WHY Are WE Funding Stater's or Jacobsen?

Read the Article: There is a problem here...

Joyce Powers indicated in this article that the Redevelopment Agency is going to pay for the cost of roads, curbs, streets and other improvements needed to aid in the development of the Stater Brothers and or any of the Jacobsen's Development.

What are Development Fees for? Recall a land owner who wanted to make one large lot into 3 or 4 lots so their children could own their own homes on the family lot? The City Said fine but FIRST pay the road improvement Fees for the some time in the future when the city may get around to putting sidewalks and curbs in on that street.

So is Jack Brown and Douglas Jacobsen being given lower than cost fees so the Citizens have to pay for the cost of the Improvements that their development requires? How many years of INCREASED sales tax will be required to pay off that cost?

If anyone on the street was going to make improvements or build didn't they have to pay for their own road improvements sidewalks curbs and any traffic mitigation measures as part of their development or improvements?

Perhaps the Fees Collection and Assessments need to be audited to find out if some folks get waivers and others are charged according to the Code Requirements. Citizens are tired of paying for Favored Developers who have used the City as their Strong Arm Man to acquire property, and then add the traffic mitigation to the burden of the citizen or tax payers is just an added insult.

Did the Redevelopment Agency pay for the Dance Studio's Driveway or Darwin DDS's Driveway curb and sidewalk improvements? This is why NEW Development should be done with PRIVATE FUNDS and not mixed up with the Redevelopment Agency. Failure to foresee the cost of Development of the Infrastructure caused the OAC to Fail in Court.

When is the Planning Department, City Council, and City Attorney going to get a grip that the Costs of Development should be upon the Developer, and the City of Grand Terrace is not in the Development Business. RE Development should be for already existing buildings and infrastructure.

In addition IF Stater's Moves and there is not a Back Fill Occupant for the empty store, or if Stater's holds on to the lease to keep competition out of GT, the cost in sales taxes and blight could go right back to the Citizens and Tax Payers. If they release the property and it goes vacant the owners may charge the RDA for the lost income until a new occupant can be found. Why, well the RDA should not be assisting or competing with EXISTING businesses. The Super Staters will compete with all the Restaurants, Drug Stores, and other Shops in GT. These businesses may also be able to bill the RDA for lost income. So if the RDA pays any of the Development costs including Roads and Sidewalks or such they become liable for the cost of lost income of all the related businesses in GT.

Think about it City Council / RDA Board before you spend a dime that will later cost you a dollar.

The Rest of the Story. And Questions

From Email InBox:

"The new store will have about 130 employees and generate nearly $800,000per year in sales tax revenue, he said. "Is that $800,000 over the amount they pay to the city now?Or is that the same amount?

Paw's Answer: I think that calculation was depending on the Mt. Springs Ranch Development being built out. I doubt that we will eat and drink more than we currently do. I hope not.

Perhaps some of the Deli Business will transfer from the Washington Store but I doubt that we eat that much Deli to make an increase of $800,000 per year. I think that the $800,000 per year is a gross figure and does not represent a total expected increase, that does not seem possible.

Stater's having a Deli in GT will stress already existing resturants in town. Perhaps the City will have to pay existing businesses compensation for the impact the Redevelopment Agency's actions will have upon them. The Redevelopment Agency's involvement in securing the property as a total development may cause this to be a cost to the City RDA. This is yet to be seen.

Looking at the Fresh & Easy add last week, their prices won't attract much business. Let's hope a Cardenas, or Fiesta Market or Superior will open a satellite store in GT we need lower prices on fruits and vegetables.

Many of you wanted the entire article posted here it is:

Grand Terrace Stater Bros. might open next autumn
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/21/2009 10:47:50 PM PST
Updated: 11/21/2009 11:15:04 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - Stater Bros. Markets has reached a deal to acquire land for a new supermarket in the city.

Jack Brown, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the San Bernardino-based supermarket chain, said his company hopes to open the store by next fall.

"We are ready and able to proceed as quick as the city gives us approval," Brown said.

Brown said Stater Bros. has an agreement to buy about 12 acres from Jacobsen Family Holdings, which owns the land on the south side of Barton Road east of Michigan Avenue.

The Stater Bros. market is planned as the first phase of an approximately 140,000-square-foot shopping center that has been on hold due to the recession.

Mayor Maryetta Ferre called the new Stater Bros. "one of the most important projects in Grand Terrace."

"We have one Stater Bros., and we have one (grocery) store," Ferre said.
"Stater Bros. is Grand Terrace, and Grand Terrace is Stater Bros."

Look at what Mayor Said and ASK ? Did Mayor Ferre Forget all the joy she expressed about the planned Fresh & Easy and the Help to back fill the current Stater's Location? Or is she suggesting that the City of Grand Terrace has a no Competition Agreement with Jack Brown? Is there an agreement for the City to take every possible action to frustrate any other Markets in GT? Her statement Grand Terrace is Stater Bros sugessts such or worse.

The city is in the process of finishing the environmental impact report for the center. The Planning Commission is expected to consider the project in three or four months.

WHY is the City doing the Environmental Impact Report. Who is Paying for it? Jack Brown?

Brown said the new market will replace the company's store that opened in Grand Terrace in 1974.

The new store will have about 130 employees and generate nearly $800,000 per year in sales tax revenue, he said.

GT Crime Arrests Made... Public Notice Delayed

Authorities recover $30,000 worth of stolen Tap Out clothing

By Stacia Glenn
Sun Telegram
Posted: 11/16/2009 05:44:00 PM PST

Authorities on Monday arrested four Riverside men who are believed to have stolen more than $30,000 worth of merchandise from the headquarters of Tap Out, a popular clothing brand.


Sheriff's officials declined to release the identities of the four men, who were arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

Detectives were tipped off to the burglary on Friday and served three search warrants in Riverside on Monday. They recovered thousands of dollars worth of Tap Out board shorts, sweatshirts and T-shirts, said sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller.

Tap Out's headquarters on Barton Road in Grand Terrace were burglarized earlier this year, with the suspects cutting holes in the roof to gain entrance.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Detective Mario Juanez at (909) 387-3545.


Gramps Adds:

Why wasn't the public asked for help prior to the arrests? Why wasn't this theft significant enough for the Public to have been informed just after it happened.

The City of Grand Terrace not making timely crime information available to its citizens and business owners is an impediment to the investigator and or detective being able to do their work. In addition others were not advised to protect their property and be alert to the potential of a repeated.

The answer provided in the past by the City Council has been we don't want to have a bad reputation.

Fugitive in Grand Terrace child molestations captured

By Melissa Pinion-Whitt

Inland Valley News
Created: 11/20/2009 09:57:33 AM PST


"Genaro Gonzalez has been on the run from law... (San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department)"

A man who fled to Mexico nearly a year ago after molesting three girls in Grand Terrace has been returned to California, sheriff's officials said today.

San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies booked Genaro Gonzalez, 39, into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts with children under 14-years-old, sheriff's officials said.

Investigators said Gonzalez violently molested three girls between 1999 and 2008. Someone reported the incidents to the Sheriff's Department on Dec. 12. Gonzalez discovered there was an investigation, so he fled California.

Authorities discovered he was hiding in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico. Authorities obtained an international provisional warrant and Mexican authorities arrested him June 12.

Gonzalez was extradited from Mexico to Texas where a U.S. Marshals task force took custody of him. He was flown to Ontario Airport on Nov. 14, interviewed and booked into jail without bail. Authorities placed an immigration hold on him.

Anyone with information may call sheriff's detectives at (909) 387-3545. People wanting to remain anonymous may call WeTip, (800) 78-CRIME.

Read All About It... Stater Bros. Makes GT Deal

Stater Bros. reaches deal on Grand Terrace store
Redlands Daily Facts - Stephen Wall - ‎4 hours ago‎
GRAND TERRACE - Stater Bros. Markets has reached a deal to acquire land for a new supermarket in the city. Jack Brown, chairman of the board and chief ...

Stater Bros. reaches deal on Grand Terrace store
San Bernardino Sun - Stephen Wall - ‎4 hours ago‎
GRAND TERRACE - Stater Bros. Markets has reached a deal to acquire land for a new supermarket in the city. Jack Brown, chairman of the board and chief ...


Now will the City Council Approve a Development that is Done Piecemeal, not all at the same time as they once insisted upon?

And

Will the GT City Redevelopment Agency assist in obtaining a back fill tenant in Stater's Soon to Be Old Location?

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE in GT... Come and See..

Grand Terrace Community Players update :

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Presented by The Grand Terrace Community Players

Dates : December 6th, 12th and 19th

Times : 2pm and 7 pm

Playing at: Lions Club Community Center Location

22164 Barton Road, Grand Terrace

Phone : (909) 783-0437

Price : $ 5.00 (sold at the door only)

Presented by The Grand Terrace Community Players

In this heart-warming, classic story, George Bailey, grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him from leaving his home town.

Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. Rescued by his Guardian Angel, George is shown what life in Bedford Falls would have been like had he never been born.

Finally realizing the richness of his life, he returns back to his reality, where he discovers that the residents of Bedford Falls, all of whom he has affected for the better, have banded together to save him from bankruptcy.

Hope to see all of Grand Terrace turn out for these performances, but with only 108 seats at each performance, tickets are limited !!　


Side Note:
GRAMPS Will be there... will you?

Will it happen in GT?

Citywide layoffs may be brinksmanship with unionized employees
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 11/13/2009
Newspaper report: libraries closed for rest of fiscal year
Library message: libraries closed "until further notice"

No one in offices on a Friday

Unable to gain concessions from unionized city employees, the small city of Colton, CA, sent nearly 60 employees layoff notices and closed the city’s three library facilities indefinitely as of today. Colton which has about 50,000 people, is located less than three miles from San Bernardino; housing values have dropped 40% in a year.)

While the Contra Costa Times reported that the Colton Public Library Services of two libraries and a homework center—would be closed for the rest of the fiscal year (meaning June 30, 2010), the situation may not be that drastic.

Interim City Manager Bob Miller, whose request for a 15 percent pay cut from employee unions had been rebuffed, said the unions could respond with their final offer by November 17, the newspaper reported. While the city has a $5 million deficit, the layoffs and closings would save only $4 million.

Library messageCallers to the library receive the following message: “Due to recent budget cuts, all library facilities have been closed until further notice. Materials may be returned in the return slots located at each facility. We hope to reopen the libraries as soon as possible.”

Given that city offices in Colton operate on a Monday to Thursday work week, no one was available today to answer questions. The California State Library also has furlo days on the first three Fridays of the month.

Happening in Colton... Is GT Next for a WOOOPS?

From the Email InBox:

Friday, November 13, 2009, 7:38 AM
Was a one minute special on television news last night, on how Colton is shutting down certain city funded things due to no dollars in their budget. Mainly I think they are closing all the libraries and laying off employees.

yep that is what I read in the news this morning...

Their Assistant City Debt Creator is getting laid off with a separation package... The others are just likely to get a handshake and a thank you and perhaps not much more...

The union should have come back with a deal that Management that is paid over 100,000.00 per year take a 30 percent pay cut, People between 100,000, and 50,000 and 20 percent pay cut and the others a 10 percent pay cut... and then chunked the numbers. But hey what do I know?

Oh and Yes Fire the Assistant City Manager for Cause and don't pay him a separation bonus... The Cause, failure to keep the city out of financial trouble. Perhaps even worse reasons should apply. .

When the New City Manager gets on the job in Grand Terrace, she will want to know exactly where the City's Financials are so that none of the Prior Actions of the Schwab/Berry/ Harper and League of California Cities/ and the Real Estate Interests in GT have lead the financal status of GT. Expect to hear of "New" problems the "Council did not know about".

More on City Manager Selection.

Below is the Sentinel's Article about the Selection of the New City Manager.

Green is Gramps Added thoughts and opinions. First of all the Sentinel has once again covered MORE of the STORY... Thanks...

San Bernardino County Sentinel
Friday, November 6, 2009

New GT Manager Forwent $230,000 Management Post in Moreno Valley to Take Blue Mountain City’s $185,000 Job

GRAND TERRACE–In a unanimous vote, the Grand Terrace City Council this week select­ed Betsy Adams, one of Moreno Valley’s current assistant city managers, as the Blue Mountain City’s new city manager.

Adams will take over the reins at City Hall from Bernie Simon, Grand Terrace’s acting city manager, effective December 1.

Adams, 51, has served in the capacity of the second highest ranking municipal manager in Moreno Valley, a city of 180,446 population in Riverside County, since 2005. She has worked in Moreno Valley for 19 years. In her first decade and a half with that city, Adams worked in the capacities of executive secretary, emergency services director, risk management supervisor, the director of technolo­gy services, city spokeswoman, assistant personnel director and the director of administrative services.

Though Simon current­ly heads the municipal op­eration in Grand Terrace, his assignment as city manager is only an inter­im one. He was promoted to the temporary city man­ager’s role in August, suc­ceeding Steve Berry, who was given an ignominious send off following a scan­dal relating to allegations of embezzlement, failure to disclose his income from work he did for a developer in neighboring Loma Linda and an effort to close out the city’s child care service.

Like Simon, Berry never held the permanent city manager’s post, but served in an interim or acting capacity beginning in June 2008, when the last full fledged city man­ager in Grand Terrace, Tom Schwab, was felled by a subdural hematoma. The unflattering revela­tions about Berry that led to his exodus from Grand Terrace in some measure stemmed from the rivalry that ensued after Schwab’s recovery led to his effort to regain his position as city manager in the face of what were perceived as Berry’s ruthless efforts to succeed Schwab on a per­manent basis.

Schwab, who had served as city manager in Grand Terrace since 1989 after a five-year stint as finance director, was only the second city manager in the city’s history. He was preceded by Seth Armstead, who was hired as city manager upon the city’s founding in 1978.

Schwab is no longer with the city, having re­tired in June. Simon will remain with the city as finance director after Ad­ams takes up her position, which pays $185,000 in yearly salary along with nearly $30,000 benefits and deferred compensa­tion.

Schwab had earned only $140,000 per year in base pay with Grand Ter­race, which boasts only 12,500 residents. The council was obliged to es­calate Adam’s pay scale to $185,000 because, More­no Valley officials say, she was considered the front running candidate to re­place Moreno Valley City Manager Robert G. Guti­errez in December. That post would have paid Ad­ams upwards of $230,000 per year.

The City Council should have offered not what Schwab was getting, or in this case more in terms of cash. They should have offered her 10 percent above the average income of a household in Grand Terrace. That would be around 80,000.00.

Tom Schwab was over paid getting a New Car and Perks including the Purchase of A HOUSE.. Schwab was party to the Cover Up of the Berry Criminal Investigation and the Cover Up of the Income Berry earned in Political Activity that could have impacted Grand Terrace Policy.

Adams applied for the Grand Terrace job in July, well before Gutierrez an­nounced in September that he would retire in December, after his hand was forced by the filing of criminal charges against him by the San Bernardino County district attorney relating to allegations he had stalked and harassed a former girlfriend.

Adams was one of 36 who applied for the posi­tion. Among those 36 was her colleague in Moreno Valley Rick Hartmann, who also carries the title of assistant city manager. It now appears that Hart­mann will succeed Guti­errez in December.

New GT Manager Forwent $230,000 Management Post in Moreno Valley to Take Blue Mountain City’s $185,000 Job

Efforts to reach Adams at Moreno Valley City Hall this week were un­successful.

She may be a Great City Manager. Her education and past work experience proves hopeful. IF she is, she would be the first to renegotiate a contract that is reasonable for the City and the size of the job. Not what she would be paid in a much larger city. This would show true character which could be respected. Our community is doing without Youth Programs for 13 to 18 year olds. Our community has a troubled job market. Our community needs jobs that will provide sufficient income to live in this community. Having an over paid City Manager has not resolved any of these problems in the past.

There should have been a bidding war with the cost going down not UP... Many of our citizens have had their incomes cut in half, or worse laid off.

More "Retirements" in MoVal... related to GT?

Moreno Valley Finance Director Steve Elam is the latest at MoVal City Hall to resign. Elam is retiring next month after 23 years in local government. Elam joins City Manager Robert Gutierrez and his assistant Betsy Adams to take the exit door.

Do you see a pattern here?

Looks likes Rats are leaving the Good Ship MoVal... Have we hired the Rat or the Exterminator?

Will we read next the Team of Schwab and Berry will replace Gutierrez and Adams?

Grand Terrace Citizen Arrested for DUI

Pursuit ends in Highland
By Charles Roberts
Published: Monday, November 2, 2009 5:40 PM CST

Rialto police chased a suspect into Highland Friday night, Oct. 30, where the suspect car crashed on Nye Street.

Rialto Police Sgt. Richard Royce said the pursuit began when Thai Duang, 37, of Grand Terrace blew a DUI checkpoint at about 8:30 p.m.

Rialto units chased the black Honda through Rialto, Fontana and San Bernardino before the pursuit ended in the 7400 block of Nye Street in Highland.Royce said Duang fled the crash scene on foot, but was captured a short time later.

Duang was booked into West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of felony evading and driving under the influence, among numerous other traffic violations.

Justice Delayed for Jim Miller...

Justice for Jim Miller is being pushed further down the Court Calandar. His term as a City Council Member may well expire befor the case is heard.

This trial also affects the Citizens of Grand Terrace and the Public Trial and that which will be testified to in court could well affect the lives of the Millers and the Political Carears of several other Council Members. The results of the trial may even result in further criminal charges levied against others formerly or currently in City Management.

So it may be acceptable to James Miller the trial date being shoved further and further down the road... It should not be acceptable to the Citizens of Grand Terrace as it delays the needed debreading of the puss filled infection of the past City Management, and yes Council Complanciancy if not Collusion with the actions of Steve Berry and Tom Schwab.

If the DA's Office is the delay of the Miller Trial, Shame on Him for not charging Berry/Schwab for their part in the Miller situation, and the other criminal activity that Berry/Schwab have addmittedt to in the Press relating to the Embezzelment Investigation and Coverup.

Below is the Court Report on Nov 3 Court Date for James Miller:

Case FSB902916 Defendant 3210349 MILLER, JAMES THOMAS

Action: DISPO/RESET
Date: 11/03/2009

Time: 8:30 AM

Division: S21
Hearing Status: DISPOSED
DOUGLAS M ELWELL
CLERK: CS3-CHRISTINE SPENCER
CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER: LJ-LISA JELKE CSR# LJ-10643
BAILIFF K WOODFORD
-
APPEARANCES
DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY J GORITZ PRESENT.
ATTORNEY (RT) RICHARD EWANISZYK PRESENT.
DEFENDANT PRESENT NOT IN CUSTODY.
-
PROCEEDINGS
ACTION COMES ON FOR DISPO/RESET
-
HEARINGS
DISPO/RESET HEARING SET ON 12/17/2009 AT 8:30 IN DEPT S21
DEFENDANT ORDERED TO APPEAR ON HEARING DATE.
-
TIME WAIVERS
DEFENDANT WAIVES HIS/HER RIGHT TO A PRELIMINARY HEARING WITHIN 10 COURT DAYS AND 60 CALENDAR DAYS UNDER PC859B AND 60 DAYS BEYOND 12/17/2009.
DEFENDANT WAIVES TIME FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING TO 02/16/2010.
-
CUSTODY STATUS
CURRENT BAIL BOND CONTINUED.
CASE CUSTODY - BAIL BOND
============= MINUTE ORDER END ================
TIME RUNS ON 02/16/2010.

More on the New City Manager and How the Council Works?

This will be a review in article..
THE PRESS MISSES THE POINTS AGAIN.

Grand Terrace hires new city manager
01:25 AM PST on Wednesday, November 4, 2009
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise

The Grand Terrace City Council on Tuesday ended its three-month search for a city manager, hiring Moreno Valley's assistant city manager on a four-year contract.

"This is the most important decision we have ever made," Grand Terrace Mayor Maryetta Ferre said after the council voted 5-0 to hire Betsy M. Adams, 51, who lives in Redlands.

The Mayor and Council should had the same level of "Importance" to each time they continued Tom Schwab's contract without looking for a replacement. Their continued employment of Steve Berry for 1 day after his Criminal Investigation and Coverup was brought to the attention of the Council. MONTHS PRIOR TO IT HITTING THE PRESS.. These Decisions were Important and they clearly Decided WRONG. The Decision to go against Public Interest and Desires and placing the Senior Center and Housing, in a remote location rather than Down Town is a Big Decision... Mayor Ferre suggest untill the #()@! hit the fan the Council hasn't been taking their jobs serriously.

City Attorney John Harper told council members that the 37 applicants for the post represented "a lot of terrific candidates and a lot of terrific interviews."

Adams will be paid $185,000 a year to start, and will receive a $500-a-month car allowance, a $15,000 life insurance policy, group health insurance and two weeks of annual administrative leave. She will be eligible for city-paid retirement contributions, vacation and sick leave.

Adams has said she will be looking into the budget. Perhaps her first move will be to reduce her own income and use those funds to hire a cook for the Child Care Center. Or perhaps provide Medical Insurance for Part Time Employees.

Her contract includes a clause that requires the city to pay her six months' salary if she is terminated without cause. She starts work Dec. 1.

This is a standard clause. She has little to fear. This city had plenty of Cause to Fire both Tom Schwab and Steve Berry but their reviews were always possitive and their employment continued with increased cost to the city. However, if some Council Member doesn't like what she is doing she may find the DA's Office After Her...

Adams replaces Tom Schwab, who retired June 30 after a year-long medical leave. Finance Director Bernie Simon has been acting city manager since July 28.

Tom Schwab: Retired after it was clear he had covered up a criminal investigation of Steve Berry and that the release of that information in the press did not help his own job prospects with the city or elswhere.

Adams has worked for the city of Moreno Valley 19 years, including two years as administrative services director and the last five years as assistant city manager.

Grand Terrace council members noted her long service to the Riverside County city.

"It's wonderful that you have all those years in Moreno Valley," Councilwoman Bea Cortes told her at the meeting. "I hope you will have even more years in Grand Terrace."

Bea Cortez's idea that the council should select a City Manager that is corrinated King or Queen for 20 years is wrong thinking. City Managers are contracted for 4 years and each time there should be a real evaluation of that City Manager and Other Applicants for the Job. Including reduction of cost to the city for the services required.

Adams said she decided to leave Moreno Valley because "Grand Terrace is going to give me the opportunity to become a city manager."

What is it about her that Moreno Valley doesn't like? Her City Manager is about to retire... She is not being selected as the replacement. There may be nothing... However this would be a question to ask. Kind of like why Steve Berry was looking for a job with the city just months after joining the PE's Internet Services?

She said she considers Grand Terrace "a very special community" where residents are quick to volunteer.

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


Grand Terrace hires city manager
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/03/2009 05:44:41 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - Ushering in a new era, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously selected Betsy M. Adams as the new city manager.


Adams, a 51-year-old Redlands resident, was chosen to help bring a fresh perspective to the city of 12,500 residents that was rocked by a scandal that brought down former acting City Manager Steve Berry. AND City Manager Tom Schwab.

"She has that demeanor, that style, that will promote healing," said Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz.

Let's hope she is all business, tells the truth, and stops going nuts with RDA Actions and Micro Management of Citizens Lives.

Adams becomes only the third city manager in Grand Terrace's 31-year history.

"This is a very historic time within the city of Grand Terrace," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said before introducing Adams.

It is Historic: They actually had full application and selection process. They hired a woman who we may presume would not be subject to flirtations. They hired some one with experience other that the way things work in Grand Terrace.

Adams has worked for the city of Moreno Valley for 19 years, the last four as assistant city manager. She begins her new job Dec. 1.

"That you selected me is truly the honor of my career," she told the council.

Q: Why wans't MV going to give her the job of City Manager? Did she apply or was the commute shorter? Pay better? Less work? We are a small town, and should pay less than MV..

Council members said Adams' administrative experience set her apart from the 36 other applicants who sought the position.

"I think you bring a lot of education and skills that we really need here so we can have a new beginning," said Councilman Jim Miller.

Ya Think? Why did it take so long to understand this. Every 4 year contract the council renewed or extended was a lost opportunity to get a better City Manager..

Adams' four-year contract will pay her $185,000 a year, plus a $500 monthly auto allowance, as well as health insurance and other benefits.

Quite a heavy budget item... Lets see if her budget cuts start with her own income first.

After the meeting, Adams said her first order of business is to meet with each employee "to get an opportunity to understand the organization."

Adams' hiring comes about three months after the council removed Berry from the job after allegations surfaced of the cover-up of possible crimes involving Berry and a work-release inmate in 2002.

The Cover-up involved actions of Tom Schwab, a couple of Sheriff Detectives and Investigators, and possibly all or some of the City Council and City Staff. The DA's Office has yet to file charges on this even after being spoon feed the case against Jim Miller by Steve Berry supported by Bea Cortez.

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

Why MV City Manager is Leaveing?
Case MWV903677
Defendant 3216834

GUTIERREZ, ROBERT GREGORY - Actions and Minutes
11/16/2009 8:30 AM DEPT. R20

July 22, 2009
Rob Gutierrez

San Bernardino County prosecutors charged Moreno Valley's city manager, Robert Gutierrez, with seven misdemeanors on Tuesday.

The charges contend that he harassed and spied on his ex-girlfriend. Reportedly, San Bernardino County Supervising District Attorney David Hidalgo stated that Gutierrez was charged with three counts of making harassing phone calls, two counts of unlawful computer access and fraud and two counts of identity theft related to accessing phone records.

Assistant City Manager Betsy Adams had no comment on the charges and said that her and other city officials they will continue with “work as usual.”

When asked if either her office or the city as a whole had any formal comment on the issue, Adams stated that they did not.

It is uncertain if the city has certain legal protocol for situations such as this with city employees. After several attempts to reach City Attorney Robert Herrick, he did not immediately respond.

In an interview with the The Press-Enterprise, Moreno Valley Mayor Richard Stewart said Gutierrez will continue his duties as city manager. Stewart told the newspaper, “The bottom line is, like everyone, Mr. Gutierrez is innocent until proven guilty.

This entire incident revolved around a lady that is an employee with the city of Upland. As I understand, there's a lot more of it than has been made public. When it comes out we'll get a different take on it.

" Gutierrez has served as city manager for Moreno Valley for three-and-a-half years.

Gutierrez will appear in court for a September eighth arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga and could face six months in county jail on each of the harassment charges. Furthermore, he could potentially see up to a year on each of the other charges, although sentences for some of the charges could be served at the same time.

Gutierrez was unavailable for comment.

Andrew Carico can be reached at
acarico@publicceo.com

High Speed Rail Email Report..

To Paww...

Went to the SB area confirence on the proposed High Speed Rail proposal from San Diego to Los Angeles that was held at SB downtown library on afternoon of third.

The confirence was only a very preliminary one. The folks were there with their stand up billboards and video to discuss and make sure to contain elements of concern in to a new document then about to be prepared.

I found that zero estimates of cost had been made up, but glowing terms were freely being used. - - Their main point was that if approved today, the document would take the team until about 2013 to complete and get approved. A long time away.

We will have new governor and new rules by then. The current governor announced last week on television a 4.8 billion dollar appropriation of the Los Angeles to San Francisco route along the established coast route. Taxes can thus be added to certain taxpayers along the route each year to fund this, as it overall benefits them more than others statewide. (see a trend in this?)

Zero has been appropriated as for constructon to an inland empire route between San Diego and Los Angeles. But, seems since posting the material at this blog site a week or two ago, things have changed. Not everyone got a card in the mail, but Corona with all of it's population is now going to be on a branch line.

The talk of stopping off in Murrietta, Pomona, Ontario, or Moreno Valley etc. have been eliminated, and now talk is of stopping off in downtown Riverside only on the route from San Diego to Los Angeles. The stop off in San Bernardino is in doubt.

The intermediate stations en route have all been eliminated for they expect that traveling the route will be done in less than one hour.

They have no technology (like the Condorde had some time ago) but the tracks (the mag-lev idea was a pipe dream due to grades) will have overhead electric wires and the train will run on conventional rails. They will be regenerated and fed via power plants up and down the area from San Diego to Los Angeles.

Cost of project is not in billions, but closer to a zillion dollars (minus the environmental report). First trains in about 2040 provided the legislature, the governor and the voters approve it and the new power plants. But as mentioned only a couple of stops en route ought to make the trains fly through GT easily.

Watch out for that turn at Oceanside.... Call in from S.D that a train is en route ought to stop all traffic at grade crossings for 100 miles while we wait for the San Diegans to pass by going to Los Angeles. Question being is what happened to the idea of running trains to Las Vegas?

PAW Suggests:

Perhaps a study on Electric or Hydrogen Powered Bus Services and Free Ridership for 10 years... to encourage Public use of Public Transportation... would be less expencive.

Suspected Drug House in Grand Terrace Busted..

Man busted for running drug house in Grand Terrace

By Stacia Glenn
Posted: 11/02/2009 04:34:55 PM PST

A Grand Terrace man believed to be operating a drug house was taken into custody today, officials said.

Sheriff's deputies served a search warrant at the home of Lance Avery after several people reported that methamphetamine was being sold in the Pascal Avenue home.

Drug paraphernalia was discovered inside the house, deputies said.

Avery, 47, was booked at Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of operating a drug house and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information on drugs being sold out of Avery's home is asked to call deputies at (909) 387-3545.


Gramps Adds:

Good work folks and deputies. It is important to remove this type of business from GT. Perhaps the city should file charges against him for not having a home business license and paying city taxes. If the house was a rental then the landloard should be charged a fine for a Code Violation of Rental of a Home to a Business perhaps... This is a case where maximum code enforcement should be used.

From Sun Telegram and Press Ent.

Moreno Valley administrator accepts Grand Terrace job

10:00 PM PST on Monday, November 2, 2009
By ERIN WALDNER and DARRELL R. SANTSCHI

The Press-Enterprise Moreno Valley's assistant city manager is the new city manager in Grand Terrace, pending approval.The Grand Terrace City Council is scheduled to vote on Betsy M. Adams' appointment at 4 p.m. today.

She has accepted the position, according to a news release from Moreno Valley.

The council has been interviewing finalists from 37 applicants for the job. Adams would replace Tom Schwab, who retired June 30 after a yearlong medical leave. Finance Director Bernie Simon has been acting city managersince July 28.

Adams' last day in Moreno Valley is Nov. 30. Her departure will precedethat of Moreno Valley City Manager Robert G. Gutierrez, who announced in September that he is retiring by Dec. 26.

Adams' initial contract with Grand Terrace is for four years. She will receive an annual salary of $185,000, according to the agreement.

She has worked for Moreno Valley for 19 years, the past five as assistant city manager, the news release stated. The Grand Terrace council will meet in its chambers at 22795 Barton Road.

Note Added: No mention of Steve Berry and his removal, or the Tom Schwab connection to the Criminal Investigation Cover Up an issue that ended both of their jobs. The Press has always glossed over GT News and shown particular favor to Steve Berry a former employee of the PE in it's Online Services Division..

Grand Terrace to name city manager

Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 11/02/2009 04:11:16 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council is expected to appoint a new city manager at a special meeting today. Betsy M. Adams, Moreno Valley's assistant city manager, is set to become the city's chief executive.

The council is likely to ratify Adams' contract at the 4 p.m. meeting. She is scheduled to start her new job Dec. 1.

Adams said she is looking forward to the move from Moreno Valley to Grand Terrace. Moreno Valley is Riverside County's second most populous city with 186,000 residents, while Grand Terrace is the third smallest city in San Bernardino County with 12,500 residents.

"I think Grand Terrace is a wonderful community," Adams, a 51-year-old Redlands resident, said Monday. "It's a smaller town. You've got residents who are engaged in the community, a real sense of people that volunteer and great community pride."

Adams' proposed four-year contract calls for a $185,000 annual salary, plus a $500 per month auto allowance, as well as health insurance and other benefits.

Adams has worked for Moreno Valley for 19 years, the last four as assistant city manager. She previously served as administrative services director, along with stints in human resources, media and communications, technology services, volunteer/disaster services and risk management.

"What I've been focused on the most in Moreno Valley is the budget, which is a challenge for many cities," Adams said. "That's an area I plan to look at closely when I get to Grand Terrace."

If confirmed, Adams would be only the third city manager in Grand Terrace's 31-year history. Seth Armstead and Tom Schwab were the two previous city managers.

"I've made a commitment to Grand Terrace," Adams said. "I plan to be there a long time."
Adams was one of 37 applicants for the position, which has been held on an interim basis by Finance Director Bernie Simon. The council narrowed the list to six finalists who were interviewed for the post.

Simon replaced former acting City Manager Steve Berry, who lost his job in July following the disclosure of a cover-up of possible crimes involving Berry and a county work release inmate several years ago.

According to sheriff's reports, Berry was suspected of having the inmate, John 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.

While Berry was never charged with a crime or disciplined, the outcry that erupted when the incident became public this year ultimately led to his dismissal.

Berry took over the job from Schwab, who retired in June, one year after suffering a brain injury and going on medical leave.

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

Added Note: Tom Schwab was also party to the Criminal Investigation Cover-up.

From Inland Valley News:

MoVal official to become Grand Terrace City Manager

MORENO VALLEY – Assistant City Manager Betsy Adams is leaving City Hall. She has accepted the job of city manager in Grand Terrace and will leave at the end of the month. The City Council will formally make the appointment Tuesday. Ms. Adams will precede the exit of MoVal City Manager Robert Gutierrez who retires December 25th. Ms. Adams began her career in Moreno Valley in 1990 and worked as Gutierrez assistant for the past five years. (INT)

Story Date: November 2, 2009

More interesting Info on New City Manager...

Also Note: Moreno Valley City Manager Robert G. Gutierrez has announced his retirement from Moreno Valley after a 4 year term....


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 15, 2006
CONTACT: Media and Communications951.413.3053
Assistant City Manager appointed

Moreno Valley City Manager Robert G. Gutierrez has appointed Betsy M. Adams as Assistant City Manager. Adams has served in the position in an interim capacity for over a year. As Adams assumes the permanent appointment, she will continue to assist the City Manager in several key areas, including overseeing day-to-day operations, policy development and administration, employee and labor relations, legislative advocacy, public safety contract administration, budget review and facilities coordination. Adams may also serve as Acting City Manager in Gutierrez’s absence.

“The depth and range of Betsy’s experience and the skill with which she executes her duties make her an excellent choice for this position,” Gutierrez said. “She demonstrates a keen understanding of the complexities of local government and is an effective, knowledgeable leader. We are fortunate to have her on our team,” he said.

Adams began her career with the City of Moreno Valley nearly 16 years ago in the Finance Department’s Purchasing Division. Over the years, she has worked in several areas of the organization, including Human Resources, Media and Communications, Technology Services, Volunteer/Disaster Services and Risk Management.

Prior to her appointment, Adams served as Administrative Services Director.In addition to her duties at City Hall, Adams is on the Board of Directors of Visterra Credit Union and a member of the Legislative Action Committee of the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce. Adams has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration, both from Cal Poly Pomona.

From the Email InBox:

Betsy M. Adams to be new GT City Manager for 185,000 and $500 car allowance plus benefits.

She comes from Moreno Valley where she was Assistant City Manager.

I cannot believe how much they pay the City Manager.

We are such a small city

Q: Where does the money come from?


A: The money comes from the good old tax payer. That would be you.. It comes from the "General Funds" and from Money Skimmed off of RDA FUNDS "AKA DEBT LOANS" and Real Estate Speculations by the City's RDA. as a portion of the cost for the City Manager is for the function of the RDA Director/Manager.