The Barb Stanton Show: RAMOS VINDICATED IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT REPORT

Save Our Country Meeting this Saturday

Saturday, January 16, 2010

RAMOS VINDICATED IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT REPORT

Counsel to District Attorney Michael A. Ramos
Responds to Findings of Sexual Harassment Report

Mike Ramos has denied allegations of so-called harassment or inappropriate conduct with a claimant. The release of today’s summary of the $140,000 Curiale, Hirschfield & Kramer investigation report essentially confirms what Mike Ramos has said all along. Harassment or inappropriate conduct with a claimant did not happen. We denounce allegations of sexual harassment against Mike Ramos as politically trumped-up charges with no basis in fact or law. Individuals that have been charged with serious crimes and their political enablers should be ashamed of themselves for helping orchestrate the complaint and putting the District Attorney, his family, and the taxpayers through this expensive process. As the report states, the claimant, Ms. Ristow, who has also filed a $1.5 million dollar claim against the county, was being investigated and undergoing disciplinary actions for work performance related issues, well before she asserted the now de-bunked charges against Mr. Ramos. It goes to show the cost that is sometimes paid when someone like Mr. Ramos dedicates himself to root out public corruption in the county.

The following is a intra office memo from Andrew Lamberto, Director of Human Resources

As you are aware, the County initiated an investigation of allegations of harassment and retaliation made by a n employee of the District Attorney's Office. The allegations were investigated by neutral third party investigators from the laws firm Curiale Hiirschfield Kraemer. The County received the investigative report on January 13, 2010. The report is approximately 66 pages long, and has in addition exhibits of approximately 120 pages. The report was initially reviewed by me and Andrew Hartzell, Principal Assistant County Counsel.

Upon completion of our initial review, at the request of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors we met to discuss the process of releasing the results of the investigation, as well as related legal issues. The following timeline was presented. ~ Receipt of report, January 13, 2010. ~ Meeting with Chairman to review process, January 14, 2010. ~ Release of investigation findings to complainant, January 15, 2010. ~ Release of Investigation findings to the Board of Supervisors, January 15, 2010. ~ Release of investigation findings to the public, January 15, 2010.

Since the complaint alleges misconduct by a public official, District Attorney Mike Ramos, the public has an interest in receiving the results of this investigation.
(BRV, Inc. V. Superior Court (2006) 143 Cal App. 4th 742) I am therefore providing to the Board of Supervisors excerpts from the investigation report below. It is also my intent to release this memorandum to the public.

Although both the Board of Supervisors and the public have interests in receiving the investigation report, there are also substantial privacy interest that we are legally obligated to protect. The claimant, witnesses and staff of the District Attorney's Office have such privacy interests. Therefore, upon advice of legal counsel and at the direction of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, only excerpts of the report are being released at this time. We believe this is required by the BRV appellate decision. After my office and County Counsel have had a more thorough opportunity to review and redact the report to protect the privacy interest of the claimant, witnesses and staff, we will be reporting to the Board of Supervisors regarding the release of report.

Complainant has been informed of the results of the investigation according to our standard practice.

The following are excerpts from the Investigation Report from Curiale Hirschfield Kraemer dated January 12, 2010.

ISSUE PRESENTED

"Did County District Attorney Michael Ramos directly and/or indirectly engage in retaliatory conduct against Investigative Technician Cheryl Ristow in response to her alleging, on or around May 18, 2009, through the present, a past welcome sexual relationship with Ramos purportedly taking place from September 2003 through February 2005? Second,. did Bureau of Investigation Supervisors William Sellers, Frank Povero and Richard Henriksen, engage in retaliation against Ristow either at the direction of Ramos, or independent of any direction or suggestion from Ramos? Third, did any other managerial agent, or supervisory employee, of the County of San Bernardino, engage in any retaliation against Ristow,. whether independent or in conjunction with the aforementioned individuals?"

BRIEF STATEMENT OF CONCLUSION

"There are issues related to the timing of personnel management initiatives,..., that required a heightened level of scrutiny to determine the propriety of certain disciplinary and investigatory actions taken against Ristow. Ultimately, the weight of the evidence compels a finding that there was no retaliation taken against Ristow. The evidence shows that there were pre-'protected activity" performance-related disciplinary and investigatory actions taken against Ristow concerning pre-May 28, 2009 workplace conduct issues, and that actions taken during the relevant time period under investigation were based on objective, verifiable, and current concerns related to Ristow's workplace actions unrelated to any of the Ramos-related statement made by her."

SCOPE OF INQUIRY AND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

"This was an in-depth investigation of a limited claim. From the onset, it is important to recognize that Ristow did not raise a sexual harassment claim that the purported relationship with Ramos was unwelcome, or that the alleged sexual conduct by Ramos in any way created a hostile environment that interfered with her ability to perform her job in an appropriate, harassment-free manner. Rather, Ristow repeatedly informed the investigators that her alleged relationship with Ramos was welcome, mutually-sustained, and of great personal importance to her. It is, in fact, the importance that she placed on the relationship that led her to go public with her outrage over the County's denial of the existence of the claimed affair."

"Accordingly, it is necessary to remind all interested parties that the scope of our investigation was appropriately limited to a determination of whether Ristow suffered adverse employment actions committed or condoned by supervisory representatives of the County. We were neither tasked with, or would we have accepted, an unfocused inquiry into the rather salacious allegations made in the subject May 28, 2009 Sentinel article. Whether Ramos did or did not have welcome - or unwelcome =sexual relationships with the females identified in that and subsequent articles and blogs, is irrelevant to whether or not he, or individuals at his request or suggestion, retaliated against Ristow adversely affecting the terms and conditions of her employment. Thus, while encouraged by many to delve into the muck or rumor and scandal, that was neither our charge nor an obligation necessitated by the issue presented."

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

Senator Dave Cox Looses Prostate Cancer Battle

State senator and Republican leader Dave Cox died Tuesday after a 13-year battle with prostate cancer.

Family stated that the senator died peacefully in his home in Fair Oaks, CA.

Cox was also known for his humor.

"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."

Cox is survived by his wife of 44 years, Maggie; daughters Cathleen, Margo, and Sarah; and their six grandchildren.

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.

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

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

Bad BASS

Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) in a parting gesture as house speaker doled out 10% pay raises and promotions to 20 of her staff members.

While more than 200,000 rank-and-file state workers have been forced to take three unpaid furlough days each month, the equivalent of a 14% pay cut, to help balance the state's books Bass gives generously.

The highest-paid aide to receive an increase was Pamela Haynes, a principal assistant to the former speaker. Her pay grew from $87,456 to $96,204.

Most of the salary hikes, which totaled slightly more than $80,000, went to legislative employees earning less than $50,000 a year.

Bass defended the moves, saying in a written statement that the Assembly "specifically eliminated other positions that more than covered the cost of those modest increases." The Assembly has trimmed $42 million from its budget in the past three years, she said.

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 .