George Watson to be named Supervisor Derry's chief of staff
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday is expected to appoint George Watson, former metro editor for The Sun, as Third District Supervisor Neil Derry's new chief of staff.
Watson, 39, of Redlands, has been a newspaper reporter and editor for the past 18 years. He has worked in the Inland Empire since 2001 as a reporter for both The Sun and the Press Enterprise. He'll replace Jim Erwin, a longtime mover and shaker in San Bernardino County politics.
Erwin, 46, of Highland, was arrested at Derry's office on March 19 as part of the San Bernardino County District Attorney's ongoing investigation of the county assessor's office, where Erwin formerly worked as assistant assessor.
Erwin has been charged with 10 felony counts of perjury and failing to properly disclose gifts he received from Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, including a $13,000 Rolex watch, a luxurious trip to New York City and the services of a prostitute, court records show. It was payback for Erwin serving as a liaison between Burum's Colonies Partners and the county in helping shepherd a landmark $102 million settlement over an Upland flood control project.
Watson will head Derry's 12-person staff and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the office.
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