Bill has some interesting new stuff on his site including info on drug cartels and the latest Prime Minister’s Questions, which I find so much more entertaining than our president and Congress: Bill Postmus
iePolitics: Lots of new stuff
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Tag Archives: bill postmus
iePolitics: Happy 1 year!
Happy 1 year Bill. It was tough at times but you made it!
iePolitics: Supervisor Gary Ovitt . . . in his own words
“The charges announced today against Bill Postmus and Greg Eyler are an undeserved embarrassment to the county….the county looks forward to seeing justice prevail.” – July 24, 2009, the day the two were arrested.
“Mark Kirk is a person of great intelligence and integrity…I know Mark to be a consumate professional, loving father and family man, and all around good person of high morals and character.” – May 9, 2011, the day of Kirk’s arrest and indictment.
iePolitics: Update on indictments
We have confirmed with multiple sources that those who may be indicted by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury in the ongoing corruption scandal have been told they will be allowed to turn themselves in, which is quite a departure in comparison to how Bill Postmus, Jim Erwin, et al., were handled. Of course, this is the right way to do things because not a single one of them is a flight risk. We are wondering if the new AG has had an effect of how things are done or if someone cut a deal. Of course, there are many rumors that certain members of the bench are under investigation and we know positively that Ramos is being looked at closely. Either way, it is interesting to see the disparity in treatment.
iePolitics: A new blog
Bill Postmus
How many of you remember the interview George Watson conducted with Bill Postmus a few years ago? It was while Bill was still Assessor. George posted the audio of the interview to the Sun site.
I was in Gallop, New Mexico that day working on a site for some missionaries when I received a call from Paul Bosacki asking if I had listened to the interview, which I had not. A high-speed internet connection was very hard to find in Gallop. George called me a little later to tell me about it as well.
iePolitics: Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Bill!
iePolitics: Behind the scenes, Part Three
I think everyone has noticed I changed the blog format a few days ago. This new theme is extremely versatile and you will see some significant changes overtime. I added the cross masthead last night with the intent of leaving it up just for Easter and then replacing it. But as I started to write this post, I decided to leave it up longer as I need a reminder of why we do what we do and that we need to be doing it for the right reasons.
This post is the third in the series about those things that occurred behind the scenes that made Bill’s guilty plea came about. It’s about those who fight for justice, not for justice sake, but for selfish reasons; for self-preservation.
I started to see a change in Bill’s attitude after Rex’s first trial ended in a mistrial. It was hard not to have a change in attitude because we knew the facts of the case, facts that never saw the light of day in the courtroom during either trial. The mistrial should have been a “not guilty” verdict.
iePolitics: Congrats Bill
Happy nine months!
iePolitics: The County’s press release on Colonies and Postmus
STATEMENT BY THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO REGARDING THE POSTMUS GUILTY PLEAS AND THE STATUS OF LITIGATION
The charges to which Bill Postmus has pled guilty constitute an unforgivable breach of trust and the most serious offense an elected official can commit against the people he was sworn and obligated to serve. The County condemns and is repulsed by his crimes. However, the County is pleased that Mr. Postmus has admitted wrongdoing and pledged to assist investigators.
It will take a month or more of analysis by the County’s legal team and consultation with the Board of Supervisors to determine what course of action the County and District should follow regarding the County and Flood Control District’s November 2006 settlement with Colonies Partners LLC. The County asks for the public to be patient as it sorts through this very complex legal matter, because the outcome could well be far-reaching in terms of time and expense.
iePolitics: Behind the scenes, Part Two
Many seemed surprised by the events on Monday but if they had read the blog carefully, they should have seen it coming. I really did give a number of hints.
As I wrote in the Examiner article the other night, the turning point came with Bill’s last arrest. I remember having lunch with him a week or so later. He had totally shut us all out after the arrest for a couple of days. Jim wanted us to play hardball with him but I could not do that. Bill finally agreed to have lunch with me but the condition was that we would not talk about what happened.
The prohibition didn’t last long. We spent a very long time talking about the arrest and his determination to beat his addiction. I remember the tears in his eyes as he talked about how humiliated he was for not being able to stay clean. Those who don’t know Bill do not realize how driven he is to succeed. Being beat by a drug was hard on him.
NoMoreBrad: A little nervous Brad?
- No More Brad
So how did you enjoy having representatives from the District Attorney’s Office show up at your door to serve you Brad? I suspect this is just the beginning.
I find it interesting that you claim you have “no idea whatsoever” why you received the subpoena. I supposed it could be argued that you have been involved in so many shady deals in this county that you don’t know which one to pick.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
PE: Rotten payout
08:39 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Press-Enterprise
Bill Postmus’ guilty plea this week stripped any pretense of legitimacy from San Bernardino County’s $102 million legal settlement with developer Colonies Partners. County supervisors have no justification for sticking taxpayers with the cost of a deal tainted by corruption. And the county should stop wasting public money trying to get other agencies to pay part of the bill.
Postmus, a former supervisor and assessor, pleaded guilty to 15 felony charges, including misuse of public funds and drug possession. But Postmus also admitted to charges that he accepted a bribe and had a financial conflict of interest when he voted to approve the Colonies settlement. Postmus, then-Supervisor Paul Biane and Supervisor Gary Ovitt agreed in 2006 to pay the developer $102 million to settle a legal battle over land for flood control.
iePolitics: Behind the scenes, Part 1
I know I’ve been promising this story for the past 36 hours and I once again apologize for the delay. I’ve had a busy day so I decided to break the story up into parts so all of you at least have something to read tonight. There will be more over the next few days.
I’m not sure where to start as the whole situation is so convoluted. I saw David Wert’s comment in tonight’s Sun story, so that might be just as good a place to start as anywhere.
Wert claims the county was surprised by this development. All I can say to that is, “What the heck did the county expect?”
It was well publicized that Bill could not afford to hire an attorney in the Colonies criminal case. In that case he was acting in his official position as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The county insists the Colonies settlement was fair and equitable. A smart board of supervisors would want the parties who signed the agreement to be well represented because if something should happen, as has now happened, the county could find itself in a legal quagmire.
Examiner.com: Former county assessor and chairman of the board agrees to plead guilty
In a surprise move this past Monday, former San Bernardino County Assessor and former Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Bill Postmus, agreed to plead guilty to two charges in the ongoing corruption investigation into a 2006 settlement in which the county paid $102 million to Colonies Partners to end a 4-year legal battle. Also, as part of the plea deal, Postmus pleaded guilty to one count of misappropriation of funds in a separate investigation into the Assessor’s Office.
Bill Postmus started his career as an elected official in 2000 at the age of 29, becoming the youngest member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors since the 1800s. He was a rising star that some went so far as to say could wind up in the White House one day. Under his leadership, both his district, the largest county supervisorial district in the contiguous 48 states, and the San Bernardino County Republican Party, prospered.
But part way into his second term, things began to change. Scuttlebutt started to be heard as early as 2005 and increased exponentially once Postmus announced he was running for Assessor while he was chairman of the Board of Supervisors. It was a move everyone questioned as Postmus was the most powerful politico in the county and the Assessor would not wield nearly as much influence.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
iePolitics: Postmus plea
I apologize about not getting the stories posted last night. Both my computer’s battery and I ran out of energy about 3 a.m. I’ve been busy today taking care of some things for my attorney. The stories will be up some time tonight.
District Attorney Mike Ramos: Postmus Pleads Guilty
San Bernardino, CA – Today, William J. Postmus pleaded guilty to the offenses charged in both the Colonies Conspiracy case and to the charged offenses in theseparate Assessor case. The pleas were taken in front of Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith. As part of the plea agreement with the District Attorney and the Attorney General, Postmus agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation and to testify truthfully in subsequent proceedings. If he gives truthful testimony in all future proceedings, the further agreement is that he will be sentenced on the following three felony charges: Conspiracy to Accept a Bribe (Penal Code 182) and Conflict of Interest (Government Code 1090) in the Colonies Conspiracy case for actions while he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and to Misappropriation of Public Funds (Penal Code 424) while he was County Assessor in that separate case. The remaining charges would be dismissed. There was no agreement on sentence. Postmus would face a maximum of 5 years in State Prison for the above three charges. The Court may take into consideration his degree of cooperation at the time of pronouncement of judgment. Postmus’ admission today to a Conflict of Interest may lead to further proceedings in the civil courts seeking to void the $102 million Colonies settlement. His next court appearance will be October 14, 2011, for a Status Conference.
iePolitics: The Postmus plea
The hits are a little high so I know everyone is waiting for an update. I have to get an Examiner story done first, which I will cross post here, and then there will be a post on the behind-the-scenes issues that led up to today. If you are a regular reader of the blog, we have given you lots of hints this was coming and the reasons for it, but I will spell it out with as much detail as I can reveal later tonight. It may be midnight or later before its posted, so if you are not a night owl like me, it will be top story in the morning. Continue reading
iePolitics: Postmus accepts plea deal
In a relatively sudden turn of events, former Assessor and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors accepted a plea deal in both the Assessor’s Office corruption scandal and the Colonies Settlement scandal. He agreed to plead guilty to one count of misappropriations of funds in the Assessor’s Office case and to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy and one 1090 violation in the Colonies case. The agreement is contingent upon his truthful testimony in both cases.
This story will be updated as the evening goes on.
iePolitics: Happy 180 days Bill
It’s hard to believe that it has been six months since I awoke to a text message from the Daily Press stating that Bill had been arrested in court for being under the influence. But six months it has been and what a wild six months at that!
The first 90 days were tough and I had my doubts many times. From brutal court days to betrayal after betrayal by those who owe their careers to him, there were plenty of excuses to use. But Bill had made a commitment to himself and to God and his parents that with their help he would make it this time. With time his commitment became more controlling than the drug.
iePolitics: Colonies Partner’s wife draws line in the sand
I’m sure some may have read Sally Creb’s comment below. Here is an excerpt:
Let’s hear some facts, how is my husband “linked in various ways” to the corruption in this County, anymore than you are? Because he is a “Burum associate”? You are right there, but more importantly, he is Jeff’s friend, and need I remind you, Jeff has not been charged or arrested for anything, unlike your associates. Based on your rationalization, and not knowing you, should I assume you are a drug addict or criminal by your association with Postmus?
This is the first time someone associated with one of the partners has publicly suggested that perhaps a corruption scandal figure is guilty of exactly what former Attorney General Jerry Brown and District Attorney Mike Ramos has accused them of.
iePolitics: Five months today clean and sober
Congrats Bill. You made it through another month. Looking forward to 180 days.
iePolitics: Predictions for 2011
First off, it’s a little late in the day, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. Let’s start with the easy predictions first.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
If the Federal Bureau of Investigation has control of the investigation and is conducting it thoroughly, we have every reason to believe that Mark Uffer, Josie Gonzales, Paul Biane, Dr. Dev GnanaDev, and Jessica Brown will be indicted. There could be numerous other elected and appointed officials involved as well but those are the names we hear were on the search warrants.
This prediction is based on my own observations while I worked at ARMC as well as talking with those that were required to provide officials with service. My former desk partner had worked in the emergency room and was responsible for processing in many “VIPs.”
iePolitics: So who is going to be arrested next?
Editor: You have to read down to the very end of this article to see that Ramos claims there may be more arrests in 2011.
Corruption probes cast wide net
Investigators pursue cases across county
Posted: 12/30/2010 05:47:55 PM PST
Updated: 12/30/2010 06:49:15 PM PST
The past year has been fraught with scandal in San Bernardino County as state and local prosecutors charged two former county officials in a sweeping corruption complaint related to a $102million land dispute and convicted a third former county official on charges of fraud, theft and conspiracy.Also in 2010, federal investigators raided the county’s Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Upland City Hall in what appear to be unrelated investigations.
iePolitics: Has Barb found religion?
Barb Stanton
It seems Barb Stanton has seen the light. Anyone who ever listened to her radio show for more than five minutes knows that she could not get through three sentences in a row without finding some way to blame former-Assessor Bill Postmus for something . . . anything . . . extrovert. There is no one she made more vile, vicious and often iniquitous comments about.
That was then. This is now . . . now that she has become a Apple Valley Town mayor pro tem. She has seen the light.
iePolitics: Is Mark Kirk the last John Doe Standing?
Mark Kirk
All of the corruption figures and John Does are now off of the Fifth Floor and elsewhere in the county—except for John Doe No. 4, that is. Bill Postmus, defendant; Jim Erwin, defendant; Greg Eyler, defendant; Rex Gutierrez, prisoner; and Paul Biane, John Doe No. 5 are all gone. Somehow Mark Kirk has avoided arrest and prosecution so far. But we hear the investigation is far from over.
Capitol Weekly: Enviros target Fish & Game commissioner
Editor’s Note: This is John Doe No. 2
State Fish and Game Commissioner Dan Richards is also a developer with a history of clashing with environmental groups.
Now those groups are trying to play hardball to get him removed, alleging undisclosed conflicts of interests — and an intimate involvement in the saga of disgraced San Bernardino County assessor Bill Postmus. The environmentalists’ initial attack was dismissed in the courts, but they say others are coming.
Richards, meanwhile, has denied all wrongdoing.
iePolitics: 120 Days Clean and Sober
It seems these milestones occur so quickly. Perhaps that is because with each passing day Bill Postmus’ sobriety becomes so much more pronounced. I never knew this Bill and watching as he regains his strength, fortitude, and memory demonstrates to me why he was such a force to be reckoned with during his first four years in office.
iePolitics: DA Liar No. 2 – Part Three
Bob Smith
How would you feel if you had a substance abuse problem, asked for help, and then found out that the person who was helping was using his position to gather information about you? That is exactly what Bob Smith has done.
Former San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Assessor’s Department employee Bob Smith has been a recovering alcoholic for years. He is a member of Sheriff’s Department SEAT Team, which assists deputy sheriffs who are willing to admit they have a substance abuse problem get into rehab.
iePolitics: Fifty days ago
When I wrote “Forty Days and Forty Nights,” I had no idea I would get the amount of feedback I did on it. It didn’t receive a lot of comments on the blog, but it did generate a tremendous number of private emails and phone calls, all of which were positive. Of all of the blog entries I have ever written, only “Bloodstains” came close to rivaling the emotional response of “Forty.”
Unlike some of the trolls here on the blog, those who contacted me privately were concerned about Bill Postmus, the person, more than the headlines. They understand we all have our demons but most of us don’t have to deal with them on the front page of the newspaper for months and years. They understand both the struggles of trying to stay clean and the importance and significance what he had accomplished under the circumstances in which he had accomplished it.
iePolitics: Judge Smith drops total of three charges in corruption case
This afternoon Judge Michael A. Smith dropped one of two charges against former Taxpayer Advocate Greg Eyler and two of ten charges against former Assessor Bill Postmus at the close of today’s preliminary hearing. Attorneys for the defendants will now decide what motions will be filed to address those charges that were bound over.
iePolitics: Email hacking
iePolitics: Former Postmus friend illegally accesses email
Sources are telling iePolitics that a former Postmus friend and her fiancé, a 24-year Army veteran, have been accessing his email illegally until recently. In the context of yesterday’s revelations that Adam Aleman wore a wire even before the plea deal, we can only guess who or what is behind this. Sources are saying that Postmus is filing a criminal complaint against these two individuals. More to come.
SBGrapevine: Editorial: Time for the Board of Supervisors to Initiate an Investigation of Supervisor Biane
Supervisor Paul Biane
As details of San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane’s run-in with the law while attending a football game in Indiana come to light, it is becoming apparent a cover-up took place. For five long years Biane hid his dirty little secret from his colleagues and his constituents. With the four remaining supervisors each affirming their dedication to transparency, initiating an investigation into Biane’s misdeeds is the right thing to do.
Two years ago county supervisors expressed outrage when then-Assessor Bill Postmus was accused of substance abuse and violation of county policies. We now learn that one of those very same supervisors has his own issues with substance abuse and violation of county policies. Unlike Postmus, Supervisor Biane has already been found guilty of the crime and has offered no proof he has complied with county policy in reporting his arrest and subsequent conviction.
iePolitics: No reason to let the truth get in the way of a conviction
According to Adam Aleman, Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum called former Assessor Bill Postmus and told him to give Rex Gutierrez a job. And the District Attorneys office is quite happy to let the jury think that. It makes their story of a grand conspiracy all the more believable. There is one problem. DA investigators never bothered to follow up on Aleman’s claim to verify it.
The truth is a little different. What actually happened, had the investigators bothered to ask, is Burum and Jim Erwin were talking, as they often do since they are friends. Burum mentioned Gutierrez and the fact he needed a job closer to home. Burum asked if there were any jobs open in the Assessor’s Office—ANY!
SBGrapevine: Editorial: Paul Biane: A Stain on San Bernardino County
Supervisor Paul Biane
San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Paul Biane fancies himself to be a crime fighter. Just ask him. Or better yet, check out his campaign mailers where he takes credit for exposing the current corruption scandal. He seems to forget he is named as John Doe No. 5 in the scandal he is claiming responsibility for uncovering. In other words, he exposed his own wrongdoing. And in his mind that means he should be re-elected to office.
Biane’s memory of past events seems to be failing. For example, we find out today he forgot to tell his constituents about his other criminal activity, that is, until he was reminded of it by an article in The Sun. Not telling us until now about his arrest five years ago for driving under the influence while in Illinois could be just an oversight we suppose. But exactly how does one forget for four years that his driver’s license was suspended? It seems he should have been reminded of that each time he turned the key in the ignition of his county-owned vehicle.
Biane’s memory got faulty again when he returned home from Illinois. He forgot to mention his arrest when he returned to his job. Employees who drive county-owned vehicles are required to report any vehicle-related arrests to their supervisor, or in this case, Chairman Bill Postmus, or at very least, then-County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer. Biane forgot . . . again.
iePolitics: The DA’s office continues to pound
Bud Randle and Co. seem enthralled with Bill Postmus’ personal life, which likely means some of them have their own issues in that area if you know what I mean. Yep, lots of rednecks have secret alternative lifestyles preferences.
Rather than concentrating their cases on his “criminal” activity, they have been far more interested in his love life. Their exploitation has become egregious to the point that it seems they are purposely attempting to push him over the edge. This time around the harassment is strengthening his resolve rather than weakening it. I am happy to say that Bill now has 70 days clean and sober and the random drug tests to prove it. Wonder what Bud will try next?
SBGrapevine: Editorial: Time for the US Department of Justice to Step in: Compelled to Deceive – Part Three
Adam Aleman
Are you listening US Attorney? San Bernardino County is in crisis. It is a crisis that mocks our justice system; one that distorts the truth; and one where integrity is a forgotten. Bringing about justice is no longer the highest priority of our county prosecutors; winning at any and all cost is their goal—a goal that has little to do integrity, truth or . . . justice.
There are many lesser-known stories of justice gone awry in our county. Ours starts with a little-known manager at the local Outback Steakhouse who went on to make headlines. His name is familiar to all of us. It is Adam Aleman.
Aleman caught the attention of then-Supervisor Bill Postmus many years ago. He eventually left Outback Steakhouse to become a member of Postmus’ Board of Supervisors staff.
iePolitics: A much calmer courtroom
Bob Schrieber
The atmosphere in Judge Michael Smith’s courtroom today was 180 degrees opposite of just a week ago. Much of that likely had to do with a notable absence, PIU boss Bob Schreiber, who was never to be seen today. Even the bailiff seemed to have a change of heart and tried to be helpful.
The always-bigoted Bud Hollis toned down his testimony as well today as he got lesson after lesson about telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. He had to admit that he had never read county policy regarding exempt employees. For example, during three years of investigation and a price tag already of $4 million, he had never bothered to read the part of the Exempt Compensation Plan that says: Continue reading
SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part Two
Are you listening US Attorney? San Bernardino County is in crisis. The principles our nation were founded on are being undermined by the very person sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States—the person charged with enforcing the Constitution and all state and local laws at the county level.
When one reads the California District Attorneys Association Code of Ethics reprinted in Part One of this series, it is easy to see its President and our county’s District Attorney, Mike Ramos, has broken every concept put forth in that document. He flagrantly violates those ethical standards while claiming to be in the pursuit of “justice.”
iePolitics: Congratulations Bill
Today marks 60 days clean and sober. The second 30 days were definitely more of a challenge than the first 30 but days like this past Friday seem to make Bill’s resolve all the stronger. Looking forward to Day 90. Congratulations Bill!
SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part One
District Attorney Mike Ramos
Are you listening United States Attorney? San Bernardino County is in crisis. Oh yes, we have financial problems like every other jurisdiction but we will get through them in due time. Our crisis is a much more serious threat to our citizenry. It is a crisis of ethics, of safety, and of fear.
Our crisis undermines the feeling of security and well being of law-abiding citizens. It mocks those who gave their blood to protect the Constitution of the United States. It is as evil a crisis as any American community can face.
Our crisis centers around the political aspirations of our district attorney who uses his powers, not just to prosecute criminals, but to persecute political enemies. Justice no longer equates with truth but rather revenge.
California Government Code Section 26500 defines the district attorney as the chief law enforcement officer in the county. It is one of only four positions in any county that is required by the California Constitution to be elected. The others are sheriff, assessor and members of the governing body.
The California District Attorneys Association defines the ethical duties of prosecutors as follows:
iePolitics: More about the Postmus prelim
If my health holds up this weekend, there will be stories about what happened today and about the criminal case all weekend long. I thought I would share a few more tidbits.
Lewis Cope is a Mormon. I have found most Mormons to be good people. But then there are those that try to force their church’s bigoted attitudes on everyone else. When one is a District Attorney, they should be enforcing state law, not church law. Cope has a different view.
iePolitics: Games being played by District Attorney in Judge Smith’s courtroom
I could have subtitled this “My morning with Bill” because being friends with Bill Postmus never leaves a dull moment. This morning was no exception. There will be several entries detailing all that happened this morning.
A few days ago Bill asked me if I would attend his preliminary hearing today. He simply wanted a little moral support for a change. I’ve been sick all week, and this morning was no exception, but I managed to make it to the courthouse before the hearing started.
I had no intention of blogging about today as I was there as a friend. I did not have a computer with me and I only planned to observe. But the District Attorney’s office had other ideas.
Bill and Jim had a hearing on the case they share just before Bill’s preliminary hearing with Greg Eyler. We were all waiting in the hall but the hall had to be cleared to get a chain gang from another courtroom, so the bailiff allowed us to sit in Judge Smith’s courtroom where the preliminary hearing was scheduled to be held.
iePolitics: Cost benefit analysis – not!
We know we don’t have many qualified analysts in county government. Nothing could be more obvious with two facts that came out this week.
We discovered that the investigation of the century has so far cost the District Attorney’s Office over $4 million. No, it costs taxpayers over $4 million. Does anyone realize how much fraud Bill Postmus has been accused of that they are trying to collect on?
I don’t have the exact amount but it is between $1100 and $1200. Even if convicted, does anyone think he is going to do jail time for that? Do all of you really believe this matter is worth over $4 million?
What’s funny is that the only possible conviction outside of Adam they could get in these cases is Greg Eyler AND that is only if he somehow chickens out and takes a plea deal. But don’t count on it.
One of his charges MUST be dropped altogether for reasons I will not explain. And the other charge MUST be reduced to a misdemeanor. On the latter, the law is totally on his side so he would be a fool to take a plea just to get on with life a little sooner. As long as he can hang on, his cases will go away.
InlandPolitics: Conspiracy evidence reinforces ‘politically-motivated’ allegation
“I am always troubled when the publicity regarding a case exceeds the evidence,” Levenson said. “It creates these incredibly high expectations, and it’s very damaging to the defendants, and we don’t even know if the evidence will support the charges.”
Laurie LevensonFormer Federal Prosecutor and Professor of LawLoyola Law School(Excerpt from article printed in The Sun on 08/26/2010)
Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 3:00 p.m.
What a difference six months can make.
After nearly a year and a half of making claims of political retaliation. The facts seem to be coming home to roost.
The defendants in the alleged conspiracy case involving the $102 million dollar settlement between the County of San Bernardino and Colonies Partners have now received substantial evidence in the case, including the grand jury testimony of current and former county supervisors, former county administrative officer Mark Uffer and his moral compass, various county staffers, and other witnesses.
iePolitics: D-Day is nearing
Today’s article by Joe Nelson of the Sun is almost amusing to those of us who have been close to San Bernardino County’s “biggest corruption scandal in the county’s history.” Joe has finally figured out what we have been telling him for a year or so now. Yes, D-Day is nearing and it ain’t gonna be pretty.
The local media has not missed a beat in the years-long corruption scandal. There has been nary a day without a headline or two referencing some aspect of the ongoing investigation, arrests, and prosecution.
But the reporting has been a bit skewed. Well, actually, some reporters have seemed incapable of critical thinking or even basic investigative reporting. Almost all have taken a “if Mike Ramos said it, it must be true” approach to these stories.
SbGrapevine: Brad Mitzelfelt: The Rise to Power (Road to the Chairmanship?)
Brad Mitzelfelt
At over 17,000 square miles, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt holds the distinction of being the local elected official for an area larger than nine states. His First District is the largest county district in the lower 48 states. The fact that that there are only seven incorporated cities with relatively small spheres of influence within that expanse only increases the enormity of the job.
Mitzelfelt began his life in public service by joining the United States Marine Corps in 1986, where he served his country as part of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. He was a public affairs specialist. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and served a total of ten years between active duty and reserves.
iePolitics: Forty days and forty nights
The text I received two days ago read, “38 days clean and sober.” Thirty-eight days out of a lifetime isn’t even a drop in the bucket, but for someone going through the recovery process, every successful minute is precious and hard fought.
Hours later Bill and I were texting back and forth with information for an article I was working on. As the project was nearly complete, I received a text that read, “You’re learning more about politics than you ever wanted to know.”
InlandPolitics: The Insider: Was Jerry Brown lied to?
- Written by The Insider
- Posted August 29, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Sunday, August 29, 2010 – 2:40 pm
It’s finally crunch time in the multi-year corruption probe launched by San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.
And one has to wonder what Ramos told Attorney General Jerry Brown in regards to his evidence?
There’s a bigger question starting to be asked by some close to the investigation.
Was Brown lied to?
iePolitics: So Brad, we thought we would help advertise your appearance
That’s right Supervisor Mitzelfelt. Since you are going to be on the radio tomorrow, iePolitics thought we would make sure more than Barb’s regular 25 listeners tuned in. Barb says a lot of things about you, especially on her internet show. It will be interesting to see if she is brave enough to say those things directly to you. I thought I would share some of the things she has claimed on her shows with you so that you would have a heads up. But first, let me share the video she made of you, Bill and Tad with all of our readers. It hasn’t had a lot of views yet and I want to help y’all change that. Here it is:
Here is a list of claims she has made about you. You should have plenty of time to practice your answers.