Category Archives: Brad Mitzelfelt

iePolitics: A comment from County Fire

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I have been asked for over a year to keep this story quiet.  I have written bits and pieces of it on the blog but out of respect for Pat and Dan, I have not done more.  However, this comment appeared a few minutes ago:

Additionally, it was Henry who also used his “write a check” threat to keep an ongoing affair between fire marshal Peter Brierty and fire department supervisor Tina Sutera a secret.  It was Sutera who leaked the trailer incident to get the heat off herself and Brierty and then later claimed whistleblower retaliation as news of the affair spread and fire officials and employees from around the state came out in support of Dennen and Wurl.  Some say that what Henry, Brierty and Sutera did was actual blackmail of Dennen and Wurl.

Why was nothing ever done about this? I never heard anything about this. Has this been confirmed?

 

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iePolitics: Attn: SEBA and Devore Shelter rescuers

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I keep hearing about all the threats from County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux to impose whatever he damn well pleases if everyone doesn’t go along with HIS game plan.   You need to remember that Devereaux does not have the final say.  It must be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Remember the phrase “Count to three.”  That phrase becomes especially important next year because three supervisors are up for re-election.   This is not the time to piss off firefighters, cops, or animal rights groups, all three of which can have tremendous political clout if they so choose, as has been proven in the past.

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iePolitics: So exactly how does Andrew Lamberto and staff determine that there is no basis for an EEO complaint . . .

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And then be forced by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing to remedy said complaint or face a lawsuit?  That is exactly the trend.  Or in some cases, the BOS is approving or will have to approve a settlement resulting from management’s behavior that Lamberto has deemed appropriate.

The BOS still has not figured out that citizens and employees alike are fed up with their entitlement and outspend them attitude.  They are in for a rude awakening.  Remember that crystal ball  . . ..

iePolitics: Which employees are getting the ax in the First District?

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Inquiring minds want to know.  Supervisor Josie Gonzales has already notified her staff that she is laying off three employees.  Supervisor Janice Rutherford is eliminating one—we are wondering if she is doing a Josie and laying off her lowest paid employee whose contract expires at the end of June anyway or if she is really making a cut.  I vote for Scott Van Horn myself, but I don’t get to vote.  Supervisor Gary Ovitt has also let his chief of staff, Pastor Larry Enriquez, choose the three employees he is most threatened by and give them notice they are being canned.

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Hesperia Star: Margaret Zank, one half of Hesperia’s dynamic Zank couple, dies at 87

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Peter Day
05/23/2011 11:20 AM

Margaret Zank, who worked tirelessly alongside her husband Gil to benefit the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce, died Sunday before noon at Sterling Commons in Victorville. She was 87.

“Having her for a wife was like having a wife and a partner,” said Gil Zank, 89. “She supported me in everything I did.”

Together in the 1980s, the Zanks were instrumental in starting several chamber events that have lasted a quarter century. First, the couple organized the annual Hesperia Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. Next, the couple started the annual Christmas party, running the event for 13 years.

But the couple’s proudest accomplishment was kicking off the chamber’s weekly Friday morning coffee event, which later became known as Zank’s Coffee Club. The coffees have become one of the most successful and enduring business networking opportunities in the Victor Valley.

“She was my right-hand person,” Zank said. “Margaret was the one who helped with coffee. She washed the dishes afterward and got the business cards. Every morning she did her job.”

Margaret Zank, who was born in southern Wisconsin, transcended polio, which paralyzed her left side when she was 3 years old.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: An interesting fundraiser

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Where was it held?  Kinari in Victorville

Who was there?  Buck Johns (host); Congressman Buck McKeon (keynote speaker); Supervisor Josie Gonzales (master of ceremonies); Ryan McEachron (candidate); Joe Brady (is said to be considering a run for first district supervisor); and about 100 others

Who was not there?  Brad Mitzelfelt, Angela Valles, Rudy Cabriales, Jim Kennedy, Mike Rothschild

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iePolitics: Once again, Brad isn’t doing his job

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This story from the Daily Press is yet another example of Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt not doing his job.
Tomoya Shimura
05/19/2011 5:13 PM

VICTORVILLE • Because local hospitals can’t accommodate violent mental patients, local sheriff’s officials must transport them to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department have had no local alternative since Victor Valley Community Hospital closed its behavioral health unit in April 2005.

The situation requires deputies to spend time transporting the patients when they could be patrolling local streets. On average, it takes an official half a day to take the mental patient to ARMC and return to the Victor Valley, according to sheriff’s officials.

Known as the 5150 hold, law enforcement officers in California can involuntarily confine the mentally ill who may pose danger to themselves or others.

Deputies hand over the patients to the hospital personnel and complete the required paperwork before they can leave the hospital, sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller said. The hospital then becomes responsible for the patients.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: Brad says “no”

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No More Brad

We are being told that two San Bernardino County Supervisorial districts are in the process of letting their staffs know there will be one or more staff members laid off.  We also hear that despite the fact that San Bernardino County general employees could see hundreds among their ranks laid off, Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who has one of the largest staffs, has refused to cut staff.

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iePolitics: Mutual admiration society

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Jim actually sorta complimented me today and even referred to us as iepolitics.com instead of his usual nutblog.com.   What’s funny about that was I had already planned to write a story about his lack of political correctness in his story about our useless Board of Supervisors.  Here is the link.

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iePolitics: Did Josie really come up with these on her own?

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If only I had a brain

As simple-minded as Josie’s proposed reforms are, it is hard to believe she came up with them on her own. They have Greg Devereaux written all over them.

Let’s take a look at them:

1) Direct the county chief executive Greg Devereaux to research and provide recommendations requiring standardized contracts for supervisor staff and regular work performance evaluations consistent with other county employees

So who benefits by standardized contracts?  Devereaux.  But the rest of the recommendation is interesting. Typically, county work performance evaluations consists of up to eight categories, an overall score, and verification of step increase, sick leave usage, and car insurance.  What would a BOS employee work performance evaluation look like?  Here are some suggestions:

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iePolitics: Oh, Bradley!!

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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt

Seriously Brad, is this the best you can come up with?  Is the alcohol starting to affect the brain cells?  Fifteen thousand square miles and you think this is a job plan?

Mitzelfelt: ‘I think it’s important we keep our workforce efforts up’

May 17, 2011 9:00 AM
Staff Writer

HESPERIA • The county is doing its part to educate and train residents for moderate- to high-paying jobs, according to First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

“I think it’s important we keep our workforce efforts up,” Mitzelfelt told members of the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce during the chamber’s monthly luncheon meeting Monday at Courtyard Marriott hotel.

To do that, the county will soon provide a $160,000 grant — through its Workforce Development Department —to put an additional 20 students through the Victor Valley College nursing program. The funding comes from the California Community College Chancellor’s office, he said. Nursing program graduates can often find well-paying positions. The median annual salary for registered nurses in 2008 was more than $60,000, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.

Mitzelfelt also touted the partnership between the Southern California Logistics Airport and VVC, which will be taking over SCLA’s School of Aviation Technology.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: Rumor check

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We hear there is a possibility that David Zook and his boss are being investigated in connection with Zook’s failure to work the hours he is being paid for and Brad’s willingness to allow Zook to defraud the system, i.e., conspiracy.  We are not sure which agency may be looking into this.  Can anyone give us a heads up?

iePolitics: Are layoffs around the corner?

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From what we are hearing neither SEBA or SBPEA plans to play ball with County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux and his plan for employees to pay their seven percent of retirement. And that means County Fire and exempt don’t have to play either because their agreements were tied to everyone else doing the same thing.  We hear plans for layoffs at the Sheriff’s Department are already being made.  And we suspect the same is true for the rest of the county.  Geez, it is only six weeks until the end of the fiscal year.  Is the Fifth Floor really this inept?

VVDP: Victorville job growth among worst in SoCal

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Here we go again and there is no Vicodin to blame it on this time.  Doesn’t Brad Mitzelfelt keep touting all the jobs he is helping to create?  I doubt he walks into any business in the Victor Valley or he would know how dismal it is here.

No More Brad

Tomoya Shimura
05/16/2011 1:32 PM

VICTORVILLE • While the United States economy added more than 200,000 jobs for the third straight month, local residents may still feel like they’re in the middle of the Great Recession.

The data supports that feeling, as the northwestern area of Victorville saw some of the worst job losses in Southern California over the past year, according to a recent study.

Because the area lacks a qualified workforce and relies heavily on industries hit hard by the downturn, experts predict it will take the High Desert longer than other California regions to see enough job growth to compensate for losses.

“The problem here is what’s happening everywhere else is not happening in the High Desert,” said Peter Allan, professor of business and economics at Victor Valley College. “The recession hurts the High Desert more than anyone else because most of the employees have entry-level or nonskilled jobs. I tell students you can’t get a job unless you have skills.”

The recession in the 1990s also lingered several years longer in the High Desert than other places, Allan said.

The Institute for Spatial Economic Analysis at the University of Redlands School of Business created a map illustrating year-over-year job growth from March 2010 to March 2011 in Southern California. The researchers said whether or not you feel the economic recovery may depend on where you live and work.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: It’s management stupid

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We often hear that this blog is for disgruntled county employees. Of those employees who post here that I know who they are, very few are simply disgruntled county employees.   Most have been around a long time and remember the days before Jerry Eaves and Jim Hlawek when we could be proud to say we worked for the County of San Bernardino.  As a matter of fact, a majority of those who post here are among the finest, hardest-working employees this county ever had the privilege of employing.

So why do they post?  Today’s arrest of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Benjamin is a perfect example.  Behind the scenes we are hearing some negative things about him, but there are two much more notable aspects to this arrest:  Cliff Reynolds and Gina Perez.  Use the search button at the top to search this blog for either of those names and you will find an eyeful of information about coverup, lying, incompetence, and a host of other issues.  Reynolds is his captain and Perez is in charge of the station’s Explorer Scouts.

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Havasu Lake: First District’s Sgt.Schultz….. “I know nothing!!!!”

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No More Brad

Dear Sharon

Back in the good ol’days of the freshly appointed Mitzelfelt Administration, back before all of this recent nastiness, back when Brad still had something to say…..

Brad described, for the press, his role in the recently departed regime of his predecessor, First District Supervisor Bill Postmus, it went something like this:

“The Chief of Staff is the most knowledgeable person in the district, being briefed on every issue, sometimes knowing more than even the Supervisor himself.”

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iePolitics: Trying to remember

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The first Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) complaint I ever filed was against First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and Reggie King from Young Homes.  I can’t remember the details except that King was trying to hide his campaign contribution through a defunct corporation or something like that.  I believe I filed under the money laudering section of the code.  Brad was required to amend his FPPC 460 and King received a warning letter.

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iePolitics: Karma is a b . . .; Vengeance is mine . . . ; What goes around . . ., etc. – Part 297

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Not to sound  like a broken record or anything, but when I was sent the link to the story below in the Press Enterprise calling for Supervisor Neil Derry’s resignation, I was 98 percent disgusted with the yellow journalism at the PE for the past two days and 2 percent feeling a bit satisfied.  I have to completely agree with Jim about Cassie’s column.  Her bias towards Dennis Hansberger was obvious.

But what is more disturbing is that no one at the PE seems to be able to do one iota of investigative reporting.  They are taking the AG’s affidavit as though it was written by God himself whose integrity should not be questioned.  The AG lied in that affidavit but no one at the PE is able to do  even a minimal amount of research to verify the “facts.”  At least the Sun tried to write balanced stories, although those reporters could have done a little more investigative research as well.

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iePolitics: Board of Supervisors salaries

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We printed a graph of BOS staff members’ salaries back in December.  Since the Bell scandal, the State Controller now keeps some of that information on line.  Viewing on his website is very enlightening.  It’s nice to know how much is costs to govern us. Here is the link:  http://lgcr.sco.ca.gov/CompensationDetail.aspx?entity=County&id=10993600000&filter=Department:board%20of%20supervisors

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iePolitics: I shall once again dedicate this to the Fifth Floor

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You all thought it was okay that Andrew Lamberto lied because it was only Rex.  You didn’t want to help or stick your necks out because it was not you going to prison for a crime you did not commit.

 

First They came . . .

By Pastor Martin Niemoller

First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

iePolitics: VVEDA votes to terminate contract with attorney

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In a highly symbolic vote tonight, Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett, Apple Valley Town Councilman Curt Emick, and San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt voted to terminate the Victor Valley Economic Development Authority’s (VVEDA) contract with attorney Andre de Bortnowsky, who has represented VVEDA since 1991.  deBortnowsky has increasingly come under fire since the election of Victorville City Councilwoman Angela Valles and Hesperia City Councilman Russ Blewett last November.  Blewett and Valles both contend his dual appointment to VVEDA and as city attorney for Victorville is a conflict of interest.  A request for proposals will be issued to obtain new legal counsel.

Representatives from Adelanto and Victorville voted against the change.  Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron, who is the city’s representative on VVEDA, is said to have showed his anger over the vote.  Adelanto’s representative indicated they voted no simply because of their city’s financial condition and fear that the change could cost additional money.  Councilwoman Valles, who is not on the board, attended the meeting and spoke during the public comment section.

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iePolitics: Pow Wow at Mojave Narrows

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Editor’s Note: One of my favorite type of events to attend is Native American Pow Wows. I was introduced to them when I took a Native American literature class in college and have been hooked every since. The beat of the drum is mesmerizing. I love to watch the Men’s Fancy Dancers. And if I can get Indian Fry Bread and an Indian Taco too, I’m in heaven.

One of my all-time favorite pow wows used to be held in Lucerne Valley. It was truly a family affair yet attracted dancers from all over. When Supervisor Kathy Davis was sworn into office, she eliminated it. Also for many years  there was a pow wow at Hesperia Lakes. I haven’t been to that one since my mom died. Last year it was moved to Mojave Narrows with Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt’s help. It will be held at the regional park again this year. Not sure if my current life will allow me to go, but I shall try. It is being held May 7 and 8. The information is below. Click on any of the graphics on this page to enlarge.

Located alongside an old riverbed in the high desert. The park offers lush plant growth, acres of waterways impressive stands of cottonwood and willows and broad meadows all naturally landscaped by nature. The traditional Pow Wow will be held in a pristine oasis that offers group and RV camping, picnic sites, year round fishing, nature trails, hiking and equestrian trails. The MEPIC Pow Wow supplants 16 year old Hesperia Lakes Pow Wow, as of 2010 a change of venue. Vendors will offer authentic handmade Native American crafts, wares and food. Visitors are welcome to explore Tipi Village and Special Native American workshops for children and their families. Playground and Water Park Saloon will be available for children. With plans to be the largest Pow Wow in the California High Desert for 2011.
10:00 — Dusk @ Day!! Rain or Shine!!!

iePolitics: More coverup in Havasu Lake?

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It is appearing that Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt continues to cover for his previous MAC appointee and his wife.  We are being told that the Sheriff’s DR has been lost en route to the District Attorney and Mitzelfelt’s office is being secretive.

I was asked to pass along our “thanks” to the tribal chairman out there.  I’m afraid that as I type this, his name has completely slipped my mind, but THANK YOU anyway.  Amazing what can be done when politicians are left out of the equation.

iePolitics: More Abuse at San Bernardino County’s Devore Animal Shelter — Originally posted 12-4-10

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San Bernardino County, CA – Allegations of conditions so deplorable that dogs are literally freezing to death have surfaced for the San Bernadino County Animal Shelter in Devore, California.

According to the People for Paws Network, dogs pulled from this facility just last weekend were suffering from severe frostbite. The rescue networkers further allege that the dogs that they pulled were filthy and suffering from dehydration. Some of the dogs pulled were in shock as a result of the severe frost bite.

How could this happen at a government funded animal shelter? What conditions would allow for such horrifying injuries? According to the rescue, the shelter, which utilizes outdoor kennels, is regularly hosed down with the dogs present. When the temperatures dip below freezing, the dogs are left to suffer on the ice cold cement—nowhere to escape their misery.

A letter from the shelter’s Supervising Officer, Doug Smith, refutes all allegations. He states that the kennels are equipped with automatic heating systems that would prevent the dogs from freezing.

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iePolitics: Grab

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Editor’s Note:  This piece was submitted to me.  Remember none other than Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is the president of SANBAG.  This is typical example of him doing what is in his own best interests rather than the best interests of the people he is supposed to serve. Apparently his mantra of property owner rights only applies if you are a campaign contributor.

Hard to believe, but transportation officials at San Bernardino County Association of Governments (SANBAG) are threatening small businesses in the city of San Bernardino with the invocation of eminent domain and seizing 68 properties.

The kicker is its purpose:

To prepare for a transit project that will cost taxpayers an astonishing $192 million, minimum. The proposal is a typical Blue State bureaucratic boondoggle that involves the construction of dedicated bus lanes (at the expense of motorists) and a new public bus system (at the expense of taxpayers)  that aims to connect the city’s North End with the aging city’s downtown core.

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iePolitics: Havasu Lake cover up

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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt

A while back First District chief of staff David Zook accused me of destroying the Havasu Lake Municipal Advisory Council (MAC).  Why?  Because after a year of the citizens out there trying to get Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt to do something about the three-time felon who was serving on the MAC, I started reporting on the issues.  You see, Brad not only had a MAC member with serious felony convictions, but he had members that had never been approved by the board.  There was also issues with the minutes turning up missing and strong arming against the citizens who showed up by the three-time felon.  As I said, this was all my fault as we all know I have control over what Brad does and doesn’t do.

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iePolitics: I wonder if any of the Colonies boys stroked out today

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That would be either from laughter, anger, or the millions of dollars signs dancing in front of their eyes.  Once again, the county just can’t seem to help itself.

So tell me, have all five supervisors forgotten they have a connection to the Colonies settlement in one way or another?  Brad was Bill’s chief of staff.  Janice has a close relationship with Upland.  Neil’s former chief of staff currently has more felony charges against him than anyone else.  Gary’s chief of staff will likely be indicted for, guess what?, taking a bribe in the Colonies settlement just like Bill.  And Josie, well she may have voted no but she was on the board as county leaders escalated the situation and did nothing to stop it.  I suggest y’all stop throwing stones as you have no idea what Bill told the district attorney.  Think about it.

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iePolitics: The County’s press release on Colonies and Postmus

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STATEMENT BY THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO REGARDING THE POSTMUS GUILTY PLEAS AND THE STATUS OF LITIGATION

The charges to which Bill Postmus has pled guilty constitute an unforgivable breach of trust and the most serious offense an elected official can commit against the people he was sworn and obligated to serve. The County condemns and is repulsed by his crimes. However, the County is pleased that Mr. Postmus has admitted wrongdoing and pledged to assist investigators.

It will take a month or more of analysis by the County’s legal team and consultation with the Board of Supervisors to determine what course of action the County and District should follow regarding the County and Flood Control District’s November 2006 settlement with Colonies Partners  LLC. The County asks for the public to be patient as it sorts through this very complex legal matter, because the outcome could well be far-reaching in terms of time and expense.

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NoMoreBrad: A little nervous Brad?

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No More Brad

So how did you enjoy having representatives from the District Attorney’s Office show up at your door to serve you Brad?  I suspect this is just the beginning.

I find it interesting that you claim you have “no idea whatsoever” why you received the subpoena.  I supposed it could be argued that you have been involved in so many shady deals in this county that you don’t know which one to pick.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: Subpoenas and Johnson letters

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Both the Sun and Press Enterprise are running stories tonight to tell you what we already did.  Four supervisors are being subpoenaed—Brad Mitzelfelt, Neil Derry, Gary Ovitt, and Josie Gonzales—to testify before a special grand jury convened since former Assessor Bill Postmus signed a plea deal to cooperate in the ongoing corruption investigations.

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iePolitics: BOS served with Grand Jury subpoenas

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iePolitics has confirmed that four members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have been served with subpoenas to appear before the Grand Jury as witnesses.  It is believed those subpoenas are in connection with the criminal grand jury that is thought to be being convened to indict one or more of the John Does.

PE: Rotten payout

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08:39 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Press-Enterprise

Bill Postmus’ guilty plea this week stripped any pretense of legitimacy from San Bernardino County’s $102 million legal settlement with developer Colonies Partners. County supervisors have no justification for sticking taxpayers with the cost of a deal tainted by corruption. And the county should stop wasting public money trying to get other agencies to pay part of the bill.

Postmus, a former supervisor and assessor, pleaded guilty to 15 felony charges, including misuse of public funds and drug possession. But Postmus also admitted to charges that he accepted a bribe and had a financial conflict of interest when he voted to approve the Colonies settlement. Postmus, then-Supervisor Paul Biane and Supervisor Gary Ovitt agreed in 2006 to pay the developer $102 million to settle a legal battle over land for flood control.

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iePolitics: Behind the scenes, Part 1

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I know I’ve been promising this story for the past 36 hours and I once again apologize for the delay.   I’ve had a busy day so I decided to break the story up into parts so all of you at least have something to read tonight. There will be more over the next few days.

I’m not sure where to start as the whole situation is so convoluted. I saw David Wert’s comment in tonight’s Sun story, so that might be just as good a place to start as anywhere.

Wert claims the county was surprised by this development.  All I can say to that is, “What the heck did the county expect?”

It was well publicized that Bill could not afford to hire an attorney in the Colonies criminal case.  In that case he was acting in his official position as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.  The county insists the Colonies settlement was fair and equitable.  A smart board of supervisors would want the parties who signed the agreement to be well represented because if something should happen, as has now happened, the county could find itself in a legal quagmire.

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VVDP: County requests details on SCLA spending

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Mitzelfelt: Problem boils down to accountability, communication

March 18, 2011 9:11 AM

VICTORVILLE • San Bernardino County 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt has joined Hesperia in demanding details on how Victorville has been handling a regional redevelopment agency’s more than $300 million in outstanding debt.

The multiple requests for information come as the regional agency governing Southern California Logistics Airport is facing dire financial straits, including cash-flow shortages and debt service that’s exceeding revenue.

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Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt: County Takes Step to Develop Solar Power at Landfills

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SAN BERNARDINO – Landfills owned by the County of San Bernardino could soon double as solar power plants thanks to the Board of Supervisors’ approval today of an option to lease part of the Victorville Sanitary Landfill site for solar energy development.

“At my request, the County in December 2009 began seeking companies to develop renewable energy projects on county-owned landfill sites,” said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. “This program has several benefits. It provides another avenue for the state to meet its renewable energy goals; the county will see a steady revenue stream from leasing these otherwise unused areas, and developers of solar projects can avoid many of the problems often associated with finding suitable sites.”

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Examiner: An interview with Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron

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Editor’s Note: As always Naomi and I appreciate your clicks.

Ryan McEachron

I had an unexpected opportunity to sit down with city of Victorville Mayor Ryan McEachron to find out all I ever wanted to know about politics in the ”Key City of the High Desert.”  Needless to say I had questions about Orange County developer Buck Johns’ influence in the city’s politics, probes by a variety of local and federal agencies, the city’s financial status, and McEachron’s interest in a run for First District Supervisor.

The city of Victorville is located in the south central portion of the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County.  Most Southern Californians know it as their first stop as they cross over the Cajon Pass en route to Las Vegas, the Colorado River, or parts beyond.  Interstate 15 cuts through the center of the city, having replaced parts of Route 66 many decades ago.  However, some remnants of the Mother Road remain and are highlighted in the Route 66 Museum located in the city’s Old Town area.

The city of Victorville, along with the entire area known as Victor Valley, has experienced tremendous growth over the past three decades.  It has also seen setbacks, such as the closure of George Air Force Base and now its second housing crisis.  Crime and blight have beset even some of the nicer neighborhoods.  Of bigger concern, however, to the residents of the city, is what many consider mismanagement of city finances.  No longer a small town, the backroom deals and good-old-boy politics and policies of the past are now casting a very dark shadow over the city.

Victorville is currently facing scrutiny by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the United State Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) probes.  And an audit released today shows a city with spending out of control and a city close to $200 million in the red with cash reserves dwindling.  The audit, conducted by the same firm used by the city of Bell, Mayer Hoffman McCann, also identified over $20 million in bond money that was not spent in accordance with bond covenants.

With all the negative news about Victorville as a backdrop, I can say not too much surprised me about what its mayor had to say as the politics of the city have been headline news for several years and those headlines have escalated exponentially since the election of newcomer Councilwoman Angela Valles.  It doesn’t seem Victorville can keep secrets any longer, and most would agree that is a good thing.  The only question is whether the transparency is too little, too late, to save the city from bankruptcy.

The one answer that did surprise me was McEachron’s response to my questions about whether he would consider a run for the Board of Supervisors.   Readers will have to skip to the end if they want to know if there is a possibility of “Supervisor McEachron” in the future.

iePolitics: Lack of BOS commitment to residents shows again

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The Press Enterprise’s article on county redistricting should be entitled, “The tale of two counties.”  It certainly illustrates one board of supervisors in control and one that is not.

In Riverside County, a committee to address redistricting was created last September. It will be meeting Tuesday to discuss the new census data.  The county also has a website up and running, www.rivcoredistricting.org to keep residents informed of the process.

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iePolitics: Another question for the Board of Supervisors

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Now that we have a new scandal, the POST scandal, are you going to continue with the precedent you set with the Assessor’s Office scandal, and sue everyone before anyone is convicted of anything?  I’m sure Hueston needs the money.

iePolitics: Does any member of the BOS understand the significance of what happened today?

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We have been telling you and telling you and not one of you has had balls enough to do something about this.  Do you realize that by Sheriff’ Hoops lying to you and allowing those indicted today to remain on duty, every single investigation they handled for the past two years or more is in jeopardy?

And if former Assistant Sheriff Mike Stodelle is really involved, he retired in 2006 or earlier.  That means that investigations going back to 2006, and perhaps earlier, could be in jeopardy.  We really have no idea the number of victims that potentially may no receive justice.

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iePolitics: Time for BOS to call for Hoops’ resignation

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The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors appointed Rod Hoops to the position of Sheriff despite our warnings and the warnings of others that he had many skeletons in his closet.  And now that a very large skeleton is becoming public despite all of their attempts to keep it hidden, it is time for the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors to reverse its action and remove Hoops if he does not resign on his own.

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Supervisor Mitzelfelt: Mitzelfelt hosts Black History Display at High Desert Government Center

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HESPERIA – San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt is celebrating Black History Month by hosting the “Dreamers, Visionaries & Leaders” project at the Jerry Lewis High Desert County Government Center in Hesperia through the end of the month.

“Dreamers, Visionaries & Leaders profiles 21 High Desert residents who stand out for their professional accomplishments and community service,” Mitzelfelt said. “I encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy this exhibit.”

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iePolitics: Uffer/Stringer legacy continues, shows need for part-time BOS

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Once again the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has shown its collective lack of backbone and governance as well as its willingness to shirk ethics.  Last week’s mid-week budget included hidden agendas for those seeking additional power in county government.

One such “hidden” item was the transfer of human resources and previously vehicle services functions from County Fire and Special Districts to the county.  This has been in the works for about 18 months and was first attempted as Mark Uffer and Ruth Stringer were attempting to give their partner in crime, Andrew Lamberto, an excuse for an Assistant Administrative Officer position.  Lamberto hid the original proposal in a closed session personnel board item totally unrelated to the move.

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iePolitics: NoMoreBrad

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No More Brad

I thought I would take a moment and thank everyone for your support of the NoMoreBrad site.  Even though I haven’t posted a lot of stories yet, it really is getting the hits.  I just noticed that there were 13 readers on it at one time.  It took several years for iePolitics to have that kind of readership.  NoMoreBrad has only been up for a couple of months and grows by the day.

iePolitics: Will the ethics virus spread to SB County?

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The story below represents the second time in as many weeks that someone in Riverside County is trying to introduce ethics reform to the county’s electeds.  First, it was former Norco councilman who want’s to cut the Riverside County Board of Supervisors members pay in half.

Now one of their own is suggesting contribution limits.  Contribution limits are well and good but I have to say this seems like a pre-emptive strike.  These “limits” remind us of San Bernardino County’s “term limits.”  Both are rather generous “limits” in comparison to other jurisdictions.  I suspect the supervisor introduced the concept to dissuade others from with coming up with something more punitive.

But the big question is this.  When will someone in San Bernardino County introduce measures to limit supervisors’ pay and campaign contributions.  It can’t be too far around the corner.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY: Supervisor proposing limits on campaign giving

10:00 PM PST on Thursday, February 10, 2011

By DUANE W. GANG
The Press-Enterprise

Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone is proposing campaign contribution limits for the board and countywide officials.

Stone, a Republican, will ask his colleagues Tuesday to support a measure to limit how much any person can donate to county campaigns.

“Although history has shown that money alone cannot buy elections, it has a strong influence, giving well-funded individuals or interest groups an advantage in promoting one candidate over others,” Stone wrote in his proposal released Thursday afternoon.

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