December 2008 Archives

With the outlook of a bleak budget looming, Supervisor Neil Derry is calling for San Bernardino County to reconsider and possibly put a stop to the benefits it gives to Superior Court judges.

"This has been a concern, just nothing has been done about it," Derry said. "Now, we've got legal reasons for looking at it as well."

The clock is ticking for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries to enroll in a variety of health care coverage plans.
Beneficiaries have until midnight New Year's Eve to change their Medicare Advantage plans for prescription medication and health care.
"There are a number of different options for people," said Grace-Marie Turner, president of the Galen Institute, non-profit research organization focusing on health policy.  "It's really important for seniors to take a look."
Different plans are available depending on the area beneficiaries live in, so beneficiaries should check which plans are available and what the costs are, Turner said.
"Most people think they have to stick with their program, but prices might have gone up," Turner said.
Such things as copayments and drug coverage may vary from plan to plan, Turner said.
Creating the ability for beneficiaries to choose from a variety of health care programs was part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. The idea was that a "competitive marketplace" would reduce projected costs for health care coverage, Turner said.
Beneficiaries can compare cost and coverage information two ways: by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by going online to www.medicare.gov.

The days when San Bernardino County's population was booming appear to be over.
The county's population is  holding steady.
"The county is definitely not losing population," said Linda Gage, senior demographer with the California Department of Finance. "Starting in 2006, there was a slowdown."
Gage was referring to data released Dec. 17 by the department, which showed that compared to previous years, the county's population gains this year were modest.
The county, whose population is slightly more than 2 million, added 22,377 residents in 2008. But that number is less than half the numbers witnessed at the peak of the county's growth from 2003 to 2005. In 2004, for example, the county gained nearly 54,000 residents.
For the first time in the eight years, the county's net migration number was negative, indicating that more people are leaving the county than are moving in.
Gage said what helped keep the county's population from declining was the number of births -- 35,570 in 2008.
The county has typically had positive net migration, bucking an overall trend in California.
"Now, you're beginning to look a little bit more like the state," Gage said.

I received an e-mail this morning from a loyal reader asking if the story on ultimate fighting over the weekend was an endorsement of San Manuel Casino. As a reporter, my job is not to make endorsements of any group or politican. That's the job of our editorial board and editors. The casino was included in the story because it is a major venue in Southern California for ultimate fighting. But you can make up your own mind.

Here's the story:

At the end of the second five-minute round, Mr. Unbreakable was verging on exhaustion, stumbling in the ring, barely able to land a punch or a kick to his opponent's upper body.

Muscles aching, sweat streaming down his face, he moved in on defending junior welterweight champion, Victor "Joe Boxer" Valenzuela, and tackled him to the floor. Again and again, Mr. Unbreakable drove his elbow into Valenzuela's head with calculated force.

The thing about Mr. Unbreakable, or Brian Warren, as he is known outside the chain-link fencing that makes up the King of the Cage ring - and outside the realm of professional mixed martial arts - is that he has been broken many times.

Aside from the regular bruising, the broken noses and countless head and face wounds, the six-foot-tall, 170-pound 34-year-old has suffered three "major career injuries": a broken ankle from a "lock" so tight it shattered the bone, a broken leg pieced together with a metal plate and screws, and a busted knee, which took him out of professional fighting for the longest period of time and helped him find God.

"I was looking at my foot the whole time," Warren said. "It was facing the wrong direction. That was the most humbling experience in my life."

As a skinny white boy growing up in San Bernardino, Warren got picked on and was frequently jumped. He had to learn to defend himself from an early age.

"San Bernardino is a pretty rough city," Warren said. "I'm from the  

 

 

From San Bernardino County:
 
With the rain and snow expected in our local mountains on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, County resources are working diligently and around the clock with those of other agencies to keep roadways open and free of snow for holiday travel
 
The National Weather Service is predicting rain, heavy at times, starting on Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, with snow above 6,000 feet. With the snow from this storm and the previous storm the county could see heavy accumulation in the mountain areas. The county is warning members of the public to keep water, food and warm clothing in their vehicle for any travel over the holidays. It is important to prepare homes as well as access may be impeded at times. Snow chains are required in most of the mountain areas so the public is advised to carry them while traveling. When putting on chains get all the way off of the road.  The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for in and below the burn areas. 
 
With the recent unusually heavy snow storm in the local mountains and desert the County road crews have been working tirelessly. The Department of Public Works road crews have been working 24 hours a day since Sunday clearing the County maintained roads as fast as they can. The Department of Public Works has 80 pieces of equipment in the mountain and desert.
 
 To allow the snow removal crews to clear as many roads as possible please remember to stay 100 feet back from the equipment for safety.  Many times plows need to back up to complete their passes.  Also do not try to stop the snow removal equipment; operators may not be able to see you.  Be sure to listen to emergency personnel and do as they instruct.  Snow berms in driveways are an inconvenient part of winter living in the mountains. Snow berm removal is not provided as part of regular snow removal service so residents will need to make arrangements to clear berms formed by the snow removal. 
 
The Department of Public Works has hired private contractors to assist the snow removal on the mountain and desert County maintained roadways.  The Department is still seeking to obtain more contractors to assist in snow removal as needed.
 
The County Department of Public Works is responsible for 425 miles of roads in the mountain areas of which 100% received snow in this unusual heavy snow event. The Public Works crews as well as the contractors are continuing to clear and widen main travel routes and the residential local roads in the mountains and desert regions. Many residential and local roads were unable to be plowed due to blockage by vehicles. By keeping all vehicles well off the roads it makes it possible for the snow plows to clear roads quicker. The operation crews will continue to work shifts around the clock through these storms to ensure that all County maintained roads are passable for the residents of the mountains and desert.  Please have a safe holiday season.
 
For further information, contact the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works at (909) 387-8063.

Three environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Bureau of Land Management for a small change to a desert conservation plan that they claim will have a big impact on the bighorn sheep living south of San Gorgonio pass.

The Sierra Club, California Wilderness Coalition and Center for Biological Diversity are suing the BLM to keep the agency from opening a mountain road that bisects the area where the sheep bear and nurse their young.

Bighorn sheep north of the pass in the San Bernardino Mountains are thriving, but the numbers south of the pass in the San Jacinto Mountains have been dwindling, and the population there has been listed as endangered, said Ileene Anderson, public lands deserts director with the Center for Biological Diversity's Los Angeles office.

A lawsuit settlement in 2001 required the BLM to close Dunn Road, near Palm Desert.

But an amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan now allows for the road to be reopened, said Erin Ziegler, staff attorney with the California Wilderness Coalition.

"Dunn Road crosses important high mountain habitat for the bighorn sheep and a lambing area," Ziegler said. "The road was illegally constructed, and it trespassed over BLM land in the Santa Rosa Mountains."

Part of complaint filed Thursday also includes the Coachella Valley milk vetch and the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, two federally listed endangered species, Anderson said.

The board's decision this week to pursue hiring a prosecutor to gather evidence of misconduct by Assessor Bill Postmus is seen as one of a number of strategies to remove the elected official from office and improve the county's image.

Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies, said the decision appears to be an attempt by the Board of Supervisors to mend disintegrating public opinion in San Bernardino County.

He also gave restrained praise to board for initiating proceedings to unseat Postmus, who has been the center of a protracted political scandal and a criminal investigation by the district attorney.

"I suppose the county has been discredited for so long anything that they're doing on something like this is obviously a positive sign," Stern said. "I'm sure they feel it's hurting the reputation of the county, and they hope to turn things around."

Calico Ghost Town will usher in 2009 with musical entertainment, old West gambling demonstrations, family fun and awe-inspiring fireworks. The town will ring out the old with a New Years celebration December 26-28th.
 
The fun begins Friday, December 26th in the old mining town located off I-15 north of Barstow.  Grammy nominated Lisa Haley and the Zydecats will delight the crowd with continuous performances throughout the weekend.  Singing cowboy, Billy Erickson, will entertain through his songs and tales of the West. 
 
Visitors can learn how to play a little 5-card stud during Old West gambling demonstrations.  By strolling through town one can see the town blacksmith hard at work.  Calico shops and restaurants are open and patrons are encouraged to come explore.
 
Children will have fun climbing a 24' wall, learning to stay upright on an inflatable bull riding machine, and developing rope-making skills.  They will even be able to try their hands at virtual calf roping.
 
Calico Ghost Town's family friendly New Years celebration will light up the skies of Calico Mountain with a must-see fireworks display Saturday, December 27th at 6:00 p.m.
 
Admission to New Years at Calico is $10 adults; $5 ages 6-15, free for children under 6 years.  Price includes Maggie's Mine, the Mystery Shack and gold panning amusements.  Rides on the narrow gauge mining train are additional.
 
Visitors are encouraged to spend the last weekend of the old year ushering in New Years at Calico Ghost Town.  Camping sites are available and may be reserved by calling 1-800-TO CALICO.  For more information, visit www.calicotown.com.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to start proceedings to remove embattled San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus from office.

The board directed county counsel to look into hiring an independent special prosecutor who would gather evidence of misconduct by Postmus, who is an elected official. The evidence would be used for a trial over which the board would preside.

Postmus' spokesman Ted Lehrer issued a response late Tuesday afternoon.
"Assessor Bill Postmus has no comment specifically related to today's action by the Board of Supervisors," Lehrer said. "However, Assessor Postmus would like to clearly state that he remains clearly committed to working on behalf of county taxpayers and that the assessor's office will continue to operate and function by providing excellent service to residents of the county."

As to speculation that Postmus would step down from office, Lehrer said, "At this point, there are no plans to announce a resignation."

The spokesman for Assessor Bill Postmus released this response today after the Board of Supervisors voted to start the procedure to remove Postmus from elected office.

"He's not in the office today unfortunately," Ted Lehrer said. "Assessor Bill Postmus has no comment specifically related to today's action by the Board of Supervisors. However, Assesor Postmus would like to clearly state that he remains clearly committed to working on behalf of county taxpayers and that the assessor's office will continue to operate and function by providing excellent service to residents of the county."

As for Postmus stepping down from office, Lehrer said, "At this point, there are no plans to announce a resignation."

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved today a request by 3rd District Supervisor Neil Derry to finalize the takeover of the Arrowhead Manor Water Company. 

A total of $1,220,520 -- allocated from the Special Districts Revolving Loan Fund, 3rd district discretionary funding and county contingency reserves -- will repay loan debt to the California Department of Water Resources in the amount of $910,520, and $310,000 in closing costs and other related charges to acquire the water company. 

The Arrowhead Manor Water Company will change to the Cedar Glen Water District upon completion of escrow.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously this afternoon to start proceedings to remove embattled San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus from office.

The board directed county counsel to look into hiring an independent attorney and investigative staff to gather evidence of misconduct in office. The evidence would be used for a trial over which the board would preside.

A hearing could be held as early as May, said Ruth Stringer, county counsel.

"It could be a little earlier, it could be a little later," Stringer said. "It all depends on what the investigatory process produces."

During the hearing, the supervisors would have the power to subpoena witnesses and to require the assessor to appear before them. The  witnesses would also give sworn testimony.

The overall process of removal could take up to two years and cost anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million.

San Bernardino County is the only county in California whose charter gives the board of supervisors the power to remove an elected official.

From the Democatic Party of San Bernardino County:

Upcoming events for the Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino:

Admission to the San Bernardino County Museum will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 4.

From noon to 2 p.m., members of the American Needlepoint Guild will demonstrate stitching techniques.

There will also be the exhibit, "Hanging with the Museum, art by museum staff and volunteers."

Outdoor exhibits include native plant and cactus gardens, a steam locomotive and caboose, mining and lumbering equipment, heritage orange groves, and sculpture.

The Exploration Station, a live animal gallery, will also be open 1-4 p.m.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands.

More information: www.sbcountymuseum.org or 909-307-2669 ext. 229.

The Needles Unified School District will continue to have the services of a Sheriff's Deputy who works directly with students, teachers and parents thanks to $50,000 in funding approved today by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

Glen Helen Regional Park will host a trout derby Jan. 10. 

At the end of the derby, prizes up to $500 in value will be awarded.

San Bernardino County Regional Parks will hold a series of four Junior Fishing Workshops for children, ages 5-9.  The first will be hosted Dec. 20.

After instruction on the fundamentals of fishing, the children will have two hours of open fishing to put into practice what they have learned. 

More information: (909) 387-2461.

From the county:

The Board of Supervisors approved the expansion of San Bernardino County's Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program to a new location in Victorville. 

The new office will be the third location in the Victor Valley and will supplement current offices in Adelanto and Hesperia.

San Bernardino County's job-placement centers are experiencing an influx of unemployed residents seeking work.

"On a daily basis, the number of job-seekers has doubled (since last year)," said Kathleen Oles, deputy director of programs and operations at the county Workforce Development Department. "We're just taking every customer as they come in."

Numbers from October, the most recent data available, show 81,700 county residents have filed for unemployment, said Paul Herrera, marketing director for the county Economic Development Agency.

In October 2007, that number was about 50,000.

Unemployment in the county reached historic highs in the early 1990s when the county suffered from military base closures, Herrera said.

During the last three months, county employment centers have placed more than 2,570 people in jobs.

Currently, the unemployment rate in the county is 9 percent.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in November, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Local economists predicted in a report released by the University of Redlands in October that unemployment in the Inland Empire could top 12.4 percent before the recession is over.

One of the sectors in San Bernardino County hit hardest by the economic downturn has been the construction industry.

In the past year, the industry has cut 15,500 jobs in the county. In one month alone, 4,000 jobs were lost, Herrera said.

After the holidays, the retail industry in the county is expected to dramatically contract, Herrera added.

"Retailers have already announced they're going to be doing mass layoffs and store closures," he said.

Oles warned that job seekers may encounter a long wait during their first visit to one of the county's work force development centers, but return visits should go more quickly.

There are three work force development centers in the county - in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Hesperia.

From county parks:

The first Trout Derby of the season is held at Yucaipa Regional Park  at 7 a.m. Saturday .  This is the day when both the seasoned and novices will gather on the banks of the lake and cast their lines hoping for the big catch to bite early.
 
Last year more than 2,500 people participated in the San Bernardino County Regional Park trout derbies.  The competition provides adults and children the opportunity to fish in a safe, fun environment and a good likelihood that they will be able to reel in a trout.
 
Fifty prizes will be awarded at each derby with values ranging from $30 to $500. The prizes are awarded to those catching the biggest trout within the least amount of time at the derby. 
 
San Bernardino County Regional Parks stocks five lakes in the system with a total of 61 tons of trout for the season.  In addition to the derby taking place at Yucaipa Regional Park this Saturday, other derbies will be held through April at the following parks:  Glen Helen Regional Park, San Bernardino, January 10, 2009; Prado, Chino, February 21, Mojave Narrows, Victorville, March 14, and Cucamonga Guasti, Ontario, April 4th.
 
Trout Derby entry fee is $15 and there is a $7 per carload park entry cost.  A State fishing license is required and may be purchased at the park. 
                               
Gates open at 6 a.m. Saturday.  The derby runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Prizes will be announced by 1:30 p.m.
 
San Bernardino County Regional Parks' Trout Derbies are sponsored by KCAL, KOLA, KFRG 103.1, Turner's Outdoorsman, Eagle Claw, Camping World, Berkley, Lip Ripperz, Baker's Drive-Thru and Fast Lap.
 
San Bernardino County Regional Parks Active Outdoors Program will be offering Junior Fishing Workshops to children ages 5-9 beginning Saturday, December 20th at Glen Helen Regional Park.  These free workshops are designed to teach young children the fundamentals of fishing and familiarize them with the equipment.  At the end of each session, the children will be able to participate in open fishing activities.    There will be three additional Junior Fishing Workshops held January through March, 2009 at Cucamonga Guasti, Yucaipa and Mojave Narrows Regional Parks.  Space is limited.  Contact (909) 387-2461 for dates, park locations and more information.

Former Supervisor Dennis Hansberger said Wednesday that he disposed of official records before his term expired Nov. 30.

He also said he could not speak to a county policy he approved as Board of Supervisors chairman in 2004 that provides for the retention of public documents when a supervisor leaves office.

"We cleaned out the documents appropriately," Hansberger said. "Every day people dispose of documents. I don't keep documents in my office which are departmental in nature, and 99 percent of what we do is departmental in nature."

Supervisor Neil Derry reported Tuesday that files containing such items as project reports and contracts were missing when he took office just more than a week ago. Derry replaced Dennis Hansberger, who represented the 3rd district for 20 years.

"It comes across as meanspirited in a way that you would hope that officials entrusted with the public trust would put aside petty personal feelings and make decisions for the public good," said Jessica Levinson, political reform director for the Center for Governmental Studies. "It smacks of personal vengence."

Hansberger said Derry could obtain the records by requesting them from county departments where copies have been filed. He said he was greeted with a similar situation when he returned to office in 1996 and that he thought Derry might find it helpful to start from scratch.

"Everything he needs is there in some fashion or form," Hansberger said. "We only got rid of those things that were very old, out-of-date files."

Peter Scheer, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, said it is problematic if documents were disposed of that can't be replaced.

"If they actually have been destroyed, that's very unfortunate because the records belong to the public," Scheer said. "We don't know what they were or may have contained, but they may have been an important source of information of all the actions taken by the board in the recent past."

A number of county and state provisions have been put in place to guard against the loss or destruction of public records

The county policy states: "Any County officer or employee having custody or control of any County records shall, at the expiration of their term of office, appointment, or employment, deliver custody and control of all records kept or received by them to their sucessors or supervisors."

Two state codes also address the destruction of public records. One law states states that documents must be retained for at least two years and cannot be disposed of or destroyed without county board approval.

Another states that any official who allows documents to be stolen, removed, destroyed, altered or falsified can be charged with a criminal offense, resulting in up to four years in jail.

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he encountered a similar situation as chief of staff for Bill Postmus when in 2000, Postmus replaced outgoing Supervisor Kathy Davis.

Lewis Cope, the head of the district attorney's Public Integrity Unit, said no complaints concerning the disappearance of the 3rd district documents have been submitted to his office.

Typically, investigations are only initiated after the district attorney receives a formal complaint.

San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus today announced that county government budget reductions have necessitated the reduction of hours in two district offices of the county assessor. Postmus stated that the combination of budget cuts and a hiring freeze resulted in today's announcement. 

Assessor Postmus stated that despite a reduction in operating hours, taxpayer service will not be compromised. Postmus further stated that the new schedule was also necessary to save the operations of both County Assessor District Offices. 

The two district offices of the County Assessor are located in the communities of Big Bear and Twin Peaks. Currently, both offices are open eight hours daily for all five days  of a traditional workweek. County budget reductions and the ensuing reduced hours will require the closing of both offices up to three days a week. 

"It is unfortunate to make this announcement, but it is nonetheless is sign of the current economic climate," stated Assessor Postmus. "The reason why these two district offices are seeing a slight decrease in operating hours simply results from vacancies that occurred at these locations while a freeze has simultaneously been in effect. Therefore, the county budget has not authorized me to hire additional staff to replace employees who have retired from service. 

"I am confident that taxpayer service will not be compromised in no way, shape or form, as both myself and the staff at these district offices are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure quality service during this economic downturn, which has affected all county departments and agencies. Sadly, this schedule was the only way to avoid the total shuttering of one or both officers that serve residents of the Mountain communities." 

"It is my sincere hope that these reductions will be temporary," added Postmus. "For customers that may be inconvenienced by these new hours of services, I invite them to call toll-free or visit our central office in the city of San Bernardino. Furthermore, they can visit the website of the County Assessor 24 hours a day. 

"This office stands ready to assist any taxpayer despite this reduction in operating hours," concluded Postmus. 

The following are new hours of operations for the two affected district offices.  

BIG BEAR: 8:00 AM-12:00 noon, 1:00 PM-5:00PM, Monday and Wednesday

TWIN PEAKS: 8:00 AM-12:00 noon, 1:00 PM-5:00PM, Tuesday and Thursday 

From the county:

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today approved the addition of a Trauma Systems Specialist to the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency (ICEMA) to oversee the region's trauma system and to assist a consultant selected by the County to prepare a study of the region's trauma system.
 
"Bringing a trauma center to the High Desert is something I believe is critical to the health and safety in our region," said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "With today's hiring of a trauma specialist, we're taking one more step toward that goal."
 
Supervisors earlier in the year approved a plan to perform a countywide assessment of the County's existing trauma system. A request for proposals (RFP) was developed and sent to experts in emergency medical services and trauma fields. Supervisors are expected to enter into a formal agreement with the Abaris Group on January 6 to complete the study. The study is expected to be completed by April 1.
 
The scope of work to be included in the study will include:
 - Evaluation of current volume and projected volume, by geographic region,
 - Evaluation of individual transport protocols and trauma triage practices,
 - Evaluation of patient care capacity, including capacity specific to the hospital's medical/surgical intensive care unit, operating rooms, and emergency departments,
 - Evaluation of medical and hospital staffing practices and needs, including recruitment, coverage and retention practices,
 - Evaluation of financial viability, and
 - On-site hospital visits
 
"This countywide assessment will show what the current needs are based on our existing trauma system and the expanding population," added Supervisor Mitzelfelt.  "It will also show where changes should be implemented in order to best serve the needs of the public, which could support my goal of bringing a trauma center to the High Desert."
 
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors serves as the governing board for ICEMA. The agency oversees emergency medical services in San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono counties.

From the county:

A local health clinic with a mission to serve the homeless and underserved population will receive financial assistance from San Bernardino County 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales.
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors yesterday approved Supervisor Gonzales' allocation of $10,000 that will enable the H Street Clinic to continue to provide medical care to needy residents living in the City of San Bernardino and nearby unincorporated areas.
"I fully support the work Rev. David Kalke and the staff do at the clinic and the Central City Lutheran Mission," said Supervisor Gonzales. "Aside from providing quality health care, meals, and shelter for many who have nowhere else to turn, Rev. Kalke is a constant advocate for the homeless members of our communities."
H Street Clinic is a full service community clinic that offers primary care as well as prevention education and screenings for treatable diseases. Its staff works in partnership with St. Bernardine Medical Center, Loma Linda University, and the County Public Health Department to provide low-cost or no-cost family based health services for the homeless, at-risk youth, and other underserved residents.
H Street Clinic is located at 1329 North H Street, San Bernardino. For more information about the clinic, including hours of operation and a detailed list of services they provide call (909) 381-0803 or visit website www.cclm.org.
The 5th District includes the unincorporated areas of Bloomington, Muscoy and Arrowhead Farms, the City of Rialto, major portions of the cities of Colton and San Bernardino, and a segment of the City of Fontana.

After a mere seven days in office, Neil Derry boldly beseeched his colleagues Tuesday morning to rescind millions of dollars in projects initiated during his predecessor's last days in office.

The problem? All the documents pertaining to those projects have gone missing.
"When I took office just over a week ago the files on the fifth floor were empty," Derry told the board.

To prove the point, Derry held up a binder that was supposed to contain plans for the Moonridge Zoo relocation project. It was empty.

Whether the files were destroyed by outgoing Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, who held the position for 20 years, remains unconfirmed. Calls to Hansberger's cell phone were not returned.

Destroying the public records stored on the fifth floor of the county government center, where the supervisors' offices are located, does not appear to have been illegal.

"We do not have any policy that addresses the retention or destruction of documents," said David Wert, county spokesman.

After the meeting, Derry said by telephone that he was not accusing anyone of a crime.

A transitional team had been formed to help smooth over the transfer of the 3rd district seat from Hansberger to Derry.

That team, which was hired to assist Derry at the end of the summer, was housed on the second floor of the government center, and staffers would have had no way of knowing what was occurring on the fifth floor regarding the documents, Derry said.

"We were being very careful not to intrude on Dennis Hansberger's territory," he said. "He was the supervisor and deserved the respect of that office."

Shortly before leaving office, Hansberger submitted a number of costly projects before the board for approval. Derry said the cost of the projects, which were all unanimously approved, constituted 80-90 percent of 3rd district money outside of his staff budget.

"There was a concerted effort to spend all 3rd district discretionary funds money as quickly as they could, so that it would not be there when I arrived in office," he said.

Derry said he was concerned about the funding sources of some of the programs which caused him to ask the board to rescind the funding. For example, the nearly $1 million committed to the Arrowhead Manor Water Company to repay a state loan should have come out of redevelopment agency money that had been set aside for Cedar Glen, Derry said.

In total, the money for seven projects was rescinded Tuesday. Among them was $500,000 for a traffic signal in Fawnskin for which no traffic study had been conducted. Another was $250,000 for landscape improvements at the Mentone Senior Center and Library. A $500,000 allocation for the Mountain Preservation Program in the San Bernardino Mountains was also repealed. Representatives from two local environmental groups that manage land in the mountains had said previously they were entirely unaware a program to merge sub-substandard lots had been in the works.

Derry expects that most of the projects will receive funding in the near future, but from different, more appropriate, sources.

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said during Tuesday's meeting that he encountered a similar situation when he ascended to his post.

"Starting from nothing when there are no files is no fun," Mitzelfelt said.

He suggested the board institute a policy to prevent the destruction of documents.

At his first public meeting as 3rd district supervisor this morning, Neil Derry beseeched his colleagues to rescind millions of dollars in projects initiated during his predecessor's last days in office. The problem? All the documents concerning those projects have gone missing.

"When I took office just over a week ago the files on the fifth floor were empty," Derry told the board.

To prove his point, he held up a binder that supposedly contained the plans for the Moonridge Zoo relocation project. It was empty.

Whether the files were destroyed by outgoing Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, who held the position for 20 years remains unconfirmed. A call to Hansberger's cell phone was not returned. It also remains unclear if destroying the public records stored on the fifth floor, where the supervisors' offices are located, constitutes a crime.

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said he encountered a similar situation when he ascended to his post.

"Starting from nothing when there are no files is no fun," Mitzelfelt said.

He suggested the board institute a policy to prevent the destruction of documents. 

 

A forum for servicemembers who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan will be held Wednesday to match veterans with mental health services and other benefits available through the Veterans Administration.

"We want to be able to try to link them with resources no mater what the need is," said Lynn Neuenswander, a program specialist with the San Bernardino County behavioral health department.

The information fair will be held 5-8p.m. at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Center, 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana.

The event is the second of six planned throughout the county. The dates and locations of the other four information sessions have yet to be announced.

Information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury and mental illness will be available.

There are more than 2,000 veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan living in the county, Neuenswander said. The county is home to two military bases, with a total of approximately 15,000 active duty servicemembers.

The information sessions are also intended to increase awareness of issues faced by returning veterans and their families.

For more information, call (909) 387-5527.

RIVERSIDE - The head of the Episcopal Church addressed a crowded auditorium Friday at the Riverside Convention Center where religious leaders from throughout the Los Angeles Diocese had gathered to discuss church business during a two-day conference.

The Bishop, the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman to lead the church, presented a moving, and at times humorous, sermon during the Holy Eucharist. The bishop spoke of God's surpassing, all encompassing, love and urged the crowd to reach out to the poor and weak.

"That love shines like Mama's Hot Tamales in MacArthur Park," she said. "And now, Mama's is open in Pasadena."

Approximately 1,000 clergy, lay delegates and visitors are expected to attend the 113th annual meeting of the diocese, which includes the Inland Empire.

Churches from 16 cities in San Bernardino County as well as Beaumont and Claremont sent representatives to the conference. Even Needles, one of the county's most remote cities sent two representatives from St. John the Evangelist Church.

The bishop also spoke of building God's dream for the world.

"At a time when economic woes are spreading faster than fire before the Santa Ana's," she said, "that good news is even more essential."

Despite a downturn in holiday shopping, Christmas Tree Farms across San Bernardino County are reporting solid sales.
"Sales have been pretty good," said Gregg Palmer, owner of Live Oak Canyon Tree Farm in Redlands. "We have a loyal following."
Palmer credited his business' steady sale of Christmas trees to a couple factors. One is a returning customer base - families who want to trudge out across the land, select their favorite tree and bring it home.
The other may have to do with the economic downturn. A number of customers have mentioned that they are staying home this year and are putting in extra effort toward decorating, and, of course, buying a tree, Palmer said.
Palmer launched the business in 1980. Each year, the business sells thousands of pine and fir trees.
Still, Palmer was concerned this holiday season that sales might dip as consumers cut back spending, so he erected a 62-foot-tall lighted tree that is visible for miles to attract new customers.
Over at Christmas Conifers in Bloomington, owner Mark Rye is witnessing a similar trend.
"We're running almost even with last year as far as sales," said Rye, who has owned the business for six years. "We have a big repeat clientele."
Rye expects Christmas tree sales will peak over the next two weekends, which will determine whether business will be as good as last year.
He also is relying on a niche market in "giants," Christmas trees over 15 feet tall, to attract customers.
This year he hopes to sell up to 4,000 Monterey pines.
Gail Edwards, who owns Casazza Christmas Tree Farm in Rancho Cucamonga with her husband Don, relies on advertising, the Internet and word of mouth to lure in their regional customer base.
"It's about the same as last year," Edwards said of business.
The tree farm, which opened in 1955, is the oldest in Southern California.
Edwards did not seem overly concerned about the economy.
"Everybody wants a tree," Edwards said. "It's a family tradition. And, it's Christmas."

From Dutton's office:

Sen. Bob Dutton, a Republican based in Rancho Cucamonga, has been re-elected to serve as part of the five-member Senate Rules Committee, considered the most powerful policy and fiscal committee in the State Senate. 

Senator Dutton was first elected to the Rules Committee in January 2007 and re-elected by the members on the first day of the 2008-09 session when Senate Resolution 3 was passed unanimously. 

The Rules Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving or rejecting hundreds of key gubernatorial appointments before they are voted on by the full Senate. They also have jurisdiction over proposed and amendments and rules that govern the State Senate body and all other matters relating to the business of the State Legislature. 

"I'm honored that my colleagues have decided to re-elect me to this influential committee," Senator Dutton said. "My goal as a member of this committee will be to continue to ensure the efficient operation of the Senate, fully examine gubernatorial appointments and help other Senators navigate the legislative and regulatory process." 

Senator Dutton was re-elected to represent the 31^st Senate District that includes portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, in November with nearly 60 percent of the vote. He was sworn in to his second term on Dec. 1 and will serve until November 2012. 

Senator Dutton will serve on the committee with Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), who will serve the committee as the chairman; Sen. Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley), who will serve as vice chairman; Sen. Gill Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Long Beach).

Assemblyman Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, has announced upcoming events to honor the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Sacramento.   

"Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Week" will start Dec. 10 with a reading of names of the 5,822 Californians who died or in the Vietnam War.  On December 13th, a parade and dedication ceremony will take place, followed by a sunrise POW/MIA ceremony on December 14th.      

Cook recognized the special occasion earlier this year by introducing Assembly Concurrent Resolution 151, a measure that designates December 10th through December 14 th, 2008 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Week."  The planned events are sponsored jointly by the Vietnam Veterans of America and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

"As a Vietnam veteran, these events mean a lot to me.  That's why I didn't hesitate to carry ACR 151 on behalf of other veterans out there who are struggling to come to terms with their mistreatment following the war.  To me, they're all heroes," Cook said

From the county:

Local veterans can find information about numerous local services and programs available to them during the "Evening of Support for Our Heroes" event on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Center in Fontana.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane is hosting the event with the help of the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System and the County's Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Behavioral Health.
The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Center located at 15556 Summit Ave. in Fontana. A complimentary dinner will be served, and childcare will also be provided for local veterans and their families.
Veterans are asked to pre-register for the event by calling the County Department of Veterans Affairs at (909) 421-4626 or by visiting www.sbcounty.gov/biane/help4heroes.

Details remain scarce surrounding San Bernardino County's latest program to staunch the flood of foreclosures sweeping through cities and unincorporated areas.

On Monday the Board of Supervisors voted to enter into a contract with the Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation, which would use a public-private partnership to address the foreclosure problem.

The board also named Supervisors Paul Biane and Brad Mitzelfelt to sit on the corporation's board of directors.

But the non-profit corporation has yet to be officially formed, a search of the secretary of state's business database found. The names of the businesses that would be involved in the "private" side of the partnership also have yet to be divulged.

Paul Herrera, spokesman for the county's Economic Development Agency, said although the agency will be administering approximately $23 million from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help ease the foreclosure crisis, it is not involved in the latest move by the board.

"The two programs don't talk to one another," Herrera said. "It's different groups."
The board could approve committing $2.5 million to the corporation in the next two weeks, according to a county report.

With the median home value in San Bernardino County having plummeted to approximately $200,0000, that money would only be enough to purchase approximately 10 homes.
More than 42,000 houses in the county are in various stages of foreclosure.

The board also indicated Monday that it would like to partner with the Riverside County by means of the corporation.

Lys Mendez, Riverside County spokeswoman, said there is support for "unified efforts" with San Bernardino County to address foreclosures. But no date has been set for when Riverside County may enter into a contract with the corporation, she said.

"It's my understanding the corporation hasn't been formed yet," Mendez said. "We're waiting to see how things develop."

In September, the two counties issued a joint statement urging the federal government to create contracts with regional public-private partnerships to oversee the disposition of mortgage assets acquired by the treasury from floundering banks.

What: Democratic Leadership Training offered by the California Democratic Council and
San Bernardino County Democratic Party

When: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13

Where: Democratic Headquarters, 136 Carousel Mall, San Bernardino

Cost: Free (Requested donation of $10.00 to help cover food and materials) Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

RSVP:  training@cdc-ca.org or 800-446-9709 by Dec. 10

Courses: the California Democratic Party Structure, How to Run a Meeting: Robert's Rules of Order, Club Finances: How to Stay Out of Jail, Fundraising Fundamentals and Guidelines, Increasing and Keeping Your Membership, Recruiting Candidates for Local Office Technology and Clubs. This training consists of a variety of workshops for club/party leaders and political activists who want to advance their leadership roles in the Democratic Party or are just getting started.

NOTE: Please DO NOT RSVP unless you can stay the entire day.

 

What: Open house at the district offices of  state Sen. Bob Dutton, Assemblyman Bill Emmerson, and San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane.

When: 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11

Where:  Rancho Cucamonga - Emmerson's office is at 10681 Foothill Blvd., Suite 325; Biane's office is in the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse, 8303 Haven Ave.; Dutton's office is at 8577 Haven Ave., Suite 210.

Info: Dutton's office (909) 466-4180; Emmerson's office (909) 466-9096; Biane's office (909) 945-4297. A map is available online at www.sbcounty.gov/biane

Dutton and Emmerson office's will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program. Biane's office will be accepting new, unwrapped toys and other gifts that can be distributed to local families of military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Residents can also donate "comfort items" for troops in Iraq and Afhanistan, such as CDs, books, magazines, pre-paid phone cards.

Even with the declaration of a fiscal emergency in California and the looming threat of a cash shortage by February, state lawmakers in San Bernardino County said Tuesday an agreement must be reached but hesitated to say exactly what compromises will be made.

Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto, expressed frustration with Republicans for balking at a proposal for spending cuts and a tax increase put forward by the governor and Democrats.

The Republicans are opposed to the proposal, but they have yet to submit an alternative, she said.

"If we had something else to look at other than what we're putting on the table, it would be different," Carter said. "I was so hoping our particular caucus from the county would step up since our county is suffering the most. ... I have one more opportunity to be optimistic."

Carter was referring to a special session of the Legislature called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger when he declared the fiscal emergency on Monday. A date for the special session has yet to be announced.

Assemblyman Paul Cook, a Republican whose district includes much of the Morongo Basin, said now is the time for "radical" ideas.

He has suggested cutting pay to legislators if they can't reach an agreement and said he would support forming an independent committee completely separate from the political arena that could make budget reform recommendations. Cook also called for the governor to keep lawmakers in

The Board of Supervisors rolled out another program Monday aimed at stemming the foreclosure crisis in San Bernardino County.

"Most likely, we're probably looking at another wave of foreclosures that are going to happen in the next few years as people recognize they are upside down in their equity," said Supervisor Paul Biane.

Earlier in November, the board adopted a plan to use millions of dollars in federal money to help homebuyers purchase foreclosed homes and enable government agencies to acquire and either resell or rent foreclosed houses in the county.

The ceremony will be followed by a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

There are several items on the agenda:

- Discussion of a contract with the Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corporation, a non-profit started to help the county negotiate the foreclosure crisis

-Discussion of appointing Supervisors Paul Biane and Brad Mitzelfelt to serve on the corporation's Board of Directors

-Discussion of the county providing a $500,000 match if an economic-stimulus grant is given by the state

Background: Incoming supervisor Neil Derry and current supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Josie Gonzales will be sworn in to four-year terms today.

The ceremony will be held at noon in the Covington Chambers at the San Bernardino County Government Center in San Bernardino.

The ceremony can be viewed live at this link. It will be archived and available for later viewing beginning Tuesday.

What: San Bernardino County Museum's Reading Discoveries program, book discussion

When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10

Where: San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands

The book: "Assembling California," by John McPhee.  The book recounts the author's field exploits as he traveled to find the origins of the Golden State.

Info: Jolene Redvale at (909) 307-2669 ext. 252 or e-mail jredvale@sbcm.sbcounty.gov. 

The U.S. Navy has proposed using airspace bordering the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. Officials will be holding three meetings to gauge the public's response.

A draft environmental-impact statement examining potential environmental effects will be available for viewing and discussion at the meetings, which will be held as follows:

5-9 p.m., Wednesday, Twentynine Palms Junior High School, 5798 Utah Trail

5-9 p.m., Thursday, Hilton Garden Inn, 12603 Mariposa Road, Victorville

5-9 p.m., Friday, Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way

For more information, e-mail or visit this link.

Incoming supervisor Neil Derry and current supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Josie Gonzales will be sworn in to four-year terms today.

The ceremony will be held at noon in the Covington Chambers at the San Bernardino County Government Center in San Bernardino.

The ceremony can be viewed live at this link. It will be archived and available for later viewing beginning Tuesday.

From the county:

Holiday decorations are up and the spirit of Christmas is in the air at Calico Ghost Town.   Visit the old West mining town and experience the holidays like the town's first settlers did.
 
The Christmas at Calico Event will be held from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday.  Admire the beautifully decorated store fronts along Main Street and  listen to the sounds of The Good Time Carolers filling the streets with music. Elvis impersonator, David E. Prezley will make a special guest appearance singing Christmas carols.  Members of the Silver Baptist Church will perform.  Listen to a reading of "T'was the Night Before Christmas." 

At 5:30 p.m., Santa will arrive to help light the Christmas tree and take photos with children.  Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.
 
Spend $75 at any of the Calico merchants and receive a free collectible Calico bear.
 
Admission to Calico through Jan. 11 is $5 for individuals, $10 per carload of up to 6 people.  The price of admission includes the attractions Maggie's Mine, Mystery Shack and gold panning.  
 
Calico Ghost Town is located off of I-15 at Ghost Town Road in Yermo.  More info: www.calicotown.com or call 1-800-TO-CALICO.