From the Email Inbox: Some Suggested Individual Actions

Dear Gramps: I read this about DESERT HOT SPRINGS and thought... of GRAND TERRACE.
Please post, and I hope the readers read all the way to the end of the post.

Another Small Town in need of Good Governance:

Probe lists wrongs at the city level
DESERT HOT SPRINGS: A grand jury report thumps officials over a contract, poor accounting and more.
10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 29, 2006
By DAVID HERMANN
The Press-Enterprise

Concerns ranging from improper accounting and hiring practices to conflicts of interest and ethics violations are detailed in a Riverside County grand jury report on Desert Hot Springs city government.

The four-page report, which was posted online Thursday, lists five issues and an equal number of recommendations on how the city can remedy them.

The findings:
Ethics violations by a former city official who renegotiated a developer's contract so street improvements would extend past the official's property. The official then recommended that the

City Council approve the contract without disclosing a personal interest.
Improper accounting that resulted in special-permit funds being mingled with the city's general fund.

As of 2005, city employees had not received a handbook outlining their employment rights
Some city employees were hired without the required educational degrees and/or criminal background checks.

A former city official simultaneously held five positions, including city manager, city engineer, building official, development director and executive director of the redevelopment agency -- in possible conflict with accepted practices.

The report does not list any names. But former City Manager Jerry Hanson held several city jobs simultaneously during his tenure. Hanson left Desert Hot Springs amid controversy last year and has since filed a claim against the city.

A man who answered the phone at Hanson's home Thursday night said Hanson was out of town and unavailable for comment.

The report recommends:
Ethics training for Desert Hot Springs council members and employees
An audit of the city's specialized funds
Prohibiting city officials from simultaneously holding two or more positions when there is a possible conflict of interest
The distribution of a handbook for employees detailing their rights
Verification of position requirements and educational degrees, and criminal background checks for prospective city employees.

Under California law, Desert Hot Springs has 90 days to respond to the report's findings and recommendations.

The mayor and City Council must submit their comments to the Superior Court judge who impaneled the grand jury.

The recommendations do not carry a penalty if they are not implemented.

Mayor Pro Tem Gary Bosworth, who along with several other residents asked the grand jury last year to investigate Desert Hot Springs, said he looked forward to reviewing the recommendations with his fellow council members -- and implementing them as fully and quickly as possible.

"I am glad that the grand jury has taken the allegations that were brought to them seriously," Boswoth said.

He said the only way that Desert Hot Springs' leaders can regain the public's trust is by dealing with "the warts of the past in the light of day."

http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/da/public_integrity/welcome.asp


GRAMPS OFFERS THIS:

Perhaps our County AG's Office may begin to hear the complaints from Grand Terrace. Would it help if several people filed a letter of complaint or request for an investigation... each person could pick a topic...

Schwab House,
Schwab Car
Use of Public Assets and Sale of Public Assets
Accounting Problems
Employment Contracts/Koontz in Particular
Miss use of RDA Funds, Employee getting loan.
Corporate for Better housing gives contributions to City while asking for Contract/Obligation for the Senior Villa...

Each of these topics could start the ball rolling..

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:
Frank Vanella/Public Integrity UnitDistrict Attorney316 N Mt View AveSan Bernardino, CA 92415-0004Or click here to report a complaint via the Internet.
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/da/public_integrity/form.asp
What is a 501(c)3 Charity Corporation: When is a Non Profit Corporation aka Charity is, and what is a Not for Profit Corporation. Those of you who want to investigate you may want to try the link http://ag.ca.gov/charities/index.htm.

IF you have a concern that a Corporation or Charity is improperly identified as a particular type of classification or should be evaluated you may file such a complaint or concern with the State Attorney General. Please be sure to identify the Specific Institution you are concerned about.

This question has been raised in the Meeting. However the question should be directed to the State Attorney General’s Office.

The question was directed toward the Grand Terrace Baseball Association for which no information comes up.

The question was also directed to:

CORPORATION FOR BETTER HOUSING
EIN Number: 95-4550322
CT Number: 99895
Number: C1769930 Date Filed: 9/13/1995 Status: active
Jurisdiction: California
Address
15303 VENTURA BLVD STE 1100
SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91403
818-905-2480
Agent for Service of Process
JOHN ELEFTHERIOU
15303 VENTURA BLVD STE 1100
SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91403

If you did not find a charity searching by EIN or CT Number, try searching by the organization's name. If you do not get a match for your search query, you can e-mail an inquiry to the Attorney General's Registrar of Charitable Trusts.
Complaint Form CT-9 Form [85KB/1 Pg]
For use by individuals who wish to file a complaint against a charity or other public benefit corporation.

The link to this form is on http://ag.ca.gov/charities/forms.htm It is a PDF file…

You might find that it is your belief that the Corporation For Better Housing is not a Charity it is a Development Company which does not distribute its funds to Charities or Charitable Acts. Payments to Board Members and Employees or to Governmental Entities for the purpose of lobbying for contracts or consideration during development negotiations. If you do please send a form to the Attorney General’s Registrar of Charitable Trusts.

Why is this important?

People may give money to the Corporation for Better Housing and may receive a tax deduction for a Charitable Contribution when no Charity is in fact done.

The Corporation for Better Housing gains competitive advantage and undeserved good will when presenting itself as Charity.

The Corporation for Better Housing gains a cloak of respectability which affords it an easier path through the rigors of Planning Commission, Planning Department and City Council Scrutiny. Charities are assumed to be “Well Wishers” , “Do Good-ers”, above reproach or suspicion.

This may cause unfair trade advantages, and improper contractual processes to be overlooked.

Please do your own study, and take the actions you think appropriate.