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Listen To Your News		Saturday, May 29, 2010		News Archive

FORMER COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SUES OVER FIRING
San Bernardino County's former top administrator filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, accusing supervisors of firing him in November because he was cooperating with corruption investigations. The complaint was filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court a month after the county rejected a claim by former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer seeking $15 million in damages. In the claim, Uffer alleged that current supervisors Brad Mitzelfelt, Neil Derry and Gary Ovitt; along with Bill Postmus, former assessor and supervisor; Ovitt's chief of staff, Mark Kirk; and Jim Erwin, former assistant assessor and former chief of staff to Derry, wanted him fired because he had been cooperating with the district attorney's office and the county grand jury since 2006. Erwin and Postmus are now facing criminal charges including bribery and conspiracy as a result of the district attorney's investigation. Uffer's 101-page lawsuit repeats many of the same allegations raised in the claim but also details additional accusations of ethical and legal violations by those figures that Uffer said he became aware of during his five-year tenure. The suit does not specify how much money he is seeking in damages. A County spokesman confirmed that the county was served with the lawsuit but said officials had no comment. Derry, Mitzelfelt and Postmus dismissed the allegations in the claim as untrue, Ovitt, Kirk and Erwin had declined to comment.

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BEE AWARE IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
If you’re out enjoying our jewel of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park, you may come across some unwelcome company. But that company is vital for the environment. Park Ranger Pam Tripp has more...
As the desert temperatures heat up and natural water sources dry up, many animals will become thirstier. Some creatures, such as the tortoise, will retreat to their underground home for a long siesta. However, insects, including bees, require water and may become bothersome. While camping and picnicking in Joshua Tree National Park, remember to keep food and liquids covered in sealable containers. Bees are attracted to campsites and dumpsters and even to the condensation of vehicle air conditioners. Visitors in campgrounds and picnic areas can reduce the threat of bee stings by not leaving soda cans and water bottles out to attract foraging bees. A small bowl of water set away from your campsite or picnic table can also distract them. Wildflowers rely on healthy pollinators and bees are part of the natural ecosystem, therefore hives are not typically removed. Please check at park visitor centers if you are sensitive to insect stings so you can be advised of risky areas.

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TWO CANDIDATES WITH LONG HISTORY IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT RUNNING FOR OFFICE
Two candidates with a long history in County government are running for election to the assessor's office while the veteran auditor/Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector faces a challenge from a newcomer in the June 8 election. The usually low-profile assessor's office has risen above the media radar over the past few years due to a corruption scandal leading to the resignation and arrest of former assessor Bill Postmus, who is accused of using the office for personal and political benefit. The assessor's office is responsible for establishing property values and determining how much residents and business owners must pay in taxes. Dennis Draeger, 60, appointed to replace Postmus last July, said he's brought back stability and restored morale to an office staff. Al Palazzo, 61, who retired from the assessor's office two years ago after 34 years, also touts his knowledge and experience. In the auditor/controller/treasurer-tax collector race, Larry Walker, 58, is seeking a fourth term while touting his 12-year record in managing the office, which handles disbursement of county money and conducts audits of county agencies. His opponent, Ensen Mason, 41, owns an accounting firm.

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PARENT VISITATION DAY AT LA CONTENTA MIDDLE SCHOOL
La Contenta Middle School is inviting all parents to visit the school for the monthly Parent Visitation Day on Wednesday, June 2nd. Parents may come for all day or part of the day. Parents may also stay for lunch. The school hours are 7:15 to 1:50. Seventh grade lunch is at 10:31 and eighth grade lunch is at 11:28. When parents visit, they are reminded to check in at the office and get a Visitor’s Pass. Parent Visitation Days will be held throughout the school year on the first Wednesday of every month.

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