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Editorial: Time for the US Department of Justice to Step in: Compelled to Deceive – Part Three
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Editorial: Time for the US Department of Justice to Step in: Compelled to Deceive – Part Three

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  It is a crisis that mocks our justice system; one that distorts the truth; and one where integrity is a forgotten.  Bringing about justice is no longer the highest priority of our county prosecutors; winning at any and all cost  is their goal—a goal that has little to do integrity, truth or . . . justice. There are many lesser-known stories of justice gone . . .

US Department of Justice Investigation against Jerry Lewis Continues: 2012 Primary Challenge?
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US Department of Justice Investigation against Jerry Lewis Continues: 2012 Primary Challenge?

Voted one of “CREW’s Most Corrupt” in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, Congressman Jerry Lewis has made a name for himself with his unabashed affinity for earmarks and federal spending.  As we discussed in Part One, Lewis’ out-of-touch policies and practices while chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee led the Wall Street Journal to dub him “The Minority Maker” when Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives under his watch. In a recent . . .

Republican Assemblywoman Connie Conway attempts coup against Minority Leader Martin Garrick
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Republican Assemblywoman Connie Conway attempts coup against Minority Leader Martin Garrick

In a unexpected move right in the middle of the budget debate this past Thursday, Assemblywoman Connie Conway attempted a coup against Assemblyman Martin Garrick.  Although coups occur every two years or so, this came as a surprise because it is only three weeks until the election where Republicans could pick up additional seats. Assemblywoman Connie Conway (R-34) represents an area from Barstow to Visalia, Bishop, Lucerne Valley and a host of other communities in . . .

Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part Two
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Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part Two

Are you listening US Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  The principles our nation were founded on are being undermined by the very person sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States—the person charged with enforcing the Constitution and all state and local laws at the county level. When one reads the California District Attorneys Association Code of Ethics reprinted in Part One of this series, it is easy to see its President . . .

Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part One
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Editorial: Now is the time for the US Department of Justice to step in – Part One

Are you listening United States Attorney?  San Bernardino County is in crisis.  Oh yes, we have financial problems like every other jurisdiction but we will get through them in due time.  Our crisis is a much more serious threat to our citizenry.  It is a crisis of ethics, of safety, and of fear. Our crisis undermines the feelings of security and well being of law-abiding citizens.  It mocks those who gave their blood to protect . . .

The State Board of Equalization: Justice in Exchange for Campaign Contributions? – Part Four
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The State Board of Equalization: Justice in Exchange for Campaign Contributions? – Part Four

This is the final installment in our four-part series on California’s State Board of Equalization (BOE).  The board is made up of four members, each representing a district of approximately 8 million people, and the state controller.  The four districts are divided so that there are two Republicans and two Democrats.  The State Controller is the deciding vote as to whether the board will be controlled by Democrats or Republicans. For the first time in . . .

Mitzelfelt Gains Statewide Profile with Global Warming Suspension
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Mitzelfelt Gains Statewide Profile with Global Warming Suspension

Brad Mitzelfelt AB32, written by Assembly members Fabian Nunez and Fran Pavley, was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on September 27, 2006.  It’s known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The Act requires that the level of greenhouse emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020, with the first reductions required to begin in 2012.  Greenhouse gases include: Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur . . .

Editorial: When will the BOS learn its lesson? – Part One
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Editorial: When will the BOS learn its lesson? – Part One

Emasculated.  Impotent.  Ineffectual. Powerless. Debilitated.  Cowardly.  Weak. Anyone of these adjectives is an appropriate descriptor of the current five members of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors individually and as a not-so-well functioning governing board.  Never was it so obvious as it was on Tuesday. More than a year and a half ago many astute observers began to realize the Board of Supervisors had a problem.  Several high-ranking staffers, including County Counsel Ruth Stringer, . . .

Lewis Wants to Bring Back Earmarks: 2012 Primary Challenge?
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Lewis Wants to Bring Back Earmarks: 2012 Primary Challenge?

Congressman Jerry Lewis’ $30,000 House Appropriations Committee Portrait “The Minority Maker,” as the Wall Street Journal dubbed him in a 2006 story, has been a controversial figure in San Bernardino County since his election to the House of Representatives in 1978.  From the affair with his secretary whom he eventually married after divorcing his wife to an ongoing federal probe, this moderate politician in conservative clothing has done more to run up the national debt . . .

Curt Hagman: Republican Leader and/or Fourth District Supervisor?
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Curt Hagman: Republican Leader and/or Fourth District Supervisor?

Assemblyman Curt Hagman, a Republican representing the 60th Assembly  District, was elected to his first term in 2008.  The district covers a total of 13 cities within San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties. As a freshman assemblyman, Hagman has enjoyed unusual success, which he credits to his communication skills and leadership abilities.  The ability to get along with Republicans and Democrats alike has helped him gain respect as evidenced by his selection as Assistant . . .

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