Negotiations continue

How interesting this issue with the POA is becoming. If ever there was a classic example of the tail wagging the dog, this is it. Cal State should offer a class on now NOT to allow a City to be run. Why on earth is the SB City Leadership is even communicating with the POA?

If the issue was associated with the police uniform or if the PD should require everyone to shave their heads and let their mustaches grow to their chin and dye them blue, then there would be reason to negotiate. However, this is a matter of financial stability for the City of SB…not just the PD who have yet to offer up anything without strings attached. For the City leadership to even consider talking this issue with the POA is disgusting and is yet another example of the wrong people being on the bridge of SB guiding the ship. It is no wonder SB is in the shape it is. Look at what is happening!! How long will this dance with the POA continue? It has been ongoing for years now.

Again, the City of SB should TELL the PD/POA what is expected of them through the correct channels of communication…SBPD Chief. If they elect to not comply or ignore the mandate, then this same City leadership should begin discussions ASAP with the SB Sheriff Dept to assume the policing of the City of SB. It is now apparent that this NOT a matter of “if” the City of SB can afford to contract PD services with the SBSD but it is a matter of can they afford “NOT” to engage in productive talks and contracting of these services. Whatever the investment now will show long and short term returns on the investment for years to come. The years of hassles created by the POA would end and the time and money that they have cost the City could be focused on redirecting the City into less troubled waters. Again, we are not talking about the POA here we are talking about the survival of the City of SB. Without a financially balanced City, there will be no PD and NO POA! It is just that simple. The POA is completely and totally out of line here and any discussions with the POA should not be entertained. Lastly, understand the issue is NOT with PD rank and file, it is understood they have a job that needs to be done and it is appreciated for the tremendous job they do. It is however, a matter of their representation being out of bounds and if the Rank and File can not right their ship, then the City Leadership must do what is best for the entire City nothing more.

Lastly, you must remember, this is near the end of February 2009. In just four (4) months the new City budget for 2010 will be due (July 01, 2009). What concessions with the POA demand of the City and the voters at that time? The City financial stability will not improve much if any by July 2009. Unless there is a tremendous windfall of monies that come available to the City by July/09 these same City Leaders will be scraping and scrambling to figure how to balance the next year budget. For every month it is not balanced, it costs the City more money that it does not have. The POA leadership does not care about the City but only about themselves and want to be assured everyone else, every other City Dept, makes to the bone concessions and sacrifices just a long as they (POA) get theirs 100% and theirs remains untouched. NOW, what is wrong with that picture? The City of SB has much bigger fish to fry, like financial solvency. Now and in the FY 2010, EVERYTHING must be on the table without strings. Remember, four (4) SB Department Heads have been recently given their notice…that is just a sampling of how bad things are and the POA suggests what?
Mr. Mayor, Honorable Council, Mr. City Manager, Mr. City Attorney (have I missed anyone…sorry), it is time to change the slide of interest and move on and deal with matters that will take SB successfully into tomorrow and into 2010.

Reader Bob you are an idiot. The economy is bad...probably the worst I have seen in 25 years however; everyone knew it was coming except Chief Billdt and Mayor Morris that is. They continued to spend unlimited overtime while giving pink slips to 49 officers and civilian employees. They also said today that they were getting ready to start hiring police officers again. Wow. Hire more officers while cutting 10% pay from those who are dedicated to this city. Explain that one idiot. Grow up and get a life. This leadership needs to go and they need to go now. Police can not strike so our only option is to vote no confidence and present that to the mayor. He has ignored it and continued to lie to us. Dont believe Billdt or Morris they cant tell the truth. Work slow down here we come.

For 25 Year Vet;

Sir…Have we reduced it to name calling now? If you remember how to read, please direct your attention to the many past posts on these blogs that I have championed the call for no less than two things to happen. They are/were and continue to be…1) This is an election year, the Mayor’s slot is up for re-election. I started to urge the readership of this newspaper to remember all the blunders the current Mayor has been associated with to include Operation Phoenix and how it was (or was not) handled. However, until he is voted out of office we must respect who the Mayor is, the position, and support his efforts to gain financial stability to the City that is almost insolvent or broke! Additionally, another quick example of bad leadership has been under his direction, the City is negotiating with the SB POA as the City tries to balance the budget and regain financial stability. In case you forgot, the POA is a subset of the PD and does not or should not have any influence or voice on how the City of SB should be run (other than voting at the poles for a new Mayor providing you are a resident).

This leads me into the 2nd issue; The current point of contact for the Mayor and other elected city officials is the current sitting PD Chief. Like him or not, he is still the Chief and until he retires, is relieved of duty by the Mayor and Council, he and he alone is the sole individual that represents the PD to the City leadership on all matters to include all financial issues. If you can, please try to remember there is a “Chain of Command” in the PD and Sir, the Chief is at the top…NOT the POA! When I say financial issues I refer to the PD’s portion of the City budget. The PD has got to cut as all other City departments have. If it means saying good-bye to some fantastic policemen/women, that is sad, but they are no more important that the members of the SBFD or the other departments who have cut personnel. This includes the four (4) City Department Heads who were identified to be cut. Again I ask, what or where are the concessions the PD is or are offering (via the Chief) that match these other departments? It is NOT the POA’s call.

Yes, the POA membership has voted and given twice a no confidence indication about the current sitting Chief. The Chief told the voters (along with the City Leadership) he would retire in March. If you care to check, I have called for that to happen as promised indicating there was an Assistant Chief within the PD who could handle running the PD until the Mayor finds a replacement (which is the Mayor’s job…NOT the POA’s). However, it is also known that the POA has a history of supporting whoever the sitting SBPD Chief is for just about 2 years then they start making noise and life difficult for the sitting Chief. There is history that confirms this. Again, as I have said many times, the POA does not appoint the Chief, it is NOT their job. The POA does not influence running this City and its financial issues, it is NOT their job. Last I looked; they were supposed to be the voice of the rank and file on or about internal matters associated with PD issues. Nothing more.

Perhaps it is your attitude and blindness to which side the butter is on the bread that is partly the cause of the internal PD problems that have been ongoing for quite some time. With your 25 yrs of experience (assuming they are all with the SBPD), you of all people should be able to recognize this and help the PD deal with their internal problems without making it a public spectacle or circus like it has become. One has to remember, if you are not part of the solution, then perhaps you are part of the problem.

BTW, thanks for your point of view, you are entitled to it as I am mine.

Reader Bob - you seemed to have some interesting points in previous blogs, however, I must say here is where you lost it.

The POA is doing what they were elected to do (by the rank and file) look out for the welfare of their officers. And that is what they are doing. They were given an amount to make up $3.3 million and they wre able to do it. Who cares if there are concessions - they are giving up what is asked of them.

Chief Bildt represents the departmens and personnel issues. However, it is the responsibility of the POA to represent the personal issues of the officers and their well being. IT wasn't the POA that got the department or city in this predicatment. But the Mayor and Chief. They had to foresee this problem and to keep hiring police (and other city employees altogether) was not a good move on their part - yet they allowed it to happen. And if you have notice Chief Bildt knows he is wrong otherwise he would be making public comments and facing his rank and file instead of always saying no comment and hiding in his office during the day! He knows he messed up. Out of the good for the department he should leave as expected but his ego won't let him Therefore, he will continue to wreak havoc on the department and the guys until he is gone. This will be his legacy.

Don't blame the POA for standing up for their officers - it is their responsibility. It is why the offices pay dues every month to support the POA. I support the officers for not giving up and for looking out for themselves and their families - if there are concessions that go along with their cuts then that is okay.

Stay strong SBPD!

Again for: 25 Yr Vet;

Sir, please excuse me, I forgot to share one final point with you. Your last comment about the economy being bad… Sir, no one in City Leadership has caused the US economy to be on it’s butt. It is a National problem compounded at the State level and again at the County level and FINALLY at the City level. Today’s City leadership is trying very hard to deal with it with no money. I am sure that with all your 25 yr experience, anything YOU could offer up on how to run the City, County, State or Nation BETTER than it currently is being run, the Chief will take it under consideration and will pass it along up the Chain.

Now your comment about work slowdown of the PD. That threat is exactly what is wrong with those in influential positions within the SBPD today. Sir, you are supposed to be a sworn officer of the law working for the citizens of this City. Your mindset is yet another reason the City leadership should pursue the SBSD taking over the PD responsibilities of this City. This attitude, YOUR attitude, is reflective of what is wrong with the PD or the POA and to effectively deal with this matter is to put in-place those who want to be cops and understand what it entails to include the hardships. In other words, this attitude MUST be purged from the SBPD and to do it effectively, sights should be on the SBSD for assistance. Sir, this is YOUR doings, no ones else’s. Kinda like being in the all volunteer military, you know Iraq or Afghanistan await you but you still raise your hand and volunteer. Sir, with your work slowdown attitude, and your 25 yr experience, perhaps it is time for you to go elsewhere and do something else. Allow another who still has the fire of duty in their pit of their stomach and WANT to serve the citizens of SB. It is now obvious you do not and you no longer have this unique calling that is necessary to be effective instead of being counter effective as you so demonstrate now.

Reader Bob,
You bring up some valid points and comments. Its unfortunate that you have to read responses and name calling from 25 year vet, or is that just a ruse?

The economy is bad. People are taking furloughs, layoffs, pay reductions all over the country. This includes police and fire. In many cases city governments are trying to avoid that. The amounts of money spent on police overtime over the past few years was for a purpose and if one is honest with themselves they know it was successful. Crime has been down in SB compared to many past years. As the POA president recently said, "We have our foot on the throat of crime". That happened because of overtime, corridor patrols, and programs/resources put into place. This was all applauded and approved of by POA leaders, PD management, and blessed by city leaders/council. I don't believe the overall impact of the economic situation was envisioned to be this extreme. Blaming Morris and Billdt is not only counterproductive but shortsighted in many ways.

As a former POA board member let me tell you there are alterior motives driving much of this. It goes directly back to the POA leadership and how dysfunctional they have become. A little history. Former Chief Zimmon was removed because the POA leadership (includes many current ones), became concerned of his policies, use of force and the way internal affairs issues were handled. They did not want his LAPD mindset to take hold within the organization and there was increasingly more grumbling among the rank and file. They met with former Mayor Valles. The president at the time was removed because he supported Zimmons and tensions became worse between him and the new POA leadership because they thought he was now a pipeline to Zimmons and their concerns. Now there friends again but it was nasty. Agenda to this also.

When Billdt held a couple mid level supervisors accountable and removed them for actions they took in there respective units they ran to the POA leadership and demanded action and Billdts head. After all, they pay dues so support better be given whether its responsible or not. Real big egos. Neither one was liked by ones who worked for them at the time because of their leadership style and people skills. The attorney working for the POA was then relieved because his stance and advice on these issues did not fit in with the new POA leaderships direction so a new firm was hired. The vote of no confidence was a sham and manipulated by the POA leadership. Forty six were initially against it but became outcasts or shouted down or better yet called puppets. Between not knowing the full story, misinformation, or blind human allegiance this was accomplished.

Now it became more of an attack the PD admin mentality over anything they could trump up. Use of force issues and internal affairs procedures and promotions they did not like were harped on. The upper level promotions are no different because they all tested just like many in the current POA leadership who were also promoted under Billdt. It came down to personality conflicts and past disagreements some within the POA had with these admin personel because they too were held accountable for some actions and they thought they were treated unfairly. Not the case though. Then some who were held accountable were looking for anything to lessen there culpability since they had not been successful in court and wanted to try and show favoritism/bias on the part of admin. This was accomplished by going after a narcotics sergeant and some investigations yet to be finalized by the court.

Anyway, there is more but the root problem goes directly back to the POA leadership and how they have lost sight of their true mission. A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED BUT IT LIES WITHIN THE POA.

Police and Fire are the backbone to public safety but the confrontational stance taken by the POA towards city management is unfortunate in these times. No one wants furloughs or pay concessions but the general unit, fire, and even the PMA,(Police Management), has agreed to concessions. Just look at how self serving it is when the POA leadership says we will take concessions or has a plan but you have to remove the Chief and Ass't Chief for us to accept it. Misguided and manipulated agenda with alterior motives based on some of the earlier mentioned history.

I believe the POA leadership is willing to throw down the masses in support of a few people. The city manager recently depicted the POA leadership as the most dysfunctional morally corrupt unit he has dealt with in all his years. But if you disagree or take a stance against them suddenly you don't know whats going on or some other line of garbage. The biggest tragedy of all that has occurred, is the blame that has been misguided but purposely directed and many have bought into it. And as is the popular saying of the times, CHANGE IS NEEDED...BUT IN POA LEADERSHIP. The top two or three.

To Been There:

I know Lawhead is the President of the POA and Walker is Vice President. Who comes next? Just curious.

For: Been There Said…

Sir, I salute you and your message. Thank You! I hope you see that I have been saying all along the exact same thing as you. However, I find it most interesting we can come to the same conclusion with me being an outsider of the PD. I do not envy the SBPD. They have a tremendous job to do and are asked to do it with limited resources, questionable leadership and absurd representation. They (for the most part) have my utmost respect. As “we” are both saying, the PD is NOT the problem. The problem is an over zealous POA leadership that has a hidden agenda. You have only confirmed what I have surmised. As I see it, this problem is greater than the abilities of the current City Leadership to effectively handle. As such, what is the answer? This problem is far reaching. Many individual lives and families stand to be impacted by whatever course is taken. But something MUST be done however, as this situation has been ongoing far too long. The Chief, like him or not, is the Chief until he departs. He as Chief, must be respected and supported. He IS leaving. He announced a date of March and that should be encouraged. The Mayor, like him or not is the Mayor, he is the Mayor until re-elected or replaced in November. That takes care of (for now) the affected leadership. The POA gets no vote in the City financial matters. Their charter is to listen, salute smartly and make it so, whatever the City Leadership (to include the Chief) dictates. Again, they are a NO VOTING ENTITY! They just don’t understand that.

This entire issue that has commanded the blogs is over one single issue. How to effectively find necessary monies to run this City as best as possible with the least impact on the overall citizenship and the City Staff/Team in its entirety. This includes every department to include the PD. Sacrifices are now deemed necessary and every department has stepped to the table EXCEPT the PD/POA as their offerings come with strings of contempt and blackmail which is unacceptable. The City Leaders seem oblivious as to how to handle this dilemma. Perhaps they feel threatened by the POA. After all, this morning in this very blog it was declared a work slowdown (in fighting crime??) is on the way if they do not get their way. What is wrong with this picture? Does the rank and file of the PD really want these individuals as their chosen, making these (or their) types of decisions for them? I would find it hard to believe they do. However, what is THE solution? My heartfelt suggestion as I have stated is to hire the SBSD to come in and take over. If it could be negotiated they would hire 98% of the rank and file, which are tremendous officers, to ensure continued and familiar employment. It would also be a way to purge those who believe in work slowdowns, dictated concessions, and self imposed influence towards the direction and leadership of SB. If the PD/POA is unable to fix this (their) leadership problem, then the other option is the SBSD. It is their (PD/POA’s) call as to how this is handled. Keep the status-quo or seek internal change ASAP with individuals who do not have a hidden agenda or other motives that they march towards. The public is not an issue with the existing POA leaders and that is where they are fractured.

You have shared much about the past inter-workings of the PD. There were no surprises and there is not much to be proud of. I am sure there are many more skeletons in the PD’s closet that the public is unaware of. Many of us stand with you Sir as you work to resolve or rid the PD of this cancer that is impacting everything and everyone from distracting the City Leadership to the rank and file of the PD to lastly and most importantly the citizens/voters/taxpayers of SB. We can not forget that in four (4) months, the next years budget needs to be ready and from here, this challenge is impossible to obtain thus the costs will continue to grow. Costs where there is no money!

To been there,

The most laughable part of your comment was when you said Billdt "held some mid-level supervisors accountable for their actions."

You no doubt were talking about his shameful treatment of Desrochers and Lowes, two honorable cops who got the shaft because they weren't Billdt loyalists.

That is the overall problem: Billdt punishes those he doesn't like and unduly rewards his yes men (Kimball, Boom, Lawrence, etc.). That kills morale and has been a major contributor to the ugly situation now at the PD.

How sad this entire messs is. There is not a win situation anywhere. The City loses, the citizens/voters lose and importantly so, the PD also loses. So someone with a rational head on their shoulders, that is the solution? The get well plan that will allow ALL, to more forward? The City with their funding financial mess, the PD and the POA with their inturnal meltdown and lack of trust, as well as the voters/citizen/taxpayer who must foot the cost whatever it is.

Ladies and Gentlemen, what is next?

You call my comments laughable and downplay the actions of mid level supervisors. You conveniently call it shameful because someone is held accountable and because they are well liked by some they think they are untouchable, bigger than the organization, or have authority that supersedes that of the admin.

Up until you claim the shaft was given (and that is plain misleading and deceiving), the two you refer to
were supporters of the Chief and "loyalists" themselves.
But even when someone who has been around oversteps their authority and bucks the system because of stubborness or ego they to have to be called on the carpet. Sometimes they don't like the results but don't run to the POA demanding the heads of upper level management or else.

Saying the Chief only rewards his loyalists or punishes those he does not like boarders on kindergarten logic and a twisted brainwashed mentality. Oh, Oh, there's your chance to call me brainwashed.

Fortunately, some intelligent people like the Mayor, majority of council, City manager, and many community members behind the scenes are becoming more and more aware of where the real problems lay and what perpetuated this. But with the logic of to many, these people are dumb, puppets, outsiders, or don't know what there doing etc. That is what is the honest laughable part.

TO ARMS, TO ARMS,,THE RED/ NO BLUE COATS, ARE NOT COMING!
Looks like the ciitzens may be on their own soon!
SBSO, not SBSD, but you got the message across very well sir.

To 25 Year Veteran:

Your comment about "work slow down here we come" is a reason that some TAXPAYING citizens of San Bernardino (like Reader Bob) want to see the Sheriff's Department take over. This comment shows that you and your brethern think that this is a game against the Mayor, City Council, and the SBPD leadership. The truth of the matter is that this our, the residents of San Bernardino, lives. If you do your "work slow down" that is completely amoral and dishonest. You took an oath to protect and serve us - not at your whim. We are paying you a good wage that is comparable to other agencies in this state. If you believe that you are being treated so badly then just quit - don't play games like the "Blue Flu" and "Work Slow Down" - have some integrity.

Gia - why don't you put on a kevlar vest and help protect the city? Police officers and firefighters do NOT get paid enough to risk their lives for citizens like you who have no respect for them or their lives. And yes that is what I am reading into your blog.

Is your husband a Sheriff? Is that why all of a suddent you want them to protect your city? Do you not know the SO just got a raise? If the city can't afford the PD how are they going to afford the SO?

You want integrity? Then stand up for the men and women who risk their lives to protect you and your family.

Come on people - you are making me sick. The police and fire unions came up with what the city manager was asking of them and then when it came time to sign the paperwork the city manager tried to back door them and changed wording. When is enough going to be enough. They want this one day and then more the next.

Try going through this personally. How am I supposed to plan for my family and figure out our next move when the city won't be up front and honest with us.

If your so worried about the "blue flu" or "work slow down" then call your city council and voice your concerns. Don't sit there and call the police whiners and demand we bring in someone else. (who do you want next the National Guard)!

It really makes me sick to think I go out and protect people like you. Makes my job that much better tonight knowing I am facing pay cuts and a community that doesn't support me!