Progressives will use the formidable power of government to steal from those who have earned wealth in order to give it to those who haven’t in exchange for votes.

The Mafia would be envious of government’s ingenious methods of corruption.

iePolitics: Any utility company experts out there

Administrator — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 22:07:24 +0000

About 13 years I owned some rental properties. One of the units was vacant and I did what most landlords do and had the electricity put in my name while repairs were being made.

I was not in any kind of financial distress and often tenants are a bigger pain than not receiving the rent. So the unit was fixed up but I made no effort to rent it.

The unit was barely bigger than a studio apartment–maybe 500 square feet. It had a wall heater and a swamp cooler but everything was shut off because it was vacant.

So one day I get a bill from Edison for the unit, which had been running about $2 a month, mostly service charge. This bill for one month’s service was over $13,000.

I called SCE expecting the customer service rep to be helpful and apologetic and even thought we might have a good laugh over it. That’s what I thought at least.

Well, the first thing she said to me was that I really needed to adjust my thermostat up so that I wouldn’t have such high bills in the summer. I explained that a) there was no thermostat to adjust and b) there wasn’t a single item in the unit using electricity.

She then explained to me that energy costs do rise in the summer. I then explained to her that there was not a single item in the unit that was plugged in.

She then explained to me that sometimes there are items plugged in that we don’t think about as being plugged in such as a wall-mounted microwave. I explained to her that there were exactly seven electrical outlets in the unit and not one of them had anythng plugged in. Additionally, the front and rear porch lights were turned OFF and there were no outdoor electrical outlets.

She then said that she would initiate an investigation but that if it was not completed before the next billing cycle, I would have to pay the bill or my electricity would be turned off.

As I said, that was 13 years ago when I was still shy and quiet, thankfully for her. I thanked her and hung up the phone.

So why am I telling this story? I think she has been promoted to supervisor, manager, or regional manager. I just know she is one of the people from SCE that I deal with this past week.

Up until I moved into my current house, in 30 years of paying for electricity, I can honestly say that is the only negative contact I have had with an SCE employee.

Some of you may remember when I first moved into my current house and it took Edison 59 days to establish electrical service. That’s a bit of a problem when you have a well.

I haven’t really discussed anything about it on the blog since. Although, a pain in the ass for almost two years now, Edison has been the least of my concerns–that is until this past Monday.

Everyone knows life has been a bit tough for me without a regular job. Last month I thought I would lose my service but I got paid on a project at the last moment and was able to save my service. I paid every dime they asked for and a few cents more. That was at the end of July.

So imagine my surprise when I arrive home this past Monday and an Edison worker is there turning off my power. Now, that is an issue in and of itself, but that is not the reason for this blog post.

I have a six-foot chain link fence around my property. The Edison worker decided that rather than leaving the note on my gate to pay my bill (that’s how it is always done since I do not have mail delivery at my house), he would just turn it off. And to turn it off, he decided to take wire cutters to my chain link and cut the chain link from the pole so he could get onto the property. In the process, he left one supporting pole laying on the ground, broken from the frame, and a second supporting pole dangling by a thread which has now broken off due to its own weight.

So I was a bit upset when I saw the mess he made. This guy must have been really pissed off that day and took his anger out on my fence because he mutilated it beyond repair, leaving a gaping hole that my dogs could get out of and any intruder could use to enter my property.

I called Edison just a tad bit upset. At this point I cannot tell you which one of the half dozen SCE customer service reps, supervisors, managers, and regional managers I have spoken to who said this but I was told that I am not allowed to fence in my property if I have an electricl meter. I was also told that if I do, I am not allowed to put any type of lock on my fence. Apparently, I am the only person in all of Southern California that has the audacity to fence in my property and lock it.

I cannot get an explanation as to why he would take wire cutters to chain link rather than a bolt cutter to a $5 padlock. Certainly, if these guys regularly take down illegal fences, they have bolt cutters on them.

I was also told that Edison has the right to enter my property any time of day or night for any reason or no reason at all and they will tear down my fence if they feel like it–no emergency required.

A couple of the people at SCE I’ve dealt with have not been nearly so ridiculous, but at least two have been. Now that I’m done with my big BOS project, I need something new to concentrate on and SCE is it.

I’ve done a quick check of the internet but haven’t found much yet. Anyway have information about Edison’s right to take down a fence they don’t like or otherwise destroy someone’s property? I would appreciate it because if they really do have this right, this is a law that needs to be changed.

iePolitics: Don’t share a secret unless you want the whole world to know

Administrator — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:26:08 +0000

A while back we posted a story about Lieutenant Danielle Bolt conducting an investigation at West Valley Detention Center on the transportation deputies.

It seems that there is a female deputy at the jail, Mary Lutz, that was assigned to the transportation division when Bolt decided to conduct this investigation. Lt Bolt wanted to “break it off” in Ms. Lutz and Ms. Lutz knew this. Ms. Lutz advised Lieutenant Bolt that prior to being interviewed maybe Lieutenant Bolt would need to Call Assistant Sheriff Fonzi as she had his cell phone number in her phone. Lieutenant Bolt asked her why she would need to do this and Lutz told her that when Fonzi was the captain at the jail she was having a sexual affair with him. Once she talked to Fonzi it might assist her in the way she talked to her.

Lieutenant Bolt then proceeded to take it upon her own to tell several people about the relationship that Fonzi and Lutz had. The bottom line to the story is if you have a secret and you don’t want others in the Sheriff’s Department to know about it don’t tel Lieutenant Bolt. And the other moral to this story is that this is a perfect example of why it is stupid to get involved with a subordinate.

iePolitics: Redistricting gets interesting

Administrator — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:41:26 +0000

I will have a larger story for examiner.com before Tuesday, but for now here’s a hint. It seems even with a corruption scandal hanging over its head, our BOS cannot be anything but . . . corrupt.

Although I am sure there are more, two communities have been caught in a tug-a-war in the power struggle on the fifth floor: Lake Arrowhead and Barstow. Now with Barstow, it’s kinda hard to know which story to believe. In the past Barstow has wanted to defect from the First District because many of its residents are not please with Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

Who would be? After all, Mitzelfelt has delegated the Barstow area to the likes of “volunteer” Bob Smith. Smith is know for his despotic way of doing things.

But now there are those in Barstow not wanting to leave. Latest headline is that it is likely going to happen.

Lake Arrowhead is much more interesting. Rutherford wants to keep the mountains split. You know the old saying about conquer and divide. That’s exactly what mountain folks want to change. But Rutherford wants more white rich people in her district. And she is trying to take Lake Arrowhead. We shall see.

iePolitics: A very nice lunch

Administrator — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:05:24 +0000

I had the opportunity to have lunch with Russ Blewett and his friend Debbie today. What a wealth of knowledge!!! I will have an Examiner article up soon with the interview. But that is not the reason for this post.

We had lunch at Out of this World BBQ in Apple Valley. It was my first time there. I love BBQ but there hasn’t been a good BBQ in the Victor Valley in a long time. I usually end up at Mill Creek in Redlands or Charlie Brown’s in Pearblossom or points beyond. We finally have some place local.

I had heard about it because its owner, Todd Eaves, is a “friend” on Facebook, although I do not know him. (Russ did motion him over to the table today to meet him.) And no, he has no clue I was going to write this or even that there is a blog.

Anyway, if you are up this way and want some good BBQ, this is the place to go. Be prepared. It is a giant honky tonk with everything western themed. It looks like they must have dancing in the evening but I’m not sure.

SEBA Vote Halted

Blogger — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:22:01 +0000

We have received information that the ballot count has been halted. It’s our understanding that a grievance has been filed, but we are also hearing that a judge has issued an injunction. As of today we can not locate any court records. We’ve heard that two deputies have filed suit against SEBA over receiving insufficient information on the proposed changes to the SEBA contract. Can anyone confirm, deny or clarify this information?

Beef Abernathy has retired from the SO…any doubts now that he lied to you? I told you so!

iePolitics: By popular demand

Administrator — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 08:59:49 +0000

: Linda Haugan

I am running this photo tonight for no other reason than I was chided the other day by some of my Fifth Floor friends for not running the picture in quite a while. I’ve been too busy publishing cops-gone-bad stories to concentrate on crooked cougars. But they miss it. I’m told everyone instantly recognized this portraiture because it so perfectly captures the witch at her finest. Yes, “let them eat cake.” She is, after all, better than everyone, including everyone on the Fifth Floor. All hail the high and mighty Linda or off with their heads.

To my TAD readers, I really do need some new Linda Haugan stories. How about some tips?

iePolitics: The California Constitution

Administrator — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:32:40 +0000

I just needed to look up the official title of the Constitution of California. I don’t believe I have ever read the Preamble before. Here it is:

We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution.

I must only think I live in California.

iePolitics: Devore dogs of the day

Administrator — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:28:24 +0000

Sweet Cheeks

SUPER ULTRA URGENT!! CHEEKS HAD TO BE OUT TODAY WHICH MEANS HE MAY ONLY HAVE THE MORNING BEFORE HE’S PUT TO SLEEP. IF YOU WANT TO ADOPT CHEEKS PLEASE CALL THE SHELTER AT ABOUT 9AM AND TELL THEM YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY. IF ADOPTION DOESN’T WORK FOR YOU BUT YOU WANT TO HELP, THERE IS A RESCUE BACKING CHEEKS AND WE NEED A FOSTER TO STEP UP! …THIS IS TEMPORARY, REWARDING, AND LIFE-SAVING!

Cheeks – ID#A491069
Rescue back-up if foster steps up!

I am a male, white and brown Pit Bull Terrier.

The shelter staff think I am about 3 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Apr 30, 2011.

Jarred

JARED WENT TO PET FAIR YESTERDAY BUT WASN’T ADOPTED. HE IS A VERY SWEET GUY, BUT IS OUT OF TIME. ADOPTION FEES ARE ONLY $25 TODAY!! PLEASE SAVE JARED!

Jared – ID#A490667
Rescue back-up if foster steps up!

I am a male, white Shepherd and Pit Bull Terrier.

The shelter staff think I am about 3 years old.

I have been at the shelter since Apr 27, 2011.

Devore Shelter – Phone: 909-887-8055, Address: 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Breaking News: Another deputy arrested for having sex with sheriff’s explorer

Administrator — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:32:28 +0000

A high desert San Bernardino county deputy sheriff was arrested this morning for having sex with a sheriff’s explorer. Story developing!

iePolitics: So does corruption win?

Administrator — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:25:55 +0000

I woke up this morning with the plan to respond in detail to a number of comments on the blog, but between a lousy internet connection and the events of this afternoon, that did not happen. It’s 1 a.m. now and I’m too tired to collect most of my thoughts but I have to say a few things.

Most of me really hates what happened today because, above all else, it is politically motivated beyond what 99 percent of you can possibly imagine. If you don’t believe Hansberger/Ramos and their supporters are behind this, you are exceptionally naive and politically stupid. I wish I could share everything with you but even just looking at all the facts that are widely known, it should be obvious what is going on.

I have been saying for quite a while now that the FBI needs to be involved. The problem even with that is for a lot of what is going on behind the scenes, their hands are tied. And don’t think Ramos does not know that.

As I said, most of me really hates what happened today. But there is a part of me that is glad it did. Neil is only the first to be attacked. More attacks are on the way. More innocent people are about to be hurt.

But are they so innocent? When one is in a position of power and sees a crime take place, do they not have an obligation to bring justice? If they don’t, then are they not as guilty as the perpetrator? I say yes.

People who claim to be good and honest servants of the public have allowed corruption to continue in this county unabashed. And now they are finding out what it means to be falsely accused or to be selectively prosecuted.

I really want to believe we will see justice in the near future. What I really believe is that today opened the door for corruption to prosper and grow in our county unlike anything we ever imagined.

I am not suggesting that those already charged are innocent; I am suggesting those making the charges are more guilty and I don’t see a future where they are not allowed to continue with their reign of terror against anyone who stands up against them.

I do not believe we will ever see true justice in this county.

iePolitics: More on Derry

Administrator — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:35:30 +0000

It appears three charges have been filed in regards to a $5000 political action committee donation where the contribution was specified for Neil Derry. We understand that there will be two felony counts and one misdemeanor count accusing Derry of … Continue reading →

iePolitics: Supervisor Neil Derry pending criminal charges

Administrator — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:49:41 +0000

iePolitics has received partially confirmed reports that San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry has been charged or is about to be charged with three criminal counts. The investigation is being handled by the Attorney General’s office. No arrest has been made at this time. As we confirm additional details, we will post them.

Maybe now someone will believe us about the need for FBI involvement in the county corruption cases.

iePolitics: For all of you Republicans

Administrator — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:47:46 +0000

Sorry, but I was a huge Dragnet fan as a kid.

VVDP: Sheriff weighs suspension of more deputies

Administrator — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 05:31:04 +0000

Editor’s Note: This is the second in the series of stories related to the sex scandal in Victorville Sheriff’s Department 25 years ago. This story ran in the Daily Press on February 21, 1986. Note how similar former Sheriff Tidwell’s response to this scandal is to Sheriff Hoops’ response to the POST scandal. Also of interest is that the crime that started this whole thing occurred on February 14. The case was expected to be submitted to the district attorney just 11 days later. Compare that to the POST scandal.

Tidwell says 2 could be sent home today

By Elizabeth Chambers

Daily Press Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—At least two more of the Victorville station’s 43 street deputies will probably be suspended today by county Sheriff Floyd Tidwell, as an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. continues.

So far, three deputies are under administrative leave, stripped of their badges and guns, and two have resigned. Tidwell said this morning he anticipates “two more suspensions today, and possibly a third.”

The sheriff added that he is “devastated” by the events leading to his investigation of charges that the deputies had sexual relations with an Explorer Scout from the Victorville station before she turned 18 years of age, and that one raped her Feb. 14.

Robert M. Swindle, 31, a deputy since 1978, and James B. Dawson, 39,who joined the department in1981, resigned during the course of the investigation, which began Sunday after the woman told authorities about the incidents.

Swindle and Dawson are not being investigated in connection with the rape, but reportedly were involved with the woman when she was still a minor.

Dawson was the first person to be honored in the Victorville sheriff’s station “Employee of the Month” program in August of last year. He was selected for making 10 arrests and stopping a large number of drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. During the four years he’s been with the Victorville station, Dawson has worked patrol, the jail, and criminal investigation.

Swindle, who had been assigned to the Victorville station since July 1979, recently was demoted one step in the rank of deputy as a result of “inferior work performance,” Tidwell said.

“It is illegal for me to release the names of the other deputies— the ones who are under investigation — because of the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights,” Tidwell said.

He added that the investigation is still going strong. “We have lots of interviews yet to do, and our people worked most of the night last night. We anticipate more suspensions today,” the sheriff added.

Deputies suspended with pay include the one accused of raping the woman after a wedding and reception Feb. 14. According to a source close to the investigation, the deputy took the woman to a motel near the Victorville Bob’s Big Boy, and raped her by using intimidation and threats.

“He is innocent until proven guilty,” Tidwell said, “but he is taken off the job until we get to the bottom of this.”

The sheriff added, “I’m absolutely devastated by this. I can’t understand why this took place. I hope this doesn’t taint the Explorer Scout program, which is an excellent one, or the 895 other good deputies working very hard to serve the county properly.”

Tidwell said that in his 34 years on the job, he can only remember one other such instance, and that occurred 25 years ago. “This type of thing is few and far between; very isolated. I hope because of the mistakes of a few bad apples have made, it doesn’t taint the rest of the departmnet in the public’s eye. We have some exceptional officers; some excellent officers,” he added.

The administrative end of the investigation is “running very parallel” to the criminal end, Tidwell said. The administrative portion should be completed by Tuesday, and the criminal portion by Monday.

At that point, the package will be presented to the district attorney’s office for a decision on whether or not to prosecute anyone involved.

The Explorer Scout program is part of a sheriff’s project which gives young men and women from 15 to 20 years of age a head start on careers in law enforcement.

iePolitics: Sheriff’s Automotive

Administrator — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 07:06:22 +0000

The Rangers inquiries led to some interesting stories about Sheriff’s Automotive and Al Daniels. Now we know why the recommendations from San Bernardino County’s vehicle study over a year and a half after they were made have not been implemented. It seems Sheriff’s Department brass get some very special deals as do other people such as Sheriff’s Rangers.

First off, Daniels apparently has a license to buy cars at wholesale and does so for Sheriff’s brass needing a vehicle for their spouse, kid, or whatever. Second, it seems Daniels makes sure that friends of the Sheriff get taken care of by contracting out a variety of services to them, such as $150 detailing jobs on Sheriff’s units, etc. The Sheriff, we are told, does not want to give up these perks that his friends and top staff receive by having Sheriff’s Automotive instead of having to use Vehicle Services.

We have been told there are many stories of fraud and kickbacks involving Sheriff’s Automotive. If anyone has some information to share, you can email me at iepolitics2010@gmail.com.

iePolitics: Corruption scandal rumor

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:00:57 +0000

We are just full of rumors today. We hear that the District Attorney is convening a criminal grand jury (or maybe the same criminal grand jury is just very, very busy these days) and that target letters have gone out for April. The thought is that new and old corruption scandal figures will be indicted. We shall see. As I said last night, I bet there are a few individuals who are having a hard time sleeping the last couple of nights.

SBSun: Anti-marijuana activists get involved in Upland recall

Administrator — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:38:00 +0000

Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer

Posted: 03/21/2011 03:17:35 PM PDT

Updated: 03/21/2011 06:26:58 PM PDT

UPLAND – Local anti-marijuana activists have entered the fray between a medical marijuana cooperative president and the city.Paul Chabot, founder of Rancho Cucamonga-based Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition, has spearheaded a movement to counter a recall campaign initiated by Aaron Sandusky, president of G3 Holistics, Inc., a medical marijuana cooperative that was shut down by the city in September.

Sandusky filed papers on Feb. 28 to attempt a recall of Councilman Ken Willis.

“We strongly feel dope dealers are taking advantage of the recent (m)ayor indictments – they sense a weakness in Upland much like a wolf stocking a lone wounded sheep,” Chabot said in an e-mailed statement. “Because of this, we have rushed in help from within and outside of Upland – they are no longer alone. We will fight to protect Upland and then we will go on the offensive to ensure this kind of nonsense never happens again.”

Chabot and the Coalition created Save Our Society-Upland, a citizen-based organization that will walk precincts, make phone calls, hold rallies and raise money to counter the recall attempt.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Former Upland Mayor to turn himself into authorities

Administrator — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:37:47 +0000

Sources are telling us that J.P. Pomierski will turn himself into federal authorities this morning and will be arraigned at 1pm this afternoon in federal court. Other arrests are being made at this time. Check back later for further details.

Examiner.com: OCSD will decide today whether or not to continue with environmental boondoggle

Administrator — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:44:58 +0000

Editor’s Note: This is one of the Examiner.com stories that I ask you to click on the link so I get paid and Naomi gets fed. It may not be as interesting as cops gone bad and crazy bloggers, but it is a story of corrupt officials wasting taxpayer money—millions of dollars for no reason, at least no reason we have dug up yet. Anyway, we both appreciation the click, and if you really want to help, click “like” while logged into Facebook. Thank you.

In a vote that affects not only the citizens of Orange County, but also Los Angeles County and the cities of Riverside, Rialto, and San Bernardino, the Board of Directors of the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) will decide this evening whether to allow EnerTech, a source for disposal of the county’s biosolids, a one-year extension to attempt to come into compliance with its contract. EnerTech’s failure to live up to its contract costs the taxpayers in Orange County alone over $100,000 a month. The company has never been in compliance since the contracts were signed in 2005.

The (OCSD) Board of Directors consists primarily of mayors and councilpersons from many of the cities throughout Orange County. Each city appoints their representative. Orange County First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen and directors from several Orange County sanitary/water districts also serve on the board for a total of 25 members.

OCSD sources, on the condition of anonymity, have told Examiner.com that the contract with EnerTech is being pushed on the entire board by several of its members for “political reasons.” So far, no one at OCSD has offered a plausible excuse for continuing to spend over a million dollars a year of taxpayer funds on a technology that has failed.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Environmental Boondoggle

iePolitics: One more thing

Administrator — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:27:16 +0000

The evening I met with Traci and Patricia, I was given some flyers for Freedom Conference this weekend. I still have them. If anyone wants one, let me know and I will get it to you.

As far as I’m concerned it is a haven for conspiracy theorists, aluminum foil types, and black helicopter sightings, as well as some very scary people. It includes those who believe the Holocaust didn’t occur or was perpetrated by Jews on Jews; 9-11 was an inside job; you don’t have to pay income tax; and a host of other crazies. Hopefully no one wasted their money on this freak show.

iePolitics: LinkedIn

Administrator — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:26:59 +0000

I remember writing a post like this about Facebook a couple of years ago and now I’m an addict. I’ve recently received a spat of requests from some of our readers to join LinkedIn and I have no idea why I want to join. Actually I had an account under an old email address but deleted it.

The requests have all gone to my sharon@iepolitics.com address which will be non-existent very soon. I set up a minimal LinkedIn account with iepolitics2010@gmail.com just now, although I don’t know why. If you really want to be linked, please try the new address. And perhaps someone can explain to me exactly why I need a LinkedIn account!

iePolitics: So Sally, you want some proof?

Administrator — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:53:42 +0000

So Sally, I am going to make you a deal that I make anyone who accuses me of lying. I will take a polygraph on what I’m about to write if Jeff Burum, the partners, Jim Erwin and Mark Kirk will also take polygraphs.

Here are two Jeff Burum stories:

Almost two years ago I had a running conversation going with Mark Kirk about ethics in San Bernardino County. My argument to Mark was that if one is in a position of power, as he was, one has an obligation to right wrongs. Mark and I disagreed about this.

One day I received a call from Mark and he said, “You are going to be proud of me.” He went on to tell me about a conversation he had just recently had with Jeff Burum about an RFQ. In that conversation, Jeff said to him (slightly paraphrased), “Why don’t you let me write it like I did the other one?” “The other one” referred to the 1200 acres.

You cannot tell me that Jeff did not know that writing an RFQ for something he would eventually likely place a bid on or have a contract for is unethical at best and probably a criminal conspiracy. And you cannot tell me that the county employee who allowed this to happen did not commit a crime as well. I suspect this happens far more than we ever know.

And my second story:

Sometime last year Jim Erwin and I were talking about the Colonies decision. Jim has always denied wrongdoing by all participants in the Colonies decision so his comment to me took me totally by surprise. All I can say is that I hope for his sake, the PIU wasn’t recording our conversation.

He told me about the conversation that he had with Jeff Burum regarding Jeff making donations to PACs. The conversation took place BEFORE the Colonies decision was reached. Jim said that Jeff told him he would make the contributions to them once an agreement was finalized. Jim indicated that he did not have a PAC and Jeff offered to give him money to start one. I wish I could remember the exact words. I can say what was relayed to me was clearly quid pro quo.

And Sally, if chatter and circumstantial evidence of recent events are accurate, you very well may be getting more proof than you ever wanted . . . proof that will send Jim to prison for sure, and if the statute of limitations has not run out, Jeff and some of the partners as well. We know the proof is there and we know signs are pointing to the PIU having found it but we cannot be sure. This won’t be Adam Aleman proof; it will be hardcore testimony and possible recordings and/or written proof from an actual victim.

I happen to believe that Mike Ramos is a pig and these prosecutions are political but that doesn’t take the criminal element out of it. For some reason you and the rest of the partners believe that because you are rich and powerful, your word is golden. Well here is your chance to prove it. Prove me wrong Sally.

iePolitics: Angels in our midst

Administrator — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 02:02:05 +0000

And sometimes those angels come in the form of outlaw bikers. A tire blew out today and I was out in the middle of nowhere. I got the truck pulled over and before I had a chance to figure out what to do, a guy stopped and offered to change the tire for me. He made me promise not to mention the name of his outlaw motorcycle club because I’m not the “old lady” of one its members and they only take care of their “brothers.”

OMG, what a character. He showed me his medical marijuana card and told me some of his war stories.

I think I got on his good side when I explained I got through high school and my first year of college babysitting the kids of a bunch of Hell’s Angels and Chosen Few. (Also worked for a number of pilots at GAFB. The bikers’ kids were much easier to care for.)

When my mom was still alive, we would go up to River Run every year. She used to get such a kick out of it. This guy told me their group won’t go anymore because they are not allowed to wear their colors in a lot of establishments up there, which I know be true because of the signs posted at the doors.

Oh, the funny part of this is this guy’s last name was Kirk. I have no doubt there was no relationship whatsoever. He wouldn’t take anything for helping me out but told me to stop by a certain bar and buy him a drink some time. Told me which chopper to look for to know he was there. I can honestly say I won’t be stopping by the bar but hopefully something good happens for him.

iePolitics: And Nancy Swanson wonders why ESP employees hate her

Administrator — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:01:14 +0000

Before I print the memo, I will give newer readers some background on ESP. ESP stands for the Employment Services Program. ESP used to be a standalone department—the Jobs and Employment Services Department (JESD), better known by recipients as GAIN—rather than a program.

You will find few original JESD employees who will not say they thought they died and gone to Heaven when they become Employment Services Specialists for JESD. It was a dream job for most.

JESD had very high standards for employees but also rewarded employees generously for a job well done. We did not receive monetary rewards but rather praise and support.

Most of us believed in the mission of JESD—to move welfare recipients from welfare to work. We helped individuals change their lives and that of their children. The job was a reward in and of itself.

Then came along Linda Haugan who was sleeping with Mark Uffer. The recommendation was made for the worst run department in the county—the Transitional Assistance Department (TAD)—to take over JESD and turn JESD into ESP. Linda Haugan became our director and then Assistant Administrative Officer.

TAD had a history of high turnover, hiring employees with criminal records and substance abuse issues, hiring employees with no education including no high school diploma, and very low morale. It was known as the TAD mentality even by the County Administrative Office.

When JESD employees were forced to become TAD employees, the animosity from TAD, especially TAD management, was felt instantly. One of the first actions by TAD management was to force JESD supervisors to go to class to learn how to document and terminate employees.

We were ridiculed over how we dressed with TAD management stating that we intimidated recipients by dressing in business wear, i.e., suits, dresses, etc. We were ridiculed because we were required to have an education. As a matter of fact, we were told repeatedly that education was a negative. Only MLA was considered an acceptable “education.” We were also told we were too “nice” to recipients and we needed to learn to be firmer and more vindictive towards them, forcing them to standards, we, ourselves, did not have to uphold.

To add insult to injury, Swanson put Michael De la Rosa in charge of ESP. Michael did not have a college degree and is as vicious as can be. He also has had a legal issue or two.

JESD employees have NEVER forgiven Mark Uffer, Linda Haugan, and Nancy Swanson for turning the job from Heaven into the job from Hell. Nancy’s attitude toward JESD/ESP has never changed.

Here is the memo she sent all employees, wishing them happy holidays. Notice which one of her divisions she left out completely:

From: Willingham, Cindy
(TAD) On Behalf Of Swanson, Nancy

Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 9:54 AM

To: TAD – All Offices; TAD ESP – All Offices; Couchot, Steven; De La
Rosa, Michael; Locurto, James; Ramos, Gilbert; Rodriguez, Nathaniel; Smithson,
Peggy; Sterner, Holly; Swanson, Nancy; Tamez, Cindi; Tucker, Vivien; Abarca,
Sandra; Andrews, Heather; Crook, Debbie; Johnson, Rebecca (Becky); Limon,
Linda; Nolte, Deborah; Rivera, Veronica (TAD); Velasco, Adriana

Subject: HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

As you all have heard, there are once again, various budget proposals to reduce the California’s current budget gap (of approx $24- 28 Billion dollars).
With the Governor elect taking office in January, various proposals to reduce
spending including cuts to social service programs are being put forth. Much of this appears to be political posturing, and significant cuts to the programs
TAD administers are not expected. As always, our Department will continue to take cautionary steps and be fiscally responsible in response. We will
continue to keep you updated just as soon as information and additional details become available.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your efforts in serving the
customers who rely on our programs in these trying times. Over the last year
our caseloads have increased: 7% in CalWORKs, 8% in Medi-Cal, and 23% in FoodStamps. Your hard work, dedication and “Customer Service” to our County residents who need these valuable services, is greatly appreciated.

2010 saw a lot of positive changes for our Department, including the implementation of many new ways to more efficiently do our jobs and provide services. The new Imaging system including individual scanners for line staff, hiring of much needed staff, enhancements to C-IV, expanded use of the C4Yourself on line application, upgraded PCs for all staff, remodels of TAD buildings were just some of the improvements in efficiency means we experienced in 2010.

Look for even greater things to come in 2011. Among these:

· TASKing

· Call Center

· KIOSKs

· Further C-IV Enhancements (e-signatures)

These workflow and service delivery efficiencies will make our jobs easier and more importantly services more accessible to our customers. There will be valuable opportunities for all to assist and participate in not only the development, but implementation of these efforts in the coming year! Your valuable input, knowledge and commitment will be a much needed part of these processes.

There will also be additional promotional opportunities as we expect to fill
significant numbers of much needed lead and supervisory positions already
approved in the budget.

Again-I want to Thank You for all the dedicated work you do, and look forward to the exciting things to come in 2011.

December 20, 21, 22 and 27, 28, 29 – Friday casual wear is approved for all.

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Nancy

iePolitics: Save my sanity!

Administrator — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:09:53 +0000

You ever can’t remember a name to save your life? Well, this has been in the back of my mind for two days now and it’s driving me crazy.

This question is for desert rats who have lived up here for decades. What the heck was the name of the Mexican restaurant down on D Street back in the late 60s and 70s? They built a new restaurant in the early 80′s a couple blocks up on Seventh Street but it didn’t make it. Now it is a barber school or shop I believe.

I ate my very first chile relleno there and have never had one as good anywhere. I also remember going there in high school and Tony Balsamo, our principal, was in there with a bottle of beer in his hand. Back then that was shocking to see. Boy times have changed!

I will delete this post as soon as someone comes up with the answer.

iePolitics: To the person who lives in Highland who is obsessed with the blog

Administrator — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 05:59:47 +0000

Your comments go straight to spam and I have long ago stopped trying to rescue them. Obviously, my spam program is very smart as it recognizes bullshit from obsessive sociopaths when it sees it. Perhaps you should spend your time … Continue reading →

iePolitics: Schwarzeneggar to appoint 400 before departure

Administrator — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:06:49 +0000

Arnold Schwarzenegger

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to make more than 400 appointments before his term ends in early January. Among the positions the governor is expected to fill are numerous judgeships, including some in San Bernardino County. This will allow Schwarzenegger to have impact on the judicial system for decades to come.

One such appointment that is rumored is that of lead attorney for the San Bernardino County Public Integrity Unit Lewis Cope to the Superior Court bench. As previously reported, Cope was seen leaving the Governor’s office only days ago. We shall see if he can parlay the “crime of the century” into a cushy position on the bench.

iePolitics: “In God We Trust”

Administrator — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:46:52 +0000

This appears on Tuesday’s agenda:

4)	Approve resolution to display our national motto, “In God We Trust” in the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors’ Covington Chambers. (Affected Districts: All) (Presenter: Chairman Gary C. Ovitt, Fourth District, 387-4866)

This comes under “I don’t even know where to start.”

I will preface this by stating I totally support displaying our national motto in any and all government buildings. But most of these five individuals deserve to be struck down by a bolt of lighting for even considering it. They are the most God-less individuals I can think of. Ovitt is the worst of the worst.

Do they somehow think that invoking the name of God will nullify their corrupt decisions, thievery, and arrogance? God is not listening to them. He is ashamed of them. I do believe they will all pay dearly one day.

In this instance, this display of religion is nothing but shameful. But then we know they have no shame.

iePolitics: Hesperia’s Newest City Councilman

Administrator — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 03:53:04 +0000

Russ Blewett being sworn in by Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt

Earlier this week, Hesperia’s newest city councilman, Russ Blewett, was sworn in. He will be mayor pro tem. This is the second city council Blewett has served on. At age 27, Russ was the youngest mayor in the United States, serving the citizens of his hometown, Baldwin Park.

iePolitics: Three stains erased in one week

Administrator — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 02:11:22 +0000

In a period of one week, three of San Bernardino County’s “stains” have been removed from the county trough. Last Friday finally saw the departure of San Bernardino County Counsel Ruth Stringer. On Monday Second District Supervisor Paul Biane got to take his last car ride on the county dime when Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford was sworn in. And today, four short days later, Public Defender Doreen Boxer was shown the door.

The Daily Bulletin quoted County spokesman David Wert that she is still employed with the county. It reported that Boxer is “negotiating” her termination. However, Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors’ agenda indicates that Boxer’s replacement is being considered that day. We suspect the “negotiating” consisted of “resign or be fired.”

We shall see if she shows for work on Monday.

iePolitics: Beemer loses big

Administrator — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:59:15 +0000

Board of Retirement results:

General Employees:

Louis Fiorino 963
Danny Tillman 497
Celestine Bryant 252

Retired Employees:

Dawn Stafford 1697
Harry H. Hatch 1128
Richard Beemer 400

Anonymous E-mail Recieved re: Conflict Panel

Administrator — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:02:18 +0000

Please contact ie politics if you have any additional information on this subject @

iepolitics2010@gmail.com.

mssr spring and carter have bought another contract. the board of
supervisors have advised county attorneys interested in making a bid for the
expiring conflict panel contract in san bernardino that the current three year
contract for san bernardino and high desert districts awarded to spring and
carter has been unilaterally extended for one year, without a requirement
for new submitted bids.

this no bid-county action is unprecedented in the 15 years the county has
employed private attorneys to provide indigent defense over a two year
contract period, or three years as was the case when spring carter was first
awarded a contract. this action comes after a conflict panel attorney
reported spring and carter to the board of supervisors, the judicial
counsel, the presiding judge, and the grand jury for unlawful and illegal practices in
employing so-called independent attorneys to expeditiously resolve cases in
multiple defendant cases.

this follows a similar memo sent three years ago by an another employee of
the spring panel to the board of supervisors, the district attorney of san
bernardino, the presiding judge of the county, and to the sheriff of the
county, literally begging action be taken for the alleged illegal practices
engaged in by the spring group, including requiring employees to attend
fundraisers for judges, supervisiors, and other candidates and elected
officials and thereafter have the employees make political donations
in their own name, with money supplied to them by spring. of course, this practice
circumvents the personal election law donation limits, and allows spring to
deliver to officials illegal campaign donations in the thousands of dollars.

and these donations buy mr spring influence and power over the people that
award conflict contracts worth in excess of 3 million dollars to him
annually. one need only examine the publicly reported personal
donations made by the spring/carter group to the board of supervisors, judges, and the distri
ct attorney himself, and one may understand why the spring/carter group
may feel invulnerable to any public scrutiny, much less an investigation of
potential criminal practices by elected official who have benefited from
certain illegal practices which fill the coffers of their re-election
campaigns.

and so why should the citizens of san bernardino county care that there
are competent honorable attorneys prohibited from submitting
competitive/lower contract bids at a savings of more than one million
dollars in san bernardino alone, as was the case 5 years ago? the board of
supervisors must have a reasonable explanation for unilaterally allowing spring/carter to avoid
the bid process, which if a lower bid was received and awarded could result
in significant savings to a county in a bad economy.

the board cannot legitimately justify the no-bid if they have received
input from the local judges, the local bar, and the public defender’s office
and have come to the realization that the quality of representation offered
by the current conflict panel is laughable at best, and incompetent at
worst.

i suspect the only way spring/carter will be replaced in this county is if
another group can purchase substantially more influence beyond that of the
current conflict group. and as reflected in previous iepolitic articles on
the relationship between the spring conflict group, the da’s office, the
judges, and the board of supervisors,the indigent accused will continue to
suffer from the current rigged game, and at a higher cost to the citizens of
the county when the county/board refuses to allow attorneys to bid against
spring/carter.

but as we all have come to know, like actor jack nicholson as “Jake” is
advised by his partner after being faced with the futility that corruption
and power and arrogance does bring, just accept what goes on this county:
“C’mon jake,its Chinatown.”

“however, i suggest substituting “Cmon Jake, its san bernardino county”,
where money talks, and where county officials never learn until the
indictments make the newspaper again.

iePolitics: Cops v. Firefighters

Administrator — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:50:49 +0000

Warning: Very strong language.

iePolitics: CAO interfering in BOS politics

Administrator — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:40:50 +0000

It seems County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux isn’t satisfied with all the new power he has been granted. He continues to build on his power base as evidenced by his interference in selection of the Chairman to the Board of Supervisors.

Devereaux’s loyalty to Chairman Gary Ovitt stems from the years he served as city manager of Ontario when Ovitt was mayor. It has been obvious from the beginning as Ovitt, and his then-chief of staff, Mark Kirk, orchestrated both former-County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer’s termination and Devereaux’s hiring. The process took well over a year and the entire Fifth Floor knew that no one but Devereaux was being considered for the job.

Ovitt faces the end of his chairmanship in January. He has presided over one of the most ineffectual, dysfunctional, and corrupt Board of Supervisors in decades. His chairmanship has been a disaster for this county.

Three of the remaining supervisors are vying for the top spot. Supervisor Josie Gonzales would normally be the successor but everyone knows she is not capable of being chairman. Between her lack of integrity and her tendency to sweep problems under the rug, she is the last person we need in a county going through serious ethical issues. And she is expected to be the subject of a federal indictment sometime next year.

Both Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt have expressed interest in the top spot as well. Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford is thought to support Derry.

Devereaux is said to be guiding Ovitt towards supporting Gonzales. If she were elected as chairman, it would give Devereaux a lot more power as Gonzales is not capable of making decisions on her own and has always depended heavily on the County Administrative Officer.

This leave Supervisor Mitzelfelt as the deciding vote and he is Devereaux’s target. We are hearing a lot of chatter about Devereaux’s attempts to cause a rift between Derry and Mitzelfelt, both of whom have supported one another on important issues in the past.

It’s appearing that Mitzelfelt may have to settle for the vice chair position to either Gonzales or Derry. However, we are also hearing rumors that Devereaux may be attempting to convince Gonzales to serve two more years as vice chair with Mitzelfelt getting the top spot by building a coalition of Ovitt, Mitzelfelt and Gonzales. Such a coalition would be an effective means of stopping ethics reforms in the county proposed by both Derry and Rutherford. These reforms will eventually strip Devereaux of some of his power base.

We here at iePolitics have definitely had our issues with Supervisor Mitzelfelt, but we have never felt that he is corrupt, especially not like Ovitt and Gonzales. Gonzales has sided with corruption across the board from Dr. Dev GnanaDev at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to District Attorney Mike Ramos. Ovitt has been caught up in the corruption scandal, with his former chief of staff being an unnamed co-conspirator. There are numerous other issues involving Ovitt that the FBI may very well be investigating that could also point to Devereaux.

We hope that Mitzelfelt will do right by not only the voters of the First District, but of the county as a whole, and side with ethics and reform. Anything short of that would lessen his chances of re-election in two years.

iePolitics: Meltdown at County Fire – Part 1

Administrator — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:34:56 +0000

We’re makin’ a list, checkin’ it twice, to see who’s been naughty or nice . . .

Well, it seems Fire Floozies abound at County Fire. We were familiar with the Badge Bunnies at the Sheriff’s Department. They say women love men in uniforms so I guess it should go without saying.

But it seems there really isn’t so much of that hand-holding of dying people we’ve been reading about here for the past few days and a lot more playing whoopie than we ever expected . . . all while the unsuspecting wife sits at home caring for the kids.

Hook and ladder at the fire station now has a brand new meaning for us. It seems these fire stations are real hook-up joints. And that seems especially true if you have a union credit card to charge all your “expenses” to, huh. Bet you haven’t told Raquel have you Bret?

iePolitics: For County Fire

Administrator — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:16:19 +0000

One of your captains has sent me a response, which I plan to post, but have asked him to send it to me in a different format so that it will get more hits.

The four of you, after I take out all the pseudonyms, that are responding to the posts I suspect don’t represent a majority of county fire fighters. We have beat all hit records two days in a row except for the day Mark Uffer was fired. And the hits are on the county fire stories and are from departments around the state.

You guys just don’t get the point of the story nor do you get how the public is starting to feel about ALL government employees. The original post was not about a car wash. It was about stupidity and about an entitlement mentality that has worn thin with the public.

When we posted all the bigoted pictures that went around on county computers at the Sheriff’s Department, we heard the same thing about risking lives and giving up Christmas with their families as an excuse for cops being bigots. Do I need to remind you of some of the images:

Guess what? Millions of US citizens in this country and abroad give up their holidays, risk their lives every day, have their buddies die in their arms, don’t get paid nearly what you get paid, and don’t think their choice of employment gives them the right to be racists, break the law, abuse resources, or make asses of themselves in a public forum.

For those of you who think what happened on that Facebook page is no big deal, I suggest you take a look at county personnel rules and see how many were broken. Do you really think because you carry a badge and gun/or fire apparatus you are above the law and above common sense?

Hesperia Star: A View from Main Street: When politics gets too personal

Administrator — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:11:25 +0000

November 08, 2010 12:38 PM

Peter Day

Star Editor

About an hour before the polls closed last Tuesday, the Voglers’ recent repeated personal attacks on Councilmember Thurston “Smitty” Smith finally struck a nerve so deep that the response almost literally shook council chambers.

During the public comment period, Smitty’s wife Margaret Smith took to the podium to share her concerns. All was silent as Smith talked about the pain and anguish she felt as a result of the attacks by Councilwoman Rita Vogler and her husband Al Vogler, the latter sponsoring the large “NO” billboards on Main Street and three mailers.

“Vogler, I just want to publicly tell you how pathetic you, your spouse and your daughter are,” she said. “The lies and manipulation about me, my husband and my deceased son are unfathomable. You attempt to portray yourself as a caring and giving individual where nothing, nothing could be further from the truth.

“You don’t have a clue about the population you represent. As you will recall, I have personally asked you on many occasions to stop making horrible comments about the people in the complex you had your business in.” (Rita Vogler’s travel agency was located in the Cardenas shopping center.) “You know that I am Hispanic and you have continually offended me with your comments. You are full of yourself and pathetic. You brag about your money. Nobody cares, Vogler.”

Smith also addressed one of the cornerstones of the Voglers’ criticisms of Smitty Smith — that he didn’t support Vogler for another term as mayor. Instead, he was named mayor, which was officially supported by all five council members, ironically including Vogler.

“I must ask you if you ever stopped to view yourself online after a council meeting,” Smith said. “I have and a lot of other people have. You are pathetic. Your comments are self-serving and self-centered. Your buddy Bosacki didn’t have the guts to tell you how ashamed he is when you speak. That’s why nobody seconded your nomination as mayor after your husband tried to undermine Smitty.”

The most personal segment of Smith’s comments were when she addressed the death of her son Brandon, who died in an off-road motorcycle accident during a race.

“You are so full of yourself that when my son passed you would come into my home and you couldn’t stop talking about yourself for a minute,” she said. “You never once gave me the opportunity to talk or even ask about my feelings. You always wanted to share your own little stories, Vogler. You talk ad nauseum about yourself. You don’t represent this community.”

Smith also said that Vogler was self-centered during council meetings.

“Your job as a council member is supposed to be looking out for this community, not boring us citizens with your rhetoric and anybody that wants to go and look at the last couple meetings can see. Why would you ever talk about your high school and how the boys never asked you to dance? Nobody cares about you. Thank goodness you’re not running again.”

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: More prosecutorial misconduct exposed at Postmus prelim; Matt Brown proves worth to opponents once again

Administrator — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 01:48:30 +0000

Fireworks could be found once again today at the San Bernardino County Courthouse where District Attorney investigator Bud Randle was forced to admit that the District Attorneys office used former Chief of Staff Matt Brown to illegally tape record Bill Postmus. Once Postmus obtained legal counsel such an act violates his Constitutional right against self-incrimination. This revelation as well as the one last Friday where they had to admit they used Adam Aleman in a similar manner has the potential to cause all charges to be dismissed.

Brown made headlines earlier this year when he complained that he was the victim of a hostile work environment because he also wore a wire in an attempt to entrap his boss, Supervisor Paul Biane, on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. Brown went out on stress and returned months later after settling with the county for $25,000 a new job paying the equivalent to his $225,000 annual salary and benefits he received working for Biane.

Brown is proving to be quite the snitch. He and his wife Jessica have worked both sides for years. Now he is working for another elected, Democratic Auditor-Controller-Tax Collector Larry Walker. Walker is despised by many on the Fifth Floor.

It was Fifth Floor politicos who were instrumental in leaking information regarding the Walker-Thompson alliance to iePolitics a couple of years ago. It makes us wonder who Brown is actually working for now and where his loyalties lie. Republican politicians would like nothing better than to see Walker caught up in a headline-grabbing scandal. Perhaps Brown can deliver in time.

iePolitics: More campaign sign controversy in Hesperia – Correction

Administrator — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:47:06 +0000

The city of Hesperia seems to be full of bullies. There is Al Vogler, Paul Bosacki, and now we find out, Bill Holland. The problem with Holland, though, is he has a badge and gun. Nothing is worse than a cop with an attitude problem and Holland seems to have one.

Holland is running for the Hesperia City Council. And “Vote NO Bill Holland” signs are popping up all around town. Why?

Well it seems the Holland likes to throw his weight around with parents of Hesperia School District students. You see, Holland is a school cop. And like most cop types, he tries to create action for himself . . . you know, make himself look good at the expense of others, often innocent others.

We have all met this type. They could never hack it out on the streets with real bad guys, so they become security guards, prison guards in private institutions, and school cops where they get to wear the gun and badge but rarely, if ever, have to be in danger. They know no one respects them so they stir things up so they can feel like a real crime fighter.

Here is a link to the Hesperia Star story. Just what Hesperia needs on an already dysfunctional city council. Perhaps he should run for school board instead. He and Chris Bentley would make a good pair. They could arrest each other. Or recall each other.