It is my understanding that one of the other two candidates for San Bernardino County District Attorney is a Republican. His name is Frank Guzman. Here is a link to his website: FrankGuzman4DA. If you are interested in helping to defeat Mike Ramos, you can contact Guzman’s campaign via email at FredH13@verizon.net.
If you guys read this, I REALLY want a yard sign! 
I wonder if other papers could look into this?
I wonder why Hoops did not contact POST, he said he did and POST said he didn’t?
Please show some transparency and show us the new policy regarding POST certificates.
Those that feel shamed in the Department help is on the way.
See the
below listed news article:
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Captain investigated
Posted on 2010 April 22 by BBVM
Criminal charges are being reviewed for a retired San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department captain accused of falsifying certifications to raise his salary and selling doctored training records to other employees.
Details of the alleged scheme have not been released. The captain, whose wife works at the sheriff’s training academy, has not been identified because it is a personnel matter. Continue reading
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos attended last night’s meeting of the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee (SBGOP) to ask for their endorsement of his re-election bid. Arriving late, he indicated that he had been busy and needed to get back to his “family.” Ramos, however, was denied the endorsement.
It was the recommendation of the Endorsement Committee to issue “No Endorsement” in the county race for District Attorney. However, one member of the committee made a motion to overturn that recommendation and instead debate the issue. Jessica Austin, former aide to deposed San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger and also former aide and admirer of Congressman Jerry Lewis, made the motion on behalf of Ramos but there was no second, not even from supporter First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. It should be noted that Mike Ramos along with Congressman Lewis and Dennis Hansberger are considered the power block of San Bernardino County’s East Valley Region. Prior to revelations of Ramos’ penchant for sexual misconduct and politically motivated prosecutions, Ramos was considered the front runner to succeed to Congressman Lewis. Austin has stated that her actions echo those of her mentors Lewis and Hansberger and last night she proved it with her attempt to gain an endorsement for a controversial and nefarious individual such as Mike Ramos. Continue reading
On April 19, 2010, I submitted a complaint to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit regarding former County Administrative Office Mark Uffer. The complaint states:
The undersigned alleges that while employed as the Administrative Officer for the county of San Bernardino, Uffer received thousands of dollars of memorabilia that was gifted to him due to his position as a government official. Continue reading
Ken, remember this document you signed? Kenneth Hunter Code of Fair Campaign 3-10-2010 Well Ken, I have warned you and John repeatedly. I’m waiting to receive one more verification (I have several already) and, assuming I receive it, I will be removing all Ken Hunter information from the blog and blocking both of you from posting. You choose to align yourself with bigoted, hateful people such as Barb Stanton, ET Snell, and Al Vogler, and that says a LOT about you and your campaign.
You criticize Anthony Adams for signing a “No New Taxes” pledge and going back on it yet you signed a “Fair Campaign” pledge and choose to participate in bigoted acts and associate yourself with bigoted people. I don’t see the difference between you and Anthony Adams except I have more respect for Adams.
I’m not feeling too creative right now so I’m going to steal the terms Press Enterprisecolumnist Cassie MacDuff uses for her annual end-of-year column. My awards only go to two people. Well two people, and then an entire classification of county employees.
First, for the Roses. Thank you April from the Registrar of Voters office for being so helpful and professional. It was appreciated, especially when I know I’m not your boss’ favorite person. And one to the First District chief of staff who doesn’t want to be mentioned in my blog! Thank you David. I know I can be a bit incoherent when I’m that angry and upset. I think everyone knows having to deal with stupid ass TAD managers sets me off. Continue reading
Uffer
I had call from a reporter for a local newspaper yesterday. During the converstaion an interesting discussion ensued over the recently submitted claim against the county by former San Bernardino County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer.
A claim is usually a precursor to the filing of a lawsuit.
After the reporter and I hashed out a couple of Uffer’s fict Continue reading
How do you know San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor is saying something stupid? Her lips are moving.
San Bernardino Sun reporter Mike Cruz today reports the following:
Gonzales said she has always been willing to cooperate and anticipates the board will approve thee waiver Tuesday. Continue reading
The termination of Mark Dowling did not come as much of a surprise. Probably the biggest surprise will be those department heads who are able to BS County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux into NOT firing them. We don’t have many who are non-Uffer appointees. And with a few exceptions, Uffer appointees were hired for something other than their ability to manage a department.
Last November iePolitics reported on what appeared to be a major screwup by Mark Dowling and his staff in a meeting where Google was considering a large campus in the Victor Valley that would have brought hundreds of jobs to the area. We were accused of making the story up, having inaccurate sources, etc. We, of course, knew the story was true. Now everyone knows that all was not well in the Economic Development Agency. Continue reading
Our county’s resident lying snitch is at it again. Yes that’s right. Pinocchio aka Confidential Informant No. 1 aka the yellow singing Canary, aka Adam Aleman is bragging once again about the testimony he gave to the San Bernardino County Grand Jury this past Monday and Tuesday. Now, he has already pissed the Grand Jury off once by altering evidence he sent to them. That brought about just a few felonies. Now, he seems to have forgotten he is not supposed to be telling us all what was said during the hearing. But, this is the brash young Mr. Aleman and he can’t help himself. Continue reading
InlandPolitics has obtained the names of two deputies who responded to the incident previously published at www.iepolitics.com involving District Attorney Mike Ramos and his alcohol-induced disrespect for law enforcement officers doing there jobs.
Since Ramos went outside the location to speak with Sheriff’s Deputies Gordon and Perea, the definition of “Drunk in Public” could apply.
However, more importantly though, the term “Obstructing or Interfering with an Officer” would seem more appropriate.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
This morning I had a chance to read in detail an eight-page document titled “2010 Deficit Mitigation Survey” published by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association (SBPEA) and disseminated to its affected county membership.
My impression? You’ve go to be kidding. Continue reading
If you’re a public employee, can your boss read your text messages sent from your work-issued telecommunications device?
And if your superiors can read your text messages, can they then discipline you for your action and charge you the cost associated with sending them?
That issue was heard today in the US Supreme Court (City of Ontario v. Quon). Continue reading
Information being disseminated by San Bernardino County administrators related to ongoing budget woes is somewhat reminiscent of tactics which have amplified the state’s financial mess.
In an effort to close a purported $90 million deficit for the 2010/11 fiscal year the county is asking employee organizations to come up with approximately $39 million in hard dollar concessions. Continue reading
I considered calling it “Baffling with BS,” or “Ramblings of an Imbecile,” or “Donating Fifty Grand to Screw Us Over,” or “This Bologna Sure Makes My Head Hurt,” or any other number of appropriate titles. “Amazing” might have been the most appropriate except nothing coming from Bob “Chicken Man” Blough amazes me any longer. I will start an analysis tomorrow after a few aspirin. For now, I’d like to hear every one’s initial opinions of what SBPEA is trying to do to you this time around.
iePolitics is receiving some very interesting information regarding the Sheriff’s Rangers. Can someone give me the email address for Deputy Chief Paul Cook? I know the pcook format, but that is common enough it could be something different.
Also, I am sending a California Public Acts Request to Sheriff Hoops now to request the audio tape of the incident with San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos. I understand the conversation may have been recorded by more than one deputy. If anyone else is will to send an email to Sheriff Hoops asking that the tape be released, let me know and I’ll give you his email address if you don’t already have it.
Since we have a lot of Welfare Fraud Investigators reading this blog, I thought I would ask your opinion. We know the Welfare Fraud Unit is about as screwed up as it gets. We know Linda Haugen and Virginia Lugo would eliminate the “cowboys,” i.e., the sworn members of the unit, if they could. We also know their attitudes have to do with the fact that admitting there is Welfare fraud in this county does not mesh with their empire building, that is, if fraud investigators arrest welfare cheats then caseloads drop which reduces the size of the empire. Continue reading
Yes, that is right. Today is National Pot Smokers Day. And as is the case with a couple of holidays each and every month our San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has decided to celebrate it by being dark. Yep, in 2010 our Board of Supervisors is only meeting 27 out of 52 weeks.
So, we have to wonder exactly how each of board members is going to celebrate this holiday. Bong? Joint? Blunt? Who knows. But I do know that all the medical Cannabis supporters who frequent the public meetings to voice their concerns over the Board’s unwillingness to support the proposition passed by the voters will be happy to know that at least the Board is willing to offer a few hours of silence on their special day.
Before I get into the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and Public Integrity Unit (PIU) complaints filed today, I owe everyone an explanation of the complaint filed last week. It was filed against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos alleging possible violation of the $100.00 per year cumulative payment to a single vendor rule, violation of campaign-related expenditure requirements, and misuse of campaign funds. Continue reading
Postmus
Former San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus was under pressure from county administrators and supervisors in 2007 and 2008 to limit reductions in assessed property valuations.
The concern at the time was that Postmus was going to bring down assessed property values in accordance with Proposition 8 at a faster pace than desired.
Proposition 8 allows a county Assessor to reduce assessed values of properties where the market value has dropped below the assessed value on county tax rolls. The action gives property owners some relief on their property tax bills.
When the market value of a property reduced under Prop 8 climbs, the assessed valuations is restored to its proper amount at the time.
A property can have more than one reduction under Prop 8 based upon real estate market conditions. Continue reading
It had been my plan to write about the Sheriff’s gang known as the “Sharks” in Part 5 of this series. But as I was researching the Sharks, another Sheriff’s gang was brought to my attention and that gang is a bit more interesting. The Sharks are not off the hook; we are just going to bait them a little more and they will show up later in the series. Today, we are going to discuss the Sheriff’s gang known as the “Mexican Mafia.”
The Fontana station of the Sheriff’s Department, or as many people call it, Fontucky, is much like the Victorville station was some years ago. It is lawless and troublesome. But not everyone knows just how lawless it is. It has such a serious problem that Internal Affairs had to set up a satellite office at the station. Now that’s bad! Continue reading
I feel sometimes like we are beating a dead horse. Unfortunately, that dead horse keeps coming back to life and rearing its ugly head. There are several San Bernardino County department heads that have to go. The county simply cannot afford to keep them on in these economic times. Federal court and federal juries do not care how broke San Bernardino County may be when it awards judgments. And Mr. Devereaux, you have some complete idiots (note HROs: be sure to print this out to add it to “the list”) running the show who are going to ultimately cost taxpayers dearly.
At the top of the list is County Counsel Ruth Stringer. How much longer are you going to tolerate her half-ass legal advice? When you take an attitude of “we have 138 attorneys, so bring it on,” as did our former County Administrative Officer and our current County Counsel has, you’re assuming you can outlast us all. Not all of us go away easily or cheaply. Continue reading
As briefly reported at Inlandpolitics on April 15, 2010 by blogger ten.fifteen under the “Frank Guzman releases his campaign website” thread, the blogger eludes to an encounter by deputies with District Attorney Mike Ramos. Continue reading
Many might be wondering why they should vote for Paul Schrader. Well lets look at some of what I believe to be common sense issues. NO masters degree needed.
This is nothing personal against Mark Averbeck. I admire his fortitude and no-nonsense approach to the Captain Gray scandal in the last week. Some think that Averbeck’s approach is nothing more than political grandstanding. Maybe. Or maybe Mark is just tired of what he has seen in his career. I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Continue reading
I keep getting updates on the budget situation in San Bernardino County and it’s not pretty.
It seems basic management principles were thrown out the door the past several years in exchange for the “appearance” of looking good.
From what sources in the Government Center are saying to me, problems are continuing to be uncovered almost daily. Mainly on the side of liabilities being hidden and thus not accounted for. It’s as if a little kid was covering there eyes and say “maybe it’ll just go away” or an Administrator saying “Who cares? By the time they find out I’ll be outta here”.
Apparently the name “Governmental Accounting Standards Board” or “GASB” never crossed anyone’s mind. Continue reading
Am I the only completely amazed by a couple of the comments from those who claim to be members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department? I am really hoping that “Down with AntiCorruptionUnit” is a prankster and the comment wasn’t really from a cop. It would be a shame to think we have someone that stupid carrying a badge and gun.
As to “Long Lost Friend,” I did exactly what I have always said I would do if someone makes a viable threat here on the blog. Long Lost Friend’s information was forwarded this morning via email to Sheriff Hoops. It is up to the Sheriff whether he does anything with the information. Continue reading
Poor Ken Hunter has been all by himself over on the blogroll and must be feeling lonely. Since he seems so enamoured with Anthony Riley, I thought it only fitting that he be the candidate I add to keep him company. For those who would like to see Anthony’s website, click here. Anthony has a Facebook page too which can be found here.
While I’m promoting Fourth District employees, here is the Facebook page for Gary Ovitt. It doesn’t appear he has website. Not sure if Roman Nava is running again, but here is his website.
Jim and I were discussing the fact that blog hits are remaining steady at an all-time high and have done so for a number of weeks now. But they have shifted too. Ever since the county started blocking the blogs for line staff computers, our biggest blog hit hours have changed. It starts around 5 a.m. and stays high until 7 a.m. Starting around 7 a.m. the Fifth Floor and department heads start looking at the blogs. HR starts copying entries anywhere from 7:30 to 9:30 and again later in the afternoon. The hits pick up again mid day but get really high around 6 p.m. and go to 10 p.m. Continue reading
I’m not sure who to thank but THANK YOU!!!! I received the package. Boy is Lamberto and a few others going to have egg on their faces! Also, now I realize I owe Kirk and Zook apologies. It seems my recent impression of Matt Brown and Paul Biane are the correct impressions. Nice to know Matt has been burning me for so long. I hope to publish the documents on the blog but need to talk to my attorney first. Continue reading
Former District Attorney investigator Chris Cardoza took a plea deal yesterday. He pleaded guilty to one count of Computer Fraud and one count of Acts Constituting Theft. He is due back for sentencing on May 27, 2010. Since he is a licensed private investigator, we suspect both will be misdemeanors so that he can maintain his license. Continue reading
As all of you provide me with tips, I am submitting public information requests under the California Public Records Act. Here is a list I have submitted so far:
MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
This note is to advise the community that the Municipal Advisory Council (M.A.C.) is still functoning within the community of Havasu lake.
It continues to be sanctioned by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and he requests that the council continue to function and advise him of important issues the community wishes to address.
I have personally met with Donna Massey president of the Firebelles and she has assured me that the M.A.C. will continue to meet in Friendship Hall.
There are presently two positions open on the board of five and anyone interested in serving on the board please contact me for information.
This information is given to help dispel the deceptive rumours and division continuing to disrupt this community.
Any questions please contact me or any Board member.
Terry Gardner
Interim Vice Chair
760.285.1719
April 5, 2010
By Glenn Barr
With a $90 million budget deficit and likely layoffs looming for next fiscal year, San Bernardino County’s financial picture has worsened in the past few days with the discovery of millions of dollars in unfunded liabilities.
County officials have yet to determine how much money could be owed to employees who have accumulated leave time for which they must eventually be paid, said Chief Administrative Officer Gregory Devereaux, who said he intends to try to figure it out after the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
The problem stems from the fact, he told The Mountain News on Tuesday, that the county has historically never capped the amount of leave time that can be accrued by so-called “exempt” employees, whose jobs are not covered by civil service protection. Continue reading
Assembly Candidate: “Conservative Reform is Coming to Sacramento!”
RANCHO CUCAMONGA [04.16.10] – Mayor Pat Gilbreath (R-Redlands) candidate for the 63rd State Assembly District is bringing her campaign to Rancho Cucamonga this Monday. The GOP hopeful says the visit “is part of face-to-face conversations I’m having with voters before the June 8th Primary.” Adding, “I want people to know that these convictions, about needing to tame the unchecked size and growth of government, don’t come from a poll. My conservative view of government comes from lifelong beliefs.”
In recent weeks Gilbreath has called for major reductions in taxes, spending levels and a return to a part-time, “citizen legislature.” The Redlands mayor believes the people of Rancho Cucamonga will be “critical to winning the fight for difficult, but necessary reforms in Sacramento,” she said. Continuing, “I can’t imagine what California, and especially our region, will be like if we fail to force a dramatically new direction in the State Capitol.”
Gilbreath notes that her training, and three decades of experience as a CPA provides, “a special skill set in bring Sacramento back in balance with the values of the citizens they serve.”
PUBLIC EVENT DETAILS:
“Coffee & Conversation with Pat Gilbreath”
Monday, April 19, 1-3PM
Carrows Restaurant
11669 Foothill Blvd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
The general public and members of the media are encouraged to attend and participate. Refreshments will be provided.
CONTACT: Scott Johnson (909.549.7298, scott@standwithpat.com)
###
By now San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos should be aware of the most recent complaint filed about his 460 with the Fair Political Practics Commission (FPPC). I left the complaint in my car and don’t want to misquote it so I will update this post tomorrow. But the bottom line is that it doesn’t not appear Ramos has been truthful (hard to believe huh?) on his 460 as he has over $10,000 in credit card charges and claims not one is over $100. All of this in a non-election year when he would have to purchase what? As we have wondered in the past, just how many boxes of condoms can one buy for $10,000? And are they really a campaign expense?
Community Leader Robert DeLoach Endorses Morrell
Upland, California – Robert DeLoach, longtime Rancho Cucamonga resident and well-known community leader, has announced his support for businessman Mike Morrell for the 63rd Assembly District.
“Mike Morrell is an upstanding businessman with 25 years of experience creating jobs,” said DeLoach. “I have known Mike for 30 years and believe that his understanding of politics and the Constitution far surpasses many in our government today. He will be a great member of the State Assembly.” Continue reading
One of my attorneys sent me these links:
Mish’s Global Economic Trend Analysis: http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/
and
Of Two Minds: http://www.oftwominds.com/blog.html
Then I just received this link:
Full Disclosure: http://www.fulldisclosure.net/
There is some interesting stuff here. The “Full Disclosure” blog has articles about Los Angeles County that relate to this county, such as judicial benefits.
To whomever added a link for iePolitics to Craigslist, we really appreciate it. We are seeing a number of hits today. Thanks.
Recently a group affiliated with leadership from the Riverside County Republican Party decided to play to their fringe by slamming one of the candidates with a very tasteless accusation which helped get a liberal Democratic Party member Scott Hines elected.
Yes, Rancho Mirage may be conservative in nature, but the Coachella Valley has a sizable lesbian and gay population. Upsetting the gay and lesbian population and their straight allies can be very dangerous in an age where each vote counts. Assembly District 80 could have been won for example if the Republican Party nominated a socially inclusive candidate as an example. Perhaps the individual who was only 71 votes ahead of Scott Hines on Election Day would have still won if the party’s tasteless advertising campaign was never done. Continue reading
I had the opportunity to spend some time yesterday discussing the current San Bernardino County’s budget situation and was able to obtain some feedback on the thinking behind what is happening, and to further explain my point that not reducing the county workforce now, will cause greater pain later.
Let’s face it. Signs of the current economic downturn were visible as early as 2006. I brought up the potential collapse in real estate prices and the effect on the county while working at the Assessor’s office then. I was laughed at by many at the government center.
No one is laughing now. Continue reading
Last night I had no less than four phone calls from those concerned about my safety and giving me information regarding things ranging from leapfrog surveillance, phone taps, and how to tell if I’m being tailed to keeping my doors locked. Thanks a lot! You all helped me have a great night’s sleep.
For those that are wondering, this all has to do with my post yesterday regarding the Sharks, a gang of Sheriff’s deputies that had numbered sharks tatooed on their ankels. I guess this is a bit of a sore subject with Hoops. So, as the first caller suggested I do, I AM NOT suicidal. If my dead body is found, the first place to look is the Sheriff’s Department. And I was told that my phone is probably tapped, so if you call me, assume the good Sheriff is listening. Continue reading
Imagine being a seasoned, well-respected prosecutor of 30 years or more. Now imagine sitting in the judge’s chambers discussing one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the past decade in your county. And then imagine having to ask the judge to not be required to turn over all evidence to the defense.
Preposterous? Anyone in the legal community would think so as they understand the rules of evidence. Surprise witnesses and damning evidence is only allowed on Perry Mason. In the real world, by law, both sides have the right to all evidence in their favor or against them prior to the commencement of trial. Continue reading
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m tired of the scandal and cover up of scandal in this county. I’m really disgusted that the county’s top law enforcement officer has apparently lied to the Board of Supervisors about the seriousness and outcome of the P.O.S.T. scandal. This scandal is a big deal and Sheriff’s Department official should be criminally prosecuted for it but because of Hoop’s friendship and affiliation with District Attorney Mike Ramos, it will likely never happen. Any of us who perjured ourselves and stole this much money would be sitting in jail awaiting trial.
So, here is something you can do. Email the John and Ken show at: johnandkenshow@kfi640.com or call the show at: 1(800) 520-1534 and ask them to cover this story. Continue reading
Someone posted a comment last night about Art Bustamonte last night. All the candidates are welcome to have a login here and post their campaign information and interact with the readers. Just email me at sharon@iepolitics.com.
I have received several anonymous emails that can’t exactly be considered threats suggesting that as part of my “A Legacy of Malfeasance” series I not delve into the issue of the Sheriff’s Rangers. So, I am going to delve into the issue of the Sheriff’s Rangers. To be truthful, until I started receiving the emails, I did not even know they existed. However, I now know that these are often wealthier members of our community who are supposed to have training and carry special deputy badges. Hmm . . . wonder why training and badges could possibly be an issue in this county?
One thing I did notice is that on Sheriff’s Hoop’s 460 ending December 2009, the Rangers donated to his campaign but then the contribution was refunded. Can any one shed light on that specifically? And, of course, send me all you can on the Rangers. This should prove to be interesting. Continue reading
Well you didn’t listen to iePolitics when we told you that Mark Uffer is a liar and look what it has gotten you. And you didn’t listen to iePolitics when we told youMike Ramos is a liar. If any of you are living under a rock and don’t know about the affidavits, I suggest you ask another district. Although the information hasn’t been released to the general public yet, I know for sure it is on the Fifth Floor. And you all are going to look like complete fools for believing the only person who can lie as much as Adam Aleman. Continue reading
We have five defendants, Jim Erwin, Bill Postmus, Rex Gutierrez, Greg Eyler, and Dino DiFazio. So, we have five criminal defense attorneys; five criminal defense attorneys who have reviewed the discovery provided by the District Attorney’s Office; five criminal defense attorneys who have compared notes; five criminal defense attorneys who have come to realize that Confidential Informant No. 1, our favorite yellow singing Canary extraordinaire, “persona au gratin,” one half of the team known as “Hansel and Gretel,” none other than the young Mr. Adam Aleman has a problem with the truth. This is hardly new news to readers of this blog. But there is a new twist.
Part of the discovery is, of course, the recorded interviews with Mr. Aleman. But not all interviews are given to all attorneys but rather only those that affect each attorney’s client. However, as I said, the defense attorneys are comparing notes. And the defense attorneys’ private investigators are interviewing EVERYONE and comparing notes. Everyone is comparing notes and it doesn’t paint a pretty picture. As stated in another article, the defense attorneys can now impeach Mr. Aleman with recordings in his own voice and words. How much drama will that provide in front of a jury of twelve? Any wonder why Senior Prosecutor Louis Cope attempted to keep evidence away from the defendants? Or that there was a suggestion of a gag order? Continue reading
There was a time in the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department when brawn was far more important than brains. As a matter of fact, education beyond high school was looked upon as suspect. Fortunately, over the past 30 years, the powers that be have become more enlightened and an educated deputy is valued. But there are throwbacks even now. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Lieutenant and Apple Valley Councilman Rick Roelle is such one example.
Throughout his career, Roelle has had issues with his temper and his ability to control violent outbursts towards suspects and prisoners. Early on in his career as a deputy, Roelle would beat prisoners detained at Central Jail. But one of the most disturbing stories comes not from his early years, but rather after his promotion to Sergeant, a promotion made with full knowledge of Roelle’s penchant for violence. Continue reading
The “800-pound budget gorilla” is in the room for both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, which is putting their respective employee unions in a critical dilemma.
Push wage and benefit concessions on their members or trigger layoffs. Layoffs cause reductions in union member rolls thus affecting revenue that supports operations.
In mild economic downturns, wage deferrals or not filling vacant positions can be a viable band-aid to get through the problem.
Not this time.
The current collapse in property and sales tax revenue in both counties is devastating, and will continue for some time. San Bernardino County, which has not been as aggressive as Riverside County in reducing its property tax rolls, took a 6% hit last year and is likely to take another hit of at least 9% this year. That’s 15% over two years. Continue reading