HOW FUNNY

Berry said earlier that he had received an anonymous letter claiming that the sheriff's report was made public by Margie Miller, publisher of the Grand Terrace City News weekly newspaper and wife of Councilman Jim Miller. Margie Miller denied leaking the document.

Steve Berry and others on the City Council including Bea, Maryetta, and Lee Ann have stated in public that Anonymous Writers have no Credibility... Well, this blog has been tasked to support comments and opinions with Documents in order to keep the Citizens Safe from the Heavy Handed Retributions from the ilk of Steve Berry. This blog backs up it Anonymous Reports with Documents or Second and Third sources and have the extensive records open to all to read and rebut. But when he deeds a decoy/distraction from his disgrace he fingers Miller with no proof other than a letter a week ago. Well what motivated his anti Miller actions before a week ago?

So lets see that Anonymous Letter... and make a list of all the people who would have written it to you including Bea Cortez as the first on the list of possible writers. She was right there wagging her finger at the San Bernardino County Sentinel for their initial reporting of the Felony Investigation on Berry that was Quashed by Schwab. So Berry should ask who benefits by pointing the finger at the Millers? That would be none other than the Tom Schwab, The Criminal, The Sheriffs that Investigated the case, and the City Attorney himself. Like Tom Said the list is long as to who would do it. The question is who had the file.

It is not likely Jim Miller had it if none of the other Council Members had it. So that should narrow down the Real Leak. But Berry didn't care about that, he had a desire to keep the story out of the local press. Even after it was published in 3 other papers, he could not stand the idea that the Council may read it in the The Sun and The Press and the GTCN

Remember in the report that the Press published pages of Berry stated he falsified the documents. That alone is a crime of the Felony type. The evidence of the Embezzlement may be complicated but clearly Berry let the Convict bill the city for more material than could be used at the city and let others do the labor the Convict was to to as his work release conditions... Payment can in fact be made in Materials rather than money. Like a Cheep Car from the City as an example.

Yes Readers Steve Berry did email and post to this blog during the first year. He went so far as to get an out of the city email address after the blog was blocked from the city server. He then was told to stop reading and emailing the blog... and contact was limited to his reading from his aol server.

Closed Door Meeting: Don't Spill the Beans...

Apparaently there are more Beans to be spilled in Grand Terrace. It is time for some one to open the doors to the behind door meetings.


Grand Terrace to search beyond City Hall for a new manager

10:54 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 15, 2009
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHIThe Press-Enterprise
GRAND TERRACE - Acting City Manager Steve Berry will not be the city's permanent manager, council members have decided.
After a 3½-hour closed-door session, the City Council voted late Tuesday to let Berry stay as acting city manager until the council hires a permanent city manager. The field of candidates for permanent city manager, to be chosen sometime after mid-August, will be limited to those who do not work for the city.

The council vote was 4-0, with Councilwoman Bea Cortes abstaining.

A part of his performance review Tuesday, some council members had said earlier, was to discuss a recently disclosed San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department report from 2003 that alleged Berry was involved in embezzlement and fraud seven years ago. He allowed a county jail work release inmate to install protective window tinting at several city buildings.

Council members declined Wednesday to discuss details of the closed-door meeting.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said Wednesday that she voted with the majority "because I thought it was the right thing to do."

"We believe it is in the best interest of the city to limit the recruitment to outside candidates only to give a fresh perspective to the organization," she said.

Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said "there was a lot of discussion" at the meeting and "we were all put on notice ... that this is a closed session and woe be unto anybody who spills the beans."

During the public portion of Tuesday's meeting, Berry spoke of his accomplishments as acting city manager over the past 13 months.

"The last year has been a very trying year for all of us," he said.

Berry said he helped the city celebrate its 30th anniversary, open a senior center, work on a new shopping center and balance the city budget.
He said he had served the city eight years and asked for an opportunity to "move this city forward."

The sheriff's investigation suggested that Berry had the windows of his car tinted at the city's expense.

Berry has contended that while the city paid for more materials than were needed to tint the windows of the city buildings, he obtained more than $700 in refunds when he found out about it. He and the work release inmate, John David Carranza, denied to sheriff's investigators that Berry had Carranza tint his car windows and said the work was done by another man who worked for Carranza.

Berry said he paid for the car window tinting out of his own pocket.

Berry, who was accused of falsifying time cards indicating when the inmate worked, said some of the work was done on evenings and weekends and that he believed the time was being put in because the work was getting done.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the original crime report was turned over to the city.

Then-City Manager Tom Schwab acknowledged last week that he had quashed the investigation to save the city embarrassment and took no disciplinary action against Berry.

Berry was the assistant city manager at the time and has been acting city manager since Schwab suffered a medical problem in June 2008 and went on leave. The two vied briefly for appointment as the city's permanent city manager before the City Council decided earlier this year to open the recruitment to all comers.

Schwab has since retired. At Berry's suggestion, the council voted to eliminate the assistant city manager's position as a cost-saving measure.

The criminal allegations, which surfaced as Berry was a candidate for the permanent job, have spawned debate in the once-sleepy town of 12,500 people. Some council members have complained that they were not told about the window-tinting incident.

Berry said earlier that he had received an anonymous letter claiming that the sheriff's report was made public by Margie Miller, publisher of the Grand Terrace City News weekly newspaper and wife of Councilman Jim Miller. Margie Miller denied leaking the document.

Miller's newspaper had been publishing legal advertising for the city, but the practice was halted, Margie Miller said, when Berry sent a letter in September saying it was improper to do so as long as Jim Miller is a councilman.

District attorney's investigators arrested Jim Miller on Wednesday on a warrant charging him with felony conflict of interest in connection with his votes to approve payments to the newspaper over a two-year period.
RELATED
Grand Terrace city councilman arrested
Grand Terrace to search beyond City Hall for a new manager

Berry and "Another Council Member" Pushed Miller Arrest

When you read the Cort Documents Note the Inital Report was filed long ago, but the Interviews all took place 4/09 not 10/08 when the case was refered for investigation. Interviews and charges within 3 months, and Steve Berry has yet to be charged?

If the links below go dead, please email GrandTerraceNews@yahoo.com and a request for a file and it will be sent to you. Please try the links below first... Thanks Gramps..

Grand Terrace city councilman arrested


10:55 PM PDT on Wednesday, July 15, 2009
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHIThe Press-Enterprise

PDF: Read prosecutors' news release on the arrest of Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller
PDF: Read the criminal complaint against Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller
PDF: Read a city letter to Councilman Jim Miller about alleged conflict of interest
PDF: Read court documents in the case against Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller

Grand Terrace City Councilman Jim Miller was arrested Wednesday and charged with felony conflict of interest stemming from his votes to place the city's legal advertisements in his wife's community newspaper.

His wife, Grand Terrace City News publisher Margie Miller, posted his $25,000 bail and he was released from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Central Detention Center shortly after 2 p.m.
Jim Miller did not acknowledge reporters' questions as he left the jail, and his wife declined to comment. Jim Miller did not return a phone message left on his cell phone.

The arrest came just hours after Jim Miller attended a Tuesday night City Council meeting and voted on the fate of embattled Acting City Manager Steve Berry, who was accused by the Sheriff's Department seven years ago of embezzlement and fraud in connection with the tinting of windows at city buildings by a jail work release inmate.
Story continues below

Jim Miller was released after his wife posted bail.
"How did this perfect little quaint, quiet city turn into a cesspool?" Grand Terrace Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said by phone Wednesday. "Why is this going on? I'm at the end of my rope with it."
Stanckiewitz said he does not expect the council to press for a resignation from Jim Miller, who has served since 2004 and would face re-election in 2012.
"If it is a legal matter, that will need to be resolved" before Jim Miller's status on the council is addressed, Stanckiewitz said. "I think that's how our justice system works."

Prosecutor John Goritz said Jim Miller can keep his council seat while the case against him proceeds.

State law prohibits anyone convicted of conflict of interest charges from holding public office in California. The provision does not apply to those charged but not yet convicted, Goritz said.
Jim Miller faces a prison sentence of 16 months to three years if convicted.

The 61-year-old councilman has been placed on paid administrative leave from his job as a real estate services manager for San Bernardino County, said David Wert, a county spokesman. He said the county did so because the alleged offense is a felony and involves public malfeasance. Miller will be allowed to return to work if county personnel officials determine the arrest has no connection to his work for the county, Wert said.

The charges stem from payments the city made to the Grand Terrace City News, said Goritz, of the Public Integrity Unit in the San Bernardino County district attorney's office.
From Oct. 26, 2006, through Aug. 12, 2008, Goritz said, Jim Miller voted to approve routine items on the council's consent calendar authorizing payments to the newspaper for legal advertising. Goritz said the payments amounted to about $18,000.

Goritz said it is the act of voting on matters that could potentially generate financial benefit, not the dollar amount, that makes the offense a felony.

Margie Miller said last week that Grand Terrace City News was running legal ads for the city when she bought the publication in 2006.
She continued the practice until Berry sent Jim Miller a letter on Sept. 11, 2008, stating that he considered the practice a conflict of interest with Jim Miller serving as a councilman and had ordered city staff members to stop advertising in the newspaper.
Margie Miller said her staff was still receiving requests from the city to run ads, but stopped accepting them as soon as she received the letter.

In a statement filed by investigators to support the criminal complaint, Jim Miller was quoted as saying he did not think he had a conflict of interest because he did not own any part of his wife's business. In a financial disclosure statement filed Sept. 7, 2007, he stated that he owned less than 10 percent of the business' total worth.

Grand Terrace City Attorney John Harper said Wednesday that Jim Miller had contended until Tuesday that he had no personal interest in the newspaper.
"He said both indirectly and directly to me on many occasions that it is his belief that his wife owns the newspaper and that it is her separate property," Harper said.

Jim Miller told an investigator during a May 8 interview that "I didn't think I was doing anything wrong up to that time," referring to the time when the city informed him of the conflict. He said he had checked with Harper before his wife bought City News to determine if the purchase would pose a problem.

The investigator wrote that Jim Miller told him "the city attorney researched it and he came back and said, 'No, as long as it's her sole and separate property there shouldn't be a problem.' "
Jim Miller told the investigator the city dealt directly with his wife when doing business with the newspaper, according to the report.

"I really didn't think anything ... about the City News and the approving the contracts, or approving the vouchers, or doing anything was a real issue because it was between my wife, the company and the city," Jim Miller said, according to the report.

He told the investigator that he had not received conflict of interest training from the city and that he believed someone there would tell him if he was committing a violation. He later told the investigator that he now recognizes the problem.

"I essentially voted on approving payments to my wife's business," he told the investigator.
Harper said he did not know until August, a month before the practice was stopped, that Jim Miller was approving payments to his wife's newspaper for legal advertising.

The city attorney said he wouldn't have suspected a conflict existed "unless they disclose it to me. In fact, even today I don't know what the ownership interest is."
Harper said he was alerted to a potential conflict in August 2008, when Jim Miller referred at a council meeting to "my wife's newspaper."

Harper said he wrote a letter to Jim Miller outlining the legal ramifications of state conflict of interest and political reform laws. He said he did not address the potential City News conflict because he did not have enough facts.

Other case
Jim Miller's arrest came the morning after he and other council members took part in a lengthy closed-door discussion of Acting City Manager Berry's fate in a performance evaluation that was to include a discussion of allegations against Berry that recently came to light. A recently disclosed sheriff's report, written in 2003, accused Berry of wrongdoing in connection with the tinting of windows at several city buildings by a county jail work-release inmate.

After the private council session, Jim Miller voted with three other council members to allow Berry to continue as acting city manager until a permanent manager is hired, as early as next month.

The council decided not to consider Berry for the permanent job.

Some say that the leak of a sheriff's report alleging misconduct by Berry was connected to Berry's move to end the city's advertising in the paper. Margie Miller denied that she and her husband had anything to do with making the sheriff's report about Berry public.

Berry said last week that he received an anonymous letter accusing Margie Miller of leaking the sheriff's report to the media.

Stanckiewitz said he believes the complaint to the district attorney about Jim Miller was made by a fellow council member, but he would not say who. He said he believes it was an attempt to discredit Jim Miller before the council could decide Berry's fate, but came too late.

Staff writers Paul LaRocco and Leslie Parrilla contributed to this report.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
RELATED
Grand Terrace city councilman arrested
Grand Terrace to search beyond City Hall for a new manager

A Prediction about the Pending Miller Trial Outcome

The arrest of Councilman Miller is nothing more than a blatant retaliation from FORMER acting City Manager Steven Berry and Council member Bea Cortes for the printing of the story that outlined Mr. Berry's and former City Manager Tom Schwab's criminal acts. I am confident that the charges will be dropped against Mr. Miller once the evidence or lack thereof, is presented in court.

When the Judge is presented with the facts that the Millers contacted the D.A.'s office after Mr. Berry threatened Mr. Miller with a public arrest, and Mr. Berry's open case of embezzlement, because the case is still open. Just because Mr. Schwab admits to being able to coerce the Sheriff's Office into violating the oath they took to enforce the law does not mean Mr. Berry and Mr. Schwab may not still be prosecuted. When Mr. Schwab quashed the investigation all it did was suspend the report going to the D.A..

There is no statute of limitations on embezzling public funds, nor is there any statutes of limitation on concealment of the crimes one the concealment becomes known. So Mr. Berry's revenge will open a Pandora's box for all of those involved. Council members present and past. Mr. Harper will have to answer as to why he was derelict in his duties when he knew that it was a conflict of interest and did not advise Councilman Miller or any other of the council. Mr. Berry has bitten off more than he will ever be able to chew.

In all probably he will also be charged along with Mr. Schwab for the crimes and the concealment. He will in all probably along with Mr. Schwab and Mr. Harper be charged for setting up Mr. Miller when it is more than apparent they knew it was illegal for Mrs. Miller to print the ads, if it was illegal to do so.

Why does Bea Cortes "abstain" (a word I'm sure she would have difficulty spelling) from voting on the termination of Mr. Berry. It's not rocket science You have to be either very naive or just brick dumb not to see she is complicit in the charges filed against Mr. Miller. Ms. Cortes has on occasion stated that she has a " relationship" with someone in the D.A.'s office. After observing Mr. Miller and his being unafraid to stand up against Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry on so many occasions, when it was apparent they were not acting in the best interest of the community as a whole, but operating for the best interest of a few has made some enemies for the Millers.

So to your readers that are following this story, does not any one find it strange that the newspapers paper stories covering Mr. Millers arrest sound like they were dictated from City Hall. Mr. Miller was not given an opportunity to respond. I am glad he didn't. Mr. Berry, Mr. Schwab, Mr. Harper and any council members that conspired in this trumped up this case will be exposed in a court of law.

This, without any doubt, will come back to City Hall and expose the years of corruption that many have tried to bring to the citizens attention. The citizens will pay attention now. This will bring many people to the witness stand and be forced to testify in regards to the corruption at City Hall and their involvement. They will have Mr. Berry and Mr. Schwab to thank because Mr. Berry committed criminal acts. God bless the Millers. They are the victims here.

Tell the DA about Steve Berry Case They Never Saw

Public Integrity Unit San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael A. Ramos campaigned on the issue of restoring public integrity to San Bernardino County. Within the first four months after being elected, Mr. Ramos fulfilled his promise to the electorate and created the Public Integrity Unit.

The unit, which is comprised of two attorneys, three investigators and a secretary, handles complaints involving those people holding public office. Some types of issues might involve: The illegal use of campaign funds; residency violations; and, open meeting/Brown Act violations. The Unit will be responsible for monitoring City Councils, elected Boards and Commissions.
The Unit will take anonymous complaints and all complaints must be submitted in writing.

Please mail your complaint to:
Public Integrity UnitDistrict Attorney 316 N Mt View AveSan Bernardino, CA 92415-0004

Or click here to report a complaint via the Internet.

Or if they take no action:

Bureau of Investigation & Intelligence Attorney General's Office,
Division of Law Enforcement 1102 Q Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Headquarters Phone: (916) 319-9070 Fax: (916) 319-9433

Regional Office Contact Information:

Riverside Field Office Phone: (951) 782-4313 Fax: (951) 782-4383

Berry in the News Again...

Grand Terrace City Council eliminates Berry as city manager candidate
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/15/2009 04:31:55 PM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - After more than three hours of closed-door discussions, the City Council on Tuesday night decided that Steve Berry will remain as the acting city manager until the city concludes its recruitment for a permanent city manager.

Berry, however, will not be hired as the permanent city manager, the council said.

"The council believes it is in the best interest of the city to limit the recruitment to outside candidates only to give a fresh perspective to the organization," according to a motion approved by the council.

The motion passed 4-0, with Councilwoman Bea Cortes abstaining.

"I had difficulties with the motion," Cortes said Wednesday. "Therefore, I felt I couldn't make a decision. That's all I can say."

Other council members said they could not elaborate on the reasons for their decision because of legal issues related to employee confidentiality.

Allegations recently surfaced that Berry embezzled city funds and filed false records in connection with a window-tinting arrangement involving a county jail inmate in 2002, according to sheriff's reports.

The inmate, John Carranza, was doing landscaping work for the city as part of his work release.
Berry is suspected of having Carranza and employees from his window-tinting business tint the windows of city buildings and Berry's personal vehicle in 2002 for profit when Carranza was supposed to be performing community service.

Berry said Carranza did not profit from his work for the city and did not tint the windows of his car.

No criminal charges were filed against Berry and he was not disciplined at the time.

Former City Manager Tom Schwab said he chose not to discipline Berry, who was then assistant city manager, to avoid bringing embarrassment to the city.

Berry became acting city manager in June 2008 after Schwab was hospitalized with a brain injury.

Berry declined to comment on the council's decision to not consider him for the permanent city manager's job.

At Tuesday's meeting, he noted several accomplishments in the city over the past year, including the opening of the new senior housing complex and approval of a balanced budget.

"I've devoted the last eight years of my life to Grand Terrace," said Berry, who was hired as assistant city manager in 2001. "I look forward to the opportunity to move this city forward."

The city has received applications from nine candidates for the city manager's job, City Attorney John Harper said Tuesday. Applications are due Aug. 17. The council is expected to appoint a city manager in the fall.


The Reporter failed to add that Tom Schwab admitted that he asked the Sheriff not to give the report to the DA's Office as there was an election under way... he didn't want the scandal to bother the election or be an embarrassment. He obstructed a criminal investigation and then held this over the head of Berry for all these years. He allowed others to participate in the cover up as every person interviewed in the case should have brought the questions to the attention to the City Council Members but for some reason or under some pressure of some sort they neglected to do so... as every Council Member claims not to have been informed of the issue until it appeared in the Real News Papers the Sun and the Press.

Email Still Blocked at City Hall...

<http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bcortes@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?37Giving up on 216.70.138.202.
<http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jmiller@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?fgGiving up on 216.70.138.202.
<http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=lgarcia@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?92Giving up on 216.70.138.202.
<http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mferre@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?IKGiving up on 216.70.138.202.
<http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sberry@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?oqGiving up on 216.70.138.202.
<walt@cityofgrandterrace.org>:216.70.138.202 does not like recipient.Remote host said: 550 Blocked?EuGiving up on 216.70.138.202.

Control of Information is one method a Dictator keeps POWER... Did the individual Council Member request this communication be blocked? Let them know your thoughts about it..

WHAT NEXT FOR GT SCANDAL?

Jim Miller Never Hid or Stopped an Investigation. Quite the OPPOSITE

On the Other Hand
Steve Berry and Tom Schwab are involved in a Criminal Investigation that they both conspired to Hide from the Public, the City Council and not advance the case to the DA's Office.

Then in a failed effort Berry tried to continue to hide his own statements in that investigation where he admits to the crime of Knowingly Falsifying Official Records. In addition he admits to using Work Release Convict to do City Business in such a way that the Work Release Convict effectively was compensated with excessive materials and tools purchases. He also allowed others to do the work of the Work Convict.

Then Berry attempted to Force the Grand Terrace City News into not publishing the already released details of the Criminal Investigation for Felony Embezzlement and Falsification of Records. The Millers took the higher road, published the story and let chips fall where they may as they never denied they took the money for the ads, or that Jim Voted to Approve the payment for the services rendered by the GTCN. Neither of the Millers have hidden this case in fact or it being pending at the DA's Office. Steve Berry trying to use it to extort silence from the News Paper and or support for being hired as the City Manager is a much lower low... and a much bigger crime. Let's hope Justice has a Friend in the San Bernardino DA's Office or the FBI or some one with the proper authority to bring all the charges possible against Berry and his mentor Schwab.

IF the DA's Office does not Open A Criminal Case against Berry and Schwab, the Stench will attach to that office too.

Start Reading Here....

Grand Terrace city manager's status unresolved as council meets
Press-Enterprise - Darrell R. Santschi - ‎17 hours ago‎
GRAND TERRACE - The Grand Terrace City Council met in closed session late into the night Tuesday, discussing the conduct of acting ...
Berry won't become permanent Grand Terrace city manager San Bernardino Sun
all 3 news articles »
Email this story
Grand Terrace rocked by window-tinting scandal
Press-Enterprise - Darrell R. Santschi - ‎Jul 10, 2009‎
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department did not think it was such a good idea, suggesting in a report at the time that embezzlement and fraud may ...
Former Grand Terrace city manager admits he covered up embezzlement...
San Bernardino Sun - Joe Nelson - ‎Jun 30, 2009‎
GRAND TERRACE - Former City Manager Tom Schwab says he covered up a potential scandal in 2003 by quashing a criminal investigation against then assistant ...
Out with both city managers San Bernardino Sun
all 5 news articles »
Email this story
Grand Terrace City Council to discuss Berry's performance
San Bernardino Sun - Stephen Wall - ‎Jul 5, 2009‎
Berry was suspected of embezzling city money and filing false records in 2002, when he was assistant city manager, according to sheriff's reports. ...
Blog: City Managers Names in the News
PublicCEO.com - James Spencer - ‎Jul 8, 2009‎
Anderson Valley Post The Grand Terrace City Council will have a closed-door meeting in late July to discuss the job performance of Acting City Manager Steve ...
Many thanks
San Bernardino Sun - ‎Jul 7, 2009‎
Former Grand Terrace city manager Tom Schwab says he quashed an investigation of acting city manager Steve Berry because, "We have never had even one hint ...

Steve Berry Arranged to Have Diversion

Steve Berry had the Arrest of Jim Miller be a booking not just a simple service of a warrant to appear. He said he would do it and he did. He threatened this action in retaliation for the Grand Terrace City News running the article about his (Berry's Covered Up, Criminal Investigation for Felony Embezzlement and Falsification of Official Records).

Steve Berry had to wait for Jim and Margie Miller to come back from Vacation, and they were well aware of Berry's Promised retribution. He made a public statement that he would have Miller arrested and in public and humiliated. He went on to say, "I can do it too, I have friends in the DA's Office".

Well, Jim Miller and Margie Miller never hid from the question of there being a conflict. There was no need for the Show as they awaited the DA's Findings and no doubt they will resolve the matter as directed by a Court, not by the whim of Political Extrusions Pressure or under the thumb of Steve Berry or Tom Schwab.

Remember all things brought to the Council for Approval do so with the Staff Recommendation for the Council to Approve. Berry and Schwab lead the Millers down this path and so they too should be held accountable for the conflict of interest taking place. In addition to then use it as a means of Extortion or Coercion should be a much more serious crime. What have the other Council Members been subjected to over the years. What threats have been made against them, and for what?

Grand Terrace man arrested for father's slaying
By Stacia Glenn
Posted: 07/15/2009 04:09:12 PM PDT

A son of the Grand Terrace man stabbed to death behind his mobile home earlier this week was arrested today outside of a behavioral health unit, authorities said.

Thomas Harker Jr., 28, is being booked at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of murder. He has not yet been charged.

He is accused of killing his father, 63-year-old Thomas Harker, behind his Grand Royal Estates mobile home on Newport Avenue. A park manager and maintenance man on Monday morning found Harker's body, which suffered several stab wounds to his neck and upper body.

The younger Harker had been living with his father.

Detectives said the father and son argued, but declined to discuss a motive.

Sgt. Frank Montanez said he could not comment on where Harker Jr. has been for the past three days or why he was arrested outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center's behavioral ward unit.
"It's really a tragedy," he said. "The dad seemed like a really nice guy."

Neighbors said Harker was a quiet, polite man who kept mostly to himself. He was often seen sitting on his front steps, smoking a cigarette and talking on the telephone.

Detectives recovered the murder weapon - a folding knife - at the scene.
This is the bedroom community's first homicide since 1991.

No One Forget: This is the House Schwab Built

Don't forget all this can be tied back to the Management Style and Effectiveness of Tom Schwab...

We now know that the City Managers have controlled and stopped Criminal Investigations that they claim to have Power to Influence the actions of the DA's Office on who does get Charged with a Crime. This is not the fair application of the law that one should expect in the USA... Perhaps Sadam Hussain wrote a book on how to run a city.

Mayor Ferry's Conflict of Interest.

The City of Grand Terrace buys water from the Water Company where her Husband is on the Board of Directors and receives financial reward for his service, including stipends and access to a free gym. Her son is the lawyer for the Water Company. Monthly payments for utilities are routinely approved by Mayor Ferre thus she has a conflict of interest issue for all the years she has been on the Council.

Question from the Email InBox:

Question: Who paid for Schwab's going away party?

On Monday, GT residents could not find certain city office staff to help them.
City office staff were planning a party for Schwab for that night.
Supposedly 200 people attended. Tax payers money????

Certain people were hand picked to attend.
Did the residents of GT paid for the planning and party, that most did not know about and were excluded from.

Tom's party was held at the Senior Center. Were Room Rental Fees Paid? Event Insurance Provided? What was served and did Steve Berry take home the left overs?

Also, how can people be shocked?Where were they when the city and council and Jacobson were going after the properties on Barton Rd.?

Steve Berry Boasted He'd Have Miller Arrested.

Well we see that Steve Berry's Boast he'd have Jim Miller Arrested came to fruition. Jim and Margie Miller should be proud of their not yeilding to the Threats and Actions of Steve Berry and his ilk.

The court is the right place to resolve the issue of was there a conflict of interest and did it raise to a intentional violation, a criminal act, or a an entrapment as the Adds were placed by City Management and they being the professionas and the Staff Recommendations, and they continuing a past practice of placing adds in the only truly local news paper. If this is a conflict of interest then it is time to clean house.

Terra Loma Real Estate has an associate named Bea Cortez. Terra Loma Real Estate does business with the City of Grand Terrace, Bea Cortez has voted for these transaction and the continued business relationships. She also combines her Council work with her professional adds. Is this why she Abstained did Steve Berry threaten her with arrest? Or is there some other personal reason for her non vote?

JIM MILLER ARRESTED

LA Times:
Inland Empire Official Arrested in Alleged Business Conflict of Interest

11:53 AM July 15, 2009

A city councilman in San Bernardino County was arrested this morning for allegedly using his position and influence to benefit a business he operated with his wife, officials said today.
The arrest warrant for Grand Terrace City Councilman Jim Miller was for "conflict of interest," and his bail was set at $25,000, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County district attorney's office.

"The allegations are that, over the last two years, Councilman Miller repeatedly voted for city expenditures that benefited a newspaper and printing business operated by Miller and his wife," the statement read.

Miller was first elected to the Grand Terrace City Council in 2004 and was reelected in 2008, according to the city's website. Miller also is an official with the county real estate services department. He could not immediately be reached for comment.
The city of about 12,500 people is about eight miles south of San Bernardino.
-- Ari B. Bloomekatz
Photo: Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller. Credit: City of Grand Terrace website.

Papers Finding it News to Report on the Jim Miller Arrest.

Inland Empire official arrested in alleged business conflict of ...
Los Angeles Times - ‎1 hour ago‎
A city councilman in San Bernardino County was arrested this morning for allegedly using his position and influence to benefit a business he operated with ...
Grand Terrace councilman arrested
San Bernardino Sun - ‎1 hour ago‎
By Stacia Glenn Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller was arrested today on conflict of interest charges that he voted on city business over the past two ...
Grand Terrace Councilmember Arrested
Victorville Daily Press - ‎1 hour ago‎
GRAND TERRACE • Investigators from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Public Integrity Unit arrested Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller on a ...
Grand Terrace councilman arrested
Press-Enterprise - ‎2 hours ago‎
San Bernardino County District Attorney's investigators have arrested Grand Terrace City Councilman Jim Miller on felony conflict of interest charges. ...
Grand Terrace councilman arrested
Inland Empire News - ‎2 hours ago‎
GRAND TERRACE – City Councilman Jim Miller is in legal trouble over a conflict-of-interest. Investigators from the District Attorney's office arrested ...
Inland Empire city councilman charged with felony conflict of interest
89.3 KPCC - ‎1 hour ago‎
Authorities in San Bernardino today charged a Grand Terrace councilman with felony conflict of interest. Investigators say Councilman Jim Miller voted for ...


Grand Terrace councilman arrested
Press Enterpirze

11:06 AM PDT on Wednesday, July 15, 2009
PDF: Read prosecutors' news release on the arrest of Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller
PDF: Read the criminal complaint against Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller
San Bernardino County District Attorney's investigators have arrested Grand Terrace City Councilman Jim Miller on felony conflict of interest charges.
Miller, whose wife, Margie, publishes the weekly newspaper Grand Terrace City News, is accused of voting over the past two years to spend city money paid to the newspaper.
Margie Miller acknowledged in an interview last week that the newspaper was publishing legal advertising for the city when she bought the newspaper in 2006. That practice continued until Acting City Manager Steve Berry sent the Millers a letter last September telling them that he considered the practice improper as long as Miller served as a councilman. She said she stopped accepting the ads at that time.
Miller was booked today into the Sheriff's Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on a warrant issued by Judge Annemarie Pace. His bail has been set at $25,000.
--Darrell R. Santschi
dsantschi@PE.com
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SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
SAN BERNARDINO DISTRICT THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
Plaintiff
vs.
James Thomas Miller
Defendant
)
COURT CASE NO
FELONY COMPLAINT
DA CASE NO 2009-00-0039284

The undersigned is informed and believes that:

COUNT 1

On or about October 26, 2006 through August 12, 2008, in the above named judicial district, the crime of CONFLICT OF INTEREST, in violation of GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 1090, a felony, was committed by James Thomas Miller, who did, while a member of the City of Grand Terrace City Council, knowingly and willingly, become financially interested in a contract made by him in his official capacity, and by a body and board of which the defendant was a member.
*****
* * * * *
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT AND DEFENDANT’S ATTORNEY
Pursuant to Penal Code Sections 1054.5.(b), the People are hereby informally requesting that defense counsel provide discovery to the People as required by Penal Code Section 1054.3.
NOTICE TO ATTORNEY

The materials accompanying this notice may include information about witnesses. If so, these materials are disclosed to you pursuant to Penal Code section 1054.2 which provides: "No attorney may disclose or permit to be disclosed to a defendant the address or telephone number of a victim or witness whose name is disclosed to the attorney pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 1054.1 unless specifically permitted to do so by the court after a hearing and a showing of good cause."

Page 1 Complaint DA CASE NO: 2009-00-0039284
I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT AND THAT THIS COMPLAINT CONSISTS OF 1 COUNT(S).

Executed at San Bernardino, California, on July 14, 2009.

WHY Did She Abstain?

The motion passed 4-0, with Councilmember Bea Cortes abstaining.

What is Council Member Bea Cortes's justification for abstaining on the Motion that effectively will remove Steve Berry from the employment of the City of Grand Terrace?

Was there insufficient time for her to grasp the issues disclosed in the Criminal Investigation Report?

Was there another reason? This puts her judgement in question. Or is it because she has a conflict of interest she has not disclosed?

Shouldn't a Council member abstaining from a vote have to state a reason for doing so?

The Real News Covers Closed Door Council Decision

Berry won't become permanent Grand Terrace city manager

By Stephen Wall

Sun Telegram
Posted: 07/15/2009 09:33:15 AM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - After more than three hours of closed-door discussions, the City Council on Tuesday night decided that Steve Berry will remain as the acting city manager until the city concludes its recruitment for a permanent city manager.

However, Berry will not be hired as the permanent city manager, the council decided.

"We believe that it is in the best interest of the city to limit the recruitment to outside candidates only to give a fresh perspective to the organization," according to a motion passed by the council.

The motion passed 4-0, with Councilwoman Bea Cortes abstaining.

The city has received applications from nine candidates for the city manager's job, City Attorney
John Harper said. Applications are due Aug. 17. The council is expected to appoint a city manager in the fall.

Berry was suspected of embezzling city funds and filing false records in connection with a window-tinting arrangement involving a work-release inmate in 2002, according to sheriff's reports.

No criminal charges were filed against Berry and he was not disciplined at the time.

Former City Manager Tom Schwab said he chose not to discipline Berry, who was then assistant city manager, to avoid bringing embarrassment to the city.

Berry became acting city manager in June 2008 after Schwab was hospitalized with a brain injury.

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Oh here we go. Let the News Papers Gloss over the Facts: Fact Charges were not made because Schwab squashed the investigation from being advanced to the DA's Office in a effort to aid Council Members during an election cycle. Schwab made public statements to this effect.

Steve Berry admitted to the investigator he falsified attendance records and submitted them as Official Government records.

Steve Berry allowed the excessive purchase of materials charged to the City of Grand Terrace. He nor any other of the City Employees in the purchasing of the material have been charged because Schwab squashed the investigation.

A Grand Jury should investigate and advanced indictments on the Sheriff Officers, Schwab, Berry, and all city employees in the Finance and Maintenance Department who knew of the deal and did not call a halt to the clear excessive materials purchase and thus a payment to the Work Release Criminal in the form of barter or materials.

The 25 page report also indicates the Work Release Criminal was getting credit for time by paying people to do the window tinting for him. This is an interesting transmutation of the Deal made between Berry and the Work Release Criminal.

There is more reporting to do on this story, and leaving Berry in charge one more day is an error in judgement on the part of the city council. Can't you just hear the paper shredders running?

From Email InBox: Steve Berry to Leave GT.

Steve Berry's Full Council Review resulted in the temporary continuance of his employment until a new City Manager is Hired. It is expected that his termination will be in September or October 2009. The Council determined he will not be considered as a potential City Manger in the pool of applicants.

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Now this leads us to question the wisdom of having a soon to be terminated individual linger in his position that long. Will Mr. Berry be removing property, files and shredding documents during that time? Let's hope the Grand Jury can act fast and put a stop to all file destruction until a full investigation of the city can be done.

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Great minds run in the same gutter. I was just thinking the same thing. It's like taking an alcoholic and locking him in a room full of booze and telling him not to drink. They had better start an audit right away. I wonder what his severance package is. The Escalade and ski boat?

More from the Email Inbox... on Berry

It may seem inconceivable that a majority of the Grand Terrace City Council would consider Steve Berry for any position in City employment. Look what has occurred when he had the oversight of City Manager Tom Schwab, that had to retire with a dark cloud over his integrity, what little there was to begin with. This City has become the laughing stock of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties due to Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry. I am confident Mr. Miller and Mr. Stanckiewitz are in favor of immediate termination. That would be the proper course of action to take. I am concerned about the other Council members, Ferre, Cortes and Garcia. If Mr. Berry's conduct is criminal in nature when he has oversight what may we expect if he is given the position of City Manager. Is Mayor Ferre or Garcia going to come to City Hall everyday and baby sit him. What do they think we can expect from Mr. Berry with no oversight. Will the Sheriff's Department just allow Mr. Berry to squash the investigations on himself. I would hope wisdom will prevail but have grave doubts from the three lady Councilmembers.

What should be done...

Addressing tonight's comments from the podium regarding Berry at the Council meeting.

The first speaker and Mr. Wilson were dead on. Mr. Berry should be fired. This is not the first time he has placed himself before his duties to the city.

Hartfords comments were just asinine, no surprise there.

McConnell and particularly Candy Bosner need to be answered. "Mr. Berry has done so many nice things for Grand Terrace. Here's a shocker for you. He gets paid $150,000 a year "to do nice things for Grand Terrace". It's his job. If another city offered him $160,000 a year, he'd go do nice things for that city.

"But, But, he's my friend. He goes to the same city functions I do". Morons. He gets paid to go. Everything he does for Grand Terrace is because he gets paid. He also got paid while working for a developer in Loma Linda while he was collecting his salary from Grand Terrace. That's a nice thing?

In the report from the Sheriff's Office and in three newspapers he and Schwab admitted to wrong doing, criminal wrong doing. The timing of Mrs. Ferre friend Candy Bosner comments after everyone else had spoken has to make one wonder what Ferre is doing allowing this.

Even if it is an agenda item. Bosners comments about Schwab's RDA house were correct. So where was she when it was going on or all these years he has had this RDA house. Now for her totally stupid remark about the Millers and the building they own, as if it is any of her business.

The Millers have a letter from the city attorney stating that there is no violation of the law for them to own that building. So Bosner was doing the bidding of Berry, slinging mud and hoping it sticks.

If memory serves Bosner thought she had a buyer for the building and the Millers offered more. Happens in business every day. The Miller building question had been settled a few years ago and in public, unlike what her friend Steve Berry and Tom Schwab tried to conceal.

What a display of absolute ignorance and immaturity. This is not about emotion. This is about right and wrong and consequences. Maybe she'd like to hire Berry as her accountant.

Berry brought this on himself. He thought he was getting something for nothing and he got a broken car window. His greed and selfness brought this all about. No one else in Grand Terrace caused this but Steve Berry, with a large spattering of Schwab stupidity. Schwab is gone with $170,000 of tax payers money. He should have been gone with nothing but a subpoena.

To say it should not be in the news... well that is not how America Works. The News Papers are to keep Government in Check. Here is an example of what NEWS PAPERS and FREEDOM OF THE PRESS is IMPORTANT... yep right here in Grand Terrace.

Thomas Charles Harker Identified as GT Homicide

Grand Terrace homicide victim identified
By Stacia Glenn
Created: 07/14/2009 01:54:54 PM PDT

A homicide victim whose body was found behind his Grand Terrace mobile home has been identified as 63-year-old Thomas Charles Harker.
San Bernardino County sheriff's Sgt. Frank Montanez said the man's relatives have been notified of his death.

Harker was found by the manager and a maintenance man for the Grand Royal Mobile Estates in the 22100 block of Newport Avenue about 9 a.m. Monday. He was stabbed to death. No has been arrested.

Harker's killing was the first in Grand Terrace since 1991.

July 14th Be at the City Hall at 6:00

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council will have a closed-door meeting Tuesday July 14th to discuss the job performance of Acting City ... Included in the topic is the Disclosure of the Embezzlement Charges, and Falsification of Government Records and the Conspiracy to Cover up the investigation and halt the criminal prosecution.

City Hall July 14th, 6:00 pm. Let them know how you feel about the public admissions made by both Berry and Schwab regarding their actions. The News Papers are not the bad guys here folks.... Who reported the facts is not important, The Facts are important and the admission of actions by both Berry and Schwab are sufficient complement to the reported information for their dismissal and a Grand Jury Investigation into both of them.

Good News For Grand Terrace:

Grand Terrace theater group hits stage
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/13/2009 02:49:19 PM PDT
Updated: 07/13/2009 03:01:11 PM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - Lori Williams got hooked on theater at a young age.
Musicals, Shakespeare, Broadway and dramas - she loved them all.

Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Williams has formed her own theater company called the Grand Terrace Community Players.
The group puts on its debut production, "Showcase Spectacular, a Musical Revue and More" Friday through Sunday at Terrace Hills Middle School.

The show includes a mix of Broadway hits and songs from movie musicals. All the songs either won or were nominated for Tony awards.

With the help of her older daughter and a five-member board of directors, Williams is trying to put Grand Terrace on the theatrical map.
"We've always gone all over the Inland Empire to see shows," said Williams, a Grand Terrace resident since 1986. "I thought it would be nice if we could get other people to come here for our shows."

Grand Terrace had community theater in the 1960s and '70s, but the group lost its building and stopped putting on performances.

Williams' troupe is hoping for a better fate.

The new group is seeking donations from businesses and art-minded people to offset the $3,000 cost of the production.
"It's a lot of hurdles," said Williams, a revenue supervisor for the Riverside County Fire Department. "There's a lot of costs I never realized when I started doing this."

Just to rent the school auditorium and pay for a janitor to clean up after the shows is $2,000, she said. Williams also paid a $300 fee for the group to apply for nonprofit status. Its application to become a nonprofit is pending.

Selling out the 275-seat multipurpose room would help defray the cost, she said.
"I'd like to break even on this," Williams said, "and if nothing else have a little bit for the next production."

The group plans to put on two Shakespeare romantic comedies, "Much Ado About Nothing" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," in the fall.

Her 21-year-old daughter, Bonnie Williams, is a theater major at Cal State San Bernardino and the group's artistic director. Her goal is to become a Broadway stage performer.
"Live theater is just an amazing experience," Bonnie Williams said. "It's such a big part of who I am."

She said theater teaches important life skills like teamwork and public speaking.
Her mother wants to help make the community stronger.
"If we can involve the Inland Empire in finding out how great Grand Terrace is, then we're the better for it," Lori Williams said.

'Showcase Spectacular, A Musical Revue and More!'
When: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Where: Terrace Hills Middle School Multipurpose Room, 22579 DeBerry St., Grand Terrace.
Cost: General admission is $10. Children under 12 are $5.
Information: (909) 783-0437

Homicide in GT...

First homicide in Grand Terrace in nearly two decades
Stacia Glenn, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/13/2009 06:15:25 PM PDT

GRAND TERRRACE - Park managers making their rounds Monday morning found a 63-year-old man slain behind his mobile home.

It is the first homicide the sleepy city of 12,500 has had in more than 20 years, officials said.

Coroner's officials have not yet identified the man, whom neighbors knew only as Tom.
Park manager John Haning and a maintenance man were doing monthly rounds to check on meters inside the Grand Royal Estates on Newport Avenue when they came across the body about 9 a.m.

Sheriff's detectives immediately cordoned off the victim's mobile home and began questioning neighbors and collecting evidence.

The county's chief medical examiner, Frank Sheridan, was called out to inspect the body.
Homicide Sgt. Frank Montanez declined to say how the man was killed. No arrests have been made and no motive has been established.

It is unclear exactly when the victim was killed.

Park managers and neighbors said the victim's son also lived in the mobile home. Detectives have been unable to find him.

Neighbors recalled Tom as a quiet, polite man who didn't go out much unless it was to his job. He was often seen sitting on his front steps smoking cigarettes.

Sabine Ooms, who has lived next door for seven years, said she saw Tom about 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

"He was sitting on the steps on the phone, smoking a cigarette," Ooms said. "That's what he did every night."

Neighbor Eliseo Franco, who moved his family here from Pomona two months ago, could only recall seeing the victim step outside to smoke from time to time.

"Other than that, he keeps to himself," Franco said.

He said he has seen a black Cadillac owned by a Latino man in his 30s parked outside the victim's house recently, but was unsure whether it belonged to the victim's son.

The only vehicle parked at the victim's home Monday was a tan Saturn.

On the three front steps were an empty glass with a cigarette stubbed out in it, a pack of GT-1 cigarettes and a white house telephone.

Acting City Manager Steve Berry said he was so stunned when he heard about the homicide that he drove out to the mobile home park.

"This is our first homicide in over 20 years," Berry said. "We are one of the safest cities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This was a shocker."

Sheriff's investigators said the last known homicide in Grand Terrace was a child abuse case in 1991. Records dating back farther than that were not immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's homicide Sgt. Frank Montanez at (909) 387-3589.

Read the Documents..

http://www.pe.com/multimedia/pdf/2009/20090711_nscandal.pdf

You can down load 25 pages of the 150 page Investigation Report about Steve Berry's Transgressions. Note he has admitted to the events, just not the criminality of the acts.

If the above link stops working, I can email it to you just send a request to GrandTerraceNews@yahoo.com...

NOTE we are not related to Grand Terrace City News... Or the Millers and our first contact with the story was a copy of the SBC Sentinel...

Schwab & The Report Trail and More?

If Tom Schwab did not sent the Steve Embezzlement Investigation Report to the Reporters and other City Officials then he may want to provide a list of people he had given the report to or told them of the existence of the report.

It is fairly clear that the Grand Terrace City News was not the News Paper that broke the story, and their first approach to the story was to exclusively let Steve Berry present his dismissal of the allegations. Things went down hill from there and Steve Berry expanded the mud slinging fight between Scwhab and Berry to include the Millers.

Good luck with coming out better off with regards to the Legal Adds as a Conflict of interest against Council Member Miller. The City Manager (Tom Schwab) and or assistant city manager should not have allowed the placement of the adds if there was or is a conflict of interest. They are allegedly the professional city managers that should know. The Millers are not Professional City Managers they are Individuals who happen to be married. Jim being a Citizen Elected to the City Council, and Margie as the new owner of the only local news paper.

So if there is in fact a problem of conflict of interest it may also be a problem of entrapment, and the attempt to use it as a threat would be called extortion, or entrapment, or some other crime on the part of Berry who had apparently threatened the issue to be exposed in order to stop the press coverage of his own criminal investigation.

The Millers however, announced at the time it was brought to their attention. We have stopped taking adds and the reason, and the matter should be forwarded to the proper authority for resolution. There was no hiding this... it was done on camera during a City Council Meeting. Unlike the Steve Berry infractions.... Jim Miller advised the community of the possible error and the News Paper discontinued running adds.

How many of the actions of the City are based on the "I've got dirt on you, do what I tell you", type of coercion. It is clear that Berry and Schwab use this type of management. One has to wonder what else lies in their "Dirt" file.

If running Legal Ads in the only local news paper which happens to be recently purchased by a Council Members wife is a conflict of interest because City Action benefits a City Official, then what is it when the City Council buys a house for the City Manager out of the RDA Home Stock that was to go to low and middle income people? What is it when a City Car is sold to a newly hired employee without the benefit of proper surplus property disposal procedures, and no trace of the money being received and put into the general fund?

Also on the Agenda...

GRAND TERRACE
Landscaping and bike lanes on agenda
The City Council will consider awarding a contract for bike lane and landscaping improvements at its meeting Tuesday night.
The bike lane is on Mount Vernon Avenue. The right-of-way landscaping improvements would be on Grand Terrace Road between Barton Road and Vivenda Avenue.
The council meets at 6 p.m. at the Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road.
--Darrell R. Santschi
dsantschi@PE.com

So let me see if I comprehend this correctly. Mr. Berry violated two laws, Mr. Schwab knew he violated two laws and conspired with the Sheriff's Office to cover up the facts.

Councilman Miller's wife bought a newspaper in 2006 and continued a policy that was in effect long before she took over the paper. Mrs. Miller's paper printed a story about the "alleged" corruption of Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry after two other papers did. So now all of a sudden Mr. Berry suffers righteous indignation from the printing of legal ads he requested her to print and wants prosecution from the D.A.'s Office. If Mrs. Miller must face legal challenges from this so also should Mr. Berry. He also violated the law by placing the ads and obviously from what I read in the newspapers he knew it was illegal. He had access to legal advice of the city attorney. I would be interested as to Mr. Harper's advice to Mr. Berry on placing these ads. I can understand how the placing of an ad from the city would not raise an red flag by Mrs. Millers paper. I would think that she is not even involved in the placing or taking of ads. I would surmise that is the responsibility of an employee. In comparison, the printing of small print legal ads do not even come close to the crimes of embezzlement and falsifying official government documents Mr. Schwabs advice to Mr. Berry "to not deal with criminals' seems to come from an expert and someone well versed on the subject. It appears to go back to the old saying "Takes one to know one".

It is blatantly obviously Mr. Berry is doing this out of revenge for the printing of a factual article of his criminal misdeeds.

Now, Mr. Schwab says "there has never been a hint of scandal in Grand Terrace". Here is my take on none of the scandals Mr. Schwab says there was never a hint of.

The City of Grand Terrace incorporates by the real estate speculators that permeate the podium and have sat on the council. The city, when they incorporate. places the whole of the city as "blighted" for RDA funds. That means as soon as a new building, such as a home, is built the city could, under RDA law declare it blighted and take it by Eminent Domain to give to one of their developer friends. This also means that the city hall building is blighted, the schools are blighted, the Fire station is blighted and every ones home or business is blighted.

The Outdoor Adventure Center. A poorly planned project that took millions of Grand Terrace taxpayers dollars to put in the pocket of Ralph Megna and part time City Planning Director Gary Knootz. When Mr. Knootz was not pushing for the O.A.C. two or three days a week as the part time Planning Director, he was the full time employee of Mr. Megna. Mr Megna was quoted at the time in the San Bernardino Sun "Ralph is going to get to build his big boy store store". With the help of Mr. Schwab, Mr. Berry and the three lady members that are still on the council from that time, millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted on a project with no E.I.R. and projected revenue number that were made up out of thin air. A judge, as I recall, agreed with the citizens of Grand Terrace. That project is dead, along with our money. The Grand Terrace Partners have bought and drastically revised the project. Even at that Mr. Schwab refused to open any records on the Grand Terrace Partners project to citizens that inquired in city council meetings or at city hall.

The Dodson property. The Dodson property bordered the Outdoor Adventure Center project. The Dodson's tried to sell their nearly three acres property because of the O.A.C. project that would be in their back yard. Every deal they made for their house and property fell out of escrow because of the projected O.A.C. plans. Here is the scandal that Mr. Schwab says "there was never a hint of" and Mr. Schwab is the author of this one.

When Mr. Schwab's ex wife was awarded the family home in the divorce settlement, Mr. Schwab became the house guest of the Dodson's. The Dodson's approached Mr. Schwab with their predicament. Mr. Schwab decided that the city would buy their property and help his old friends out. So into closed session the city council goes to negotiate for the Dodson property. Mr. Schwab representing the city and real estate agent Gene Carlstrom the Dodson's. I would also inform the readers that Mr. Carlstrom has a long standing relationship with Mr. Schwab and the city. Carlstrom. over the years, has been the sole real estate agent that sells city property and when he was unable to unload property that was Nil in value Mr. Schwab came to his rescue and had the RDA buy it. So Mr. Carlstrom represents the Dodson's in the selling of their property to the city and Mr. Schwab the city. Council member Cortes is an employee of Mr. Carlstrom. So into closed session the council goes on the Dodson property. The Dodson are asking $750,000 for their property, most of which is considered "marsh" when it rains. (pronounced swamp).
For several closed session meeting after regular council meeting the council negotiates for the property. After each session Mayor Ferre announces that "no reportable action was taken" An absolute violation of the law and that she was well aware of and did so with the purpose to mislead the voters. After several weeks of this Council member Hilkey announces at a council meeting that a deal was made at the first closed session. That the Mayor was lying to the public and the property that the Dodson were asking $750,000 for before the closed sessions had become worth $2,900,000. That's two million nine hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Hilkey stated at that time "the city paid too much for a piece of property they did not need". Mr. Hilkey informed the public that the other members of the council were in the other closed sessions deciding how to pay the Dodson's the 2.9 million without it looking like 2.9 million. They decided to make the payments over several council meeting. That way it would not appear they gave the Dodson's $2,150,000 more than their property was worth. After that announcement it seemed Mrs. Ferre was going after Councilman Hilkey even to rigging the appointment of her to Mayor with political promises to the other council members that would vote for her to be appointed Mayor. Mrs. Ferre, come to find out, will not accept campaign contributions over $99.00. If they are over that amount she will return them and ask for the lesser amount. That way she does not have to comply with the law and divulge where her contributions originate.

The Car. Mr. Schwab sold a city owned vehicle, that by the way the city furnished Mr Schwab a new vehicle of his choice every two years, and this vehicle was sold to Mr. Berry without going to the open bid process that is required by law. For many months Mr. Schwab stoned walled the citizens that were trying to get what was supposed to be public record as to this sale.

The RDA house. After Mr. Schwab became the house guest of the Dodson's he needed a home. In the middle of the year he petitioned the council to change his contract to have the city furnish him a home to buy within the city limits. The council complied. So what the city did was allow Mr. Schwab to take his pick of the rehabbed RDA houses owned by the city RDA and make his selection. The city then purchased the house from the RDA and sold it to Mr. Schwab and carried the mortgage for several months. The problem with this is that in order to buy an RDA house you must be a first time home buyer and make less than $40,000 a year. Neither of which Mr. Schwab did. He was over qualified. This in effect took a house away from someone that might have been of lower income and would have been able to become a home owner.

The other house. As director of the RDA Mr. Schwab allowed a secretary for the city that was married and with her husband made way over the amount allowed by the State RDA laws to purchase an RDA house. Included in this sale is what is called a "silent second" of $48,000. This is a second deed of trust that does not have to be paid back unless the home is sold within twenty years. Free money. Mr. Schwab engineered this sale of this RDA house to be sold to this city employee as the sole owner eliminating her husband from the paper on the house and thus eliminating his income. Again taking a house away from a lower income family.

The Town Center. Mr. Schwab sent letters threatening the home owners on Barton Road with the use of eminent domain if they did not sell their homes to Mr. Jacobson. (Copies of these letters may be found in the archives on this site)Three letters where sent. The first saying that eminent domain may be used if they did not sell to Jacobson. The second letter saying that eminent domain could be used if they did not sell to Jacobson. The third say that eminent domain will be used if they do not sell to Jacobson.

This is the same Jacobson that contributed to Grand Terrace Days as did the Corporation for Better Housing while having business before the Council. A violation of the law Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry went along with.

Council member LeeAnn Garcia took the maximum allowed by law in campaign contributions from Mr. Jacobson and the maximum allowed by law from Mrs. Jacobson, obviously a straw contribution, and then instead of reculsing herself from the vote on Mr. Jacobson's Town Center project she voted "aye". This is about as close to bribery as one can get.

The Senior Housing Center and The Corporation for Better Housing. Over the objections of the citizens who's homes border the project and who, along with hundreds of Grand Terrace citizens, packed city hall at the council meeting involving this project, the overwhelming majority in opposition, Mayor Ferre, Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry turned a deaf ear to the folks that live here. Mr. Schwab and Mayor Ferre promised a preferable list of Grand Terrace Seniors to be the ones to have first choice to be residents of this apartment house. The Corporation for Better Housing is nothing more than a broker for builders and only uses government funds, taking their cut, then turning the project over to subsidiaries. All CFBH projects, because they take Government funds are all Section 8 and cannot say who they can give preferential treatment to as far as who gets to live at the Senior Housing. The Housing Authority does. There is a waiting list over 8 years long waiting for this Government subsidized housing. Mr. Schwab and Mrs. Ferre deliberately misled the Grand Terrace seniors.

The Trucking Company. Documentation is also in the archives on this site as to the violation of zoning law carried out by Mr. Schwab and Mayor Ferre even when brougth to them at city council meeting by the residents that must suffer from this illegal business being operated in a residential zone.

Membership in the League of California Cites. This is an organization run by trial lawyers, unions, bond selling companies and utilities. They hold seminars for cites on how to take property from owners by the use of eminent domain. This city sends members of the council at taxpayers expense to these seminars to learn how to take from the citizens of Grand Terrace their property.

The Honey Hills sign. Mr. Schwab, without bringing it to a vote in front of the council uses taxpayer funds to replace the stolen letters "Honey Hills". Mayor Ferre's father developed this project and Mrs. Ferre lives in Honey Hills. The sign is not owned by the city and is not on city property. The residents of Honey Hills should have paid to replace them. The citizens cannot get a pothole fixed on their streets, but the members of the elite group that encompasses the friends of the Mayor get special treatment.

All this "Good Ol Boys" politics has got to stop. Mr. Miller and Mr.Stanckiewitz try to do what is best for the city as a whole and are met with the withholding of vital information by Mrs. Ferre, Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry. As was Mr. Hilkey. Now Mr. Berry has resorted to threats against Councilman Miller because Mr. Berry knowingly violated the law.

The best thing for this city is to fire Mr. Schwab. The city may then recoup the house that Mr. Schwab is illegally occupying, and fire Mr. Berry. If they do not do this and hire Mr. Berry as City Manager in closed session all indications are that the council is complicit in Mr. Schwab's and Mr. Berry's crimes.

The list goes on. The attempting to take Jo Stringfeilds property, the buying of a former Mayors property for 1.3 million. The dealings with Tony Petta that made a fortune from the incorporation of Grand Terrace at the expense of the taxpayers.
This City was Incorporated for the enrichment of a hand full of people.

For Mr. Schwab to say Grand Terrace has never had a hint of scandal is beyond belief. He is the root cause of all the scandals we are aware of. I cannot imagine what the citizens do not know of. For those that were quoted in the articles about Mrs. Ferre "high ethicals standards" They have got to be kidding.......themselves.

Insight...

Berry said he has received anonymous phone calls suggesting the report was leaked by City Councilman Jim Miller, whose wife, Margie, publishes the Grand Terrace City News, a weekly newspaper with offices next to City Hall.

Berry often says people who are anonymouse have no credibility.... so he takes a phone call? When reporters have tried to contact him... When is he in the office anyway?

When you call him say Hello this is Anonymous and he'll be in the office to take your call.

Press Enterprise Covers Scandal...

Where there is no Victim the DA doesn't press charges...

HELLO.... Tax Payers are Victims...and the Judicial System is a Victim...

Who released a report is not important. It is a PUBLIC DOCUMENT or should be especially if it is in the Dead Case Files.

Payments made to the News Paper Owned by the Council Member Miller's wife should have not been made by the Professional City Management Staff. It is due to their incompetence at running a clean administration that this possible conflict of interest charge is even possible to rise. It does not make Berry or Schwab look good that they allowed the first ad to be placed and for the practice to continue if there was a potential for a problem. They are allegedly the City Management Professionals, not the City Council Members who are elected citizens.

In addition the news paper is not owned by Jim Miller it is owned by Margie Miller.

If this is a conflict of interest, there should be no more city business done with Terra Loma because a council person is associated with that business.

In addition the water should be turned off at City Hall because the Mayors husband is a board member of the water company and there may be a conflict of interest there.

Now Read It For Your Self... Berry and Schwab are not helping their case. They did wrong. Covered it up, and now are keeping their fingers crossed that the Grand Jury or DA or the AG don't get wind of their actions and file charges on the case file.

The difference between Stupid and a Being Charged is... well think of it this way.
Stupid is running through a stop sign and not getting in an accident or getting caught. You tell yourself to be more careful in the future.
Criminal is running through a stop sign getting others involved in running stop signs, and then telling the police man not to write you a ticket.
Is there no victim unless there is a car crash or is running a stop sign a crime wreck or no?

Grand Terrace rocked by window-tinting scandal

10:00 PM PDT on Friday, July 10, 2009

By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise

Acting Grand Terrace City Manager Steve Berry pointed to his tinted office windows this week, recalling how seven years ago, while assistant city manager, he found a good way, he thought, to save the city money by having a county jail inmate assigned to the city do the work.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department did not think it was such a good idea, suggesting in a report at the time that embezzlement and fraud may have been involved and questioning whether the inmate or his employee tinted Berry's car windows at city expense.

The report has been mailed anonymously to reporters and Berry's former boss, retired city manager Tom Schwab, says he quashed the investigation to save the city embarrassment.

But the newly surfaced scandal, along with a separate investigation of payments by the city to a newspaper run by a councilman's wife, have ripped an emotional hole in the fabric of the sleepy town of 12,500 people on the southern edge of San Bernardino County.

"There is no question that this is something we are not used to," said JoAnn Johnson, 78, who has lived in Grand Terrace 52 years. "I just have such a sad feeling about the whole event."

City Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz said his e-mail inbox, which sat dormant until reports of the scandal broke, now is bristling with demands for action.

"I think the city is embarrassed," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said. "This has become a distraction not only for the people involved, but for the council and the staff of the city, so we are going to address the distraction."

The City Council will take up the matter during a closed-session review of Berry's performance on Tuesday night, she said.

The sheriff investigated allegations that Berry opened an account with an Anaheim window tinting supplier and that the inmate on work release, John David Carranza, charged more supplies to a purchase order authorized by Berry than he needed to tint the windows at City Hall, a child care center and a senior center.

There also was an allegation that Carranza tinted the windows of Berry's car at city expense. Berry and Carranza have denied that Carranza did so, saying that the work was done by a man who worked for Carranza.

Berry said he paid the man out of his own pocket.

Berry pointed to receipts showing that once he learned of the over-charges, he obtained more than $700 in refunds. He is not certain whether that covered all of the city's losses.

The sheriff's report also alleges that Berry falsified time cards, indicating the inmate was working at times when others said he was not.

Berry said this week that the inmate was working not just on weekdays but in the evening and on weekends. He said he signed off on the time reports because the work was getting done.

Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Phelps said by phone this week that the report, completed in January 2003, never was submitted to the District Attorney for criminal prosecution.

"When there is no victim, the DA is usually not going to prosecute anyway," Phelps said.

Instead, the report was given to the city, he said.

"The city of Grand Terrace chose to handle that administratively instead of criminally," Phelps said. "Based on the city's recommendation, we closed the case ... without submitting it to the DA."

Berry said this week that he never was disciplined.

"There were no charges filed. "Nothing went into my personnel file," he said.

Berry said the city manager told him "This is why you don't deal with criminals." Berry said he took the matter as a "lesson learned and we went forward."

Schwab acknowledged that he quashed the investigation.

"I decided not to pursue it because, in our history, we've been a city of 30 years and we've never even had a hint of any kind of scandal or anybody involved in taking money," he said by phone this week. "So, at the time, I thought it would be better not to embarrass the city. It was also an election year, so I just told the sheriff's department not to pursue it."

He said the report indicates two crimes were committed "One was embezzlement and the other was falsification of public documents," he said.

Schwab said he didn't believe at the time that Berry had done "anything hugely criminal. I just think he did something stupid."

He said he didn't want the incident to end Berry's career.

"In retrospect, I should have fired him immediately and just dealt with whatever the issues ended up being," Schwab said.

Schwab had hired Berry as his assistant in 2001 and, as Berry describes it, had served as his mentor. They had an understanding, the men agree, that when Schwab was to retire about two years from now, they would lobby for Berry to become his successor.

The two since had a falling out.

When Schwab was hospitalized in June 2008 with a ruptured blood vessel in his head, Berry took over as acting city manager. Schwab returned in January for a six-month stint to help prepare a city budget. Then Schwab asked the City Council to give him his job back.

The council decided to take applications from all comers.

It was about that time that copies of the sheriff's report on the window tinting incident began surfacing.

As the city was completing its budget preparation, Berry persuaded the council to save money by abolishing his old job. Then Schwab retired, saying he shouldn't have to apply for a position he considered his.

"I was going to retire in two years anyway," Schwab said. "Steve knew I was going to retire. He would have been (Schwab's replacement), but he wouldn't wait. I got sick and he used that to his advantage. I kind of feel that he betrayed me."

Schwab insists that he did not leak the sheriff's report.

Berry said he has received anonymous phone calls suggesting the report was leaked by City Councilman Jim Miller, whose wife, Margie, publishes the Grand Terrace City News, a weekly newspaper with offices next to City Hall.

The newspaper was being paid by the city to publish legal advertisements when she bought it in 2006, Margie Miller said by phone Friday. That practice continued until Berry sent the Millers a letter in September 2008 telling them it was improper for the city to do business with the newspaper while Miller was a councilman.

Miller said she immediately stopped accepting ads from the city.

Susan Mickey, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney, confirmed Friday that the office's Public Integrity Unit is investigating a complaint it received about the Miller matter.

Berry said he has turned over documents to the DA's office. He said the city spent more than $20,000 on advertising in the newspaper over 2½ years.

Margie Miller said she will speak with investigators when she returns from vacation. She said her husband, also on vacation, was not available for comment.

She said that neither she nor her husband had leaked the sheriff's report.

Phelps, of the sheriff's department, said Carranza never was charged with a crime or disciplined "because the inmate is directed by a city employee. How do you punish him for doing what he has been told to do?"

In the work release program, the courts allow some prisoners to serve their time working for local governments, Phelps said. Most do menial tasks, he said.

Schwab and Berry said that Berry had never dealt with a work release inmate before. Berry said a bullet had broken a window at the city's senior center and he hired a crew to fix it.

Carranza, who was mowing a lawn at the time, noticed the work and told the city maintenance crew leader that he had a tinting business and could do the work. The crew leader took Carranza to Berry, who said he saw the opportunity to buy the material and let Carranza tint the windows.

Berry said he was not concerned that the inmate was not showing up at scheduled times because he might have been working on another building.

"All I saw was that the windows were getting done," Berry said. "I was looking at it like he's doing community service putting in window tinting. That's what I saw."

Councilman Stanckiewitz said the scandal is "shaking up the status quo," in town.

"It's awakening people to the fact that Grand Terrace isn't the perfect little community that we've all been accustomed to thinking it is," he said.

He said the city attorney told him the statute of limitations may have expired on any crimes that may have been committed. However, Mickey said there is no statute of limitations on embezzlement of public funds.

Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com

CHRONOLOGY

Assistant City Manager Steve Berry, whose job performance will be discussed at a Grand Terrace City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, has had a long career with the city.

SEPTEMBER 2001: Hired by then-City Manager Tom Schwab as assistant city manager.

SUMMER 2002: Berry agrees to have a work-release inmate tint windows of several city buildings.

JANUARY 2003: Sheriff's department completes investigation that suggests criminal conduct in the handling of the window tinting.

JANUARY 2003: Schwab decides not to take action on the sheriff's report and keeps it quiet.

JUNE 2008: Schwab is hospitalized, goes on medical leave. Berry named acting city manager.

DECEMBER 2008: Council agrees to contract with Schwab to work on city budget for six months.

JANUARY: Schwab tells council he wants his city manager job back.

MAY: Copies of the sheriff's report begin appearing in reporters' mail.

MAY: Berry proposes eliminating his former job. Schwab announces his retirement in June.

More from the Email Inbox on Berry Evaluation

With interest I have followed the on going story of the conspiracy between the City of Grand Terrace, it's Manager Tom Schwab, The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office and the San Bernardino County District Attorneys Office.

Does no one else see what has occurred here. Conspiracy is a felony. There was and is a conspiracy between these three entities to committee another felony, Obstruction of Justice. The D.A.'s Office sworn duty is to represent the "People of the State of California" uphold the law and prosecute those that violate it. Even if Tom Schwab wanted the "Sheriff's Office not to pursue it"

The District Attorney's Office should have advised the Sheriff's Department as to the ramifications of not pursuing criminal charges because of what might be an "embarrassment". I would think that these two agencies would have learned something from the case of the former Sheriff stealing over five hundred weapons from the evidence locker. That sounds to me like five hundred burglaries. All he received was probation. Perhaps this is how law enforcement works in this county. Very similar to the pre Frank Bland days.

According to the articles Steve Berry "sobbed so loudly" in Tom Schwab's office begging Mr. Schwab not to fire him, everyone in City Hall could hear it. Now Mayor Ferre wants everyone to believe she had no knowledge of what transpired. I find it incredulous that no one in City Hall, John Harper the City Attorney, Tom Schwab or any other council member at that time or city employee could keep this from Mrs. Ferre. If that is in fact the case, they should all be fired along with Mr. Berry and Mrs. Ferre should inquire as to the statutes of limitations and demand prosecution of Mr. Berry. Allow him to face a jury. I doubt that will happen. It would possibly show she had knowledge of the situation and make her a co-conspirator. Mr. Berry received permission to fire Mr. Mullins, can't have those pesky witnesses around.

Mrs. Ferre needs to conduct the inquiry in open session, if she does not, then I am convinced the closed door session, like many other closed door session, will be to plan a strategy on a cover up of by some of the council members and Mrs. Ferre involvement. Mr. Miller and Mr. Stanckiewitz need to take the lead on this. They were not on the council when this happened, but Ms. Garica, Ms. Cortez and Mrs. Ferre were. They need to request an investigation by Attorney General Brown or the Public Corruption Unit of the FBI

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and this...

Was some interesting information I found late Thursday on GT blog regarding Steve Berry and current running of city.Hitting your stride again. Posting meaty information.

Friday July 10, 2009 San Bernrdino County Sentinel

Berry Evaluation Set for Next Week

GRAND TERRACE–All systems are go for the Grand Terrace City Council to carry out on July 14 its overdue and now heavily anticipated evaluation of acting city manager Steve Berry’s job performance.

Such an evaluation had been scheduled for June but was not done.

Since February, Ber­ry’s continuing tenure with the city has been an issue of intense interest among Grand Terrace residents.

Hired as assistant city manager in 2001 by then-city man­ager Tom Schwab, Berry stepped into the role of acting city manager 13 months ago after Schwab was felled by a subdural hematoma. Following Schwab’s recovery last winter, Schwab and many of the city’s residents im­portuned the council to reinstate Schwab as city manager. By this spring, the once friendly rela­tionship between the two men had declined into a bitter rivalry, with the majority of the city coun­cil opting to keep Berry at the city’s helm and to force Schwab, 51, into re­tirement.

A series of press expo­sés pertaining to Berry ensued while the battle between him and his one-time mentor rage, including reports about Berry’s efforts to lay off city staff while seeking a raise for himself, his work for a developer in Loma Linda while he was employed as Grand Terrace assistant city manager and revelations about a sheriff’s depart­ment investigation into an embezzlement Berry allegedly perpetrated in 2002.

While Berry ap­peared to overcome the challenge by Schwab to dislodge him as acting city manager, the contre­temps had the effect of inducing the city council to undertake to carry out a statewide city manager candidate recruitment that will result in a se­lection process to be fi­nalized in September or October. Berry is among those applying for the city manager’s post.

In the shuffle, the city council did not complete the evaluation of Berry’s performance that was scheduled for last month.

Now, in the face of the press exposés, that eval­uation has taken on new significance.

Two weeks ago, coun­cilman Walt Stanckiewitz called for a specially scheduled meeting to carry out that evaluation, but councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia was vaca­tioning and unavailable to participate, necessitat­ing that the evaluation session be put off.

It now appears that all members of the council will be in town for the July 14 council meeting, at which a closed session item pertaining to Ber­ry’s evaluation is sched­uled.

There has been indi­cation that no action with regard to Berry or his sta­tus will be taken on July 14, meaning he will re­main as acting city man­ager at least until the now open recruitment effort is resolved by interviews of the candidates who have applied for consid­eration as city manager to be ultimately followed by a selection of a final­ist. Nevertheless, the out­come of next Tuesday’s evaluation could presage the council’s eventual decision with regard to who will be chosen to as­sume the permanent city manager’s role.

In the face of the ini­tial wave of exposés, Berry’s favored status with a majority of the city council did not seem to be impacted. But more recently, on June 30, the San Bernardino Sun, the most widely read newspaper in the county, published an article de­tailing Berry’s alleged involvement in the 2002 embezzlement. The fol­lowing day the Sun fol­lowed that article with an editorial declaring Berry unfit to hold the post of city manager. The Sun’s coverage was followed last and this week by articles and opinion pieces in the Grand Ter­race City News that took him to task over his al­leged indiscretions. The City News’s articles and editorial thrusts were significant in that hereto­fore that hometown pa­per had been very favor­able to Berry in its news coverage.

Given the city coun­cil’s aversion to negative publicity with regard to the city and operations at

City Hall, patience with Berry may be wearing thin.

Berry was not avail­able at City Hall mid­week for comment. Sources said, however, that he may attempt to marshal several backers, including city vendors, and those with a finan­cial stake to speak on his behalf on July 14, before the city council’s closed session to evaluate his performance.

From Email InBox..

The Council Should Retain or Fire Steve Berry but they are not the judge of the criminal charges that were quashed by Tom Schwab in some sort of cover up. There may be more people entrapped by this cover up and action that was spawned by none other than Steve Berry.

Let the City Clerk run the city, she does anyway sounds like Berry isn't in the office much. Where is he, and the others who have been avoiding the press and the earlier calls for council meetings? On vacation with Sara in Alaska or hiking on the Appalachian Trail or perhaps they went to Argentina on a trade junket. What is clear, something stinks in City Hall... only sunlight and fresh air will clear it out of the city....

Emergency Meeting Called: Miller Returns Early.

Grand Terrace City News July 9, 2009

Steve Berry's Performance to be Reviewed
Full Council to Meet on July 14th

Due to extenuating circumstances, Council member Jim Miller has cut short his vacation and is returning to Grand Terrace next week. Therefore, he will be in attendance at the July 14th council meeting. It has been verified that one of the topics to be discussed is an employment review of Acting City Manager Steve Berry.

The council meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on July 14th at Grand Terrace City Hall.

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Go and demand that they hold the discussions in PUBLIC View if it is related to the Criminal Investigations of Berry and their possible collusion in quashing a criminal investigation and charges against one of their own.

More in the News:

Voice of the People: July 9, 2009

Berry Addresses Margie Miller Publisher of the GT City News and her Reply

Dear Margie Miller Editor:

I was surprised and disappointed to pick up the July 2 2009 copy of your newspaper and find that you had printed a front-page story about me without even bothering to call me to get a comment. Is this your idea of fair and objective journalism, running a hit piece filled with allegations from two other newspapers with no effort to get a response from the person whom you are writing about?

For the record, these allegations were dealt with seven years ago in conversations between myself and my supervisor, then - City Manager Tom Schwab. We resolved them and moved forward.

I am proud of my service to the citizens of Grand Terrace, first as Assistant City Manager and, for the past year, as Acting City Manager during a very difficult time in the City's history. We have weathered the current economic downturn as well or better than any other city in San Bernardino County, with a balanced budget and maintenance of essential city services. I look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council to continue the progress we have enjoyed in Grand Terrace.

If in the future, you are working on a news story that concerns me, I would appreciate a phone call.

Sincerely,

Steve Berry.

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Steve,

As you are aware I am currently on vacation however when you sent an email to the Grand Terrace Newspaper at 5:56 Tuesday night my staff did not receive it until Wednesday morning they contacted me immediately. Since you sent it in a PDF format, I believe your desire is to have it published. I have left you 2 messages and I am holding space in the paper for your letter and my answer. ( received confirmation to print)

After receiving your email I too am surprised. I made 3 trips to City Hall attempting to meet with you. You know my absolute deadline is Wednesday. I did try to get in contact with you on Tuesday. You left at 11:00 am and did not return all day. Then again on Wednesday you left early. I was told by staff you would not be returning because you had an important meeting.

When I previously inquired about this issue you told me it was not newsworthy and old information. I have been accused of protecting you and covering up your indiscretions. Now you accuse me of a hit piece. Are you taking exception to any of the fact I reported? If you feel there are factual inaccuracies the City News is a forum you can use. Please bring any documentation and information you would like to clarify.

Two other news papers found this issue involving you 7 years ago newsworthy. The fact you are being considered for the highest paid position in Grand Terrace and the responsibility that goes with that position is clearly the reason for the interest. The Sheriff's report alleges that you falsified public documents. Falsifying documents (any documents) especially in that high of a position does not facilitate trustworthiness. As the publisher of the local newspaper I could not ignore your involvement; however I am more than willing to give you the opportunity to express your views.

Sincerely,

Margie Miller Publisher.

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An Embarrassment for the Citizens of the City of Grand Terrace

Sirs:

The Schwab Berry scandal is indeed an embarrassment for the Citizens of Grand Terrace. Unfortunately, it's an embarrassment for the City Council as well although they apparently fail to recognize their abject failure in this entire sordid episode. Rather than point finger at the reporter and castigate him for printing lies, or ignoring the problem because it had not appeared in the Sun Newspaper, responsible policy makers would have taken the time to look into the matter themselves before concluding there was nothing there. Did they interrogate Schwab, and if so did he tell the truth. If he lied, why are we paying him $177.000 to disappear? Did they request the police department to provide them copies of the official reports, including the conclusions of the District attorney so they could independently judge the FACTS for themselves. The answer is apparently NO! They simply accepted the self-serving denial from Berry and the matter laid dormant until the Sentinel broke the story. Even this newspaper, City News accepted Berry's assertion there was no news there. Obviously everyone was wrong! I for one am looking forward to the next election cycle. I think a lot of council folks owe the citizens of GT some forthright answers.

Submitted by:
Michael Billings

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With Power Comes Deceit and Dishonesty.

Every day we read, hear on the radio or see on TV politicians who cheat, steal and cover up someone else's problems. With power comes deceit and dishonesty. It is something that politicians do best. When the problems come up and co-workers are asked questions, they always claim that they didn't know or they were out of town at the time.

When they are sought out for information they are always unavailable. This is something that will continue as long as politicians hold their positions in government for extended periods. The temptation for graft is almost inevitable. The only way to solve the problem is to set TERM LIMITS on all elected positions.

Submitted by

Jack Fonseca

For the Record: In the News... & QUESTIONS

The following is from the Grand Terrace City News. It is being posted here in this blog because it is a story that should be available for future reading.
Grand Terrace City News
Volume XIV, Number 15 July 2, 2009

Steve Berry Brings Scandal to GT
By: Margie Miller

Many people in Grand Terrace are embarrassed to find their City on the front page of the San Bernardino Sun. Especially after they have been reassured the allegations against Steve Berry were false. Walt Stanckiewitz, current council member said “I thought the Sentinel newspaper was on some kind of witch hunt, and the story was untrue. Now seeing it in the Sun the facts have been confirmed.:

Councilwoman Cortes, at a recent council meeting, shook her finger at the reporter who broke the story stating “You should be ashamed of yourself for reporting such lies. This is character assassination and you should apologize.”

Seven years ago, Steve Berry, the current Acting City Manager, then assistant city manager made what he describes as a “painful lesson” according to the Sun newspaper when he was investigated for embezzling funds and filing false records. Berry told the City News that he felt this was “not newsworthy” and the accusations were false.

A memo circulated regarding the veracity of the journalist Mark Gutglueck who broke the story in the San Bernardino Sentinel. Stating he has been sued many times. Gutglueck stated “Yes I have been sued on numerous occasions but no one has prevailed against me.?

According to the well documented Sheriff report (more than 150 pages), allegedly Berry allowed a San Bernardino County work release inmate to apply window tinting materials to City property including the Child Care center unsupervised. Berry had not disclosed to Sandi Ah Sue the director of the Child Care Services that the worker was an inmate on work release. The inmate disclosed to Ah Sue that he was in fact a work release inmate sentenced for an assault he had committed. Ah Sue stated that the inmate made her nervous. The tools he possessed … included razor blades. Berry, nor any other city workers had supervised him while he was at that center.

Berry falsified documents to show that the inmate had been present for his work assignments when in fact he had not.

Allegedly, Berry also allowed the inmate to apply window tinting to his personal property.
Berry authorized an open purchase order at a company in Anaheim where the inmate the end of September 2002. Some of the purchases included clothing. Confirmation of the invoices had gone to witnesses Michael Mullins a Grand Terrace City worker. Mullins became suspicious when Berry assumed the responsibility of documenting the inmates’ attendance. Mullins informed Berry the inmate had been a NO SHOW, Berry had told Mullins to leave that inmate alone.

Recently, Mullins was terminated through Berry’s request to the city council. Berry stated budget cuts were necessary even though Mullins and for other city employee salaries were included in the previous approved budget. At the 2009 staff Christmas party Berry stated “there will not be any layoff” less than one month later Berry went to the city council requesting the layoffs. Two weeks after that Berry requested a salary increase for himself. The council declined it.

Schwab who covered up this potential scandal in 2003 said “He wanted to avoid embarrassment to the city. We have never had even a hint of scandal in the history of Grand Terrace. To have our assistant city manager charged with falsifying documents and embezzlement would have embarrassed the city. I basically asked the Sherriff’s Department not to pursue it. I should have fired him, but he seemed genuinely remorseful and pleaded with me for a second chance.” Many employees remembered the incident and the day that Berry groveled for his job. The sobs could even be heard down stairs,” said one employee.

Schwab’s admission he made an “error in judgment” in not bringing this incident to the attention of the city council has raised the question why bring it up now. Berry believes It is an attempt to assassinate his character. The battle between Tom Schwab and Steve Berry over the City Manager position has been over since May 26, 2009 when Schwab took a retirement package of $177,000 and was no longer interested in battling with Berry. When asked who would provide this damaging information against Steve Berry? Schwab replied “The list is long and distinguished and I have found Steve severely lacks a sense of ethics and integrity.”

From the time Berry has been considered for the highest full time position in the City of Grand Terrace, his character has been in question. Everything he has done has become newsworthy. Berry was also featured in the Sentinel for not disclosing income he received from a Loma Linda developer. “Berry was receiving $3,000 per month to fight against a slow growth initiative,” Schwab said. He only found out about the undisclosed activity when Berry approached Schwab for a raise because he no longer had the income from the developer. Schwab’s response was “You are supposed to be a full time assistant city manager for Grand Terrace”.

Some feel Schwab is falling on his sword to protect some of the current council members. Of the five, Councilmen Jim Miller and Walt Stanchiewitz were not on the council at the time. Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she was completely unaware of any incident, the only knowledge she has is though the newspapers. Close friends of Ferre say “Maryetta could not have known given her high ethical standards.” Walt Stanckiewitz requested Mayor Ferre call and emergency council meeting but was unsuccessful due to both Lee Ann Garcia and Bea Cortes either not responding or being out of town. Miller was willing to postpone his vacation, the first one in 3 years Lee Ann Garcia the Mayor at the time of the incident occurred did not respond to numerous phone calls.

Lets us know what you think at grandterrace@citynewsgroup.com

This article brings forward some questions.

Who wrote the Memo about Mark Gutglueck.?

What is in the memo and who received it ?


Who on the Council Approved Payment for the Invoiced Materials?

Why not have a meeting with a quorum of 3 Miller Ferre and Stanckiewitz? Is it possible that the others are needed to Protect Steve Berry and Ferre was afraid of holding a meeting without them to back her up?


Are Cortez and Garcia in Argentina, or hiking the Appalachian Trail?

Is a Police Investigation Report not true if it is reported on a Blog, the San Bernardino Sentinel, or Grand Terrace City News? Is it not real until it is in The Sun Telegram?

Isn't the Sheriff's Action of bringing the decision to Schwab a violation of some sort? The Sheriff Department is a contracted service with the city. Was this waive off of criminal charges an accommodation for current or future contract negotiations?

Will the State Attorney General Jerry Brown or the FBI, order a full investigation as to the Covered up charges and obstruction of criminal investigation and possible additional collusion charges for actions taken after the council members had knowledge of the Criminal Investigation and persisted in the cover up? Berry’s transgression and the Cover Up of that transgression involves the County Sheriff’s Department, the County DA’s Office, the Employees of the City of Grand Terrace and the City Council Members at the time.

Delay in Action Shows Problems in the Council.

May 1, 2009 the San Bernardino County Sentinel ran a lengthy article about the Alleged Embezzlement and Falsification of Government Records by now Acting City Manager Steve Berry.

The mayor and city council needs to answer the question of why it has taken each of them as individuals and as a body to respond to the issues raised in the article and the associated 150 pages of investigators report.

Did any one of them request the full investigation report be made available to them and the Public?

How can a Council Member get away with calling a reporter with so much documentation a Liar in public? Hasn't the Council Member Knowingly Slandered the reporter? Or is it the case the Council Members who support Steve Berry are unable to read the article, and the investigators report.

It is Clear that City Council Members were contacted prior to the Printing of the Sentinel Article. It is Clear that the Assistant City Manager was contacted prior to the printing of the article. It is also clear that the truth is still not being told. Schwab states he nearly fired Berry over the issue, Berry claims it was never an issue in May, then later down the road he changes his representation in the following interviews in the Grand Terrace City News and other public statements.

What is also clear is that the right thing to have done in 2002 was to let the investigation run its course and find a resolution in the Court not behind closed doors of Tom Schwabs Office. Now 7 years later the issue and cover up should not be dealt with behind closed doors of the City Council Chambers. The issue should be handed to the Grand Jury or DA's Office for further investigation and the filling of charges.

At a minimum the City Council Members had the opportunity to be informed or interested in the allegations no later than May 1 when it appeared in print. Clearly some were informed prior to that as the reporter in that article had contacted them regarding the story. Council Members that attack the reporter for printing the story and informing the public of the investigation are Dupes and Stooges of the City Managers. Their intentional lack of curiosity and determination to be informed disqualifies them as Council Member they should resign and go fishing.

Why the Blog...

This Blog is important because it acts as a repository and place for the expression of public thought. The City Council and City Management has historically restricted access to information and the expression of public thought. The not reporting of crime in GT, holding back on the information provided to the City Council Members, and the 3 minute rule for Public Speaking at City Council Meetings all are evidence of their disdain for the Citizens of Grand Terrace.

The City Council and City Management can not hope that the NEWS or Issues and Concerns of Citizens decompose with time if they are only covered in what is called small throw away papers, or even the Sun and Press.

This Blog Keeps all those articles and the related comments and discussions in one place for constant and free access's to those who want to be informed or contribute to the record.

The Council and City Management hoped the Steve Berry story coverage would decompose prior to being read by GT Citizens, as it was published in a small county wide news paper. Then the Local Grand Terrace City News courageously reported the story. Then the Sun Telegram ran the story. This blog was in part the reason the story did not decompose after its first exposure to the light of day

Thank you all for providing the data, and scans and updates.

What we can surmise is either the members of the City Council purposely are ill informed about what is in the press including small papers or they too desire to cover up the problems and thus are guilty of being co-conspirators after the fact. How else do you explain the 2 Month Delay in publicly recognizing the issue exists, when the reporter clearly made contacts prior to printing the first article.

Do the Citizens of Grand Terrace really want a council made up of people who do not want to know and will not inform the Citizens when there are real issues within the administration of their city? Think about it... an inexperienced person who asks questions is far better a servant than a person who purposely chooses not to know.

Gramps.

Blog: City Managers Names in the News
PublicCEO.com - James Spencer - ‎9 hours ago‎
Anderson Valley Post The Grand Terrace City Council will have a closed-door meeting in late July to discuss the job performance of Acting City Manager Steve ...

Blog Writers Reply to New Reader....

Readers statement "I consider myself a fairly informed citizen of Grand Terrace." is based on opinion not fact. If "Reader" was a fairly informed citizen" this person would have taken the time to research records as many truly informed citizens have done. It just amazes me how people consider themselves "fairly informed" when in fact they have taken no time or effort other than to walk out to their porch and pick up a newspaper that has refused to print, until recently one story, documentation presented to them of mismanagement of Grand Terrace, the CRA and RDA and city funds by Schwab and three of his minions on the council.

Name calling is all he has. He has presented no documentation to counter anything published on this site and I would challenge him to do so. Over the years I have seen countless difference of opinions answered with documentation.

To dismiss what was a criminal act to conceal another criminal act by Schwab with the complicity of the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney as "a bit seedy" it also most laughable.

Then to address someone as "ignorant" that does not know the difference between the words "no" and "know" is pathetic.


and another


Gee, from what I read on morning of July 8th, only thing the blog could be accused of is being a bit late in reporting. Not in the accuracy as per the thirty year resident does.May need to be speedier, but that is about all.

From In the News... SUN's Voice of the People

Voice of the People...

Leave with dignity

Former Grand Terrace city manager Tom Schwab says he quashed an investigation of acting city manager Steve Berry because, "We have never had even one hint of scandal in our city's history, and to have our assistant city manager charged with embezzlement ." This brings into question Mr. Schwab's integrity, decision-making abilities and the timing of bringing it to light now.

The matter was "cleared" by exceptional means and the City Council was not advised. Mr. Schwab's justification that "I would imagine the City Council may have insisted that I fire (Berry) if the thing came to light, and I didn't want that to happen," is an exculpatory justification for his bone-headed decision.

Mr. Schwab exacerbates the matter by stating "I found that Steve severely lacks a sense of ethics and integrity." Mr. Schwab is calling this kettle black.

Mr. Schwab's decision to quash the investigation and bring it to light now demonstrates that he didn't learn all he needed to learn the past 20 years.

His judgment was blurred then and continues now as he attempts his character assassination of Mr. Berry.

Mr. Schwab, take the $177,000 payment and leave with some dignity.

ERNIE GARCIA Redlands

Voice of the People
Vote them out
Posted: 07/07/2009 05:05:26 PM PDT

Re: "Colton school board OKs longer terms," June 27.
What an outrage!

If the Colton Joint Unified School District board gets away with this trick, why do we bother to hold elections? Why not have a king, some czars and a few appointed princes?

These people regard themselves as some sort of royalty as it is.

These are the same folk who just a couple of months ago were poking the citizens of Grand Terrace in the eye over the naming of the new high school.

It is the American way to express our outrage at the poor judgment so recently displayed.

They say it would save $50,000 to delay the election. Nonsense! Since when did $50,000 stand in the way of the citizenry's right to hold a valid election?

The citizens have a right to express their views. The school board has already been given an extra year.

Enough already!

I say to the citizens within the Colton Joint Unified School District, this is your chance to poke a few eyes. A complete change of these folks would be healthy!

DAVID C. FACE Colton

In Passing.

Kathleen "Kathy" Marion Dodson, 66, a resident of Grand Terrace, CA for 41 years, died June 27, 2009 from complications of Parkinson's Disease. A private memorial services will be held Saturday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m. at her daughter's home in Redlands, CA.

Kathleen was born May 10, 1943 in Klemme and moved to Long Beach as a teenager where she graduated from Poly High School and met her husband of 46 years, Henry C. Dodson. She was a homemaker, and a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ruben and Edith Lemke, and her brother Gordon Lemke.She is survived by her husband; daughters Lynette Salamanca of Grand Terrace and Lisa Paprocki (Gary) of Redlands; grandchildren Larissa and Phillip Salamanca, and Christopher, Melissa and Megan Paprocki; sisters Beverly Morrison (Dennis) of Yucaipa and Audrey Olson (Merlyn) of Santa Maria; and brother Hershel Lemke (Pat) of Rough and Ready.

Shocked Shocked Shocked...

The "New Reader" being "Shocked" how funny, sounds like a movie line... oh yeah it was said by the crooked police man who was "Shocked" to find gambling in Rick's Bar....

Yeah "Shocked"....

Welcome new reader.... read away pick an issue.... WE DARE YOU...

At Least when Gramps is used as a pseudonym it is known to be a pseudonym and it is not a false name.

From the Email Inbox... Documents and Opinion

Gramps re-read the email and thought it should be posted along with my reply. No one should think that Gramps is the "Issue" and allow this flawed logic or approach to detract from the discussion, investigation and disclosures contained in this collective work of a blog.

From: Grand PaTerrace
Subject: Re: Reader
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 3:22 PM
Dear Ms.:

Thank you for taking your time to write to such a hideous person such as the keeper of the blog space.

First of all the blog clearly states it contains DOCUMENTS and OPINION . Opinions are backed up with reasoning and evidence provided not by a single individual but by a pool of writers and concerned citizens, including the Sun and Press and other local News Papers.

If you find a particular OPINION or FACT to be in error you are welcome to write an opinion on that particular issue. However, blanket statements such as yours do not contribute to the intelligent discussion of issues within the city.

You are right, spell check is needed in some of the early posts. However, some times things names in particular are spelled wrong with intent. You get to figure out what the intent may be.

Occasionally the repetitive nature of the blog is a result of the compilation of emails where the blog is flooded with reader provided input.

I will post your observation if you request it be done.

Do inform the readers of what Issues in Particular you find a different point of view.

Gramps..


From: A New Reader…
Subject: Reader
To: grandterracenews@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 12:49 PM
Dear Grandpa,
I happened by chance to run across your blog and was shocked!

I consider myself a fairly informed citizen of Grand Terrace. I read the newspapers daily and I occasionally attend the City Council Meetings. I have been a resident for 30 years and my children have both gone to school in Grand Terrace. I'm not one to spend time writing someone, especially of your caliber, but I thought it needed to be said that you are extremely ignorant.

Almost all of your writings are of opinion not fact.

You say harsh blanketed statements that often don't make sense.

Why do you even waste your days writing this in factual blog?

Thank goodness for the freedom of speech act so people like you, who clearly no nothing about what they write, are able to waste space on the Internet.

The worst part is you coward behind an alias. There is nothing respectable about that. So how about it Grandpa- come out with your real identity. At least then I could respect you somewhat. Anyway, people like you are garbage who pollute the minds of unknown individuals.

Grand Terrace is a fine town and was under the leadership of Schwab and until recently, Berry as well. Granted, there have been a lot of things going on that are a bit seedy but your statements are just out of this world and make very little sense.

Leave Grand Terrace alone.

P.S. Your spelling is rather incorrect throughout your blog. Consider spell check!

Arion Seay 16 Killed by Drunk Driver

Teen boy killed in Yucaipa wreck that ripped sedan in half
By Stacia Glenn
Posted: 07/07/2009 12:18:35 AM PDT

A 16-year-old boy died Monday, several hours after authorities said he was thrown from a vehicle that was literally ripped in half during a collision in Yucaipa.

Coroner's officials identified the victim as Arion Seay of Grand Terrace.

Witnesses reported seeing 27-year-old Dione Davis speeding south on Oak Glen Road about 2:30 p.m. when she lost control of her 2007 Ford Focus near Avenue E, crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a Toyota 4-Runner, sheriff's officials said.

The driver of the Toyota, 32-year-old Steve Parr, was not injured in the accident. Authorities said he was driving about 40 mph.

Seay was seat belted in the backseat behind Davis but was ejected from the car. He was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he died at 6:26 p.m.

Davis, who was allegedly driving drunk at the time of the collision, and a 17-year-old passenger were also injured in the crash. Their conditions were unknown late Monday.

Sheriff's officials conducting the investigation said Davis may face manslaughter charges.

NOTICE City Manager Job Available Or IS IT?

There is a PROBLEM IN THE DESIGN OF THE OPEN HIRE ANNOUNCEMENT: The Process was and is FIXED and Limits Possible Qualified Applicants from within City Hall.

The Requirement that the Applicants have 5 years experience as a City Manager or Assistant City Manager excluded people who have worked within the City Hall of Grand Terrace as City Clerk or other Department Managers. The intended out come is to secure the job for either Schwab or Berry when the announcement was posted. Now that they have been slinging mud at each other and have disqualified each other from being hired the announcement should be revised to be inclusive of the Women in City Hall who have been doing the real work of running the city on a daily basis.

Job Title: City of Grand Terrace - City Manager Job Description:

The City of Grand Terrace is located between the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino along
the I-215 corridor in San Bernardino County. This community of 12,500 is known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful neighborhoods, high performing schools, active library and safe streets. The City is nestled between two mountain ridges, Blue Mountain to the east and La Loma Hills to the west. Grand Terrace boasts the highest median income in the area, with 25% of the population having a Bachelor's Degree or higher.

Based upon its economic opportunity, family friendliness, home affordability and a sense of community, Money Magazine ranked the City in its "Top 100 Best Places to Live". The City ranks in the top three safest cities in the combined Riverside and San Bernardino counties.Closing Date: 08-17-2009

Educational Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree and at least five (5) years serving as a City Manager and/or Assistant City Manager, with broad experience in all areas of municipal government.

A pre-employment physical and background check are required.

Salary: D.O.Q.Application Process:

To Apply:Resumes must be received by 5:00 p.m., on Monday, August 17, 2009.
For more information, please call (909) 430-2245. Please send your resume to: City of Grand Terrace22795 Barton RoadGrand Terrace, CA 92313Attention: Jo Verhelle

It Is Time.

To prove their recent statements regrading their respect, love and loyalty to Grand Terrace, both Tom Schwab and Steve Berry should refund all funds paid to them by the City over the years, liquidate all their assets, and pack a bag and report directly to jail. This will save the County and State funds for a trial, for crimes and criminal activity they have publicly admitted to and who knows what else a real investigation would find.

Their assets should be surrendered to refund the city and to pay for their incarceration. They are mini Barney Madoffs and nothing more or less.

Right behind Schwab and Berry should be the "Regulators" (City Council Members) who let this go on and on and on and on, and were happy to not be informed or ask the hard questions. Ferre, Cortez and Garcia... Pack your Bag.

Right behind them, should be the City Lawyer who failed the on several levels to protect the interests of the City over the interests of the Schwab and the Friends of the Council.

Swingers Welcome in Grand Terrace:

Grand Terrace Want To Dance?

Hosts: Swing Club at UC Riverside

Saturdays: 8 p.m., Bowen Hayes School of the Arts, 22488 Barton Road, Suite 104, Grand Terrace, free.

Information: www.swingclubucr.com

Informal, and Friendly Free Swing Dancing.... YEAH....

GT MAYOR: Head in Sand / Not on Agenda

WHO KNEW WHAT WHEN>>>> and

WHO WORKS AT NOT KNOWING?

Embezzlement Accusations Against Berry Surface:

Reported May 1, 2009

San Bernardino County Sentinel

May 9th 2009 This Blog Posted the Articles About Embezzelement and Tom Schwab Interview in the SB County Sentienel. Indications are that both articles are in part a result of a face to face interview of the subject Mr. Berry and Mr. Schwab and neither informed the Council of the Pending Shame?

May 14th or there abouts Grand Terrace City News Editor threatened by Berry in Council Chambers while in Public. He knew the Sentinal Article had been published and did not want fallow up reporting to continue. Did he or Schwab inform the City Council... Did Jim Miller provide the other council members with copies of the blog or Sentienel Article?

June 30... Sun Telegram Prints Story

June 5 ... Sun Telegram Prints Story...

Mayor gets around to putting it on the Agenda with a Planned Back Room Meeting

The allegation, published in a June 30 story in The Sun, has created "a
huge distraction" for the city, said Mayor Maryetta Ferre.

"We definitely know there's a problem that needs to be addressed," Ferre said. "The city is suffering as a result of this. It's very distressing to the community, not to
mention the staff, the council and the people involved."

Ferre said the meeting will be held either July 14 or July 28, when the full council is
present. "We would address it sooner, but it fell on a holiday weekend, and
we have three council members on vacation," Ferre said.

SO>>>> When did Ferre Know there was a problem? Why was this not on the agenda in May or June? No the Council and Mayor and Berry were pretending it was not an issue it was not real... if it is in a Blog, or in the small Papers. What discussions have already taken place? What further cover up efforts have been made?

The Council could avoid problems by simply ending the Assistant Manager's Position due to the Budget. Hire a New City Manager from outside the city's Friends of the Current Council. AND hand the case over to the Grand Jury and the FBI for further investigation related to the original offences and Obstruction of Justice and Conspiracy charges against Sheriff Morris and Tom Schwab and anyone else who failed to bring this matter to the proper authorities in reasonable time period... DAYS not YEARS after learning of the issue would be appropriate. There is no need for a back room meeting.

The Pleads of Berry Heard in City Hall.....

Paww...

If you read the articles carefully there is something you have not yet brought to focus. IF Steve Berry's Pleas not to be fired were heard by everyone at City Hall, the Staff knew there was something wrong and failed to report it to the City Council... or did they.

Tom Schwab's identifying the issue came at the same time an election cycle was taking place... was his silence a manipulation of the election results.... or shall it be said a political action on his part? His lack of Ethics should be Cause of Legal Action... of some sort... He has been manipulating the Citizens and City Council for 25 years to be self serving at an inflated cost to the city and citizens.

Berry if he had done no wrong, should have insisted on the issue being taken to the natural course and matter heard in court. For him to say there is no note in his personnel file, is telling of his and Tom's collaboration on the cover-up.

The City Council will be actively participating in this even the new members if they have discussions behind closed doors on the matter which belongs in a Court of Law not a City Council Back Room.

Let's hope there is a public push for this to be filed as a legal action dealt with by LAW Enforcement, not the City Council Kangaroo Court.

Bloomberging at CJUSD... Let them HEAR a NO

Shutting out voters in 2010
Posted: 07/04/2009 08:43:20 PM PDT


Seems some local elected officials have found one way to ensure job security in these trying times.
The Colton Joint Unified School District board late last month voted to give its members another year in office, ostensibly to save the district the estimated $50,000 cost of an election in 2010.

That action, which has yet to be finalized, would mean some board members will serve six years before facing voters for re-election in 2011, if they choose to run. Their four-year terms had already been extended a year to bring the school district's elections in line with other districts.

Now, it could very well be that the four board members who voted to approve delaying the election want only to save "a job," as board Vice President Mel Albiso put it.

That is certainly a laudable goal. But aren't there other ways the board could save that $50,000? We believe so.

It would be easier to embrace Albiso's rationale if the board had a better track record.

We're talking about the same school board that voted to name a school in Grand Terrace after a Colton resident (and former board member) only to get an earful from Grand Terrace residents. The board reconsidered the decision, and named the school in honor of Grand Terrace, but only after facing considerable pressure from the community.

This is the same school board that went to voters last fall to ask for millions to complete school construction and renovation projects that it failed to finish after passing a school bond some years back.
Given all that, could it be some on the board don't want to face voters next year?

It's a fair question, and one we aren't alone in asking.

Letters from community members have appeared on this page demanding the board move forward with an election in 2010.

One of the board's own members, Robert Armenta, has been vocal about his opposition to delaying the election. His seat would be open in 2010.

"There is no cost savings that can justify the elimination of democracy in our district," Armenta has said.

Three of the four board members who voted for the term extension - Albiso, Marge Mendoza-Ware and David Zamora - are also up for re-election in 2010.

The terms of Frank Ibarra, who favored the extension, Patt Haro, who rejected it, and Kent Taylor, who missed the June 25 meeting, are set to expire in 2012.

The board is expected to meet again July 16, and it typically begins meetings with a public comment period - you know, for anyone who agrees with Armenta and would like to voice support for restoring democracy within the district.

The board has already changed course on one bad decision this year; here's hoping they'll do it again.

Did You Know...

Email from this blog to the accounts of the City Council Members... So the Council Members could not be well informed...

It is fairly clear this was an action done by either Tom Schwab or Steve Berry to keep the Council in the dark.

The proof of this is the issue of the Criminal Charges was posted on this blog nearly a month before it ran in the Sun, and prior to that it was published in the SBC Sentinel... and the Council and Berry were aggressive against the further publication of the issue but Now that it has hit the Sun Telegram they seem to have had their heads pulled out of the sand.

Well what is of issue in the Sun's Article was of issue a month or more before when it was posted in the Blog and in the SBC Sentinel. But, members of the Council and City Management would rather pretend reality is not real... and thus they block email from this blog. Who else is blocked from the city council members.

Anyone wanting an email update notice can send grandterracenews@yahoo.com an email and you'll be added to the email list. All notices are sent Blind Copy so no one will get your email from the list.

Gramps.

Behind Closed Doors They Become Co-Conspirators

Now the City Council is Acting as Judge and Jury? WRONG>>>>>
The City Council should turn the case over to the Grand Jury, and the FBI and perhaps the State DA's Office for investigation. ANY Behind Closed Door Conversations on the Matter may make them co-conspirators in the squashing of a Criminal Investigation.

Berry's action may be cause for termination. So is Schwab's in his Cover Up of the Actions. Both should leave the City with EMPTY POCKETS and await for further actions by a COURT of LAW not the City Council of Grand Terrace.

Getting something "Free" for the City? What about the fact that Berry reported that an "Employee" of the Convict broke his car window. Then he paid a different company to pay for the replacement and tinting. What was the intended job the "employee" was doing and where is the work order and bid for that job on his private car?.

There is much more under the rugs of City Hall... This Blog and many others have been pointing this out to the City Council for YEARS, but not until this issue was first in the SB County Sentinel, then the Sun Telegram did the Hear No, See No, Speak No Truth City Council pay attention. There is a pattern of conduct here that needs to be addressed by LEGAL AUTHORITIES and the Voters.

BOO HOO for the guys who's conduct is at issue that they waited for a resolution for 7 years is not the Citizens Fault or the Fault of who ever brought this issue to the "Real Press" in order to get attention of the Council and Public.


Grand Terrace to discuss Berry's performance
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/04/2009 07:07:15 AM PDT


GRAND TERRACE - The City Council will have a closed-door meeting later this month to discuss the job performance of acting City Manager Steve Berry.
Berry was suspected of embezzling city funds and filing false records in 2002 when he was assistant city manager.

The scandal, published in a June 30 story in The Sun, has created "a huge distraction" for the city, said Mayor Maryetta Ferre.

"We definitely know there's a problem that needs to be addressed," Ferre said. "The city is suffering as a result of this. It's very distressing to the community, not to mention the staff, the council, and the people involved."

Ferre said the meeting will be held either July 14 or 28 when the full council is present.

"We would address it sooner, but it fell on a holiday weekend and we have three council members on vacation," Ferre said.

Former City Manager Tom Schwab said he covered up a potential scandal by quashing a criminal investigation against Berry, who was assistant city manager at the time.

Schwab said he didn't recommend criminal charges or discipline Berry because he wanted to avoid bringing embarrassment to the city.

According to sheriff's reports, Berry was suspected of having a work-release inmate tint the windows of city buildings and Berry's personal vehicle for profit when the inmate was supposed to be performing community service.

Berry said the inmate, John Carranza, did not profit from his work for the city and did not tint the windows of his car.
"It was bad judgment," Berry said Thursday. "The intent was not to try to steal money from the city. The intent was to get free window tinting for City Hall.

Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz, who was elected last year, said the city might need to hire an outside firm to investigate what happened.

"I'm very disappointed," Stanckiewitz said. "I can't tell you what's going to come of this. As a council, we need to take action. I don't mean we start swinging an ax and all that. We need to get our act together and find out exactly what happened, then make the appropriate decisions once we have that information."

Ferre said she couldn't comment on what the council might do.

"We need to be fair to the individuals involved," she said.

ALERT

Illegal Fireworks are Being Set Off in Grand Terrace.

Call 911 in Emeregency

For non-emergency requests, please contact the Sheriff's Dispatch at 909-824-0680.

Provide the Address where they are comming from...
Fire Department Non Emergency Phone: (909) 825-0221

Many of you have emailed that you have seen Sky Rocket Fireworks in the area of Preston and Barton Road. These are Illegal Fireworks even in Grand Terrace. One of these hot fireworks could set a roof or palm tree on fire and given the right wind conditions an entire town could burn.

This is no joke, it isn't patriotic, there should be no pride in the endangerment of your family and community.

IF your Neighbor is lighting off these devices call the Sheriff's Office with their address. Note the Time you called and when the sheriff or fire department arrives. Go the the curb and provide a witness statement to the Sheriff so they have the right to investigate. The conduct is putting you and your other neighbors at risk of death and property damage. THIS IS A CRIME of INTENT. When you light a fire, you know there is risk of Death. When you throw fire in the air as these fireworks do, you intend to let it go and "BE"... and "DO" what fire does... BURN, KILL and DESTROY.

Safe and Sane fireworks usually only hurt you or your direct family, so these are Less Dangerous and could be considered devices of less destruction where as the Sky Rockets/ Bottle Rockets Fireworks are devices of potential mass destruction. The City Council has decided upon taking the risk of the "Safe and Sane Fireworks" BUT, we do not have to Allow the Use of the other type. REPORT and DEMAND ENFORCEMENT.

New Rules Taint New Senior Center:

Senior Center Attendees will all say the new Senior Center is Beautiful. Then they will say, the way it is managed is driving them to attend lunch and other activities at neighboring Senior Centers. They were ready to welcome new members. However, the new building and new level of Management of their space and activities is driving prior participating seniors away in a steady trickle.

The Seniors used to have control of the operations and use of their center in the past and now there are rules. No Children, No Sale of Used Items to raise funds. No Decorations. Add that to the No, No, No, No for the use of the Petta Park...

The Garden Space being for Senior Housing Residents ONLY also limits the "PUBLIC OPEN SPACE USE" and inclusiveness of the Senior Center. "Not for Seniors Only" was their slogan in the past. Well behaved young adults could participate in special nights and programs. BUT, now there is a sign NO CHILDREN ALLOWED... so that ALL Children are EXCLUDED from the Building. One has to ask will this include the High School Choir or Groups from Terrace View, or Terrace Hills? Aren't they "Children? These conditions or Rules may violate the requirements of the use of Redevelopment Funds and the General Plan.

The loss of the "Regulars" will be replaced by the residents of the Housing Complex so the "Need" for services will not be diminished. However, the alleged purpose of providing "Our Seniors" with an improved level of service has failed. GT Seniors are being effectively driven out by the "New Management Rules" over the building they now are not in charge of.

Well, this too was projected.... yet another example of how smaller was better. Smaller did not have a big long term debt to pay back either.

Mayor Marrietta Ferre has her Show Place of a Senior Center and another Park Built to Look at but not be used, and a boat load of No No No No No rules to dictate to the Public, Children and Seniors in the community. This is supported by the Management of the Complex and unless the Mayor and Council directs the "Management" to reform these restrictions will persists. GT Citizens are paying for a Private Park and Private Senior Center and Private Housing... and WE are welcome to Run OUR Senior CENTER as we did in the past. Former City Manager / Redevelopment Agency Director Tom Schwab has delivered a disservice to the Seniors of Grand Terrace he used to support the Housing and New Center... He has delivered a long term debt to be paid of by the taxpayers of Grand Terrace.

The Seniors Have Figured it out... They were USED...

Highgrove, Colton, Loma Linda, and Redlands Senior Centers welcome our seniors and provide food give aways and other services precluded or not offered at the Grand Terrace Senior Center.

Truth is the Current Management of the Building does not care if the Old GT Seniors Leave the City to go to other Senior Centers... all the better they gain more control.

This is the same management that contributed to the GT Days while they had decisions in front of the Planning Commission and City Council.

Unless the "Management" changes the "New Senior Center" will be the Blue Mt. Villas Lunch Room, and the GT Seniors will have gone to other communities. Management should be turned over the the Senior Citizens as it was in the Past.

Could Schwab Lose Retirement?

Tom Schwab's exit on Retirement may be his way to secure a job and that future income. IF he has now admitted to a Cover Up of Criminal Activity he himself would be charged with a crime and dismissed with what is known as Cause. Under the terms of his contract being dismissed with cause puts in jeopardy future payments and benefits.

We should not be giving this guy a golden handshake of 170.000.00 to retire gracefully, We should be giving him a Golden Handcuff along with his hand picked lackey Berry who he no doubt conspired with in taking advantage of the Citizens and City of Grand Terrace.

Sun Reverses Support for Berry and Schwab..

In the Past both local news papers the Press Enterprise and the Sun Telegram have refused to address or investigate the Political Management of Grand Terrace and have been all but cheerleaders for sitting officials no matter what or who they are. They have in the past failed to be a check on government. Let's hope the Press and Sun will aid in forwarding the investigation into the hands of the AG's Office or the FBI for a Full Investigation of Collusion and Conspiracy on ALL the ACTORS in the Crime and the Cover Up.

It defies logic that Berry acted alone on the tinting decision and all the actions required to have a Purchase Order, Work Order and Funds Released, Check Written and so forth. The City Council approves the Check Register, and I do recall the tinting being mentioned at a City Council Meeting.

Out with both city managers
Posted: 06/30/2009 08:32:58 PM PDT
Sun Telegram Web Site.. Editorial


The Grand Terrace City Manager Smackdown has taken a sharp turn to the weird.
Former City Manager Tom Schwab, who stepped aside for medical reasons, revealed that Acting City Manager Steve Berry was suspected of embezzling city funds and filing false records in 2002.

Berry contends Schwab is using the 7-year-old scandal to discredit Berry and knock him out of contention for the permanent city manager job that Schwab apparently wants back.

The problem is, Schwab says he covered up the wrongdoing in January 2003 by quashing the criminal investigation of Berry, who was then assistant city manager.

That's supposed to make him look better than Berry?

Sorry, no, that makes him look just as bad or even worse.

The upshot is that neither Berry nor Schwab is ethically qualified to run the city of Grand Terrace. The City Council has opened the job and encouraged both Berry and Schwab to apply. Hopefully, there will be plenty of good candidates besides this pair.

According to sheriff's reports, Berry was suspected of having a work-release jail inmate and employees from the inmate's business tint the windows of city buildings and Berry's personal vehicle for profit in 2002, when the inmate was supposed to be performing community service. A purchase-order account at a wholesale window-tint company allowed the inmate to pick up supplies. Berry did not inform the Sheriff's Department of his arrangement with the inmate, and Berry was also suspected of defrauding San Bernardino County by falsely marking the inmate's attendance sheets to indicate he had shown up for work on days he didn't.

A county prosecutor examined a sheriff's detective's report and determined that charges of embezzlement, offering false instrument for record and corruption of record were warranted for Berry. But Schwab, acting on behalf of the city and without informing his City Council, declined to pursue criminal charges. The case was "cleared by exceptional means," according to the detective's report.

Schwab says now he didn't want to embarrass the city; it's just as likely he didn't want to embarrass himself by having Berry, whom he had hired in September 2001, charged with or convicted of embezzlement and falsification.

"I basically asked the Sheriff's Department not to pursue it," Schwab said. "As it turns out, I think it was a mistake."

No kidding? He thinks that covering up allegations that a high-ranking official of his city was embezzling funds from his city and falsifying documents was a mistake? We agree completely.

A big enough mistake to disqualify Schwab for the city manager's post.

Nor is Berry qualified, based on the loose ethics and terrible judgment he exercised in his deal with the inmate.

What about it, City Council? Don't the citizens of Grand Terrace deserve better than dishonesty and bad judgment?

Ice Burg in the Water... What You Don't See Gets You

Ice Burg Sighted in GT...

GrandPaTerrace advises the reader to Read the following Sun Telegram Article with a few things in mind.

ONE: Former City Manager Tom Schwab admitted to Covering up Criminal Investigation halting the results of that investigation from being advanced to proper legal resolution. THAT IS A CRIME.

TWO: Party to the above Crime is the Sheriff Department who negotiates contracts with the City of Grand Terrace.

THREE: The Law was Broken... the Courts were not allowed to provide the resolution of the Violation. Tom Schwab appointed himself Jury and Judge and the appointment was canonized by the Sheriff Morris. This is not how our government should work. It is in fact Criminal.

Remember the Watergate break in... it was the Cover Up that did them all in, not the crime its self.

Now, on to Acting City Manager Steve Berry's side of the coin.

He now complains that this was in the past and that there were not charges and it is unfair that these issues be brought to light and used against him. Here are the admissions he has made.

One: He did violate the Courts Order in the use of Community Service Labor Trustees.

Two: He provided false information on Government Records to the County Court/Jail.

Three: He offered Schwab Tinting on Schwab's Home... This is a crime in its self...

Now here is an added bit of Reality. Past predicts the Future...

Tom Schwab is implicated in the use of Labor and Tinting scandal much earlier than he is admitting to. Opening an account with a supplier, and having the tinting go on the public building did not come from actions or approvals only done by Steve Berry. Others were involved in the actions before the tinting was done. Who approved the account with the materials supplier? Who authorized the modification to the building by adding the tint. This is the stage of the criminal activity called collusion, or conspiracy to commit a crime, prior to the criminal act. So if Steve Berry wants to clear the air around him some he may disclose who gave the added help and authorizations for the tinting to proceed. He did not act alone.

Tom Schwab Hired Steve Berry:

Steve Berry was repeatedly put in the situation where he was taking "Contributions" for City Party activity, and the "Contributions" came from Developers and Contracted Service Suppliers who had projects or contracts pending decision by the Planning Commission or City Council

Steve Berry was sold a city car by Tom Schwab without proper management practices and records required for the sale or transfer or disposal of public property.

These were the "Professionals" hired to "Manage the City"... City Council Members are not "Professionals"... and must rely on the conduct, knowledge and ethics of the "Professional" they hire. Neither Schwab or Berry should be hired.

Schwab's exit with pay should be resented by everyone in the city as just an additional bit of evidence of his excessive self importance, ego and since of entitlement. He has a car and a house that was given to him as a result of his employment in addition to the income of his contract, all his medical care and all. He has been paid well to add 177,000.00 exit pay is an obscenity. He can only partially repair his reputation if he signs that check and return it to the Grand Terrace General Fund.

Schwab and Berry have been putting Ice Burgs in the water for years... With the City of Grand Terrace taking on the water from them poking holes in the Good Ship Grand Terrace, they have lived well above the local economic standard and abused their professional obligations and now admitted to crimes.

It will take a Very Skilled Professional to Find and Repair all the Damage these two have done, and avoid the results of their filling the sea of our journey with huge Debt Obligations and problems in the Redevelopment Agency that will attach themselves to the City of Grand Terrace as the Co-signer of that Debt.


The FBI or the DA or AG's Office should take the case of GRAND TERRACE Cover Up and Embezzlement and have it go to the Court System, including all parties to the action, including planning stage, actual crime and the cover up. This is just an ice burg we can see, there is more ice under the surface.



Former Grand Terrace city manager admits
he covered up embezzlement investigation in 2003
Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/29/2009 07:19:02 PM PDT


GRAND TERRACE - Former City Manager Tom Schwab says he covered up a potential scandal in 2003 by quashing a criminal investigation against then assistant city manager Steve Berry, who was suspected of embezzling city funds and filing false records.

Schwab said he declined to pursue criminal charges against Berry and work release inmate John Carranza in January 2003 because he wanted to avoid embarrassment to the city. Furthermore, he said, the investigation occurred during the 2002 municipal election.

"We have never had even one hint of scandal in our city's history, and to have our assistant city manager charged with embezzlement and falsification of documents, which is what they were recommending we charge him with, would have embarrassed the city," said Schwab. "I basically asked the sheriff's department not to pursue it. As it turns out, I think it was a mistake."

According to sheriff's reports, Berry was suspected of having Carranza and employees from his window tinting business tint the windows of city buildings and Berry's personal vehicle in 2002 for profit when Carranza was supposed to be performing community service.

Berry, however, said Carranza did not profit from his work for the city and did not tint the windows of his car. He said he offered to pay one of Carranza's employees to tint his car windows separately from the work being done for the city, but wound up getting the job done at a San Bernardino auto repair shop after Carranza's employee broke one of his windows.

Berry said he did not inform the Sheriff's Department, which administers the inmate work release program from the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, of what he and Carranza were doing.

"It was something we were doing internally. This was a painful lesson, and I learned not to repeat it," Berry said in an interview last week.

Investigation

A criminal investigation was launched in November 2002 when city officials suspected Carranza had been purchasing excess window tinting materials and tools on an open purchase order to benefit his window tinting business, Schwab said.

Berry was also suspected of defrauding the county by relaxing Carranza's work schedule and falsely marking his attendance sheets to indicate he had shown up for work on days he hadn't.

Berry said Carranza, who had been doing landscaping work for the city as part of his work release, learned the city was looking to have its windows tinted and offered to do the job at cost. He said Carranza complained that his talents were being wasted and that tinting the city's windows would better serve himself and the city.

Berry said he took Carranza up on the offer.

A purchase order account was opened in the city's name at a wholesale window tint company in Anaheim, where Carranza would travel to pick up supplies for the job.

Berry said he relaxed Carranza's work schedule because Carranza needed the flexibility in his schedule to do the job.

City maintenance worker Ruben Montano told sheriff's Detective Robert Morris in November 2002 that Carranza repeatedly failed to show up for work, but Berry falsely documented that Carranza had been showing up for work, according to one of Morris's reports.

Montano told Morris that other work release inmates had complained that Carranza had bragged to them that "he was being paid for his work in Grand Terrace."

Carranza told Morris he didn't profit one penny from his work for the city, and that he did it because he was a "nice person."

Carranza couldn't be reached for comment for this story.

In a Nov. 12, 2002 interview, Sandi Ah Sue, director of the city's child care center, told Morris that Berry had advised her that Carranza was going to tint the windows of the child care center, but Berry did not disclose Carranza was a work release inmate.

Carranza told Ah Sue that "he had tinted the windows in Tom Schwab's house and had tinted the windows on Berry's vehicle," according to Morris's reports.

Schwab said Carranza never tinted the windows of his home. He said an offer was made, but was declined.

In January 2003, Morris had county prosecutor Gary Bailey review the evidence to see what charges, if any, were warranted against Berry and Carranza. Morris did not provide the names of Berry and Carranza to Bailey, just the case information.

Bailey determined the evidence warranted charges of embezzlement, offering false instrument for record and corruption of record for Berry and a charge of receiving stolen property for Carranza.

Despite the evidence, Schwab, acting on behalf of the city, declined to pursue criminal charges, and the case was noted in Morris's report as "cleared by exceptional means."

Schwab said he never informed the City Council at the time of the investigation.

"I would imagine the City Council may have insisted that I fire (Berry) if the thing came to light, and I didn't want that to happen," Schwab said.

Schwab said his inclination at the time was to fire Berry, but Berry seemed genuinely remorseful and pleaded with him for a second chance.

City Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia, who was mayor in 2003, did not return repeated telephone calls seeking comment.

Political feud

Berry, who Schwab hired in September 2001, has been running the city since Schwab suffered a brain ailment - a subdural hematoma - in June 2008. Berry is now vying for a permanent appointment to the city manager's position.

But Schwab said he has fully recovered from his ailment and wants his old job back. He is accusing Berry of underhandedly maneuvering for the city manager's job while he was holed up in the hospital and at home.

"I found that Steve severely lacks a sense of ethics and integrity," said Schwab. "And I guess it should have been clear to me after he had done that, that he really doesn't have an ethical boundary that he's not willing to cross."

Berry says Schwab is being vindictive and indecisive, and has already negotiated an exit package with the city, which includes $177,000 in severance pay in addition to his retirement package.

"The ink isn't even dry on his $177,000 payout, and he's now decided to come clean about a mistake he made eight years ago," Berry said.

Berry believes the recent unearthing of the 7-year-old sheriff's investigation is an obvious attempt at assassinating his character. He said the alleged incidents that occurred in 2002 were a terrible mistake and a learning experience.

"I think the sheriff's report is not evidence of guilt. They do not determine guilt or innocence, the District Attorney makes that determination," Berry said.

Last year, Schwab doubted whether he could serve full time as city manager. In November, he told Berry he supported his bid for city manager. A month later, Berry moved into Schwab's office.

In December, Schwab entered into a six-month contract with the city as a part-time consultant for the city's 2009-10 budget.

In January, Schwab had a change of heart, and asked Berry to wait until his contract ended before taking over the city manager's position.

Schwab's contract with the city ends today.

But Schwab would rather continue his role as city manager, a position he held since 1989. The city has encouraged him to apply for the position and join a pool of candidates, including Berry, in a recruitment process now under way.

"What can I tell them in an hour interview that my 20 years of experience (as city manager) hasn't already shown?" Schwab said.

The deadline for filing applications is Aug. 17. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, and the city should announce who its permanent city manager will be sometime in the fall, city attorney John Harper said.

If Berry isn't appointed permanent city manager, he may not have an old job to return to. He eliminated the assistant city manager job in order to balance the city's 2009-2010 budget.

Schwab, however, said that can be reversed.

"The City Council can reinstate that position just as quickly as they eliminated it," he said.

Meanwhile, Berry said he has to relive a 7-year-old nightmare he wishes would have stayed buried. He worries it will cost him his job and his reputation, and questions why it had to come to pass.

"I was never even charged. There is nothing in my employee file on it," said Berry. "I believe his (Schwab's) true motivation is to damage my reputation."

More Government Restrictions at a Cost to GT

The City Council Approved a Staff Recommended Plant to have a Program of Parking Permits on a limited part of DeBerry. The Cost of the permit will be 50.00 for 2 years and 7.50 per placard.

Why is the City Council and City becoming involved in the Parking of Cars on Public Right of ways? Well....

Apparently the people living in the Crest Apartments prefer to park on DeBerry rather than park in their Car Parks or Garages provided by their Apartment. In addition, they may have more cars or visitors than spaces to park inside the complex. Understandingly it may take 3 cars and 3 working individuals to pay rents in Grand Terrace, and that the complex is less than easy to park a large SUV in a garage or space.

So folks who are also known as members of the "PUBLIC" park on the street for their convince. Well, home owners across the street think that the "Public" space is for their Private use and have requested the City Limit Overnight Parking to Home Owners ONLY... So the permits and Placard will be assigned to a particular curb space. This makes the "Overnight" Parking to be used by Residents of the Home or their Visitors ONLY... thus making the "PUBLIC" to "Limited Public" or "Sort of Private". The plan does not stop day time parking... unless I missed something. All those parents picking up kids from school can still BOTHER the Home Owners "RIGHT" to use the Parking in front of their homes.

So where is the problem. The problem is taking PUBLIC Space and Restricting the Use of Public Property for The Benefit of a Select Preferred Minority. The Problem is that Parking Permits and use of overnight Parking on the Street will or can be used all over GT as a way to collect fees and income for the city's cash flow.

Perhaps if GT had better connections to Public Transportation links to Metro Link or Early Commuter Bus Services to LA or Orange County fewer cars would be needed at the Crest Apartments. Or even better if rents were closer to what can be supported by a single income there would not be the need for multiple cars. IF the City of GT Code had required more parking on the site of the Crest there would be larger spaces and more places to park those cars. BUT,,,, no... this was not required.... why?

So BOOOOO for the Parking Fees / Stickers and Placks... BOOOO for GT Residents who claim RIGHTS to the PUBLIC SPACE infront of their homes... to park their excessive number of cars and deny the same practice to others. You have increased Government intrusion into our collective lives one more time, one more way... BOOOO

Senior Center Opens...Soon...

GRAND TERRACE - The city's new 7,000-square-foot senior center opens Monday surrounded by a seniors apartment complex, community garden and a meditation-oriented park to be completed this summer.

40 of the 120 apartments are now occupied.

Questions on GT DAY

From the Email Inbox:

Read the GT Blog this morning about the parade.

Am thinking, but didn't the city place the new group into a tight fit?

I do not think there is sufficient time in which to advertise it.

Thank our local officials for using up all the lead (advertising) time then. I am sure they have a host of excuses for doing such.

Paww adds information: GRAND TERRACE COMMUNITY DAY

The Grand Terrace Community Day Event will be held at Richard Rollins Park September 12 th 2009.

The Lions Club will host a car show
The Sheriffs Department : Health and Safety Fair
Local Churches : Kid Zone
Fire Department : Equipment Display

Other Vendors and Organizations will also participate.

If you would like to help in anyway, money, time, display, and activity or demonstration or donation of some kind.

Please call or contact any of the following:

Shad and Raina Boal (909) 825 54o5 Please no calls after 9 PM
Angie Reynolds allaboutrkids@sbcglobal.net
Barrie Owens bowens@cityofgrandterrace.org

As far as the City burning up the Pre Event Advertizing time so be it. That Advertizing was redundent and costly. If the event is for Grand Terrace Citizens and residents the local paper goes to every house. There is no need for larger advertizing effort. The City's past effort was a way to make GT look better for Developers and businesses to buy into their Redevelopment Projects. Bringing in Bands and Shows quite frankly were flash intended to blind the the citizens and developers so they could not see what was real.

The revised Grand Terrace Days, and most likely the Revised Holloween Haunt will be by Grand Terrace and for Grand Terrace. That is a good thing.

Citizens Take Over Grand Terrace Days!!

Grand Terrace Days will be On.

Citizens and Local Businesses will organize the Grand Terrace Days. I would predict that it will be without the aid of Contributions from Developers who needed plans approved during the same time they "Donated" in the past. It will be a GT Days of Local Effort and Local Support.

Lets hope the fathers who were in Peter Pan, show off their Pirate-tood... how great if the children came and did a song or dance or participated in a show of some sort on GT Days... not a full show, just a song or two...

The Talent of GT should be front and center. Games can be rewarded with a simple prize no great big trophy, perhaps a coupon for a local business.

Hats of to you GT... your pulling away from the grips of Fake Grander and Grandiose Greed of the past City Management.

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Quick Look

Planning Comm. Meeting for June 18th.

The G.T. Planning Commission will be meeting again on evening of June 18th, at City hall. Essentially are only two items to be talked about. First (and the biggest).

A review as to complaints before the GT Planning Comission as to "what happened" on some earlier controversial items, and actions taken (or not) on them. Much of these topics were taken into account during last year and the era of an Updated General Plan.

If residents of GT do not like what is going on, now is the time to say so. One matter for discussion on same subject is about enticing businesses to occupy vacant buildings within town. Especially those up and down Barton Road.

Even if down the road you are thinking of some item in the past which happened (or not), then speak up.

Rules have changed since then.

This looks to be lengthy part of the evening, and many topics once reported here are to be discussed and reported upon. Iffn' you want to know, what happened to....

Second...An alteration to the front of couple businesses on to Barton Road at the "Food Coniption" plaza. The pizza joint and another one wish to install new signs, and this has to be taken before the P.C. on Thursday. Nothing real controversial here. But is best to speak out at what you see and the variances you hear, or forever hold your peace

Agenda Flaw WARNING>>>>>>

The next City Council Meeting has an Agenda Item that has raised concern from many readers it says

Discussion by Council...

It is important that the Discussion be done in public that is clear. BUT, with no other clarification as to what is to be the topic than Commercial Development... the Public is not served sufficient notice to be able to respond to any issues or proposed decisions of the City Council.

Thus, the City Council should defer this Discussion until it is listed on the agenda and supporting documents are available to the public for preview online prior to the meeting.

Good luck Grand Terrace,,, it looks like the Council is hunkering in and going to try to hide the facts from the Citizens again...

Robbing Peter to Pay Schwab?

Grand Terrace city manager suggests eliminating assistant's job
10:00 PM PDT on Monday, June 15, 2009

By DARRELL R. SANTSCHIThe Press-Enterprise

Acting Grand Terrace City Manager Steve Berry, who had been assistant city manager before taking over his current post last year, now wants to do away with his old job to cut spending.
Berry, who was appointed acting manager when former City Manager Tom Schwab took a medical leave last year, is asking the Grand Terrace City Council to eliminate the $124,000-a-year assistant city manager's job for the city of 12,000 people.

"We had to balance the budget," Berry said by phone. "There is really no city I know of our size that has a city manager, an assistant to the city manager and an assistant city manager. Highland doesn't. Loma Linda doesn't. Redlands doesn't."

Doing away with the position would close the last $32,000 hole in a $5.3 million operating budget that was $812,000 out of balance two months ago, he said. Since then, the city decided to charge a larger share of its expenses to the city-wide redevelopment agency, and pay of city workers was frozen, benefits were cut and five people were laid off.

The city's budget took a $177,000 hit to pay retirement benefits for Schwab, who had been on medical leave since June 2008, announced he wanted his job back and then decided last month that he would retire June 30.

By eliminating the assistant city manager position, Berry acknowledged that he may be out of a job when the council chooses a new city manager this fall.

"I am putting my neck out there," he said, "but I am willing to compete with anybody for this job."

If he doesn't get the job, Berry said, "There are a lot of other cities that are looking for city managers. They're all around.

"Just the crisis management in the last year and a half and reorganizing government" make him a good candidate, he said.

Grand Terrace Mayor Maryetta Ferre said others at City Hall agree with Berry's recommendation.

"It certainly is a way to balance our budget this year," she said by phone. "We have gone a year without an assistant city manager.

"If times become better for us in another year," Ferre said, "we may very well re-establish that position."
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com

Gramp has to NOTE:

Mayor Ferre thinks that paying for Assistant City Manager, at a cost of 100 per citizen for the services yet, it is pointed out that other cities of the size or even larger have no such positions. Loma Linda has a lot more going on at the city level. Loma Linda has Programs for Children, Seniors and YOUTH... in addition they have an economic base.

We don't need a City Manager or a Assistant City Manager. We need a clerk that will handle a few contracts.

Mr. Schwabs Retirement should not cost additional budget expense for the city. Retirements are paid into a fund and are provided for over the term of the contract. It should not be a budget item of 177,000.00 there is something wrong with this...

Mr. Schwab should not be getting any more than what has already been paid into a retirement for him from his own prior contributions into that fund. He does not earn a golden hand shake of a full years income in addition to that... NO... He is lucky to have not been removed with cause and suffering the loss of all income and retirement. He and Berry have been bad for the city if not criminal in the conduct of their contractual obligations. The City Council is just ashamed to have this be known to the public. Like the folks in DC who knew torture was being used... and now don't want it known to the public they knew all along.

In addition. the shifting of City Expenses onto the Redevelopment Agency is a problem the City of Grand Terrace had muddled the funds in the past. This should set alarms off at the higher levels of Government. You see, the liability and funds from the Redevelopment Agency are not to be used for City Operational Funds. Redevelopment Agency Funds are very specific to their use and when there is a loan made to encourage the use of the funds or gain funding support for a project the CITY acts as a CoSigner to the liability for the RDA the RDA is not the CoSigner for the City.

So there is some interesting game playing here.... and not a real balance to the budget.



Debt is Debt... money in and money out needs to be stated in real not fiction terms...

It is time to have a real audit and let the PUBLIC KNOW WHERE the money is, and where it has been going for the past 20 years.

What is GT's Stress Test?

Is Grand Terrace Solvent?

If the Redevelopment Agency Debt is not paid by the sale of Redevelopment Agency Property will the Cost to the City of Grand Terrace run us in to the Bankruptcy Courts?

Do we have assurance that we can cover operational costs and the RDA Debt payments. IF not GT is legally insolvent and should file for Chapter 11 reorganization. The Reorganization could void or amend retirement obligations, and contract and eliminate or ease some of the debt burden while allowing the city to remain a city.

The other option may be to end the status of being a city. This would shift the obligations for law enforcement and services back to the County and State. Because we actually just act as a clearing house for most of these services we would be saving the taxpayers by elimination of the middle man and at least save the cost of the additional level of administration called Grand Terrace City Hall.

When the City Council votes on the budget, they had better be dealing with the real facts and not some grand fiction about development paying off and the RDA being able to capture the Cash out of the property it bought at a premium.

Sales tax collection is not the basis of a sustainable economy. Ever increasing property values is not a sustainable economy... and the City Council has been feeding off of a trough of fictional funding called DEBT and High Hopes. They were lead to this state by Tom Schwab and Steve Berry, and now Tom wants to collect full retirement...

Nope, the city should file a Chapter 11 and Tom should find his retirement down sized to the point of the folks who have lost their homes, income and retirements as a result of his participation in leading the city and state into this abyss. All politicians, and City Managers or "Professionals" should feel the pain of the economics they were taking advantage of and promoting, They should not be like the Wall Street people who got great retirements, and payouts with TARP Funds.

When CEO's get millions and the Labor are asked to take pay cuts and suffer job loss, the burden of the failure is placed upon the feet of the wrong actors. The City Manager is the CEO of the City. Grand Terrace should not participate in the CEO Payout of the Schwab retirement while it has debt to pay. He burdened us and that bad work should not be rewarded with a retirement payout.

It is time the top feels the pain, and joins the back of the bread line for a few scraps. Has the City Council offered to help any of the 120 families who are in or facing forclosure this month?

Grand Terrace Road NEEDS Repair.

Gramps:

Not long ago in 2008 the Riverside Water Company repaired its water treatment and pumping station near the corner of Grand Terrace Rd and Vivienda. This would have been a great opportunity to have the road fixed as required by City Ordinance.

Further South on Grand Terrace Road in the direction of Barton Road, the road is in desperate need of repair. This was put on the back burner because the Redevelopment Agency had an understanding with Doug Jacobsen that he would buy the N W corner of Barton and Grand Terrace Rd and make a mobile home park as replacement for the Mobile Home community he uprooted on Michigan St.

Jacobsen did not build the replacement moderate / low income housing element nor did he repair the road that would have been part of the deal and fees for that development.

Expecting those fees to come in, Grand Terrace Road was put on the low funding priority while neighborhoods with 500,000.00 homes (now 200,000.00 homes) were painted black or resurfaced to look good for real estate value.

Well, what is the value of not causing an accident or injury due to neglect of road maintenance?

Is this once again an example of how the City is planning to Rezone that area so the folks living there get no services until some developer comes in and makes nice with the city?

It looks like the City wants to get rid of the Mobile Home Park and all the homes in that area so it can be developed or redeveloped into "Better Use"... This attitude may be part of the reason they let the road get to the point of breaking up and having pot holes sufficient to cause increased risk to the citizens of Grand Terrace and any driver who uses that road.

City Council Getting Closer...

Grand Terrace may eliminate assistant city manager position
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/10/2009 05:35:44 PM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council agreed Tuesday to move forward with a proposal to eliminate the assistant city manager position to help balance the 2009-2010 budget.
Unless he is hired as city manager, Assistant City Manager Steve Berry will be out of a job.

Berry came up with the budget-balancing plan in consultation with Finance Director Bernie Simon and former City Manager Tom Schwab.

Berry was named acting city manager in August, two months after Schwab was hospitalized with a subdural hematoma, a brain injury that nearly killed the 51-year-old resident.

Eliminating the $124,000-a-year assistant city manager position, along with other cuts, will produce a $57,829 surplus for the fiscal year starting July 1.

"This is the only way we can balance the budget," Berry said. "We have cut from the bottom. We need to look at cutting from the top."

Berry, a 46-year-old Riverside resident, said he will apply for the city manager job. The council is accepting applications for the position through Aug. 17 and is expected to make a decision around Oct. 1.

"I'm going to compete with whomever applies for the job. May the best person win," Berry said.

Mayor Maryetta Ferre said there are many cities the size of Grand Terrace that don't have an assistant city manager.

Ferre said Berry isn't assured of getting the city manager's job.

"I want to make it perfectly clear that it is level playing field," she said. "Everybody who applies will be considered."
Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz agreed.

"I don't think anyone is saying it's Steve's job," he said. "We're investing the money in doing the search and advertising the position. If he gets it, it will be because he's the best qualified."

The council is expected to adopt the budget June 23.

Paww adds:
I hope the City Clerk and or City Manager's Secretary apply for the City Manager Job and ask for a modest increase in their woman's pay which will save additional money for the city the City will still run like clock work without the Grandiose Back Room Deal Making, half baked contracts and side deals...

Steve Berry should look for work some where else... He has shamed the City of Grand Terrace enough. The budget he submitted first did not have the cut at the top... he continues to think of his own pocket first. He should go... and be glad if he is able to leave town without being in the back of a squad car with silver bracelets on his wrists.

Dumb Criminal... Welcome Mat Not Out..

Deputies: Near-overdose for Southern California man who eats drug bag while fleeing arrest
Associated Press

Posted: 06/09/2009 07:50:13 AM PDT
Updated: 06/09/2009 07:50:14 AM PDT


HESPERIA — Authorities say a 56-year-old man nearly overdosed when he ate a bag of methamphetamine as sheriff's deputies chased him in Hesperia.

Raymond Albert faces arraignment today on a charge of obstructing and resisting an executive officer, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Web site.

Authorities say on Sunday Albert was stopped and patted down by deputies who found a bag of methamphetamine, then he grabbed the drugs and ran. They say Albert shoved the bag into his mouth as officers caught up with him. Authorities say the bag apparently opened in his stomach and Albert had to be rushed to a hospital in Colton. Albert is being held on $50,000 bail. A deputy reached todaydid not know if he had hired an attorney.

Gramps must add.

In Grand Terrace and other communities empty foreclosed homes bring with them an increase in criminal activity. Those of you who have a empty house next to you... need to keep alert and do the Good Neighbor act if and when someone moves in. Get to know them and watch for activity that would indicate a drug outlet or cooking or grow house.

The City of GT could follow the idea of Colton requiring all empty homes and properties to pay a fee to the city. Banks are not watering or mowing lawns of empty houses. Even if the money is not made available, there is good reason to keep the empty house mowed and watered... It makes your house look better, controls the spread of weeds, vermin and bugs. Who knows there may even be a orange or lemon tree needing to be picked and if you don't need the fruit a shelter does.

It is time to help neighbors stay in their homes. It is time to take care of the homes that are empty and awaiting to have their prices lowered to a point of affordability. There are over 100 homes in GT that are in or facing Forclosure, and only about 30 Home Sales have been completed this year. So one can assume there are 70 or so homes Empty in GT. 270 people have been forced to leave because of economic hardship. 70 of these are most likely children.

Tell all your friends: GT Community Players Wants YOU

From the Email InBox:

Please let folks here in Grand Terrace know that we now have a Community Theatre group. We will be conducting a second round of auditions at the City Hall Community Room (across the lobby from the library) at 10 am on Saturday, June 13th.

For more information, go to http://www.gtcommunityplayers.com/ or e-mail http://us.mc331.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gtcommunityplayers@yahoo.com .

Thank you !

Lori Williams
Grand Terrace Community Players

Auditions are scheduled for Saturday,

June 6th in the Community Room at City Hall,

located at 22795 Barton Rd, Grand Terrace, CA,

from 12pm to 5pm.

Please bring own accompaniment (CD preferred).

Audition forms are available on the above website, under forms (see menu on right).
If you have a talent you want to share with Grand Terrace and the Inland Empire, come to the audition !!

We are looking for talented folks of ALL AGES !!

The Showcase performances will be held at

Terrace Hills Middle School, 22579 De Berry Street, in Grand Terrace

(corner of De Berry and Mt Vernon),

on July 17th & 18th at 7 pm and a matinee on July 19th at 2 pm.

Help spread the word :
GRAND TERRACE NOW HAS COMMUNITY THEATRE !!!

CFBH (Senior Housing) Cutting Corners?

To: grandterracenews@yahoo.com

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 9:38 AM
Planning Comm. meeting is coming up in a few days.

The developer of your favorite parcel (AKA the Senior Center) is saying NO to installation of a concrete block wall along south and west boundaries. Claims the wall will hurt natural flows of rainwater.

Instead is proposing to install a steel fence. That is supposed to allow flows on through. Noise too. A fence is not a sound wall also.

Gramp Adds:

The "Natural Flow" of water will be though a steel fence and into the back yards of people on Barton Road... It is not "Natural" when it is coming off of a Roof and Paved Parking Lot. In addition the lowest part of the field already has block wall along the S/W boarder of the property so this claim does not ring true. What I hear is the Contractor who had a no bid contract with the city is trying to cut costs. What I hear is an increased amount of noise for those folks who do not have a block wall and will now have a 2 story Neighbor with Air Conditioners. What I hear is a follow on law suit against the City and the Contractor if the Block Wall is not built as it was included as part of the Mitigation of the Environmental Impact of building the High Density Apartments in a Low Density Area.

Remember this is the "Good Neighbor" who refused to address the concerns of the neighboring properties until Judge Wade ordered a Real Environmental Impact Study, which then cause design changes, including the Block Wall as part of the mitigation. This is the Good Neighbor who could contribute to Grand Terrace Days Slush Fund when it had actions before the Planning Commission and City Council. Nope, the Fence should be built and to the specifications as approved and required by the Environmental Impact Study and the Mitigation Plan approved by the Court.

The Building Run Off and Parking Lot Run Off should be caught and cleaned and used to water the park. OR a Drain to a IMPROVED STREET DRAIN SYSTEM ..... Remember this was one of the issues raised in the Court Case... and we were assured, the road and drainage would be no problem due to the parks design...

IF the Contractor is allowed to build a fence other than a block wall then like road fees the city should collect the cost of the block wall as a Environmental Mitigation Fee and put the fence in as a PUBLIC WORKS Project. Perhaps Steve Berry knows a Convict doing Court Ordered Public Service that installs Block Walls and he can get a deal on the job?

Berry's Political Side Job Would have Impact in GT

Below is an article about the Loma Linda Measure V Issue that Acting City Manager Steve Berry Campaigned for or Supported for Cash and did not declare the income from his paid political activity in a timely manner. After the income was concluded he asked for a Raise from the City of Grand Terrace to off set the income lost at the conclusion of his moonlighting political activities in Loma Linda.

When asked why he did not declare the income, he responded, it has nothing to do with Grand Terrace, so he didn’t think he needed to get approval for the political activity or the moonlighting demands on his time. Management often has a no moonlighting clause in contracts or employment agreements.

Well He was working against the Measure V which restricts development and requires the City to mitigate Traffic…

Now if it had gone the way of Steve Berry’s Employer, don’t you think you’d hear from him or a council member, a justification for higher density in Grand Terrace …? Because Loma Linda has it. It is CROOKED Logic to say what happens in Loma Linda is not related or an impact on Grand Terrace. Have you driven on Barton Rd lately…. Guess where the traffic is coming from or going to? Yep, that would be LOMA LINDA and Redlands…

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))

Loma Linda adopts General Plan
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/28/2009 05:24:28 PM PDT

LOMA LINDA - The City Council on Tuesday night narrowly adopted an updated General Plan that significantly reduces the number of housing units that can be built.

The General Plan was revised in response to Measure V, a slow-growth initiative approved by Loma Linda voters in 2006. Measure V has several growth-control elements, including a requirement that homes be built on lots that are at least 7,200 square feet.

The initiative also limits residential building heights to 36 feet and requires developers to do more to relieve traffic impacts caused by their projects.

The General Plan is a conceptual blueprint for the amount and location of homes, businesses, parks, schools and other features.

Mayor Stan Brauer and Councilmen Rhodes Rigsby and Ovidiu Popescu supported the changes. Councilmen Floyd Petersen and Robert Ziprick voted no.

The revisions lower the number of homes, apartments and condos 3,500 units. As a result, when there is no more land available to be developed 20 years from now, the city expects to have about 31,000 residents instead of 38,000.

The large area of open space south of Redlands Boulevard and west of California Street will have less than half the number of residential units that were slated to be built there a few years ago.

"Measure V has vastly improved this General Plan by decreasing the density and amount of housing," Popescu said Wednesday.

The changes to the General Plan reflect the influence of Popescu and Rigsby, who campaigned against high-density development. Both supported adding more commercial and park space to the General Plan.

Petersen said he needed more time to digest the changes and asked his colleagues to delay a vote for two weeks. Ziprick agreed, but the request was denied by the majority.

Petersen criticized the reduction in housing, saying the city needs more places to live for students and employees at Loma Linda University.

-stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3916

City Manager's Income Level...

If you read the data below you can see why the City Manager of Grand Terrace should earn 1/2 of the City Manger of a City like Loma Linda.

We have less community services, We have fewer businesses, and so forth. We have fewer people and homes... and we have much less property and land to take care of.

So I would say in this economy the Offer for the new City Manager should be Capped at 75.000.00 and there should be no raises until all debt and Bonds are paid in full.

Then, the City Staff should get a raise and the lower paid should get a higher percent of income raise than the "Manager".

120 homes are in Foreclosure in Grand Terrace. That is about 300 people and as many as 100 children being removed from our community in part because of the Jump on the Ever Increasing House Prices Band Wagon the City Manager, and Council Supported in the Economic Hype and Lack of Prudent Reasoning of the past 10 years.

All actions attributed negatively to Steve Berry Come home to rest on the Management of Tom Schwab as being his failure to manage as much as Steve Berry...

It is time to rid ourselves of both of them, clean house, and be prudent with the income offered to the next City Manager. If they don't want the job for a reasonable pay, they will get big heads and demand more and more and more and more and we will be back to where we were with the Schwab/Berry Mentality.


Grand Terrace

As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 11,626 people, 4,221 households, and 3,051 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,293.6/km² (3,352.3/mi²). There were 4,458 housing units at an average density of 496.0/km² (1,285.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.76% White, 4.62% African American, 0.72% Native American, 5.62% Asian, 0.31% Pacific Islander, 9.75% from other races, and 5.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 25.41% of the population.
There were 4,221 households out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.3% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $53,649, and the median income for a family was $61,068. Males had a median income of $41,417 versus $30,491 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,787. About 4.5% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

NOTE THE INCOME is PRE Economic Crash, and Senior Center Housing to be added... Many folks who "Work" are now getting 1/2 or 2/3 rds of their 2000 income levels.

Loma Linda City Manager New Hire 175.000.00
As of the census[2] of 2000, there were 18,681 people, 7,536 households, and 4,498 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,541.7 people per square mile (981.3/km²). There were 8,084 housing units at an average density of 1,099.9/sq mi (424.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 54.18% White, 7.21% African American, 0.49% Native American, 24.38% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 7.51% from other races, and 6.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.33% of the population.
There were 7,536 households out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.9% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.2 males.The median income for a household in the city was $38,204, and the median income for a family was $45,774. Males had a median income of $36,086 versus $35,096 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,189. About 12.9% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over

Schwab Surrenders Post.

Former Grand Terrace city manager to retire
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/27/2009 06:46:02 PM PDT
GRAND TERRACE - Former City Manager Tom Schwab doesn't want his job back after all.
Schwab has decided to retire when his six-month contract as a part-time consultant ends June 30.

Schwab, who became city manager in 1989, suffered a life-threatening brain injury known as a subdural hematoma nearly a year ago. His job is being filled on a temporary basis by acting City Manager Steve Berry, who is also the assistant city manager.

Schwab's decision comes about a month after he made an impassioned plea to the City Council asking for his job back.

The 51-year-old Grand Terrace resident told the council at that time he had fully recovered from his injury and his doctors cleared him to return to work full time.

But the situation changed when the council decided in closed session two weeks ago to begin a recruitment process to pick a new city manager.

The council encouraged Schwab and Berry to apply for the position, which is also open to other candidates. The council is expected to appoint a city manager around Oct. 1.

Schwab is being paid $45,000 to work as a consultant on the 2009-10 budget. He said he has run out of vacation and sick leave and hopes to start receiving his retirement pay by Aug. 1.

"Ultimately, I wanted my job back, but it seemed pretty clear that wasn't going to happen," Schwab said in a phone interview Wednesday. "If they were going to hire me, why would they wait until October?"

Schwab said the controversy over the position is unhealthy for the community.
"There's an awful lot of angry people that support me and there's some people that (support) Steve," Schwab said. "I think it's dividing our community."

On Tuesday, the council met in closed session and agreed to accept Schwab's proposal that would allow him to retire.

The proposal is not public until it is put in writing and signed, which is expected to take about a week, City Attorney John Harper said Wednesday.

Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she delivered a memo to city staff on Wednesday afternoon explaining the council's decision to honor Schwab's request for retirement.

"It is with regret that he is retiring," Ferre said. "I'm pleased we can honor his request."

stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com
(909) 386-3916

Note: One hopes the City and Schwab has paid into a Retirement Fund and his retirement is already paid for and it is not a drag on the future budget. He should get no more or less than what has been contracted for in his last employment contract in terms of Retirment Compensation.

There are people who support NEITHER BERRY OR SCHWAB... and they clearly have cause.

Senior Center and Housing Almost Ready

The Current Senior Center's content is being moved to the new location and it is hopped that it will be open and running next Monday.

It is unfortunate that the new Senior Center and Senior Housing is not place closer to the retail and hospitality shops on Barton Road where the General Plan had originally placed it. It is unfortunate that the Folks living at The Terrace will still require transportation to the Senior Center as it is not in walking distance. It is unfortunate that Barton Rd and Mt. Vernon have a 45mph Speed limit so the Seniors and GT Citizens can't use Light Electric Vehicles to run errands in town.

It is unfortunate that the contract was negotiated behind closed doors, and the full details were not and may still not be known to the Citizens and City Council regarding the long term total cost to the city. In addition it is unfortunate that the Citizens Voices of concern about the Noise, and High Density Housing and lack of a Real Environmental Impact Study, including traffic around a school were not received and required a Court Decision as a result of Citizens taking the City to Court to have a fair hearing of the issues and resolutions to their concerns, including the design of the Complex being fewer apartments, and 2 stories and not 3 as the Original Back Room Deal was pushed through the Council.

But, now that it is almost complete there are a few things to note. The PARK is PUBLIC and any part of it should be PUBLIC without discrimination to AGE or CLASS or don't call it a PARK. This is important because the California Development Regulation requires Green Space and PUBLIC PARK to be part of the Planned Use of Redevelopment Funds and to LIE or Falsify the report and call a Park PUBLIC when it is not PUBLIC is a violation.

In addition, it is about time that the Citizens and City Council recognize that some of our youth may want to grow things in a Community Garden, or have a farm animal or chicken as a 4H project... Providing them a place to have this activity is just as important as a "Park" for Seniors to contemplate their turnips. A community garden is a great way to bond youth with seniors. Your about to mess up an opportunity to build a meaningful relationship that may be a great mentoring situation.

When the City Council does one thing for Seniors they should counter it with something for youth and in particular the 12 to 18 year olds who have been neglected in this community.

Nationally we spend $6.00 on Seniors for every $1.00 spent on Children, and a fraction of that goes to the most neglected age group... 12 to 18 year olds. When they need the most the get the least... How has that been working for you is the Dr Phill question... that the City and Community needs to ask.


The struggle behind the building of the Senior Center and Housing is a direct result of the lack of good managment practices of Open Bidding, sticking to a General Plan applying the same codes and standards to all developments, hearing and adjusting to Citizens Concerns. These failings are on the feet of Tom Schwab. Including prolonging the law suits and appealing the judges decision rather than to yeild and comply there was contined effort to reverse the judges determination. This all increasing legal costs to the city and developer.

This is only a phase in the Senior Housing and Center's Epoc...
But, for now, welcome the new neighbors, and enjoy the Center and eventually the park.

The Citizens will be paying for it for a long long time.... Paying off DEBT BONDS will be in part the task of the City of GRAND TERRACE...

Sustainable City?

Grand Terrace Foreclosures and Foreclosure Listings (CA) - 120 listings found

Remember the Pride the Council Took with Ever Increasing Property Values...

How many of them make money when they sell homes?

Citizens, 120 of your neighbors are having their lives put upside down... in part because of the Tune the City Council was playing as they represent a small section in the Debt is Good, RDA Think, and the Yeah for High Home Prices.... Mentality that got us to where we are now...

Sustainability is more than keeping the lights on ....

GT DAYS... Email InBox...

Paww,

Your note on discontinuance of G.T. days explains things then.

I associate with another old car owner here in G.T. ..... Only talk to one another for two minutes, twice per year.

But, last time was about back in late March. "Got your note in the mail from City on the Old Car Show?" Nope.... Now, know why we never received it.

It was never sent.

Gee, wish we would have known earlier, for summer is about here and time to do something else then.

Sometimes bad news or poor thoughts take a long time to get around.

The promoters always have a reason for who is to blame, but not themselves.

"Those evil...."

Paw's Reply:

Evil... well that may be a stronger word than I would use... However, I would think the mailing list is available to be used by a Citizens Group who would like to have a Grand Terrace Size Event along with the Fire House Pancakes... a car show would be a great way to walk off some cakes...

Grand Terrace City News Reviews. From Email InBox

Paww..

The City Manager's Job is on a Contract and the Contract Ends and it is NORMAL to have a open hire or application after the end of each Contract Period. UNFORTUNATELY Tom Schwab and the Citizens of Grand Terrace have not had Good, Normal Management Practices for the prior contract renewal periods. The city should have taken applications from others in the past. Perhaps, the city could have gotten a better qualified person who would work for less money and perks.

A contract ends, and taking applications is Good Management Practices. Simple as that. It may be cost effective to let both Schwab and Berry Go... Simple as that no need for the drama to be added to the decision making process. Nor is there a need for "Loyalty" to be an issue, a contract is a contract, and it is time the City Council think of what is best for the City and Citizens, including Cost of the Contract, not what is right or loyal to Tom or Steve...

So get over the Loyalty Crud, and get the Best Lowest Cost City Manager you can hire and be done with it.

Pawww...

Apparently Steve Berry threatened to expose the fact that the Millers were surprised by there being an issue that the City News received funds for Adds placed by the City in the Grand Terrace City News was a violation of the 1090 rules, prohibiting a Council Member from benefiting from City Business. The City News Group is owned by Marge Miller, her husband does not Own the Paper... and most know there is little income a result of running a local paper. Any way this is under investigation and the practice was stopped when it came to light.
Prior to letting the Contract or placing the Add should not the City Management Know that to place the add in the City News Groups Paper would put the Millers in a Questionable Position at a minimum, and in violation of 1090? Isn't it a Lack of Professional City Management that put the Millers in this situation. A Council Member is just an elected joe citizen... whereas the City Manager, should be aware of the Regulations and Procedures required for contracting services.

So, then Steve Berry also defended himself about a wine purchase from the City...
When did the city get a ABC License to sell wine?
Why was city surplus offered for sale only to City Employees? This is not the Proper Practice for the Disposal of City or Government Surplus.
This speaks to the professional ethics of the Management of the City.

Then Steve defends him self on the Window Tinting on his car... with a claim he has receipts, and there is a different color. This is interesting, if the receipts are dated in the same time as the Report by the Sheriff's Investigation or after the investigation, a cover up of the cover up... a do over of the tint job after getting caught or not... who knows we were not allowed to know the events at the time.... nor do we know now.

Steve Berry offered no reply to the more serious charge of Falsifying Government Records, and Contracting with an individual to tint the windows of the City in a manner in violation of Fair Business Practices and Proper City Management. Again, this was not done with out the consent or knowledge of Tom Schwab. There is no doubt that Steve Berry did not act alone in coming to be in the situation that a Convicted Violator serving Court Ordered Community Service was diverted to get a " Good Deal on a Tint Job for the City" and "Day Care Center"... in violation of the terms and conditions of the Court Ordered Community Service. Short cutting Contracting Practices and Proper Business Management Practices was not done in isolation, Checks had to be approved to purchase materials, and the designation of a work order or charge off account for the task had to involve at a minimum the GT Finance Dept, and Possibly the City Manager's Approval, and the Consent of the City Council when they approved the Checks that were written that month.

No he offered no answer to that part of the SBCS Report. No real reply has been offered by any of his co-conspirators who also were in violation of several government codes and regulations, when it comes to running a proper government purchasing and contracting.

PAWWW....

Gene Carlstrom who is the owner of Terra Loma Real Estate is the employer/associate of one of the City Council Members. So is any City Business provided to Gene Carlstrom a violation of the 1090 Regulations?

Paww... folks who suggest that IF Tom Schwab is not hired back the Citizens will vote out the council.... have missed the point ..... The Citizens Don't Support either Tom or Steve...

More and more they are looking like Pinkie and The Brain Cartoon... and the Citizens are the ones paying for their folly.

It is time REAL Contract Negotiations Take Place, and REAL APPLICATIONS for OPEN POSITIONS are CONSIDERED... not just be "LOYAL" to the Same old Dictator contact after contract...

Grand Terrace Day Cut...

City cancels Grand Terrace Days
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/18/2009 03:50:40 PM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - The city's signature community event has been canceled this year, a casualty of the economic crisis.
Grand Terrace Days parade and festival had been held every June since 1984.
But the corporate sponsorships the city relies on to put on the event dried up this year, officials said.
"If this was subsidized by the city, we could still have gone forward with it," said acting City Manager Steve Berry.
"Unfortunately, it was not something that was funded in the budget."
The city has an events committee made up of service groups and community leaders that decided to cut back on major events because of the economy.
"This is a one-time thing, we hope," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said.
"Hopefully when the economy picks up, we can do it again."
Grand Terrace Days, which celebrated the city's 30th anniversary, cost about $40,000 last year, Berry said.
While the city doesn't budget any money for the event, employees who work that day get overtime pay, Berry said.
He said the city is working with community groups to put on a smaller-scale event Sept. 12 at Richard Rollins Community Park.
Officials are planning a pancake breakfast, car show, concert in the park and possibly a parade that day.


Dear Paww:
The above article does not suggest a possibility that the Corporation for Better Housing, AES and Doug Jacobsen and their ilk no longer need to pay for the City Council's Favor... Deals have been all made and projects done if there was financing to push them forward...

Or perhaps the Businesses are a bit shy of doing business with either Schwab and Berry with the lack of accountability for their past contributions and the apparent conflict of interest that could cause embarrassment or worse.

Sure the cost of doing business and incomes are down...

It is right that Grand Terrace Days should be for and by Grand Terrace Area and Citizens anyway.

The Fire House Pancake Breakfast could be done out of the Rollings Park Snack Bar, Combine the Breakfast with Local Display of Crafts and invite all those who participate in Market Night to bring their displays for a Free Market Night. or a City Wide Yard Sale... with free space designated at the park for each seller... in the park and on Mt Vernon along the side walk. Grand Terraces Longest Sale... say from Mt Vernon and Barton Rd to the Pocket park and up to the park if the CJUSD does not want to participate with fund raising booths at Terrace Hills ... PTA for Terrace View or Terrace Hills and Grand Terrace Elm could have What Not Sales... of donated What Nots...

The city would provide a big dumpster at the end of day for any unsold item, after a charity truck got first pick of the left overs that no one wants to take back home.

This could bring income to clubs and teams and clean out our garages at the same time.

Breakfast, Breakfast Music... NOT POP YOUR EAR AMPLIFICATION PLEASE... and it would not cost much... if anything. Dumpsters from Burtec... I think they will donate this non cash contribution.

Another DUHA for Grand Terrace

Paww...
The article below demonstrates that either the City Council and City Management doesn't care or is just unable to ask intellegent questions. Such as, an agreement to Share the Play Fields as part of the sales agreement should have been more specific as to what Share Means Prior to the sale.

The Little League not haveing a place to play was part of the deal. Duha... or didn't they ask the intellegent question, what are you building and when and how can the community Share in the use of those assets?

Well, it is clear that the fields at the Elementary Schools are used and the restroom facilities and snack bar is not available. for use at the Rollens Park. Fields need to rest between sports.

This is yet another fine mess created by putting a high school in an industrial zone and selling a park to help sweeten the deal. With the security concerns at a high school campus and the after school sports there will be no or extreamly limited use of the "Park" land that is supposed to be "Shared"... do not be fooled... soon you will see a fence and no entry posted on this land, simular to the prison compound like facility at Colton High School, and even Terrace View.

This Park Land deal was to offset the land that was and is a Brown Field where the old plating plant was located at Michigan and Main, where soil samples may not be safe for a school.


Grand Terrace Little League loses fields
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/17/2009 07:05:03 AM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - The city is working to help Grand Terrace Little League build its field of dreams.
League officials are scrambling for places to play because the Colton Joint Unified School District is taking two of their three fields at Pico Park to build a new high school.
The fields are on a L-shaped parcel that the city sold to the district in 2006 for the high school.
The 67-acre campus, called Grand Terrace High School at the Ray Abril Jr. Educational Complex, is slated to open in fall 2011 at the corner of Pico and Taylor streets.
District officials told the league they need to start moving dirt next week in preparation for construction of the school.
"They are fencing us off on Tuesday," said Russ Sulzmann, the league's softball representative. "We knew we were going to lose the fields, but we didn't know we would lose them halfway through our season."
The league's season ends in mid-June, he said.
Jaime Ayala, the district's assistant superintendent for business services, said the district let the league hang on to the fields as long as possible.
"It's an unfortunate situation," Ayala said. "I can imagine how those poor kids feel. But construction has to happen like clockwork or we're going to lose our two-year building schedule." The league, which serves about 350 boys and girls ages 6 and 14, moved some of its games to Loma Linda because of the field situation.
The older boys division is also traveling to Rialto, Colton and other cities for games.
City officials are working with the league to find a solution.
The city owns adjacent vacant property north of the park that it could let the league use on a temporary basis, officials said. The city is hoping to eventually use the land for part of the so-called Grand Crossings retail and residential project.
Acting City Manager Steve Berry said the city has park funds that could be used to help the league put in grass, an irrigation system and backstops on the property.
"We're working diligently with the Little League to help them out on this," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said. "It's a problem that needs to be solved."
The city has a joint-use agreement with the district to share field space once the high school opens.
But Ayala said playing fields for high school baseball have different dimensions than Little League fields.
"If there's anything we can do to assist in that area, we will," Ayala said. "To say the district will provide Little League fields, I don't see that happening."
Sulzmann said he is worried that many parents will drop out of the league next year if there aren't enough fields.
"It will be a sad thing," Sulzmann said. "We don't want to see Grand Terrace Little League go bye-bye."