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.