Tag Archives: Mike Ramos

iePolitics: For those who didn’t believe me . . .

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Nothing is changing in this county.  There is not going to be some law enforcement agency riding in on a white horse to save us from the DA, the Sheriff, the AG, or the FBI.  They are all equally corrupt.  Ramos is going nowhere unless he gets a cushy paying position from the Governor or decides to run for Congress.

Governor names Ramos to standards board
FILE PHOTO/2010
San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, left, and then-Attorney General Jerry Brown confer in February 2010.

BY JIM MILLER

SACRAMENTO BUREAU

jmiller@pe.com

Published: 15 November 2011 04:13 PM

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos to the Commission for Peace Officer Standards.

Ramos, of Redlands, has been district attorney since 2002 and has been with the district attorney’s office since 1989. Ramos, a Republican, and Brown, a Democrat, have worked together on various issues, such as Ramos’ support this year for the governor’s proposal to extend temporary tax increases.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

The Sentinel: Report Circulating That Lewis Will Depart And Endorse Ramos

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Longtime Congressman Jerry Lewis is on the verge of retiring, according to recurrent reports that have reached the Sentinel from multiple sources.

Neither Lewis nor his official spokesperson, Jim Specht, would confirm or deny those reports, some of which held that an announcement from Lewis on the subject was imminent.

A member of Congress since 1978, Representative Lewis is currently the ranking Republican member on the full House Appropriations Committee and all 11 of its subcommittees.

From January 2005 until January 2007, he was the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for funding all federal programs. The Appropriations Committee chairmanship is one of the most powerful positions in Congress and for the two years he held that post, Lewis was considered one of the most influential people in the United States. Previously, from 1999-2005, he was chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the panel with jurisdiction over all national security matters including the entire $416 billion Pentagon budget , which accounts for close to half of all funds appropriated by Congress.

At present, Lewis is the 13th most senior member of the House of Representatives in terms of longevity in office. He is, at 77, the 16th oldest of its 435 members.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

iePolitics: A few ramblings

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In the past several days I have had a chance to meet several regular and not-so-regular readers of iePolitics.  It is always interesting for me to do so because so many people have preconceived notions of what I’m about.  It is also always interesting to see what touches a nerve and what doesn’t.

For example, in the past two days I have met both a retired lawyer and a retired cop.  The cop was quick to point out he did not work for SBSD.  I wonder why he thought that would matter to me?  :)

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iePolitics: I can’t help but wonder what the wives are thinking?

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As the contents of the Grand Jury testimony has been revealed over the past few weeks, it sure seems the District Attorney is painting a picture of county leaders and businessmen as being a horny lot.  Prostitutes or “massage” therapists seem to be an integral part of doing business in San Bernardino County.

I remember in approximately May of 2009 meeting Jim Erwin for the first time at the Coco’s on Highland and Waterman.  He had contacted me not too long after his first arrest because he wanted to show me the evidence he had that District Attorney Mike Ramos was on a political witch hunt.  At that point he had one large binder full of documentation complete with a time line/log.

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Examiner.com: Rep congressman endorses casino boss, dem in county race

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(SAN BERNARDINO) – Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) endorsed San Manuel Tribal Chairman James Ramos this week in Ramos’ bid for a seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.  Ramos has served as a member of the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees since 2005. He is also a member the California Board of Education since his appointment by Governor Jerry Brown in January of this year.

Lewis’ endorsement raised eyebrows among county Republicans.  Ramos is a Democrat who is running against a conservative Republican incumbent, Supervisor Neil Derry.  Many Tea Party members and Republicans alike have accused Lewis of being a RINO (Republican In Name Only) and an opportunist with this endorsement.  Ramos and the San Manuel tribe contribute heavily to political campaigns in the region, including that of Congressman Lewis.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Rep congressman endorses casino boss, dem in county race – Los Angeles Political Buzz | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-los-angeles/rep-congressman-endorses-casino-boss-dem-county-race#ixzz1VF58VJLD

iePolitics: A bit perturbed

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If my piece yesterday sounded like I was a bit perturbed, it is because I was perturbed and irritated with newspaper reporters/publishers and politicians who try to claim they are taking the high road when they are just as corrupt or more corrupt than those they report about or prosecute.  Let’s face it.  Frank Pine is not the least bit interested in ending corruption in San Bernardino County.  Without corruption stories, the Sun is nothing.

Good government does not make headlines.  Corruption stories sell newspapers and the more sensational, the more papers sold.  I can’t wait to hear these newspaper execs cry foul play when a judge rules that their one-sided sensationalized reporting has tainted the jury pool to the point that the Colonies cases must legitimately be moved out of county.  These guys do not seek justice, they seek revenue.

If Frank Pine was truly interested in seeing corruption cleaned up in this county, he would pursue the stories for which he has been provided documentation and eyewitness accounts from victims.  The same goes for the Press Enterprise’s Cassie MacDuff.

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iePolitics: So what happens if Kirk cuts a deal?

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Think about it.  Kirk is not someone with a lot of backbone.  I know he is scared to death right now.  Of the Colonies Four, he is the most likely to cut a deal.  And that makes for interesting talk around the water cooler on the Fifth Floor.

Mark is good friends with both Jeff Burum and Greg Devereaux.  Jeff Burum and Greg Devereaux.  Greg Devereaux is very close with John Doe No. 2, the so-far unindicted co-conspirator and partner of Jeff Burum, Dan Richards.

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iePolitics: Conspiracy theory No. 2

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In reality this is not a conspiracy theory at all, but since I cannot provide the proof of this theory at this time due to the confidentiality of the issues, it will appear to be a conspiracy theory to most.  Let me explain.

The charges against San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry were expected by many close to the corruption investigation. The timing was not.

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iePolitics: We were right

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At least we were right to a degree.  I’m talking about the District Attorney’s office asking for and getting excessively high bails on the latest arrestees, Jeff Burum, Jim Erwin, Mark Kirk and Paul Biane.

I have not hidden the fact that I wanted to see these guys arrested . . . vengeance, karma, the golden rule . . .whatever.  They needed to be shown some humility like so many of the rest of us.

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iePolitics: Update on indictments

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We have confirmed with multiple sources that those who may be indicted by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury in the ongoing corruption scandal have been told they will be allowed to turn themselves in, which is quite a departure in comparison to how Bill Postmus, Jim Erwin, et al., were handled. Of course, this is the right way to do things because not a single one of them is a flight risk. We are wondering if the new AG has had an effect of how things are done or if someone cut a deal.   Of course, there are many rumors that certain members of the bench are under investigation and we know positively that Ramos is being looked at closely. Either way, it is interesting to see the disparity in treatment.

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iePolitics: The consequences of the Derry charges

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It has been interesting reading some of the comments on the various blogs on the newspaper sites regarding the charges filed yesterday by the AG against San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry.  It is obvious the significance of the charges has gone over the average reader’s head.

The Derry case has sent shock waves throughout the state. I had a chance today to speak briefly with a political attorney from one of the state’s most respected political law firms.  The AG is setting precedence with this case, precedence that will affect every politician running for office in this state.

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iePolitics: Update on Erwin Case

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As we expected, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office has requested a postponement of the Erwin preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday.  Judge Duke Rouse will rule on the motion on Monday.

Testimony continues before the criminal Grand Jury where we expect to see a number of the unnamed co-conspirators indicted.  It is conceivable that the district attorney will drop charges against Erwin and then indict him to avoid the preliminary hearing altogether.  Erwin has subpoenaed several current and former officials including District Attorney Mike Ramos.

We expect Rouse to rule in the District Attorney’s favor.

iePolitics: Blood Stains On Their Hands–Originally posted January 19, 2010

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That’s the night that they hung an innocent man
Don’t trust your soul with no back woods southern lawyer
Cause the judge in the town’s got blood stains on his hands

 

Not long after Thanksgiving I was at a friend’s house and we were discussing my situation at the time.  This friend is a very strong Christian and he and his wife have helped me in many ways with their only request being that I not identify them.  We were talking about the fact that most of those who have helped me out were non-Christians and how the so-called “Christians” had really let me down.  The conversation naturally gravitated to Jim Erwin and Mark Kirk, two of my most high-profile friends.  I commented about how Jim, someone who I don’t believe has ever had a personal relationship with Christ, has been a Godsend to me and helped me over and over when I’ve needed it most.  Mark, who I know to be a strong Christian, has let me down every time, never keeping his word to me.

Last Friday when I heard the news of the findings in the Hostile Work Environment investigation against District Attorney Mike Ramos, my heart sank.  I immediately called Cheryl Ristow and the pain in her voice was heartbreaking.  I could relate because, I too, had been let down by our leaders who have in their power the ability to do the right thing with integrity and instead choose to make decisions in their own best interests and not care about how many others they hurt.  We are all nothing but collateral damage to them, unimportant and unworthy of their concern or help. Continue reading →

District Attorney Mike Ramos: Postmus Pleads Guilty

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San Bernardino, CA – Today, William J. Postmus pleaded guilty to the offenses charged in both the Colonies Conspiracy case and to the charged offenses in theseparate Assessor case. The pleas were taken in front of Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith. As part of the plea agreement with the District Attorney and the Attorney General, Postmus agreed to cooperate in the ongoing investigation and to testify truthfully in subsequent proceedings. If he gives truthful testimony in all future proceedings, the further agreement is that he will be sentenced on the following three felony charges: Conspiracy to Accept a Bribe (Penal Code 182) and Conflict of Interest (Government Code 1090) in the Colonies Conspiracy case for actions while he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and to Misappropriation of Public Funds (Penal Code 424) while he was County Assessor in that separate case. The remaining charges would be dismissed. There was no agreement on sentence. Postmus would face a maximum of 5 years in State Prison for the above three charges. The Court may take into consideration his degree of cooperation at the time of pronouncement of judgment. Postmus’ admission today to a Conflict of Interest may lead to further proceedings in the civil courts seeking to void the $102 million Colonies settlement. His next court appearance will be October 14, 2011, for a Status Conference.

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iePolitics: Ristow lawsuit dismissed; appeal to be filed

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The lawsuit filed by Cheryl Ristow against District Attorney Mike Ramos was dismissed today by Judge Gafkowski.  The judge ruled that the relationship was “consensual.”  That is a very interesting ruling because previously Ramos has denied ever having a relationship with Ristow.  We are attempting to obtain the pleadings in this case to see if there is an admission by Ramos.

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iePolitics: DA Ramos has friend in Governor

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From the KNews website:

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos met with Governor Brown in Sacramento Thursday. The meeting was to discuss the budget and public safety. Ramos said the get together with Brown was positive and productive. The two also discussed the issue of realignment, or moving some state services to the control of counties. For example, the parole system and the state-controlled part of the juvenile justice system. Ramos said, “I know the governor understands that public safety is a priority for the residents of San Bernardino County and the State of California.”

iePolitics: Colonies Partner’s wife draws line in the sand

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I’m sure some may have read Sally Creb’s comment below.  Here is an excerpt:

Let’s hear some facts, how is my husband “linked in various ways” to the corruption in this County, anymore than you are? Because he is a “Burum associate”? You are right there, but more importantly, he is Jeff’s friend, and need I remind you, Jeff has not been charged or arrested for anything, unlike your associates. Based on your rationalization, and not knowing you, should I assume you are a drug addict or criminal by your association with Postmus?

This is the first time someone associated with one of the partners has publicly suggested that perhaps a corruption scandal figure is guilty of exactly what former Attorney General Jerry Brown and District Attorney Mike Ramos has accused them of.

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iePolitics: Predictions for 2011

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First off, it’s a little late in the day, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone.  Let’s start  with the easy predictions first.

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

If the Federal Bureau of Investigation has control of the investigation and is conducting it thoroughly, we have every reason to believe that Mark Uffer, Josie Gonzales, Paul Biane, Dr. Dev GnanaDev, and Jessica Brown will be indicted.  There could be numerous other elected and appointed officials involved as well but those are the names we hear were on the search warrants.

This prediction is based on my own observations while I worked at ARMC as well as talking with those that were required to provide officials with service.  My former desk partner had worked in the emergency room and was responsible for processing in many “VIPs.”

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iePolitics: 2010: A year of deceit

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As 2010 comes to a close, we can’t help but feel it was a year of disappointment in relationship to the County’s corruption scandal and much of that disappointment was based on deception.  We feel misled by those out to protect themselves at the expense of others.  Here are a few of things we were told that turned out just the opposite.

  • Credible candidate would run and be funded against Mike Ramos.
  • There would a press conference right after the June primary in relationship to a package turned over to federal authorities.  The package was said to have been compiled by private investigators for Jeff Burum showing District Attorney to be guilty of one solid felony.
  • Search warrants would be served on the District Attorney by the feds.
  • Steve Cooley would easily be elected as Attorney General and would review corruption cases.
  • Paul Biane would be re-elected. Continue reading →

iePolitics: So who is going to be arrested next?

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Editor:  You have to read down to the very end of this article to see that Ramos claims there may be more arrests in 2011.

Corruption probes cast wide net

Investigators pursue cases across county
Posted: 12/30/2010 05:47:55 PM PST
Updated: 12/30/2010 06:49:15 PM PST

The past year has been fraught with scandal in San Bernardino County as state and local prosecutors charged two former county officials in a sweeping corruption complaint related to a $102million land dispute and convicted a third former county official on charges of fraud, theft and conspiracy.Also in 2010, federal investigators raided the county’s Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Upland City Hall in what appear to be unrelated investigations.

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iePolitics: How the Ristow case will resolve

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We are going to start our New Year’s predictions early because we are hearing a bit of chatter.  And the chatter is that Mike Ramos is on the offensive.

The key to the Ristow case is the up-to-now confidential affidavits signed by five women who were involved with Ramos.  Making those affidavits public will take Ramos down and he knows it.

So far none of the predictions about his demise have come true.  The BOS has only seen a report that basically puts all the blame on Ristow.  Mark Kirk , Andrew Lamberto, and Ruth Stringer made sure the truth did not come out.

Continue reading →

SBSun: Ramos named to transition team for AG-elect Harris

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Editor’s Note:  It seems we have been misled once again.

By Mike Cruz

Posted: 12/22/2010 02:01:33 PM PST

District Attorney Michael A. Ramos was named to the transition team for state Attorney General elect Kamala Harris, his office announced today.

Ramos was appointed to co-chair the committee on Gangs, Gun Crimes and Organized Crime, which is one of eleven “Smart on Crime” Committees that will help Harris transition into the office.

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SBSun: San Bernardino County district attorney attends meeting with Gov.-elect Jerry Brown

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Editor’s Note:  This certainly makes us wonder what we have been led to believe about Ramos.  We also hear that he is going to continue in his position to the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board under Governor-elect Brown.  Makes us wonder.

Posted: 12/16/2010 07:22:55 PM PST

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos was among a statewide contingent of law enforcement officials who met with Gov.-elect Jerry Brown this week to discuss major issues.Among the items discussed, Ramos said he was concerned about a future loss of revenue from the sun-setting Vehicle License Fund, state prison realignment discussions and the state budget. The meeting occurred Monday at Brown’s office in Sacramento.

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iePolitics: A rogue judge

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San Bernardino County Courthouse

If ever there is a judge that the US Department of Justice needs to investigate, it is Judge Duke D. Rouse.  He has clearly become a bagman for District Attorney Mike Ramos.

Many things went on during the Rex Gutierrez trial that were never written about in the media.  One of them is the fact that Gutierrez’ attorney, Jim Reiss, became very ill during the proceedings.  Reiss asked that the trial be continued so that he could seek medical treatment.  Rouse refused.

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InlandPolitics: The Sun still protecting DA

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District Attorney Mike Ramos

www.inlandpolitics.com

Sunday, December 5, 2010 – 01:30 p.m.

Last week another round of perjury for San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.

Last week another list of excuses and deflections by his biggest defender.

The editorial board of The Sun seems to be on its heels over the latest screw-up by Ramos, but rushed to his defense none-the-less.

Last week the California Fair Political Practices Commission announced it intended to fine Ramos and his campaign treasurer, San Bernardino-based certified public accountant Marvin Reiter, for nine errors on Ramos’ campaign finance disclosure.

Most of the some $9,000 in omissions were credit card charges related to hotels and bars.

The lastest episode comes on the heels of Ramos being caught for failing to disclose a $10,000 payment he made to his wife from his campaign funds in 2009 for alleged campaign work.

A practice which is now banned under state law.

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iePolitics: The Ramos Fine

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One of my disappointments during the past eleven days of non-blogging has been my inability to write about the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) findings against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos.  Many of you may remember that we filed the complaint against him that resulted in this fine.  See:  Mike Ramos

Although we are happy with the finding of guilt, we do not believe the commission is going far enough.  Ramos is actively prosecuting his  political enemies for similar deeds, charging infractions as felonies.  Yet, as an attorney he should be held to a higher standard.  But instead he is receiving a slap on the hand in comparison to others.

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iePolitics: Rouse leaves major reductions of charges open

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Last Friday Judge Duke D. Rouse denied the defense’s motion to drop almost all charges in the Erwin FPPC case because he indicated that it needed to be reviewed at the preliminary hearing.  He did say that if those charges all involved a single form, they would not likely survive the prelim.  They all do in fact involve a single form.

We expect the prelim to take place early February.  It shall be interesting to see what happens.

iePolitics: CAO interfering in BOS politics

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It seems County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux isn’t satisfied with all the new power he has been granted.  He continues to build on his power base as evidenced by his interference in selection of the Chairman to the Board of Supervisors.

Devereaux’s loyalty to Chairman Gary Ovitt stems from the years he served as city manager of Ontario when Ovitt was mayor.  It has been obvious from the beginning as Ovitt, and his then-chief of staff, Mark Kirk, orchestrated both former-County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer’s termination and Devereaux’s hiring.  The process took well over a year and the entire Fifth Floor knew that no one but Devereaux was being considered for the job.

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iePolitics: Exclusive: The Eyler/Postmus witness list – Updated

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Editor’s Note:  For a blog that “no one reads,” stories that are printed on it sure do have the tendency to create havoc.  We knew there would be several additional names to this list, but then presents drop from the sky.  And those presents were read by the defense.


iePolitics has obtained a partial list of witnesses expected to be called as a part of the upcoming corruption trial in People v. Postmus, et al.  Attorneys for the defendants have given the judge an expected length of seven to eight weeks for the trial.  Here are the names we have been given so far:

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iePolitics: RIP

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Yet another individual associated with one of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos’ political witch hunts has taken his own life.   The deputy public defender representing Steven Cox has passed away.  Although we are not suggesting his untimely death was related to the case, we have been sitting on a story of wrongdoing by both Doreen Boxer and Lauri Ferguson as well as Mike Ramos in this situation for several months.  Boxer/Ferguson have put up one roadblock after another to keep the story out of the press.   Now maybe the story will get told.  And perhaps our Board of Supervisors will realize the consequences of their indecision.

Our condolences to the family.

InlandPolitics: The Insider: Feds calling shots in ARMC investigation

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 – 9:28 a.m.

Is the District Attorney really calling the shots in the investigation involving activities at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC)?

The evidence is building, and it’s beginning to look more and more like the answer is “no”.

Confidential sources tell The Insider that federal agents were doing the questioning of hospital staff, not investigators for District Attorney Michael Ramos, as everyone is being led to believe.

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iePolitics: Judge Smith drops total of three charges in corruption case

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This afternoon Judge Michael A. Smith dropped one of two charges against former Taxpayer Advocate Greg Eyler and two of ten charges against former Assessor Bill Postmus at the close of today’s preliminary hearing.  Attorneys for the defendants will now decide what motions will be filed to address those charges that were bound over.

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InlandPolitics: The Insider: County judge shopping on Ramos case

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www.inlandpolitics.com

Sunday, November 7, 2010 – 1:45 p.m.

San Bernardino County appears to be judge shopping in a lawsuit filed against it and District Attorney Mike Ramos by former employee Cheryl Ristow.

Ristow has sued the county and Ramos, claiming she was retaliated against by Ramos for refusing to keep secret and affair between her and the two-term DA, when knowledge of their relationship went public in May 2009.

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iePolitics: More prosecutorial misconduct exposed at Postmus prelim; Matt Brown proves worth to opponents once again

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Fireworks could be found once again today at the San Bernardino County Courthouse where District Attorney investigator Bud Randle was forced to admit that the District Attorneys office used former Chief of Staff Matt Brown to illegally tape record Bill Postmus.  Once Postmus obtained legal counsel such an act violates his Constitutional right against self-incrimination.   This revelation as well as the one last Friday where they had to admit they used Adam Aleman in a similar manner has the potential to cause all charges to be dismissed.

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iePolitics: Where are the arrest warrants for Jeff Burum, Mark Kirk, Gary Ovitt?

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I want to see some action.  The District Attorney’s Office claims they prosecute criminals based on evidence, not on politics.  It is time they prove it.

Yesterday former Assessor’s Office employee Rex Gutierrez was convicted of conspiring with former Assessor Bill Postmus and West End developer Jeff Burum.  It is time now to prosecute both Postmus and Burum for the same crime.  Neither have been charged.  What is the District Attorney waiting for?

Also yesterday, Gutierrez was convicted of time card fraud.  Numerous Exempt employees are as guilty or more guilty than Gutierrez.  It is time we clean up the Fifth Floor.

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iePolitics: Maldonado endorsed by sex addict

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We hear that Mikey and Abel Maldonado held a press conference in front of the San Bernardino County Civil Courthouse this morning so that Mikey could officially announce that he is endorsing Abel Maldonado for Lieutenant Governor.  Maldonado, of course, is one of the turncoat Republicans who, like Anthony Adams, voted for the biggest tax increase in California history.

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SBGrapevine: Editorial: Time for the US Department of Justice to Step in: Compelled to Deceive – Part Three

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Adam Aleman

www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  It is a crisis that mocks our justice system; one that distorts the truth; and one where integrity is a forgotten.  Bringing about justice is no longer the highest priority of our county prosecutors; winning at any and all cost  is their goal—a goal that has little to do integrity, truth or . . . justice.

There are many lesser-known stories of justice gone awry in our county. Ours  starts with a little-known manager at the local Outback Steakhouse who went on to make headlines.  His name is familiar to all of us.  It is Adam Aleman.

Aleman caught the attention of then-Supervisor Bill Postmus many years ago.  He eventually left Outback Steakhouse to become a member of Postmus’ Board of Supervisors staff.

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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.

iePolitics: FPPC investigation into Ramos “ongoing”

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Some may remember the FPPC complaint I filed against San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos about six months ago.  I had not received status on the complaint since a few weeks after I filed it.  I finally called up there to see if perhaps the letter had been lost in the mail.  I was told they will not give me status on an on-going investigation and will advise me when they have completed it.  So you will know when I know.

SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part Two

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www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  The principles our nation were founded on are being undermined by the very person sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States—the person charged with enforcing the Constitution and all state and local laws at the county level.

When one reads the California District Attorneys Association Code of Ethics reprinted in Part One of this series, it is easy to see its President and our county’s District Attorney, Mike Ramos, has broken every concept put forth in that document.  He flagrantly violates those ethical standards while claiming to be in the pursuit of “justice.”

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SBGrapevine: Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part One

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District Attorney Mike Ramos

www.sbgrapevine.com

Are you listening United States Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  Oh yes, we have financial problems like every other jurisdiction but we will get through them in due time.  Our crisis is a much more serious threat to our citizenry.  It is a crisis of ethics, of safety, and of fear.

Our crisis undermines the feeling of security and well being of law-abiding citizens.  It mocks those who gave their blood to protect the Constitution of the United States.  It is as evil a crisis as any American community can face.

Our crisis centers around the political aspirations of our district attorney who uses his powers, not just to prosecute criminals, but to persecute political enemies.  Justice no longer equates with truth but rather revenge.

California Government Code Section 26500 defines  the district attorney as the chief law enforcement officer in the county.  It is one of only four positions in any county that is required by the California Constitution to be elected.  The others are sheriff, assessor and members of the governing body.

The California District Attorneys Association defines the ethical duties of prosecutors as follows:

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iePolitics: More about the Postmus prelim

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If my health holds up this weekend, there will be stories about what happened today and about the criminal case all weekend long.  I thought I would share a few more tidbits.

Lewis Cope is a Mormon.  I have found most Mormons to be good people.  But then there are those that try to force their church’s bigoted attitudes on everyone else.  When one is a District Attorney, they should be enforcing state law, not church law.  Cope has a different view.

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The Sentinel: Ramos Probing GOP Central Committee

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The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has widened its investigation into allegations of wrongdoing on the part of current and past public officials and is now seeking documentation from the county Republican Central Committee, the Sentinel has learned.

As part of a probe that all parties concerned had hoped might remain unnoticed by the public at large, investigators for district attorney Mike Ramos have been calling upon the San Bernardino County GOP to turn over some “books” for review.

Sources tell the Sentinel that Nan Rider, the former San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee member  who was previously  chosen to serve as the secretary to the central committee’s elite ruling executive committee but was later relieved of that duty by current central committee chairman Robert Rego, has been less than cooperative in making the requested documentation available.

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iePolitics: County BOS says “FU” to its female employees

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In a move that is not shocking, only disgusting, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors gave the finger to all female employees in San Bernardino County.  In reality it also gave the finger to all employees who might be the subject of their supervisor’s or manager’s affection.  They gave carte blanche to all managers, administrators, and supervisors to sexually harass subordinates as the BOS will pay for their defense if the victim complains.  Or should I say, the taxpayers will pay for it.

The Board of Supervisors is very aware of District Attorney Mike Ramos’ sexual exploits with his subordinates and colleagues alike during county time, on county property, and in county vehicles.  Most of them personally witnessed him and Doreen Boxer at the City/County Conference in Lake Arrowhead several years ago.

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iePolitics: Cost benefit analysis – not!

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We know we don’t have many qualified analysts in county government.  Nothing could be more obvious with two facts that came out this week.

We discovered that the investigation of the century has so far cost the District Attorney’s Office over $4 million.  No, it costs taxpayers over $4 million.  Does anyone realize how much fraud Bill Postmus has been accused of that they are trying to collect on?

I don’t have the exact amount but it is between $1100 and $1200.  Even if convicted, does anyone think he is going to do jail time for that?  Do all of you really believe this matter is worth over $4 million?

What’s funny is that the only possible conviction outside of Adam they could get in these cases is Greg Eyler AND that is only if he somehow chickens out and takes a plea deal.  But don’t count on it.

One of his charges MUST be dropped altogether for reasons I will not explain.  And the other charge MUST be reduced to a misdemeanor.  On the latter, the law is totally on his side so he would be a fool to take a plea just to get on with life a little sooner.  As long as he can hang on, his cases will go away.

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iePolitcs: A perfect example of Ruthie’s malfeasance

Posted on by Administrator
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Here is another perplexing board item on Tuesday’s San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Agenda:

County Counsel
19) Approve Agreement with Gresham, Savage, Nolan & Tilden to provide representation and related legal services in connection with the litigation entitled Cheryl Ristow v. County of San Bernardino, et al., Case No. CIVDS 1010909 (Four votes required).

(Affected Districts: All)
(Presenter: Ruth E. Stringer, County Counsel, 387-5451)

Remember, District Attorney Mike Ramos, during the City-County Conference and in front of dozens of county and city officials, asked if he could “eat Ruth’s pussy.”  Well it looks like Ruthie wants to return the favor, figuratively speaking, that is.

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