Results tagged “San Bernardino County” from Behind the Story
Detectives investigating San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus fanned out across Southern California on Thursday morning seeking evidence of political malfeasance but stumbled across something else - his stash of methamphetamine, authorities said.
One of the county's top political players was promptly arrested at his Rancho Cucamonga town house. But the political scandal is likely still unraveling.
A copy of the search warrant obtained by The Sun indicates investigators are looking deeper into Postmus' involvement in land deals and state and local political networks. The office and home of Jim Erwin, formerly Postmus' assistant and now chief of staff for Supervisor Neil Derry, were also searched.
By the end of the morning, the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office served 10 search warrants in six cities, San Bernardino, Highland, Apple Valley, Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga and Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County.
Postmus, 37, has been under investigation following a grand jury report released last June that said he misused the power of his office. He was arrested at 7:10 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Supervisor Gary Ovitt said he was worried that Postmus' arrest would hurt the county's reputation and spoke with disappointment about the arrest.
"If you look at the entire story, Bill Postmus was our rising star in the county and was well thought of by state officials," said Ovitt, who became chairman of the board last month. "To think that today he was arrested for drug usage. It's truly something we're really saddened by. He had so much promise."
Postmus was booked at 10:47 a.m. at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and later posted $11,450 in bail. Postmus left the jail around 3:40 p.m., but he would not answer any questions during his short walk from the lobby to a car that picked him up. Charges have yet to be filed, and it is unclear when Postmus will be arraigned, officials said.
For more than a year, several sources close to the assessor had said he battled a methamphetamine addiction and, at least twice, sought help at drug rehabilitation centers. In a Jan. 6 speech before the Board of Supervisors, Postmus said that he had overcome a drug addiction. He said he would not seek re-election.
The district attorney launched a criminal investigation last year on the heels of a grand jury inquiry, which found that Postmus used his elected office to engage in party politics and hired an underqualified executive level staff that worked for the GOP on county time.
Adam Aleman, a longtime friend of Postmus who formerly was assistant assessor, was arrested June 30 and charged with six felonies related to destroying and altering evidence sought by the grand jury.
At 9 a.m. Thursday, three investigators and a fourth county employee left Postmus' office, carrying a box filled with manila envelopes and a PC hard drive. They loaded the box into a car and swiftly drove off.
Erwin and Postmus had a falling out during the October 2007 wildfires, and Erwin left his position after receiving a large severance package.
Erwin could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Derry said investigators asked him about Erwin's involvement in political action committees and the Colonies Partners, a developer that benefited from a controversial settlement with the county. But none of it had to do with activities in the 3rd District, he said.
"The DA told me personally that this is related solely to the investigation into the Assessor's Office," Derry said. "My thought on this is it's related to any information that Adam Aleman would have given them, in as much as Adam Aleman is facing six felonies, and I have no doubt he would do anything that he could do to save his own skin."
Ovitt sought to dispel any questions clinging to the 3rd District office.
"Regarding today's searches, it would be wrong to assume that anyone or any office subjected to a search is the target of an investigation," he said in a statement issued earlier in the day. "Search warrants are tools used by investigators to ensure they receive all pertinent information in connection with an investigation."
A search warrant for the Assessor's Office shows that investigators were looking to seize any documents related to the company Triland Inc. and a number of political action committees - the Inland Empire Political Action Committee, Committee to Elect Bill Postmus and Conservatives for a Republican Majority Political Action Committee.
Triland is the company listed on deeds for properties in the High Desert that are owned by Postmus and his business partner, developer Dino Defazio.
According to the warrant, a copy of an e-mail sent by Aleman on June 28 referencing "I.E. checks" was also seized.
The e-mail mentioned supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry, former state Senate candidate Tony Strickland and former Assembly candidate Bob Smith. A card to Postmus from former Assembly candidate Nathan Fletcher was also seized, as was a letter from former Republican nominee for state attorney general Charles Poochigian.
"I have no idea why my name was in it," said Mitzelfelt late Thursday, adding that he, like the other names involved in the e-mail, are politicians, which might explain the interaction.
Ted Lehrer, spokesman for the Assessor's Office, issued assurances Thursday that the department was continuing to function as usual.
"Today's development in no way will harm the operations of the office and do not affect the nearly 200 employees who work here," he said.
Assemblyman Anthony Adams, once Postmus' political ally and an early supporter, said he was shocked by the assessor's arrest and hoped Postmus would resign.
"I pray that these allegations are found to be unwarranted," he said, "but my heart goes out to Bill's family and friends as they are going to need to intervene and surround him with the support he needs."
David Wert, county spokesman, said the day's events will have little effect on the removal process initiated by the board in December.
"At first blush it doesn't appear that what happened today changes anything," Wert said. "There's been an arrest, but no charges, certainly no conviction. ... Needless to say, the board members are deeply concerned about today's developments and are wondering if the assessor was telling the truth when he appeared before the board Jan. 6 and said he had beaten his drug problem."
Wert said the supervisors could choose to retain an attorney to pursue removing Postmus from office as early as their next meeting on Jan. 27.
"County counsel has been in contact with some attorneys who are interested in that function, but has not made a selection yet to recommend to the board," Wert said.
Supervisor Paul Biane urged Postmus to leave office to deal with "his demons."
"If Bill, as it appears, is still struggling with drug addiction, it's my hope he will take the appropriate steps to truly address his problem," Biane said in a statement. "He should not continue this battle while dealing with the many pressures associated with public office."
Staff writers Rick Sforza and Lori Consalvo contributed to this report.
Bill Postmus swiftly rose through San Bernardino County political ranks, gaining the confidence of seasoned politicos who admired the energy, ambition and fearlessness they associated with his youth.
Upstart college students eager to get a foothold in the county political scene flocked to him, attracted by the promise his career held and the pledges he made to bring them within the fold of his elected office.
Until his 7:10 a.m. arrest Thursday at his home on drug charges by district attorney's investigators serving a search warrant, Postmus was seemingly immune to political scandal and initially billed a reformer. It was widely believed that by 40, he might attain a seat in Congress.
But at 37, less than 10 years after launching his first bid for political office, Postmus' political career crashed hard as reports mounted of a methamphetamine addiction and unethical, even criminal, behavior in the elected position he holds as county assessor.
The disgraced county assessor's political allies are abandoning him. In his personal life, there are few who call him a friend. And business relationships he cultivated on the side have disintegrated. On Dec. 16, the Board of Supervisors launched proceedings to remove Postmus from office.
A yearlong grand jury investigation led to a criminal investigation by the district attorney and the arrest June 30 of Adam Aleman, once Postmus' most trusted confidante and top assistant. Aleman is standing trial on six felonies, from destroying evidence to falsifying documents, in what investigators say was an attempt to mislead the grand jury.
"Put two and two together," said Scott Becker, whose friendship with Postmus reaches back to high school. "Bill was behind him. Adam is a sweet, innocent guy, and he should not be taking the rap."
Many of those interviewed for this story requested anonymity, either because of the ongoing investigation by the district attorney or out of fear that their reputations and careers would be destroyed by any appearance of connection with Postmus. They described a man who is untrustworthy and breaks promises, who attempts to buy his friends by showering them with sports tickets and campaign money, who wins their confidence through the allure of investment deals and high-paying jobs.
One of his closest friends said Postmus' meth addiction stems from the years he has spent hiding his sexual orientation, attempting to resist "carnal pleasures" and cloaking his sexual identity as a gay man from not only voters, but his family, friends and political allies.
Postmus' family moved to the San Bernardino Mountains when he was a child. He graduated from Serrano High School in Phelan, where he had a small circle of friends. He then earned an associate's degree from Victor Valley College, followed by a bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands.
After college, Postmus began climbing the political ladder, working as a legislative assistant for Assemblyman Keith Olberg, a Republican then based in Victorville.
In 1999, at age 28, Postmus burst onto the county political scene when he announced his campaign for a seat on the Board of Supervisors. At the time, he also held some low-profile, yet influential, positions as vice chairman of the county Republican Central Committee and vice chairman of the Victorville Planning Commission.
Within county government that election season, a corruption scandal involving bribery was festering, and Assemblywoman Kathleen Honeycutt presented Postmus with a golden plunger, declaring he was the man to clean up the county.
During this time, Postmus was often attending political conventions and rallies, flanked by young men. In the coming years, he would develop a reputation for hiring twenty-something worshippers who blithely followed him, sources said. Among them was Aleman, then a teenager.
In 2000, Postmus was sworn in on the Board of Supervisors as the representative of the immense 1st District, which encompasses much of the High Desert.
Those who worked closely with Postmus while he was supervisor say he was a hard worker, dedicated to the job.
But over the seven years he served on the board, his career was riddled with controversies and scandal - the most prominent being the secret negotiations Postmus engaged in that led to the $100 million Colonies settlement, which government watchdogs criticized for being excessive and illegal. Postmus and Supervisor Paul Biane reached the settlement with The Colonies Partners LP, a major Upland developer in a closed-door deal after banishing county attorneys from the room.
It was during his term as board chairman that Postmus lost the tenuous control he held over an addiction to pain medication. On July 14, 2006, he embarked on his first trip to rehab, multiple sources said. The timing of Postmus' absence, however, was unfortunate.
The county's top leader could not be reached as the Sawtooth and Millard fires raged across Yucca Valley, threatening lives and homes. The massive wildfires scorched at least 85,000 acres of land.
Treatment for chemical dependency at the Sundown M Ranch in Washington State may have steered Postmus back on course for a while. His struggle with addiction remained out of the public eye, thanks to loyal county staffers, sources said.
"I was led to believe that Mr. Postmus had received the help he needed, and because I saw no signs of the problem in Mr. Postmus' behavior, I believed the issue had been resolved," Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said in a statement. Mitzelfelt served as Postmus' chief of staff from 2000 to 2006 when Postmus left the board and Mitzelfelt was appointed to replace him. "According to county policy, the issue was appropriately handled as a medical, and therefore confidential matter."
But midway through 2007, Postmus returned to rehab, this time at the Pine Ridge Treatment Center in Victorville, multiple sources said.
During 2007, Postmus' career started to fizzle. He was deposed as the chairman of the county Republican Central Committee, after draining Republican party funds and running up an exorbitant tab on a party-issued credit card. He launched a campaign to run for county assessor, an obscure elected position that political insiders say Postmus sought in order to regroup for a run at a Congressional seat.
It is unclear how Postmus transitioned from abusing prescription pain killers to methamphetamine, but those close to him have said they are terrified of the hold the drug has over him, and they fear it may cost him his life. One source said from 2005 on, the soaring highs and desperate crashes brought on by methamphetamine use began to take over Postmus' life.
As fragile control over drug addiction slipped from his grasp, Postmus' routine work habits became erratic, sources say.
After winning the post of county assessor, Postmus rarely showed up for work, instead issuing orders to Aleman by means of his Blackberry, sources said.
Still, despite being embroiled in political turmoil and suffering the ravages of a meth addiction, Postmus has managed to hold onto some close friends.
Dino Defazio, Postmus' business partner and friend, put in considerable effort to find a Russian mail-order bride for Postmus, hoping that a wife would give Postmus' political career more legitimacy and dispel swirling rumors that he was gay, sources said. But Postmus refused to go along with the plan, and Defazio gave up, sources said. When Defazio was married this summer, Postmus stood in as his best man, sources said.
Just as in his personal life, some of Postmus' business relationships have run aground.
It might seem like a conflict of interest for the county assessor, a man tasked with setting property taxes, to have development interests in the High Desert. But that hasn't stopped Postmus. A source familiar with the properties Postmus owns in the desert said only an expert would be able to uncover all of the land interests he holds.
Another business partner who participated in land deals in the High Desert with Postmus described him as a "high roller" who engages in "wheeling and dealing" to the detriment of his business partners.
The business partner said he worries that more innocent investors might be lured into land deals and taken advantage of by Postmus.
The grand jury report released in June chronicled misuse of power in the assessor's office - how Postmus spent $1.2 million to hire under-qualified executive level staff who had little role in the day-to-day operations of the office, how he ordered the transfer of campaign money on county time and engaged in partisan politics during work. The report questioned a $64,000 contract given to political consultant Mike Richman and gave a hefty severance package to former assistant assessor Jim Erwin.
The hard-hitting grand jury inquiry spun off a criminal investigation by the district attorney that culminated Thursday in Postmus' arrest.
Sources confirmed that mere days before the district attorney raided the assessor's office in April and seized documents and computers, Postmus attempted to set up a meeting with District Attorney Michael J. Ramos.
A source said the situation reminded him of "classic Bill," that when he perceives a looming confrontation, he reaches out to that person. Ramos says a meeting never took place.
But on the day of the raid, Postmus made a rare appearance in the office. It was 7 in the morning, sources said.
Ramos said he had only one conversation with Postmus, urging him to comply with the grand jury investigation.
Ramos was a political ally with whom Postmus had traded campaign contributions over the years. In 2006, he endorsed Postmus in his bid to become assessor.
But Ramos says their relationship was not close.
"I had a political acquaintance with him as he was the chairman of the board that oversaw my budget," Ramos said. "It was all business."
Still, Ramos' relationship with Postmus has led some to question why the district attorney was slow to charge Postmus.
Meanwhile, two key witnesses in Aleman's prosecution confirmed they have yet to be interviewed.
Although the grand jury investigation was far reaching, there was one detail it failed to uncover - that among Postmus' reportedly unethical employment practices in the assessor's office was the hiring of Jonathan Stucker, a man with whom he had an intimate relationship, multiple sources said. Stucker left county employment July 7, said David Wert, county spokesman, who declined to disclose the circumstances surrounding Stucker's departure. Stucker did not return calls seeking comment.
Postmus has long sought to keep his sexual orientation out of the public eye, driving to West Hollywood, Palm Springs and Laguna Beach in order to party and get high where he would not be recognized as an elected official, multiple sources said.
Sources also say Postmus has been completely undone by the arrest of Aleman.
"He seems to have shut down from the things that gave him pleasure - politics, sex and drugs," one source said. "His soul mate has been ripped apart from him."
Postmus adored Aleman because he was young, good looking, astute and politically aggressive, the source said.
Postmus had, in a sense, swooped in to rescue Aleman, catapulting him, in the short span of a few years, from manager of an Outback Steakhouse to assistant assessor, the second highest position in the assessor's office.
"Bill would shower Adam with gifts, trips, money," the source said, adding that the two men had traveled together to such destinations as Seattle, China, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Those trips appear to be over. With his political career in tatters and the loss of his most trusted companion, Postmus now seems to be facing an uncertain future, virtually alone.Postmus decline four requests to be interviewed for this story. He could not be reached for comment Thursday. His sister Holly, Defazio and Stucker also declined to be interviewed.
City Editor George Watson contributed reporting.
Hazardous abandoned mines. Roads that are too narrow or in need of repair. Understaffed and ill-equipped visitors centers.
These are some of the infrastructure projects that the National Parks Association, a nonprofit group devoted to protecting federally run public land, says need to be completed in San Bernardino County's three national parks -- Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve.
"Our parks are economic engines that we clearly want to keep well oiled because they provide real benefits to our communities," said Michael Cipra, the association's California desert program coordinator. "We think repairing the neglected infrastructure of parks nurtures tourism and restores the promise we have made to our children to protect the best places our country has to offer."
The association is calling for the incoming presidential administration to give money to address an $8.5 billion backlog in maintenance projects across the nation.
The nonprofit group claims the projects will create jobs to help communities near the parks that are facing economic challenges because the parks service often hires local workers.
Cipra said there is a long list of projects that could be undertaken in the desert parks. For example, there is a problem with invasive Saharan mustard in Joshua Tree that needs to be addressed, a visitors center in Mojave National Preserve that needs more staffing and another visitors center in Death Valley that does not have adequate heating or cooling, he said.
He added that the parks generate millions of tourism dollars in local communities - $70 million from Death Valley, $47 million from Joshua Tree and $27 million from Mojave National Preserve.
Other projects identified by the association include:
-$11.2 million to rehabilitate Bonnie Claire Road, the main road through Death Valley National Park
-$2.6 million to chip seal Keys View Road, Barker Dam Road and Sheeps Pass Road in Joshua Tree National Park
-$110,000 to perform maintenance on park trails in Joshua Tree
On Tuesday, the federal department of the interior announced the list of national parks that would be receiving $27 million this year for maintenance in preparation of the park service's centennial in 2016.
Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve did not make the list.
These are some of the infrastructure projects that the National Parks Association, a nonprofit group devoted to protecting federally run public land, says need to be completed in San Bernardino County's three national parks -- Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve.
"Our parks are economic engines that we clearly want to keep well oiled because they provide real benefits to our communities," said Michael Cipra, the association's California desert program coordinator. "We think repairing the neglected infrastructure of parks nurtures tourism and restores the promise we have made to our children to protect the best places our country has to offer."
The association is calling for the incoming presidential administration to give money to address an $8.5 billion backlog in maintenance projects across the nation.
The nonprofit group claims the projects will create jobs to help communities near the parks that are facing economic challenges because the parks service often hires local workers.
Cipra said there is a long list of projects that could be undertaken in the desert parks. For example, there is a problem with invasive Saharan mustard in Joshua Tree that needs to be addressed, a visitors center in Mojave National Preserve that needs more staffing and another visitors center in Death Valley that does not have adequate heating or cooling, he said.
He added that the parks generate millions of tourism dollars in local communities - $70 million from Death Valley, $47 million from Joshua Tree and $27 million from Mojave National Preserve.
Other projects identified by the association include:
-$11.2 million to rehabilitate Bonnie Claire Road, the main road through Death Valley National Park
-$2.6 million to chip seal Keys View Road, Barker Dam Road and Sheeps Pass Road in Joshua Tree National Park
-$110,000 to perform maintenance on park trails in Joshua Tree
On Tuesday, the federal department of the interior announced the list of national parks that would be receiving $27 million this year for maintenance in preparation of the park service's centennial in 2016.
Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve did not make the list.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to give $2.5 million to a fledgling corporation with the hope that something can be done to stanch the flood of foreclosures in San Bernardino County.
"Because of the magnitude of the foreclosure crisis there are so many different things that need to be done," said Supervisor Paul Biane.
The Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corp., which was formed in December by the county, would rely on public-private partnerships to assist first-time homebuyers and buy foreclosed houses in the region in bulk, fix them up and resell them. Two supervisors sit on its board of directors.
Concerns had arisen about transparency and the safety of allocating taxpayer money to the corporation. Supervisor Paul Biane, who proposed forming the corporation, has steadfastly defended his plan.
"The idea is that it's going to be local people making local decisions," Biane said.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, a member of the corporation's board, said the proposal was a step toward stopping the bleeding.
"We are one entity that has unique abilities to help to solve the problem," Mitzelfelt said.
He spoke in favor of the corporation collaborating with Riverside County and cities in San Bernardino County.
Supervisor Josie Gonzales addressed concerns about the involvement of local developer Jeff Burum. The corporation could partner with an investment group known as CARE - Community Asset Recovery Enterprise - of which Burum is an investor.
Burum benefitted from a $100 million lawsuit settlement with the county concerning the Colonies development in Upland.
"Let me tell you, there are other very good and dedicated and vested private agencies, companies, that are part of this also," Gonzales said, "and you can't deny one person or exclude one person from participating."
Several real estate agents criticized the proposal during the meeting, saying the number of homes purchased with the $2.5 million would be a drop in the bucket and that the county may not be able to recoup the money spent purchasing the foreclosed houses because home prices are continuing to spiral downward.
"Because of the magnitude of the foreclosure crisis there are so many different things that need to be done," said Supervisor Paul Biane.
The Inland Empire Economic Recovery Corp., which was formed in December by the county, would rely on public-private partnerships to assist first-time homebuyers and buy foreclosed houses in the region in bulk, fix them up and resell them. Two supervisors sit on its board of directors.
Concerns had arisen about transparency and the safety of allocating taxpayer money to the corporation. Supervisor Paul Biane, who proposed forming the corporation, has steadfastly defended his plan.
"The idea is that it's going to be local people making local decisions," Biane said.
Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, a member of the corporation's board, said the proposal was a step toward stopping the bleeding.
"We are one entity that has unique abilities to help to solve the problem," Mitzelfelt said.
He spoke in favor of the corporation collaborating with Riverside County and cities in San Bernardino County.
Supervisor Josie Gonzales addressed concerns about the involvement of local developer Jeff Burum. The corporation could partner with an investment group known as CARE - Community Asset Recovery Enterprise - of which Burum is an investor.
Burum benefitted from a $100 million lawsuit settlement with the county concerning the Colonies development in Upland.
"Let me tell you, there are other very good and dedicated and vested private agencies, companies, that are part of this also," Gonzales said, "and you can't deny one person or exclude one person from participating."
Several real estate agents criticized the proposal during the meeting, saying the number of homes purchased with the $2.5 million would be a drop in the bucket and that the county may not be able to recoup the money spent purchasing the foreclosed houses because home prices are continuing to spiral downward.
Retiring Sheriff Gary Penrod has recommended Assistant Sheriff Rod Hoops fill the remaining two years of his term.
This morning, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors heeded Penrod's advice and voted to circumvent the interview process for finding an interim replacement for Penrod.
Because the position of county sheriff is an elected office, Penrod's replacement would be an appointee who would only serve until the 2010 election.
The board plans to vote Jan. 23 on appointing Hoops, a 30-year veteran in charge of operations, to the position. If the vote goes through, Hoops would be sworn in on Feb. 3.
Normally, the board would collect applications from interested candidates and hold a public hearing to interview them. That process will not be conducted, the supervisors decided Tuesday.
Concerns are brewing over the state's oversight of proposed projects and transmission lines in the High Desert.
The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative, a state agency entrusted with assessing proposed renewable energy projects and determining if they will meet energy policy goals, will be gathering public feedback today at 10 a.m. in Palm Desert, and a number of San Bernardino County residents plan to attend to weigh in.
Several areas in the county have been identified by the agency as hotspots for renewable energy, including Victorville, Twentynine Palms and Lucerne Valley.
The agency is developing a master plan of renewable energy projects in California. Aside from dozens of solar and wind power projects proposed by renewable energy companies in the High Desert, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also wants to build Green Path North, an electrical transmission line that could stretch from Desert Hot Springs to Hesperia.
Various proposed routes for the transmission line show it traversing such locations as Oak Glen, the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and protected land near Yucca Valley.
Ruth Rieman, spokeswoman for the California Desert Coalition, said the group is concerned that the Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative has not considered a number of issues in developing a master plan:
-the local generation of electricity as opposed to transmitting energy long distances
-reducing energy consumption
-and improving energy efficiency
"We're going to be there," Rieman said. "I think the major point that we want to make is that we believe the process is flawed."
The California Desert Coalition has chartered a bus to bring residents from Yucca Valley and the surrounding area to the meeting.
Supervisor Neil Derry plans to attend to gather information.
"I'm not going to be talking at all," Derry said. "I'm going to be showing up, meeting people and listening. Needless to say, I share the concerns of my constituents."
The meeting will be held in Room 119, Parkview Professional Office Building, 73710 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
The Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative, a state agency entrusted with assessing proposed renewable energy projects and determining if they will meet energy policy goals, will be gathering public feedback today at 10 a.m. in Palm Desert, and a number of San Bernardino County residents plan to attend to weigh in.
Several areas in the county have been identified by the agency as hotspots for renewable energy, including Victorville, Twentynine Palms and Lucerne Valley.
The agency is developing a master plan of renewable energy projects in California. Aside from dozens of solar and wind power projects proposed by renewable energy companies in the High Desert, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also wants to build Green Path North, an electrical transmission line that could stretch from Desert Hot Springs to Hesperia.
Various proposed routes for the transmission line show it traversing such locations as Oak Glen, the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and protected land near Yucca Valley.
Ruth Rieman, spokeswoman for the California Desert Coalition, said the group is concerned that the Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative has not considered a number of issues in developing a master plan:
-the local generation of electricity as opposed to transmitting energy long distances
-reducing energy consumption
-and improving energy efficiency
"We're going to be there," Rieman said. "I think the major point that we want to make is that we believe the process is flawed."
The California Desert Coalition has chartered a bus to bring residents from Yucca Valley and the surrounding area to the meeting.
Supervisor Neil Derry plans to attend to gather information.
"I'm not going to be talking at all," Derry said. "I'm going to be showing up, meeting people and listening. Needless to say, I share the concerns of my constituents."
The meeting will be held in Room 119, Parkview Professional Office Building, 73710 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert.
From the San Bernardino County Museum:
All Aboard! All train fans are invited to visit the San Bernardino County Museum from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 and 18, 2009 for "Train Days." Train Day activities are free with museum admission.
The museum will be filled with large and small model train layouts, real railroad artifacts, and fun activities for the whole family. The Pacific Coast Modular Club, Orange County Modular Railroaders, and Southern California Traction Club will install huge layouts with running trains, beautiful scenery, and miniature buildings. Other models will include a traveling circus, a Christmas scene, a monorail, trolleys, and an American Flyer train.
"Folks will also enjoy seeing historic and recent railroad artifacts, including tools, train lanterns, switch stands, and an operational wig-wag," said Museum Educator Nancy Kirkwood. "We will have train experts to talk to visitors. Kids might even be able to run one of the model trains themselves."
Families can play "The Train Game" and learn about train signals. Children will create their own paper locomotive and train logo to take home.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), $4 (child aged 5 to 12), and children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. Food will be available from 9am to 5pm. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services' telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.
A story in the Wall Street Journal today puts Rep. Joe Baca, a Democrat from Rialto, at the heart of a homebuying network for Latino residents that went bust. It's worth a read.
Click on the excerpt to read the full story.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to vote Tuesday on Chairman Paul Biane's recent proposal intended to help stop home values in San Bernardino County from plummeting farther.
The plan involves the county contracting with the newly formed Inland Empire Recovery Corporation, which would buy foreclosed properties in bulk, rehab them and resell them.
Biane is asking the board for $2.5 million to get the program rolling.
Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Neil Derry have previously expressed concerns about the proposal.
Gonzales said in December that she had questions about "full transparency of procedure" regarding the corporation and fiscal controls to protect the investment of taxpayer money.
The board voted Dec. 16 to hold off on contracting with the corporation and allocating $2.5 million. The issue will return before the board this morning.
On Monday, Derry said some of his concerns remain.
A number of guidelines were supposed to be added to the contract, including a rule that the county would only purchase residential units and indemnifications for the county, he said.
"As far as I know what has been proposed is still the same contract," Derry said. "If the contract doesn't change, I won't support it as it stands. My real issue is I don't have enough information to make a decision. I have a lot of questions still."
Biane has said the corporation could receive both local and foreign investment.
"Everyone has shown interest, but they have said show me the program," Biane said.
More than 42,000 houses in San Bernardino County are bank-owned, scheduled for auction or have received notices of default, according to a county report.
The concern is that the number of foreclosures will lead to blighted neighborhoods and will continue the spiral of declining home values, officials have said.
Biane maintains that his proposal's goal is to resell existing homes, not redevelop them.
He said some homes that are beyond repair could be torn down, but the focus is on helping first-time homebuyers acquire property.
The plan involves the county contracting with the newly formed Inland Empire Recovery Corporation, which would buy foreclosed properties in bulk, rehab them and resell them.
Biane is asking the board for $2.5 million to get the program rolling.
Supervisors Josie Gonzales and Neil Derry have previously expressed concerns about the proposal.
Gonzales said in December that she had questions about "full transparency of procedure" regarding the corporation and fiscal controls to protect the investment of taxpayer money.
The board voted Dec. 16 to hold off on contracting with the corporation and allocating $2.5 million. The issue will return before the board this morning.
On Monday, Derry said some of his concerns remain.
A number of guidelines were supposed to be added to the contract, including a rule that the county would only purchase residential units and indemnifications for the county, he said.
"As far as I know what has been proposed is still the same contract," Derry said. "If the contract doesn't change, I won't support it as it stands. My real issue is I don't have enough information to make a decision. I have a lot of questions still."
Biane has said the corporation could receive both local and foreign investment.
"Everyone has shown interest, but they have said show me the program," Biane said.
More than 42,000 houses in San Bernardino County are bank-owned, scheduled for auction or have received notices of default, according to a county report.
The concern is that the number of foreclosures will lead to blighted neighborhoods and will continue the spiral of declining home values, officials have said.
Biane maintains that his proposal's goal is to resell existing homes, not redevelop them.
He said some homes that are beyond repair could be torn down, but the focus is on helping first-time homebuyers acquire property.
WHAT: San Bernardino County Regional Parks Trout Derby
WHEN: Saturday, January 10, 2009
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Glen Helen Regional Park
2555 Glen Helen Parkway
San Bernardino, CA
Off I-215 Glen Helen Parkway exit
COST: $7 gate fee. $15 derby entry fee. State fishing license is required and
may be purchased at the park.
WHY: To provide sportsmanlike competition in a safe, family fun environment.
Fishing and use of the parks is promoted. Participants are able to win cash
or prizes valued $40 to $500 for catching the largest fish in the shortest
time.
It's looks like come Tuesday two top administrative staffers in the Assessor's Office could be out of jobs.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote Tuesday on terminating the positions held by Greg Eyler and Ted Lehrer. Some of you may be familiar with Eyler. The Sun published a story about him after the grand jury report was released over the summer. (The story is pasted below.)
Lehrer is Bill Postmus' media communications guy. In fact, he has been much more responsive to requests for comment and department information by The Sun than the assessor himself.
The irony is that Lehrer's job is being eliminated, even though he has been more forthcoming in addressing media inquiries than, let's say, Gary Ovitt's 4th District Office, which infrequently reaches out to the press.
Ovitt, however, has a proposal of his own before the board for Tuesday's meeting. He wants the county to pay his media communications officer, Burt Southard, $60,000 a year to work part time.
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Official's college time draws fire
Author: Lauren McSherry, Staff Writer
Taxpayer Advocate Greg Eyler knows how to spend taxpayer money.
That's according to sources close to a grand jury investigation who say that Eyler, 32, a member of the San Bernardino County assessor's executive staff, was paid not to go to work while he attended college - an education that was partly funded with taxpayer dollars.
Eyler, however, takes issue with the allegation.
"I was never paid for time I was at school," Eyler said. "I tried to take all my classes outside county time. There were times I took off from work to attend classes. I wasn't paid for that time."
"Yes, he was," said one source who had reviewed Eyler's time cards and class schedule, adding that even if Eyler had used vacation and sick time, it was time wrongfully taken from the public he had been hired to serve.
Assessor Bill Postmus and former Assistant Assessor Adam Aleman approved spending nearly $1,000 for Eyler to take a course on European history and another on sociology at UC Riverside.
Eyler said the $1,000 was part of his contract.
"I've taken substantial loans out to go to UCR - $1,000 is a drop in the bucket," he said.
The grand jury report released June 30 faulted the county for paying for the college courses because the courses were unrelated to the duties of a taxpayer advocate.
Eyler, whose salary is nearly $65,000, said he recently earned his bachelor's degree in history with a minor in chemistry.
He said he had been considering becoming a history teacher, but more importantly, the degree was required to become a certified tax appraiser. Still, he worked in the post without a degree for more than a year.
Aleman, who was arrested and charged with six felonies, including falsifying documents and destroying evidence, used to approve Eyler's electronic time cards. Aleman resigned Tuesday.
Harlow Cameron, who has stepped in as acting assistant assessor, disagrees with the charge that Eyler used county time to attend school. Cameron said that at one point, Eyler had been given a reduced schedule until he earned his degree.
"He is paid only for the hours that he works," he said. "Presently, he is full time."
Cameron said part of Eyler's job involves meeting with the public outside of the office, accounting for reports that Eyler is rarely seen at work. Cameron said he is informed by Postmus when Eyler is working in the field.
Eyler said the job of taxpayer advocate entails writing speeches for Postmus, contributing to news releases and fielding questions from the public. Some of those tasks appear to overlap with the job held by the assessor's spokesman, Ted Lehrer, who earns a $73,000 salary.
The grand jury criticized the executive staff for spending too much of its time on Postmus' "public image" and projects peripheral to the office's main activities.
The grand jury investigation also found that the executive staff lacked experience and training directly related to property assessment.
Eyler, who was hired in January 2007, said he could not provide a resume showing his qualifications. He previously worked as a field representative for Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane and as the operations director for the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee.
Resumes are not required for unclassified employees, such as Eyler, although the employees are required to fill out a lengthy application, according to David Wert, county spokesman.
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."
Continue reading County to evaluate benefits for Superior Court judges.
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.
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.
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
Continue reading Ultimate fighting in San Bernardino County.
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.
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."
Continue reading Hiring of special prosecutor part of larger strategy.
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 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."
Continue reading County process to remove Postmus could be lengthy, expensive.
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