Now the flip side of that is the pissing match between the FBI and defense counsel.  It seems that some of the accusations by the defense would only make the FBI all the more intent of finding something to charge the Colonies Four with at the federal level.

Somehow I don’t expect to see a lot of answers  until at least January.  One thing can be said though.  This is the case that keeps giving and giving:  intrigue, billing opportunities, blog entries, newspaper stories, bad reputations.

Burum spent $45,273.66 at the store — $12,675 for Erwin’s watch and $18,100 for a Breguet Heritage Grande watch for O’Reilly, according to receipts prosecutors provided as evidence. In his testimony, Burum confirmed the amounts, paid for with his black American Express card.

The only time he paid cash was for three female Asian masseuses that he called up to their condo, Burum said.

“Generally speaking, when I get out of town, I know you know, frankly, how to get a hold of, you know –” he testified.

“Entertainment,” Cope suggested.

“Entertainment,” Burum agreed.

Burum said he couldn’t recall exactly what the women were paid but estimated it was $100 to $200 each. They stayed about an hour or 90 minutes, he said. O’Reilly and Erwin both went into their bedrooms with a masseuse while Burum stayed on the couch with his masseuse, he said.

Later in the testimony, Burum denied receiving any sexual favors from his masseuse. Prosecutors have alleged that the women were prostitutes. Both Erwin and O’Reilly have denied using the services of prostitutes.

Although at the end they deny these “masseuses” were prostitutes, the middle part of this quote in Jeff Burum’s own words would suggest otherwise.  I have said it a hundred times on this blog—any person who will break the most important covenant of their life, i.e., the marriage covenant, and cheat on their family cannot be trusted to show integrity in any other part of their life.  This passage, in his own words, makes it sound like Jeff cheated on his wife regularly with prostitutes and helped associates do the same.

Integrity is not situational.  Either one has it or one doesn’t.  Although I don’t believe Mark Kirk ever cheated on Erin, I do believe the remaining Colonies defendants and uncharged co-conspirators have shown a complete lack of integrity which put all of their other claims in question.

Mark Kirk

I was caught a little off guard last night when I was told that an iePolitics.com post was part of the documents in the Grand Jury proceedings to indict Jeff Burum, Paul Biane, Mark Kirk, and Jim Erwin.  Supposedly, it was used by one of the defense attorneys as part of an argument that an indictment should not occur.  That makes zero sense to me.  Does anyone know anything about this?

New developments in the Colonies case may very well be on the horizon.  I thought before that happens, I would make a few predictions.

First, it is my belief that all charges will eventually be dropped against Jeff Burum.  There is simply too much pointing to the fact that it seems the District Attorney’s Office really screwed this up.  As I have written before, I don’t believe there is a judge on the San Bernardino County Superior Court with guts enough to do it.  Those experienced enough to have this case in their courtroom owe District Attorney Mike Ramos too much.  I believe it will have to go to the Court of Appeal.

Second, it is my belief that Jim Erwin will be convicted on numerous felonies leading to a prison term of ten years or more.  I do not write this because I believe he deserves this. I write this because I believe that Ramos and his campaign manager, Dave Ellis, will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to be sure that Erwin does hard time.

I have written many time before that I believe all of the defendants need to go to the FBI.  If the FBI heard everyone’s story, I have to believe they would see this case for what it is.

These guys are no angels, but it is hard to find an angel anywhere in government, politics, or big business.  Based on the Grand Jury testimony, it is hard to believe that all of them are not guilty as sin.  But the Grand Jury testimony is not a full or even accurate account of everything that occurred.

For example, I fail to see how Burum can be convicted of bribery.  The most any one of those charged gained was $20,000.  Mark Kirk was making $200,000-plus a year.  When you compare $20,000 to $102 million, I’d say he’s not very bright if this was really a bribe.  It was barely a month’s salary.  Not that I could be bought, but if I could, it would be a heck of a lot more than $20,000 for helping someone get $102 million.

Even if one tries to suggest it was about the power of influencing a campaign, I don’t see any of these guys gaining much from a $5000 contribution to a mayoral race or $3000 to an Assembly race.  It doesn’t buy one much political pull.  To me the bribery just does not make sense.

And finally, it is my belief that either Mark Kirk or Paul Biane will cut a deal—maybe both of them.  And that takes me back to point number two.  I have been able to watch the District Attorney’s office manipulate information and testimony for months now to reach the conclusions they want to reach—truth be damned.  Whether Kirk or Biane think Erwin was involved in bribery or extortion will not matter.  Eventually, with enough manipulation and convincing and explaining, their testimony will fit as needed to convince a jury to convict him.  I hope I am wrong.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/08/06/iepolitics-a-few-things-about-the-colonies-scandal/feed/ 11 http://iepolitics.net/2011/08/06/iepolitics-un-happy-anniversary/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/08/06/iepolitics-un-happy-anniversary/#comments Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:06:56 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=10099 Continue reading →]]>

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

Proverbs 26:27

Four years ago today, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Paul Biane filed a complaint with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit against then-Assessor Bill Postmus.  How is that working out for you Paul?

I have the complaint by the Attorney General’s office, but at 48 pages, it is too large to download to the blog.  If anyone would like it, email me and I will send it to you.

It seems that having Chris Jones as your campaign consultant is a sure bet for losing an election and getting into trouble.  Just ask Paul Biane, Neil Derry, and now Don Kurth.  Neil, time to find a new campaign consultant before it gets any worse.

From the legal, the ethical, and the Constitutional level, what happened this week is wrong.  Cassie MacDuff’s comment is one of the egregious statements, outside of those by District Attorney Mike Ramos, that shows those who claim to want law and order want no such thing.  In reference to having to spend two nights in jail and have bail set exorbitantly high, she wrote:

Don’t cry for them, San Bernardino. Consider it a down payment on restitution for the $102 million settlement Burum’s firm got from county taxpayers, the product of bribery, extortion and fraud, prosecutors allege.

Why is it so hard for Cassie and those of her mindset to understand that during the past 250 years hundreds of thousands of Americans have fought and died to keep America from becoming a police state.  I’m tired of hearing people say how much they love America and support the Constitution while defending those who flagrantly violate the very principles this country was founded upon.

Kirk, Burum, Biane, and Burum may or may not be guilty of a crime.  I am probably a little more aware than some as to some of the evidence against everyone in the corruption probe, but none of us know the totality of evidence to prove or disprove guilt.  Guilt is for a jury to decide only.  And then and only then is it appropriate to mete out punishment.

Some have praised Judge Brian McCarville for reducing bail.  I would say McCarville proved that he is a tool of Ramos just like Rouse.  Praise would have been deserved had he released all four defendants on the own recognizance and publicly chastised the District Attorney and Attorney General for turning his courtroom into a three-ring circus and this investigation into public flogging by a District Attorney only out to settle political scores for those who backed him.  This case is not about justice; it is about political revenge.

I have had the opportunity to speak with several retired San Bernardino County deputy district attorneys in the past few days who tried more than their fair share of high-profile cases.  Most worked under both Dennis Kottmeier and Dennis Stout.  All agreed that this case was handled like a political assassination, without concern for justice or the law.

Several areas of concern were mentioned to me.  First, had this prosecution been about justice, the defendants would have received letters telling them when to appear for court and custody status and bail would have been determined by that judge.  Second, whether the detractors want to admit it or not, there is a serious statute of limitations issue with this case. One told me that it may take a writ to the Fourth District Court of Appeal, but he believes the case is likely to be thrown out altogether.  Hopefully, Jim is smart enough to let his first cases be dismissed first.  And finally, the “overt acts,” as written, suggest that the district attorney’s office doesn’t actually know what happened, when, or if at all.  It would appear they are blowing smoke and hope they get low-functioning jurors who can’t think on their own and just hate anyone who works for the government.  Got jury duty anytime soon Cassie?

AKA:    Tweedle Dee         Tweedle Dumb        Tweedle Dumber        Just Plain Stupid

Yellow Rat Snake

Did anyone else notice the reference in the indictment to another unnamed person who accepted a bribe?  So, why is he still working for the county, especially in the position he is in?  And we are hearing that Tim gave him a whole heck of a lot of help in doing in Paul.  Janice better watch her back with all of those former Biane staffers she hired.

Jim Erwin

Jeff Burum

Mark Kirk

Paul Biane

So, how do you boys feel now? Were the accommodations comfy? Food good?  Those stainless steel toilets are really special, aren’t  they?  Some people deserve such extravagance.   Like Rex. Because “He lied.”

All of you were very happy to sit back and allow Andrew Lamberto commit perjury on the witness stand because it was only Rex.  After all, who could give the District Attorney’s office the goods on you.  Well, you know now, huh?  See, some people are loyal to those who are loyal to them.  And then there are selfish, arrogant bastards, such as the four of you, who would never consider helping out those you consider to be beneath you.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I think all four of you got screwed over big time by the DA.  I also think Ramos should be tried and sent to prison for his little three-ring circus this week.  But, nonetheless, all of you could have prevented what happened.  But you chose to look the way.  Oh yeah.  Rex lied.  And Andrew is still employed.  Maybe he will have something to say at your trials.

I have not hidden the fact that I wanted to see these guys arrested . . . vengeance, karma, the golden rule . . .whatever.  They needed to be shown some humility like so many of the rest of us.

But being arrested and being arrested with bail set so high you can’t get out are two different things.  I have posted more than one story about our county prosecutor’s lack of concern for the Constitution of the United States.  Whether you are a Burum, et al. supporter or hater, today should concern you.  If the district attorney can show such little concern for the Constitutional rights of the rich and powerful, are the little people safe in their own communities?

Burum’s bail is five times that of failed Bell city manager Robert Rizo.  It is higher than what most bank robbers, rapists, and wife beaters get.

The justice system will determine if Burum and the others are criminals or men wrongly accused.  Apparently, Ramos wanted to hedge his bets that a jury might not buy into his conspiracy theory and instead meted out his own brand of punishment.

No matter what I may personally feel about Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, Paul Biane and Jim Erwin, I cannot say any of them are a flight risk.  Especially in Erwin’s case, we know he will make every scheduled appearance because he has proven that to be the case for the past two years.

Justice was not served today.  It was stomped into the ground.  Am I surprised?  Not in the least.

Former San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane was taken into custody at the Ontario International Airport upon returning from out of state.  It looks Ramos will get his photo op tomorrow in Department 12 at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.  We are betting a picture of four of the county’s most heinous criminals in jumpsuits and shackles will appear on the front page of the local newspapers.

A couple of people have contacted me concerned about Paul Biane’s safety, i.e., worried he may be suicidal with all the losses this past year combined with his substance abuse issues.  It is my understanding that Paul is returning to California to turn himself in.  We shall see if that is true or not.

Yellow Rat Snake

There is a post over at www.inlandpolitics.com regarding Supervisor Paul Biane’s former Chief of Staff Matt Brown’s Young Republican PAC.  Here is the link:  Young Republican PAC.

Brown is one of the sleaziest county politicos in the whole county corruption scandal.  He attempted to record his former boss while collecting a $200,000-plus salary from him.  It is also thought he is behind many of the recent leaks.

Some might call Brown a hero.  The only problem with Matt is that he is just about the worst of the worst in terms of dirty politicos in this county.  He has used his close relationships with District Attorney Mike Ramos and Mark Uffer to insulate himself from what should be criminal charges as great as any of those already charged or expected for the John Does.

We can only hope that the FBI, which at very least, is investigating the Brown’s use of free medical care at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center dig a little deeper.  And, we can only hope Jim is right.  We would expect to see no less than felony charges against Brown filed by the Attorney General if he is.  Yea, sure we do!

One thing I always think about in terms of Matt Brown is Mark Kirk telling me what a good friend Matt was and what a good person Matt also was.  I suspect Matt stabbed Mark in the back too.  And I wonder when he will take out Larry Walker for all of us.  It’s only a matter of time.

I also filed a complaint with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office PIU over the free stuff Mark Uffer was receiving but not reporting on his FPPC 700.  I can’t remember now if I included former Supervisor Paul Biane and Supervisor Josie Gonzales or not.  The PIU never responded in any way.  I guess not all citizens deserve a response to their complaints.

I wonder why some reporting issues are handled one way or ignored altogether while others are filed as felonies.

At least of the three John Does—Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, and Paul Biane—have received Johnson letters which advise them to present any mitigating circumstances to show why they should not be indicted in the Colonies corruption scandal.  It has not yet been confirmed whether or not John Doe No. 2, Dan Richards, or John Doe No. 3, Patrick O’Reilly, have also received the letters.

Apparently, the rumor about Jim Erwin we heard on Tuesday is also true.  It would appear that the District Attorney may be planning to drop the current charges and indict him.  That is a tactical move that will allow them to not have to go through a preliminary hearing where Erwin can call witnesses.  He has suggested all along that Mike Ramos and Dave Ellis would be put on the stand as well as other high profile politicos.  This should get interesting.

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.

I would like to be a fly on the wall when these depos take place as I know Bill intends to attend all of the depos personally.  It will finally be a chance for waring parties to tell their story under oath.  Fortunately, they will be videotaped so we may all eventually have the chance to see them.

Here is the list:

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt
David Zook
Robert Eland
Josh Candelaria
Naseem Farooki
Mark Uffer
Supervisor Gary Ovitt
Mark Kirk
Former Supervisor Paul Biane
Matt Brown
Tim Johnson
Ruth Stringer
Talli Lynd

Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is the truth?

Some defendants in the civil corruption cases have started receiving depo notices.  Bill Postmus, Jim Erwin, Greg Eyler, Rex Gutierrez, and Adam Aleman are all named in the lawsuit.

In response, the defense is sending similar notices to specific members of the Board of Supervisors, their current/former chiefs of staff and other current and past staffers who  are familiar with time card fraud and campaign work on county time.   Let the fireworks begin as the county’s hypocrisy is made public for all to see, that is if those depo’d tell the truth.  We shall see.

The positive side to this is that because the defendants are facing criminal prosecution, they will be able to plead the Fifth Amendment during the depositions.  However, the board members, et al., will not have such rights.  The depo’s will be videotaped.

So far the county has paid out $514,085.66 in attorney’s fees and costs to pursue the civil cases and they are still a very long way from the trials.  It is highly unlikely they will collect anything other than what Mike Richman, one of the defendants, agree to pay back.

We expect the depo list soon and will publish it as soon as those being deposed are notified.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford

A friend of mine was standing in line at the Alta Loma post office just before Christmas.  Behind her were two slightly older ladies who struck up a conversation about their travels around the world, including cruises.  One of them, who was holding a stack of Christmas cards to mail, mentioned that she sends cards to everyone she meets on each cruise she goes on if they will give her their address.  They stay on the list for two years and are removed only if they don’t reciprocate.

Somewhere from there she mentioned that her daughter had became a member of the San Bernadino County Board of Supervisors.  She went on to say that her daughter will do well because “she was raised right.”  Then somewhat wistfully she said, “I’m sure Mr. Biane’s mom thought she raised him right too.”

Something tells me Janice’s mom did a better job.

For instance, local political blogs were full of gossip about her opponent’s alleged shortcomings, Rutherford refused to join the fray and kept an issues-based campaign.

Rightly, Janice Rutherford shy-ed away from that crap and focused on serious matters – restoring the local economy, bringing back jobs, and fiscal restraint.

. . . pcblog

During the campaign for Second District supervisor, all we (Bill and I) heard was that Janice didn’t stand a chance because she was not doing hit pieces because hit pieces are what win a campaign.  Then we heard about how Janice could not raise money especially with David Lewis dead.  And we heard the daily prediction that Paul would win.

Once the absentee ballots came out, we heard about how Janice would lose because she the one hit piece she did was “weak” and done too late to help her.  Of course, that is where it got interesting.

Janice’s hit piece included the five John Does, with John Doe No. 1 being Jeff Burum.  So then we heard that Jeff Burum was so angry that he was going to “write a check” to Biane.  And, of course, those in the know believe that Burum funneled money to the Jim Previti/Frank Williams hit pieces against Janice.

When the news came out that Biane had been arrested for drunk driving and drove a county vehicle on a suspended license for years, we were told the story was “milktoast.”

In other words, we were berated by the administrator of pcblog everyday for supporting Janice over Paul.  And it was suggested to us that we knew nothing about how to run a political campaign.  (That is certainly true about me but it’s a ludicrous thing to say about Bill.)  But it didn’t really matter as neither of us had a thing to do with Janice’s campaign.  And Janice won.

Now, all of a sudden, we read, “Rutherford got it right during campaign.”  Well, that was until about 10:34 today.  Things have changed again, haven’t they?

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2011/01/11/iepolitics-pc-blog-attacks-iepolitics-and-sbgrapevine/feed/ 6 http://iepolitics.net/2011/01/03/iepolitics-so-why-dont-we-have-a-new-district-attorney/ http://iepolitics.net/2011/01/03/iepolitics-so-why-dont-we-have-a-new-district-attorney/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:47:26 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=7071 Continue reading →]]> Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach was sworn in today, replacing the only district attorney in the state of California who could rival San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos in terms of political persecutions.  As a matter of fact, former-Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco seemed to have totally lost it in the final days of his term.  His behavior could only be called bizarre.

We are not ready to say Ramos is equally bizarre.  But he is still a predator, a predator who could be retired as of today had promises been kept.

But promises were not kept.  And now we are likely to have Ramos as our District Attorney for four more years.  Of course, that will give him four more years to figure out how to send Jim Erwin, Jeff Burum, Dan Richards, Mark Kirk, and Patrick O’Reilly to prison for very long terms.  We only hope he adds Greg Devereaux, Andrew Lamberto, and Gary Ovitt to the list.  San Quentin would be a good place.

We will keep you posted.

I really wonder how Jeff Burum, Dan Richards, Mark Kirk, Gary Ovitt, Paul Biane, Matt Brown, and others can sleep at night.  We can only hope your day is coming.

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.

We hear that support for Kirk is waning in the county echelon.  How many days does he have left?  We hear he thinks he has a long county career ahead of him.  We think not.

Today I had lunch with a top-notch criminal defense attorney who is well known to this blog.  I got a lesson in statute of limitations.

The approval by the Board of Supervisors of the $102 million Colonies contract did not necessarily start the three years to begin tolling.  Especially in fraud cases, the time does not start to toll until the fraud is actually discovered.  In this case that was not necessarily more than three years ago.  As a matter of fact, if new evidence of fraud is found, arrests could be made three years from now.

Everyone knows that if Jeff Burum, Dan Richards, Patrick O’Reilly, Mark Kirk, and Paul Biane are guilty of a conspiracy to defraud taxpayers, there are a whole lot more people on the Fifth Floor equally guilty.  Gary Ovitt and Matt Brown come to mind for sure.

But when one adds in the political action monies handed out by Burum and others, many more names pop up.  All one has to do is start looking at 460s and tracing the money back to its original sources.  It is not pretty at all.

I have to admit there is a John Doe or two I would REALLY like to see arrested.  The sense of entitlement that goes along with working on the Fifth Floor these days is stomach turning.  I can only hope.

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.

In October, the Fair Political Practice Commission (FPCC) received and quickly dismissed a complaint against Richards by the Endangered Habitat League, an environmental group. But the group also says that documents submitted with the complaint show that Richards is “John Doe #2” named in a February indictment against Postmus and another man.

John Doe #2, the indictment alleges, signed the $100,000 check to the San Bernardino County Young Republicans, and that money was used to threaten Postmus with a smear campaign if he didn’t vote in favor of a $102 million settlement for a company in which Richards is a partner.

“I am John Doe #2, for sure,” Richards said. “But it’s got absolutely nothing to do with the Commission. I’m not charged with anything, nor shall I be.”

Richards said the donation, made in June 2007, was in good faith, like hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations the company has made in recent years. He accused environmentalists of running a “smear” campaign against him because they don’t like the way he votes. The AG’s complaint alleges that donation was filtered through the group to coerce Postmus.

Richards was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in October, 2008. Since then, he has called the Marine Life Protection Act “corrupt,” railed against “radical environmentalists,” fired off angry letters to former state Resources secretary Mike Chrisman, and said that he no longer supports the governor who appointed him because he is too beholden to environmentalists and  government regulators.

The complaint contended that Richards had failed to disclose his interests in a pair of development companies, Colonies Partners LP and BGRW Lakes LLP, on his Form 700 statements of financial interest for 2007 and 2008. Richards’ financial disclosure forms dating back to his 2008 appointment don’t list either company exactly.

But he does list Colonies Crossroads LLP, an Upland-based company which counts dozens of well-known retailers among its commercial tenants. Numerous news stories list Richards as a partner with Colonies Partners, and he’s also listed as the “responsible officer” on the company’s campaign donation reports. Richards’ name appears along with that of business partner Jeff Burum on the 1998 incorporation papers for BGRW Lakes.

Overall, Richards listed interests in 15 different real estate companies. He listed six separate holdings in excess of $1 million each, including one in Colonies Crossroads.

“That’s my business,” Richards said when asked about the relationship between Colonies Partners and Colonies Crossroads. “The bottom line is I didn’t even have to disclose that. The FPPC actually said I’ve over-disclosed. I’ll have a much more amended filing next year.”

“It’s a little mystifying,” said Michael Fitts, an attorney representing the Endangered Species League, when asked about the complaint being dismissed. “They just said it was not the type of property that needs to be disclosed.”

Fitts added, “From what I understand, somebody representing the commissioner had told the FPPC the real estate holdings are not of the nature that would be under the jurisdiction of the Fish & Game Commission.”

But Fitts also said that his clients do not consider the case closed — and notes that Richards could still potentially face legal trouble due to the Postmus case.

“It is important to recognize that he hasn’t been convicted or charged with anything yet,” Fitts said. “But certainly the interests he’s been associating with are implicated in something pretty serious.”

That something “pretty serious” is allegedly the conspiracy that got Postmus in so much trouble. Postmus was elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in 2000 at only 28 years of age, then moved over to become county assessor in 2006. He also spent time as the chairman of the San Bernardino County Republican Party.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

www.inlandpolitics.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 – 03:45 p.m.

Sources tell The Insider a federal grand jury has convened to examine evidence and hear testimony related the ongoing investigation into possible illegal activities involving public officials at San Bernardino County-owned and operated Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. (ARMC)

Federal investigatiors have focused on medical treatment afforded to elected and other public officials at the hospital.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Paul Biane

Today is Supervisor Paul Biane’s last full day of employment with the County of San Bernardino.  In his eight years of public service, he has had many successes but also some significant failures.  It was those failures that opened the door for a popular supervisor to be voted out of office.

It is not likely Biane will lose the moniker of  “John Doe No. 5″ for years to come.  The Biane name will be associated with corruption for decades whether real or imagined.

But it was not the Colonies scandal that was ultimately responsible for Biane’s defeat.  Most voters are not familiar with it, or if they are, don’t understand it.  Or they see through San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ political maneuvers.

Biane lost by less than two percentage points.  What made the difference is his attitude of entitlement and his real ethical lapses.

Biane was behind the “term limits” initiative that was nothing but a scam to give the members of the Board of Supervisors a 50-percent raise.  He was also behind the outrageous increase in benefit package given to the Board of Supervisors so that he could insure his whole family at taxpayer expense and use the medical facilities of his choice.

But that was not enough.  The Cadillac of health insurance plans did not satisfy him.  Instead of paying co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses for elective procedures, he utilized Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), the county-owned facility, so he would not have to pay up like the rest of us.

However, it was last minute revelations that were the final nail in his political coffin.  The elephant in the room was finally acknowledged and substantiated.

Insiders have known for years about Biane’s alcohol and drug problem.  In the last days of the campaign court documents surfaced showing that Biane had been arrested for driving under the influence and drove a county vehicle around California and into Mexico on a suspended license for several years.  It was at least his second arrest for deuce.

And he did all of this while criticising his former colleague, Bill Postmus, for his substance abuse issues.  It is a case of hypocracy at its best, or worse.

Biane needs help and refuses to admit it.  However, he was far from being alone in that category among Fifth Floor residents.  As of tomorrow at noon we will have one less addict on the Fifth Floor.  We only hope those remaining learn from this less.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2010/12/05/iepolitics-end-of-an-attitude/feed/ 0 http://iepolitics.net/2010/11/19/alpinehorn-news-rutherford-reveals-agenda/ http://iepolitics.net/2010/11/19/alpinehorn-news-rutherford-reveals-agenda/#comments Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:34:25 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=6454 Continue reading →]]>

Douglas W. Motley
Senior Writer

In an exclusive interview with The Alpenhorn News on Tuesday, San Bernardino County�s Second District Supervisor-Elect Janice Rutherford discussed her agenda of restoring public confidence and bringing about accountability to the already tarnished image of San Bernardino County government.

Rutherford, who edged-out incumbent Supervisor Paul Biane by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent in this month�s general election, is a native Californian who graduated with Highest Honors from UC Riverside and earned a Master�s Degree in American Politics from Claremont Graduate University. Her record of public service includes being elected to the Fontana City Council three times since 2000, working for the State Board of Equalization as a taxpayer advocate and serving as chief of staff for former Assemblyman and State Senator Bill Leonard.

Rutherford will take office on Dec. 6 when she is sworn-in as San Bernardino County�s Second District Supervisor, representing constituents in Upland, Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga, as well as the unincorporated communities of San Antonio Heights, Mt. Baldy, Lytle Creek, Devore and Crestline.

Alpenhorn: What prompted you to run for the office of Second District Supervisor?
Rutherford: I was concerned about the political climate in the county, the growing public distrust because of continuing ethics charges, scandals and corruption, and the resulting lack of focus on the people�s business.� I believed I could bring a fresh perspective and renewed vision for public service.
Alpenhorn: How do you propose to restore trust, accountability and transparency to county government, as you stated on your website?
Rutherford: I am going to work hard and interact with my constituents so they know and trust me personally. I will make my office�s spending, calendars, etc. readily available so taxpayers can see how their time and money is being used. I will work with local media and good government groups to address other transparency concerns and see what changes in county policy and attitude are needed. I will have a task force of respected leaders brainstorm ideas for other improvements in these areas and continue to explore options for a workable, affordable county ethics commission.
Alpenhorn: What other issues do you plan to tackle?
Rutherford: Jobs � our region needs them desperately. Performance audits of county services and programs so we can improve customer service and financial efficiency.
Alpenhorn: Why was Chad Mayes chosen for your Chief of Staff?
Rutherford:� Chad is smart, ethical, hard working and has the right attitude about public service.� He is good with numbers, analytical about policy, and full of creative ideas for improving our county. He has solid leadership and management skills, and is extremely straightforward and honest.
Alpenhorn: What other staff members have you chosen? Have you selected a field representative for the mountain area?
Rutherford: Right now I have chosen Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Taylor. He and Chad are heading my transition team and helping assemble the rest of the team.
Alpenhorn: Who will watch the kids (sons Ethan and Noah) while you�re representing the Second District?
Rutherford: They will spend time with their daddy, our wonderful extended family and friends, as well as being with me as much as possible.�
Alpenhorn: Where does Steve (Janice�s husband Steve Lim) fit into the picture?
Rutherford:� Comfortably at my side and at the head of our family.
Alpenhorn: Have you met with Paul Biane or any of his people regarding the transition?
Rutherford: Supervisor Biane and I have talked a few times and we are meeting today (Tuesday, Nov. 16). He has been very helpful and positive about the transition.
Alpenhorn: What sort of training or orientation are you receiving for your new job?
Rutherford: I have met with the CAO (County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux) and am attending the California Association of Counties Institute for New Supervisors this week.
Alpenhorn: What do you consider your major achievements on the Fontana City Council?
Rutherford: Successful fiscal management and community planning that enabled us to invest in the Lewis Library & Technology Center, Fontana Park with the Jessie Turner Wellness Center and the Aquatic Center, new community and senior centers, expanded parks and recreational facilities, Center Stage Theater, and other amenities that helped improve property values and quality of life for our residents.
Alpenhorn: What is the first thing you plan to do after being sworn-in?
Rutherford: Thank the people of the Second District for entrusting me with the position and then make sure I am ready for the Board meeting the very next day.
Alpenhorn: Do you have any mountain area projects in mind, and do you plan any changes in personnel for the Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council (MAC)?
Rutherford:� We must absolutely address the Lake Gregory Dam issue to ensure the strength of the community�s tourism economy. I plan to spend time talking with the residents of the mountain areas to find out their other priorities and needs. I will meet with the MAC members before making any decisions.
Alpenhorn: How is the Lake Gregory Dam project progressing? Is the money set aside for dam modifications still available?
Rutherford:� I have not yet received a full staff briefing on this important project, but it is on my high priority list after I take office.
Alpenhorn: Do you expect any realignment of supervisorial districts?
Rutherford: Yes, redistricting next year will bring some changes in district lines, but until we receive the actual population figures any discussion of specific changes is pure speculation.
Alpenhorn: Why do you think your larger campaign donors (San Bernardino Public Attorneys Assoc., Sovereign Homes and Lewis Pacific Partnership) supported your candidacy? Do you feel they are expecting anything in return and do you expect to accommodate them?
Rutherford: I believe that all my donors respect my leadership, my accessibility and my common sense approach to government issues. The only thing they expect from me is to continue to provide responsible leadership and listen to all points of view before making decisions � the same thing that all of my constituents have a right to expect.
Alpenhorn: Do you have any plans to seek a higher elected office?
Rutherford: No plans. I am focused on serving as supervisor for as long as the people of the Second District want me to.
Alpenhorn: Is there anything else you would like the public to know?

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Besides all the reasons given over at www.inlandpolitics.com, it is very possible she could be indicted with the federal grand jury convenes next month.  Actually, if what we have been told by doctors is accurate, it is VERY likely both Supervisor Gonzales and by then former-Supervisor Paul Biane will be facing criminal indictments along with Mark Uffer, Jessica Brown and others.

Perhaps the perfect ending to the San Bernardino County saga would be to have our chairman led out of a Board of Supervisors meeting in handcuffs.  But really, is it what we want?

No matter what anyone thinks of either one of them, there are only two choices for chairman and vice chairman and that is Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt.  If the two of them will put egos aside and work together along with Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford, maybe we can get a little leadership going up on the Fifth Floor.

Barbara Cram Riordan

Earlier this year popular KFI 640 radio talk show hosts John and Ken focused a number of shows on the California Air Resources Board (CARB), detailing the facts that show the agency is out of control.  The upcoming implementation of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, only makes this very powerful agency all the more dangerous to the teetering economy of California.

John and Ken primarily focused their attention on Mary D. Nichols, who is the chairperson for CARB.  Nichols was first appointed to the CARB in 1978 by then-Governor Jerry Brown.   She served under Brown until 1983.  She was reappointed as chairman in 2007 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Mary D. Nichols

In between appointments, Nichols served as the “assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air and Radiation program under the Clinton Administration, Secretary for California’s Resources Agency from 1999 to 2003, and Director of the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of the Environment.”

Nichols was one of California’s first environmental lawyers and was responsible for filing test cases under the Federal Clean Air Act.  According to her biography:

In her return as Chairman, Nichols’ priorities include moving the state’s landmark climate change program ahead, as well as steering the Board through numerous efforts to curb diesel pollution at ports, and continuing to pass regulations aimed at providing cleaner air for Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. She values innovation, partnerships and common-sense approaches to addressing the state’s air issues.

Nichols, however, is not alone in her determined devastation of the California economy.  Our very own Barbara Cram Riordan, former Third District Supervisor on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors,  was appointed to the CARB in 1991 by then-Governor Pete Wilson and served as its chairman for several months in 1998-99.  She was reappointed to CARB in 2004 by Governor Schwarzenegger.

Riordan also previously served as the San Bernardino County representative to the South Coast Air Quality Management District during her tenure on the Board of Supervisors.  She has been a long-time supporter of job-destroying legislation that has harmed California’s  economy.

In addition to her appointment to the CARB, Riordan , who lives in Redlands, currently serves as the lone public member of the  Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD).  The MDAQMD oversees air quality enforcement in the upper desert region of San Bernardino County and lower desert region of Riverside County all the way to the Neveda and Arizona state lines.

Riordan’s position on the MDAQMD is elected by a majority vote of  the entire MDAQMD board membership.  Her appointment is up in December 2010.

The MDAQMD will undergo significant membership changes next month due to at least six of its seventeen board members losing their elections or leaving public service.  New members will include representatives from Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Needles, and Yucca Valley, along with Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford.

The new board needs to make one additional change.  They need to replace Barbara Cram Riordan with a public member interested in a common-sense approach to environmental enforcement rather than dedicated to the destruction of California’s economy.  Common sense must be a prerequisite and Riordan is lacking that quality.

]]> http://iepolitics.net/2010/11/14/iepolitics-its-time-for-john-and-ken-to-get-back-into-action/feed/ 0 http://iepolitics.net/2010/11/10/iepolitics-i-hope-you-chose-your-words-carefully/ http://iepolitics.net/2010/11/10/iepolitics-i-hope-you-chose-your-words-carefully/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 03:48:17 +0000 Administrator http://iepolitics.com/?p=6277 Continue reading →]]>

Congressman Jerry Lewis

Today the High Desert moved closer to being a big city.  All of the San Bernardino County’s dignitaries were here to dedicate the new County Government Center.  First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt initiated the naming of the Jerry Lewis High Desert Government Center after minority maker Congressman Jerry Lewis and it was so named.

The center will house a dozen or more departments including the Assessor’s Office, County Clerk and Recorder, Code Enforcement, Environmental Health, and Veterans Affairs.  It is located in the center of Hesperia along with the library, police department and City Hall.

Among those seen at the event were Congressman Jerry Lewis, First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, Second District Supervisor Paul Biane, Third District Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Sheriff Rod Hoops, Auditor-Controller-Recorder-Tax Collector Larry Walker and his new assistant, Matt Brown.  We hear Matt was all smiles as he worked the crowd.

And it gets better.  A second liar/snitch was also in attendance.  That is right, DA Liar No. 2, Bob Smith, was also being the social butterfly.  Elected officials had snitches coming at them from every direction.

We hope everyone was careful with what they said or someone might find himself/herself in handcuffs.  Of course, a few of those present today might anyway if the FBI finds what we expect at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

Reading the spin from county personnel on the issues at San Bernardino County-run Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) has been interesting.  Or perhaps disgusting is a better word.

Some of you may remember the Fair Political Practices Commission complaint I filed back in March against Mark Uffer and Supervisors Paul Biane and Josie Gonzales.  I received notice from the FPPC that there was no violation despite the fact that all three of them along with countless others had been given free medical care at ARMC and did not report this gift of public funds on their FPPC Form 700s.

I followed up with a phone call to the FPPC and the investigator insisted she had been told by the county that these individuals had a right to this medical care as it was a part of their benefit package.  There was no arguing with her.

Then in June I filed several FPPC complaints against ARMC Medical Director Dr. Dev GnanaDev.  The FPPC refused to investigate despite documentation clearly showing that Dr. GnanaDev has millions of dollars in real property that he has not reported and has not reported his wife’s income she earns running his medical billing business.

Why did they refuse?  According to the FPPC investigator, she called and spoke with someone in the County Administrative Office and someone at the Clerk of the Board who informed the FPPC that Dr. GnanaDev has no reporting requirements.  This is despite the fact that his contract clearly states he must file a Form 700 and he was personally responsible for awarding over $21 million in contract, some of which he awards to himself.  Can you say conflict of interest?

Well, quietly, someone in the CAO and/or County Counsel’s Office corrected the County Code to include Dr. GnanaDev in the County Code as a mandated reporter.  All five board members voted on the change but apparently, none, either by accident or by design, didn’t bother to see that Dr. GnanaDev was made a Category 2 filer.  What is that significance?  It means Dr. GnanaDev does not have to report all of his conflicts of interest.

Now we have the FBI in town pulling information on Mark Uffer, Paul Biane, Josie Gonzales, and I believe Dr. GnanaDev for what we believe is in part the free medical care given to the county’s top executives.  I plan to be sure that the FBI knows that the County Administrative Office and County Counsel have known about this all along but have attempted to cover it up.   So I made a California Public Records Act request for information the county gave to the FPPC regarding my complaints.  Here is the pertinent part of David Wert’s response:

County Counsel cannot recall any correspondence with the FPPC regarding a complaint filed by you, and cannot recall the nature of any complaint filed with the FPPC by you. Could you please refresh our memory about the nature and date of your complaint, or provide me with a copy, so that the county can make a definite determination regarding your request?

And finally, the Board of Supervisors adopts the code that determines which positions shall file a Form 700 with the county. As you know, Dr. Gnanadev does file Forms 700 and that copies of his forms have been made available to you.

All I can say is, David, you should know by now I’m not going to give up!  We are hoping the FBI will seize the FPPC’s records so they can see what you told them.

Jones lost three very big races where he had high profile candidates with large war chests.  And for good measure, he also lost the campaign for Bertha Bea Cortes with all of his threats against grandmas and Grand Terrace’s decent citizens.

Jones was campaign consultant for Chris Lancaster, Don Kurth and Paul Biane.  All three were “the candidate to beat” and in each case an underdog did just that.

Jones has a way of ticking people off.  He is obnoxious and underhanded.

Chris specializes in negative campaigns.  Negativity we can handle.  Outright lies we cannot. And Jones is a total liar, not just a spinmeister.

Unfortunately, we have not seen the last of Chris Jones.  He is campaign consultant for both Supervisor Neil Derry and a couple of city of San Bernardino council members.  How much you wanna bet they will all lose too in two years?  I bet they will.  You can’t play with the devil and expect to always come out on top.  Just ask Lancaster, Kurth and Biane.

Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford

www.grapevine.com

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is playing fast and loose with the rules once again.  And this time around it seems they may very well be in such a hurry so to prevent newcomer Supervisor-elect Janice Rutherford, who ran on a platform of ethics reform, from providing her input into a law that will affect her ability to serve her constituents  for her entire term of office and keeping her promises to voters.

Four out of the five current supervisors supported Rutherford’s opponent and now they are pushing through a new county ordinance to transfer authority from the Board of Supervisors to their hand-selected County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux.  Devereaux appears to have little concern for ethics reform as evidenced by his handling of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center scandal, which was highlighted this past week with his misstatements to the press and his covering for supervisors who are accused of wrongdoing.  Inside sources say that those supervisors were targeted in the search warrants and criminal charges against them are possible.

Sources also say Devereaux is also behind the extended stay of County Counsel, Ruth Stringer, whom a majority of the Board wanted to terminate over a year ago.   The Board handed her termination process over to Devereaux months ago, but he has been slow to respond.

Stringer has been a driving force in prodding BOS members into misbehavior, often rendering unorthodox, if not bizarre, legal opinions to cover for suspicious actions of those members she has aligned herself with and who have protected her despite the fact she has cost the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary legal fees and litigation.

Stringer has been responsible for persuading the Board to fund the civil complaints associated with the Hueston investigation of the Assessor’s Office to the tune of $1.6 million and growing by the day.  But more importantly, without Board approval, she violated attorney-client privilege by turning over parts of the Hueston Report over to her friend, District Attorney Mike Ramos, before getting approval from the Board.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

www.inlandpolitics.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010 – 09:15 a.m.

The Insider has learned that one of the areas newspapers has received a complete list of persons named in a search warrant served at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center by federal agents last week.

One has to admit it doesn’t take long for secrets to leak out in San Bernardino County.

The feds were believed to be seeking the medical and business records of various elected and appointed county officials, who are believed to have recieved free or deeply discounted medical services at the publicly-owned facility.

Interestingly one of the names on the list is kind of peculiar.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

The article below details yet another example of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors giving the middle finger to the voters of this county.  Not only did they award an illegal contract to the County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux, they are now transferring power they do not have the power to transfer to him.  To hell with the voters.

Since the Board of Supervisors do not want the power vested in them by the Charter of San Bernardino County, it is time for them to be made a part-time body and for their pay to reflect that status. If this ordinance is passed, they will serve no useful purpose to the taxpayers of this county.

On Tuesday we will know if the voters of San Bernardino County have finally awoken by the results of the Second Supervisorial race.  If Biane wins, there is no point.

But if Rutherford wins, we need to start now to find legitimate, strong opponents for Supervisors Mitzelfelt, Derry and Gonzales.   Campaigning will start in less than a year.  We need individuals in office who take their responsibilities and the LAW seriously.  We know that none of these supervisors do as evidenced by this ordinance and the fact they are willing to so blatantly violate the law.

San Bernardino County has been the laughing-stock of this state for a decade or two.  Now we have yet another example of our governing body thinking they are above the law.  They are a disgrace.  It is time for them to go or at least be reduced in hours and compensation.

Greg Devereaux

www.sbgrapevine.com

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is set on Tuesday for the first reading of an ordinance to make a de facto amendment to the Charter of the County of San Bernardino.  The Charter of the County of San Bernardino is the county equivalent of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of California, both of which were adopted through a vote of the people.  As such, the law is very specific as to how it can be changed.

The truth of the matter is that according to Constitution of California any change to any county charter must be approved by the vote of the electorate.  It CANNOT be made by ordinance as is being attempted by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

The Constitution of California, Article 11, Local Government, Sec. 3, states:

(a) For its own government, a county or city may adopt a charter by majority vote of its electors voting on the question. The charter is effective when filed with the Secretary of State. A charter may be amended, revised, or repealed in the same manner. A charter, amendment, revision, or repeal thereof shall be published in the official state statutes. County charters adopted pursuant to this section shall supersede any existing charter and all laws inconsistent therewith. The provisions of a charter are the law of the State and have the force and effect of legislative enactments.

We understand that the Board of Supervisors is enacting an ordinance, not enacting a change to the charter, but the effect is the same.   They are changing a key element of the Charter of the County of San Bernardino. And they simply do not have authority to do so.

What the Board of Supervisors is proposing on Tuesday, REQUIRES a vote of the people.  They choose, instead, to violate our right to vote on this change and ramrod its proposal through, hoping it flies under the radar of an uninterested electorate.

The Charter of the County of San Bernardino is very specific, and was enacted with that specificity in mind, as to the powers of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.  From what we have been told, San Bernardino County is the only one of the state’s 58 counties to specify that the Chairman of the Board is the County’s Executive.   It states in pertinent part [emphasis added]:

Duties of the Chairman of the Board

SECTION 5. The Chairman of the Board of Supervisors shall be the general executive agent of the Board. It shall be his duty, subject to regulation and control by the Board, to exercise general supervision over the official conduct of all County officers and officers of all districts and other subdivisions of the County charged with the assessment, collection, safekeeping, management, or disbursement of public revenue; also over all County institutions, buildings and property. He shall report to the Board from time to time with such recommendations as he shall deem proper. He shall devote his entire time during usual office hours to the duties of his office. He shall keep an office in the room or rooms where the Board usually meets, and shall be in attendance at such office during usual office hours, except when elsewhere engaged in the performance of his official duties.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is proposing to instead to transfer those powers over to the County Administrative Officer by ordinance rather than charter amendment as required by the Constitution of California.

12.0201 Position Established.
That there be, and there is, hereby created the position which shall be known and designated as Chief Executive Officer of the County which position may be designated as “Chief Executive Officer.”

Here are some of the duties they are turning over to him that will be included in Section 12.02.06:

(a) Act as the chief executive officer of the County and, as such, act as the primary administrative advisor to the Board of Supervisors on all matters relating to the efficient and economical administration of County government.

(c) Act on behalf of the Board of Supervisors in overseeing the implementation of authorized projects and programs.

(d) Directly manage all County functions and operations except those committed by law to elected officials or Board of Supervisor appointed department heads of the County and be cognizant of the administration of all departments.

(e) Provide budgetary, fiscal and administrative support, oversight, and direction as it pertains to Board of Supervisors’ policy and procedures for all elected and all Board of Supervisor appointed department heads and their agencies and departments.  [Emphasis added.]

But most disturbing is the addition of this section:

SECTION 8. Section 12.0103 is added to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of Title 1 of the San Bernardino County Code, to read:

12.0103 Non-interference.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Board of Supervisors, as the governing board of the County, retains full authority to take any and all official action authorized for the governance of the County. Except, no member of the Board of Supervisors nor any member of his/her staff shall give orders to or instruct the subordinates of the Chief Executive Officer, either publicly or privately.

This section does not limit a member of the Board of Supervisors or any member of his/her staff from seeking or providing information. The provisions of this Code at Title 1: Government and Administration, Division 1: General Provisions, Chapter 2: Violations and Enforcement, shall not apply, except as to equitable remedies established by law.

The Board of Supervisors has an obligation to the electorate to assure the county is run according to the law.  It is shirking that obligation.

Equally disturbing is the fact that the Board of Supervisors has already given a contract to the County Administrative Officer that is in direct violation of the county ordinances.  That contract requires a 4/5ths vote of the Board of Supervisors to remove the County Administrative Officer.  This new restriction makes the 4/5ths all the more ominous.

This ordinance takes away a board member’s and the Chairman’s ability to correct inappropriate actions made by department heads and their subordinates, especially if the Board member cannot get three other members to agree with his/her position.  The Chief Executive Officer does not have to do anything a board member asks if that board member cannot get a super majority to side with him/her.  That is a very dangerous amount of power to bestow upon someone who is not elected by the people.  In this case, it is also an illegal transfer of power.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Senator Robert Dutton

www.sbgrapevine.com

Last week’s revelation that Ted Dutton, father of California State Senator Robert Dutton, was one of the  major donors behind Citizens Against Corruption Opposing Rutherford for Supervisor 2010 was barely noticed.  It’s significance is great however.

Senator Robert Dutton has not tried to hide his desire to be elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors at some point in the future.  Who would not with the generous salary, benefits, and pension plan?

Sources suggest he would also be allowed to purchase 10 years of service credit in the county’s retirement system for the years he spent in the California Legislature.  He could also connect the six years  of credit he received when he served on the Rancho Cucamonga City Council, which would provide him with a significant retirement when he left county service.

Dutton has already registered the “Dutton For Supervisor 2014″ campaign committee.  He terms out in the Senate at the end of 2012.  He would then be eligible to serve one more term in the Assembly before his run for county supervisor in 2014.   However, unless a seat is created for him during redistricting, he more likely will have to sit out two years as a private citizen before running for the Second District seat.  Originally he wanted to run against Biane this year but decided against it when chosen as Senate Republican Leader and cut the deal with Biane.

No one would begrudge Dutton the opportunity to run for a local post.  We do take issue with what appears to us to be an underhanded attempt to take out a formidable future opponent to preserve his chances four long years from now.

The rumor mill has been very active for months about a deal cut between Supervisor Paul Biane and Senator Dutton that would allow Biane one last term with Dutton becoming heir apparent to the seat in 2014.  Biane has been downright cocky about his ability to keep his seat until 2014 despite being an unnamed co-conspirator in the county corruption scandal.

Biane is better known these days as John Doe No. 5 and a supervisor with a substance abuse problem than an effective leader.  His legal problems opened the door for a serious challenge, and likely win, by Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford.

If Rutherford does in fact win the seat, a Dutton win in 2014 is not likely.  This, combined with political collateral and collaboration between Dutton and Biane, explains the Dutton family’s contribution to the attempt to keep  Rutherford from being elected.

What is most offensive about Dutton’s involvement in the anti-Rutherford campaign is that it shows he does not care what is best for the citizens of San Bernardino County but rather what is best for his political career, and ultimately, his bank account.  Is that the kind of future member of the Board of Supervisors the citizens of San Bernadino County deserve?  We think not.

To read the rest of this story, click here.

Yesterday former Assessor’s Office employee Rex Gutierrez was convicted of conspiring with former Assessor Bill Postmus and West End developer Jeff Burum.  It is time now to prosecute both Postmus and Burum for the same crime.  Neither have been charged.  What is the District Attorney waiting for?

Also yesterday, Gutierrez was convicted of time card fraud.  Numerous Exempt employees are as guilty or more guilty than Gutierrez.  It is time we clean up the Fifth Floor.

One of the worst abusers is Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to Chairman Gary Ovitt.  Former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer turned over documentation to the District Attorney showing just that and we have been told a subpoena/search warrant was served on Kirk’s payroll records.  Where is the arrest warrant?

Bill Postmus is being prosecuted for allowing Gutierrez to work less than 80 hours a week.  Gary Ovitt should be prosecuted for allowing Mark Kirk and his other staff members to do the same thing.  Again, what is the District Attorney waiting for?

Perhaps most telling was  San Bernardino County Spokesperson David Wert’s comments:

County spokesman David Wert said he was not surprised by the verdicts against Gutierrez and that the decision bolsters a lawsuit the county has fired seeking restitution for misconduct in the Assessor’s Office.

“The jury’s verdict is consistent with the points that the county is making in its civil suit, and the county will move forward in its efforts to recover its losses,” Wert said.

We know that Wert is not allowed to make any comment on anything significant without the permission of County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux.  That combined with the fact that Devereaux, along with the entire Board of Supervisors, has known for seven months that Human Resources Director Andrew Lamberto has lied, now three times, at the Gutierrez hearings regarding  the Exempt Benefit Plan, we can only assume that the Fifth Floor wants to see those who work less than 80 hours a pay period prosecuted.  We can also assume that Devereaux and the Supes no longer enjoy an amicable relationship with Jeff Burum or the Colonies Partners.  Obviously, they feel a conspiracy did in fact take place based on Wert’s comments.  So, where is the civil suit against Burum?

iePolitics has never made an apologies as to where our loyalties lie and that is with the rank-and-file county employees and the taxpayers.  Despite what many claim, we are about seeing justice.  Unless these three individuals and quite a few more from the Fifth Floor are charged for doing the exact same things as Gutierrez, then this has been nothing but a witch hunt.  It is time county government gets cleaned up.

Supervisor Paul Biane

www.sbgrapevine.com

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”  San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane forgot these wise words from Sir Walter Scott.  Biane, who has been caught up in yet another scandal, has indeed created a tangled web for himself on the eve of an election where he is battling for his political life.

Biane plead guilty to reckless driving in 2006 after being arrested for driving under the influence in 2005.  He refused to take a Breathalyzer test and claims he only had about a couple glasses of wine.  The arresting officer’s description of Biane’s appearance contradicts the supervisor’s claim, describing him as glassy-eyed with slurred speech and unstable on his feet.  A heavy drinker such as Biane would not exhibit such symptoms after only consuming a couple glasses of wine.

Since news of the arrest broke last week, Biane, rather than accepting responsibility, has downplayed the seriousness of his actions to the point of lying.  Biane claimed he did not know that his license was suspended despite the fact it is indicated in his court paperwork.  He then blamed his attorney, stating his attorney told him that his license was not suspended in California.  Any attorney knows that almost every state has reciprocal agreements on such charges, California and Illinois clearly being two of those states.

Initially, Biane’s reaction to revelation that he had been driving a county-owned vehicle for four years on a suspended license was that he would be turning in his vehicle that day, which was one week ago.  The pay period ended last Friday.  Here we are a week later and the vehicle has not been turned in.  Biane’s excuse?  The payroll clerk told his to wait until the end of the pay period.  The pay period has ended.  Last Friday!  Where is the car Paul?

Biane most recently told the media that the pay period ends November 5.  Well, the NEXT pay period does end November 5.  Biane decided to keep the taxpayer-funded, county-owned vehicle an extra two and half weeks after claiming he was going to turn it in, and blames it on the payroll clerk.  Perhaps Paul, you should take responsibility for your own decisions.  By now Paul you should also know you will be caught when you lie to the media.

We all know what is really going on.  Biane  is buying time.  He wants to know the outcome of the election before turning in his county ride.  If he should win re-election, then what will be the excuse?  If he loses on Tuesday, will he really turn the car in by Friday or keep it until the end of his term?  We bet he never turns in the vehicle except to order a newer version if he is re-elected.

Clearly, Supervisor Paul Biane knew he was breaking the law for four long years, except that he feels he is above the law as evidenced by his behavior.  Biane is an arrogant, spoiled, rich boy with a sense of entitlement.  He has lived the last eight years on the public dole with little concern for anyone but himself.  Biane has violated the trust put in him by the voters.  He does not deserve to be in office.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

You know, I’ve talked a lot about some really excellent days, and some really excellent benefits of being a county supervisor, but I’ve never talked about an average day. I’m a pretty simple guy… I often start my day at the Atrium Cafe at the government center, using my county credit card to buy breakfast for me and my staff. I’ll go up to my office, and see the beautiful flowers I had ordered with that credit card, and maybe enjoy a soda from my refrigerator, also purchased at taxpayer expense.

After a few hours, I’ll go to lunch. It varies… Sometimes I’m in the mood for sushi at Niko Niko, but other days I love a steak at New York Grill… And I’m able to charge this all to the taxpayers as long as I have lunch with someone on my staff to discuss, ahem, “county business.”

On the way back to the office, I might crave a snack. I’ll put my candy and Diet Coke on the county card, even though it’s just a few dollars. My salary is only $12,000 a month, so I really need the county to fund my snacks.

You know Diary, I’m starting to get a little nervous. It really seems like the media has turned against me, and I don’t even know why. I mean, sure, one newspaper had to sue me to get my government calendar a while back, but that’s only reasonable. Why do they need to know what I’m doing everyday?

After all, every expense I charge to the county is dutifully noted as “county business.” What don’t they get about that? I’m doing county business constantly, which is why I can justify having the county pick up all my tabs… Literally, almost every tab.

Well, that’s all for today. Talk to you soon!

Love,

Don't vote for Paul Biane

Yep, that is right.  Supervisor Paul Biane cannot turn in his county ride.  Why?  Because he doesn’t own a vehicle of his own . . . or so he claims.  He says he has to buy a new car first, which could be a problem given his financial problems.

Rumor has it (on excellent authority) that he could not even afford the plane ticket to Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt’s New York wedding a couple years ago.  He had to use someone’s frequent flyer miles to get there.

Anyone want to bet nothing will happen until after Election Day results are in?  If he loses, we bet he keeps his car until Rutherford takes office.  Gives him some time to collect those aluminum cans for a down payment.

If he wins, well then there is nothing we can do for four more years, so he will probably still keep his car.  Better yet, maybe he’ll order the 2011 Denali in celebration of his victory.