The Absolute Last City Attorney James F. Penman For City Attorney Mailer for the November 8, 2011 Election

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

Now that most of the election is over, it is time to refocus this blog on law.  So, let me start with this election campaign maxim from California Civil Code section 3357:

Superfluity does not vitiate

On that note, the absolute last campaign mail for the November 8, 2011 election arrived on Election Day, the ninth mailer from San Bernardino City Attorney James F. Penman.  It is an oversized postcard mailer printed in black and white.  On the front it says:

“We all know City Attorney Jim Penman personally, we have all worked with him professionally for many years and we all endorse him for re-election as City Attorney.

If Jim was ‘divisive, disruptive, intimidating, a bully and a liar’ (as his opponents falsely claim) NONE of us would be endorsing him.

But, we are all proud to endorse him.

He IS the City Attorney San Bernardino needs for the next four years!”

 

Judith Valles                              Tom Minor                                            Evlyn Wilcox

Mayor (1998-2006)             Mayor (1993-1998)                              Mayor (1985-1989)

Honorable Paul Bryant                    Honorable Stanley W. Hodge                    Honorable John Wade

Superior Court Judge (ret.)            Superior Court Judge (ret.)                       Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Chief B. Warren Cocke (ret).                                                                                  Chief Dan Robbins (ret.)

San Bernardino Police Dept.                                                                                 San Bernardino Police Dept.

Chief Ben Gonzales  (ret.)                                                                                                    Chief Lee Dean (ret.)

San Bernardino Police Dept.                                                                                             San Bernardino Police Dept.

P.S. Jim does NOT make over $200,000 a year as his opponents claim.  He is one of the lowest paid full-time City Attorneys in the state and he voluntarily turned down his last 6 raises.

The back of the mailer has a San Bernardino Police Officers Association return address, but also says paid for by Jim Penman for City Attorney 2011

Responding to a David McKenna charge, the back of the mailer says: “Jim Penman was never charged, convicted or pled guilty to ANY Crime.  McKenna’s campaign is trying to deceive you.” The Honorable Craig S. Kamansky ~ Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Under a portrait of City Attorney Jim Penman, the mailer says “City Attorney Jim Penman ‘A Tough Prosecutor.”   Next to the photograph is a quote from retired Superior Court Judge Hodge: “Penman is a tough prosecutor, not a bully.  Those who say differently may have something to hide.  Honest government officials have nothing to fear from Jim Penman but dishonest ones should.”

To the left is this blurb from the San Bernardino Sun:

Penman cleared in illegal contributions probe

The District Attorney’s Office has informed City Attorney James F. Penman that “there is no credible evidence” that he received an illegal gift of $5000.  Investigators were looking into whether Penman took the payment for Attorney’s fees related to his court challenge of language in pro-Measure C ballot arguments, and as a bribe not to sign off on supporting the proposed downtown Regal movie theater.  In a letter to Penman, Deputy District Attorney Michael Abney said “we are closing our files” on this matter. [SB Sun ~ 9-23-11]  . . . but the last minute lies keep coming.

I never saw the mailer or the talking point, or even the newspaper article until receiving this mailer, so I don’t have any details on the allegation.

This post is cross-posted on the new San Bernardino Politics Blog: SBDpolitics.com

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

Last Minute Mailers from Amelia Sanchez-Lopez and City Attorney James F. “Jim” Penman

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

First, a disclaimer:  this site is neutral as explained in the post “Why We Try To Keep Partisan Politics Out of These Postings“  These postings are provided as a community service, and not to push a particular candidate, or slate of candidates.

These are the seventh and eighth mailers (not including slate mailers) that I have seen from incumbent City Attorney Jim Penman. Both say they they were paid for by Jim Penman for City Attorney 2011, though one has a return address for Amelia Sanchez Lopez for San Bernardino City Clerk 2011.

The first of the two mailers is a black and white mailer with the Amelia Sanchez Lopez for San Bernardino City Clerk 2o11 return address on the back.  The front says:

Candidate David McKenna joins the

Republican Assault

against Working Families!

ELECTION WARNING!

MORE LAYOFFS

Candidate David McKenna says he supports more layoffs for city workers.

Source: San Bernardino Sun – Sept. 28, 2011

UNFAIR BUDGET CUTS

Candidate David McKenna supports slashing retirement and other benefits for employees who have already been forced to accept furloughs and pay cuts. [Source: Press Enterprise Interview - Oct. 13, 2011]

“Mr. McKenna has betrayed local Democrats.

Please join the working families of the AFL-CIO, the Assoc. of Colton Educators, and the San Bernardino Public Employees Assoc. in Voting for Jim Penman on November 8th.”

~ Laurie Stalnaker, Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO of the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

To contact Jim Call (909) 882-8986 or

Email friendsopenman@yahoo.com.

The second column, taking up one quarter of the right side of the front of the mailer says:

City Attorney

Jim Penman

Fights For

Working Families!

Proudly Endorsed by

Labor and Democrats

• Central Labor Council-AFL-CIO
• San Bernardino Public Employees Assoc.
• Association of Colton Educators
• San Bernardino/Riverside Building Trades & Construction Workers
• San Bernardino Police Officers Assoc.
• Former Mayor Judith Valles

~ Partial List

The back of the mailer features a picture of City Clerk candidate Amelia Sanchez-Lopez.  The copy says:

Amelia Sanchez Lopez

Our Democratic Choice for City Clerk!

Endorsed by:

The AFL-CIO Central Labor Council

Former Mayor Judith Valles
Democrat

The San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee

Congressman Joe Baca

Democrat

To Contact Amelia Sanchez-Lopez call (909) 882-7085

Email: friendsofamelialopez@yahoo.com

On the front of the second of the two last-minute mailers is a letter:

Dear Fellow Citizen, [with pictures of Judith Valles, Tom Minor, and Evlyn Wilcox]
We were all honored to serve as your Mayor.
We love our community and want the best for San Bernardino’s future.
Today we are putting aside our personal political differences and joining together
in support of City Attorney Jim Penman.
Jim Penman is truly dedicated to the people of San Bernardino. He has spent his
entire adult life working to make our city a better place as a former Executive
Director of the Horne of Neighborly Service, as a firefighter, Police Commission
Chairperson, Civil Service Board member, Human Relations Commissioner,
Scout Master (Boy Scout Troop #21), PTA treasurer, as an active community
volunteer for four decades, and as our City Attorney.
Sometimes we agreed with Jim, sometimes we didn’t, but we have never doubted
his outstanding professional abilities or his sincere commitment to our
community. His office has always won the vast majority of lawsuits filed against
our City, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
As Mayors, we worked well with the City Attorney’s office under Jim Penman’s
leadership. We appreciated his integrity and willingness to stand up for his
principles.
Jim has brought innovative leadership to his office through the use of
Administrative Civil Penalties against absentee landlords and his use of legal
injunctions to combat gang crime. Jim’s record and his close relationships with
many of our police chiefs, has earned Jim the endorsement of former Police Chief~
B. Warren Cocke and Ben Gonzales, Lee Dean and Dan Robbins, all of whom
worked closely with Jim when they headed our Police Department.
please join us in supporting City Attorney Jim Penman. He is the best choice for
San Bernardino’s future.
Judith Valles
Mayor (1993-1998)
Tom Minor
Mayor (1998-2006)
Evlyn Wilcox
Mayor (1985-1989)

The front concludes with “On NOV. 8th, RE-ELECT City Attorney Jim Penman.”

The back of the mailer reads, superimposed on a picture of a gavel:

Who do all
3 Former Mayors,  4 Police Chiefs (ret.) and
5 Superior Court J (ret.) unanimously endorse?
“Between the two candidates for City Attorney we choose Jim Penman, the
better choice, beyond a reasonable doubt. He brings competence,
integrity and commitment to
the City Attorney’s office.”
Craig S. Kamansky
Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Stanley W. Hodge

Superior Court Judge (ret.)

John Wade

Superior Court Judge (ret.)
Paul Bryant
Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Robert W. Fawke

Superior Court Judge (ret.)

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

Recent San Bernardino City Election Slate Mailer Targeting Registered Democrats

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

First, a disclaimer:  this site is neutral as explained in the post “Why We Try To Keep Partisan Politics Out of These Postings“  These postings are provided as a community service, and not to push a particular candidate, or slate of candidates.

This is a slate mailer, which comes from a company that campaigns can pay to include their candidates.  I have not seen any studies on these, but I would guess that they are most effective when you have a national race, and you also have a local election, and you can send it to people registered in a party, or decline-t0-state, and include your measure or candidate to ride the coattails of a nationwide or statewide candidate.  They often include paid and non-paid “endorsements.”  This mailer only includes paid endorsements, as shown by an asterisk.

The back of this slate mailer has photographs of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.  It includes a quote, from no one in particular,

“Voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden was just the beginning of the change our country needs.  To move forward we also have to vote  for good local elected officials who will work with the people to make our communities a better place to live.  On November 8th, you will have a chance to move our country forward by voting for our communities Democratic Team.  Please take this card to the polls and consider our recommendations.  Thank you!”

The back also has a little graphic that says “Vote Democratic” with a donkey kicking on an American Flag shield.  Below the address, it says “ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY NOV. 8TH VOTER GUIDE ON BACK OF THIS CARD”   The fine print says “NOTICE TO VOTERS THIS DOCUMENT WAS PREPARED BY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS CHOICE, NOT AN OFFICIAL PARTY ORGANIZATION.  Appearance in this mailer does not necessarily imply endorsement of others appearing in this mailer,.[sic] nor does it imply endorsement of, or opposition to, any issues set forth in this mailer.  Appearance is paid for and authorized by each candidate and ballot measure designated by an*.”  The slate mailer shows an Arcadia mailing permit.

The front of the mailer has the headline “THE TEAM FOR DEMOCRATIC VOTERS A GUIDE TO THE MOST IMPORTANT OFFICES AND MEASURES ON YOUR BALLOT.  TAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU TO THE POLLS.”

On the left, it has a left of offices, with the name of one of the candidates in bold with an asterisk after each: City Attorney JIM PENMAN* CITY CLERK AMELIA SANCHEZ-LOPEZ* CITY COUNCIL WARD 3 JOHN VALDIVIA* CITY COUNCIL WARD 5 CHAS KELLEY* CITY COUNCIL WARD 7 WENDY McCAMMACK* and the legend, “Take this card with you to the polls.”

Then to the right of the list is a picture of each of the candidates mentioned in the list and a little blurb about each.  It says “JIM PENMAN for City Attorney.  Our City Attorney Jim Penman. Former Director of Home of Neighborly Service.  Endorsed by AFL-CIO, San Bernardino PublicEmployees [sic] Associa tion [sic] and former Mayor Judith Valles.”

Next: “AMELIA SANCHEZ-LOPEZ for San Bernardino City Clerk.  Our Voice for Integrity.  Our Democratic Choice for City Clerk!  Endorsed by San Bernardino Democratic Party, Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and Congressman Joe Baca.

Then: “JOHN VALDIVIA for 3rd Ward City Council.  Vote Valdivia. Replace the failed Republican incumbent!  John Valdivia is endorsed by our Teachers, Firefighters, Police Officers and Central Labor Council AFL-CIO.

“CHAS KELLEY for 5th Ward Council.  Re-Elect 5th Ward Councilman Chas Kelley.  Effective leader for our neighborhoods.  Endorsed by the Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and Democratic leaders like former Mayor Judith Valles.”

“WENDY MCCAMACK for 7th Ward.  She fights for seniors and working families![ ]Endorsed by the AFL-CIO, SB Firefighters, P olice[sic] Officers and former Mayor Judith Valles.

Of course, as anyone paying attention already knows, only one of these people actually claims the endorsement of the actual San Bernardino County Democratic party, and only one of them is a registered Democrat, and of course, two of them are well-known Republicans.    The San Bernardino County Democratic Party, on their website, cries foul.  However, I don’t think anyone takes paid slate mailers seriously, and careful reading of the document shows it comes from a non-party organization.  Further, it is a non-partisan race.

How much does it cost to be on a slate mailer like this?  On his September 28, 2011 FPPC Form 460, City Attorney James F. Penman had a payment to “Democratic Voters Choice” in the amount of $1,200.  He also had a payment of $960 to “Citizens for Good Government” of $960, which shares the same address in Covina as Democratic Voters Choice.

Even though it is a non-partisan election, if you really care about the local Democratic party’s choices, from their website:

These are the endorsements of the San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee:

San Bernardino City Attorney – No Endorsement

San Bernardino City Clerk – Amelia Sanchez-Lopez

San Bernardino City Council- 3rd Ward – No Democratic Candidate

San Bernardino City Council – 7th Ward – No Democratic Candidate

San Bernardino Unified School District (In order of most votes rec’d)
Juan Lopez
Dr. Margaret Hill
Sharon “Bobbie” Perong
Elsa Valdez

As far as I can tell, the San Bernardino County Republican Central Committee didn’t make any endorsements in these elections.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

Who Will Win the San Bernardino City Clerk’s Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2011?

New City Attorney James F. Penman / San Bernardino Police Officers Association Mailer

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

First, a disclaimer:  this site is neutral as explained in the post “Why We Try To Keep Partisan Politics Out of These Postings“  These postings are provided as a community service, and not to push a particular candidate, or slate of candidates.

This is the sixth mailer that I have seen from incumbent City Attorney Jim Penman.  The front of the mailer is glossy and in color  On the front, the headline says in blue letters on a red background “FBI Raids San Bernardino Airport!”  In the top middle of the front is a picture of FBI agents loading seized files at the San Bernardino Airport.  Flanking the photograph are these words: “The County Grand Jury Report (June 20, 2011) found specific irregularities (GJR pg. 2-29) and “a clear conflict of interest” (GJR pg. 2-31) with contracts awarded to a federally “convicted felon” at the San Bernardino Airport. [Press Enterprise - Sept. 22, 2011][.]“

It continues in the next paragraph:

“Mayor Morris, as President of the Airport Authority, is the “man in charge” there, as he is at City Hall.”
On the other side of the photograph of the FBI agents loading seized files at the San Bernardino Airport is this paragraph “San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris is the only elected official named in the federal search warrants served at the airport on Sept. 21, 2011.  The warrants seek “evidence of bribery, theft, fraud, money laundering and more”. [Source: Press Enterprise, 9-22-11.]“

Below the picture and the two sets of text flaking it are blue letters that say “City Attorney Investigators are also investigating charges of irregularities in contracts at City Hall.  The same City officials who are in charge at the airport are also in charge at City Hall.”

Below that paragraph is a paragraph in white text on a black background:
“‘For the City to move forward we must investigate and, if verified, expose any mismanagement or corruption at City Hall similar to that now being investigated by the FBI at the San Bernardino airport.  The people of San Bernardino deserve honest city government.’ ~City Attorney Jim Penman”

Below that is a San Bernardino Police Officers Association badge with the text: “San Bernardino Police Officers Association Members Say: ‘On Election Day, Let Jim Penman finish the City Hall Investigations.”

The back of the mailer has the Police Officers Logo and their address, and is in black and white.

The headline of the back of the mailer says “Question: Why is Mr. McKenna running for City Attorney?  Answer: To Stop City Attorney Investigations into charges of contract irregularities at City Hall.”

Below the headline is a quote from Mayor Patrick Morris from May 10, 2011 in the State of the City Speech “Corruption and scandals are not our concerns”.  To the right is a quote form challenger David McKenna and a picture of David McKenna.  It says “Corruption is not a priority for me.” with this legend below “[David McKenna, Oct. 11, 2011, Rotary Club debate.]“

Below the Mayor Patrick Morris quote of “Corruption and scandals are not our concerns” are these quotes:

“County Public Defender David McKenna, under pressure from the Board of Supervisors . . . after disclosing that he had intentionally violated County spending policies for nearly a decade . . .” resigned today.

“. . .  he was violating county policies for years . . . it’s imperative the Board . . . appoint a public defender that we have confidence in.  Someone who complies with all the regulations of the County,” said Supervisor Fred Aguiar. [Source - Press Enterprise, July 2, 1999]

In the middle of the back side is a question to the reader: “Is McKenna a responsible public servant and citizen? (You decide – see left and below.)  Left, refers to the Press-Enterprise article about David McKenna’s resignation as San Bernardino County Public Defender.  Below the rhetorical question is this quote: “Until moving to San Bernardino this year, McKenna lived in Riverside County for the past five years without registering to vote.”   This is a quote from the Riverside Press Enterprise, October 23, 2011.

Finally, below the picture of David McKenna, which for political  attack ads is not a bad photo at all, says “. . . (if elected) I will eliminate the City Attorney (corruption) Investigators”.   The mailer attributes the quote to David McKenna at the October 11, 2011 Rotary Club debate.  The picture of David McKenna also has the wording “Paid for by Jim Penman for City Attorney 2011″ on it.

What City Attorney Jim Penman campaign themes have been addressed in this, the sixth mailer?  City Attorney Penman as elected watchdog.  David McKenna as carpetbagger.  David McKenna as Mayor Morris surrogate.  Corruption.  Corruption at the San Bernardino International Airport.  David McKenna’s past as an appointed official.

Earlier, there were posts on the Rotary Club of San Bernardino City Attorney Forum and the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce City Attorney Forum.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

City Attorney James F. Penman / Chas Kelley Mailer

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

First, a disclaimer:  this site is neutral as explained in the post “Why We Try To Keep Partisan Politics Out of These Postings“  These postings are provided as a community service, and not to push a particular candidate, or slate of candidates.

This is the fifth mailer that I have seen from incumbent City Attorney Jim Penman.  It has Chas Kelley’s signature Kelly green.  On the front, non-glossy side is a letter from incumbent City Council Member Chas A. Kelley.  It reads:

From the Desk of
City Councilman Chas Kelley

Dear Fifth Ward Neighbor,
The office of City Attorney serves as an important check and balance for
the public at City Hall. That’s why I am supporting the re-election of City
Attorney Jim Penman.
I haven’t always agreed with Mr. Penman, but I admire his sincere dedication
to our community, his active leadership in fighting crime and his strong
stands against government corruption.
As City Attorney, Jim wrote San Bernardino’s tough moratorium law
against parolee housing. He directed the city’s most successful crackdown against
irresponsible out-of-town landlords. He also led the successful fight to shut
down the drug-infested Hudson Theater Rave Club.
Jim Penman is NOT afraid to stand up for the citizens of
Sail Bernardino even if it means taking on other politicians. He understands
that the role of the City Attorney is to be an independent advocate for integrity
and justice.
Please join me in casting your vote for City Attorney Jim Penman.
Thank you and God Bless.
/s/
5th Ward Councilman, City of San Bernardino

Under the letter is “Vote Jim Penman For City Attorney,” which repeats on the back.

The back of the mailer has a “Special Message from Councilman Chas Kelley.”  It says “Jim Penman’s crime fighting leadership and strong stand against corruption are great assets for the people of “San Bernardino.”  Chas”  To the right of the quote, there is a photograph of Council Member Chas Kelley with City Attorney Penman at what appears to be a Robert Jenkins fundraiser or victory party.

I have no idea if these have been sent in other wards featuring other council members.  If they are, I would expect them to be sent in the 2nd and 7th Wards as well with their council members, and possibly one with Third Ward challenger John Valdivia.   The 7th Ward Council Member, Wendy McCammack, is running for reelection this cycle, as is Chas Kelley.  John Valdivia is running for the 3rd Ward Council seat this cycle.  Robert Jenkins won election in the 2nd Ward for the remainder of Jason Desjardins term earlier this year.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

The October Surprise In The San Bernardino City Attorney’s Race

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

First, a disclaimer:  this site is neutral as explained in the post “Why We Try To Keep Partisan Politics Out of These Postings“  These postings are provided as a community service, and not to push a particular candidate, or slate of candidates.

There is a memorandum on the Internet that purports to be a memorandum from a department head to the City Attorney, with carbon copies to a variety of people in the City Attorney’s Office.   I have this to say, I have read the writing of many engineers, and many attorneys, and the memorandum reads as if an attorney wrote it.  Note the memorandum is dated October 11, 2011, but came to light on October 28th.  Consider who might have released it to the press and blogs.

However, it is the very definition of an October Surprise: an attempt to release something in late October to influence an early November election.  We will have to see what effect, if any, it has on the election.  Probably none, because voters probably made up their minds a long time ago.

The information you obtain at this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by reading or commenting on this blog. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

William Valle for San Bernardino City Clerk Mailer

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

San Bernardino City Clerk Candidate William Valle recently sent an envelope with a first-class stamp and a hand-written return address.  Inside the envelope was a photocopied, two -sided piece of paper, cut by hand with scissors.  The paper was in English on one side and in Spanish on the other side.  The sheet I obtained was roughly 7 1/2 by 4 inches.

The English side says:

Candidate Biography
William Valle for City Clerk
VOTE NOVEMBER 8,2011
“A Clerk that Works”
Personal Information
• San Bernardino Ward 7 resident for 7 years
• Current Occupation: Public Transportation Clerk, Omnitrans
• Education: Student, Cal State San Bernardino
Major: B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Information
and Decision Sciences
• AA in Business Administration from SBVC
• Former Marine 1999-2003, Platoon Leader Combat Communications
Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003
Issues Summary
Transparency
Post all correspondence, transcripts, minutes, etc. on the city
website within 72 hrs after occurrence.
Provide city data and statistics on city website.
Accountability
Re-evaluate the scope ana duties of the office to ensure that the
City Clerk’s mission is being achieved.
Enforce discipline during City Council meetings to streamline
operations and reduce acrimony.
Reputation
Promote the benefits of living in San Bernardino.
Advocate for responsible Charter Reform.
Personal Statement
The city of San Bernardino for too long has had a tarnished reputation
in the Inland Empire. This must change! It’s time to promote
the working family values that are the cornerstone of San Bernardino
City life. This is my charge: I will work together with the
Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney to dutifully
fight for transparency and accountability to improve our city’s
standing in the county.
VOTE FOR WILLIAM VALLE
GENERATED IN HOUSE
(909) 486-5636
wvalle_a@yahoo:com

The Spanish side is similar, except there are a few differences (ignoring translation issues and idioms):  Starting from the bottom: the Spanish side gives his website, www.valleforsbcc.com, and lacks “Generated In House.”  In the Personal Statement section, the English, after “This must change” says “It’s time to promote the working family values that are the cornerstone of San Bernardino City life.”  After the same sentence translated in Spanish,  a different sentence appears: “Durante esta hora oscura, se extraerá  la comunidad para salvar nuestra ciudad y mejorar nuestra posicíon en el Inland Empire.”   A very bad translation from Google translate: “During this dark hour, they draw the community to save our city and improve our position in the Inland Empire.”

In the Reputation section, in English it says “Promote the benefits of living in San Bernardino” and “Advocate for responsible Charter Reform.”  The Spanish section omits the “Promote the benefits of living in San Bernardino” and only has the advocate for responsible Charter Reform, rendered as “Defensor de la reforma de carta responsable.”

In the Transparency section, in English it says “Provide city data and statistics on city website.”  In Spanish, it substitutes “Incorporar nuevos medios (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc.) en la Officina del Secretario.” which roughly translates to “Incorporate new media (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc.) in the Clerk’s Office.  The personal information is shortened in Spanish, as well (for example, it just says Student at Cal State San Bernardino, while in English it says “Student, Cal State San Bernardino Major: B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Information and Decision Sciences.”

The information you obtain at this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by reading or commenting on this blog. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

San Bernardino Voter Registration Today Versus Voter Turn Out in November 2007 or 2006

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

The San Bernardino Registrar of Voters has a District County Summary, last updated 10/23/2011.

The City of San Bernardino has 72,976 registered voters, of which 26,482 are permanent vote by mail (36.3%).  San Bernardino City Unified School District has 87,987 voters, of which 31,864 are permanent vote by mail (36.2 %).

The Third Ward of the City of San Bernardino has 8,875 voters, of which 3,080 are vote by mail (34.7%).  The race is nonpartisan, but registered Democrats (4,312) outnumber Republicans (2,519)  almost two to one.  There are also 1,685 decline to state (nonpartisan) voters.

Using the November 2006 election, since Tobin Brinker ran unopposed in 2007:

CANDIDATE	VOTES	PERCENT
TOBIN BRINKER	1344	51.38%
GWEN TERRY	843	32.22%
RANDY LALLY	411	15.71%
Write-In	18	0.69%

That’s 8,875 voters in 2011, with 2,616 votes in November 2006, a 29.5 percent turn-out.

The Fifth Ward of the City of San Bernardino has more than five thousand more voters than the Third Ward.  There are 14,062 registered voters, 5,925 are Democrats, 4,897 are Republicans, and 2,599 are decline to state.  There are 5,166 permanent vote by mail voters, 36.7 percent of the total voters in the Ward.  The Fifth Ward has the most number of voters.  That could be because the Wards were drawn in the early part of the last decade to have the same number of residents.  However, the Fifth Ward has provided most of the growth in new homes.

COUNCIL MEMBER – CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO WARD 5
Vote For 1	17 of 17 Precincts Reporting
CANDIDATE VOTES PERCENT CHAS A. KELLEY 1638 59.80% CAROLYN A. TILLMAN 596 21.76% RICK AVILA 417 15.22% RANDY LEE 85 3.10% Write-In 3 0.11%

Voter registration in the 5th Ward is 14,062, and turn out in 2007 was 2379, or 19.5 percent of today’s registration.

The Seventh Ward of the City of San Bernardino has the third highest number of voters by ward (after the Fifth and the Fourth).  There are 11,398 voters, of which 4,273 are permanent vote by mail (37.5).  There are 4,871 registered Democrats, 4,010 registered Republicans, and 2,027 decline to state voters.

Here is the 2007 data:

COUNCIL MEMBER – CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO WARD 7
Vote For 1	20 of 20 Precincts Reporting
CANDIDATE VOTES PERCENT WENDY J. MCCAMMACK 1510 53.15% JIM MULVIHILL 1057 37.21% PAUL W. SANBORN 261 9.19% Write-In 13 0.46%

That’s 2,841 votes in 2007.  There are 11,398 voters today, so if the same number voted today as four years ago, that’s 24.9 percent of today’s registration.

What about Clerk and City Attorney.  Different candidates in 2007 (except for the presences of City Attorney James F. “Jim” Penman, but two contested elections.

In the San Bernardino City Attorney’s election:

ATTORNEY – CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Vote For 1	120 of 120 Precincts Reporting
CANDIDATE VOTES PERCENT JAMES FRANK ”JIM” PENMAN 7001 51.46% MARIANNE MILLIGAN 6557 48.20% Write-In 47 0.35%

13,605 votes were cast for City Attorney in 2007.  Today’s voter registration in San Bernardino is 72,976, or 18.6 percent of the total amount of voters registered in 2011 voted for City Attorney.

In contrast, 30,472 votes were cast in the Measure C election, but that was held in conjunction with other elections.

In the Clerk’s race in 2007:

CANDIDATE VOTES PERCENT RACHEL MENDOZA CLARK 8849 65.45% JOSEPH JAMES LEE TURNER 4617 34.15% Write-In 55 0.41%

13,521 votes were cast for City Clerk in 2007.  That’s roughly the same numbers seen in the City Attorney’s race.

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com

A Look At Voter Registration in the San Bernardino Election November 2011

By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law

The San Bernardino Registrar of Voters has a District County Summary, last updated 10/23/2011.

The City of San Bernardino has 72,976 registered voters, of which 26,482 are permanent vote by mail (36.3%).  San Bernardino City Unified School District has 87,987 voters, of which 31,864 are permanent vote by mail (36.2 %).

The Third Ward of the City of San Bernardino has 8,875 voters, of which 3,080 are vote by mail (34.7%).  The race is nonpartisan, but registered Democrats (4,312) outnumber Republicans (2,519)  almost two to one.  There are also 1,685 decline to state (nonpartisan) voters.

The Fifth Ward of the City of San Bernardino has more than five thousand more voters than the Third Ward.  There are 14,062 registered voters, 5,925 are Democrats, 4,897 are Republicans, and 2,599 are decline to state.  There are 5,166 permanent vote by mail voters, 36.7 percent of the total voters in the Ward.  The Fifth Ward has the most number of voters.  That could be because the Wards were drawn in the early part of the last decade to have the same number of residents.  However, the Fifth Ward has provided most of the growth in new homes.

The Seventh Ward of the City of San Bernardino has the third highest number of voters by ward (after the Fifth and the Fourth).  There are 11,398 voters, of which 4,273 are permanent vote by mail (37.5).  There are 4,871 registered Democrats, 4,010 registered Republicans, and 2,027 decline to state voters.

 

Copyright 2011 Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.

Address : 1255 W. Colton Ave., Suite 104

                     Redlands, CA 92374

Telephone: (909) 708-6055

Email: michael@michaelreiterlaw.com

Website: http://michaelreiterlaw.com