Posted by Asm. Paul Cook
09/05/2008 7:19 PM
1 Comment(s)
Attending the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis has been a whirlwind experience for my wife Jeanne and me. With an unfinished, oversized and overdue budget looming over California's Legislature, I had planned to remain in Sacramento to fight against bloated spending and push for a sensible budget - but when the legislative overlords announced that no budget would be presented or voted on, I made last minute arrangements to attend. When the threat of Hurricane Gustav, poised to batter states along the Gulf, seemed destined to postpone the convention, I again scrapped my plans to attend. Then Senator McCain scaled back much of the convention and GOP delegates put together relief packages instead of hosting pre-convention parties, and the hurricane passed on. Jeanne and I made new arrangements and made the trek to the twin cities. So, despite the short notice and last-minute changes, seeing the events of this convention first-hand has given me a new hope for the Republican
Posted by Asm. Paul Cook
09/05/2008 3:21 PM
2 Comment(s)
It is no surprise that Californians are clamoring for their Legislature to adopt a budget before the state goes bankrupt. However, if legislators pass the current budget proposal, they run the risk of enacting a budget that doesn't meet Californians' long-term needs and continues to rely on temporary fixes and schemes that worsen California's structural deficit. Any fiscally conscientious person can describe to you the folly of paying off one credit card with another--yet surprisingly this is exactly what some of my colleagues want our state to do. Through the years, Governors and Legislatures have shown a penchant for borrowing their way out of budget deficits in California. They have "borrowed" from special funds, raided funds earmarked for local governments, and stolen funds dedicated for transportation. As the saying goes, just because we can do it doesn't make it right. I want to end once and for all the reckless dependency on "borrowing" funds appropriated to local governments in order
Posted by SB Pietas
09/05/2008 2:51 PM
0 Comment(s)
Here is a press release from the office of 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who served as then-Supervisor Bill Postmus' Chief of Staff.It is rather strong in parts. Near the end, Mitzelfelt writes, "However, I remain convinced that it is my responsibility to hold all county officials accountable, therefore if Mr. Postmus refuses to address these concerns to the public, and soon, I will call on him to resign or be removed from office." Of course, "soon" is a rather ambiguous term.Here is the text of the release. Click here to view the original PDF.Mitzelfelt Issues Statement Regarding County Assessor SAN BERNARDINO - San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt today issued the following statement. "In response to inquiries from constituents, and in order to expand on statements I have previously made to the news media, I have decided to issue the following statement regarding San Bernardino Assessor Bill Postmus: "As I have publicly stated, in July 2006, while serving as chief
Posted by Jessica Austin
09/04/2008 10:42 PM
0 Comment(s)
Here's the breaking news over from the SB Sun blog, Inside SoCal. Notice one member doesn't think that the treasurer position is necessary. If it saves the City of Redlands money and is just as efficient- perhaps that could be a good route: REDLANDS -- The City Council decided to fill the treasurer's position via appointment, though members don't yet know whom they will choose.At its meeting Wednesday, the council had the option of filling the treasurer's seat by appointment or by holding a special election in March.The post has been vacated by Mike Reynolds, who resigned last month before pleading guilty to charges of felony forgery and altering records.At least one council member believes the city can get by without an elected treasurer. After Reynolds' arrest, the council reallocated many of the treasurer's duties to the Finance Department, an arrangement Mayor Pro Tem Pat Gilbreath said is working."I don't think we need the treasurer's position," Gilbreath said. "I think
Posted by Joseph Turner
09/04/2008 8:39 PM
4 Comment(s)
Just received word that the members of the San Bernardino Police Officers' Association issued an overwhelming vote of "No Confidence" in their current Cracker Jack Chief Mike Billdt.My understanding is that the vote was 135 - 43.
Posted by Joshua White
09/03/2008 2:19 PM
0 Comment(s)
The McCain campaign has been touting the fact that, as governor, Sarah Palin is also the Commander of the Alaska National Guard. Apparently, this is meant to convince those questioning her level of experience that she is prepared to serve as Commander in Chief. Although I'm a supporter of Palin's, this argument is bunk, and the McCain campaign should immediately drop it.True, the Alaska National Guard is a military organization and, true, as governor, Sarah Palin is its commander. But to claim that this somehow helps prepare her for the Presidency is silly. She played no active role in day-to-day operations, and would only serve as it's commander in case of a state emergency (such as a natural disaster, rioting, et cetera). In the instances where the National Guard is deployed on a Federal operation, the state National Guard soldiers and/or airmen are federalized, and then are given orders by the President, not by any of the governors.Sarah Palin has
Posted by Joshua White
09/03/2008 9:28 AM
0 Comment(s)
Over the past few days, the mainstream media has displayed unusual vitriol against presumptive Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin. Many observers--including well-regarded individuals on both sides of the aisle--have questioned whether her selection represents a significant folly on the part of Sen. McCain.Gov. Palin is not a perfect candidate, and she clearly has some significant drawbacks. But from my perspective, she represents the best of the Republican Party, and her benefits outweigh those drawbacks. This is the first of several posts on Gov. Palin.Perhaps most significantly, her selection effectively removes the "experience" issue from active discussion. What I mean by this is that her selection does not automatically call into question all past discussion on the matter, but it does make difficult any additional claims by the McCain campaign or the GOP that Sen. Barack Obama is unqualified to serve as President.Some have speculated that not only is the experience issue off the table for future discussion, all past
Posted by Jessica Austin
09/02/2008 11:42 PM
1 Comment(s)
Here's an article about yours truly... Enjoy! Red County Blogger Named Palin FirstLauren McSherry, Staff WriterRed County blogger and editor Jessica Austin appears to have led the blogosphere in announcing presidential candidate Sen. John McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. "She was first," said Scott W. Graves, president of the Partisan Media Group, which runs a network of 18 blogs. "She was way ahead of the mainstream media." Late into Thursday night, bloggers speculated about who had topped McCain's vice presidential shortlist. Palin's selection was officially confirmed Friday. Austin, 22, who said she was tipped off by a friend while instant messaging on Facebook, made the announcement just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday on the San Bernardino County blog on the Web site www.redcounty.com. "McCain is making his announcement tomorrow in Dayton, Ohio," she wrote. "Look who chartered a jet from Alaska to Ohio this evening ... How many people do you know charter jets from
Posted by Jessica Austin
09/01/2008 10:17 PM
1 Comment(s)
This is over at Sharon's Blog, too. From Mark Kirk: Day one at the Republican National Convention is a mixed bag of emotions. Last night most of the California Delegation sat in the downstairs lounge, full of excitement over our nominee, especially our new VP, watching news reports of Gustav.In the end, the decision to delay today's proceedings was clearly the right thing to do. Most of the events of today have been turned into fundraisers for the Red Cross or other organizations focused on relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region. So rather than the usual party business and party atmosphere, we're all taking some time to remember our fellow Americans displaced by this storm and thanking God it hasn't been as devastating as predicted.That being said I did find the time last evening to sit around and chat with some of the Republican leaders in the State. Former Senator Jim Brulte led the conversation which was filled with several
Posted by Jessica Austin
09/01/2008 10:06 PM
0 Comment(s)
As a fellow student at the University of Redlands- I am pleased to share this article with my readers. But even as a fellow student- I can say this article does no justice whatsoever. I absolutely love the University of Redlands and could never say enough great things about it. Granted, it's a bit pricey (do you really want me to quote it?) but well worth the small class size (average class size: around 15 students), excellent professors, and the unique "community" feeling. It's a fine institution and has an excellent reputation, along with various awards and recognitions- such as making it in Forbes. School ranked as one of nation's best collegesArticle Launched: 09/01/2008 05:32:47 PM PDTREDLANDS - The University of Redlands has already made many top college lists, and recently it made Forbes' "America's Best Colleges" publication ranked 242nd. "We don't set out intentionally to make these lists, but we're certainly happy to make the lists," said University of Redlands President Stuart Dorsey. "It's nice to be
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/30/2008 4:01 PM
5 Comment(s)
I have to warn you in advance as the following post is more of an emotional outpouring.I had an obligation and was unable to watch Palin give her acceptance speech. Instead, I listened to her on the radio.It was a strange feeling. I became overcome with excitement and really got pumped up as I listened to the talk show hosts describe her background and then I listened to her speak. As an unabashed nationalist, I think it was the sense of pride in her country that really touched me. You could just feel it.I dunno. It was an intoxicating experience.
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/28/2008 10:47 PM
49 Comment(s)
If my information (and guess) is correct- Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska is McCain's VP pick. McCain is making his announcement tomorrow in Dayton, Ohio. Look who chartered a jet from Alaska to Ohio this evening... How many people do you know charter jets from Alaska (especially considering their population) to Ohio- the location of the Republican presidential nominee? If she is his pick, he made an excellent choice. Governor Palin is an extraordinary woman and a very wise addition to his ticket. Who knows what will end up happening- but I am confident this is more than a coincidence... Time will tell....
Posted by SB Pietas
08/28/2008 10:46 PM
5 Comment(s)
First, congratulations to Jessica Austin for her post late last night. It seems she was one of the first, if not the very first, to publish the fact that John McCain had selected Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate.Anyway, I don't really mean that Bill Postmus should be considered as a vice presidential candidate. But when one examines the résumés of both Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and San Bernardino County Assessor Bill Postmus, a few interesting observations can be made.First, in 2006, Bill Postmus received more votes for the Office of Assessor than Sarah Palin did for the Office of Governor--158,751 for Postmus, and 114,697 for Palin. In addition, the population of San Bernardino County is more than three times that of the State of Alaska. During his two years as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Bill Postmus served as the closest equivalent to a "Governor" of San Bernardino County. Of course, the two individuals diverge when
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/28/2008 6:12 PM
2 Comment(s)
About 18 months ago, the San Bernardino City Council voted to allocate $75,000 to San Bernardino Police Chief Mike Billdt to start a Police Activities League.I heard through the grapevine that the Executive Director of the program James Frink was no longer leading the program. So, I submitted a public information request seeking information regarding his compensation and seeking information about Operation Phoenix disbursements.Unfortunately, I was not given any information about program expenditures and only received Frink's contract and payment information. According to the information I was provided, it appears that Frink became a contract employee with the City on February 4th, 2008 and his contract was terminated on July 2, 2008. During this period, Frink received $20,000 in compensation (for five months worth of work).Apparently, nobody is leading the program. At least, I haven't seen any media coverage of the program and its continued existence.So, what do taxpayers have to show for this program? From my understanding, a couple of
Posted by Mike Spence
08/27/2008 1:37 PM
0 Comment(s)
Paper or plastic? Let's tax both! That is of course the proposal AB 2769 by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine. San Bernardino lawmakers will make key votes on this issue in the near future. The claim is that Californians don't recycle bags enough. People have proved that they will recycle when the option is available. Recycling plastic bags makes sense because plastic bags make sense. They are inexpensive and convenient, and most Californians prefer them. People reuse plastic bags around the house and in the yard. Paper bags are reused by Californians everyday. Unfortunately, AB 2769, proposed by Assembly Member Lloyd Levine, would tax paper AND plastic bags. Just what California needs with economic growth already slowing: new and higher taxes! Certainly we can't afford another tax. Since the levy would be imposed on bags used at grocery stores, it is essentially a food tax. But food prices have been rising sharply, as well as the cost of gas, making every trip to the
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/26/2008 8:29 PM
0 Comment(s)
Since 2000, the Kendall Hills Neighborhood Association has hosted presidential debate viewing parties with the purpose of engaging the local community in the process of selecting the next President--- and to educate the public on the candidate's positions. The event is open to the public with guests including community leaders, students, business owners, residents, educators, senior citizens, etc. All are welcome to attend. There will also be local press to cover the local reaction to the debates. As such, here is the info for the events:Dates: September 26; October 7, and October 15Where: 5066 North Varsity Avenue, San BernardinoWhen: 6:00 p.m. debate beginsIf you would like more information, please contact the Hon. Chas Kelley at ckelley@vkge.com. *Editor's note: This event is not campaign related to Mr. Kelley's City Council campaign, as his successful re-election was held last year.
Posted by Drew Mercy
08/26/2008 8:49 AM
0 Comment(s)
A few days ago, I received a request for more information about what Prop 6 does. I would have gotten this up sooner, but as a government employee, I only post after hours (or before as I am this morning...have to rush as I've got 7 minutes until I'm late for work.) As many of you are aware, Prop 6: The Safe Neighborhoods Act is a compilation of many of the common sense public safety bills that San Francisco and LA based Democrat legislators have blocked from getting out of the Public Safety Committees in Sacramento. San Bernardino leaders Senator George Runner and Supervisor Gary Ovitt decided to do something about it, and put together this proposition. Rather than reinvent the wheel, bellow is the summary of what the Proposition does from the campaign website: www.safeneighborhoodsact.comThe Safe Neighborhoods Act is a comprehensive criminal penalty and public safety funding initiative that targets criminal street gangs, felons with guns, and drug
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/25/2008 11:18 PM
0 Comment(s)
On August 15th, the San Bernardino Sun reported that there were nude pictures taken by Mike Miller, arrested on allegations of child molestation, of an unidentified female of an unknown age.Here it is August 25th...going on August 26th, and the story is still listed in The Sun's "most viewed" panel on the front page. The article is titled: "Nude Photos Exposed." Is there any question that sex sells?
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/25/2008 7:02 PM
1 Comment(s)
ELEVEN candidates have filed in the San Bernardino City Unified School District race. There are three seats open with one incumbent deciding not to run for re-election.The big news is that ONLY THREE candidates submitted statements that will be included in the voter materials: incumbents Danny Tillman and Judi Penman and challenger Ron Coats.The cost for a candidate statement for this race, a whopping $3,375! When I ran for the same seat two years ago, I believe the cost was just over $2,000. This is an exorbitant cost bourne by candidates.The cost of candidate statements is a huge advantage to an incumbent, especially in races like school board elections. The main special interest group for a school board election are the teachers and employees unions. Consequently, challengers have a huge hill to climb just to get to the starting line.In races such as these where there is much difficulty in raising money from private individuals, something should be done to lessen the burden on
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/25/2008 6:26 PM
6 Comment(s)
On July 28th, I submitted a written public information request asking for all emails sent and received by Mayor Pat Morris, Chief of Staff Jim Morris, City Manager Fred Wilson and Code Director Glenn Baude between June 27th and the date of the request.Just before the 10 day deadline, I received a letter from Lori Sassoon, Assistant City Manager. She stated that due to volume of the documents requested, they would need the extra 14 days they are entitled to, to fulfill the request. According to the letter, I would be allowed to view the documents on Thursday, August 21st.Due to the anticipated number of pages, I called Sassoon late Wed. afternoon to ask when they documents would be ready so that I could plan my day and allow myself enough time to view the documents. Unavailabe, I left a message.On Thursday morning, I spoke to a staffer in the City Manager's office and was told that the documents would
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/24/2008 4:59 PM
1 Comment(s)
I just recieved this news from a good friend of mine on the Riverside County Central Committee:Riverside, CA- The Riverside County Republican Party (RCGOP) announced today that former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay will serve as the keynote speaker at this year's Liberty Dinner fundraiser, October 4th at the Morongo Resort & Casino. First elected in 1984, DeLay became a leading conservative on the national stage when he served as House Majority Whip and Leader. Over the course of his congressional career, DeLay helped Republicans build a voting record that consistently supports limited, constitutional government, peace through strength, lower taxes, and the sanctity of life. Since leaving Congress in 2006, DeLay has authored a book titled "No Retreat, No Surrender: One American's Fight" which includes his memoirs and his call on conservatives to rebuild the movement based upon the First Principles of Order, Justice, and Freedom. DeLay is the Founder and Finance Chairman of the Coalition for a Conservative Majority - a
Posted by Drew Mercy
08/22/2008 11:11 PM
2 Comment(s)
The City of Fontana has announced its endorsement of Proposition 6-the Safe Neighborhoods Act. Proposition 6 is co-authored by San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Sen. George Runner, who represents the high desert of San Bernardino County. Proposition 6 has strong support from Inland Empire leaders and communities, including: San Bernardino County Board of SupervisorsSan Bernardino County Sheriff Gary PenrodSan Bernardino County Safety Employees' Benefit AssociationSenator Bob DuttonAssemblyman Kevin Jeffries, of RiversideRiverside County Sheriff Stan SniffRiverside County District Attorney Rod PacheoRiverside Sheriff AssociationChief of Police Paul Cooper, City of ClaremontChief of Police Joe Romero, Jr., City of PomonaPolice Chief Stan Stewart, City of ChinoChief of Police Mark Wright, City of MurrietaChief of Police Rodney Jones, City of Fontana
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/22/2008 3:50 PM
0 Comment(s)
Drudge is reporting that Obama has picked Bayh for his running mate... FLASH: Fri Aug 22 2008 17:52:03 ET /// KMBC's Micheal Mahoney reports a company in Kansas City, which specializes in political literature, has been printing Obama-Bayh material... MORE... Gill Studios, would not confirm information about the material. They would not deny it either. At least three sources close to the plant's operations reported the Obama-Bayh material was being produced...
Posted by Editorial Staff
08/22/2008 1:01 PM
0 Comment(s)
As the 2008 election draws near and campaigns shift back into gear following their summer vacations, we are pleased to announce the inaugural Red County Voter Guide. Attention candidates, campaign managers, and political consultants...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Argie FrudakisE-Mail: info@redcountyvoterguide.com Phone: 714-368-0406 x206 Red County has emerged as a leader in California politics in the online political debate. With eight of the most closely watched political blogs in California, Red County has quickly become a powerful political brand. The magazine has featured editorial contributions from Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved, Victor Davis Hanson, and Dennis Prager and includes a stable of over 150 writers from the ranks of California's most influential political insiders.Today we are extending that brand and launching the 2008 Red County Voter Guide (www.redcountyvoterguide.com). It will serve as California's only statewide slate that combines the proven results of direct mail with exposure on one of the state's most influential political blogs.By combining the proven effectiveness of direct mail
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/21/2008 1:50 PM
0 Comment(s)
This letter was put up on Steve Lambert's Blog- who is the Editor of the Sun.Apparently, he recieved the letter from Jack Brown, the CEO of Stater Brothers. It was very nice of Mr. Brown to write this letter on behalf of the many of us whom agree. While there has been much corruption and controversy lately with a select few County individuals, their behavior and ethics do not reflect the rest of the County employees. It's unfortunate how the recent scandals bring about negative connotations of our County and its' dedicated employees because of the wrongdoings of a few. Here's Mr. Brown's letter: I am the son of a former San Bernardino County worker. My father spent his entire adult life serving the citizens of San Bernarino County for over 27 years until his untimely death.He was so honored to serve the Citizens of San Bernardino County as chief deputy sheriff and proud to work for the citizens of the county.But I am very
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/20/2008 11:27 PM
0 Comment(s)
There are rumors swirling around the blogosphere that there might be another unidentified female captured on film at a San Bernardino Parks and Recreation Center.The details are sketchy at this point, but that is the rumor. When more details emerge, I will let you know. I will leave you with Duran Duran's "Girls on Film" in the meantime.
Posted by Asm. Paul Cook
08/20/2008 11:25 PM
4 Comment(s)
"You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but only for a limited period of time. Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we're not bound by the same limitation? We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding - we are going to begin to act, beginning today."First Inaugural Address by Ronald ReaganWashington D.C. - January 20th 1981As the state budget becomes 50 days past due, it is no surprise that pressure is building in some quarters to adopt a budget that doesn't meet our long-term needs and continues to rely on "quick fix" schemes that actually deepen our structural deficit. Any Californian can describe to you the folly of paying off one credit card with another--yet surprisingly that is exactly what some of my colleagues are beginning to talk about. State government excels at short-term borrowing. We know how to "borrow" from our own special
Posted by Drew Mercy
08/20/2008 4:50 PM
0 Comment(s)
As Election Day approaches, endorsements from law enforcement continue to pour in for Prop 6, the Safe Neighborhoods Act. In fact, Prop 6 has the support of every California sheriff - from San Diego County to Del Norte County. In the most recent op-ed published by the Modesto Bee last week, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said: "Whether California faces good or challenging economic times, we must always make public safety our number one priority. If our streets, parks and schools aren't safe from gang violence and other crimes, then nothing else really matters." The opinions and endorsements from sheriffs - and from police chiefs, district attorneys, chief probation officers and from rank-and-file cops - is something that will resonate with voters who share the belief that providing safe neighborhoods is government's number one priority. What won't resonate are the opinions of those who run the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, a left wing, out-of-touch think tank that seems
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/20/2008 1:30 PM
3 Comment(s)
I was just watching Fox News and came across this extremely powerful and beautifully crafted ad entitled To Our Leaders: SAVE US- Give Us 100% Clean Energy in 10 Years. I strongly encourage you all to watch it. It's put on by an organization called WE. The We Campaign is a non-profit, non-partisan effort and is a project of the the Alliance for Climate Protection. Regardless of one's stance on environmental issues and protection, it is safe to say something must be done to address the current gasoline prices.
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/19/2008 11:15 PM
1 Comment(s)
From the Sun: All five members of the Board of Supervisors have taken and passed drug tests in the past five days. In an e-mail, county spokesman David Wert said each supervisor volunteered to take a drug test, and each test came back showing no presence of drugs.
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/19/2008 10:57 PM
7 Comment(s)
Per all the comments and e-mails I recieve about earmarks, I thought what could be better to post than this article below from the PE. Now, I know not all conservatives are on the same page in their opinions of earmarking. Regardless, it is safe to say there is a huge difference between the responsible allocation of federal funds to congressional districts and the bridge to nowhere. It is even safer to say that Congressman Lewis will be winning his re-election in November. Eleven years ago -- during a previous epidemic of home foreclosures -- Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, returned to his boyhood neighborhood near San Bernardino High School and was disturbed to see vacant, boarded-up homes.Back in Washington, he pondered what could be done to reverse the decline.Doing laps in the Congressional pool one day, he had an idea: Use federal dollars to buy up abandoned homes, refurbish them and sell them to low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers.Owner-occupancy would stabilize
Posted by SB Pietas
08/19/2008 12:07 AM
0 Comment(s)
Lauren McSherry has penned a story for today's edition of the San Bernardino Sun. You can see the results of Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public Administrator Larsen's drug test in a Red County posting below.Elected officials voluntarily drug testedLauren McSherry, Staff WriterArticle Launched: 08/18/2008 08:57:51 PM PDTAt least two elected officials in San Bernardino County have voluntarily undergone drug testing after the revelation that Assessor Bill Postmus is addicted to methamphetamine.Supervisor Josie Gonzales and Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public Administrator Dick Larsen announced Monday that they were recently drug tested. Larsen passed the test while Gonzales has yet to get her results.Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and Board of Supervisors Chairman Paul Biane plan to get tested this morning.Supervisor-elect Neil Derry and Supervisor Gary Ovitt have said they are willing to be drug tested.Mitzelfelt supports the idea of drug testing for elected officials, but is troubled by issues of constitutionality and enforceability. One issue of concern is the county has no recourse available to remove an elected official
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/18/2008 8:41 PM
0 Comment(s)
As a result of last week's events, Mr. Larsen voluntarily submitted to and passed a drug test.Residents of San Bernardino County should applaud his leadership on this issue and his push for more accountability from our elected officials. Here's the press release from his office, including his test results: TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR DICK LARSEN VOLUNTARILY TAKES - AND PASSES - DRUG TESTSan Bernardino, CA, August 18, 2008 -- My proposal to implement mandatory random drug testing for exempt County employees continues to receive strong support from the community.I would like to thank Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Supervisor-elect Neil Derry for voicing support for voluntary testing as an alternative."Last Saturday I showed up at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to take a voluntary drug test. The procedure is covered by health insurance, it's painless, takes about five minutes, and the results are quick. I am proudly drug free (results attached)," stated Larsen.As the County organization grapples with a longer term formalized
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/18/2008 5:53 PM
2 Comment(s)
I received an email from the Grassfire.Org Alliance- a conservative grassroots organization. I thought I would share it with everybody here as it pertains to the drama that is currently happening on the House floor regarding the ban on offshore drilling.I posted a few weeks ago about Congressman Lewis being upset with the Appropriations Chair for delaying the 12 major spending bills because the Chair knew the Republicans had enough votes to repeal the ban on offshore drilling. As I have mentioned before, President Bush already did so as well- but Congress must repeal the ban as well. I was actually in DC at the time, but was unable to find time to sneak away to the House floor and experience these happenings firsthand. The Republican Congressmen, along with their staff and fellow "protesters", stayed and demanded that Congress vote on this. Of course, House Speaker Pelosi had all of the mics and recordings off so the American public would be unaware of what
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/18/2008 1:38 PM
4 Comment(s)
According to George Watson over at the Sun, the Dems have taken over the City of Highland: County Democrats say they have turned Highland blue. There are now 8,595 registered Democrats in Highland, opposed to 8,588 registered Republicans, according to a press release from the county Democratic party. It's the first time Democrats have outnumbered Republicans in Highland in eight years. County figures are also changing, as the number of registered Democrats is growing. Two years ago, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 38,000. That figure has fallen to 496, the release states. Obviously, this isn't good news for the GOP...
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/18/2008 10:10 AM
0 Comment(s)
Andrew Edwards of the San Bernardino Sun is reporting that City Councilwoman Esther Estrada is serious about exercising the City Council's subpoena powers in order to get to the bottom of this scandal.Good for her!Councilwoman Estrada is the ideal leader to demand accountability and transparency. She is not a detractor of the mayor and she is the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization and is intimately familiar with the transparency and accountability such organizations are required to meet. Her quest to demand answers helps to make this less of a political circus and more of a sincere inquiry and fact finding mission.My only concern is that to date, her request is too narrow in focus. As the time that Andrew Edwards was working this story, another aspect of the Operation Phoenix molestation scandal was developing. It was recently discovered that San Bernardino Police Department investigators waited over five weeks before interviewing key witnesses. These witnesses were city employees engaged in
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/16/2008 5:54 PM
0 Comment(s)
The Operation Phoenix molestation scandal is getting more and more shocking with each passing day. A couple of days ago, we learned via Robert Rogers on the SB Now blog that it took SBPD investigators five weeks to investigate at least one former city employee about a pornographic photo shoot at one of the city's recreation centers.Given that this is an ongoing investigation into alleged child molestation, one would think that investigators would immediately question any and all individuals depicted in pornographic pictures at a city owned center with an unidentified female of an undetermined age on a camera in the possession of the alleged molester!I mean, one would think. It is clear based on today's article that investigators were concerned enough about the female's age that they asked the terminated employee to provide proof of the woman's age. This is shocking. We know that there were enough concerns to warrant verification of age, yet, investigators took five weeks to
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/16/2008 5:38 PM
0 Comment(s)
An article in the San Bernardino Sun today brings to light the suspension of Sgt. Steve Lowes, a longtime critic of Chief Billdt.The matter appears to be tangentially related to the scandal involving Sgt. Brad Lawrence, who has allegedly engaged in acts that have violated the civil rights of suspects. Lawrence was placed on leave recently, nearly a full month after initial allegations surfaced. It should be noted that Steve Lowes is in the middle of a legal battle with Chief Billdt.Although the article is mostly cryptic, it notes that there are some concerns that members of the department are held to different standards. Sgt. Rich Lawhead, President of the San Bernardino Police Officers' Association, comments: "It appears there is a double standard."Lawhead is specifically referring to how quickly Lowes was put on leave following some sort of alleged violation, while Lawrence was alleged to have engaged in misconduct and was never put on leave. In fact, according to City
Posted by Jessica Austin
08/15/2008 11:58 PM
0 Comment(s)
Below is the letter Dick Larsen wrote in response to Chairman Biane's statements Friday regarding random mandatory drug testing for elected officials and other exempt employees. Red County San Bernardino is pleased to be first in making this available for viewing to the general public. Per his response, Mr. Larsen is suggesting that the County work with the California State Legislature in overturning Loder vs. the City of Glendale to allow random mandatory drug testing for currently "exempt" employees: August 15, 2008Paul Biane Chairman, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors385 N. Arrowhead 5th FloorSan Bernardino, CA 92415Dear Chairman Biane,Thank you for your prompt response to my proposal for mandatory random drug testing for all exempt County employees. It is encouraging that you also desire a drug free workplace as a way to foster the public's trust. When I suggested that the Board adopt this policy, I did so with no particular public official in mind. As I stated in my
Posted by Joseph Turner
08/15/2008 12:29 PM
1 Comment(s)
The Operation Phoenix molestation scandal is once again reaching a full boil with new revelations that a key witness wasn't interviewed by authorities for five weeks despite being identified in pornographic pictures taken in a city parks recreation center with an unidentified female of unknown age.When queried by San Bernardino Sun reporter Robert Rogers, Lt. Scott Paterson issued your typical "no comment" comment, before launching into a tirade in defense of Chief Mike Billdt and railing against "cowards" throwing "stones in the dark".Putting aside the deification of Chief Billdt with the effusive praise that is so over the top one is left to ponder if Paterson was able to keep a straight face in the process, Lt. Scott Paterson conveniently fails to disclose the fact that he is the lieutenant overseeing the Operation Phoenix investigation.It is my understanding that Lt. Paterson is also looking to be promoted to captain and may have already tested for the position or be in
