Sunday, January 31, 2010
No Action Yet by Ramos.
DA Ramos took the statements of 2 "Anonymous" Complainants later to be known to be Bea Cortes and Steve Berry, and started a case against Council Member Miller.
Bea Cortes has a long history of association with DA Ramos. She travels in a circle of Developers, RDA Enthusiasts, and yes DA Ramos. She supported both of the San Bernardino bad boys Postums and Ramos in their most recent election bids.
One must ask what gives this woman so much power? Is she deeper into the RDA and Contract Letting Game than what is clearly known with the Terra Loma Involvement? We have all seen her flirtatious manner at the city council meetings. Be it Jack Brown of Stater Brother, or a new Fire Chief, or Sheriff Officer she gets all flirty asking publicly for their cell phone numbers. Is that how she gets or gives special favors? Is this why DA Ramos filed charges so fast on Jim Miller? Is this why the DA has not filed any charges against Bea Cortes and Steve Berry, and Tom Schwab for their various transgressions against the citizens of Grand Terrace.
If I were a politician I certainly would not ask for her support or endorsement. She is tainted by her past support of derelicts. If she supports you in a campaign you become suspect you are like Bill Postmus. Postums a self admitted Drug Abuser. He was arrested on drug charges - and his office is the target of a fraud and corruption probe. His situation reached out to local city officials.
When or should it be Will, DA Ramos understand it may be time to cut ties to Bea Cortes and prosecute her. After getting started in earnest he can clean GT City Hall's history and charge Schwab for Obstruction of Justice in the Berry Investigation Cover Up and Charge Berry for his alleged crimes, and clear the corruption out of the entire city hall past and present.
The City of Grand Terrace may be able to recover some of the losses by what would be its share of Court Order Restitution or Fines and Fees charged for the transgressions of these scoundrels.
District Attorney Mike Ramos Announces Endorsements High Desert ...
9 Sep 2009 by Press Release Chino City Councilwoman Gwenn Norton-Perry Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford Fontana Councilman John Roberts Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes Highland Councilman Larry McCallon. Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner ...High Desert Perspective - http://www.highdesertperspective.com/
As a matter of fact Bea Cortes looks like an endorsement machine if you google Bea Cortes Grand Terrace endorsement you get the idea she is on a mission of some sort other than being focused on the interests of Grand Terrace.
Let's hope the next election at a minimum will take her title of Grand Terrace Council member away from her. Perhaps we can get back the funds spent on her retirement fund, and medical insurance, and any other payment made to her by the city during her time on the council. Perhaps the court could assign a Damage Charge against her and charger her beyond payments made to her.
Politicians should be servants of the people and not in it for their own edification. The Citizens of Grand Terrace have allowed our VERY PART TIME City Council Members use what should be a humble position of service into much more than it should be or was intended to be. It is time the Citizens of Grand Terrace redefine what they want from the city and city council members. OK if you don't want a Tea Party, perhaps we could all have a Root Beer Float Party and clean house and the system of self interest at City Hall.
Ramos was forced into taking action against Postums by a Grand Jurry Investigation. He was a Postums supporter orriginally. So what will it take to move him into action against Bea Cortes, a Grand Jury Indictment, or charges from a higher authority?
The endorcement game you support me I'll support you should be done with a bit more care. It may be that Bea Cortes can't sell her brand or give away her support any more. That is not sufficient for our citizens of Grand Terrace. We need to Clean the House of the City and City Council.
Bea Cortes has a long history of association with DA Ramos. She travels in a circle of Developers, RDA Enthusiasts, and yes DA Ramos. She supported both of the San Bernardino bad boys Postums and Ramos in their most recent election bids.
One must ask what gives this woman so much power? Is she deeper into the RDA and Contract Letting Game than what is clearly known with the Terra Loma Involvement? We have all seen her flirtatious manner at the city council meetings. Be it Jack Brown of Stater Brother, or a new Fire Chief, or Sheriff Officer she gets all flirty asking publicly for their cell phone numbers. Is that how she gets or gives special favors? Is this why DA Ramos filed charges so fast on Jim Miller? Is this why the DA has not filed any charges against Bea Cortes and Steve Berry, and Tom Schwab for their various transgressions against the citizens of Grand Terrace.
If I were a politician I certainly would not ask for her support or endorsement. She is tainted by her past support of derelicts. If she supports you in a campaign you become suspect you are like Bill Postmus. Postums a self admitted Drug Abuser. He was arrested on drug charges - and his office is the target of a fraud and corruption probe. His situation reached out to local city officials.
When or should it be Will, DA Ramos understand it may be time to cut ties to Bea Cortes and prosecute her. After getting started in earnest he can clean GT City Hall's history and charge Schwab for Obstruction of Justice in the Berry Investigation Cover Up and Charge Berry for his alleged crimes, and clear the corruption out of the entire city hall past and present.
The City of Grand Terrace may be able to recover some of the losses by what would be its share of Court Order Restitution or Fines and Fees charged for the transgressions of these scoundrels.
District Attorney Mike Ramos Announces Endorsements High Desert ...
9 Sep 2009 by Press Release Chino City Councilwoman Gwenn Norton-Perry Fontana Councilwoman Janice Rutherford Fontana Councilman John Roberts Grand Terrace Councilwoman Bea Cortes Highland Councilman Larry McCallon. Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner ...High Desert Perspective - http://www.highdesertperspective.com/
As a matter of fact Bea Cortes looks like an endorsement machine if you google Bea Cortes Grand Terrace endorsement you get the idea she is on a mission of some sort other than being focused on the interests of Grand Terrace.
Let's hope the next election at a minimum will take her title of Grand Terrace Council member away from her. Perhaps we can get back the funds spent on her retirement fund, and medical insurance, and any other payment made to her by the city during her time on the council. Perhaps the court could assign a Damage Charge against her and charger her beyond payments made to her.
Politicians should be servants of the people and not in it for their own edification. The Citizens of Grand Terrace have allowed our VERY PART TIME City Council Members use what should be a humble position of service into much more than it should be or was intended to be. It is time the Citizens of Grand Terrace redefine what they want from the city and city council members. OK if you don't want a Tea Party, perhaps we could all have a Root Beer Float Party and clean house and the system of self interest at City Hall.
Ramos was forced into taking action against Postums by a Grand Jurry Investigation. He was a Postums supporter orriginally. So what will it take to move him into action against Bea Cortes, a Grand Jury Indictment, or charges from a higher authority?
The endorcement game you support me I'll support you should be done with a bit more care. It may be that Bea Cortes can't sell her brand or give away her support any more. That is not sufficient for our citizens of Grand Terrace. We need to Clean the House of the City and City Council.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Read this Blog's Detail.
http://inlandpolitics.com/blog/2010/01/27/inlandpolitics-grand-terraces-cortes-focus-of-complaint/
Read more on the Cortes Complaint.
When we get a copy it will be posted for everyone to read... Please email it to
GrandTerraceNews@yahoo.com and it will be posted every single page.
Read more on the Cortes Complaint.
When we get a copy it will be posted for everyone to read... Please email it to
GrandTerraceNews@yahoo.com and it will be posted every single page.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Please Email the Complaint to Blog
Major news media sources are interested in the copy of the Complaint filed against Bea Cortes... If you can please send me a copy and I'll forward it.
If the DA does not take action this may gain Legal Action by State or Federal Authorities.
Thanks,
Gramps
From Email on same topic:
If she has a BROKER's license, the state of CA would list it as shown on their site.
Since she does not seem to, if she has only a sales license, she has to hang her license with a broker. That creates a fiducicuary relationship subject to ethics & real estate license rules-- not that most at the city of GT cared anything about that.
Nice how everyone blames the city attorney. Legal is one thing, ethical/honest is another.
Wonder if the investigation will subpoena her income records and where her and Terra Loma Payments came from?
They should audit back to the payments to Carlstrom on the purchases of GT land.
So many things slithering out from under the records now, without the "guardian" there.
If the DA does not take action this may gain Legal Action by State or Federal Authorities.
Thanks,
Gramps
From Email on same topic:
If she has a BROKER's license, the state of CA would list it as shown on their site.
Since she does not seem to, if she has only a sales license, she has to hang her license with a broker. That creates a fiducicuary relationship subject to ethics & real estate license rules-- not that most at the city of GT cared anything about that.
Nice how everyone blames the city attorney. Legal is one thing, ethical/honest is another.
Wonder if the investigation will subpoena her income records and where her and Terra Loma Payments came from?
They should audit back to the payments to Carlstrom on the purchases of GT land.
So many things slithering out from under the records now, without the "guardian" there.
Road Repairs Report
This is friday morning, and looks as to if the sinkhole on GT Raod is getting repaired today. Standard stuff present. Put the warning signs up near the truck, and the "STOP" sign up into a glow cone at the bumper too. Signs indicate O-W traffic, but inspectors are standing around looking down into hole. Thanks anyway. Even if the city gets sued for One million $$$ due to some accident.
I didn't get a warning posted about this reported sink hole. Hope no one ran in to it. It is important to fix the cause of the hole not just cover it up. Let us hope they found the cause. Let's also hope they get around to do some more repairs as chunks of road come up all around town.
I didn't get a warning posted about this reported sink hole. Hope no one ran in to it. It is important to fix the cause of the hole not just cover it up. Let us hope they found the cause. Let's also hope they get around to do some more repairs as chunks of road come up all around town.
Cortes Represented as Broaker but isn't...
License information taken from records of the Department of Real Estate on 1/29/2010 10:48:14 AM
License Type:
SALESPERSON
Name:
Cortes, Bertha Bea
Mailing Address:
22187 DE BERRY STREETGRAND TERRACE, CA 92313-5295
License ID:
01719168
Expiration Date:
01/05/14
License Status:
LICENSED NBA
Salesperson License Issued:
01/06/06 (Unofficial -- taken from secondary records)
Former Name(s):
NO FORMER NAMES
Employing Broker:
NO CURRENT EMPLOYING BROKER
Comment:
NO DISCIPLINARY ACTION
07/07/07 - CONDITIONAL LICENSE SUSPENSION. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS NOT FILED.
08/28/07 - CONDITIONAL SUSPENSION REMOVED. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS MET.
>>>> Public information request complete <<<<
License Type:
SALESPERSON
Name:
Cortes, Bertha Bea
Mailing Address:
22187 DE BERRY STREETGRAND TERRACE, CA 92313-5295
License ID:
01719168
Expiration Date:
01/05/14
License Status:
LICENSED NBA
Salesperson License Issued:
01/06/06 (Unofficial -- taken from secondary records)
Former Name(s):
NO FORMER NAMES
Employing Broker:
NO CURRENT EMPLOYING BROKER
Comment:
NO DISCIPLINARY ACTION
07/07/07 - CONDITIONAL LICENSE SUSPENSION. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS NOT FILED.
08/28/07 - CONDITIONAL SUSPENSION REMOVED. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS MET.
>>>> Public information request complete <<<<
Barton Road Development Plan Input Requested
Pa
I read in the Grand Terrace City News the City Council is asking for citizen input on what the Barton Road Development should include. Well friends I think the property should revert to the prior owners and the city should have to build replacement homes of the same size they removed. That not being a likely out come here are some other suggestions.
Grand Terrace should have a Tent City for all the people who were forced out of their homes after buying from the same Realtors who inflated prices and had mortgage brokers approve the inflated prices on high risk loans. A soup kitchen should be built to feed these people and all the citizens who are still struggling to keep their homes. Oh that won't be done either...
Ok what is wrong with trying to develop anything in Grand Terrace. First you have to know the territory. Grand Terrace is not a go to city. This is not a destination city. Grand Terrace has a limited available money to circulate with in the Grand Terrace Economy. Grand Terrace has a limited number of jobs in GT or products produced in GT to export to other communities. GT can not provide for the basic food needs of the community. If GT were a stand alone country it would be in sorry condition.
The Development of any property in Grand Terrace needs to bring in income from outside the GT Monetary Pool, or Create an Export, or Surplus or New Income Stream.
If the Development could include an attraction such as the Redlands Bowl and have specialty shops and restaurants around it this may cause a draw to the city and increase the Monetary Pool. It would also provide a place for our local talent to have their day on stage. The stage may even be a place for outdoor dinner movie watching in summer?
All available unbelievable land including Edison Easements should be acquired by the city for growing a local food supply for the restaurants and residents in the city.
All City Parks should have Free Pick Fruit Trees.
The one resource the City does have is Water... Grand Terrace's Water Company could sell water and water products. Perhaps a Solar Powered Ice Company could be put in GT.
All new buildings should be powered by PV Cells, and produce a surplus of power.
Perhaps a GT Power Company could be built on Barton Road. Have all buildings and parking lot structures covered in PV Cells.
I read in the Grand Terrace City News the City Council is asking for citizen input on what the Barton Road Development should include. Well friends I think the property should revert to the prior owners and the city should have to build replacement homes of the same size they removed. That not being a likely out come here are some other suggestions.
Grand Terrace should have a Tent City for all the people who were forced out of their homes after buying from the same Realtors who inflated prices and had mortgage brokers approve the inflated prices on high risk loans. A soup kitchen should be built to feed these people and all the citizens who are still struggling to keep their homes. Oh that won't be done either...
Ok what is wrong with trying to develop anything in Grand Terrace. First you have to know the territory. Grand Terrace is not a go to city. This is not a destination city. Grand Terrace has a limited available money to circulate with in the Grand Terrace Economy. Grand Terrace has a limited number of jobs in GT or products produced in GT to export to other communities. GT can not provide for the basic food needs of the community. If GT were a stand alone country it would be in sorry condition.
The Development of any property in Grand Terrace needs to bring in income from outside the GT Monetary Pool, or Create an Export, or Surplus or New Income Stream.
If the Development could include an attraction such as the Redlands Bowl and have specialty shops and restaurants around it this may cause a draw to the city and increase the Monetary Pool. It would also provide a place for our local talent to have their day on stage. The stage may even be a place for outdoor dinner movie watching in summer?
All available unbelievable land including Edison Easements should be acquired by the city for growing a local food supply for the restaurants and residents in the city.
All City Parks should have Free Pick Fruit Trees.
The one resource the City does have is Water... Grand Terrace's Water Company could sell water and water products. Perhaps a Solar Powered Ice Company could be put in GT.
All new buildings should be powered by PV Cells, and produce a surplus of power.
Perhaps a GT Power Company could be built on Barton Road. Have all buildings and parking lot structures covered in PV Cells.
FIREWORKS: City Council Strikes Out Again:
More Email on Fireworks:
Dear Grandpa Terrace,
We just read the Press Enterprise article concerning the fireworks sold by our sports organizations in Grand Terrace as a means to raise money for their prospective organizations on your blog. Our family and friends have been involved in these organizations for a number of years. Over the past few years, we have wondered why these organizations need to sell fireworks. Here is why we question it...
It is said, "to pay for... ummmm.... well... uhh..." Exactly! What? Some of the board members are still unclear and say for balls, for new poles, new nets, uniforms, trophies, etc... How often do they get repurchased?
So my question is so where does the registration fee for each player of $ 75.00 go? Where did the sponsorship money of a minimum of $175.00, required by each team, go? Where did the proceeds from the "each player must sell one- 50 count box of World's Finest Chocolate" go? Where do the proceeds from the snack bar go?Why has there never been accounting shown when asked? And lastly, why is there a board member on the soccer board, who has been able to make profit from the organization?
This soccer board member has been given the direct opportunity to expand his business by providing trophies, pictures, and banners to the soccer organization for each player and team. Before he was on the board, we had a different company who handled the pictures. We also had a different company do the trophies (which were much better quality than they are now) and banners as well. We used to get in our coaches manual, a couple of different companies to order our team's banners from. Since this certain entrepeneur has come on to the board, this has ceased to exist... We get his company flyers and advertisements only. Looks like a huge conflict of interest to me! No wonder they don't want to get rid of their big money maker... Firework booth sales!
I think the city council should be able to request a detailed account of the last three years (at least) and show exactly the amount earned and the amounts spent. Only then will the truth surface! Time to weed out the corruption within our youth organizations. Just to note, we had a problem with squandering money from the youth sports organizations, what 4 or 5 years ago... Is it happening again?
Fearing retailiation, we choose to remain anonymous until the time comes.... We don't like seeing our kids punished for coming forth with the truth!
Thanks for running a blog that is fair and just, so we the people can be heard!
And More From the Email:
Grandpa Terrace...
So when did the Board of our local Sports Organizations start being able to make decisions for an entire city and supersede the decisions of our elected City Council? Why do the board members have so much clout? It is obvious that the board members have a hard time with change and lack moral character.... They are surely making it known that money is more important that people's lives, homes, and possible livelihood.
I agree with the idea that fireworks should not be sold in our city. Walt, and the city council that's in agreement with such, have went at it, possibly, at the wrong angle. Simply put, if they ban fireworks from being sold here, whats to stop the residents from going right down the hill to Colton and purchasing them. If the intent is too truely prevent needless fires and harm in our city from occuring, then, why not just put it on the ballot to ban them in any way shape or form... From use and sell of!
The local sports organization boards have some really selfish and greedy reasons as their explanation to keep selling fireworks in Grand Terrace. Have an audit done, and we may see why...
Just food for thought.... I know of two board members who don't even live up here on the Terrace... So no wonder they don't care if a fire hits our city! They have nothing to loose!
And This From Email:
BTW... This year we were "required"...each soccer player, to sell a box of chocolates $50 worth... When asked why we are doing this, it was said at the fundraiser meeting and pick up, "to help bring in money and get ahead for next year, because next year we will not have the firework booths here in Grand Terrace to help bring in funds." Nice to make money off kids a whole year prior. Since when did Grand Terrace believe in the sweat shop mentality?
Grand Terrace considers a fireworks ban
10:00 PM PST on Sunday, January 31, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
GRAND TERRACE - The City Council is grappling with an explosive question: Should it ban the sale and use of fireworks?
Both sides in the debate -- residents fearful of the fire danger and the youth sports groups who depend on selling fireworks for survival -- made their cases this past week to the council.
Council members admitted they are torn. Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz even proposed putting the question to voters this November.
Stands like this one could become a thing of the past in Grand Terrace, where officials are considering a ban on the sale of fireworks. However, the proposal faces opposition from youth sports groups that rely on fireworks as a fundraising source.
In the end, the council put off a decision on the fate of Fourth of July fireworks at least until its Feb. 23 meeting.
(The Council is allowing Politics not Reason to affect their decision. IF they can not see what is safe and not safe, they should not be on the City Council.)
Battalion Chief John Salvate, of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, states in a written report that at least seven brush fires and 10 investigations, including a fire that injured an 8-year-old boy, have been attributed to fireworks in the city of 12,500 over the past nine years.
Three of the fires were larger than an acre, including the 2006 Pico Fire that scorched 450 acres in Grand Terrace and Reche Canyon.
Salvate did not make a recommendation.
(HOW MUCH DID ALL THIS COST? DID THE SPORTS TEAMS PAY FOR THE FIRES OR INJURY? DID THE CITY or Citizens?)
But resident Dennis Kidd asked the council at last week's meeting to act: "Will my house have to burn down for you to ban fireworks?"
Josie Johnson, a 15-year-resident, argued that "surely there must be some other way to raise money.
"I get scared every time the Fourth of July comes up," she said.
The case for the other side came from about a dozen parents, residents and officials of two youth sports groups that sell fireworks: Grand Terrace Little League and the Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club.
"I've seen people hurt in cars," Little League President Ken Boardman said. "Do we ban cars in Grand Terrace?"
Theresa Gray, a board member of the soccer club, said sales of fireworks raised $6,000 for the organization last year. Without it, the club would not have been able to pay for uniforms, equipment and scholarships.
(Figure earned keeps going down... last report it was $9,000)
She also argued, as did most of the others who spoke, that a ban would come with enforcement problems.
"Just because we don't sell fireworks here doesn't mean people won't get fireworks somewhere else," she said.
Nearby Colton, Rialto and San Bernardino allow the sale of so-called "safe and sane" fireworks.
(Law Enforcement Stated that a Ban on All Fireworks is easier to enforce.)
Former Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab said, "The only thing you are doing is preventing these people from selling fireworks and raising money for our youth sports programs."
(No Mr Schwab, it would protect our city, that you clearly weren't interested in protecting in the past from fireworks or the alleged embezzlement of Steve Berry. I bet you'll run for City Council or Mayor on the I support Sports and Fireworks when it was YOU who cut back on Parks and Rec Services in retaliation of not getting your way on a tax hike. But, you managed to find money for your own home and increased income at city expense.)
John Kelly, a vice president of TNT, the Fullerton company that supplies fireworks for sale in Grand Terrace, said the company supplies only those fireworks that have been approved by the state fire marshal and offered to reimburse the city for the cost of beefing up fire patrols on the Fourth of July and to help educate the public on fireworks safety.
(This partnership with the city makes the city liable for any property loss or injury costs.) (The State of California has a ban on state fire marshal approved fireworks, except where a City takes the responsibility of the potential risk for allowing them in their jurisdiction.)
City Manager Betsy Adams told the council in a report that it would cost about $24,000 to reimburse the youth groups for lost revenue and pay for enforcement of a ban.
(City Manager failed to provide information on the cost of the fires and injury caused by the fireworks. She also failed to provide the cost of enforcement if there is a partial ban. This half information is not what we hope for in a new city manager.) (How much more is home owner fire insurance because the City has allowed fireworks to be sold and used in the community?) This information the City Manager should provide to the City Council.)
Councilman Jim Miller said he wants to know where the city will get the money and asked for a report on how much money the sports leagues have. His proposal to put the question to voters was not put to a vote when other council members pleaded for a continuance of the fireworks ban proposal.
( Interesting: Shall we put to vote Marijuana Shops, New Development, Expanding the Debt of the City and RDA?)
Councilwoman Bea Cortes questioned whether the youth groups have looked for alternative revenue sources. (NO THEY HAVE NOT)
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she wants both the city and the sports groups to "find something else" to raise money.
"The priority of this City Council is public safety," she said.
(If it is safe to have these fireworks at a Home then it should be even safer to have them in the Parks where there is more open space. The City prohibits the use of Safe and Sane Fireworks in City Parks because of the RISK.)
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
Gramp's Review of the statements above:
The Fire Departments report on the damage and injury in GT done by Fireworks should be sufficient evidence that Safe and Sane is not so Safe or Sane. Public Safety would dictate there be a ban on all fireworks.
The statement that people will go some where else and buy fireworks and use them in GT is flawed logic. Yes some people will break a law anytime they can. In prior meetings law enforcement stated that it is easier to enforce a total ban than a partial ban of fireworks. Public safety would thus dictate there be a ban on all fireworks.
The Sports teams have been told to look for other funding methods and they have publicly stated they are not going to try to even look as long as there is a hope of selling danger, on the 4th. Their arrogance will result in a year of lost planning and funds shortage, not the action of the City Council trying to protect the citizens and the children who play ball on their teams.
In the past Animal Control Officers and Pet Owners have tesitified about the increased displacement of pets and stress on animals due to the use of fireworks. Dogs running in the street can cause an auto accident again even this could rise to a Public Safety Issue.
The Sports Team Managers just don't care about the rest of the citizens. Perhaps those people who buy fireworks should be required to set them off at the Team Managers House. The Legal and Illegal ones so the enforcement people can clear the rest of the city of the threat of fire and injury.
The City Council should at a minimum Ban all Fireworks.
There should also be a ban on all welding during red flag days.
.....................................................................................................................
Prior Email Input:
The Managers of the Sports Teams have been asked to look for alternative funding projects. Their attitude is that there is no need to look. Their tactic is to not try to find an alternative and to stay with fireworks down to the last possible moment.
Has that moment arrived? Will the City Council Protect the Citizens or be bullied by the Sports Teams one more year. Will the City Council say safe and sane fireworks are ok for home owners and not city parks which would be a safer and saner place for setting them off? If it is unsafe in a city park it is 100 times less safe in a neighborhood filled with homes, trees, can so forth.
The City Can't say, it is unsafe in the Parks, and it is safe at your home. So.. It SHOULD BE CLEAR : All fireworks can start fires, and cause injury. All fireworks should be banned in Grand Terrace.
Dear Grandpa Terrace,
We just read the Press Enterprise article concerning the fireworks sold by our sports organizations in Grand Terrace as a means to raise money for their prospective organizations on your blog. Our family and friends have been involved in these organizations for a number of years. Over the past few years, we have wondered why these organizations need to sell fireworks. Here is why we question it...
It is said, "to pay for... ummmm.... well... uhh..." Exactly! What? Some of the board members are still unclear and say for balls, for new poles, new nets, uniforms, trophies, etc... How often do they get repurchased?
So my question is so where does the registration fee for each player of $ 75.00 go? Where did the sponsorship money of a minimum of $175.00, required by each team, go? Where did the proceeds from the "each player must sell one- 50 count box of World's Finest Chocolate" go? Where do the proceeds from the snack bar go?Why has there never been accounting shown when asked? And lastly, why is there a board member on the soccer board, who has been able to make profit from the organization?
This soccer board member has been given the direct opportunity to expand his business by providing trophies, pictures, and banners to the soccer organization for each player and team. Before he was on the board, we had a different company who handled the pictures. We also had a different company do the trophies (which were much better quality than they are now) and banners as well. We used to get in our coaches manual, a couple of different companies to order our team's banners from. Since this certain entrepeneur has come on to the board, this has ceased to exist... We get his company flyers and advertisements only. Looks like a huge conflict of interest to me! No wonder they don't want to get rid of their big money maker... Firework booth sales!
I think the city council should be able to request a detailed account of the last three years (at least) and show exactly the amount earned and the amounts spent. Only then will the truth surface! Time to weed out the corruption within our youth organizations. Just to note, we had a problem with squandering money from the youth sports organizations, what 4 or 5 years ago... Is it happening again?
Fearing retailiation, we choose to remain anonymous until the time comes.... We don't like seeing our kids punished for coming forth with the truth!
Thanks for running a blog that is fair and just, so we the people can be heard!
And More From the Email:
Grandpa Terrace...
So when did the Board of our local Sports Organizations start being able to make decisions for an entire city and supersede the decisions of our elected City Council? Why do the board members have so much clout? It is obvious that the board members have a hard time with change and lack moral character.... They are surely making it known that money is more important that people's lives, homes, and possible livelihood.
I agree with the idea that fireworks should not be sold in our city. Walt, and the city council that's in agreement with such, have went at it, possibly, at the wrong angle. Simply put, if they ban fireworks from being sold here, whats to stop the residents from going right down the hill to Colton and purchasing them. If the intent is too truely prevent needless fires and harm in our city from occuring, then, why not just put it on the ballot to ban them in any way shape or form... From use and sell of!
The local sports organization boards have some really selfish and greedy reasons as their explanation to keep selling fireworks in Grand Terrace. Have an audit done, and we may see why...
Just food for thought.... I know of two board members who don't even live up here on the Terrace... So no wonder they don't care if a fire hits our city! They have nothing to loose!
And This From Email:
BTW... This year we were "required"...each soccer player, to sell a box of chocolates $50 worth... When asked why we are doing this, it was said at the fundraiser meeting and pick up, "to help bring in money and get ahead for next year, because next year we will not have the firework booths here in Grand Terrace to help bring in funds." Nice to make money off kids a whole year prior. Since when did Grand Terrace believe in the sweat shop mentality?
Grand Terrace considers a fireworks ban
10:00 PM PST on Sunday, January 31, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
GRAND TERRACE - The City Council is grappling with an explosive question: Should it ban the sale and use of fireworks?
Both sides in the debate -- residents fearful of the fire danger and the youth sports groups who depend on selling fireworks for survival -- made their cases this past week to the council.
Council members admitted they are torn. Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz even proposed putting the question to voters this November.
Stands like this one could become a thing of the past in Grand Terrace, where officials are considering a ban on the sale of fireworks. However, the proposal faces opposition from youth sports groups that rely on fireworks as a fundraising source.
In the end, the council put off a decision on the fate of Fourth of July fireworks at least until its Feb. 23 meeting.
(The Council is allowing Politics not Reason to affect their decision. IF they can not see what is safe and not safe, they should not be on the City Council.)
Battalion Chief John Salvate, of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, states in a written report that at least seven brush fires and 10 investigations, including a fire that injured an 8-year-old boy, have been attributed to fireworks in the city of 12,500 over the past nine years.
Three of the fires were larger than an acre, including the 2006 Pico Fire that scorched 450 acres in Grand Terrace and Reche Canyon.
Salvate did not make a recommendation.
(HOW MUCH DID ALL THIS COST? DID THE SPORTS TEAMS PAY FOR THE FIRES OR INJURY? DID THE CITY or Citizens?)
But resident Dennis Kidd asked the council at last week's meeting to act: "Will my house have to burn down for you to ban fireworks?"
Josie Johnson, a 15-year-resident, argued that "surely there must be some other way to raise money.
"I get scared every time the Fourth of July comes up," she said.
The case for the other side came from about a dozen parents, residents and officials of two youth sports groups that sell fireworks: Grand Terrace Little League and the Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club.
"I've seen people hurt in cars," Little League President Ken Boardman said. "Do we ban cars in Grand Terrace?"
Theresa Gray, a board member of the soccer club, said sales of fireworks raised $6,000 for the organization last year. Without it, the club would not have been able to pay for uniforms, equipment and scholarships.
(Figure earned keeps going down... last report it was $9,000)
She also argued, as did most of the others who spoke, that a ban would come with enforcement problems.
"Just because we don't sell fireworks here doesn't mean people won't get fireworks somewhere else," she said.
Nearby Colton, Rialto and San Bernardino allow the sale of so-called "safe and sane" fireworks.
(Law Enforcement Stated that a Ban on All Fireworks is easier to enforce.)
Former Grand Terrace City Manager Tom Schwab said, "The only thing you are doing is preventing these people from selling fireworks and raising money for our youth sports programs."
(No Mr Schwab, it would protect our city, that you clearly weren't interested in protecting in the past from fireworks or the alleged embezzlement of Steve Berry. I bet you'll run for City Council or Mayor on the I support Sports and Fireworks when it was YOU who cut back on Parks and Rec Services in retaliation of not getting your way on a tax hike. But, you managed to find money for your own home and increased income at city expense.)
John Kelly, a vice president of TNT, the Fullerton company that supplies fireworks for sale in Grand Terrace, said the company supplies only those fireworks that have been approved by the state fire marshal and offered to reimburse the city for the cost of beefing up fire patrols on the Fourth of July and to help educate the public on fireworks safety.
(This partnership with the city makes the city liable for any property loss or injury costs.) (The State of California has a ban on state fire marshal approved fireworks, except where a City takes the responsibility of the potential risk for allowing them in their jurisdiction.)
City Manager Betsy Adams told the council in a report that it would cost about $24,000 to reimburse the youth groups for lost revenue and pay for enforcement of a ban.
(City Manager failed to provide information on the cost of the fires and injury caused by the fireworks. She also failed to provide the cost of enforcement if there is a partial ban. This half information is not what we hope for in a new city manager.) (How much more is home owner fire insurance because the City has allowed fireworks to be sold and used in the community?) This information the City Manager should provide to the City Council.)
Councilman Jim Miller said he wants to know where the city will get the money and asked for a report on how much money the sports leagues have. His proposal to put the question to voters was not put to a vote when other council members pleaded for a continuance of the fireworks ban proposal.
( Interesting: Shall we put to vote Marijuana Shops, New Development, Expanding the Debt of the City and RDA?)
Councilwoman Bea Cortes questioned whether the youth groups have looked for alternative revenue sources. (NO THEY HAVE NOT)
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she wants both the city and the sports groups to "find something else" to raise money.
"The priority of this City Council is public safety," she said.
(If it is safe to have these fireworks at a Home then it should be even safer to have them in the Parks where there is more open space. The City prohibits the use of Safe and Sane Fireworks in City Parks because of the RISK.)
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
Gramp's Review of the statements above:
The Fire Departments report on the damage and injury in GT done by Fireworks should be sufficient evidence that Safe and Sane is not so Safe or Sane. Public Safety would dictate there be a ban on all fireworks.
The statement that people will go some where else and buy fireworks and use them in GT is flawed logic. Yes some people will break a law anytime they can. In prior meetings law enforcement stated that it is easier to enforce a total ban than a partial ban of fireworks. Public safety would thus dictate there be a ban on all fireworks.
The Sports teams have been told to look for other funding methods and they have publicly stated they are not going to try to even look as long as there is a hope of selling danger, on the 4th. Their arrogance will result in a year of lost planning and funds shortage, not the action of the City Council trying to protect the citizens and the children who play ball on their teams.
In the past Animal Control Officers and Pet Owners have tesitified about the increased displacement of pets and stress on animals due to the use of fireworks. Dogs running in the street can cause an auto accident again even this could rise to a Public Safety Issue.
The Sports Team Managers just don't care about the rest of the citizens. Perhaps those people who buy fireworks should be required to set them off at the Team Managers House. The Legal and Illegal ones so the enforcement people can clear the rest of the city of the threat of fire and injury.
The City Council should at a minimum Ban all Fireworks.
There should also be a ban on all welding during red flag days.
.....................................................................................................................
Prior Email Input:
The Managers of the Sports Teams have been asked to look for alternative funding projects. Their attitude is that there is no need to look. Their tactic is to not try to find an alternative and to stay with fireworks down to the last possible moment.
Has that moment arrived? Will the City Council Protect the Citizens or be bullied by the Sports Teams one more year. Will the City Council say safe and sane fireworks are ok for home owners and not city parks which would be a safer and saner place for setting them off? If it is unsafe in a city park it is 100 times less safe in a neighborhood filled with homes, trees, can so forth.
The City Can't say, it is unsafe in the Parks, and it is safe at your home. So.. It SHOULD BE CLEAR : All fireworks can start fires, and cause injury. All fireworks should be banned in Grand Terrace.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
It is time to End Fireworks in GT:
Fact: Fireworks are banned all over the State of California as a general regulation
Fact: Fireworks are banned in all of San Bernardino County
Fact: Selling Fireworks is not a Right in the State of California
When a City Like Grand Terrace allows Fireworks it assumes liability obligations in order to supersede the General Ban Regulations above. When the City goes even further and requires a cut of the profits on sales above sales tax revenue it becomes a partner in the act in a way that could further cause civic liability in the case of injury or property loss or fire.
The sports teams have done ZERO to try to find alternatives and they will continue their fire folly. At who's expense, a home, an eye, a hand will the children play sports in GT?
Law and Fire enforcement all reported that it is easier to enforce a Zero Ban on ALL Fireworks, rather than allow some and not allow others. Sports Teams reported decline in sales last year. It may be the right time to get off the Firework Habit, and start a safer way of fund raising and celebration of the 4th of July.
Take off the baseball caps and put on your thinking caps. Take off the chin guards and take one on the chin and walk off your addiction to what is not only a dangerous income source but a declining one.
Fireworks hot issue on
Grand Terrace council's agenda for Tuesday
By Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/24/2010 09:13:53 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to discuss prohibiting the sale of "safe and sane" fireworks.
The council appeared ready to enact a ban last year, but decided to wait to try to get support from two youth sports groups that sell fireworks to sustain their operations.
City officials were unable to get written consent from the boards of directors of the Grand Terrace Community Soccer League and Grand Terrace Little League.
The groups want to continue selling fireworks and will likely be coming forward soon with a request to lease city property for a fireworks booth in front of Stater Bros. on Barton Road, according to a city report.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she hasn't decided whether she will vote to continue allowing fireworks or to prohibit them.
"It's a tough issue," Ferre said. "No matter what decision we make, some people are going to be very pleased and others are not."
The debate over fireworks goes back several years.
In 1997, the council approved an ordinance allowing the sale and discharge of fireworks.
Eight years later, council appointed a committee to study and make recommendations regarding fireworks.
In 2007, the council accepted the panel's recommendations to keep fireworks legal and to increase education and enforcement activity as well as boost fines for people caught using illegal fireworks.
Last year, the council decided to revisit the issue.
Officials met with the presidents of the two youth leagues to discuss a deal. The groups would stop selling fireworks after July 2009 in exchange for getting a break on field-use fees and lighting fees charged by the city.
City officials said the presidents of the leagues gave verbal consent to the plan. But the city was never able to get written agreement from both boards.
TNT Fireworks has agreed to increase its fireworks safety and education campaign if the company is allowed to continue fireworks sales.
stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com
Fact: Fireworks are banned in all of San Bernardino County
Fact: Selling Fireworks is not a Right in the State of California
When a City Like Grand Terrace allows Fireworks it assumes liability obligations in order to supersede the General Ban Regulations above. When the City goes even further and requires a cut of the profits on sales above sales tax revenue it becomes a partner in the act in a way that could further cause civic liability in the case of injury or property loss or fire.
The sports teams have done ZERO to try to find alternatives and they will continue their fire folly. At who's expense, a home, an eye, a hand will the children play sports in GT?
Law and Fire enforcement all reported that it is easier to enforce a Zero Ban on ALL Fireworks, rather than allow some and not allow others. Sports Teams reported decline in sales last year. It may be the right time to get off the Firework Habit, and start a safer way of fund raising and celebration of the 4th of July.
Take off the baseball caps and put on your thinking caps. Take off the chin guards and take one on the chin and walk off your addiction to what is not only a dangerous income source but a declining one.
Fireworks hot issue on
Grand Terrace council's agenda for Tuesday
By Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/24/2010 09:13:53 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to discuss prohibiting the sale of "safe and sane" fireworks.
The council appeared ready to enact a ban last year, but decided to wait to try to get support from two youth sports groups that sell fireworks to sustain their operations.
City officials were unable to get written consent from the boards of directors of the Grand Terrace Community Soccer League and Grand Terrace Little League.
The groups want to continue selling fireworks and will likely be coming forward soon with a request to lease city property for a fireworks booth in front of Stater Bros. on Barton Road, according to a city report.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she hasn't decided whether she will vote to continue allowing fireworks or to prohibit them.
"It's a tough issue," Ferre said. "No matter what decision we make, some people are going to be very pleased and others are not."
The debate over fireworks goes back several years.
In 1997, the council approved an ordinance allowing the sale and discharge of fireworks.
Eight years later, council appointed a committee to study and make recommendations regarding fireworks.
In 2007, the council accepted the panel's recommendations to keep fireworks legal and to increase education and enforcement activity as well as boost fines for people caught using illegal fireworks.
Last year, the council decided to revisit the issue.
Officials met with the presidents of the two youth leagues to discuss a deal. The groups would stop selling fireworks after July 2009 in exchange for getting a break on field-use fees and lighting fees charged by the city.
City officials said the presidents of the leagues gave verbal consent to the plan. But the city was never able to get written agreement from both boards.
TNT Fireworks has agreed to increase its fireworks safety and education campaign if the company is allowed to continue fireworks sales.
stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com
Adding Debt to GT RDA... Income Down More DEBT?
Where are the Tea Party Conservatives in GT?
Why are we not protesting the expanding of the RDA DEBT Ceiling? Why are we not shouting about the Expanding of Cost of City Hall's Administrative Costs? If we can't fix Local Governments how can we fix the National Government? It is time the Government and RDA of Grand Terrace is made smaller, cut it to the bare bones. No Perks for City Council Members, and City Employees. Hire a new City Attorney, and Finance Director and start new with a bare bones staff.
Remove all restrictive zoning laws in GT let the people who own land use it as they want. Get the City Council and City off the back and necks of the citizens.
County and State Regulations are bad enough, the city should not add more. Where are the Conservative Republicans or the Tea Party in GT? Are we to be ruled by the Realtors and Developers aka the Inside the Council Associates or "Friends of the City Council", you know the ones that are invited to City Financed Christmas Parties for 200 friends...
The Schwab/Berry administration boasted for years that the RDA was in fine shape and there was no problem. They responded to questions about the ever increasing debt levels with disdain to the speakers. Schwab said "you don't know how to read financial reports". Well recently the City Council admitted it could not read or understand the financial reports and budgets presented by finance.
Now the City Council and RDA want to increase the DEBT level of Grand Terrace RDA and thus the City of Grand Terrace to 75 Million. YELL NO WAY... Increased DEBT IS NOT GOOD... Putting the debt on future generations is BAD at the National Level and the Local Level. It may be time to close city hall and have a part time service write checks for the needed service contracts and be done with the pretences of a City Governments and City Economics.
Income resources are going down. The Debt will be paid with Taxes we currently are receiving and thus will doom the City with a never ending drain on the resources the CITY should have to use for CITY needs. Half of the Cost of the City Manager's Income and Perks come from DEBT FINANCING aka the RDA. There is no prudence in that practice.
TEA PARTY is AGAINST DEBT and GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER OF OUR LIVES what about in GRAND TERRACE?
Grand Terrace may up redevelopment fund ceiling
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council has approved a draft plan that calls for a dramatic increase in the amount of money the city's redevelopment agency can collect and borrow.
The approval came in a 4-1 vote this week of the council, which was sitting as the governing board of the citywide Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia voted against it despite assurances from city staff members that the draft is only preliminary and that there will be three more months of fine tuning before the plan becomes official.
"This is a very big step in the history of our city," Garcia said, telling fellow council members that she wants a formal study session to be briefed on details of the plan.
Councilwoman Bea Cortes said she too wants the council to meet in a study session with staff to discuss the plan, but voted with the majority.
Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce
Powers warned the council Tuesday night that the city Redevelopment Agency will reach its $15 million legal maximum of bond debt some time next year, about the same time it will have collected its maximum of $70 million in property tax revenue.
She explained by phone after the meeting that those two numbers are substantially different because the bond money is used to pay for specific development-related projects and the rest of the money raised in property taxes pays for such expenses as housing assistance for low-income families, interest on debt and portions of city staff members' salaries.
City Attorney John Harper told the council that half of the city manager's salary, for example, is charged to the redevelopment agency.
The draft plan calls for the maximum bond money the city can borrow to increase three-fold to $75 million and for the maximum amount of tax money the agency can raise to jump from $70 million to $225 million.
Powers said she doesn't know for certain if the city's actual bond debt and revenue will approach those totals.
"If all the commercial properties built out with nice quality projects yes, there is a possibility," she said.
There are no specific redevelopment projects in the draft plan, but the city has used redevelopment money to pay for everything from the design of a ball field at Pico Park to road improvements and the movement of utility lines underground.
The council will be asked next month to make a determination that the redevelopment plan conforms to Grand Terrace's general plan for future development. A public hearing would be held April 27, Powers said, followed by adoption of a final draft at the May 11 and May 25 council meetings.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
Why are we not protesting the expanding of the RDA DEBT Ceiling? Why are we not shouting about the Expanding of Cost of City Hall's Administrative Costs? If we can't fix Local Governments how can we fix the National Government? It is time the Government and RDA of Grand Terrace is made smaller, cut it to the bare bones. No Perks for City Council Members, and City Employees. Hire a new City Attorney, and Finance Director and start new with a bare bones staff.
Remove all restrictive zoning laws in GT let the people who own land use it as they want. Get the City Council and City off the back and necks of the citizens.
County and State Regulations are bad enough, the city should not add more. Where are the Conservative Republicans or the Tea Party in GT? Are we to be ruled by the Realtors and Developers aka the Inside the Council Associates or "Friends of the City Council", you know the ones that are invited to City Financed Christmas Parties for 200 friends...
The Schwab/Berry administration boasted for years that the RDA was in fine shape and there was no problem. They responded to questions about the ever increasing debt levels with disdain to the speakers. Schwab said "you don't know how to read financial reports". Well recently the City Council admitted it could not read or understand the financial reports and budgets presented by finance.
Now the City Council and RDA want to increase the DEBT level of Grand Terrace RDA and thus the City of Grand Terrace to 75 Million. YELL NO WAY... Increased DEBT IS NOT GOOD... Putting the debt on future generations is BAD at the National Level and the Local Level. It may be time to close city hall and have a part time service write checks for the needed service contracts and be done with the pretences of a City Governments and City Economics.
Income resources are going down. The Debt will be paid with Taxes we currently are receiving and thus will doom the City with a never ending drain on the resources the CITY should have to use for CITY needs. Half of the Cost of the City Manager's Income and Perks come from DEBT FINANCING aka the RDA. There is no prudence in that practice.
TEA PARTY is AGAINST DEBT and GOVERNMENT TAKE OVER OF OUR LIVES what about in GRAND TERRACE?
Grand Terrace may up redevelopment fund ceiling
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council has approved a draft plan that calls for a dramatic increase in the amount of money the city's redevelopment agency can collect and borrow.
The approval came in a 4-1 vote this week of the council, which was sitting as the governing board of the citywide Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia voted against it despite assurances from city staff members that the draft is only preliminary and that there will be three more months of fine tuning before the plan becomes official.
"This is a very big step in the history of our city," Garcia said, telling fellow council members that she wants a formal study session to be briefed on details of the plan.
Councilwoman Bea Cortes said she too wants the council to meet in a study session with staff to discuss the plan, but voted with the majority.
Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce
Powers warned the council Tuesday night that the city Redevelopment Agency will reach its $15 million legal maximum of bond debt some time next year, about the same time it will have collected its maximum of $70 million in property tax revenue.
She explained by phone after the meeting that those two numbers are substantially different because the bond money is used to pay for specific development-related projects and the rest of the money raised in property taxes pays for such expenses as housing assistance for low-income families, interest on debt and portions of city staff members' salaries.
City Attorney John Harper told the council that half of the city manager's salary, for example, is charged to the redevelopment agency.
The draft plan calls for the maximum bond money the city can borrow to increase three-fold to $75 million and for the maximum amount of tax money the agency can raise to jump from $70 million to $225 million.
Powers said she doesn't know for certain if the city's actual bond debt and revenue will approach those totals.
"If all the commercial properties built out with nice quality projects yes, there is a possibility," she said.
There are no specific redevelopment projects in the draft plan, but the city has used redevelopment money to pay for everything from the design of a ball field at Pico Park to road improvements and the movement of utility lines underground.
The council will be asked next month to make a determination that the redevelopment plan conforms to Grand Terrace's general plan for future development. A public hearing would be held April 27, Powers said, followed by adoption of a final draft at the May 11 and May 25 council meetings.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Increase Governent Spending: GT Gone to the Dogs
Where are the Protesters who say run away budgets and Government Spending Needs to stop? Stray dogs should be tied to a corner post fed 3 days then shot in the street in public. Pretending the Pound is a Shelter and a better way is quite a folly. If Fido has a tag or a chip he may get a free ride home. This should cost the City much less than the services contracted and may be an encouragement for folks to keep their dogs inside or on a leash. Perhaps the savings could be put back to pay for a Dog Park for GT's Dogs.
Grand Terrace agrees to extend animal control pact
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 22, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino will continue housing stray animals from the city of Grand Terrace, but the city will have to pony up more money.
The Grand Terrace City Council voted recently to approve an 18-month extension of its animal-sheltering contract with nearby San Bernardino.
It calls for Grand Terrace to pay $2,012 a month, including $1,750 for housing strays collected from Grand Terrace and $262 as a 15 percent surcharge to pay for shelter improvements.
Grand Terrace, which does not have its own shelter, had previously been paying $1,150 a month.
In a report to the council, Grand Terrace City Manager Betsy Adams said the city's operating budget has set aside $8,400 for animal housing through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2010.
"The cost for animal housing services for the first six months of the fiscal year was $6,900 under the prior agreement with the city of San Bernardino," Adams wrote. "The cost for the second six months of the fiscal year will be $12,072."
She told the City Council that she will have to find $10,572 somewhere in the city's budget to pay the difference for the second half of the year. Just where is yet to be determined.
"The provision of animal housing and animal control services are evolving issues for Grand Terrace," Adams wrote.
Cash-strapped San Bernardino announced last year that it was not going to renew its contracts with the cities of Fontana, Colton and Grand Terrace to provide shelter services as a cost-cutting move.
Those cities have been scrambling ever since to find alternatives.
Fontana began hiring animal control officers and purchasing used animal control vehicles last July to snag the 3,200 stray dogs and 2,000 stray cats that wander its streets each year.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino agreed at first to put off its moratorium on animal housing for other cities through the end of 2009. It has now agreed to continue serving Grand Terrace through next June.
Colton, which has been providing animal control services for Grand Terrace, wants to renegotiate its deal, Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce Powers said by phone.
Colton laid off one of its two animal control officers and is looking to cut back its service for neighboring Grand Terrace from seven days a week to Monday through Thursday.
Adams told the council that negotiations are still under way.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
ROADS in GT:
Jap Hill or Mt Vernon Cliff Road is being cleaned up after the rain storms. Small boulders and mud came down in the past rains. Use caution when traveling on this road even after the rains stop the rocks and dirt may adjust. Gravity is what it is and that road is subject to slides. Be careful out there and please turn your lights on in the rain.
On Thu, 1/21/10, A Blog Reader wrote:
Subject: Promises
To: grandterracenews@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7:39 AM
I see now that the tune of the GT Blog has turned to broken promises as expressed by Schwab and Berry. Wonder as to where the $$$ was going to come from?In the last days before Stetson Avenue was ripped up and rebuilt in Hemet, the city Mgr. said to stop complaints, put down a slurry seal and that ought to shut the complainers up fro a few weeks.
Ross Namar was getting tired of the daily complaints sitting on his desk when going to the office. According to the Green book which many cities in Sou. Calif. attended to, it said the slurry was totally wrong for the situation, which we agreed. But bid was out, no one yet responded for the due date was weeks away, and then the delay to mobilize.
We got a whole bunch of folks a the CC meetings saying nothing short of a total rebuild would suffice. Everyone agreed, 'except for the time delay factor. In Hemet we got the intended two month delay in fixing up the surface every Friday. That time factor long ago passed on the slurry seal. I told Berry the surface was not strong enough to support was was being done, and I am sure the prime contractor (Roquet) said the same.
Now, were is the money at?
Paww Replies:
The blog had expressed the opinion that the money was being waisted at the time of the slurry contracts. The topic is revisited because it should not be repeated and the effectiveness of the squander is clear as the top coating is washing away and the broken streets are exposed.
Thanks for the added information.
Citizens made similar statements to the City Council at the time each of the contracts were presented. The Rubber Stamp City Council voted with the "Staff Recommendation" each and every time. The blog's purpose is to remind the Citizens and the City Council of this error which was endemic in the Schwab/Berry Administrations of the city, and hopefully stop the squandering of funds in the future.
Where is the money? Well, the budget manipulations of Schwab/Berry found money for their Contracts/House and Bloated Incomes. What was paid for road cover was or is being washed out to sea.
Grand Terrace agrees to extend animal control pact
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 22, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
San Bernardino will continue housing stray animals from the city of Grand Terrace, but the city will have to pony up more money.
The Grand Terrace City Council voted recently to approve an 18-month extension of its animal-sheltering contract with nearby San Bernardino.
It calls for Grand Terrace to pay $2,012 a month, including $1,750 for housing strays collected from Grand Terrace and $262 as a 15 percent surcharge to pay for shelter improvements.
Grand Terrace, which does not have its own shelter, had previously been paying $1,150 a month.
In a report to the council, Grand Terrace City Manager Betsy Adams said the city's operating budget has set aside $8,400 for animal housing through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2010.
"The cost for animal housing services for the first six months of the fiscal year was $6,900 under the prior agreement with the city of San Bernardino," Adams wrote. "The cost for the second six months of the fiscal year will be $12,072."
She told the City Council that she will have to find $10,572 somewhere in the city's budget to pay the difference for the second half of the year. Just where is yet to be determined.
"The provision of animal housing and animal control services are evolving issues for Grand Terrace," Adams wrote.
Cash-strapped San Bernardino announced last year that it was not going to renew its contracts with the cities of Fontana, Colton and Grand Terrace to provide shelter services as a cost-cutting move.
Those cities have been scrambling ever since to find alternatives.
Fontana began hiring animal control officers and purchasing used animal control vehicles last July to snag the 3,200 stray dogs and 2,000 stray cats that wander its streets each year.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino agreed at first to put off its moratorium on animal housing for other cities through the end of 2009. It has now agreed to continue serving Grand Terrace through next June.
Colton, which has been providing animal control services for Grand Terrace, wants to renegotiate its deal, Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce Powers said by phone.
Colton laid off one of its two animal control officers and is looking to cut back its service for neighboring Grand Terrace from seven days a week to Monday through Thursday.
Adams told the council that negotiations are still under way.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
ROADS in GT:
Jap Hill or Mt Vernon Cliff Road is being cleaned up after the rain storms. Small boulders and mud came down in the past rains. Use caution when traveling on this road even after the rains stop the rocks and dirt may adjust. Gravity is what it is and that road is subject to slides. Be careful out there and please turn your lights on in the rain.
On Thu, 1/21/10, A Blog Reader wrote:
Subject: Promises
To: grandterracenews@yahoo.com
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7:39 AM
I see now that the tune of the GT Blog has turned to broken promises as expressed by Schwab and Berry. Wonder as to where the $$$ was going to come from?In the last days before Stetson Avenue was ripped up and rebuilt in Hemet, the city Mgr. said to stop complaints, put down a slurry seal and that ought to shut the complainers up fro a few weeks.
Ross Namar was getting tired of the daily complaints sitting on his desk when going to the office. According to the Green book which many cities in Sou. Calif. attended to, it said the slurry was totally wrong for the situation, which we agreed. But bid was out, no one yet responded for the due date was weeks away, and then the delay to mobilize.
We got a whole bunch of folks a the CC meetings saying nothing short of a total rebuild would suffice. Everyone agreed, 'except for the time delay factor. In Hemet we got the intended two month delay in fixing up the surface every Friday. That time factor long ago passed on the slurry seal. I told Berry the surface was not strong enough to support was was being done, and I am sure the prime contractor (Roquet) said the same.
Now, were is the money at?
Paww Replies:
The blog had expressed the opinion that the money was being waisted at the time of the slurry contracts. The topic is revisited because it should not be repeated and the effectiveness of the squander is clear as the top coating is washing away and the broken streets are exposed.
Thanks for the added information.
Citizens made similar statements to the City Council at the time each of the contracts were presented. The Rubber Stamp City Council voted with the "Staff Recommendation" each and every time. The blog's purpose is to remind the Citizens and the City Council of this error which was endemic in the Schwab/Berry Administrations of the city, and hopefully stop the squandering of funds in the future.
Where is the money? Well, the budget manipulations of Schwab/Berry found money for their Contracts/House and Bloated Incomes. What was paid for road cover was or is being washed out to sea.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Schwab Era Road Repair Flaws Revieled After Rain
Many email reports of pot holes and broken or cracked streets are coming in after the first heavy rain.
The Schwab Administration's practice of top dressing the roads with asphalt slurry has shown to be like many other of his actions a cover up of bad road surfaces beneath an attractive surface. Repeatedly citizens have requested real road repair and the City Council has approved Schwab Staff requests for the cheaper and less effective top dressing. Frequently he indicated that it made the roads look good to keep house prices up. This is one of the reasons that the roads by Royal Barton and Grand Terrace Mobile Home Parks were not even resurfaced. Those homes did not even get the dressing up of their roads.
Some of that surface treatment has been washed down stream, leaving behind exposed cracked roads and in some cases chunks of rock and asphalt in the street to welcome even more damage in the next rain.
In some cases the years of build up are flaking away in scale like chunks. However, on some roads that got repeated redressing the surface of the road is above the design function of curbs and drains.
When the city has an RDA 40 percent of our tax funds go to pay the debt of that folly of RDA Real Estate Speculation and Projects. The limited funds the city has should go for real city functions such as roads, police services.
When you drive around town be careful of broken pavement and rocks in the roads. Avoid hitting potholes because each time they are hit they get worse and you may do damage to your car.
Be careful out there citizens. Report road damage and cracks to GT City Hall. Also report anything that may look like a potential sink hole or road drop. We should expect more rain and more damage as the water works its way under the exposed cracks left behind by the Schwab/Berry Administration.
Increase the RDA Debt and you effectively reduce the amount of funds available for road repair and the things the City should be doing.
Grand Terrace needs Real Road Repair not Top Dressing just to look good for the Realtor's Benefit.
The Schwab Administration's practice of top dressing the roads with asphalt slurry has shown to be like many other of his actions a cover up of bad road surfaces beneath an attractive surface. Repeatedly citizens have requested real road repair and the City Council has approved Schwab Staff requests for the cheaper and less effective top dressing. Frequently he indicated that it made the roads look good to keep house prices up. This is one of the reasons that the roads by Royal Barton and Grand Terrace Mobile Home Parks were not even resurfaced. Those homes did not even get the dressing up of their roads.
Some of that surface treatment has been washed down stream, leaving behind exposed cracked roads and in some cases chunks of rock and asphalt in the street to welcome even more damage in the next rain.
In some cases the years of build up are flaking away in scale like chunks. However, on some roads that got repeated redressing the surface of the road is above the design function of curbs and drains.
When the city has an RDA 40 percent of our tax funds go to pay the debt of that folly of RDA Real Estate Speculation and Projects. The limited funds the city has should go for real city functions such as roads, police services.
When you drive around town be careful of broken pavement and rocks in the roads. Avoid hitting potholes because each time they are hit they get worse and you may do damage to your car.
Be careful out there citizens. Report road damage and cracks to GT City Hall. Also report anything that may look like a potential sink hole or road drop. We should expect more rain and more damage as the water works its way under the exposed cracks left behind by the Schwab/Berry Administration.
Increase the RDA Debt and you effectively reduce the amount of funds available for road repair and the things the City should be doing.
Grand Terrace needs Real Road Repair not Top Dressing just to look good for the Realtor's Benefit.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Cleared of Sexual Harassment but not of Affairs
Ramos should resign from office even if the affair was consensual. He clearly has a problem knowing what is right and wrong and in a DA this is problematic.
San Bernardino County district attorney cleared of misconduct
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
An investigation of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos clears him of retaliating against an employee he allegedly had an affair with, according to a memo released by the county human resources department Friday.
The investigation, conducted by a Los Angeles law firm hired by the county, did not look into whether Ramos sexually harassed Cheryl Ristow, an investigative technician, because she described the alleged intimate relationship as consensual, the memo states. The report states that allegations that Ramos has had affairs were outside the scope of its investigation.
The memo is only a three-page summary of a 186-page report. The county counsel's office is still determining whether the full report should be released, the memo states.
Ristow, who has been on stress leave since July, said she and Ramos had a 17-month affair that ended in 2005 and that he and three other top officials retaliated against her last May when it appeared it would be made public. She filed a complaint in August.
The report found that disciplinary actions against her were based on verifiable concerns about her work and unrelated to any statements about Ramos she may have made.
In a statement, an attorney for Ramos welcomed the findings, saying they confirm that no harassment or inappropriate conduct occurred with Ristow.
"We denounce allegations of sexual harassment against Mike Ramos as politically trumped-up charges with no basis in fact or law," said Richard Marca, a Riverside attorney.
Ristow filed a legal claim last week seeking $1.5 million in damages for sexual harassment and retaliation.
San Bernardino County district attorney cleared of misconduct
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
An investigation of San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos clears him of retaliating against an employee he allegedly had an affair with, according to a memo released by the county human resources department Friday.
The investigation, conducted by a Los Angeles law firm hired by the county, did not look into whether Ramos sexually harassed Cheryl Ristow, an investigative technician, because she described the alleged intimate relationship as consensual, the memo states. The report states that allegations that Ramos has had affairs were outside the scope of its investigation.
The memo is only a three-page summary of a 186-page report. The county counsel's office is still determining whether the full report should be released, the memo states.
Ristow, who has been on stress leave since July, said she and Ramos had a 17-month affair that ended in 2005 and that he and three other top officials retaliated against her last May when it appeared it would be made public. She filed a complaint in August.
The report found that disciplinary actions against her were based on verifiable concerns about her work and unrelated to any statements about Ramos she may have made.
In a statement, an attorney for Ramos welcomed the findings, saying they confirm that no harassment or inappropriate conduct occurred with Ristow.
"We denounce allegations of sexual harassment against Mike Ramos as politically trumped-up charges with no basis in fact or law," said Richard Marca, a Riverside attorney.
Ristow filed a legal claim last week seeking $1.5 million in damages for sexual harassment and retaliation.
Conflict of Interest? Good Financial Condition?
Is it a Conflict of Interest for the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Directors to Raise the Debt Level of the RDA? I think so.
For the City Manager and City Attorney to make such a recommendation a conflict of interest exists. This will allow them to increase their incomes and billing hours.
For the Members of the Council with Property and Investment in Grand Terrace this is a conflict of interest. For those Council Members who are supported by Real Estate Brokers, Developers and Construction Unions there is a conflict.
The RDA should be closed and 100 percent of our taxes should go for Roads and REAL City Business. Raising the Debt increases the Obligations of General Funds on activities that don't help build a sustainable community. In addition it bloats the City Manager/Redevelopment Directors function and budget including the salary expectation. Those associated obligations that come with the added debt will continue to drain funds off of the city's budget.
More Debt is NOT a GOOD THING... The TEA PARTY Types should start with reform of RDA's and the Debt of Small Cities and work their way up to the National Debt. There is a relationship between the two. It would be like paying off higher interest credit cards first then pay off the house mortgage at an accelerated rate. You don't pay off your house loan first and carry a huge credit card debt do you. I hope not. Government finances could be looked at in the same way. It is the hundreds of little governments, little city managers, that start the problem. Then the county governments, regional bodies, states and finally the federal government.
The people on the City Council call themselves Republicans... Are they going to limit the Debt of their own Community? Are they going to cut Taxes and Tax Spending in Grand Terrace? Or are they going to bloat the Tick on the City known as the RDA and continue the financial mismanagement of the taxpayer?
SAY NO to An INCREASE RDA DEBT... Work to end the RDA just like we are all working to end our personal debt.
Is it time to ask Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry to pay back the city they managed right into Debt City? Is it time to ask the City Attorney to refund the income he got from selling the debt bonds, and other resulting legal fees he collected on his bad legal advise?
Let us hope the new city manager is better at the job. Perhaps she will see she has taken a pay level the city can not support and will down negotiate her contract as a first step in good management. The second step is to find a new city attorney.
Grand Terrace may up redevelopment fund ceiling
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council has approved a draft plan that calls for a dramatic increase in the amount of money the city's redevelopment agency can collect and borrow.
The approval came in a 4-1 vote this week of the council, which was sitting as the governing board of the citywide Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia voted against it despite assurances from city staff members that the draft is only preliminary and that there will be three more months of fine tuning before the plan becomes official.
"This is a very big step in the history of our city," Garcia said, telling fellow council members that she wants a formal study session to be briefed on details of the plan.
Councilwoman Bea Cortes said she too wants the council to meet in a study session with staff to discuss the plan, but voted with the majority.
Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce Powers warned the council Tuesday night that the city Redevelopment Agency will reach its $15 million legal maximum of bond debt some time next year, about the same time it will have collected its maximum of $70 million in property tax revenue.
She explained by phone after the meeting that those two numbers are substantially different because the bond money is used to pay for specific development-related projects and the rest of the money raised in property taxes pays for such expenses as housing assistance for low-income families, interest on debt and portions of city staff members' salaries.
City Attorney John Harper told the council that half of the city manager's salary, for example, is charged to the redevelopment agency.
The draft plan calls for the maximum bond money the city can borrow to increase three-fold to $75 million and for the maximum amount of tax money the agency can raise to jump from $70 million to $225 million.
Powers said she doesn't know for certain if the city's actual bond debt and revenue will approach those totals.
"If all the commercial properties built out with nice quality projects yes, there is a possibility," she said.
There are no specific redevelopment projects in the draft plan, but the city has used redevelopment money to pay for everything from the design of a ball field at Pico Park to road improvements and the movement of utility lines underground.
The council will be asked next month to make a determination that the redevelopment plan conforms to Grand Terrace's general plan for future development. A public hearing would be held April 27, Powers said, followed by adoption of a final draft at the May 11 and May 25 council meetings.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
For the City Manager and City Attorney to make such a recommendation a conflict of interest exists. This will allow them to increase their incomes and billing hours.
For the Members of the Council with Property and Investment in Grand Terrace this is a conflict of interest. For those Council Members who are supported by Real Estate Brokers, Developers and Construction Unions there is a conflict.
The RDA should be closed and 100 percent of our taxes should go for Roads and REAL City Business. Raising the Debt increases the Obligations of General Funds on activities that don't help build a sustainable community. In addition it bloats the City Manager/Redevelopment Directors function and budget including the salary expectation. Those associated obligations that come with the added debt will continue to drain funds off of the city's budget.
More Debt is NOT a GOOD THING... The TEA PARTY Types should start with reform of RDA's and the Debt of Small Cities and work their way up to the National Debt. There is a relationship between the two. It would be like paying off higher interest credit cards first then pay off the house mortgage at an accelerated rate. You don't pay off your house loan first and carry a huge credit card debt do you. I hope not. Government finances could be looked at in the same way. It is the hundreds of little governments, little city managers, that start the problem. Then the county governments, regional bodies, states and finally the federal government.
The people on the City Council call themselves Republicans... Are they going to limit the Debt of their own Community? Are they going to cut Taxes and Tax Spending in Grand Terrace? Or are they going to bloat the Tick on the City known as the RDA and continue the financial mismanagement of the taxpayer?
SAY NO to An INCREASE RDA DEBT... Work to end the RDA just like we are all working to end our personal debt.
Is it time to ask Mr. Schwab and Mr. Berry to pay back the city they managed right into Debt City? Is it time to ask the City Attorney to refund the income he got from selling the debt bonds, and other resulting legal fees he collected on his bad legal advise?
Let us hope the new city manager is better at the job. Perhaps she will see she has taken a pay level the city can not support and will down negotiate her contract as a first step in good management. The second step is to find a new city attorney.
Grand Terrace may up redevelopment fund ceiling
10:00 PM PST on Friday, January 15, 2010
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI
The Press-Enterprise
The Grand Terrace City Council has approved a draft plan that calls for a dramatic increase in the amount of money the city's redevelopment agency can collect and borrow.
The approval came in a 4-1 vote this week of the council, which was sitting as the governing board of the citywide Redevelopment Agency.
Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia voted against it despite assurances from city staff members that the draft is only preliminary and that there will be three more months of fine tuning before the plan becomes official.
"This is a very big step in the history of our city," Garcia said, telling fellow council members that she wants a formal study session to be briefed on details of the plan.
Councilwoman Bea Cortes said she too wants the council to meet in a study session with staff to discuss the plan, but voted with the majority.
Grand Terrace Community and Economic Development Director Joyce Powers warned the council Tuesday night that the city Redevelopment Agency will reach its $15 million legal maximum of bond debt some time next year, about the same time it will have collected its maximum of $70 million in property tax revenue.
She explained by phone after the meeting that those two numbers are substantially different because the bond money is used to pay for specific development-related projects and the rest of the money raised in property taxes pays for such expenses as housing assistance for low-income families, interest on debt and portions of city staff members' salaries.
City Attorney John Harper told the council that half of the city manager's salary, for example, is charged to the redevelopment agency.
The draft plan calls for the maximum bond money the city can borrow to increase three-fold to $75 million and for the maximum amount of tax money the agency can raise to jump from $70 million to $225 million.
Powers said she doesn't know for certain if the city's actual bond debt and revenue will approach those totals.
"If all the commercial properties built out with nice quality projects yes, there is a possibility," she said.
There are no specific redevelopment projects in the draft plan, but the city has used redevelopment money to pay for everything from the design of a ball field at Pico Park to road improvements and the movement of utility lines underground.
The council will be asked next month to make a determination that the redevelopment plan conforms to Grand Terrace's general plan for future development. A public hearing would be held April 27, Powers said, followed by adoption of a final draft at the May 11 and May 25 council meetings.
Reach Darrell R. Santschi at 951-368-9484 or dsantschi@PE.com
Friday, January 15, 2010
Hats off to Barney Karger:
The Title should Be:
Grand Terrace Citizen Rescues Discount Drug Program
Grand Terrace rescues discount drug program
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/14/2010 04:18:57 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The city's prescription drug discount program has been revived, thanks to an unlikely benefactor.
Barney Karger, an 81-year-old resident who has been critical of city officials, made a generous donation this week allowing Grand Terrace to offer the program.
The program enables Grand Terrace residents to get an average savings of 20 percent off the price of prescription drugs at CVS Pharmacies and other drug stores.
The program was approved by the council last year, but was never implemented for budgetary reasons.
The city was a member of the National League of Cities, which made the program available at no cost to member cities.
But the program was not offered because the city couldn't afford the nearly $1,500 membership renewal fee last year.
This week, Councilwoman Bea Cortes decided to try to resuscitate the program.
With the help of Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, the league's newly elected president, the city was able to get a 50-percent discount off the renewal dues.
But the city was still short of money for the program. Cortes said she would have paid for it out of her campaign account but lacked the funds to do so.
So she approached local businesses and asked if they would be willing to pitch in to pay for the membership.
Karger, a retired developer and contractor, agreed to write a check to cover the cost.
"We've had a great deal of strife in the city in the last year," Karger said. "If the city can't afford it, I can. I presume there will be a lot of people getting these cards and I can help them out."
Cortes had nothing but praise for Karger.
"In my estimation, he's a hero for Grand Terrace," she said. "A lot of residents have lost their jobs, or they have furlough days, or their hours have been cut. It's difficult times right now financially. If we can help them save a few dollars, we should."
With the renewal, the city's membership in the league now runs through Oct. 31, said Gregory Minchak, a spokesman for the organization.
The city plans to issue a news release soon with the locations and date the discount cards will be available to residents. Information also will be posted on the city's Web site.
Minchak said the program is intended for residents without health insurance looking to save on the retail price of prescription drugs.
"I think it's great that a donor stepped up," Minchak said. "It's wonderful to see the community is coming together on this. We think it's an important program that will benefit a lot of people."
The program is in place in more than 300 cities nationwide, he said. Locally, the discount cards are available to residents of Rialto, Fontana and Claremont.
NOTE: EVERYONE should go get a Discount Card and Show Barney Karger you appreciated his gift to his fellow citizens.
Bea Cortes offer to pay for it out of her campaign funds (if she had the money), would seem to me to be a violation of the law or at least the trust of her donors who make contributions for the specific purpose of her campaign.
Barney Karger has done a good thing, a step in turning the page on the Schwab/Berry City Management that drove Citizens away from the community and away from supporting the City in many ways. Yes Barney we want the city to do well and your gift shows you have compassion for your fellow citizens. Thanks Barney for the gift of a small step forward.
Barney Karger's donation does not give the City Council or Mayor or City Staff the idea that they can now take trips and junkets to attend National League of Cities Events/Junkets/or such events.
Grand Terrace Citizen Rescues Discount Drug Program
Grand Terrace rescues discount drug program
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/14/2010 04:18:57 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - The city's prescription drug discount program has been revived, thanks to an unlikely benefactor.
Barney Karger, an 81-year-old resident who has been critical of city officials, made a generous donation this week allowing Grand Terrace to offer the program.
The program enables Grand Terrace residents to get an average savings of 20 percent off the price of prescription drugs at CVS Pharmacies and other drug stores.
The program was approved by the council last year, but was never implemented for budgetary reasons.
The city was a member of the National League of Cities, which made the program available at no cost to member cities.
But the program was not offered because the city couldn't afford the nearly $1,500 membership renewal fee last year.
This week, Councilwoman Bea Cortes decided to try to resuscitate the program.
With the help of Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, the league's newly elected president, the city was able to get a 50-percent discount off the renewal dues.
But the city was still short of money for the program. Cortes said she would have paid for it out of her campaign account but lacked the funds to do so.
So she approached local businesses and asked if they would be willing to pitch in to pay for the membership.
Karger, a retired developer and contractor, agreed to write a check to cover the cost.
"We've had a great deal of strife in the city in the last year," Karger said. "If the city can't afford it, I can. I presume there will be a lot of people getting these cards and I can help them out."
Cortes had nothing but praise for Karger.
"In my estimation, he's a hero for Grand Terrace," she said. "A lot of residents have lost their jobs, or they have furlough days, or their hours have been cut. It's difficult times right now financially. If we can help them save a few dollars, we should."
With the renewal, the city's membership in the league now runs through Oct. 31, said Gregory Minchak, a spokesman for the organization.
The city plans to issue a news release soon with the locations and date the discount cards will be available to residents. Information also will be posted on the city's Web site.
Minchak said the program is intended for residents without health insurance looking to save on the retail price of prescription drugs.
"I think it's great that a donor stepped up," Minchak said. "It's wonderful to see the community is coming together on this. We think it's an important program that will benefit a lot of people."
The program is in place in more than 300 cities nationwide, he said. Locally, the discount cards are available to residents of Rialto, Fontana and Claremont.
NOTE: EVERYONE should go get a Discount Card and Show Barney Karger you appreciated his gift to his fellow citizens.
Bea Cortes offer to pay for it out of her campaign funds (if she had the money), would seem to me to be a violation of the law or at least the trust of her donors who make contributions for the specific purpose of her campaign.
Barney Karger has done a good thing, a step in turning the page on the Schwab/Berry City Management that drove Citizens away from the community and away from supporting the City in many ways. Yes Barney we want the city to do well and your gift shows you have compassion for your fellow citizens. Thanks Barney for the gift of a small step forward.
Barney Karger's donation does not give the City Council or Mayor or City Staff the idea that they can now take trips and junkets to attend National League of Cities Events/Junkets/or such events.
When will Equal Justice be Insited Upon?
Grand Terrace councilman pleads not guilty to conflict of interest
10:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 14, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller pleaded not guilty Thursday morning to a felony conflict-of-interest charge in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
His attorney, Richard M. Ewaniszyk, entered the plea on Miller's behalf in the arraignment proceeding, which lasted only a few minutes. Miller will return to court on Feb. 1.
Miller was arrested July 15 on a charge stemming from votes he made as a councilman for payments to the Grand Terrace City News for legal advertisements from Oct. 26, 2006, through Aug. 12, 2008. His wife, Margie Miller, owns the weekly newspaper.
More than a dozen of the councilman's supporters filled the courtroom to watch the proceedings. He thanked them afterward and urged them to "Keep the faith."
"They've been here all along and we're grateful for that," Jim Miller said. "We're hoping for a quick ending."
Miller's votes on the contracts were part of the council's approval of the consent calendar in which several routine items are approved in a single vote.
Prosecutors have said Miller benefited financially from his votes because of his wife's ownership of the paper.
Jim Miller told investigators he did not think he had a conflict of interest because he did not own any part of his wife's business.
However, in a financial disclosure statement filed Sept. 7, 2007, he stated that he owned less than 10 percent of the business's total worth.
Both he and his wife have said the paper stopped accepting advertisement from the city when the city attorney advised them of a potential conflict of interest.
Miller faces up to three years in prison if convicted of the felony charge.
Reach Imran Ghori at 951-368-9558 or ighori@PE.com
Gramps Notes:
If Miller's Case goes on without similar or more critical charges not being levied against Bea Cortez for her involvement with the Payments on the Consent Calender, Contract Approvals, Negotiations of the Real Estate Broker and Terra Loma Real Estate while she was both a Council Member and Mayor Protem and a Sales Associate for Terra Loma. Even going so far as to Cross Advertise the fact in local news papers linking both functions business and politics.
If Miller's Case goes further than the actions of Tom Schwab and Steve Berry should also result in a court case as it is in part their Cover Up of a Criminal Investigation of Steve Berry that was the tipping point causing the Wrath of Steve Berry to go to the DA's Office and insist upon a complaint to be filed and a warrant issued against Jim Miller.
So when will the DA's Investigation of Bea Cortes , Steve Berry and Tom Schwab result in warrants for their arrest and a trial for their transgressions. WHEN....
Who holds the DA accountable? Well that is a County and State or perhaps even a Federal issue and GT is the topic of this blog.
10:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 14, 2010
By IMRAN GHORI
The Press-Enterprise
Grand Terrace Councilman Jim Miller pleaded not guilty Thursday morning to a felony conflict-of-interest charge in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
His attorney, Richard M. Ewaniszyk, entered the plea on Miller's behalf in the arraignment proceeding, which lasted only a few minutes. Miller will return to court on Feb. 1.
Miller was arrested July 15 on a charge stemming from votes he made as a councilman for payments to the Grand Terrace City News for legal advertisements from Oct. 26, 2006, through Aug. 12, 2008. His wife, Margie Miller, owns the weekly newspaper.
More than a dozen of the councilman's supporters filled the courtroom to watch the proceedings. He thanked them afterward and urged them to "Keep the faith."
"They've been here all along and we're grateful for that," Jim Miller said. "We're hoping for a quick ending."
Miller's votes on the contracts were part of the council's approval of the consent calendar in which several routine items are approved in a single vote.
Prosecutors have said Miller benefited financially from his votes because of his wife's ownership of the paper.
Jim Miller told investigators he did not think he had a conflict of interest because he did not own any part of his wife's business.
However, in a financial disclosure statement filed Sept. 7, 2007, he stated that he owned less than 10 percent of the business's total worth.
Both he and his wife have said the paper stopped accepting advertisement from the city when the city attorney advised them of a potential conflict of interest.
Miller faces up to three years in prison if convicted of the felony charge.
Reach Imran Ghori at 951-368-9558 or ighori@PE.com
Gramps Notes:
If Miller's Case goes on without similar or more critical charges not being levied against Bea Cortez for her involvement with the Payments on the Consent Calender, Contract Approvals, Negotiations of the Real Estate Broker and Terra Loma Real Estate while she was both a Council Member and Mayor Protem and a Sales Associate for Terra Loma. Even going so far as to Cross Advertise the fact in local news papers linking both functions business and politics.
If Miller's Case goes further than the actions of Tom Schwab and Steve Berry should also result in a court case as it is in part their Cover Up of a Criminal Investigation of Steve Berry that was the tipping point causing the Wrath of Steve Berry to go to the DA's Office and insist upon a complaint to be filed and a warrant issued against Jim Miller.
So when will the DA's Investigation of Bea Cortes , Steve Berry and Tom Schwab result in warrants for their arrest and a trial for their transgressions. WHEN....
Who holds the DA accountable? Well that is a County and State or perhaps even a Federal issue and GT is the topic of this blog.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Steve Berry No Comment on Fumble
Below is an example of what can go wrong when a City Council simply votes on the Agenda as Presented by Staff. In this case Staff was Steve Berry who apparently did not inform the City Council Members the full affect and effect of an action taken. In this case the Fumble of a Prescription Drug Discount Program for the Citizens. His no Comment is just another slap in the face of the Citizens he wasn't really interested in serving all the years he was being paid well with our taxes.
It is time that the City Council takes a step back and look at the real need for the full review of terms and conditions of the agreements in front of them. Shame on them. Perhaps they can reach into their own pockets and pay for the Pharmacy Bills for the Citizens they failed to serve. They could have paid the dues for the organization and NOT Gone to the Junket Meetings that cost so much. Thus giving the Citizens the benefit of membership and not using it as a way to pay for political junkets for themselves.
BUT NO... the Council Members are like Steve Berry and Tom Schwab were not looking out for the Citizens that way.
GT officials fumble drug discount program
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/10/2010 09:40:12 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - With great fanfare, the city announced a program last year promising residents an average savings of 20 percent off the price of prescription drugs.
Officials promoted the free program on the city's Web site and issued a news release about it.
The City Council gave its unanimous blessing in late April, and a city report said the cards would be made available to the public within 30 days.
But the program never got off the ground.
Council members say the city couldn't offer the program for budgetary reasons.
Grand Terrace was a member of the National League of Cities, which makes the program available to cities across the country at no cost. But in the midst of a budget crunch last spring, city officials decided they couldn't afford to spend nearly $1,500 to renew their membership in the organization.
As a result, the city never received the identification cards and marketing materials to promote and launch the program.
Council members say they are fuzzy on the details of what happened after they approved the program. Former acting City Manager Steve Berry, who recommended that the city participate in the program, declined to comment.
"It was one of those things that quietly died," said Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz. "I'm not sure the prescription drug card ever got associated with us pulling out of the National League of Cities. If we don't re-up our membership, then we don't have this to give to our residents. I don't know if this was ever a conversation."
In retrospect, Stanckiewitz said not renewing the membership may not have been a wise move.
"To me, we were cutting some of the stupidest things. This could have been one of them," he said.
Under the program, the discount cards would have been provided at no charge to all Grand Terrace residents who requested them. There was no enrollment form, membership fee or age or income restrictions.
The cards could have been used anytime residents' prescriptions were not covered by insurance.
The discount would have been valid at the CVS Pharmacy in Grand Terrace and thousands of other participating pharmacies across the country.
Locally, the discount cards are available to residents in Rialto, Fontana and Claremont.
"I think it would certainly be an asset to the city," said longtime resident JoAnn Johnson, 78.
"It would certainly behoove the city to renew their membership in this organization so it was available and advertise it in the local newspaper."
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said it was unfortunate that the program was a casualty of budget troubles that afflicted most cities last year.
"That was one of the things we could cut back on without cutting back on services to the community," Ferre said.
"Obviously, I'd like to be able to provide that. At this point in time, we can't. If we're able to in the future, we will."
It is time that the City Council takes a step back and look at the real need for the full review of terms and conditions of the agreements in front of them. Shame on them. Perhaps they can reach into their own pockets and pay for the Pharmacy Bills for the Citizens they failed to serve. They could have paid the dues for the organization and NOT Gone to the Junket Meetings that cost so much. Thus giving the Citizens the benefit of membership and not using it as a way to pay for political junkets for themselves.
BUT NO... the Council Members are like Steve Berry and Tom Schwab were not looking out for the Citizens that way.
GT officials fumble drug discount program
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/10/2010 09:40:12 PM PST
GRAND TERRACE - With great fanfare, the city announced a program last year promising residents an average savings of 20 percent off the price of prescription drugs.
Officials promoted the free program on the city's Web site and issued a news release about it.
The City Council gave its unanimous blessing in late April, and a city report said the cards would be made available to the public within 30 days.
But the program never got off the ground.
Council members say the city couldn't offer the program for budgetary reasons.
Grand Terrace was a member of the National League of Cities, which makes the program available to cities across the country at no cost. But in the midst of a budget crunch last spring, city officials decided they couldn't afford to spend nearly $1,500 to renew their membership in the organization.
As a result, the city never received the identification cards and marketing materials to promote and launch the program.
Council members say they are fuzzy on the details of what happened after they approved the program. Former acting City Manager Steve Berry, who recommended that the city participate in the program, declined to comment.
"It was one of those things that quietly died," said Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz. "I'm not sure the prescription drug card ever got associated with us pulling out of the National League of Cities. If we don't re-up our membership, then we don't have this to give to our residents. I don't know if this was ever a conversation."
In retrospect, Stanckiewitz said not renewing the membership may not have been a wise move.
"To me, we were cutting some of the stupidest things. This could have been one of them," he said.
Under the program, the discount cards would have been provided at no charge to all Grand Terrace residents who requested them. There was no enrollment form, membership fee or age or income restrictions.
The cards could have been used anytime residents' prescriptions were not covered by insurance.
The discount would have been valid at the CVS Pharmacy in Grand Terrace and thousands of other participating pharmacies across the country.
Locally, the discount cards are available to residents in Rialto, Fontana and Claremont.
"I think it would certainly be an asset to the city," said longtime resident JoAnn Johnson, 78.
"It would certainly behoove the city to renew their membership in this organization so it was available and advertise it in the local newspaper."
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said it was unfortunate that the program was a casualty of budget troubles that afflicted most cities last year.
"That was one of the things we could cut back on without cutting back on services to the community," Ferre said.
"Obviously, I'd like to be able to provide that. At this point in time, we can't. If we're able to in the future, we will."
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Planning Commission's Minutes Need a Fix'n
The planning commissions staff report minutes of 10-15-09.
http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=&Type=&ADID=380 contains the minutes on the Swertfeger Equipment (Trailer Sales and Repair), at 12438 Michigan Street Grand Terrace, CA 92313. Indicate the property is on property properly zoned for the type of business being conducted on the property.
The house was built in the 1930's and has been residential and he is working out of zone. He had a Conditional Use Permit with several conditions for which he has not held to hold up the Conditions of the Permit. The Planning Commission is trying to facilitate Swertfeger's use of the property and clarifying the businesses obligations to their neighbors. However, it is clear that the neighbors of the business were not informed about the hearing or proceeding. It is doubtful that the City Council is aware of the negotiations or the full account of past CUP violations and neglected city code enforcement on the CUP.
This is a frustration to a number of residents and it demonstrates a conflict within the operations of the city management. Why are complaints against Swertferger Equipment not addressed as swiftly as a parked car on sweeper day?
If you read the Minutes of the Planning Commission you will also see that much of what is said is recorded as "inaudible". The question and answers in some cases are thus off the record. This is insufficient record keeping.
Swertferger Equipment is an important business and employer in GT. Lets hope that this matter can be resolved so that everyone is a little bit happy and a little bit sad... IF it goes to court, Judges seldom make either side completely happy.
Citizens trying to keep informed about the Planning Commission's Activity are also frustrated by the frequent cancellation of Meetings and poor communication with the public. Grand Terrace Citizens want to be informed and participate in the future of their city. Let's hope the new city manager aids in facilitating improved communication at all levels.
http://www.cityofgrandterrace.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=&Type=&ADID=380 contains the minutes on the Swertfeger Equipment (Trailer Sales and Repair), at 12438 Michigan Street Grand Terrace, CA 92313. Indicate the property is on property properly zoned for the type of business being conducted on the property.
The house was built in the 1930's and has been residential and he is working out of zone. He had a Conditional Use Permit with several conditions for which he has not held to hold up the Conditions of the Permit. The Planning Commission is trying to facilitate Swertfeger's use of the property and clarifying the businesses obligations to their neighbors. However, it is clear that the neighbors of the business were not informed about the hearing or proceeding. It is doubtful that the City Council is aware of the negotiations or the full account of past CUP violations and neglected city code enforcement on the CUP.
This is a frustration to a number of residents and it demonstrates a conflict within the operations of the city management. Why are complaints against Swertferger Equipment not addressed as swiftly as a parked car on sweeper day?
If you read the Minutes of the Planning Commission you will also see that much of what is said is recorded as "inaudible". The question and answers in some cases are thus off the record. This is insufficient record keeping.
Swertferger Equipment is an important business and employer in GT. Lets hope that this matter can be resolved so that everyone is a little bit happy and a little bit sad... IF it goes to court, Judges seldom make either side completely happy.
Citizens trying to keep informed about the Planning Commission's Activity are also frustrated by the frequent cancellation of Meetings and poor communication with the public. Grand Terrace Citizens want to be informed and participate in the future of their city. Let's hope the new city manager aids in facilitating improved communication at all levels.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Santa Missed on some Streets in GT..
PAWW
Over past ten years (or longer) now in GT the local fire department has formed a train of vehicles and slowly toured the town on first weekend before Christmas, but one time on New Year's eve. The train of vehicles wasn't fast nor very long, but was bright and loud. Greeting everyone with a Merry Christmas to All. Did not happen in 2009, in my neighborhood. Maybe yours?
Gramps Answers:
I don't live in GT full time anymore so the Santa Tour of GT may or may not have happened while I was not in GT. However, when in town several people asked about when the visit was going to take place and no one got a straight answer from either City Hall or the Fire Station. Many children wait for this event and some parents make a special event of it. So if it was to be canceled in some parts of the city or city wide the Fire Department and City should have advised the adults that Santa's Pre Christmas Tour was not going to happen. Or if it was limited to a few streets where those streets were.
Now if the Santa Tour needed a new sponsor because driving a big fire truck around is both noisy and uses a lot of expensive fuel and equipment then the City Hall and or Fire Department should have informed the public and in GT, I am sure that some one would have provided Santa a Ride through town.
I understand that on Christmas Eve, Santa was able to find all the houses and made his deliveries as planned.
It is a small thing... but this is an example of how communication with the community could build community.
Over past ten years (or longer) now in GT the local fire department has formed a train of vehicles and slowly toured the town on first weekend before Christmas, but one time on New Year's eve. The train of vehicles wasn't fast nor very long, but was bright and loud. Greeting everyone with a Merry Christmas to All. Did not happen in 2009, in my neighborhood. Maybe yours?
Gramps Answers:
I don't live in GT full time anymore so the Santa Tour of GT may or may not have happened while I was not in GT. However, when in town several people asked about when the visit was going to take place and no one got a straight answer from either City Hall or the Fire Station. Many children wait for this event and some parents make a special event of it. So if it was to be canceled in some parts of the city or city wide the Fire Department and City should have advised the adults that Santa's Pre Christmas Tour was not going to happen. Or if it was limited to a few streets where those streets were.
Now if the Santa Tour needed a new sponsor because driving a big fire truck around is both noisy and uses a lot of expensive fuel and equipment then the City Hall and or Fire Department should have informed the public and in GT, I am sure that some one would have provided Santa a Ride through town.
I understand that on Christmas Eve, Santa was able to find all the houses and made his deliveries as planned.
It is a small thing... but this is an example of how communication with the community could build community.
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