Joseph Turner

Democratic Poll: Rep. Dreier Leads Opponent By Wide Margin

By Joseph Turner | 08/10/08

A recent poll conducted for the Democratic challenger shows Rep. David Dreier with a healthy lead in the race, 49-37%.There have been some rumblings in GOP circles that even Rep. Dreier might be at risk given the dismal climate for GOPers around the nation.  However, it looks like Dreier will once again be reelected. read more »

Because You Can't Fire Yourself; Operation Phoenix Unemployment Watch

By Joseph Turner | 08/07/08

Glenda Martin-Robinson to the white courtesy phone, please.  Glenda Martin-Robinson to the white courtesy phone.In the unlikely event that you are as far out of the loop as Mayor Pat Morris, I would like to let you know that you are probably not going to be employed much longer.  Mayor Morris can't fire himself and will need to purge others in his desperate bid to save his program.Might I propose a couple of suggestions (here and... read more »

In San Bernardino, Honesty is a Four Letter Word

By Joseph Turner | 08/07/08

Another day, another lie.Another day, another contradiction.Another day, another untruth.Another day, another misstatement.Another day, another joke.For all the big government do-gooders out there that want to police every aspect of our lives, like banning trans-fat and installing red light cameras on every intersection (in the name of safety, duh!), we the people should be allowed to attach a lie detector to them so that we can see through all... read more »

San Bernardino's Phantom Budget Crisis

By Joseph Turner | 08/05/08

We are told that San Bernardino is facing a 15-20 million dollar budget deficit. We are told it is dire, bleak.  We are told that some employees have been laid off and more will follow.  We have cut approximately $3 million from the police department's budget  We have left vacant several officer positions on top of these cuts.We are told that the City needs more cuts in the police department to balance the budget.We are told... read more »

Councilwoman Esther Estrada Demands Transparency, Accountability

By Joseph Turner | 08/05/08

The Operation Phoenix molestation scandal just got a little bit more interesting.  Councilwoman Esther Estrada, long a reliable vote for Mayor Morris, is openly voicing her concerns about the management of Operation Phoenix.At last night's city council meeting, Estrada asked about the subpoena powers of the Council.  Apparently, she might be interested in compelling employees to testify so as to get a handle on this situation.I am... read more »

Housing Decline Accelerates in the Inland Empire

By Joseph Turner | 08/05/08

The Inland Empire housing market continues to deteriorate and it is falling apart at an even more rapid pace. The latest numbers show that the average price of a home in the region has now dropped to $250,000.  What is amazing is that the average price was $269,000 just a month ago.Since the first of the year, the price of a home has plunged nearly $100,000!Next up!  The impending doom from the Alt-A fiasco which is significantly... read more »

Housing Market Getting Crushed: Circa 1989?

By Joseph Turner | 08/03/08

How would you like to be able to buy a home for about what it cost the owner in 1989?I give you 25554 17th St. in San Bernardino, CA  92404.Now, it aint pretty and it probably needs a little TLC.  The listing doesn't suggest an extreme makeover is required to make it liveable.It sold in December of 1989 for $95,000 and is listed for $100,000 today. Granted, it appears to be a low offering to generate some buzz and will probably sell... read more »

There Will Be Blood: Drilling Down In Search of Truth

By Joseph Turner | 08/02/08

Last night, Republicans in the House of Representatives wanted to talk gas prices and offshore drilling.  Nancy Pelosi and her legion of Dems decided to turn out the lights and the microphones, leaving the GOPers to chatter amongst themselves as they attempted to force a vote.When it comes to taking accountability and searching out the truth in San Bernardino, the theatre isn't nearly as dramatic and ostentatious...but it is theatre... read more »

MSNBC Picks Up Fred Wilson Controversy

By Joseph Turner | 08/01/08

Granted, it is a reprint of Annie Burris' story from the Orange County Register, but I thought the readership at Red County would be interested in knowing that MSNBC.com had picked this up. read more »

The Morris Administration Credibility Gap

By Joseph Turner | 08/01/08

... They Really Want Fred Wilson Gone!Throughout this entire Operation Phoenix molestation scandal there has been a crediblity gap with several of our "leaders".And I want to be painfully clear about what I  mean when I suggest there is a "credibility gap" with the Morris Administration and Fred Wilson.They are not telling the truth!Take the most recent controversy over City Manager Fred Wilson leaving to Huntington Beach.  We have... read more »