July 2009 Archives

By Stacia Glenn, Staff Writer

Former assessor Bill Postmus today questioned why county supervisors have not asked for the resignation of county employee Jim Miller following his arrest yesterday on a felony conflict of interest charge.

Miller, who has been a Grand Terrace councilman since 2004, was briefly jailed Wednesday after his arrest by District Attorney's Office investigators. He is accused of inappropriately voting on $18,000 worth of advertising contracts that were given to his wife's local newspaper, the Grand Terrace City News.

Miller, a county real-estate services manager, was placed on administrative leave Wednesday. None of his alleged wrongdoings occurred on county time.

"Accused felon and county employee Jim Miller should follow the example of Adam Aleman. Miller should resign immediately and if he refuses, the county board of supervisors should employ the Biane Standard in demanding Mr. Miller's resignation," Postmus said in a written statement.

"Anything less than a fair application of the Biane Standard is hypocrisy and a clear display of a double standard - one rule for the Postmus staff and another rule for other county staff engaging in questionable behavior."

Aleman served as assistant assessor until he resigned last year. He was arrested June 30, 2008, and charged with six felony counts, including three counts of preparing false documentary evidence, one county of offering false evidence, one public records violation and vandalism over $400. He has pleaded not guilty.

The charges stemmed from an investigation into the Assessor's Office, which also led to Postmus' resignation in February amid accusations of methamphetamine abuse and malfeasance that includes conducting political activity on county time, incompetence and widespread timecard fraud.

"Supervisor Paul Biane's statements regarding my office could easily be issued regarding the county's Real Estate Services Department, which the board oversees," Postmus wrote. "Furthermore, as was the case with Mr. Aleman, Mr. Miller is an exempt county employee who is held to a higher ethical standard. Clearly, according to the Biane Standard, Jim Miller's actions have 'stained' America's largest county and now county government must meet and pass the same test it supposedly faced one year ago."

When calling for Aleman's resignation, Biane spoke of how it only takes a few people to stain the county's reputation and that the true test of an ethical organization "is how it responds when problems occur."

stacia.glenn@inlandnewspapers.com

County residents desiring to have their properties reappraised by the Assessor's Office have some new tools available to help facilitate the process.

A revamped assessment appeals Web site is available at www.sbcounty.gov/assessmentappeals to get one started. In addition, an assessment appeals hot line has been set up. The number: (909)387-4413.

Lastly, an appeal application form can be completed and submitted via the Internet and a video is also being made available titled "Your Assessment Appeals."

"Given the decline in property values and the resultant increase in appeal filings, it is more important than ever that we help taxpayers understand their rights and options as they relate to the assessment and valuation of their property," said Dena Smith, clerk of the Board of  Supervisors.

Smith's office has experienced a 10-fold increase in appeals filed in 2008.

The Board of Supervisors serves as a local representative of the state Board of Equalization and is tasked to ensure the equitable appraisal and taxation of property in the county.

The Board of Supervisors appoints individuals to serve as board members or hearing officers to arbitrate disputes regarding the assessed value of property. The Clerk of the Board supports the appeal process and oversees the filing, review, processing and scheduling of appeals before the Assessment Appeals Board or Hearing Officer.

There are four types of assessment that a property owner may appeal, each with its own filing date requirements. The filing period for 2009 for those whose properties may have decreased in value due to the flagging economic is from July 2 to Nov. 30.

For further information visit the county Web site at www.sbcounty.gov.  Property owners may also call the Assessment Appeals Hotline at (909) 387-4413 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

joe.nelson@inlandnewspapers.com

 

 

No need to wait in line to register to become part of the exciting dragon boat races taking place at Lake Gregory in Crestline August 15th and 16th.  Registration and release forms may be found at www.forparks.org on the Special Events page.
 
Dragon boat racing, rooted in ancient China, was introduced to the Inland Empire two years ago by San Bernardino County Regional Parks.  This year's event will be sponsored by Friends of Regional Parks (FOR Parks) to raise funds for the County's Regional Parks Outdoor Adventure programs.  This year the dragon boat racing event has been expanded into a two-day event.  The first day, Saturday, August 15th will be for novice racers and beginners.  Four 40-feet dragon boats will race a 250 meter course along Lake Gregory.  Singles and families from ages 8 years to adult are encouraged to join or form a team testing their paddling skills.   Each team will consist of twelve members and participants must be in good physical health.
 
A drummer sits in each dragon boat and beats a tempo for the paddlers to row and for the coxswain to steer.  This is a team sport where working together matters and it provides a great opportunity for physical exercise as well as meeting new people and making friends.  Beginners as well as former participants are sure to have a great time at this sport.
 
The amateur races will take place on the South Beach of Lake Gregory at 1:00 p.m. on August 15th with the announcement of the winner and the awards at 4:00 p.m.  Those wishing to practice paddling a dragon boat in advance may do so at 11:00 a.m. the day of the event. Registration is $5 per person plus a $3 park admission.  Registration will also be available the day of the event at 10:00 a.m.  Along with the registration form, each person will also need to complete a Waiver of Release Form. 
 
On Sunday, August 16th the professionals will race the dragon boats.  Professional teams will consist of 20 members and will race 300 meters across the lake.  Pre-registration for the professional racing is required and the cost is $200 per boat.  Races will begin at 9:15 a.m. and the winners announced and awards given at 4:30 p.m.   Professionals may take advantage of practice time on Saturday, August 8 or Sunday, August 9 by calling Lake Gregory (909) 338-2233 to arrange.
 
The two-day event will feature Chinese cultural festivities as well as food vendors.
 
Lake Gregory Regional Park, Crestline, is an alpine jewel set in the San Bernardino County Mountains.  The sparkling lake offers ongoing fishing, swimming and small watercraft activities as well as the San Moritz Lodge for meetings, weddings and special events. 
 
San Bernardino County Regional Parks operate nine facilities throughout the County from urban settings, the mountains, the desert and on the banks of the Colorado River.  In addition to fishing, picnicking and camping, San Bernardino County Regional Parks promotes healthy lifestyles through its Active Outdoor programs including the Environmental Science Day Camp.

SOURCE: News release

Information about San Bernardino County's most frequently used public
services is now available in a 16-page booklet called the "At Your
Service Resident Guide."

The guide is designed to promote awareness of
services and make it easier for residents to access the service they need most
often.  It is being distributed to more than 200,000 households, and will also be available at the counters of many county offices. It can also be viewed in English and Spanish at
www.sbcounty.gov.

With a focus on providing critical information for residents who have
lost jobs, are facing foreclosure, are coping with family crisis, or
need other vital county services, the guide provides information ranging
from job training, pest control and healthcare to camping, senior
centers and wedding licenses.

"Fallout from the economic downturn makes access to service information
more vital than ever," said County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer.
"We want residents to know what services are available and how to access
those services."

At more than 20,000 square miles, San Bernardino County is the largest
county in the U.S. outside of Alaska.  It has gained 300,000 new
residents since 2000 and expects another 300,000 to relocate to the county by
2012. 

A handy refrigerator magnet with the county's new toll-free phone number
and website address is included with the guide.

SOURCE: News release

joe.nelson@inlandnewspapers.com