Category Archives: Cities

Examiner.com: Will San Bernardino ever get its act together fiscally or politically?

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Editor’s Note:  I’m sure Mayor Pat isn’t going to be all that happy with me for this article but Mayor, you should answer your email!!!  The city council wouldn’t talk to me either, so you get my perception of the city.

I don’t get down to the big city much any more, once a month if I’m lucky (or unlucky), so changes are more noticeable to me than when I worked down there every day.  I had to be in several parts of San Bernardino yesterday, including the County Government Center, and the whole city is turning into a dump.  Although the inside of CGC is as nice as ever, the grounds are a disaster.  What the heck has happened with Facilities Management?  Even during bad budgetary times, they at least used to keep the downtown grounds clean.  I guess it is indicative of all of San Bernardino.  What a mess!

Anyway, as always, I really appreciate all of you clicking on the link below so I get paid.

As one of the oldest communities in the state of California, the city of San Bernardino has a rich and colorful history.  The city serves as the county seat for the largest county in the lower 48 states.  It is the gateway to two of Southern California’s premier mountain resorts, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, as well as the high desert region leading to Las Vegas and the Colorado River.

With three major interstates intersecting the city, I-10, I-15, and I-215, it is in a prime location to lure visitors from Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties heading for Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Phoenix and parts beyond to contribute to the local economy through its shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations.   Even in recessionary times, the city should be in respectable economic shape, but it is not.

The city of San Bernardino has suffered from a municipal government at war with itself for decades.  Its officials have stymied growth and development.  Much of its 81 square miles consists of graffiti-covered blight, with gangs and crime controlling the lifestyles of its residents.  In some areas, such as Mt. Vernon, prostitutes and drugs dealers operate in the open while many residents are afraid to be out after dark.  Even its famous California Theatre is a magnate for panhandlers and the homeless.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: San Bernardino

iePolitics: California has four out of ten of the country’ “most miserable cities”

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There is an interesting article on Yahoo! entitled “America’s Most Miserable Cities 2011.”  But the quote I found most telling was this one:

The Golden State has never looked less golden. “If I even mention California, they throw me out of the office,” says Ron Pollina, president of site selection firm Pollina Corporate Real Estate. “Every company hates California.”

iePolitics: Steve Pontell and Four Corners

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Can anyone give me additional information about Pontell’s work with the Four Corners Transportation Coalition?  I have heard he is paid $5000 per month for his services but there is little, if any, movement in the projects.  I find it interesting that the only San Bernardino County cities involved in this coalition are Ontario, Chino and Chino Hills.  I wonder why the same players keep popping up?

iePolitics: Relative of Colonies partner Ray Crebs charged in Upland FBI probe – Revised

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Jason Crebs, son or son-in-law of Colonies Partner Ray Crebs, was one of two individuals charged in federal court in relationship to the ongoing FBI probe in Upland.  Public records indicate that Jason Crebs, 37, is the Chief Executive Officer of JRC Group in Upland.

Also charged was Anthony Orlando Sanchez.  On June 10, 2010, both Sanchez and Crebs were named in the search warrant served on Venture West Capital, where they both work.  A search warrant also named JRC Group.

Continue reading →

NoMoreBrad: Is Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt being blackmailed by Buck Johns?

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First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt

Buck Johns

A little over a month ago we linked to this Daily Press story about a possible run for county supervisor by former Victorville City Councilman Terry Caldwell.  We opined that his campaign would be short lived as we expect both Caldwell and one of his biggest supporters, William “Buck” Johns, to be taken away in handcuffs.  We based that opinion of chatter we are hearing from  those close to the three separate investigations into the city of  Victorville by county and federal agencies centered on projects closely tied to Johns.

We also thought it odd that at 72 Caldwell would be thinking about a BOS run in two years.  Caldwell is hardly a respected political figure in the Victor Valley but with Johns’ money behind him could make a decent showing.  Now we are hearing that the announcement was simply a ploy by Buck Johns to get Mitzelfelt’s attention.  He appears to have accomplished his goal.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

FlashReport: Introducing the Association of California Cities – Orange County

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Lacy Kelly, CEO, Association of California Cities

February 4, 2011

[Publisher's Note: As part of an ongoing effort to bring original, thoughtful commentary to you here at the FlashReport, I am pleased to present this column from Lacy Kelly of the Association of California Cities - Flash]

If you are new to the FlashReport, please check out the main site and the acclaimed FlashReport Weblog on California politics.

This past December, as most Californians were wrapping up their holiday shopping, Orange County’s municipal leaders were finalizing plans for a new non-profit organization committed to championing the needs of Orange County’s cities.

The Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) is a strong new voice advocating on behalf of and providing critical resources for Orange County’s elected officials and staff.

While few Californians pay attention to organizations such as ACC-OC or the statewide League of California Cities, the impact of their efforts and work product can be felt throughout the state, particularly in the wallets of taxpayers.

Continue reading →

VVDP: Inland Energy could get bid for Victorville solar project

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Editor’s Note:  Kudos to Councilwoman Angeles Valles on this one.  I do believe the Victorville City Council has now surpassed the former Adelanto City Council as the more corrupt city council in the high desert for the longest continuous period of time.  This story is amazing.  What kind of spell has Buck Johns cast over Victorville leaders that make otherwise semi-intelligent people so damn stupid? And corrupt?

January 31, 2011 5:25 PM

VICTORVILLE • The leading contender to develop a solar project on city-owned land is part-owned by Inland Energy — the same company that received more than $11 million from Victorville for work on a related power plant that stalled and helped land the city on the brink of bankruptcy.

During closed session at tonight’s meeting, the City Council will hear final offers from two companies to develop the solar portion of the Victorville 2 power plant, planned north of Southern California Logistics Airport. A special subcommittee, which included Mayor Ryan McEachron, former Councilman Terry Caldwell and staff, chose NRG Solar and Colusa Solar Project from seven developers who bid on the 50-megawatt project last fall.

Continue reading →

Hesperia Star: Hesperia council debtate heats up over using cell phones, laptops in meetings

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January 22, 2011 8:46 PM

HESPERIA • From the audience at a Hesperia City Council meeting, it’s impossible to tell what council members are doing during meetings. They could be voting using city hall’s electronic voting system. They could be reading notes related to the issue at hand. Or they could be playing Angry Birds on their smartphone.

That may be about to change, however, if a proposal to ban the use of cellular telephones and portable computers during meetings is approved.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Hesperia City Council, the proposed change to council policy led to heated debate and rhetoric from both sides of the issue.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: It’s only a matter of time in San Bernardino County

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My attorney pointed out the success of a handful of Murrieta citizens who did not want to see their city turned into a Bell.  They sponsored three ballot measures that won overwhelming voter support this past November.

The first measure limited city council members to two terms.  Period.

The second measure limited city council member compensation to 15 percent of the city’s medium income.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: City of San Bernardino approves increase in sewer rates while spending money on boondoggle

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As expected, the San Bernardino City Council, in a 4-3 vote, approved increases in sewer rates for both 2011 and 2012.  The rate increases are necessary due to mismanagement by the city’s water department.

As reported here weeks ago, the city of San Bernardino entered into a long-term agreement for disposal of their biosolids at up to three times the going rate.  The agreement will cost city residents tens of millions of dollars over the life of the contract.

Continue reading →

Colton First: Colton CPOA under investigation

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The Colton Police Officers Association is currently under investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission for  a variety violations of the California Political Reform Act, including failure to declare itself a political action committee as required by California state law.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Proposed rate increases for city of San Bernardino

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Yesterday we discussed this increase as it likely relates to the contract the city of San Bernardino entered into with EnerTech to dispose of biosolids from their wastewater treatment plant.  The city (water district which is part of the city)  is paying up to three times more than they would pay without the contract.  Well here is the actual proposed rate increases: Continue reading →

iePolitics: Water rates to rise as city wastes money on failed “green” technology

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A water rate increase is in the works for residents of the city of San Bernardino.  So what else is new?  What makes this more alarming than most rate increases is that that very same City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department has been wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on “green” technology that has failed miserably.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Mayorship gone to his head?

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Ryan McEachron

C’mon Grand Jury!  We don’t have time for this.  No.  Really, the city of Victorville has better things to do then answer to the Grand Jury, the Security and Exchange Commission, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  Just ask newly elected Victorville Mayor, Ryan McEachron.  (See Daily Press story.)

I suspect we now have two grandstanders sitting on the Victorville City Council.  The next two years are going to be fun watching Ryan McEachron and Angela Valles trying to outdo one another for the most headlines.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: While we are laying off fire fighters and cops

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The sludge-to-energy boondoggle is getting all the more interesting as I interview those directly involved in the technology.  I had planned to post a second Examiner article today but I am waiting on some California Public Record Act requests to verify certain information.

This is truly a scandal where we have to think kickbacks are involved.  As I read the contracts EnerTech convinced these entities to sign, we have to wonder if all municipal attorneys are as incompetent as San Bernardino County Counsel.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Environmental Criminals

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The story below represents the politically correct version.  I would really appreciate it if you would read it as that gets me paid.  However, iePolitics does not like being politically correct so you will be getting the not-so-politically correct version here.

When I was researching the proposed compost site in Hinkley, I came across this story but did not comprehend the magnitude of fraud involved.  I also did not realize that that fraud involved entities other than the city of San Bernardino.

Continue reading →

Examiner.com: Is another Wall Street company bleeding taxpayers for its own gains?

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This is the first in a series of articles detailing local governments’ failed and costly attempts to deal with one byproduct of wastewater treatment plants–biosolids.  SlurryCarb, the sludge-to-energy technology in question, has already cost taxpayers in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Bernardino counties hundreds of millions of dollars without creating a single BTU of usable energy.  But that has not stopped politicos from investing millions more in tax dollars into the failed process.  We will examine the politics behind this questionable environmental technology.

As contracts with EnerTech, the company behind the most recent attempt at implementing the technology, are being reviewed, government officials are considering throwing more taxpayer money at the project with no guarantee the technology will ever be developed.  In our cash-strapped state where municipalities are terminating employees and demanding union concessions, some are raising questions as to the impetus behind their thought process.

In 1989, the California State Legislature passed AB 939, which created the California Integrated Waste Management Board and set up waste diversion goals for all cities and counties in the state.  This bill mandated that local jurisdictions meet solid waste diversion goals of 25 percent by 1995 and 50 percent by 2000.   Now almost 21 years later some jurisdictions have yet to meet these goals and face possible sanction.

To read the rest of this story, click here.

iePolitics: Is this Brad’s next opponent? (Has the populist uprising just begun?)

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Angela Valles


Valles calls for citizen watchdog group

Councilwoman to assemble advisory team to scrutinize city practices, finances

December 18, 2010 2:00 PM
:
Victor Valley residents interested in joining the watchdog group should send contact information and a resume to Angela.Valles@hotmail.com.

VICTORVILLE • Newly seated Councilwoman Angela Valles is asking for volunteers to form a citizen’s watchdog advisory committee to help her navigate “the maze of red tape and political smoke screens” that she believes have driven Victorville into trouble and “kept the truth” from taxpayers.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: The beginning of the end for SBPEA

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Employees from the city of San Bernardino voted yesterday to decertify the San Bernardino Public Employees Association.  However, we have been told that SBPEA General Manager Bob Blough intends to challenge the outcome because less than 60 percent of the employees cast ballots.

From what I have been told, the city’s labor relations resolution requires a 60-percent threshold, or at least that is what Blough is claiming.   The state mediator ignored that threshold and determined that the decertification was successful.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Backstabbing on the Victorville City Council?

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Ryan McEachron

It appears that even before the swearing in has taken place, tensions are rising with members of the Victorville City Council.  Ryan McEachron is expected to become mayor tonight as the other new and returning council members are sworn in.  And Ryan seems to already have his enemies.

Continue reading →

VVDP: Analysis: Shake-up on Victorville council

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Editor’s Note:  This article is almost a month old but I posted it as background to the article above.
November 09, 2010 3:30 PM

VICTORVILLE • When long-time council members JoAnn Almond and Terry Caldwell ran for reelection in 2006, with Victorville still riding high on ballooning sales tax and visions of power-generating grandeur, no one ran against them.

Flash forward four years, with the city facing local and federal investigations and struggling to stay afloat, and two new faces defeated six competitors — including Almond, the sole incumbent after Caldwell bowed out — to win seats on the City Council.

Angela Valles and Jim Kennedy will take their seats in a month alongside six-term Councilman Mike Rothschild, 12-year Councilman Rudy Cabriales and Councilman Ryan McEachron, who edged out incumbent Bob Hunter to get his seat in 2008.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Rick Roelle-Barb Stanton-San Bernardino County Fire Alliance

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Barb Stanton

Well now that Barb will be officially sworn in as a member of the Apple Valley Town Council, things could heat up.  Barb ran with the support and help of incumbent councilman Rick Roelle, an alliance meant to assist in the San Bernardino County Fire take over the Apple Valley Fire Protection District.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: So is an arrest imminent in Upland?

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Behind-the-scenes happenings are pointing to the possible imminent arrest or indictment in the Upland scandal involving JP Pomierski.  We are hard pressed to find anyone who knows Pomierski who will say he is not guilty of strongarming businesses and taking kickbacks.  But we are also hearing he may very well be doing an Adam Aleman and helping the FBI go after the bigger fish—those bigger fish being west end businessmen and developers.   Time will tell which is more accurate, chatter or logic.

SBSun: Victorville corruption probes continue

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Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer

Posted: 11/14/2010 04:52:38 PM PST
Updated: 11/14/2010 05:02:38 PM PST

VICTORVILLE – Federal and local investigators continue to request stacks of documents from the city as part of ongoing probes into bond sales and financial records.Requests for information have become so intensive that three full-time workers are dedicated to processing them, said Councilman Ryan McEachron.

“It’s more or less an ongoing investigation and no outcomes at this point have been shared with city staff,” McEachron said. “I’m not sure how much longer this will go or how long it will take them to come out with any kind of a report.”

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Smiths and Voglers

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I have to admit I was very happy to see what Margaret Smith did at the last Hesperia City Council meeting.  It is about time.

Rita has always been kind to me but she can’t keep hiding behind Al and pretending that she does not know what he is doing.  The two of them have been married for something like 40 years.  Those signs and mailers don’t appear out of thin air.  And they speak volumes of the kind of people the Voglers really are.

For those who do not know, Margaret Smith is the former director of Human Resources.  She stepped down after her son was killed in a tragic accident.  Her husband is the mayor of the city of Hesperia.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: AV councilman living in VV

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iePolitics reported months ago that Apple Valley Town Councilman Rick Roelle had left his wife of many years, Barbie, after becoming involved with Victorville City Council candidate Angela Valles.  We now learn that Roelle is living with Valles in her Victorville home.  At what point must he forfeit his council seat or is this not a violation of the municipal code?

iePolitics: Stanton commits to turning over Apple Valley Fire to Co. Fire if elected

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Curiously, Brett Henry, president of the union representing San Bernardino County fire fighters, gave his union’s endorsement to controversial Apple Valley Town Council candidate Barb Stanton.  Stanton is a radio talk show host who has made her “career” bashing county employees and other government workers.

She has also created controversy over her racist remarks at a previous Victor Valley radio station.  Stanton was fired for bigoted statements regarding Asians and for suggesting that Desert Community Bank depositors make a run on the bank because it was acquired by East-West Bank, which is against the law.

Continue reading →

SB Sentinel: Court Filing Contradicts Cortes’ Form 700s

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Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bea Cortes

Friday, October 15, 2010

Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bea Cortes consistently failed to disclose a significant portion of the income she received on the financial interest disclosure forms she was required to fill out throughout her tenure as an elected official, court documents Cortes herself filed in conjunction with her divorce show.

Roman Nava: Chino Hills resident Roman Nava officially files to run for Chino Hills City Council

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www.RomanNava.com

CHINO HILLS – Roman Nava, a resident of Chino Hills and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, officially filed his paperwork to run for Chino Hills City Council this November.

“I am honored by the outpouring of support for my candidacy,” said Roman. “It truly is humbling to know that long-time Chino Hills residents and local business owners have come out to sign my paperwork and support my ideas of New Leadership for our Future.”

Continue reading →

InlandPolitics: Oops! LA County District Attorney investigating Bell since March

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  • Written by Administrator
  • Posted July 28, 2010 at 2:10 am

www.inlandpolitics.com

Yes, Attorney General Jerry Brown repeatedly claims he’s all over the City of Bell salary scandal.

Brown’s office has subpoenaed thousands of city records. He’s giving city officials twenty-four hours to turn them over.

Otherwise one can infer search warrants will be the order of the day.

But, maybe Brown should have checked with Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley before embarking on his politically charged grand standing.

Yesterday Cooley revealed his office has a wide ranging investigation into Bell to include election fraud in addition to the salary issue. An investigation that started last March.

Continue reading →

Matt Munson: Yard Sales Limited in City of Ontario

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I just received a notice that the city is going to restrict yard sales. Four weekends per year is sort of inflexible when you have people moving or having estate sales. With the economy still not as exceptional, people are still foreclosing from their homes.

I know the city wants to make sure people are not regularly doing garage sales day in and day out or regularly featuring new merchandise or items acquired for the purchase of resale. However there should be a procedure for emergency permits for garage sales for like $30.00. If you are moving to a new residence or you have a family member died where you need to do an estate sale it is not going to offer flexibility with the new policies. I think 1 emergency permit should be allowed per year to prevent the flexibility from being exploited. Continue reading →

Sam Berdoo: Senor Blogger Way Off Base With Sam Berdoo

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Let us be very clear.  Sam Berdoo attacked no one, is not angry, and holds no grudge.  All Sam did was post the articles and comments of other people.  This is a common practice on ie.politics and one I hope will continue.  No where can it be pointed out, that Sam Berdoo wrote any thing disparaging about Derry or the others.  All Sam has done is remind the populous about the relationships that exist within the all pervasive culture of corruption.

Continue reading →

Sam Berdoo: Meet Joe Turner, Derry’s Invaluable Political Writer

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Derry’s Controversy Continues – Turner


Joseph Turner mingles with a crowd of flag-waving skinheads at an anti-day laborer center rally that took place in Laguna Beach in July 2005. (photo courtesy of laindymedia.org)

S. E. Williams Staff Writer

“I consider accusations of bigotry and racism to be complimentary. And while I don’t thirst for confrontation, I dont [sic] fear it.” “Our enemies are bloodied and beaten. We cannot relent. Our boot is on their throat and we must have the willingness to crush their “throat” so that we can put our enemy down for good.” -Samples of previous postings by Joseph Turner from his Save Our State website.

Over the previous two weeks, The Alpenhorn News has reported in detail on Neil Derry’s questionable choices related to some individuals selected to fill key positions on his staff. The series began with an exclusive report on the criminal ebackground history of his Administrative Analyst Wanda Nowicki. Next, the paper examined the polarizing and controversial history of his ex Chief of Staff, Jim Erwin, that culminated with his 2009 arrest at Derry’s office on felony charges related to the $102 million Colonies Scandal.

Continue reading →

Sam Berdoo: Jason Desjardins and the Court of Public Opinion, Part II

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The following selected online public comments were recently made on several articles published in the local newspapers.

John Valdivia Wrote:

( fed up wrote:  This stinks! Low life scum bag ought to get the heck out of town. Piece of trash! You Jason D give this town a black eye, an ugly stain beyond Penman and Wendy. And Chaz Kelly, oh my, what a backstabbing, two faced little leprechaun. )

Continue reading →

Sam Berdoo: Jason Desjardins and the Court of Public Opinion, Part I

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Despite what to me defies common sense, and despite Jason’s own statements on the public record, he can not legally be prosecuted for any violation of the law that he may have committed in regards to the alleged theft of his illegally transported firearm.  Supposedly, that has a lot to do with “habeas corpus” and no proof that the gun existed. You will have to figure that out for yourself.   Let’s be correct, but not for Jason’s own behavior and his public proclamations, Desjardins would not be in this extremely embarrassing situation.

We need to ask ourselves, “In a time of rampant corruption in San Bernardino County, do we really need to have this kind of person in elected office”.  Elected Officials are subject to a higher standard of scrutiny than the general public. Like most politicians today, Jason is all for transparency, except when it pertains to him.  An Elected Official has a duty, responsibility, and an obligation to adequately explain and answer questions related to  the circumstances surrounding his personal conduct when such subjects are brought into the Court of Public Opinion.  The public has a right to know about the conduct, both  past and present, of their elected representatives.

Continue reading →

Sam Berdoo: Jason Desjardins’ Theft Trial Continued to Augst 5th

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It seems like Jason keeps kicking the can down the road with continuance after continuance.  I wonder how Desjardins, who is something of a “Houdini” by escaping from one mess to another, is going to some how escape from this one.  Jason is a cat with nine lives.  Here, as in the alleged LA County rape cases, Jason is blaming this on dirty politics by his former opponent and the Mayor.  According to public reports, Jason was seen by witnesses and recorded on video tape, stealing the political signs of Mayor Morris and his opponent in broad day light.

Continue reading →

iePolitics: Cortes Withdraws Request for Restraining Order

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It seems Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bertha Bea Cortes had a change of heart thanks to her new attorney Frank Tetley.  Cortes withdrew her request for a restraining order against a constituent she confronted in a local restaurant.  Tetley was overheard telling her that “any publicity is good publicity” and “it’s not a good idea to piss on a skunk.”  Take that however you want.

iePolitics: Things Are Getting Fishier and Fishier in Grand Terrace – Sheriff Hoops, What is up?

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I spoke with Kay Moore, the defendant in Grand Terrace City Councilwoman Bea Cortes’ restraining order, tonight.  Things are not right!

First, Mrs. Moore did appear at the first hearing and the judge granted the order anyway.  Cortes claimed she was afraid of Moore because Moore  is so “large.”  Moore is 65 years old, 5’7″ and weighs 155 pounds.  The judge could see that for himself.

Second, the judge told Cortes that he would not order Moore to stay away from city hall, etc., yet you can see for yourselves that that is the order that was issued. Continue reading →

iePolitics: Another City . . . Another City Councilperson

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Here is an email I received:

Jason Desjardins made a public comment at the most recent regular agenda of the SB City Council, June 21, 2010, in that he declared that his motor vehicle (Van) was broken into at the Cardenas Super Market at 40th and Sierra Way and his personal property was stolen.  Jason went on to say at the meeting that the thieves should contact him directly and return his property, no questions asked.  What I heard a day or so later, from an impeccable source, was  what was stolen was a handgun loaded with “hollow-point” bullets.  Apparently there is a police report to support this.  Given the recent tragedy with a 6 year old boy being shot-down, we now have a councilman carrying around a loaded pistol with illegal bullets.  Now Jason’s handgun, loaded with “cop-killer” bullets, is on the streets of San Bernardino and who knows where else.  Not good any way you look at it. Continue reading →

iePolitics: The Restraining Order

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Here is the order:  Councilperson Cortes v. Moore Note:  There are two separate files when you open the document.  The first is the application and the second is the order.

A couple of things are noteworthy.  First, the order is for 100 yards and includes city hall, city functions, etc.  The defendant is a resident of  Grand Terrace and this order basically denies her right to participate in city government or even pay her trash bill in person.  If this order is made permanent, she would not be allowed to attend a 4th of July event if the city is sponsoring one, or a Christmas pageant, or a parade.

If you read the application, Cortes actually wanted the defendant restrained from using foul language or discussing politics. Continue reading →

iePolitics: Does Sleeping with Mike Ramos Help Win Ones Court Case?

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When I first heard of the restraining order City of Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes obtained against a citizen in her city, I didn’t pay too much attention to it.  Yesterday, I had the chance to view the actual document.  I hope to post the document and supporting declaration before the end of the day, so all the “experts” here on the blog can read it and give their opinion, but I have never seen such a restrictive restraining order ever.  And it was Bea Cortes who started the altercation. Continue reading →

iePolitics: David Lewis of the Lewis Group of Companies Found Dead

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David Lewis, Executive Vice President of the Lewis Group of Companies, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot on Thursday.  A suicide note was left.  Lewis, 36, leaves behind his wife and son.

The reasons for taking his own life have not been made public by the family.  However, Lewis was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance last week when he was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol on Interstate 15.  He was booked into West Valley Detention Center and bailed out that evening.

Continue reading →

The Sentinel: Councilwoman Cortes Seeks Restraining Order Against Constituent

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Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes, who has become a figure of some controversy in recent months, this week filed for and was granted a restraining order against one of her constituents. The incident that precipitated the filing grew out of an apparent misunderstanding on the councilwoman’s part or otherwise her belief that a citizen’s disapproval of the way in which she has conducted herself in office constituted a threat to her safety and well being.

The Sentinel has learned that on June 1, Cortes was seated at the bar at JB’s Bar and Grill. That evening, seated across the bar was another Grand Terrace resident, Kay Moore, who resides with her husband, Steve, in the 23000 block of Westwood Avenue. Kay Moore, who was familiar with who Cortes was and her position with the city, remarked upon Cortes’ presence to another patron. Moore made further note of her disagreement with Cortes’ politics. Continue reading →

Senor Blogger: Another Connection To Upland Activity? No Karaoke In Rancho Cucamonga Bars

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Editor’s Note:  This is one of those stories that sounds more like an aluminum foil gathering’s conspiracy theory . . . that is until one examines it more closely.  Once one looks at all that are involved in this shut-down—from political donations and support of certain city officeholders to business beneficiaries of such an enforcement—it starts to sound like a much more viable theory.  In a few weeks after the FBI and IRS have made more of their investigation public, we’ll ask Senor Blogger to give us some specifics of who is donating to whom and who has political debts to be paid.

Could there be a “karaoke connection” to this week’s FBI/IRS raids in Upland?

Curious and coincidental it may seem—and it may be entirely coincidental—but just this past January, code enforcement officers unexpectedly descended on a number of nightlife establishments in Upland’s neighboring city of Rancho Cucamonga to kindly “inform” them that, according to Rancho Cucamonga municipal code, live entertainment, including amateur karaoke singers, requires a special entertainment license.

Although many readers may ponder why one would spend their evenings listening to terrible amateur singers belt out poorly performed tunes, karaoke nights at Rancho Cucamonga bars prove popular for owners and customers alike . . . Continue reading →

iePolitics: Newspaper Calls for Town Councilman’s Resignation

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Apple Valley Town Councilman Rick Roelle has been the subject of an article or two here at iePolitics usually in connection with his behavior as a member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.  Most recently, he was featured in our Legacy of Malfeasance series, Part Four.

He is now embroiled in a controversy with the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce where he has accused the Chamber of racism.  Here is the Daily Press‘ take on the subject: Continue reading →