The developments in the Operation Phoenix molestation scandal have come to light at a blistering pace with the depth and breadth of the mismanagement growing ever more shocking.

What many initially hoped was an isolated incident involving one person within Operation Phoenix engaging in unspeakable and digusting acts (allegedly) with a minor has morphed into something else entirely.  We know that there was a systemic breakdown within the program with regards to Operation Phoenix employees giving rides to kids.  This was a blatant violation of protocol and yet, it was widespread.  We are also aware of the fact that Mike Miller and others, engaged in sophomoric "BB gun" drive-by shenanigans.

The most egregious revelation to date:  Glenn Baude and Kevin Hawkins were aware of the allegations of molestation against Mike Miller a full four days before the San Bernardino Police Department was informed!

It was in this context that Mayor Morris, Jim Morris and Kent Paxton visited the San Bernardino Sun and Editor Steve Lambert to discuss the matter.  One can only imagine how disgusted Mr. Lambert must feel about these developments given his steadfast support for the program since its inception.  And frankly, given the blatant neglect and mismanagement of this program, I wouldn't be surprised if Lambert feels a little betrayed. 

Frankly, upon reading of the account, I am underwhelmed.  The program is essentially two years old, yet Jim Morris acknowledged that there was lack of "clarity" with respect to chain of command delineation.  This is a baffling revelation. 

Operation Phoenix is the lynchpin of the Morris administration.  I am not going to say that all their eggs are in one basket, but the lion share of those eggs is represented by Operation Phoenix.  How could something as basic and foundational as chain of command have issues of clarity?

Mayor Morris then tries to schlep some of the blame off onto the funding issues pertaining to the Parks & Recreation Department.  To be fair, Parks & Recreation have been brutalized over the years with respect to funding.  That is a given.  However, it borders on insultingly insincere when Morris suggests that this is connected to the inability to locate written policies on how employees should handle suspected molestation cases?

This is preposterous!

But, it gets worse.  Mayor Morris communicates is shock and horror about the email exchange between Baude and Hawkins whereby the allegations of molestation are revealed June 27th.  Morris professes that he first learned of these emails on Thursday, June 17th.

I want to take him at his word.  But if this is the case, I find it troubling that Mayor Morris would state the following: 

 

As for potential discipline of top officials, the mayor, a former judge, said he wants the investigation to run its course.

It would be wrong, he said, to punish the managers who were charged with Miller's supervision without waiting for all the evidence.

"I can't go out and start hanging people," he said.

Huh?  He had at least three underlings aware of the allegations of molestation on June 27th and he was never informed about these emails.  Isn't that grounds for some sort of punishment?

The emails show that Mike Miller was known to have been involved in the "BB gun" battles and yet he was never disciplined in any way by Hawkins or Baude.  Isn't that grounds for Mayor Morris to punish Baude or Hawkins?

I am all for using judgment and waiting for the facts to come out, but do you need to wait for 10 facts to be revealed, when one alone is worthy of a response?

Those are some of the things that left me with a sour taste in my mouth.  Now, let me address a couple of items that merit praise.  From the very little I know of Kent Paxton (and I do know there are some critics out there), he seems to be well suited for trying to fix this program.  It is probably too little too late, but I give the Mayor credit for shaking up the leadership of this program. 

Moreover, I give the Mayor credit for visiting the San Bernardio Sun and meeting with Lambert and the journalists covering the story.  It had to have been an incredibly awkward and difficult time for all parties involved.