Tag Archives: sbpea

iePolitics: SBPEA members beware!

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8

I recently found out that San Bernardino Public Employee Association General Manager Bob Blough has volunteered to be called as a witness against me in my lawsuit against the county.  You may remember that when some of his employees notified me that he was co-mingling funds between the SBPEA non-profit mutual benefit corporation and the for-profit insurance corporation, I asked to see the books.  Even though I was a member in good standing, he refused to allow me to see the books and then created phony charges to have me kicked out of the union.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: So when are SBPEA members going to show some cajones too?

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1

Does anyone really believe that SBPEA General Manager Bob Blough isn’t doing to SBPEA members behind the scenes exactly what Beef and now Laren were doing to SEBA members?  Yet SBPEA members do nothing but bend over and take it time and again.  I have long since given up on general county employees having an ounce of backbone.  I really believe they are getting exactly what they deserve.

From a reader . . .

Posted on by Administrator
13

I attached the Contract adjustment from 2010. As you can see, SBPEA in fact did NOT get ANY guarantees in our favor regarding our Flex Schedules nor regarding the Standard Tour of Duty clause.  In fact, if you read the below quote it appears to me that SBPEA actually “stipulated” that the County’s position regarding Standard Tour of Duty and their “right” to cut our hours is the correct interpretation of the Standard Tour of Duty MOU language. Read the Blue highlighted text below carefully:

“STANDARD TOUR OF DUTY
ALL UNITS

The County recognizes that employees value their currently assigned work schedules and that the employees have made other agreements included in this contract based on the County’s representation that they will not change work schedules without a legitimate business need [WHO decides what a “legitimate business need” is??]. During the term of this contract, the County will not impose bargaining unit-wide, classification-wide, or department-wide work schedule changes without a legitimate business reason [WHO decides what a “legitimate business reason” is??]. However, nothing herein shall be construed to limit the right of the County to make schedule changes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Standard Tour of Duty article or the County Management Rights article of the MOU. In such instances where it is necessary to make schedule changes, the County will comply with the requirements of the MOU.

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iePolitics: San Bernardino County Employees for Change

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The San Bernardino County Employees for Change along with the IBEW will be hosting a Meet & Greet BBQ in July.

Please plan to attend if you are a County employee interested in our cause.
IBEW Representatives will be available for you to bring your questions, comments or concerns regarding the San Bernardino County Employees for Change & our cause for better representation!!!
Bring the family & Spread the Word!
IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE
Details to Follow regarding exact date & time.
Here is their Facebook page:  Facebook

iePolitics: Forming a new bargaining unit for TAD employees

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I was asked weeks ago to post this information and I keep forgetting.  TAD receives much of its funding from the federal government.  TAD employees do not feel they should have to suffer the same consequences as other employees when their department is so flush with funding that Linda Haugen and Nancy Swanson are spending money of foolishness while forcing employees to make concessions.  One of the possible solutions is for TAD employees to form their own bargaining unit rather than being part of T&I.

Here is the County Code sections on how to do it.  Good luck with Bob Blough.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: A SBPEA kind of evening

Posted on by Administrator
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Tonight I attended the meeting hosted by San Bernardino County Employees For Change and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to discuss the decertification of SBPEA.  During past meetings SBPEA General Manager Bob Blough sat in the parking lot and photographed all employees who went into venue.  Knowing Bob’s history, I have no doubt those photos were turned over to Human Resources Director Andrew Lamberto so that they could be investigated and set up for termination.  That is Blough’s modus operandi.

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iePolitics: The next meeting to eliminate SBPEA

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Hello County Employees,

We will be having another Informational meeting on Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 at 6:00 pm at Cocos Restaurant and the address is 242 East Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino. We ask that you share this information with co-workers and other county employees that are interested in real union representation. There will be a IBEW representative to answer any and all of your questions that you may have.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Is Rutherford selling out?

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It seems that Supervisor Janice Rutherford had a recent fundraiser and among the attendees was San Bernardino Public Employees Association General Manager Bob Blough and one of his thugs.  Blough and SBPEA, of course, have a history of using county employees’ money to support losers.

SBPEA sunk $50,000 into John Longville’s campaign to defeat Josie Gonzales, but apparently she can forgive them now that they are paying her off. They gave Hansberger over $41,000 in his loss to Neil Derry. Fortunately, Neil has shown more ethics than Josie.

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iePolitics: Karma is a bitch; maybe Blough will be next

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4

The name John Tanner is likely not familiar to anyone who has not followed my blog from the very beginning.  John Tanner was, and I stress “was,” Executive Director of the SEIU local representing Los Angeles County Employees.  Tanner was recently relieved of his duties.  Why is that important?  It is actually very important to San Bernardino County general employees.

I met John Tanner back in 2006 when I was running for the SBPEA Board of Directors.  I won the election with the largest number of votes in SBPEA history, a distinction I still hold.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Changing the County Charter to get rid of SBPEA

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I’ve been asked over and over about what employees can do to get rid of San Bernardino Public Employees Association.  The reason it is so hard is because several years ago the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors enacted a new labor relations ordinance that makes it virtually impossible for any other union to represent county employees.

We all know that the BOS likes SBPEA representing us and the reasons why.  Bob Blough and Scott Ryan make sure that the BOS is well rewarded for their support, such as the $50,000 donation to Supervisor Gary Ovitt.

Continue reading →

InlandPolitics: S.B. County to ask employees for concessions

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Monday, December 27, 2010 – 10:00 a.m.

The arrival of 2011 brings with it a new round of budget problems for San Bernardino County officials.

The annual question of layoffs or ? is coming to an employee union near you.

County unions will once again be asked by the county to go to their memberships and extract concessions in an effort to avert layoffs.

Layoffs being a remedy the county seems to view as a bogeyman in a dark closet.

However this time around the questions employees are to face will most likely be much simpler.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: The beginning of the end for SBPEA

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10

Employees from the city of San Bernardino voted yesterday to decertify the San Bernardino Public Employees Association.  However, we have been told that SBPEA General Manager Bob Blough intends to challenge the outcome because less than 60 percent of the employees cast ballots.

From what I have been told, the city’s labor relations resolution requires a 60-percent threshold, or at least that is what Blough is claiming.   The state mediator ignored that threshold and determined that the decertification was successful.

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iePolitics: Did you get your money’s worth?

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For those of you who are members of San Bernardino Public Employees Association, here are their politicial action committee amounts.  All of this money comes out of your paychecks.  did you get your money’s worth?

SUMMARY INFORMATION – SAN BERNARDINO PUBLIC EMPLOYEE’S ASSOCIATION PAC (ID# 822188)
CURRENT STATUS ACTIVE
LAST REPORT DATE THIS SESSION 10/21/2010
REPORTING PERIOD 10/01/2010 – 10/16/2010
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THIS PERIOD $0.00
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS 1/1/2010 – 10/16/2010 $291,768.00
EXPENDITURES FROM THIS PERIOD $63,002.10
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1/1/2010 – 10/16/2010 $289,901.69
ENDING CASH $624,354.78

iePolitics: Board of Retirement General Member

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I finally received my ballot.  The candidates are:

  • Celestine Bryant
  • Danny Tillman
  • Louis Fiorino

Hopefully Celestine is not one of our secret HSS fans because I’m not going to recommend a vote for her.  I have no issue with either Danny or Louis.  I worked with Danny more than two decades ago.  But the one of the three that I know to be a real employee advocate is Louis Fiorino.  He is often the lone voice on the SBPEA Board of Directors who stands up against Bob Blough when Bob is screwing us over.  I have no doubt he will always vote for what is best for employees and not cave to what Bob or Greg want.

iePolitics: Yet another happy SBPEA customer

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October 1, 2010

Scott Ryan, President

SBPEA Executive Board

433 North Sierra Way

P.O. Box 432

San Bernardino, CA  92402-0432                                                                Via Certified Mail

RE:  DEMAND LETTER

Dear Mr. Ryan:

On June 1, 2010, I sent the attached letter by certified mail (copy of certified receipts attached).  To date, I have never received the courtesy of a reply.  I am now writing to demand that all fees paid by me to the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) during my career with the County of San Bernardino be reimbursed.  I estimate that amount to be approximately $2,574.00, taking into account approximately five (5) years that I was in the Exempt classification and did not pay representation fees.  These funds must be received by no later than Friday, October 15, 2010.  If I do not receive the funds before that time, I will seek any and all legal remedies available to me, including, but not limited to:  small claims court, filing complaints with any applicable agencies that oversee employee associations, and/or filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of all employees who have not been assisted by, or have been inadequately assisted by, the SBPEA.

Your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated.

N. Traecey Anthony

Redlands, CA  92374

iePolitics: Another unhappy SBPEA customer

Posted on by Administrator
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It looks like there may be a decertification vote to get rid of the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) and bring in the International Union of Operating Engineers by the employees of the city of San Bernardino.  Someone needs to remind me if this is the same union currently working on a decertification vote in San Bernardino County for all of us.

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iePolitics: More TAD supervisor abuse

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1

We discussed this case a bit before, but we are now free to name names. As we have written about previously, the management at the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) is so hellbent on their current witch hunt that they have thrown caution and taxpayer dollars to the wind.  They will do anything to fire employees up to and including blatantly committing misdemeanors and violating civil rights.  So far about 100 heads are on the chopping block in their latest rampage. Many of those employees are already filing Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) complaints in anticipation of filing lawsuits against the county.

So what happens when one of their own commits an act much worse than what the employees are being accused of?  You see, in this case, TAD Supervisor Sanci Black had an employee access Sanci’s significant other’s C-IV file and make changes to the documents.  This is clearly a misdemeanor at best as well as violation of a number of county rules and regulations.  Any line staff employee would be fired for this.  But Sanci isn’t line staff.

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iePolitics: So Supervisor Derry, you’re a chicken – I thought you were a Marine!

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You chickened out huh?  You know what I mean!  That’s okay.  Public airing of county issues is probably best anyway.

So, you did not provide me with an answer regarding the four bargaining units in SEBA. Of course, we all know the answer already.  And that answer shows my original premise was correct.  The county did in fact tell the unions how the vote would be conducted and what the outcome would be.   This wasn’t simply Bob Blough mouthing off, but an agreement between the county and the unions.

You can’t blame that on the unions.  Greg Devereaux and the Board of Supervisors are clearly at fault here.  You have an obligation when you know that the unions are not conducting elections lawfully to step in.  I’ve told you that; Jim has told you that. But because you liked the outcome and you know a legal election would not have the same outcome, you chose to look the other way.   And that makes you as crooked as the rest.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Well Supervisor Derry, ignoring the elephant in the room makes you as dirty as the rest of them

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You know Neil, we try to defend you here at iePolitics most of the time.  But some things are beyond defensible.

For example, your comment that the POST scandal is a personnel matter.  It is NOT a personnel matter.  It is a FELONY matter that involved Sheriff Rod Hoops, former Sheriff Gary Penrod, and at least a couple dozen others ranging from clerical staff to deputy chiefs. It is misconduct of the worst kind by public officials and it is being swept under the rug with the tacit approval of the board of supervisors.

But it’s okay because you all endorse one another for election, donate to one another’s campaigns, and attend one another’s fundraisers.  We wouldn’t want justice to interfere with that, now would we?

Continue reading →

iePolitics: So Mikey, here is a real conspiracy and bribery case for you

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Reply

Mikey, please tell me why you only prosecute some and not others.  You add yet another ridiculous charge to Rex Gutierrez, yet you let the real bad guys go.

We have told you before, and we say it again, you need to go back to law school and study Conspiracy 101 and Bribery 101 again so you can understand the elements of the crime.  Then you need to look at the way in which Scott Ryan got his promotion.

Gary Ovitt was paid off to the tune of $50,000 by SBPEA.  Interview the members of the Board of Directors.  I know some of them will tell you the truth as to how that all went down.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: SBPEA update

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As I mentioned in a previous post, there was a meeting on Saturday regarding the most recent stunt pulled off against San Bernardino County employees by our union, the San Bernardino Public Employees Association and our employer, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.  A game plan was discussed.

There will be a website up and running in the next week or so.  I will text those on my text list with the hyperlink as soon as it is ready.

The next meeting will be held in about three weeks.  It will be on a week night in the San Bernardino area.  The specifics will be on the website.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Updates

Posted on by Administrator
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I’ve received a few more anonymous tips regarding TAD, etc.  Someone from Human Services System Program Integrity Division Chief Virginia Lugo wrote and ratted her out.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the information as was she is doing is clearly a misdemeanor at best and she needs to be fired.  I’m just not sure how to make that happen as we know nothing will get done by County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux or the Board of Supervisors.

Does anyone have any suggestions?  My thought is to send the information to the Attorney General and file a complaint with the Grand Jury, but I’m not sure.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Time To Go On The Offensive

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Reply

I have been the recipient of a few pep talks regarding taking out SBPEA.  It is time we do it.  Although much can be posted to the blog, it is not always the most expedient way to get information out.  I am going to start using three other methods:  Twitter, Facebook, and texting.

You can find us on Twitter at iepoliticscom.  You can find me on Facebook.  If you had been a “friend,” you may not be now.  I deleted my old account and started over. Continue reading →

iePolitics: SBPEA

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Enough employees came forward after I pouted that I have sent off inquiries to three attorneys regarding filing suit against SBPEA and possibly the county.  We have had employees come forward and offer to sign affidavits regarding Bob’s claims that the county forced him to vote the contract as a group and not by bargaining unit.  This is a very important point as it shows collusion by the county.  We need employees who heard him say that come to come forward. Continue reading →

iePolitics: “Bob Blough is a disgrace!”

Posted on by Administrator
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That, and a whole lot more things were sent to me this afternoon via email.  Okay, so what else is new?  What was interesting about this particular email is it came from a member of the SBPEA Board of Directors who voted to have me kicked out of the union almost four years ago when I tried to tell the Board of Directors just that.  Some people are slow!  :) Continue reading →

iePolitics: Update on Duty for Fair Representaton (SBPEA)

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I have spoken with a couple of labor law attorneys today and this is what I learned.  Basically, the suggestion is to limit the claim to the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) only and not file against the county, which is fine as you are all going to have your chance to get even with the Board of Supervisors soon.  I’m hoping we will be able to announce that plan very soon.  For now we will concentrate our efforts on SBPEA and Bob Blough.  Here are some points:

  • By combining the vote, units were able to approve takeaways for other units, i.e., Clerical, etc., voted to amend the contract for Supervisors, etc., to alter their Administrative Leave.
  • There apparently were about 100 ballots thrown out by Bob that could have altered the outcome of the vote.
  • It is possible based on the slim margin that up to seven of the bargaining units may have rejected the contract changes.
  • SBPEA sent out false and inflammatory material during the vote to sway members.
  • SBPEA posted false information to its website to sway the vote.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: SBPEA General Manager Bob Blough Implicating SBCo. In A Conspiracy

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iePolitics has received several reports in the past hour from employees who indicate that San Bernardino Public Employees Association General Manager Bob Blough has publicly implicated the county of San Bernadino, and perhaps even County Administative Officer Greg Devereaux and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Gary Ovitt in a conspiracy to defraud its members. Continue reading →

InlandPolitics: S.B. County employee unions poor at communicating (-Revised-)

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  • Written by Administrator
  • Posted June 1, 2010 at 7:12 am

Anger and confusion seems to be dominating labor relations in San Bernardino County these days.

Ballots with proposals dealing with a myriad of concessions and givebacks have been hitting employee mailboxes. When you talk to the employees and look at information provided, it’s easy to see what’s happening.

Here’s the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) Ballot Enclosure and Ballot. Continue reading →

iePolitics: A Lie on the SBPEA Website

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I thought I would waste keystrokes and point out one lie on the SBPEA website and likely in your ballots.  The contract will end 0n June 17, 2011 as stated.  However, the end of the contract DOES NOT allow the county to unilaterally  change the MOU.    The MOU contains  an Evergreen  Clause which  extends the contract until June 17, 2012 with no change in terms UNLESS BOTH SIDES AGREE.  That means you would get to vote on it.  Read page 92 of your MOU if you do not believe me. Continue reading →

iePolitics: County Employee Union Supports Don Kurth

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1

We know from experience that the San Bernardino Public Employees Association does not have a clue as to what it is doing regarding political action.  Here are a few cases in point:

  • $60,000 to Supervisor Gary Ovitt, the same supervisor who is asking employees to give up their raises for the second year in a row AND face layoffs whether employees give up raises or not.
  • $5000 to Supervisor Paul Biane, the same supervisor that District Attorney Mike Ramos has named as John Doe No. 5 in a criminal corruption scandal.
  • $300 to Assemblyman Anthony Adams in the middle of a recall campaign.
  • $10,000 to District Attorney Mike Ramos amid numerous charges of hostile work environment.

Why?  Well for one, Bob Blough and Scott Ryan wanted front row seats at the State of the County address and they earned them with a $50,000 donation to Supervisor Ovitt.  As for the others, we can only guess. Continue reading →

iePolitics: How SBPEA is Spending Your Dues

Posted on by Administrator
Reply

As you can see, their political action is doing county employees a LOT of good!

DATE PAYEE CONTEST POSITION PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT
02/10/2010 GARY OVITT FOR SUPERVISOR 2010 COMMITTEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $50,000.00
01/13/2010 ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPPORT MONETARY $12,900.00
04/01/2010 COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT MIKE RAMOS DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUPPORT MONETARY $10,000.00
05/17/2010 ACQUANETTA WARREN FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 SUPPORT MONETARY $7,800.00
02/23/2010 UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE SUPPORT MONETARY $5,750.00
04/19/2010 COMMITTEE TO ELECT ROD HOOPS SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER SHERIFF-CORONER SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
05/05/2010 COMMITTEE TO ELECT JAMES HOSKING SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE 2010 SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
05/05/2010 COMMITTEE TO ELECT VIC STULL SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE 2010 SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
04/30/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY OVITT SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
04/30/2009 PAUL BIANE FOR SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 2 SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
01/11/2010 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
11/01/2009 FRIENDS OF DON NEELY FOR RE-ELECT OTHER SUPPORT NON-MONETARY $4,290.60
10/21/2009 POMONA POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION SUPPORT MONETARY $4,000.00
10/27/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT ROD HOOPS SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER SHERIFF-CORONER SUPPORT MONETARY $4,000.00
04/01/2010 FRIENDS OF WILMER AMINA CARTER STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 62 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
04/30/2009 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2012 STATE SENATOR 31 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
09/22/2009 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2012 STATE SENATOR 31 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
01/13/2010 TORRES FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 61 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
02/26/2009 MIKE FEUER FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON SUPPORT MONETARY $3,600.00
08/11/2009 FRIENDS OF JIM PENMAN CITY ATTORNEY SUPPORT MONETARY $3,000.00
02/26/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY OVITT SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/27/2009 JOSIE GONZALES FOR SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 5 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
03/02/2009 CITIZENS & FRIENDS OF ACQUANETTA WARREN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
10/07/2009 JASON G. DESJARDINS FOR 2ND WARD 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEMBER 2nd SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
11/03/2009 RE-ELECT ESTHER ESTRADA TO THE CITY COUNCIL 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEMBER 1st SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/02/2010 GARY OVITT FOR SUPERVISOR 2010 COMMITTEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/02/2010 JOSIE GONZALES FOR SUPERVISOR 2012 COUNTY SUPERVISOR 5 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
04/30/2009 FRIENDS OF MIKE RAMOS DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUPPORT MONETARY $1,700.00
10/20/2009 SENATOR BOB DUTTON FOR ASSEMBLY 2012 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 SUPPORT MONETARY $1,600.00
11/12/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $1,500.00
02/26/2009 FRIENDS OF JAMES RAMOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
11/16/2009 ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
02/25/2010 FRIENDS OF JOE BACA JR. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
03/16/2010 COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT JAMES RAMOS SB COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIST. COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
03/16/2010 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2010 STATE SENATOR 37 SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
03/29/2010 UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (UPE-PAC) SUPPORT MONETARY $845.90
09/22/2009 ACQUANETTA WARREN FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 SUPPORT MONETARY $500.00
11/01/2009 FRIENDS OF DON NEELY FOR RE-ELECT OTHER SUPPORT NON-MONETARY $313.60
11/18/2009 ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 SUPPORT MONETARY $300.00
04/30/2009 GARAMENDI FOR GOVERNOR 2010 GOVERNOR SUPPORT MONETARY $280.00
08/20/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $198.00

iePolitics: The Vote to Give Up Your Raises

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Someone asked in a comment the other day why iePolitics isn’t writing more about the vote to give up raises by San Bernardino County employees.  After four years of blogging, I have learned a few things:

  • Approximately 35 percent of San Bernardino County general employees will throw their ballots in the trash without opening them.
  • Of those employees who open their ballots, about 50 percent will bother to vote.
  • Of those employees who vote, a majority will do what SBPEA tells them to do without finding out if it is in their best interests or instead in the best interest of SBPEA management.
  • If by chance, a majority of employees vote NOT to give up their raises, SBPEA will void the election and start over because they will insist employees didn’t understand what they were voting for. Continue reading →

iePolitics: Mike Ramos Raising Money For His Legal Defense Fund?

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That is the only logical excuse we can come up in reference to the fundraiser being held on May 20, 2010.  Among others, it is being sponsored by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association.  But this late in the primary and with the campaign war chest he already has, there is no reason for this fundraiser.  It’s kind of a bizarre fundraiser, don’t you think?

So we have to think Mikey is raising money for the various cases being filed against him, Cheryl Ristow’s being the first one we expect.  But remember she is not the only one.  So does his retained law firm, Greshem, Savage, Nolan and Tilden, handle criminal defense cases in federal court?  Maybe by the next reporting period we will know who he has retained.  Aren’t all of you county employees glad your union is spending money to help Mikey with his defense?  Check out his 460 if you don’t believe me.

iePolitics: SBPEA up to their old tricks again?

Posted on by Administrator
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I received an email this morning stating that a member of the Board of Directors of the San Bernardino Public Employees Association is claiming that there will be no voting on a change in contract.  Rather, whatever the survey results are is what will happen. Continue reading →

iePolitics: I Don’t Know What to Call This Post

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I considered calling it “Baffling with BS,” or “Ramblings of an Imbecile,” or “Donating Fifty Grand to Screw Us Over,” or “This Bologna Sure Makes My Head Hurt,” or any other number of appropriate titles.  “Amazing” might have been the most appropriate except nothing coming from Bob “Chicken Man” Blough amazes me any longer.  I will start an analysis tomorrow after a few aspirin.  For now, I’d like to hear every one’s initial opinions of what SBPEA is trying to do to you this time around.

 

  Continue reading →

InlandPolitics Commentary: Public employee unions should consider layoffs – Part Two

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  • Written by Administrator
  • Posted April 16, 2010 at 8:21 am

I had the opportunity to spend some time yesterday discussing the current San Bernardino County’s budget situation and was able to obtain some feedback on the thinking behind what is happening, and to further explain my point that not reducing the county workforce now, will cause greater pain later.

Let’s face it. Signs of the current economic downturn were visible as early as 2006. I brought up the potential collapse in real estate prices and the effect on the county while working at the Assessor’s office then. I was laughed at by many at the government center.

No one is laughing now. Continue reading →

InlandPolitics Commentary: Public employee unions should consider layoffs

Posted on by Administrator
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  • Written by Administrator
  • Posted April 14, 2010 at 8:28 am

The “800-pound budget gorilla” is in the room for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, which is putting their respective employee unions in a critical dilemma.

Push wage and benefit concessions on their members or trigger layoffs. Layoffs cause reductions in union member rolls thus affecting revenue that supports operations.

In mild economic downturns, wage deferrals or not filling vacant positions can be a viable band-aid to get through the problem.

Not this time.

The current collapse in property and sales tax revenue in both counties is devastating, and will continue for some time. San Bernardino County, which has not been as aggressive as Riverside County in reducing its property tax rolls, took a 6% hit last year and is likely to take another hit of at least 9% this year. That’s 15% over two years. Continue reading →

iePolitics: How SBPEA is Spending Your Dues This Campaign Cycle

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02/10/2010 GARY OVITT FOR SUPERVISOR 2010 COMMITTEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $50,000.00
01/13/2010 ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPPORT MONETARY $12,900.00
02/23/2010 UNITED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE SUPPORT MONETARY $5,750.00
04/30/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY OVITT SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
04/30/2009 PAUL BIANE FOR SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 2 SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
01/11/2010 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $5,000.00
11/01/2009 FRIENDS OF DON NEELY FOR RE-ELECT OTHER SUPPORT NON-MONETARY $4,290.60
10/21/2009 POMONA POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION SUPPORT MONETARY $4,000.00
10/27/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT ROD HOOPS SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER SHERIFF-CORONER SUPPORT MONETARY $4,000.00
04/30/2009 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2012 STATE SENATOR 31 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
09/22/2009 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2012 STATE SENATOR 31 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
01/13/2010 TORRES FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 61 SUPPORT MONETARY $3,900.00
02/26/2009 MIKE FEUER FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON SUPPORT MONETARY $3,600.00
08/11/2009 FRIENDS OF JIM PENMAN CITY ATTORNEY SUPPORT MONETARY $3,000.00
02/26/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY OVITT SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/27/2009 JOSIE GONZALES FOR SUPERVISOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR 5 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
03/02/2009 CITIZENS & FRIENDS OF ACQUANETTA WARREN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
10/07/2009 JASON G. DESJARDINS FOR 2ND WARD 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEMBER 2nd SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
11/03/2009 RE-ELECT ESTHER ESTRADA TO THE CITY COUNCIL 2009 CITY COUNCIL MEMBER 1st SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/02/2010 GARY OVITT FOR SUPERVISOR 2010 COMMITTEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR 4 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
02/02/2010 JOSIE GONZALES FOR SUPERVISOR 2012 COUNTY SUPERVISOR 5 SUPPORT MONETARY $2,500.00
04/30/2009 FRIENDS OF MIKE RAMOS DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUPPORT MONETARY $1,700.00
10/20/2009 SENATOR BOB DUTTON FOR ASSEMBLY 2012 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 SUPPORT MONETARY $1,600.00
11/12/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $1,500.00
02/26/2009 FRIENDS OF JAMES RAMOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
11/16/2009 ALBERTO TORRICO FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL ATTORNEY GENERAL SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
02/25/2010 FRIENDS OF JOE BACA JR. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
03/16/2010 COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT JAMES RAMOS SB COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIST. COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
03/16/2010 FRIENDS OF BILL EMMERSON FOR SENATE 2010 STATE SENATOR 37 SUPPORT MONETARY $1,000.00
09/22/2009 ACQUANETTA WARREN FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 63 SUPPORT MONETARY $500.00
11/01/2009 FRIENDS OF DON NEELY FOR RE-ELECT OTHER SUPPORT NON-MONETARY $313.60
11/18/2009 ADAMS FOR ASSEMBLY 2010 STATE ASSEMBLY PERSON 59 SUPPORT MONETARY $300.00
04/30/2009 GARAMENDI FOR GOVERNOR 2010 GOVERNOR SUPPORT MONETARY $280.00
08/20/2009 COMMITTEE TO ELECT GARY THOMAS COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 2010 OTHER SUPPORT MONETARY $198.00

iePolitics: Blackmail in TAD?

Posted on by Administrator
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This rumor has been floating around for a while, but I finally talked to someone who has some first-hand knowledge of the claims. I have often questioned why a San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department (TAD) Employment Services Manager, who was investigated, demoted and transferred for racial discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile work environment and utter incompetence, would face a second demotion and transfer for new charges a couple years later.  Any other employee would be fired the second time around if not the first. Continue reading →

InlandPolitics: S.B. County budget plan currently rests on employees, unions

Posted on by Administrator
3
  • Written by Administrator
  • Posted February 8, 2010 at 12:11 pm

San Bernardino County announced last Friday that it was delaying a planned budget workshop for another month.

For a county that has been asleep at the switch in closing an estimated budget shortfall of $90 million-plus in its upcoming fiscal year is anyone surprised?

Neighboring Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties have at least been continually taking budget reduction steps in an effort to keep their respective situations manageable. Continue reading →