Holy cow, what an evening
Big (and long) City Council meeting tonight. Here's a quick rundown of highlights, to be elaborated upon later on SB Now and in print.
"This has created an atmosphere rife with paranoia, one of blatantly violating officers' freedoms of expression, and of their fears of retaliation," he said.
Billdt could not be immediately reached for comment.
Sgt. Rich Lawhead, the current police union president, said the union is backing a change in leadership. About 20 union members sat in the audience while Filson spoke.
"Obviously, this is a pretty drastic step and we don't take this lightly," Lawhead said.
"I am really worried that with the reductions in support staff we are going to have a lot less officers on the street," McCammack said.
Mayor Pat Morris said the defunding of those jobs would not have put any cops out of work and 6th Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson said he wanted to keep the helicopter to protect police from unseen assailants.
"I do believe that we need to keep boots on the street, but we also need to save lives within the department," Johnson said.
However, McCammack's proposal won over every other member present. Her motion passed by a 5-1 vote.
This move was taken before the council finally approved a budget resolution for the current fiscal year. The new budget authorizes about $150 million in general fund expenditures."
"We have to know what happened, know how things were broken, so we can fix it," she said.
However, McCammack was again the sole council member to agree with Estrada. Others expressed a preference to wait until current investigations conclude before considering a council-led inquiry.
"I want to see the results of that. If I have questions at that point, hell yes we'll issue subpoenas," 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Baxter said.
Bravo to the brave officers who stood up to the SBPD administration today! Thank you!
The SBPOA makes me sick! The police department has solid leadership in place. These leaders aren't afraid of your primmadonna pretty boy attitudes that have tried to rule this organization for years. When our leaders were patrolmen, detectives, and even sergeants, you all praised them and even partied with them, in fact in some cases you idolized them. Now that they've taken a stand against your general run a muck attitudes, you got your feelings hurt and are going to try to convince the city that the big bad bullies are picking on you. Our chief got where he is today because of hard work and dedication to this department. Same goes for our assistant chief and the captains.
You claim that the entire police officers association is backing this no confidence claim. BUT if that's the case, how come only 20 members showed up at the meeting yesterday? Where were the other 300 members? Oh yeah, they were doing their jobs. Hey, I have an idea, maybe if you concentrated more on doing your jobs you wouldn't have those big bad leaders breathing down your necks. They aren't retaliating against you, they are just making sure you're playing by the rules that have been in place for a really long time.
By the way - The only department members that are paranoid are the ones who know they've screwed up and are eventually gonna get caught.
Disgusted-- You must be another Billdt Boy. Did Chielf Billdt help you write this or was it Kimball, Lemos, Boom,, or Goggin. Did he promise you a promotion or detail for posting this? Or maybe you're one of the above. You must also condone lying & bullying. You don't have your head in the sand, it's in cement!
IT's so sad that our city has come to the condition that it is.
Clearly, referring to "our" leaders in your commentary, you must be an employee of the Department. Would love to speak with you in order to provide a clearer perspective of the issues. You know who I am, who Rich Lawhead is. Look forward to talkng to you.
Clearly, referring to "our" leaders in your commentary, you must be an employee of the Department. Would love to speak with you in order to provide a clearer perspective of the issues. You know who I am, who Rich Lawhead is. Look forward to talkng to you.
If there in nothing to hide in SBPD then why won't Billdt give the taxpayers his resume? Why is it we only hear from Patterson regarding the scandals? I've been to City Council meetings to watch Billdt read from the script like Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland. I've tried to speak to him in person about issues only have the same thing repeated five times like he is a robot.
Billdt is hiding behind his spokesperson just like Mayor Morris is hiding behind his Chief of Staff. Has anyone watched a City Council meeting? Jimmy Boy "consults" with Daddy every so often during the meeting....Jimmy Boy always talks to Daddy before one of his infrequent "statements". I guess Jimmy Boy, as the speechwriter, wants to make sure Daddy gets it right. Jim Morris is the ventriloquist, and Pat Morris, well....you get the idea.
I am not a Billdt Boy, never received any promises, promotions, or details and don't expect any. My head is not in sand or cement, the biggest bully I see is the POA - always have been and apparently always trying to be.
I have no desire to talk to you Steve or to Lawhead. I am perfectly capable of seeing what's going on and drawing my own conclusions without you telling me what I should think.
To Disgusted:
Perhaps, we have a different definition of what "solid leadership" means.
Would you mind elaborating or expressing with any specificity with regard to this "solid leadership"? I am not looking for rhetoric or spin, just your honest assessment of Chief Billdt's leadership.
The above question is a sincere and genuine inquiry. Let's have a discussion about this subject and lets put emotion to the side and engage in a discourse on facts and utilize sound reasoning and logic.
Disgusted---To add to Mr. Turner's comments-- the 'honest assessment' could start with Chief Billdt's resume and experience. Afterall his 'solid leadership' skills have had to been derived from somewhere, whether it be higher education, teaching, attending management courses like the FBI Academy, LAPD's West Point program, or the POST Command College; his accomplishments as a Sgt., Lt, Capt., Assistant Chief. Perhaps his counterparts at other police agencies can comment on his contributions to the County Chiefs Association. Is he a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police? Is the Chief involved with any community service organzations in San Bernardino or his city of residence-Redlands?
Hey Disgusted--you're right, ONLY 20 members from the POA showed up to support Filson with his comments. How many showed up in support of Billdt? & if you are so disgusted by what was bieng said about your solid leader, why didn't you take the mic and say something in support of Billdt?
To Disgusted:
When you say that the "SBPOA makes you sick", I would like to remind you right here, right now, that you are referring to the fine, hard-working, frontline rank-and-file POLICE OFFICERS that eagerly engage in battle on these very city streets every day, and every night. You are also referring to the hardest working Detectives in the profession. Many who go way above-and-beyond the call of duty to get their cases solved.
If you have a point to make, that's fine, but I for one (and on behalf of many) will not stand back and allow you to attack the SB Police Officers' Association from the comfort of your laptop. That certainly includes, first and foremost, our highly-respected and widely supported President, Rich Lawhead, and former long-time President, Steve Filson.
I've (literally) witnessed way to much blood and sweat wiped off our officers' faces, hands, and weapons over the past 17 years, for you to make derogatory comments about the POA.
So I ask you politely to either stop the POA bashing now, or "man-up" and identify yourself for further discussion.
DAN GOMEZ
I have a few questions for the insiders?
1. Are there any changes in operation that Bildt has instituted which were not in place under Chief Dean or Chief Zimmon that the officers view as positive?
2. Would the department have been better off had Zimmon been allowed to continue on as Chief?
3. If Bildt were cast aside or convinced to step down, then who is the logical successor or would the hiring process be opened up to outsiders?
4. Is it out of the question that we could see the return of one of the retired members of the force such as Frank Mankin or some body else?
5. What about Ted Hensen, his name hasn't come up in this particular mess. (Yes I know the Van Rossum questions are out there," but could he reunite and lead the department or is he considered to passive to lead effectively?
6. (If questions six and seven are out) Is the rank and file and mid-level command staff now prepared to accept someone other than one of their own as a leader.
7. What do you do with all of those who have been labeled as Bildt's boys?
8. After years of mistrust between the SBPD and federal agencies, it appears as though some the past assumptions about the SBPD have been set aside, what impact do you think this very public political bickering will have on the impression those federal agencies have of the way the department conducts its internal business.
I say bring back Sgt. Schewnka & have him take over...LMAO
Dear "Wondering,"
You only hear from Patterson because he is the Public Information Officer.
Out of curiosity, does a "Billdt boy" oversee Brad Lawrence?
Grim Reaper- Funny you should ask-- Lt. Brian Boom, Billdt's next Capt waiting in the wings was Brad Lawrence's supervisor when Lawrence did his ice thing. Bomm was well aware of what Lawrence was doing & condoned it. He, along with Capt. Kimball was also involved in the Desrochers/Lowes fiasco. Even Stevie Wonder can see a pattern here. Boom followed in Billdt's footsteps by also going to a buy-a-degree school. This person has so much baggage, he should be a saleman for Samsonite. Yep, Brian Boom, another Billdt clone & the next Capt.--yes we at SBPD are still in good hands.
Did I read that Boom has a buy-a-degree also? Can someone provide me with more factual info? I would appreciate it.
It is time that the Sheriff take SBPD over as a contract city. Such a no brainer.
To Open-minded: Ask Boom, perhaps he won't keep us waiting for two years to provide a resume. Of course he may have to get written permission from Billdt before he can do anything.
And I read on another article's blog postings that Kimball has a buy-a-degree? What is happening? No wonder the Councilwomen want subpoenas issued. I would expand that list now to those two buy-a-degree guys. Billdt is still highest on my list.
Unfortunately Julie may be correct.....
It seems that the upper echelon of the San Bernardino Police Department is influenced by Billdt to the point that their leadership is suspect.
The Police Department is the most important tool that we have to combat the thugs in this city. We can not allow it to fall apart like it seems to be doing.
This city is fast becoming the western expansion of New Orleans, so I guess that Mayor Morris is San Bernardino's incarnation of Mayor Nagin.
Fire Billdt! Recall Morris!
Fire Wilson TODAY, before he leaves on Friday.
Get rid of that old fool in the mayors office, and be certain he takes his ass(t). with him. McCammack, please be seated – Thank You!
Id like to know where all Morris’ supporters are? Come out, come out (Albert Martinez, Barbara Sky, Candace Merey, Dan Direen, Elise Mullin, Florentino Garza, Frank E. Schnets, Hopeful For SB, Howard Grossman, James C. Huffstutler, Kathleen Ray, Longing, Lori Beach, Lynn Merrill and Patrick J. Morris. Sarah Rios, SB Wants MM For CA, SB Watcher, Sick And Tired, Stephani Congdon, Susan Atanasova, Susan Skoglund, Timothy Prince, Tom Brickley, Tom Kanavos, Truthseeker, Truthteller and Voice Of Reason) where ever you are - your mayor need help – in more ways that one.
Get rid of Lawrence, Goggin, Billdt. And Paterson. Boom, Kimball, Lemos, Lowes and Mankin. For various reason to include but not limited to abuse of the law, cover-ups, and the list goes on and on, (in a nut shell) actions unbecoming of a police office. This list will grow, as will departments. DAs Office?
We cannot trust Morris, Braude, Wilson, Hawkins, Brown and Robinson to “tell the truth, and nothing but the truth” therefore subpoenas should be utilized as initially suggested by 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada.
JRD2u
JRD2u:
Well, if you really want to find the Morris supporters we know Tim is hanging at the local sub shop, Susana is planting trees, and most of the others are at First Pres listening to Sandy squawk. I'm sure they will appear from the woodwork soon - although I think Jim Morris has retired those last three screen names.
I pity Huntington Beach but then again politics down there are dirty too so Fred should feel at home. Lets just be glad he is out of here!
The only way the truth will get out is via subpoena and even then it's a fifty-fifty crap shoot, in my opinion.
It's time to clean house - fire Billdt then recall Morris (that will take care of two Morris' with one pink slip)! By doing so we can start the rebuilding process.
It is a little late in the game to recall Pat Morris. By the time it got off the ground and on the ballot, the regularly scheduled election would be just around the corner in 2009.
Although, it would soak up precious campaign resources and weaken him for his re-election campaign.
Yeah, First Pres has historically been pro Morris but the congregation is now fractured. Friendships that have lasted decades are threatened. Especially since Sandy is still playing in the sand box with the likes of the Martins. There has been whispers of sending Sandy packing, letters are being written as we speak. Those psychopaths are DEACONS at First Pres, if you can believe that and of course "BFF" with the Morris'. You'd think Jimboy would be the hachetman and get rid of "the cancer" before Pat doesn't have any support left. Breaking news, Jerry is wanted in another state. You'd think a retired judge would have figured that one out. You think the Mayors office is where the action happens, come to Sunday worship, sit in the back and watch the real donkey and cart show.
In the REAL
Who's Jerry and what is he wanted for????