February 2009 Archives

Step back through time and explore the Cajon Pass, the ancient route of Indians, trappers and loggers, explorers and land speculators, rail passengers and early motorists.

"Exploring the Cajon Pass: Gateway into the San Bernardino Valley," a one-day course offered through Cal State San Bernardino's Office of Extended Education, will be conducted March 14.

Instructor is author/ historian/teacher Nick Cataldo. The class will involve a vehicle caravan, some walking and visiting historic sites.

Cost for non-credit is $78; there is an additional fee for one unit of college credit.

The class, which begins at 7 a.m. at the Summit Inn, continues until 4 p.m. Those interested may call the Office of Extended Education, (909) 537-5975 for space availability. Registration deadline is March 6.

Dozens of area authors who chronicle local history and railroad stories will be signing their books in the 90-year-old waiting room of the historic San Bernardino Depot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 1.

The History and Railroad Museum, located within the depot, will be open and the public is invited to tour the beautifully restored facility. Admission is free. The depot is at 1170 W. Third St., San Bernardino.

The event is hosted by the City of San Bernardino Historical & Pioneer Society. For more information call (909) 856-3229

The League of Women Voters has scheduled a panel discussion on the proposed Downtown Redevelopment Vision and Plan.

The panel is slated to include Mayor Pat Morris, 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Baxter, former 2nd Ward Councilwoman Susan Lien Longville, Cal State San Bernardino Professor Jim Mulvihill and League members Marilyn Patterson and Anne Brennan.

The discussion is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Perris Hill Park Senior Center, 780 East 21st Street.

Monday's City Council agenda calls for the council to vote on whether to re-hire Police Chief Michael Billdt and Assistant Chief Mitch Kimball as contractors.

Such an action would allow the police officials to collect retirement incomes and a wage at the same time.

Billdt would earn $97.93 per hour as a contractor. Kimball would earn $86.87 per hour under the arrangement. The wages are reflective of a 10 percent pay cut, according to the request for council action.

Their appointments as contractors would take effect Monday.

Capt. Ernie Lemos would receive an appointment as acting police chief from 12:01 Sunday to 12:59 p.m. Monday.

Extensive details on Billdt's or Kimball's retirements were not available late Thursday. Police Capt. Scott Paterson said the two were not available to speak until Friday.

Mayoral chief of staff Jim Morris said Billdt and Kimball were not obtaining a medical retirement. He said the arrangement allows Billdt to collect benefits that he has earned from the state's Public Employee Retirement System while the city does not have to hire an interim chief for 6-8 weeks until a permanent successor is hired.

"They have the right to retire and begin that process," Morris said.

He said retirement payouts won't affect the city's finances and a police chief's salary is an unavoidable expense.

"We need a police chief. We would pay that to him or someone else," Morris said.

Billdt announced in September 2008 that he would retire in March. He revealed earlier this month that he planned to stay in office for some additional weeks. The police union took its second no confidence vote against Billdt after the latter announcement.

Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg said on the telephone that the fire union was not accurate in its assertion today that he tried to change the city's concessions deal with association.

"It's a real mischaracterization to say that we're trying to change the terms," he said.

Weinberg said he had negotiated "deal points" with the union, and the current dispute relates to how those deal points were being translated into contract language. He declined to be quoted on specifics.

Friday closures of City Hall are scheduled to begin tomorrow.

The closure does not apply to Water Department cashiering operations.

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO -- Another year of budget troubles is likely to revive talk of selling off the city's waste hauling division.

Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg wants to bring the idea before the City Council some time in the next two months.

"The Integrated Waste enterprise represents a substantial City asset that could be sold outright, or franchised, in a manner which would provide the City with a significant cash infusion, as well as a recurring income stream," Weinberg wrote in an email.

The Integrated Waste Management Division is part of the city's Public Services Department. The division is responsible for hauling garbage, recyclables and green waste from homes and businesses.

Weinberg wrote that he plans to ask the council to approve the hiring of a consultant to study whether some kind of privatization plan would work out.

The idea raises a number of questions, such as whether a contractor could provide equivalent or better service that the city-run operation. There are also the matters of whether residents' rates would go up and what would happen to current employees' job security.

"I'm concerned about maintaining the integrity of employees," 3rd Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker cq said. "It's not a way of breaking up the union."

That said, Brinker said he's open to the notion of privatizing waste services if a prospective contractor can turn in a quality proposal.

He said he's aware of preliminary projections indicating that privatization could be a $30 to $50 million boon for the city, but has not seen any kind of detail that would put more substance to those predictions.

Fifth Ward Councilman Chas Kelley also said he's open to the idea, and mayoral chief of staff Jim Morris said Mayor Pat Morris thinks the idea is worth studying.

Seventh Ward Councilwoman Wendy McCammack was more skeptical.

"As far as refuse is concerned, the commercial side of refuse is money maker for the city. Why would you sell a money maker?," she asked.

McCammack said she is more interested in exploring the possibility of selling surplus property. She is also gathering cost-savings ideas from San Bernardino employees.

San Bernardino's mid-year budget report shows that the city's Integrated Waste Management fund is expected to bring in nearly $24.7 million by the end of June.

Expenditures and transfers -- nearly $2.6 million is set to go to the general fund -- are expected to leave the fund about $570,000 in the hole when the fiscal year ends June 30.

Neighboring Colton franchises waste hauling services to firm called Colton Disposal. The company's rate for Colton residences is $22.59 per month.

San Bernardino's charge for single family residences is $22.84 per month.
Colton City Manager Daryl Parrish wrote in an email that he's pleased with his city's franchising arrangement.

Colton takes in about $900,000 annually in franchise fees, plus a $90,000 administrative fee. The city also receives about $125,000 in recycling income.

San Bernardino's fire union issued a statement a few minutes ago claiming that interim City Manager Mark Weinberg wants to renegotiate salary concessions.

Here's the union's full statement:

"San Bernardino Firefighters have been informed by interim City Manager Mark Weinberg that he wishes to change the terms of a 10 percent salary cut agreement accepted by city firefighters.

"On Feb. 19, the San Bernardino Firefighters approved a wage and benefit concession that was requested by the city, so we would be in-line with the city's mandate of a 10 percent across-the-board salary cut for all city employees.

"It would seem that Mr. Weinberg wishes to renegotiate and change the terms of our agreement - even though the written terms of which were proposed by Mr. Weinberg himself. In short, he now believes that our concession is not great enough and even though he acknowledges that this was his proposal, he still wants to change several terms of the agreement. We have not received his suggested changes in writing as of this time.

"We entered into budget cut discussions with the City with a great deal of openness, cooperation and trust. We understand and share in the pain of the city's budget crisis and the toll it has already taken on city residents and our fellow employees. It was in this spirit of shared sacrifice that we chose to seek a conciliatory tone in our approach to the budget crisis rather than confrontational.

"We are now concerned that our wage cut agreement was used to earn our trust and show support for the city's effort to push for tough budget cuts. And now that our ranks have voted to accept the agreement, he is attempting to change the terms of our agreement at our expense. We are greatly concerned with both the ethical and legal ramifications of this action.
We remain hopeful, however, that the City Council will see that "bait and switch" tactics in matters of wage cut agreements are a very serious matter. We are hopeful the City Manager will abide by the agreement as it stands."

Weinberg could not be reached immediately for comment.

Police Officers Association president and City Attorney James F. Penman both confirm that the police union has filed their promised lawsuit to stop furloughs.

I haven't seen a copy of the lawsuit yet, but parties on both sides of the issue have said previously that the legal question is whether the City Council has power to order furloughs as a means to shrink officers' paychecks in a time of economic hardship.

The City Charter mandates that police and firefighter salaries be established by a formula that sets pay levels as the average of 10 similarly-sized California municipalities. A furlough doesn't exactly change anybody's hourly rate, but forcing officers to take four hours off each week would ensure that officers get less money when they cash their paychecks.

Not sure yet when the lawsuit will be heard.

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO -- Police are scheduled to vote Wednesday night on a concessions proposal that could provide an alternative to furloughs.

"They gave me some stuff to take back to the membership," said Rich Lawhead, president of the Police Officers Association. "We have a membership meeting tomorrow night. We'll see what happens."

Lawhead participated in a meeting that included interim City Manager Mark Weinberg Tuesday morning. Lawhead declined to reveal details of the new proposal.

City Hall officials and the police union have spent much of recent weeks arguing over concessions and budget cutting proposals as city leaders struggle to balance San Bernardino's recesssion-stricken budget.

Tuesday's negotiations followed the City Council's decision to impose furloughs on police officers as part of a plan intended to solve a $9 million deficit.

The council voted for furloughs Thursday after negotiations broke down after the police union demanded Police Chief Michael Billdt's departure in exchange for $3.3 million worth of concessions.

Weinberg wrote in an email that the police union has dropped its demand for Billdt to leave his job. He also wrote that the police union's interest in discussing matters beyond dollars and cents has created a challenge.

"The POA has indicated a desire to consider other working condition provisions, and that has posed some obstacles. Still, I believe that progress was made and am hopeful that the membership will vote to approve the current proposal later this week," Weinberg wrote.

Billdt declined to comment on the negotiations. He said he wants to respect the confidentiality of talks between the police union and city manager's office.

Until recently, Billdt was expected to retire in March. He is now set to remain with the city until a permanent successor can be hired.

Of San Bernardino's three largest employee groups, only the police union has yet to agree to any concessions. General employees and firefighters have agreed to givebacks that amount to 10 percent of their salaries.

Word is that the Police Officers Association is negotiating with city officials this morning. Developing ...

Given the recent hubbub over the city's budget catastrophe, it might be easy to forget that there's totally an election going on right now.

The City Clerk's office has mailed ballots for the Fourth Ward Special Election, and voters have to mail the ballots back in time for the Registrar of Voters to receive them by March 17.

The candidates are university IT manager Joe Arnett, Internet mattress salesman Saman Saman, independent sales contractor Fred Shorett and pharmaceutical company representative John Valdivia.

Many recent commenters want info on Measure Z. Here are some numbers that Finance Director Barbara Pachon distributed to the Measure Z Oversight Committee during Wednesday night's meeting.

Measure Z is a 1/4-cent sales tax hike that San Bernardino voters approved in Nov. 2006.

Estimated Measure Z revenues in the Fiscal 2008-09 budget were $7,050,000.

The mid-year estimate, which takes into account the economic downturn, is $6,545,000. The variance is $505,000.

City officials plan to spend $8,126,500 on Measure Z programs during the fiscal year. Police get the lion's share - $7,884,300 - and Parks, Recreation and Community Services gets $242,200. (Measure Z has also been used to finance Operation Phoenix youth centers.)

The city is able to spend more than current fiscal year Measure Z revenues by drawing from a fund balance that was $1,787,343 on July 1, 2008. The balance is projected to dwindle to $205,843 by June 30,2009.

Assistant Police Chief Mitch Kimball said in a phone interview today that Measure Z has allowed SBPD to hire 34 sworn and 10 nonsworn positions. City officials had hoped to hire an additional six cops by June 30, but the recession has arrested those plans.

Kimball said that without Measure Z, the department would not have the 44 SBPD employees who were hired with Measure Z dollars.

Aside from Measure Z-funded police positions, interim City Manager Mark Weinberg's budget plan calls for the department to hold 10 positions (three detectives, two sergeants and five police officers) vacant through Fiscal 2009-10.

The budget revisions that the City Council approved Tuesday call for about $5 million in reserves to be used to pay for city business during the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Officials expect the city to have about $3 million in reserves when the fiscal year concludes on June 30.

"A month of payroll is about $12 million. We are literally on the precipice," assistant city manager Lori Sassoon said during Wednesday night's meeting of the Measure Z Oversight Committee.

The city's round of budget cuts doesn't only eliminate rank-and-file jobs. A quartet of senior management positions are also slated to be eliminated.

Those positions are:

- Animal Control Director (Estimated savings of $125,089 in Fiscal 2009-10.)

- Code Enforcement Director (Estimated savings of $219,530 in Fiscal 2009-10.)

- Facilities Management Director (Estimated savings of $178,576 in Fiscal 2009-10.)

- Information Technology Director (Estimated Savings of $171,600 in Fiscal 2009-10.)

City Hall officials are considering a departmental merger that would place Animal Control and Code Enforcement under Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

"A portion of my proposed savings over the next 16 months comes from the consolidation of some operating departments. In particular, it is recommended that the Parks Director assume responsibility for Animal Control and Code Enforcement Services. The library would retain its
autonomy," interim City Manager Mark Weinberg wrote in an email.

"It should be pointed out that I have purposely recommended that any organizational restructuring be deferred to the start of the next fiscal year. This will give the new permanent City Manager an opportunity to review my recommendations and make modifications to suit his or her vision of the organization," he continued.

And they're not happy.

Here are some quotes from the public comment portion of Tuesday night's City Council meeting. The public spoke before the council authorized 55 layoffs and other budget cuts.

No layoffs were approved for Police and Fire, but Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Development Services, Facilities Management, Information Technology, Library, Parks Recreation and Community Services and Public Services are all slated to lose personnel.

The quotes are presented in the order the speakers approached the council. Not all speakers are included.

The City Council voted 4-1 tonight to approve a package of budget cuts that includes the firings of 55 employees.

Parks maintenance workers will be hit particularly hard. No layoffs were approved for police or firefighters.

The city faces a $9 million operating deficit for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Councilmen Dennis Baxter, Tobin Brinker, Chas Kelley and Rikke Van Johnson voted for the cuts. Councilwoman Wendy McCammack cast the only "no" vote. Councilwoman Esther Estrada was not present at the meeting, and Mayor Pat Morris said she was ill.

The council cast their votes after listening to about two hours worth of statements from police, parks employees, public services workers and others who were worried about the effects of cutbacks.

The council is scheduled to meet again Thursday for a special meeting to discuss police furloughs.

More to follow in the morning.

Here's an announcement from San Bernardino Professional Firefighters:

San Bernardino Firefighters Approve 10 Percent Salary Reduction
SBCPF Local 891 Membership Supports City Budget Reduction Proposal

SAN BERNARDINO (February 17, 2009) - The San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters voted today to support an employee wage and benefit concession equivalent to a reduction of 10 percent of base salary in an effort to address the City's deepening fiscal crisis.

The across-the-board salary reduction was requested by city management to address its anticipated $9 million deficit for this year, as well as the projected $19.8 million deficit in FY 2009-2010. All 155 members of the SBCPF Local 891 will participate in the concession, which produces the same percentage savings as the 36-hour work week reduction by non-safety city employees.

"We recognize and commend the city firefighters for their personal sacrifices and willingness to work together for the greater good of their fellow employees, and also of the community we serve," said interim City Manager Mark Weinberg.

In supporting the wage reduction, San Bernardino firefighters are working with city management to minimize the need for staffing cuts.

"Our first priority is to ensure that the city's station and engine staffing will continue to guarantee public safety," said Scott Moss, president of the SBCPF Local 891. "In addition, we will insist that budget decisions always take into consideration the safety and welfare of our professional force."

In addition to their service to the city as public employees, the San Bernardino Professional Firefighters also fund a robust philanthropy program. Every year, city firefighters volunteer time and money toward city non-profit programs and organizations. In 2008, San Bernardino firefighters donated over $35,000 to help fund city programs that directly help residents, and they have also volunteered over 3,100 hours of time in community support.

Breaking news. A revised budget proposal from interim City Manager Mark Weinberg recommends that the council impose a mandatory furlough on sworn police officers in order to obtain the 10 percent pay cut that officers have rejected.

The proposal would allow 16 positions to remain or become vacant by the end of the fiscal year, which means that the fulfillment of the SBPD expansion that was promised during the Measure Z campaign will be, at best, postponed.

I'm still digesting the proposal, which contains changes to proposed cuts for other departments.

Newsroom colleague Stacia Glenn informs me that City James F. Penman believes the furlough plan is illegal.

Developing ...

San Bernardino scuttlebutt that found its way to the newsroom Wednesday night had it that a police officer or police officers had threatened to arrest the City Council members who serve on the Budget Ad Hoc committee for an alleged violation of the Brown Act.

Previous postings on SB Now look at the controversy as to whether Wednesday's meeting would have been proper under California's open meetings law. 7th Ward City Councilwoman Wendy McCammack, who is not a member of the committee said she was present at the meeting site and that talk of arrests was meant sarcastically.

"It was a tongue in cheek kind of a joke," McCammack said. She said she did not know who cracked the reported wisecrack.

The meeting was never called to order. Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg wrote in an email that he canceled the meeting to afford more time to consider a cost savings proposal from Police Chief Michael Billdt that is being touted as a way to potential reduce layoffs of sworn police officers.

"I was not threatened in any way with respect to the meeting,." Weinberg wrote. "We convened the meeting, only for me to report to the Budget Ad Hoc Committee members that just 90 minutes earlier I received a report from the Police Chief which could have significant impact on my budget recommendations, and that I needed more time to digest it. I understand
there were predictions of some drama surrounding the meeting; however the brief meeting went without incident.

"Because of the compression of time between now and the MCC budget study session on February 17th, it is unlikely I will be able to reschedule an Ad Hoc Committee meeting. I
will likely seek input from one or more Council Members, without convening a meeting, and in full compliance with the Brown Act," he continued.

The council's next meeting is set for Feb. 17.

It's copied here:

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. - The San Bernardino Police Officers Association's president, Richard Lawhead, made the following statement, on behalf of the Association's members, in response to Mayor Pat Morris' press release from earlier today:

"It is unfortunate that Mayor Pat Morris and Chief Michael Billdt continue to misrepresent the position of the Association when it comes to the city's current fiscal problems and the drastic steps the city has proposed to balance the budget by sacrificing public safety. What the Mayor and his team call 'minimal impacts' to the department are in reality eliminating 49 officers, forcing an additional 22 officer to take a demotion or face termination, and a mandatory 10 percent cut in our salaries. These proposed budget 'solutions' will risk the gains we have made in reducing crime in our city.

While Mayor Morris and Chief Billdt try to portray this issue as one of the city versus the Association's leadership, what they fail to understand is that more than 200 members of the Association uniformly expressed that they are tired of the broken promises by our city's elected officials.

The Association's members do not consider reducing our ranks and destroying the morale of our department a 'minimal impact.' These cuts will not only have a major impact on the people that protect our city, but on our residents as well. These are our concerns, and our focus has been on protecting these jobs and continuing to provide top-notch service to our community.

Put simply, the Mayor and Chief are trying to fix our city's budget, which they helped create with their mismanagement, by balancing the budget on the backs of our city's cops. We have provided them with concrete steps to reduce costs and raise revenues, without terminating officers or impacting our public safety capabilities, but they refuse to listen to our suggestions or work with us to find solutions that would benefit our community and the people that we work everyday to protect.

We have always been willing to sit down and have honest, open discussions about how we can help with the city's financial situation. Unfortunately, we never get straight answers and have little faith that what we are being told is accurate. The city's current proposed 'solution' is bad for the police department, bad for the city, and ultimately bad for the residents and business owners of San Bernardino."

A former co-worker of mine wondered over breakfast today when people will begin to see a "face" to the recession, as in something like long unemployment lines that make it impossible to forget that the economy is down.

My suggestion for was that if any recent developments are icons for this recession, it's the Cash 4 Gold commercials. If anything signals that times are hard, it's an advertising blitz for a company that asks television viewers to sell personal treasures for quick cash.

This idea prompted another Sun reporter to mention the Super Bowl commercial featuring MC Hammer and Ed McMahon, both of whom have had their own financial problems in the news.

I was also told that NPR had some kind of discussion on Hammer's commercial appearance, but I have to admit that I haven't heard it.

So yeah, this is the kind of stuff we talked about.

Revised version of story posted at 5 p.m. to include late-breaking developments.

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO -- A Wednesday night budget meeting that would have included City Council members was called off as tensions rise in the face of deep spending cuts.

Third Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker, who serves on the committee that would have met Wednesday night, said late Wednesday that interim City Manager Mark Weinberg needed more time to communicate with city employee unions.

"He didn't feel it would be a very fruitful meeting if we didn't have that information to put into the report," Brinker said.

But prior to the meeting, there was disagreement among San Bernardino's politicos as to whether the meeting would have been legal.

Three members of the City Council serve on the Budget Ad Hoc Committee, which was scheduled to meet privately Wednesday to discuss current financial issues. San Bernardino has three council members on a standing Ways and Means Committee that also talks about money.

On Tuesday, 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada wrote a letter to City Attorney James F. Penman asking if the city risked violating the Brown Act, California's open meetings law, by having the same membership on each committee.

But Estrada's letter was based on incorrect information. Council members Brinker, Tobin Brinker and Chas Kelley serve on Ways and Means. Brinker, Kelley and Councilman Rikke Van Johnson and Mayor Pat Morris serve on the budget committee.

Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg said early Wednesday that the difference in membership makes the issue moot.

But Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, said it could appear as if having two committees where financial issues are discussed is a way for the city to get around open meetings requirements.

Estrada could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Penman had a sentiment similar to Francke's.

"The only reason I can think of is to avoid complying with the Brown Act," he said.
Weinberg and mayoral chief of staff Jim Morris pointed out before Wednesday's meeting reasons why they believe the budget committee is exempt from the Brown Act. The committee is formed by Weinberg, not the council, only plays an advisory role and does not include a quorum of the council.

Tempers have been a little hot as officials face proposals that include firing cops, firefighters and parks maintenance staffers.

Kelley said he has been in office since 2004 and the newly-raised objections to the budget committee -- set to meet Wednesday night -- have not been voiced during his tenure.
"Past practice is what I would refer to," Kelley said.

Kelley is chairman of Ways and Means. He said that committee has recently discussed individual money issues but not the overall budget.

Word is coming in to Sun HQ that tonight's meeting of San Bernardino's budget advisory committee was called off

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO -- Much of the work that goes into crafting the city's budget happens behind closed doors.

It probably goes without saying that the city staffers who are responsible for crunching financial numbers don't do their jobs before an audience, but three members of the City Council also serve on an advisory committee that meets privately to discuss budget issues.

The council has acted this way before, but the closed-door meetings are now the subject of a new flare up among the city's politicos as officials grapple with an array of unpopular options intended to solve a $9 million deficit.

San Bernardino has a standing Ways and Means Committee and a Budget Ad Hoc committee. The phrase "ad hoc" refers to issues that are handled on a one-time basis, although the budget is something that city officials have to tackle every year.

Tuesday, 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada wrote a letter to City Attorney James F. Penman asking if the city risked violating the Brown Act, California's open meetings law, by having the same membership on each committee.

But Estrada's letter was based on incorrect information. Councilmembers Dennis Baxter, Tobin Brinker and Chas Kelley serve on Ways and Means. Brinker, Kelley and Councilman Rikke Van Johnson and Mayor Pat Morris serve on the budget committee.

Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg said early Wednesday that the difference in membership makes the issue moot.

He and mayoral chief of staff Jim Morris pointed out reasons why they believe the budget committee is exempt from the Brown Act. The committee is formed by Weinberg, not the council, only plays an advisory role and does not include a quorum of the council.

But Terry Francke, general counsel for Californians Aware, said it could appear as if having two committees where financial issues are discussed is a way for the city to get around open meetings requirements.

Estrada could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Penman had a quote similar to Francke's.

"The only reason I can think of is to avoid complying with the Brown Act," he said.

But tempers have been a little hot as officials face proposals that include firing cops, firefighters and parks maintenance staffers.

Kelley said he has been in office since 2004 and the newly-raised objections to the budget committee -- set to meet Wednesday night -- have not been voiced during his tenure.
"Past practice is what I would refer to," Kelley said.

Kelley is chairmen of Ways and Means. He said that committee has recently discussed individual money issues but not the overall budget.

Here's a link to Mayor Pat Morris' statement.

Also, Sun cops reporter Stacia Glenn tells me that Police Chief Michael Billdt told her that he has an as-yet unrevealed plan to avoid police officer layoffs.

Morris Feb. 11 release.pdf

First posted by newsroom colleague Jason Pesick to The Sun's 24/7 breaking news blog.

Members of the San Bernardino Police Officers' Association unanimously voted Tuesday night not to accept a 10-percent pay cut for officers, in addition to passing a vote of no confidence against the Police Department's top leadership.

Association Vice President Travis Walker, also a detective in the department, said members did not want to make the concessions because the city would not guarantee that there would be no officer layoffs.

Of the 339 officers in the department, the 190 who showed up for the vote overwhelmingly voted no confidence in Chief Michael Billdt, Assistant Chief Mitch Kimball, Capt. Theodis Hensen and Lt. Brian Boom.

It was the second vote of no confidence the association has taken against the chief.
Officers are also upset that Billdt will not be leaving his post in March, as originally planned.

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO -- Three of the city's remaining car dealers are on the verge of a joint venture intended to keep their businesses alive.

The plan calls for the establishment of a Property-based Business Improvement District. The creation of such an entity would allow the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency to provide financial aid to the San Bernardino Auto Mall's surviving dealerships.

The Business Improvement District could be formed by the Auto Mall's remaining three dealers, Toyota of San Bernardino, Nissan of San Bernardino and San Bernardino Mitsubishi. The three dealerships sell five vehicle brands.

In 2004, there were 10 dealerships offering more than a dozen brands for sale.

The Auto Mall, to the northwest of where the 10 and 215 freeways meet, not only served as a sort of commercial gateway to show freeway travelers that San Bernardino was in business but as a major source of tax revenue for City Hall.

Mall dealerships provided about $3 million in tax revenues during 2004, according to the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency. That number dipped to an estimated $1.8 million in 2008.

"The opportunity is to preserve an auto center," said Mayor Pat Morris, who supports the plan.

"You've seen the fallout in the auto economy and the closure of auto dealerships not only in our city but in our region."

Declining sales and property taxes have put such a squeeze on San Bernardino that city officials are discussing plans to cut 130 jobs from the payroll. Layoffs would include cops, firefighters, the city's parks maintenance crews and more.

"You look at our budget and determine who pays the bills around here, it's the auto dealers," Morris said.

The San Bernardino Economic Development Agency could give the dealerships $1.2 million to spend over five years to market the dealerships and provide for safety and cleanliness at the sites.

The money, which would not be drawn from San Bernardino's general fund, would be repaid via property tax assessments.

The City Council, acting in its role to oversee the EDA, has given the go-ahead to set up the Business Improvement District. State law requires the auto dealerships, as property owners, to take a special vote to create the new district.

A public hearing to form the district is scheduled for April 6.

Representatives for the three auto dealerships who could be involved in the proposed Business Improvement District could not be reached to comment for this article.

The Auto Mall has recently lost dealerships like Shaver Kia and Jack Kennedy Cadillac. Other signs of tough times for auto dealerships around the Inland Empire are the empty lots that were once Center Chevrolet in San Bernardino and Moss Bros. Ford in Colton.

Difficulties could continue around the United States. Grant Thornton LLP, a Chicago-based consulting firm, announced in January its prediction that sales declines would lead to more than 5,000 dealership closures in 2009 from coast to coast.

The firm suggested legislative remedies to help the auto industry, including a "cash for clunkers" buyback program, sales tax breaks and expanded tax incentives for fuel-efficient cars and trucks.

Berdoo isn't alone in its budget problems.

A Los Angeles Times article had more information about the potential tax hikes. The Times reports that Sacto officials are talking about doubling the car tax, raising sales and gasoline taxes and even creating a tax on paying tax, as "Californians would pay a new surcharge on their personal income taxes, amounting to 2.5% of their total tax bills."

By JUDY LI
Associated Press Writer
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders were scheduled to resume talks Wednesday on a fix to California's massive budget deficit, as Democrats said they wanted to vote on a proposal by week's end.

Democrats and Republicans indicated they were close to a compromise but noted that a few key details had to be worked out before they could agree on the plan to deal with a shortfall pegged at $42 billion through June 2010.

"They're closing on a few key details. There is not an agreement at this point," said Schwarzenegger's spokesman, Aaron McLear.

The state Senate leader characterized the negotiations in much the same way.

"There is no deal, but there is a common framework," Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said Wednesday before a luncheon address to the Sacramento Press Club.

Friday will mark the 100th day since the governor called a special session to deal with the state's fiscal crisis. California has halted thousands of infrastructure projects, put a hold on tax refund checks and delayed payments to state contractors.

The Schwarzenegger administration also has instituted twice-a-month furloughs for some 200,000 state employees and has said it will begin the layoff process if no deal is reached by the end of the week.

Lawmakers have been at odds over how to close the gap. Democrats want tax increases with minimal cuts to social services while Republicans want a spending cap and business-friendly provisions in exchange for tax increases.

While few details are available about the points being negotiated, tax increases are expected to be part of the mix.

Elements of a potential budget package call for temporarily increasing the state sales tax by 1 percent, raising the fee for licensing vehicles to 1.15 percent and raising the personal income tax across the board. In exchange, a Republican-sought spending cap would limit the amount the state can spend each year based on a predetermined formula.

The Democratic leaders, Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, have said they hope to bring a budget plan to a vote this week.

"While Speaker Bass is pleased that enormous strides have been made toward finalizing a budget agreement, the fact that staff continue to work out language and details on several different items means that from her perspective there is not yet a final deal," Bass' spokesman, Shannon Murphy, said in a statement.

The Democratic and Republican legislative leaders met with Schwarzenegger Tuesday night and were schedule to meet with him again later Wednesday.

"When all four leaders left last night, they said they're getting closer but there's still more work to do," said Sabrina Lockhart, spokeswoman for the Republican caucus in the Senate. "Nothing has changed this morning."

Associated Press Writer Juliet Williams contributed to this report.

Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson said today that he wanted to make clear that his reason for being able to accept Police Chief Michael Billdt staying beyond his previously expected retirement date of March 27 was his interest in protecting city money.

"Mine was based on based on monetary value," Johnson said today. "I just said it doesn't make financial sense (to hire an interim Police Chief)."

Billdt announced last week that he plans on staying on the job beyond March. Mayor Pat Morris' office released a timeline showing that a new chief could be hired as early as April 20.

Here's the story as filed:

The Sun has obtained a copy of a Feb. 10 letter that was sent to several SBPD detectives and sergeants that gives personnel the option of accepting either a demotion or unemployment.

The letter begins as follows:

"The General Fund deficit projected for the balance of this year and Fiscal Year 2009-2010 is being addressed through a comprehensive strategic budget plan. The plan recommends many actions, including expenditure cuts, revenue enhancements, the sale of City-owned property, employee wage concessions and, regrettably, a reduction in the workforce. Unfortunately, your position is one of those identified for layoff in the Police Department."

The copy of the letter we received is addressed to a detective whose name has been blacked out. The letter informs the detective that he or she has the option of accepting demotion to a police officer job with the right to be promoted back to detective within two years if a vacancy at that level develops.

The recipient's other choice is to leave SBPD and be placed on a reemployment list with eligibility to be rehired as a detective within two years.

Layoffs would be effective as of March 13.

Newsroom colleague Stacia Glenn has learned that 7 sergeants and 15 detectives received the bumping notices. SBPD currently employs 47 detectives and 46 sergeants.

Looks like I fouled up. Sunday's article "Police, fire face cuts," incorrectly stated the date of the next Measure Z Oversight Committee Meeting date. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at City Hall.

A groundbreaking event for Ronald Reagan Park is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. Monday in northern San Bernardino, near the crossing of Irvington and Chestnut avenues.

San Bernardino would cut $35,000 in funding to Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy if the City Council approves the current budget cut proposal.

Young Visionaries is a gang prevention program based in San Bernardino. It's led by former gang member Terrance Stone. City Councilwoman Wendy McCammack and City Attorney James F. Penman sit on the organization's board of directors. Young Visionaries has also participated in youth-oriented events with the Police Officers Association.

Stone said the funding cutback will require Young Visionaries to rely on other funding sources, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, and will delay implementation of "The Firm." The Firm is a planned program that would employ a group of mediators in an effort to defuse street disputes before gunshots ring out.

The file also contains the timeline for the hiring process for a permanent city manager.

Billdt timeline.pdf

Slated for Sunday's edition:

By Andrew Edwards
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO -- Mayor Pat Morris' office released a timeline Friday showing that the Police Department could have a new chief as April 20.

Police Chief Michael Billdt, who weathered the Police Officers Association's no confidence vote in 2008, had said he would retire when his contract expires in late March.

However, Billdt revealed Thursday that Morris convinced him to stay on the job a little longer. Morris said in a phone interview the following day that he doesn't consider the news to be a reversal of his administration's plans.

The mayor it wouldn't make sense to put the Police Department in the hands of an interim leader for a few weeks in the midst of a budget crunch. In his spoken remarks, he said Billdt could serve for another four to six weeks. Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg also wants to retain Billdt as chief.

"It is just good business practice. We need to have a strong leader in place until we have another strong leader in place. It's called Management 101," Morris said.

Morris said the city is taking applications from prospective police chiefs until Friday. Weinberg reported that about 40 would-be chiefs have sent applications to the city's headhunting firm.

Sixth Ward City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson agreed with Morris' opinion, but 7th Ward Councilwoman Wendy McCammack took another view, arguing that keeping Billdt on the job could make it harder to negotiate salary concessions from the police union.

"Why would any labor group want to make concessions to a chief they have no confidence in,?" McCammack asked.

Mayor Pat Morris said today that Police Chief Michael Billdt will stay on the job four to six weeks after his contract expires.

Billdt's contract expires March 27. Although Billdt announced in 2008 that he would retire at the end of his contract, Morris and interim City Manager Mark Weinberg say they want Billdt to remain as the city's top cop until a permanent replacement is hired.

"It is just good business practice. We need to have a good, strong leader in place until we have another strong leader in place," Morris said. "It's called Management 101."

Weinberg wrote in an email that it was his idea to retain Billdt, who last year survived the Police Officers Association's no confidence vote.

"At this time there is simply no substitute for Chief Bildt's executive law enforcement experience and familiarity with the SBPD. His leadership at this time is essential to enable the Police Department and the City to effectively respond to the current financial crisis," Weinberg wrote.

Mayoral Chief of Staff Jim Morris said that the Mayor's Office will provide a timeline on the selection process for a new police chief and city manager today.

Police Chief Michael Billdt unleashed a surprise Thursday when he revealed that he would push back his retirement. Billdt had said he would retire in March, an announcement that followed the police union's no confidence vote in his leadership.

Exactly how long Billdt plans to stay on the job is still not known.

The announcement marks the administration's second reversal in the controversy since the no confidence vote. The first was the abandoning of a plan to subject SBPD to an outside audit.

When public tensions between the chief and police unions were at their most severe, Mayor Pat Morris announced the Police Department needed an outside evaluator. There was talk of bringing Cal State San Bernardino criminologist Larry Gaines and former Fontana and Rialto police chief Frank Scialdone in to take a look at SBPD.

That proposal was quietly dropped. In November, police union president Rich Lawhead said he could accept the development, but his comments were based on the assumption that the Police Department would have new leadership in March.

Here's reporter Stacia Glenn's article on Police Chief Michael Billdt choosing to postpone his retirement. This was a late-breaking item and we'll have more as the story develops in the coming days.

Here's a developing story. Newsroom colleague Stacia Glenn tells me that Police Chief Michael Billdt plans to remain in the job longer than previously expected.

In 2008, Billdt announced plans to retire in March. He made the announcement after the Police Officers Association voted no confidence in his leadership. The announcement seemed to defuse tensions - at least those the POA wanted to discuss publicly - between the department brass and the rank-and-file.

We don't know yet how long Billdt plans to remain as chief, and whether the move means that he's staying for a short duration while city administrators try to solve budget problems or whether he has changed his mind about retirement and will stay for a significant duration.

More details and reaction from the POA to come later ...

Here's a nugget found in a city document related to proposed budget cuts:

"Parks, Recreation and Community Services could be consolidated with the Library, Code Enforcement or other departments. The Parks Division could be maintained, separated or contracted out for increased beautification efforts. The merging of Library and Recreation (Community Services Department) would allow the shifting of satellite branches to the community centers. Determination for executive oversight or exploration of Recreation Services staffing would need to be determined. The elimination of support personnel in any departmental consolidation would also be General Fund savings."

The author of the proposal is not listed in the document. Any thoughts? Recreation and library services may mesh well but I wonder what people think about mixing code enforcement work to a department that's mission is essentially to provide residents with places to relax and have fun.

City officials are currently considering proposals to save money by laying off parks employees responsible for taking care of the city's parks and contracting for the service.

Here's the story I wrote that takes our first look at how budget cuts could affect the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Which means I got back from Blair Park just in time. We're working on a story for tomorrow's edition that will provide more detail on how proposed budget cuts would affect Parks and Recreation.

As far as the rain goes, the National Weather Service reports that there is a chance of showers through Monday. There's a 70 percent chance of rain Friday and Saturday.

I was able to speak with 6th Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson after I had to turn in my contribution to the library story that will run in Thursday's edition.

Here's what Johnson had to say about the proposed budget cuts:

"There's a little bit of wiggle room right now, but very little," Johnson said. "I'll be talking to the City Manager about making sure I can do what I can to make sure Inghram doesn't close."

Inghram is one of three branch libraries that are slated for temporary closure under interim City Manager Mark Weinberg's proposal to solve a projected $9 million budget gap. Libraries that have closed previously in San Bernardino have not reopened.

The Press-Enterprise reports that Corona can no longer afford to maintain aerial patrols:

"Facing a tight budget with no money for air support, the Corona Police Department will sell its helicopter, Crown 1.

"The move will leave the department without a key crime-fighting tool and end the city's 7-year-old airborne program, Police Chief Richard Madory said."

The full article is written by Alicia Robinson, my former co-worker at the Daily Pilot in Costa Mesa.

San Bernardino interim City Manager Mark Weinberg has recommended that the city end its contract for a helicopter when the fiscal year ends on June 30. The move is expected to save $555,900.

Just talked with 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Baxter. He said there could be some changes to interim City Manager Mark Weinberg's proposed budget cuts, but doesn't think it's the council's job to micro-manage the budget.

"I'm sure everyone will scrutinize to see see if there is anything we can salvage. I have a sneaking suspicion that Mr. Weinberg is on target ... it's a tough bullet to bite."

Baxter also said that when the council hired Weinberg, the body was looking for somebody willing to make the kinds of hard choices that are presently on the table.

-For Fiscal 2008-09, the revised estimate for total general fund revenues is $138,271,000. That figure is about $10 million less than what was anticipated in the approved budget.

The revised estimate for general fund expenditures is $151,109,000, which is about $1 million less that what was allocated for in the approved budget.

Subtracting estimated annual expenditures from estimated annual revenues leaves San Bernardino with $9,025,000 operating deficit.
All statistics are from the City Manager's Office and do not reflect proposed budget cuts:

- In Fiscal 2008-09, San Bernardino budgeted 45 percent of its general fund to the Police Department. Twenty years ago, 30 percent of the city's general fund went to law enforcement.

The Fire Department has 23 percent of the current general fund, compared to 19 percent two decades ago.

Parks gets 4 percent of the 2008-09 general fund, compared to 8 percent a two decades ago.

Streets gets 4 percent of the 2008-09 general fund, compared with 7 percent 20 years ago.

Facilities Management gets 2 percent of the 2008-09 general fund, compared with 10 percent 20 years ago.

Planning, building and engineering gets 4 percent of the 2008-09 general fund, compared with 9 percent 20years ago.

-Payroll for all departments has consumed the lion's share of the general fund during the past two decades. In the current fiscal year, 75 percent of the money is assigned to personnel. That figure was 71 percent in 1988-89

Here is some reportage on the proposed cutbacks for San Bernardino's library system. Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg has proposed temporarily closing the city's three branch libraries as part of a cutback plan intended to solve a $9 million budget shortfall.

The process is not finished, so the final slate of budget cuts may be different from what Weinberg proposed. I get the sense that these kinds of processes start with a discussion of highly-undesirable cuts before officials scramble for alternatives that lessen the blow.

When San Bernardino began its budget talks last year, then City Manager Fred Wilson's initial plan included a provision to cut funding for crossing guards. Didn't happen.

But the economy is a lot worse now than it was last summer, so there's little chance for San Bernardino to avoid insolvency without making a lot of people upset. Popular services will be cut, but it's still open for question as to exactly where and how deep those cuts will be.

The library info is after the jump:

Amid talk of layoffs, interim City Manager Mark Weinberg is also proposing several new fees to shore up San Bernardino's $9 million budget gap.

The fees could raise a projected $501,600 during Fiscal 2009-10.

One such proposal would mandate cat licenses, which are currently voluntary. Feline licenses currently cost $30 if the animal has not been spayed or neutered. There are discounts for licenses for "fixed" pets and further discounts for seniors whose cats have been spayed or neutered.

Cat licenses are projected to raise $45,000.

Other fee proposals include:

- Increasing Animal Control's 1-year licensing fee for neutered dogs from $15 to $20 to raise $36,000.

- Increasing Code Enforcement's weed abatement administrative fee from $110 per parcel to $320 per parcel to raise $189,000.

- Creating an $80 Code Enforcement fine for illegal advertisement signs to raise $45,000.

- Increasing the Police Department's tow release fee from $215 to $235 to raise $42,400.

- Increasing the Police Department's non-permitted false robbery alarm fees from $100 to $175 for the first four calls. Fees for false robbery alarms in permitted and non-permitted locations would rise from $125 to $250 for the fifth and sixth calls and from $250 to $300 for the seventh through ninth calls. The fee hikes are expected to raise $7,600.

Seventh Ward Councilwoman Wendy McCammack criticized interim City Manager Mark Weinberg during budget talks Monday night for what she sees as a failure to seek additional revenue enhancements.

McCammack maintained that the city should engage in more aggressive code enforcement and inspection efforts, thereby maximizing fee and fine revenues while cleaning up the city. She singled out a proposal to impose a new $80 fine for illegal signs when the city's administrative civil penalties law carries a provision for a maximum fine of $1,000 per day for any violation of the municipal code.

"Why would you undercut yourself if you've already got the legislative power to fine more?," asked McCammack, who has taken the position that the city should pursue new revenues before considering layoffs.

Weinberg and Mayor Pat Morris issued sharp rebukes to McCammack's suggestion. Weinberg asked McCammack if being pro-business, she would really want to start handing out $1,000 fines in the middle of a recession.

Morris, a former judge, maintained that such a hefty penalty for a sign violation is disproportionate to the offense.

"You're talking about people paying a $1,000 fines for minor infractions, and no judge worth his salt is going to enforce this," he said.

The proposed $80 fine for illegal signs could raise $45,000 in Fiscal 2009-10, according to Weinberg's office.

During Monday night's budget talks, 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada said an unnamed entity has expressed interest in purchasing the Norton Recreation Center, which is near San Bernardino International Airport.

The rec center and Galaxy Grand Ballroom or slated for closure in interim City Manager Mark Weinberg's new budget cut proposal. The move would lead to a pair of layoffs and is projected to save about $40,000 between April 1 and June 30.

City Finance Director Barbara Pachon said staffers are compiling a list of real estate that could be sold, although Weinberg said it could be difficult to close land deals quickly in the current economic climate.

However, Estrada emphasized that the city may have a ready buyer and that she wants officials to move quickly to sell surplus land when possible.

Mayor Pat Morris said it may be difficult to sell the property under current federal law because the U.S. Air Force gave the facilities to San Bernardino for recreational purposes after the closure of Norton Air Force Base. Morris said he would contact Reps. Joe Baca and Jerry Lewis regarding any necessary legislative action to allow a sale.

Documents pertaining to proposed budget cuts are here.

Here's the story I submitted for Wednesday's edition of The Sun on proposed budget cuts.

Bureaucrats often use surgical metaphors to describe budget cuts.

When finances are a little tight, administrators talk about "cutting the fat."

When things get really bad, there's talk about "cutting into the bone."

But San Bernardino needs take the metaphor to a new level to describe the city's financial surgery. The municipal patient is being prepped for an operation that will include the removal of organs and muscle, the amputation of a limb or two and an old-fashioned bleeding.

The City Council set the course Monday night for a round of budget cuts that could include major layoffs, including the letting go of many sworn police officers and firefighters.

Interim City Manager Mark F. Weinberg is also seeking the council's approval to lop off some city department heads. The cuts are part of an attempt to solve a $9 million budget gap by the end of the year.

The council voted 5-1 to allow Weinberg and department chiefs to prepare layoff notices. The council's action also cleared the way for city administrators to prepare work schedules commensurate with a four-day work week.

7th Ward Councilman Wendy McCammack, who said she objected to city officials move toward layoffs without seeking additional revenue sources, cast the sole "nay" vote.

Police and firefighters can't stop working on Fridays so Weinberg wants to negotiate with the unions so safety personnel take a 10 percent pay cut. He said that if cops and firefighters refuse the pay cut, there will be more layoffs within public safety.

Here is how the proposed payroll cuts break down:

- Animal Control could lose eight positions after July 1 if the city ends contract services to Fontana and Colton.

-The City Clerk's office faces the loss of one customer service representative.

- The Code Enforcement Director's position could be eliminated. Code Enforcement could also lose three officers

- Development Services could lose 17 people.

- The Facilities Management Director could be cut.

-The Fire Department could be cut by 10 firefighters and an administrative assistant.

-In Information Technology, the director's position and four others could be eliminated.

- The Library Department could be slashed by eight positions.

- The Mayor's Office would lose an Assistant to the Mayor

- The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department would 36 employees.

- The Police Department could lose 29 cops can 7 support employees. Proposed reductions to the sworn officer force include the loss of four sergeants and five detectives.

- The Public Services Department would lose two traffic signal technicians.

According to Weinberg's analysis, that's not the worst case scenario. If the police and fire unions refuse pay cuts, he proposes the following additional cuts

- Twelve firefighters and a battalion chief from the Fire Department,

-One captain, three sergeants, two detectives, 14 officers and eight civilian employees from the Police Department,

- Two Parks employees

- Four Public Services employees

In terms of city services, proposed cuts would entail the closure of the eastside Operation Phoenix Center, the summertime closure of all city swimming pools except those at the Jerry Lewis Swim Center and the temporary closure of all three city branch libraries.

More to follow Tuesday.

Actually, it may be better to write that the council will "talk chicken." There might not be enough money around to afford a turkey.

A budget workshop is scheduled to take place during today's City Council meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

Interim City Manager Mark Weinberg said in a Thursday interview that San Bernardino faces a $9-10 million shortfall for the remaining months of the fiscal year. He has previously pegged the budget gap at $12 million, and attributed the change to savings accrued from the hiring freeze he ordered in mid-December.

This is the longer version of an article that was published Sunday. The piece addressed the question of whether San Bernardino and Riverside counties could eventually become a hub for environmental technology research.

The answer seems to be maybe. The Inland Empire does benefit from the presence of institutions like UC Riverside and Cal State San Bernardino, but a historian quoted in the article makes the cogent point that Silicon Valley didn't come to exist simply because a lot of smart people went to Stanford University. The Cold War imperative to enhance information technology for defense purposes was crucial, since the Pentagon had money to spend on research that eventually led to innovations in civilian products.

That line of thinking suggests that for the Inland Empire or any other region to become a major clean technology hub, the federal government would have to find a reason to funnel millions to new research and choose to concentrate that funding in a given region.

That said, there are people in the Inland Empire who are trying to start new businesses in clean technology. The article focused on one such firm, Viresco Energy. The extended version that follows here has more detail on the company's process for deriving diesel fuel from biosolids.

as opposed to an All-American City. The E Street mural is spelled correctly.

Stephen Wall
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO - Artist Robb McDermott is creating a colorful reminder of the city's past.

McDermott, a 43-year-old San Bernardino native, has spent the past three days painting two murals along Kendall Drive.

The murals remind passing motorists of the city's bicentennial next year as well as its designation as an "All-America City" in 1977.

A lot of people think the mural should read, "All-American City" not "All-America City", McDermott said.

"Yes, it is spelled right," McDermott said during a break from painting Sunday afternoon. "The name of the prize is `All-America City.' Everybody keeps stopping and saying it's spelled incorrectly or it's missing a letter. I thought the same thing until I looked it up."

The murals are a short distance apart on what is known as the "S" turn below the Castaways Restaurant.

The black letters are flanked by the red, white and blue "All-America City" logo.

McDermott said he was asked to do the murals by Councilman Chas Kelley, who paid for the art with his campaign funds. McDermott didn't charge anything to design the mural and he donated his labor.

"It's a way to really kick start the bicentennial celebration," said Kelley, who spent about $2,000 for the paint and materials. "I thought this would be an appropriate location. It's highly visible with a great deal of traffic."

McDermott also painted the mural of the Cal State San Bernardino logo and coyote mascot
on University Parkway below the 215 Freeway.

"It helps communities take pride in their heritage and minimizes the amount of graffiti on vacant walls," McDermott said.