Now we are hearing that convicted corruption figure Jeff Gibson is going to be your campaign manager? Jeff Gibson . . . really? I’ve heard he does all of your and Megan’s dirty work for you but do you really think this is such a good idea? I hear that other than Jessie, your staff can’t stand him. And he is a convicted political corruption figure. Use some sense!
Really, I did. Of course, it came from the campaign and I’m sure heads will roll for that ghastly mistake. I will say, however, that I was impressed that it said “Merry Christmas” and not some other politically correct greeting. He knows his constituency!! I’m still impressed though because we have been seeing a new Brad lately—one that has grown a bit of a backbone.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors this week failed to collect the required four votes to ratify county chief executive officer Greg Devereaux’s recommended mid-year budget adjustments.
Under the county charter, four votes are required to make routine after-the-fact changes to the yearly budget passed to cover the governmental fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June 30.
Currently, supervisor Neil Derry must abstain from any votes impacting the expenditure of federal funds because he was charged with violating campaign contribution reporting regulations in April. Derry has not yet been given by the federal government clearance to cast such votes, despite a plea arrangement arrived at in August that saw him plead guilty to a single misdemeanor campaign reporting violation and the dismissal of two more serious felony counts. The county’s budget contains some revenue that originates with the federal government. Federal funds cannot legally be disbursed by an elected official accused or convicted of a felony.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt
This information came from a former Fifth Floor staffer. It seems that Megan took it upon herself to send a letter/email to all five supervisorial districts regarding issues at County Fire. Can anyone shed some light?
Editor’s Note: This post was sent to iePolitics. I found it very interesting because I, too, have been a victim of Brad Mitzelfelt trying to convince prospective employers not to hire me. As a matter of fact, two different people, both of whom Brad thought I was working for, were approached by Brad and/or Megan Mitzelfelt in an attempt to have me fired. Yes, that is right. Megan also tried to use her influence as the PIO at County Fire to have me fired from a job I did not even have. What she doesn’t seem to understand is just how many people at County Fire/Special Districts hate her and the way she throws her weight around as Brad’s wife to try to get special privileges. So this stuff always gets back to me. Hey Megan, 420 time?
Credible information has come to light that implicates certain members of the Board of Supervisors and their attempts to interfere with former CAO Mark Uffer’s employment attempts. It seems that firing him wasn’t enough for the supervisors that were involved; they wanted to make sure he was not employable as well. Cooperating with the authorities aside, it seems that they really wanted to damage him. The supervisors fired him for no cause instead of allowing him to resign then disparage him subsequently in public forums.
It looks like Victorville mayor Ryan McEachron is serious about running for Congress in the 8th District. He will join Gregg Imus, who has already declared. Among others we have heard showing interest in the new seat are First District supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, Victorville councilwoman Angela Valles, Assemblyman Steve Knight, Senator Sharon Runner, former Assemblyman Anthony Adams, and Board of Equalization member George Runner.
Yesterday I posted a story on Examiner.com regarding the verbal assault by San Bernardino County Executive Officer Greg Devereaux against Supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry. Derry’s Marine background served him well as he went on the offensive and bombarded the Devil with a barrage of missiles aimed right at the Devil himself.
But it seems our other Fifth Floor Marine, Brad Mitzelfelt, ran for cover. Unlike Derry, who issued a lengthy press release to remind everyone what an ass the Devil is, Mitzelfelt ran for cover never to be seen. There was one tiny quote in the newspaper.
We here at iePolitics wonder when Mitzelfelt will grow a backbone.
First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
I had asked the question about MACs and the Brown Act a few days ago. Interestingly enough, I had not looked at the last BOS agenda until just now. On it was an ordinance to establish some control over MACs.
Clearly, the Havasu Lake MAC was in violation of several aspects of the Brown Act. Despite the fact that the total blame for that rests with Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt who refused to force the MAC to abide by state law, I have been blamed by the First District for its demise.
Linda Haugan
I shall not go into details of the circumstances but today I had a situation that needed Board of Supervisors’ intervention. County Executive Officer Greg Devereaux was asked by a board office to look into the situation.
Now, I have heard a variety of things about employees who choose to cross Devereaux. I have certainly been led to believe that lying to the man would not be a good idea.
And there was a time when an employee, any employee, but especially a director or an AAO, lied to a board member or to the CEO, it would result in an instant boot out the door.
SACRAMENTO • The finalized drafts for new Congressional districts leave the High Desert without a representative.
Congressional drafts released last week lump most of the High Desert from the 41st and 25th Congressional districts into a new 8th District, but doesn’t include representatives Buck McKeon (R-25) or Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-41).
A spokesman for Lewis said the congressman had not made any decisions about whether he would move to the 8th District — where most of his current constituents are — because he hopes the drafts aren’t approved.
Lewis isn’t satisfied with the latest draft lines and how they split close communities like San Bernardino and Highland into different districts, said Jim Specht from Lewis’ office.
“He doesn’t feel it does a great job at all in reflecting communities of interest in that area,” Specht said.
Brad Mitzelfelt, San Bernardino County’s 1st district supervisor, said he would run in the 8th District if Lewis didn’t.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
No More Brad
We have had two major groundbreakings this week that will pour millions of dollars into the Victor Valley economy and create hundreds of badly needed jobs. Politicos from local and state governments came out for both—well, that is, except for Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. Once again, he was missing in action. I guess he figured he wouldn’t raise any campaign funds at these events so there was no point in attending.
Editor’s Note: Please read and comment on the story on the Examiner website.
First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
SAN BERNARDINO – In an effort to comply with the requirements of Senate Bill 375, San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is inviting high desert residents to participate in a regional planning process in the high desert town of Apple Valley on Wednesday to explain why the desert lifestyle is unique and should not be subject to air quality policies aimed at more urbanized areas. The First District is the largest supervisorial district in the contiguous 48 states. It borders Los Angeles and Kern counties as well as reaches to the Nevada and Arizona state lines.
In a press release issued today, Mitzelfelt said, “I encourage High Desert residents to attend the meeting and explain to regional planners and policymakers why the desert lifestyle is special and not suited to high density development strategies being pushed by new greenhouse gas regulations. If regional planners and air quality regulators want desert residents to reduce the number of miles they spend in their vehicles, the best way to do that is to create high-quality local jobs here.”
I submitted a California Public Records Act request last month regarding the legal bill to fight former Human Resources director Elizabeth Sanchez in her suit against the county after she was terminated. Those who remember know it had to do with personal vendetta by then-Supervisors Dennis Hansberger and County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer. Former County Counsel Ruth Stringer, who aligned herself with those two against other supervisors, kept the battle going all the way to the California Supreme Court. After all, she had an unlimited supply of taxpayer money to fund the vendetta.
Several weeks ago it was announced that the county settled for $200,000. According to David Wert, the county’s legal bill for this vendetta so far is $358,355. I have asked him if that is the total amount, or simply what has been paid out so far.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
That is certainly what this editorial suggests. And the supes wonder why rank and file are not so keen on the idea of giving up raises, paying more for medical benefits, and contributing more towards their retirement.
Seriously, the current five members of the Board of Supervisors are the greediest bunch of bastards I think have ever resided on the Fifth Floor. I suspect that not only county employees and the press are tired of their largesse, but the public as a whole is too.
This is a couple of days late but I have to say First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has a little more backbone than I imagined. Brad voted “no” on the county budget on Tuesday.
Besides the fact the budget seems balanced with a combination of smoke and mirrors and on the backs of the employees who do all the real work in this county, it also took discretionary funds away from the board. I have mixed feelings about that.
I received two Facebook messages today. The first was from Denny Nowicki. He said he IS considering a run!!!!!!!! I’m so excited. That is the first real hope of a legitimate candidate we have had. I’m hoping he is going to let me do an interview with him. Denny is a Captain in the Army Reserve and just returned from Iraq. He is very bright and politically savvy. He would be a great addition to the Fifth Floor.
He won’t make a decision for a while. But those of you who want Brad gone, get on Facebook and encourage him!!!! He needs to know he will have a base of support.
I have all the gossip about Brad’s fundraiser yesterday, because you know I have spies EVERYWHERE!! 
But I’m really finding myself in a predicament.
I really, really want to see a new First District supervisor but I don’t like the possible choices. The two main people we hear that are planning a run against Brad are Joe Brady and Rita Vogler. Some say Rita is not running but it is obvious Al is gearing up for something. Although I like Rita, I cannot stand Al and having Al at BOS meetings trying to control Rita is a nauseating thought.
VICTORVILLE • Because local hospitals can’t accommodate violent mental patients, local sheriff’s officials must transport them to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have had no local alternative since Victor Valley Community Hospital closed its behavioral health unit in April 2005.
The situation requires deputies to spend time transporting the patients when they could be patrolling local streets. On average, it takes an official half a day to take the mental patient to ARMC and return to the Victor Valley, according to sheriff’s officials.
Known as the 5150 hold, law enforcement officers in California can involuntarily confine the mentally ill who may pose danger to themselves or others.
Deputies hand over the patients to the hospital personnel and complete the required paperwork before they can leave the hospital, sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller said. The hospital then becomes responsible for the patients.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
We are being told that two San Bernardino County Supervisorial districts are in the process of letting their staffs know there will be one or more staff members laid off. We also hear that despite the fact that San Bernardino County general employees could see hundreds among their ranks laid off, Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who has one of the largest staffs, has refused to cut staff.
No More Brad
So you should be used to a woman talking down to you and bossing you around. At least this one isn’t high.
“I will not give consent on this, based on your tone,” Brad Mitzelfelt told Gonzales.
You are too old to finally grow a pair, so live with it, will you! Your incompetence helped to put Josie where she’s at.
No More Brad
VICTORVILLE • While the United States economy added more than 200,000 jobs for the third straight month, local residents may still feel like they’re in the middle of the Great Recession.
The data supports that feeling, as the northwestern area of Victorville saw some of the worst job losses in Southern California over the past year, according to a recent study.
Because the area lacks a qualified workforce and relies heavily on industries hit hard by the downturn, experts predict it will take the High Desert longer than other California regions to see enough job growth to compensate for losses.
“The problem here is what’s happening everywhere else is not happening in the High Desert,” said Peter Allan, professor of business and economics at Victor Valley College. “The recession hurts the High Desert more than anyone else because most of the employees have entry-level or nonskilled jobs. I tell students you can’t get a job unless you have skills.”
The recession in the 1990s also lingered several years longer in the High Desert than other places, Allan said.
The Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis at the University of Redlands School of Business created a map illustrating year-over-year job growth from March 2010 to March 2011 in Southern California. The researchers said whether or not you feel the economic recovery may depend on where you live and work.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Check out the letter to the editor on NoMoreBrad: Letter
No More Brad
Dear Sharon
Back in the good ol’days of the freshly appointed Mitzelfelt Administration, back before all of this recent nastiness, back when Brad still had something to say…..
Brad described, for the press, his role in the recently departed regime of his predecessor, First District Supervisor Bill Postmus, it went something like this:
“The Chief of Staff is the most knowledgeable person in the district, being briefed on every issue, sometimes knowing more than even the Supervisor himself.”
The first Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) complaint I ever filed was against First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and Reggie King from Young Homes. I can’t remember the details except that King was trying to hide his campaign contribution through a defunct corporation or something like that. I believe I filed under the money laudering section of the code. Brad was required to amend his FPPC 460 and King received a warning letter.
In a highly symbolic vote tonight, Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett, Apple Valley Town Councilman Curt Emick, and San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt voted to terminate the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority’s (VVEDA) contract with attorney Andre de Bortnowsky, who has represented VVEDA since 1991. deBortnowsky has increasingly come under fire since the election of Victorville City Councilwoman Angela Valles and Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett last November. Blewett and Valles both contend his dual appointment to VVEDA and as city attorney for Victorville is a conflict of interest. A request for proposals will be issued to obtain new legal counsel.
Representatives from Adelanto and Victorville voted against the change. Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron, who is the city’s representative on VVEDA, is said to have showed his anger over the vote. Adelanto’s representative indicated they voted no simply because of their city’s financial condition and fear that the change could cost additional money. Councilwoman Valles, who is not on the board, attended the meeting and spoke during the public comment section.
It is appearing that Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt continues to cover for his previous MAC appointee and his wife. We are being told that the Sheriff’s DR has been lost en route to the District Attorney and Mitzelfelt’s office is being secretive.
I was asked to pass along our “thanks” to the tribal chairman out there. I’m afraid that as I type this, his name has completely slipped my mind, but THANK YOU anyway. Amazing what can be done when politicians are left out of the equation.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
A while back First District chief of staff David Zook accused me of destroying the Havasu Lake Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). Why? Because after a year of the citizens out there trying to get Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to do something about the three-time felon who was serving on the MAC, I started reporting on the issues. You see, Brad not only had a MAC member with serious felony convictions, but he had members that had never been approved by the board. There was also issues with the minutes turning up missing and strong arming against the citizens who showed up by the three-time felon. As I said, this was all my fault as we all know I have control over what Brad does and doesn’t do.
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.
Both the Sun and Press Enterprise are running stories tonight to tell you what we already did. Four supervisors are being subpoenaed—Brad Mitzelfelt, Neil Derry, Gary Ovitt, and Josie Gonzales—to testify before a special grand jury convened since former Assessor Bill Postmus signed a plea deal to cooperate in the ongoing corruption investigations.
No More Brad
So are you gonna be a hypocrite tomorrow? I sure hope the medical marijuana advocates point out your hypocrisy in public session for the whole world to see. It would be about time.
Mitzelfelt: Problem boils down to accountability, communication
VICTORVILLE • San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has joined Hesperia in demanding details on how Victorville has been handling a regional redevelopment agency’s more than $300 million in outstanding debt.
The multiple requests for information come as the regional agency governing Southern California Logistics Airport is facing dire financial straits, including cash-flow shortages and debt service that’s exceeding revenue.
SAN BERNARDINO – Landfills owned by the County of San Bernardino could soon double as solar power plants thanks to the Board of Supervisors’ approval today of an option to lease part of the Victorville Sanitary Landfill site for solar energy development.
“At my request, the County in December 2009 began seeking companies to develop renewable energy projects on county-owned landfill sites,” said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. “This program has several benefits. It provides another avenue for the state to meet its renewable energy goals; the county will see a steady revenue stream from leasing these otherwise unused areas, and developers of solar projects can avoid many of the problems often associated with finding suitable sites.”
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors appointed Rod Hoops to the position of Sheriff despite our warnings and the warnings of others that he had many skeletons in his closet. And now that a very large skeleton is becoming public despite all of their attempts to keep it hidden, it is time for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to reverse its action and remove Hoops if he does not resign on his own.
Life has been A LOT busy lately, and honestly, some things I just don’t care enough about to bother answer justifying my actions. However, I have a lull right now and thought I would take a few moments to explain a little about what happened with LaJolla, Traci Dean, Little Stevie Wonder (Steve Rogers), etc.
Back on January 5 I met with Traci Dean and Patricia Winkler for the first time. I was aware of Traci for quite some time through Barb’s website and Traci’s postings on iePolitics. I decided it was time to compare notes.
No More Brad
I thought I would take a moment and thank everyone for your support of the NoMoreBrad site. Even though I haven’t posted a lot of stories yet, it really is getting the hits. I just noticed that there were 13 readers on it at one time. It took several years for iePolitics to have that kind of readership. NoMoreBrad has only been up for a couple of months and grows by the day.
A message to Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, Mark Kirk, and Matt Brown. Remember the number 400.
No More Brad
iePolitics has learned that the Vice Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Brad Mitzelfelt, has instructed staff that under no circumstances will dispensaries be approved in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. This comes on the heels of information that his wife, Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt, is/was a recreational marijuana user.
This is hypocrisy at its worse. Brad looks the other way when his wife wants to get high but prevents critically or terminally ill patients from easy access to relieve their pain with a natural substance.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
Buck Johns
A little over a month ago we linked to this Daily Press story about a possible run for county supervisor by former Victorville City Councilman Terry Caldwell. We opined that his campaign would be short lived as we expect both Caldwell and one of his biggest supporters, William “Buck” Johns, to be taken away in handcuffs. We based that opinion of chatter we are hearing from those close to the three separate investigations into the city of Victorville by county and federal agencies centered on projects closely tied to Johns.
We also thought it odd that at 72 Caldwell would be thinking about a BOS run in two years. Caldwell is hardly a respected political figure in the Victor Valley but with Johns’ money behind him could make a decent showing. Now we are hearing that the announcement was simply a ploy by Buck Johns to get Mitzelfelt’s attention. He appears to have accomplished his goal.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
I need to talk to you guys regarding the expected San Bernardino County Planning Commission’s ban on dispensaries in the county and how it relates to marijuana use by members of the Board of Supervisors, their staffs, and their family members. Please contact me at iepolitics2010@gmail.com. Please spread the word asap.
Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt
I have several new things to add regarding Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt’s status with the county. Here are the responses to my CPRA request to County Fire:
1. Megan’s start date and end date as PIO. August 4, 2007 to March 13, 2010
To read the rest of the story, click here.
This is what Measure P said on your ballot:
Measure P – County of
San Bernardino – Ballot Text
PROPOSED COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT NUMBER THIRTY-EIGHT TO ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND TO ESTABLISH A REVISED FORMULA FOR DETERMINING SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. “Shall the Charter of the County of San Bernardino be amended to establish term limits for members of the Board of Supervisors and to establish a revised formula for determining salaries of members of the Board of Supervisors?”
YesNo
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
Okay Brad, so you got one of your political hacks to get a political law attorney to threaten me with a lawsuit over my postings on iePolitics. I’d be willing to bet this was a political favor and nothing more as Mr. Wold practices political law, not libel. What is interesting about that is that particular law firm has had someone there who has read the blog for a couple of years.
Mr. Wold graduated from Stanford sometime in the sixties, which would put him at about 70 years of age. My own attorney graduated from UCLA about the same time. One would never know my attorney is also pushing 70. Normally, 70 really isn’t that old.
Megan Blaney Mitzelfelt
I hear you’re gonna sue me if I write about you and Megan any more. Well . . ..
So, you really think the fact that your wife was given a high-paying cushy job with the County of San Bernardino after you took office is not a matter of public concern? Personally, I think it takes a hell of a lot of nerve for you two to think that is okay.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Paul Biane
So why is former Supervisor Paul Biane still in charge of the Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation? According to their website:
The IEERC is a non-profit, public-benefit corporation organized to create public-private partnerships for the purposes of stabilizing Inland Empire neighborhoods and communities, preventing and reducing blight, and to address the home foreclosure problems in the Inland Empire.
The IEERC uses a mix of public dollars and private investments to purchase, rehabilitate, and resell foreclosed homes in the Inland Empire.
Sources are saying that Biane is refusing to resign from the position even though he lost the election. He wants to keep his hand in managing government money and we know he has a history of finding a way to benefit himself.
We hear Mitzelfelt wants to become chairman and Rutherford vice chairman. Since this is a corporation that was created by the Board of Supervisors, we shall see if Biane has the votes to remain on the board or be removed.
Numerous sources are telling iePolitics that Dennis Hansberger is bored and wants his old job back. Former BOS Chairman Ovitt appointed Hansberger to a board without consulting first with Supervisor Derry.
Hansberger is working with Supervisor Josie Gonzales to deliver payback to Supervisors Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt. The chatter is that both Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Supervisor Janice Rutherford have aligned themselves with Josie against Derry and Mitzelfelt.
The year was 2006. If you voted in 2006, you probably voted to do just that.
A county charter is similar to a state constitution or the Constitution of the United States. It can only be changed by a vote of the residents of that county.
San Bernardino is one of only 14 counties in California which is governed by a County Charter. San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor salary is part of the County Charter.
It’s been over a year since we first started writing about the abuses at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), San Bernardino County’s only county-run hospital. And it’s been over six months since doctors appeared at the Board of Supervisors meeting to express their own concerns. During this same period of time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided ARMC and took boxes of records.
And how has our Board of Supervisors responded? Do I have to ask? We all know the answer.
So you don’t like it that we are bringing out some long hidden truths? Well, understand, we have only just begun. You see, you refuse to do your job and all us little people can’t do anything about the Andrew Lamberto’s, Nancy Swanson’s, Ruth Stringer’s, and Linda Haugan’s of the world. So we shall hold those who can, the Board of Supervisors, responsible for the actions of their subordinates.
You don’t like Megan being picked on? Well, first of all you had no problem pulling strings for her in county government that you won’t pull for constituents with legitimate issues.