The Barb Stanton Show: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

TRANSPARENCY - 'NOT' - TERRY IS OUR GUEST TUESDAY

Terry (center) with Oak Hills Property Owners Association members.

For county, ’transparency‘ is just talk
TERRY KOSTAK

Terry Kostak is president of the Oak Hills Property Owners Association.

Following proper channels and protocol, I contacted my First District field representative approximately two months ago requesting that the live video-streamed public meetings of the San Bernardino County Planning Commission be made available for viewing to the public on their personal computers. I was already aware the Board of Supervisors and the planning commission meetings had been streamed live since 2007, but the meetings of the planning commission were only accessible by county personnel for some reason still unknown to me.
The staff at the county government center in San Bernardino informed me that an audio cassette tape was the only recording of the meetings that a member of the public could pay for and receive if they were unable to attend a meeting in person. This practice is totally unacceptable and archaic. How many people even own a cassette tape player in this age of computers? Unless you are familiar with the voices on the tape, you don’t even have an idea of who is speaking. No written document or audio recording can truly replace the experience of seeing an event live.
Being the president of the Oak Hills Property Owners Association, whose main purpose is to defend our community plan which covers approximately 28 square miles and is a part of the County General Plan, I have the responsibility to stay on top of land use issues and decisions made within the largest county in the country. No unincorporated community is an island and many of the 14 unincorporated communities share the same ideals and problems.
The general public should also be given a better tool to enable them to view this important decision-making body in action without having to travel hundreds of miles from remote locations to the County Government Center in San Bernardino and back again every time there is a meeting. Numerous planning commission meetings across this country are being live video-streamed as a way to reach more citizens and enable the various local governments to become more transparent to their constituents.
I thought transparency was also a goal of this county. I thought it would present a win-win situation for both our county government and the people they were elected to represent. Unfortunately, our top county government elected official obviously did not agree with me.
Gary Ovitt, supervisor for the Fourth District and current chairman of the Board of Supervisors, has denied my request. I was told the planning commissioners are “hired employees” and my request is “not within county policy.” Our county planning commissioners are appointed by the supervisors, one from each district. I am not sure why a planning commissioner being hired or appointed should have any bearing on the subject. County legal counsel has let it be known that there is nothing within county policy denying streaming.
Most frustrating and annoying to me is that Chairman Ovitt said in his own press release (April 23, 2007), “I am committed to ensuring San Bernardino County is the most open and transparent county in the United States.” In another quote (Feb. 23, 2006) he said, “We are doing the public’s business” and “We need to be as open and transparent as possible.”
Has he now in 2009 decided that transparency is no longer a good idea?

Sunday, August 30, 2009

WHAT DO YOU THINK ? We will discuss this on Monday's show

SUN Editorial

Ethics board or something better

So far, we're not bowled over by the enthusiasm with which San Bernardino County supervisors have greeted proposals for an ethics commission. That's fine - there are legitimate questions to be explored about the cost of such a commission and how it could be set up to be effective.

But to our way of thinking, it's not fine for supervisors to pooh-pooh the ethics commission idea unless they put forth a better solution to end county government's cycle of corruption. We hate to fall back on an old saw, but if they're not part of the solution, they're part of the problem.

Supervisor Neil Derry, the newest member of the board, proposed an ethics commission after last year's grand jury recommended the establishment of one. Supervisors held a workshop last week to discuss the idea.

Supervisor Paul Biane, for one, declared his opposition to the commission idea after the workshop with a press release that compared the proposal to President Obama's health care reform plan - a rather creative analogy.

Biane's point was that the commission would amount to more bureaucracy that taxpayers would foot the bill for. (Derry responded that the comparison was "silly" and that the commission's cost would be 0.125 percent of the county budget.)

Supervisor Josie Gonzales said at the meeting that she didn't want to create "more government to exert more power over the people because we simply as elected leaders are unable to control our freedom of choice."

Our objection to her comment is that the commission would not exert power "over the people," but would exert it over the high levels of county government that have been taking "the people" for a ride through corruption and misuse of taxpayer funds.

County Controller-Auditor/Recorder Larry Walker rightly pointed out that ethics commission members somehow would have to be selected free of the taint of political influences in order to achieve real results.

No question, county leaders should thoroughly vet the concept and process of setting up an effective ethics commission before proceeding. What they should not do is reject the idea without producing a better solution to the county's repeated corruption problems.

It's called leadership.

Supervisors have opined that county government does police itself and has turned up and prosecuted misdeeds. There we draw an analogy: The horse keeps getting out, but we close the barn door after him each time and we go round him up. Shouldn't we devise a way to keep the barn door closed?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

HINKLEY PREVAILS IN SLUDGE CHALLENGE!

Judge Strikes Down Sludge Composting Rule in High Desert
Hinkley, California – A group of residents in Hinkley, the rural California town in the Mojave air
basin, has prevailed in its lawsuit against the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District
(MDAQMD) over the District’s rule that would have allowed sewage sludge composting
facilities to operate with no meaningful pollution controls.
"Our communities have the right to breathe clean air and raise our families in a healthy
environment " says Norm Diaz of HelpHinkley.org. "While California’s waste and sewage
sludge should be handled responsibly, we refuse to become the dumping ground for California’s
sewage.”
The community group HelpHinkley.org, represented by attorneys at the Center on Race, Poverty
& the Environment (CRPE), argued that sewage sludge composting rule violated state air
pollution control laws and that the District failed to disclose or analyze the air pollution that
would be actually created by a rule that would attract sewage sludge facilities.
A key finding in the decision was the “unusual circumstances” created by the District, because it
chose to adopt a weaker rule than in the San Joaquin Valley or neighboring Los Angeles area,
which would likely result in a rush to bring sewage sludge to the Mojave area.
San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge John Vander Feer agreed, ruling that the
MDAQMD must analyze the impacts to area residents and the environment, and that the District
must comply with recently adopted state law intended to reduce air pollution. A key finding in
the decision was the “unusual circumstances” created by the District, because it chose to adopt a
weaker rule than what regulators adopted in the San Joaquin Valley or in the Los Angeles area.
Judge Vander Feer ruled that this less stringent rule would likely result in a rush to bring sewage
sludge facilities to the Mojave area.
"The regulators at the Air District refused to listen to us and were more interested in encouraging
industry than they were with protecting the air quality and people of the High Desert,” added
Diaz. “Now, the District must obey the law to reduce air pollution and tell us what will happen
to our community if they continue to favor industry over people.”
About HelpHinkley.org:
HelpHinkley.org is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Agape Foundation to promote
health and safety in the communities of Hinkley and Barstow, California. The organization
formed in 2006 in response to a proposed open-air sewage sludge dump to be located upwind
from these communities. The group works through nonviolent, nonpolitical group actions for
positive change. The goal of HelpHinkley.org is to make the Hinkley/Barstow area a safer,
healthier place to live and raise children. The group has 300 members and is expanding its
concerns to other local issues. http://www.helphinkley.org/
About the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment:
The Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment is an environmental justice advocacy
organization dedicated to helping grassroots groups across the United States attack head on the
disproportionate burden of pollution borne by poor people and people of color. CRPE provides
organizing, technical, and legal assistance to help community groups stop immediate
environmental threats. http://www.crpe-ej.org/
###

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

ANTHONY ADAMS BUDDY - POSTMUS SUES COUNTY!

Bill Postmus has filed a claim against San Bernardino County. The claim filed today alleges - civil rights violations, breach of contract and malicious prosecution related to criminal and civil cases pending against him.

Postmus, the former assessor of San Bernardino County resigned on 'black Friday', February 13, 2009. Postmus alleges that upon his resignation there was an oral agreement with San Bernardino County officials that would halt the internal investigation into alleged malfeasance in his office. He claims that county officials assured him they wouldn't sue him if he resigned and would not oppose an effort by him to seek unemployment benefits. The former assessor states in his claim that his arrest and prosecution both in the civil suit and criminal prosecution are politically motivated.

The District Attorney's Office has charged him with grand theft, misappropriation of public money, perjury and drug possession.

The county says they will review the petition and within 45 days respond.

Postmus said he expects to sue the county once his claim is denied and that his lawsuit will include more specific allegations.

Postmus is at the bat and swinging. He now alleges that Supervisor Paul Biane and District Attorney Michael Ramos are attempting to remove him because he is a rival who would seek the same higher offices in Congress that both Biane and Ramos
desire.

I BELIEVE THAT POSTMUS HAS EFFECTIVELY REMOVED HIMSELF FROM A POLITICAL FUTURE!

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The Mojave Cross has been torn down again!

Taliban Video of Captive Soldier Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl - Family Pleads for His Release

The family of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl speaks out. Bergdahl was captured in eastern Afghanistan in June and his location is undetermined. The family is pleading for the release of their son, and urging him to "stay strong." Lt. Col. Tim Marsano of the Idaho National Guard issued a statement Friday from the family of Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl, a U.S. airborne infantryman who was taken by the Afghan Taliban in Paktika province. In their statement, the family is urging the captors "to let our only son come home." And to their son, the family says, "We love you and we believe in you. Stay strong." Bergdahl, is the only known American serviceman in captivity. Marsano met with the family Friday morning at their home outside Hailey, Idaho.

INTERESTING FROM HIGHLAND COMMUNITY NEWS

Newspapers, public must take more responsibility for election of public officials

By Charles Roberts, Editor, Highland Community News

“They didn’t become scalawags the day they were elected,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Josie Gonzales as she addressed the Democratic Luncheon Club Friday.

Speaking of elected officials, she advised, “Look at how they treat their families, their neighbors.”

She said questionable candidates should be culled out well before the election, and blamed the electorate for putting crooks into office.

“You are the beneficiaries of bad government,” she said. “And you are the beneficiaries of good government.”

She also took a swipe at County Supervisor Neil Derry for his choice of staff members, but added that supervisors have control over staff member choices, and her job is to work with everyone to get things done for the good of her constituents.

“I will work with anyone to deliver the services you need,” she said.

It’s worked well for her. She is now in the sixth month of her second term, and “so far, everything I put forward has been accepted.”

Noting that District Attorney Michael Ramos has not completed the investigation of former Assessor Bill Postmus, Gonzales said she asked Ramos point blank if he (Ramos) had been involved in anything illegal or extramarital, and he assured her he had not.

She urged him not to defraud and “do not bend to pressure.

She said she has continued to support Ramos, and still does until she is proved wrong in her trust.

She had high praise for County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer (“a good man, says it like it is”) and economic consultant John Husing (“honest, straight shooter”).

On the subject of the Grand Jury, she said one year is too short a term for members, and they should be given more power.

On campaign contributions, she said she works to be transparent, and criticized shadow committees that operate just inside the boundaries of the law and take little or no responsibility for questionable mailers and other mudslinging activities, and urged better investigation of political activities.

“There was a time when newspapers did that, but they have fallen by the wayside,” she observed. “Where are the reporters who have the tools and the right (to investigate)?”

Still, she sees no need for an ethics commission, calling it “baby sitting in disguise.”

While agreeing that ethics should be taught in school, she said adults should know what is right and wrong and do what is right.

From FlashReport

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU, ANTHONY ADAMS

Jon Coupal, President, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association

June 15, 2009

[Publisher's Note: As part of an ongoing effort to bring original, thoughtful commentary to you here at the FlashReport, I am pleased to present this column from Jon Coupal. Coupal is the President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association - Flash]

If you are new to the FlashReport, please check out the main site and the acclaimed FlashReport Weblog on California politics.

A great line from Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain is “you probably think this song is about you.” Well, if you are reading this, Anthony Adams, rest assured that this column is not about you. It is about reasonable taxpayer expectations.

Some brief history: Anthony Adams is the Assemblyman who represents parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties who, along with two others in the Assembly, broke ranks with GOP colleagues to provide the votes needed to approve a $12 billion tax increase in February. That increase was part of a package that included putting Proposition 1A on the ballot which would have dealt taxpayers another $16 billion blow.

Since casting votes which inflicted irreparable harm to already overburdened taxpayers, Adams has taken the position that those votes were actually courageous because they prevented California from “going off a cliff.” For the record, there are those who describe Adam’s actions in more colorful and less flattering language.

Adams is a first term legislator who was elected to office by ordinary folks who work hard to look after their families, keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table, while at the same time generously paying high taxes to support others who cannot, or will not, support themselves. In this economy, many of these same voters now have a new challenge – holding on to their jobs and homes. So, after Adams voted to increase taxes that were already the highest in the nation, it is no surprise that many of his constituents now support an effort to remove him via recall. They cannot, they say, afford to take the chance that Adams will remain in office long enough to cast any more of his “courageous” votes.

Now in survival mode, Adams has abandoned his base of working taxpayers and sought the protection of the governor and the financial support of the “tuxedo class” to preserve his office.

Some argue that any recall of legislators who violated their written pledges to voters is a waste of time and money. What’s the point anyway when Adams can be challenged in the primary election just 12 months away? Is the recall effort just an over the top response by reactionaries seeking revenge, or is there a legitimate basis for resort to this tool of direct democracy?

First, it would be difficult to argue that Adam’s own actions would not provide substantial grounds for immediate dismissal from a private sector job. His foremost transgressions would clearly constitute “job fraud,” which is described as “fraudulent or deceptive activity or representation on the part of an employee…toward an employer.” There can be little debate that Adams misrepresented his views to his employer – voters – prior to the election.

Want proof? A mailer Adams sent out asking for votes states “I will oppose any attempt to raise taxes.” Additionally, Adams signed the following, “I Anthony Adams, pledge to the taxpayers of the 59th Assembly District of the State of California and to all the people of this state, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

And there is absolutely no evidence that enhanced interrogation techniques were used to compel Adams to make these declarations. The principal of “no new taxes” was clearly represented by Adams as a core belief and commitment and was presented to the public as a reason to elect him to office.

And that is what distinguishes his situation from all the Democrats who voted for the tax increases. That is precisely the behavior we expect from the majority party. And we are aware of no Democrat legislator in California who has signed the no tax pledge.

Some argue that all Republicans who voted for the tax increases should be recalled. While there is some merit behind that position, the other Republicans who voted for the “grand deal” either did not sign the pledge or are termed out of office. Adams situation, when taken as a whole, is different: A first termer who is now equally strident about defending his anti-taxpayer vote as he was strident about being a defender of taxpayer interests before the election.

There is another reason why the current Adams recall is wholly justified: Those Californians who do not live off the public dime want to make sure that those legislators who claim to represent the interests of taxpayers will continue to do so. Every member of the California Legislature is now constantly being pressured to save this or that program by the conga line of special interests now testifying in budget committees. Quite frankly, those who pay the bills don’t have time to travel to Sacramento to engage in this mindless dance. Recalling a legislator who stabbed us in the back is a good way to remind other legislators that there are certain acts which are unforgivable and punishable by the political death penalty known as recall.
_______________________________________________

The mission statement of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assocation reads:

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers' rights including the right to limited taxation, the right to vote on tax increases and the right of economical, equitable and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Accomplished taxpayer advocate and prominent attorney Jon Coupal, as President of the HJTA, heads up an organization that plays a critical role here in the Golden State . Beginning with the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the HJTA has consistently been the lead organization looking out for the rights of California taxpayers. In literally EVERY major battle that occurs in Sacramento, where the forces of irresponsible government growth are trying to figure out another scheme to raise taxes or fees to redistribute taxpayer funds to the latest 'must fund' program, Jon and the HJTA are there to ask the tough questions, and to wave a big stick. You see, the HJTA doesn't just talk the talk. Whether leading efforts to get their many, many grassroots members to lobby their elected officials, going to court to fight illegal tax increases, or marshaling resources to take tax-protection measures to the electorate, HJTA has been there. But not just on a statewide level, but also at the local level -- fighting against local bond measures and fee-increase schemes that seek to unduly and unfairly burden taxpayers.

MITZELFELT SAYS, "I DID NOT ATTEND FUNDRAISER"

Thank you to Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt who clarified his association with Assemblyman Anthony Adams and Adams recent fundraiser which featured the Governor.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt clarified the information on a printed invitation which is shown below this article. The invitation stated that the supervisor was on the Host Committee and in support of Assemblyman Anthony Adams fund raising activities.

In a phone call today the Supervisor stated, “I did not agree to be on the Host Committee.”

Mitzelfelt went on to say that the original event he was involved in was a fundraiser in Victorville with Steve Poizner as guest speaker. Mitzelfelt said, “I had agreed to be on the Host Committee. Post that event it changed to the governor event. Adams used me on the host committee without permission.”

“I would have preferred to be asked again,” Mitzelfelt stated. “I did not go to the event. Anthony is my friend but I did not agree with his vote on the budget.”

Mitzelfelt mentioned the recalls that have been filed against 59^th District Assemblyman Anthony Adams, “The recall is between him and the voters. I think this is an unfortunate situation, but we will just have to see how it goes.”

This bogus information was posted on Victorville's Website....thousands of jobs?

Victorville, CA - The City’s recently approved $568 million budget reflects funding for essential city services such as police and fire, as well as continued investment in job development.

According to City Manager Jon Roberts, the City currently invests in economic development to bring jobs and new services to Victorville.

Through the City’s efforts, thousands of manufacturing and logistics jobs have been created in town and at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA), as well as countless retail and service related jobs throughout the High Desert.

Last year, Newell-Rubbermaid opened its distribution center at SCLA creating some 150 jobs. This month Dr Pepper Snapple is set to begin construction on its west coast distribution facility creating 200 new jobs.

In addition to the creation of new jobs, the City’s investment into infrastructure has increased the City’s ability to offer new services such as paramedic service, crime reduction programs, and new road projects . This year the City will complete construction of a new park and fire station at Eucalyptus and Topaz.

“In these tough economic times, the City is reinvesting taxpayer dollars back into the economy,” said Roberts. “All of our economic development efforts come down to one simple concept, job creation.”

It is hard to understand the direction Victorville is going in. So far the majority of jobs created have been low paying and substandard. I certainly don't see the thousands of jobs that are mentioned in this article that was posted on their website.

A message to the City: 'You can fool some of the people...aw you know where I'm going with this one'
By the way: retail sales are down 15% in Victorville and up 35% in Apple Valley. Oh, Hesperia reports an 8% increase.....Barb

Army Staff Sgt. Salvadore Giunta to receive Medal Of Honor

Giunta was serving as a rifle team leader with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment when an insurgent ambush split his squad into two groups on Oct. 25, 2007, in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan, the White House said in a news release. Giunta went above and beyond the call of duty when he exposed himself to enemy fire to pull a fellow soldier back to cover, the White House said. He engaged the enemy again when he saw two insurgents carrying away a wounded soldier, Sgt. Joshua C. Brennan, 22, of McFarland, Wis. Giunta killed one insurgent and wounded the other before tending to Brennan, who died the next day. "His courage and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from enemy hands," the White House said.

IMMIGRATION IN 1907

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907. 'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.' -Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Senator Dave Cox Looses Prostate Cancer Battle

Former state senator and Republican leader Dave Cox who was known for his humor said...

"When you go out to lunch today, drink whiskey," Cox once advised Democrats on the Assembly floor. "So constituents will think you're drunk and not just stupid."

No Replacement for Stolen Mojave Cross

May 21, 2010

Has the Mojave Cross have been removed for good?

A cross replacing the original at the Mojave Desert war memorial has been declared illegal and taken down.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that the 9th Circuit overstepped its bounds when it ruled the cross must be removed. Since then, the memorial had remained covered with a plywood box until it was stolen on May 9.

Linda Slater, public information officer with the Mojave National Preserve, said the cross that mysteriously appeared last week was unauthorized.

"The main reason that we can't put a replacement cross up or allow one to be put up," she said, "is because we are under court order to not display a cross on Sunrise Rock."

Kelly Shackelford, president and CEO of Liberty Institute, said his team will work to convince the Justice Department to replace the cross.

"That's not a proper act to take," he said. "Our veterans deserve more than that, and that memorial needs to be put back up."

An anonymous donation means there is a $125,000 reward posted for tips leading to the conviction of whoever stole the cross that served as a memorial to Americans who served during World War I.

A decorated military veteran offered $100,000 for the reward, said Kelly Shackelford, chief counsel for Liberty Institute. That figure was added to the previous $25,000 offer.

The cross stood at Sunrise Rock, which is about 15 miles south of the 15 Freeway along Cima Road in the Mojave National Preserve.

Apple Valley Man says Boycott those that Boycott

The following cities have chosen to boycott the state of Arizona because of their willingness to take a stand against illegal immigrants and drug and human trafficing. I am starting a campaign to boycott these cities and the products produced therein. The cities are:

Seattle, Washington

Los Angeles, California

San Francisco, California

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Berkeley, California

El Paso, Texas

Austin, Texas

Boston, Massachusetts

St. Paul, Minnesota

Boulder, Colorado

West Hollywood (?), California (Who cares?)

San Diego, California

Please pass this to all your email friends and ask them to stop using products from these cities and if you, or they, have any travel plans to these cities, to please change them. It is blatently obvious that these cities have no regard for the rule of law and need to be taught a lesson. Let's see how THEY like being on the receiving end of a boycott.

Jim

Minuteman Project stays active!

THE MARINE

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.
Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

SOLDIER BEING COMFORTED

This statue currently stands ouside the Iraqi palace, now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped home and put in the memorial museum in Fort Hood, Tx. The statue was created by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad. Kalat was so grateful for the Americans liberation of his country. He melted 3 of the heads of the fallen Saddam and made the statue as a memorial to the American soldiers and their fallen warriors. Kalat worked on this memorial night and day for several months. To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms.

HAS CALIFORNIA SEIZED YOUR BANK ACCOUNT?

The state of California can and will seize unclaimed-property such as: cash, stocks, safe-deposit boxes and other property if there has been no activity within three years. It once had been a 15-year period.

Attempts to contact the owners has been minimal, if at all and the state has prospered. Approximately $736 million is expected in the unclaimed-property program this fiscal year, with a net of $442 million after owners claim seized property.

Banks or property holders must turn property over to the state, or pay a fine, if there has been no contact from the owners in three years.

This program has yielded $5.3 billion to the state for years by limiting its attempts to find the owners of apparently abandoned accounts.

Unclaimed wages or salaries saw changes also,the time was shortened from three years to one and in 2003, the state stopped paying interest on property claimed by owners.

One of the notices that the controller's staff is looking forward to sending will go to the relatives of a World War II hero, Jackson Charles Pharris, whose Medal of Honor and Navy Cross were seized from a safe-deposit box.

Here's the address, check it and see if you or a relative may have some $ coming your way: sco.ca.gov/col/ucp/ this address is to the State Controller John Chiang's site and will take you directly to the page where you will locate the information .