VICTORVILLE – Days after anti-war activists attempted to arrest him in Beverly Hills, former presidential adviser Karl Rove found himself in much friendlier confines Wednesday at a High Desert event where nary a protester could be found. (Continued below) …

… From The Sun, March 31, 2010 … By James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer … (Continued below) …

… Rove, who is making his way around California as he promotes his recently released memoir – “Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight” – spoke about the book and his time as an adviser to President George W. Bush.

“The only bad spot of the entire trip was Beverly Hills,” Rove said, calling the protestors who attempted to put handcuffs on him as “nuts” with “conspiracy theories” who had been “drinking swamp water.”

More than 250 local Republicans, including numerous elected officials and Republican candidates for state office, attended the event, a $200-per-plate lunch that served as a book-tour stop for Rove and a fund-raiser for County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

Mitzelfelt, who is not up for re-election until 2012, called Rove, “the kind of public servant I model myself after.”

Rove, a long-time Republican strategist, helped orchestrate Bush’s successful presidential campaigns and served in the Bush Administration for more than six years. He said he wrote “Courage and Consequence” to “draw back and curtain … and set the record straight.”

Throughout Wednesday’s speech – which ranged from the events of Sept. 11, 2001, to pranks Rove played on other White House staffers – Rove leveled criticism at Democrats, saying they never cooperated with Bush and attempted to discredit him at every opportunity.

“It was beyond the pale,” Rove said of Democrats’ accusations that Bush lied about the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq before then 2003 invasion. “It was denigrating the commander in chief over what (they) knew was a lie.”

Rove, nicknamed “the architect” and known as a master campaign strategist, also offered his take on this year’s congressional elections, saying he thinks Republicans can get close to even with Democrats in both the House and Senate.

He predicted Republicans would pick up Senate seats in Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Arkansas, Colorado, Nevada and possibly in Wisconsin, Washington and California.

“I don’t think we’ll get (a majority) this year,” he said. “But I think we’ll get up to 48 or 49.”

In the House, he predicted Republicans gaining 30 or 35 seats this fall and enough seats to regain control of the chamber in 2012.

But he also said Republicans will have to start promoting their own agenda, not simply reacting to the Democratic agenda, if they want to succeed.

“We can’t surf a wave of discontent,” he said. “We have to put a positive agenda out there.”

He said he’s starting to see signs of that already.

“A year ago, not a lot of Republicans were willing to lay out a positive agenda on health care,” he said. “Now, Republicans are very comfortable doing that.”

Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_14795250#ixzz0jpIwGADH

SAN BERNARDINO • County supervisors are championing legislation that could lead to multiple San Bernardino County grand juries sharing the burden of rooting out corruption and improving efficiency in local agencies.

“By having more than one grand jury, the juries could focus more on the cases they’re working on and have an easier time completing their work throughouttheir terms,”  1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said. … (Continued below)…

… From the Daily Press, March 31, 2010, By Natasha Lindstrom, Staff Writer … (Continued below) …

Assembly B i l l 1 9 0 6, introduced by Assemblyman Paul Cook, RYucca Valley, would authorize a county’s presiding judge to convene up to three civil grand juries at the sametime, as opposed to the current one. Cook latched on to the idea after 2nd District Supervisor Paul Biane prop o s e d t h e change in the county’s legislative platform last year.

Over his eight years in c o u n t y government, Biane said, nearly every grand juror he’s met has told him “they need more time to get through the areas they would like to investigate and take a closer look at.”

“Juries have to spend four to five months just learning,” said Burrel Woodring, foreman of the 2008-09 county grand jury, in a statement issued by Biane. “When you come in July, it takes you about four months to really realize what your duties are. Then by March you have to start on your final report.”

The current 19-member grand jury, comprised of volunteers selected by apanel of judges, oversees 24 incorporated cities, 27 redevelopment agencies, 104 special districts, 41 school districts, four jail facilities, 11 airports, 30 county libraries and nine regional parks. Members of the grand jury serve for one year and are paid a $25 daily stipend plus mileage, and work three days a week.

Both Mitzelfelt and Biane said they would commit to securing stable funds for two civil grand juries, which they would like to see serving two-year overlapping terms.

Biane credits a 2008 grand jury report criticizing operations under former county Assessor Bill Postmus with playing a critical role in a civil suit filed by the county and a far-reaching criminal probe by prosecutors. That criminal investigation has now expanded into an alleged bribery scandal over a controversial $102 million settlement the county paid to a private developer in 2006.

With AB 1906 sailing through the Assembly Committee on Public Safety and on its way to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, Biane said he is hopeful the bill is on track to become law. “Once you get out of that public safety committee, it’s a high likelihood that the legislation is going to end up on the governor’s desk,” Biane said.

Natasha Lindstrom may be reached at (760) 951-6232 or at nlindstrom@VVDailyPress.com.

VICTORVILLE – Karl Rove, former Senior Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, joined San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt March 31 at a luncheon event in Victorville.

Mr. Rove, who received a standing ovation from the almost 300 guests at the conclusion of his remarks, said “I like coming to the High Desert because I grew up in the desert.” The Colorado native and transplanted Texan later added that while California has a regulatory system that is hostile to businesses and employers, “There are places like the Victor Valley that have enlightened leadership. They understand how to help business.”

Rove, who was dubbed by Mr. Bush as “The Architect” of his two winning elections, is currently on tour promoting his recently published, best-selling book, Courage and Consequence. The memoir includes candid accounts of some of America’s most turbulent years. It tells how President Bush got to the White House and what happened during his consequential and sometimes controversial presidency.

“I am honored that Karl took the time to join us here in Victorville this afternoon,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt. “Mr. Rove’s insight and perspective into the world of politics is unmatched, and he was a key witness to history.”

Meet Karl Rove, Get His New Book at Brad’s Luncheon Wednesday! … ‘Mitzelfelt Pushes for More Local Government Say in Mega Solar Projects’ … ‘County rescinds off-roading fee’ … ‘High hopes for new park in Morongo Basin’ … (Copyright 2010 – Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, 12127 Mall Blvd., Suite A, Victorville, CA 92392 - www.joinbrad.com.) … ‘San Bernardino County lifts off-roading restriction’ … Air district to CARB: Suspend climate change regs …

RIVERSIDE – State and Federal agencies need to consult and cooperate more with local jurisdictions to ensure that counties and their residents receive benefits from the development of renewable energy projects. That was the message delivered by San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt Wednesday to the Governor’s Renewable Energy Policy Conference at the University of California, Riverside.

“These large-scale solar and wind energy projects have the potential to create jobs and bring significant economic benefit to local jurisdictions,” said Supervisor Mitzelfelt, who represents much of the Mojave Desert where dozens of renewable energy projects have been proposed. “However, they also have serious impacts on our landscapes and demands for county services, so we need the state and federal governments to bring local government to the table to ensure that these impacts are minimized and the benefits to our residents are maximized.” … (Continued below) …

… From Best Syndication News, March 25, 2010 … (Continued below) …

Supervisor Mitzelfelt was a featured speaker as part of a panel discussion on the positive effects of renewable energy projects on local communities. The conference was attended by more than 300 people, including federal and state regulators and project proponents and developers.

Mitzelfelt emphasized that he supports renewable energy for energy independence and some limited local economic benefits, but pointed out that projects being processed by the California Energy Commission and U.S. Bureau of Land Management have not created a mechanism to offset the impacts to local governments on public services such as fire, law enforcement and roads. He recommended that the agencies implement policies to require mitigation agreements with local jurisdictions, or that a standard mitigation fee be established, based on the size or capacity of a power plant.

Requirements for habitat conservation and protection of sensitive species have a very real potential to limit future economic growth if the old model is followed, Mitzelfelt warned. If state and federal agencies require three acres of mitigation land for every one acre that is developed, the entire desert could wind up off limits to future uses such as mining, off-highway recreation, conservation, rock collecting, filming and military training. Just in San Bernardino County, there are proposals for wind and solar projects that would cover more than a half-million acres of land.

Supervisor Mitzelfelt warned that the traditional mitigation strategy of simply buying private land and turning it over to the government could cause grave economic harm to local economies, and instead called for management strategies designed to protect species and help them recover, such as control of predators that are devastating desert tortoise populations.

He also suggested that jurisdictions that site renewable energy projects should get “credit” against their “greenhouse gas” reduction requirements under global warming laws like AB 32 and SB 375.

Mitzelfelt said his participation significantly increased awareness of local government concerns at the conference, and hopes it will spur more efforts to include local governments in planning, prioritizing, locating, developing regulatory requirements for and permitting renewable energy projects.

“I look forward to joining with other cities and counties and sitting down with the state and federal managers to ensure that everyone benefits from this rapidly expanding industry,” he said.

Link to online article: http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20100325_desert_solar_projects.htm

Submitted by David Zook.

Dirt bike and all-terrain vehicle riders who enjoy their hobby in San Bernardino County’s unincorporated areas scored a victory Tuesday when the Board of Supervisors rescinded a mandate that required them to obtain a permit to ride and congregate in groups of 10 or more. … (Continued below) …

… From the The Sun, Mar. 23, 2010, By Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer … (Continued below) …

In a 3-1 vote, the board amended an ordinance that governs off-highway motor vehicles so riders will no longer have to pay the $155 permit fee to gather in large groups. The amendment also stipulates staging can only occur in an area of at least 2 1/2 acres and for no more than six days in a 30-day period.

Supervisor Josie Gonzales voted against the amendment. Supervisor Paul Biane was absent.

“I am really at a point where I will say I think the staging permit is wrong. It’s bad policy,” said Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

In 2006, the board voted to require a staging permit to appease Mojave Desert residents who complained unruly groups of OHV riders were kicking up too much dust, making too much noise and adversely impacting their quality of life.

Since then, OHV advocates have consistently lobbied the board to consider removing the staging permit requirement from the ordinance, Mitzelfelt said.

Those who spoke at the meeting said conflict between the OHV crowd and those who prize a quiet, peaceful existence in the desert has long been a problem.

OHV riders said they want to be able to gather in public areas or their own property without having to pay for a permit while opponents said the ordinance has greatly reduced dust storms, noise and the harassment OHV cavalcades generate.

Twentynine Palms resident Sherry Hall was disappointed with the board’s decision and channeled her frustration directly at Mitzelfelt.

“I don’t know what (Mitzelfelt’s) reason is for his choices, but he needs to come visit his constituents and see what we go through,” she said.

Ray Pessa, president of OHV advocacy group Friends of Giant Rock, acknowledged some riders do cause problems.

The group will work to seek them out because “they need to be dealt with,” he said.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has taken the first step toward developing the first regional park in the Morongo Basin. … (Continued below) …

… The board wants to study a number of potential sites. Part of the plan is to include facilities for off-road vehicle recreation. The study was initiated by First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

… From KABC-TV, Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, March 25, 2010 … (Continued below) …

… Mitzefelt says a regional park will provide new opportunities for recreation and healthy activities for children and families. He also says it will provide safe, regulated, off-road recreation, and reduce the problem of illegal riding.

Two specific sites that are said to have good potential are the “Gold Park site” and the “Marine Base site.” The study is expected to take 12 to 18 months to prepare, and cost $50,000.

Funds for the study will come from Off-Highway Vehicle License Fees.

- Board of Supervisors drops an ordinance that required groups of 10 or more off-roaders to buy a $155 permit, even to ride on their own property. Many residents complain that the riders are a nuisance. -

Reporting from San Bernardino – After an emotional 4-hour debate Tuesday, San Bernardino County officials lifted a key restriction on off-road vehicles, angering those who say the move will further erode the quality of life in the desert. (Continued below) …

… From the Los Angeles Times, March 24, 2010 … By David Kelly … (Continued below) …

“They have left us defenseless against the onslaught of off-road vehicles,” said Philip Klasky, president of Community ORV Watch in Wonder Valley. “They have put the rights of special interests before the rights of private property owners.”

The Board of Supervisors’ 3-to-1 decision to drop a requirement forcing groups of 10 or more off-roaders to buy a $155 permit before assembling on private or public property touched a nerve here. Nearly 100 residents from as far away as the Fort Mojave American Indian reservation along the Colorado River came to register their concerns.

Also at the hearing was a large contingent of off-roading groups that have spent the last few years quietly lobbying supervisors to make the change.

They say only 26 permits have been issued since the ordinance went into effect four years ago and they resent having to pay so much to ride on their own property.

“It’s a waste of county resources when they already have laws in effect against trespassing and being a nuisance,” said Jenny Doling, an off-roader and attorney for the OHV Legal Defense Fund. “My family and I go out and ride and we never get a permit.”

Those who spoke against the change said the permits have kept renegade riders in check and helped put an end to harassment and bad behavior.

“I am extremely disappointed and concerned that instead of looking at solutions, we are looking at something that will take us into lawlessness,” said Christine Caraher of Wonder Valley. “Since the ordinance took effect I have seen peace and order returned to our neighborhood. A return to the bad old days is not the answer.”

The issue of desert off-roading has always been controversial, pitting those who revere the desert for its solitary splendor against those who see it as a great, sandy playground for their vehicles.

In places such as Wonder Valley, outside Twentynine Palms, tensions mounted after Klasky accused off-roaders of deliberately running over sensitive sand dunes and vandalizing a restored historic site last year.

Some residents say they were threatened after complaining about riders buzzing through their property. Brahm Elmendorf of Morongo Valley said his neighbors harassed him after he went to authorities about their motorcycle riding. Laura Sibley worried about even showing up at the hearing.

“I had to wonder about coming because we will be terrorized and harassed for speaking up,” she told supervisors.

At the same time, the off-roaders condemned those who violated the law and said they were being unfairly lumped in together.

“Since the staging permit went into effect we have not been able to enjoy our property,” said Margo Howlett. “When we all get together there are 18 of us and we don’t want to buy a permit just to gather on our own property.”

Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said the permit was onerous and unnecessary. He also said it violated rights of privacy and assembly. “The staging permit is fundamentally flawed,” he said.

Supervisor Josie Gonzales raised concerns about residents who feel under siege and say their property is being destroyed.

“This is about those who are being imposed upon by the few who are not respectful of others’ rights,” she said.

In the end, Gonzalez was the only one who voted against the measure.

Ray Pessa, president of the pro-off-roading Friends of Giant Rock, was pleased by the outcome. He’s been working on the issue for years.

“I know some people violate the law and we need to deal with that,” he said. “We need a program of education and enforcement if we are to change things.”

david.kelly@latimes.com

Link to online article: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-off-roaders24-2010mar24,0,2094893.story

A California air quality management district is asking the California Air Resources Board to suspend trucking and other regulations tied to the state’s 2006 climate change law.

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District voted Monday, March 22, to formally request that CARB suspend several regulations developed under California Assembly Bill 32 – a 2006 law aimed at cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. (Continued below) …

… From Landline Magazine, March 23, 2010 … ‘CA air district to CARB: Suspend truck rules, other climate change regs’ … By Charlie Morasch, staff writer, March 23, 2010 (Continued below) …

Several trucking regulations, including CARB’s Port Drayage Rule, its On-Road Truck and Bus Rule, and the SmartWay (retrofit) rule, were created under the authority of AB32.

Brad Mitzelfelt, a San Bernardino County supervisor and board member of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, said district officials are worried that the region’s lack of jobs will continue to be at a competitive disadvantage as CARB continues to roll out greenhouse gas rules.

“We see a regulatory train wreck ahead,” Mitzelfelt told Land Line. “We have liberal and conservative members of the air district that agree the timing of AB32 – at this time – is not workable.”

The air district’s request asks that CARB suspend greenhouse gas rules until Congress completes consideration of several proposed federal laws concerning climate change, including the Waxman-Markey bill in the House and the Kerry-Boxer proposal on the Senate side.

“This air district is not a rogue air district,” Mitzelfelt said. “We?re leading the state in dealing with carbon footprint. A lot of these pollutants, we’re impacted by other air basins because of wind patterns. They’re not created in our region, but the regulations punish us because we have dirty air blowing in.”

California is divided into 35 local air districts that enforce CARB emissions regulations. Each district has a governing board as well as employees. The districts are funded mostly by citation fees.

CARB has yet to respond to the air district’s requests, Mitzelfelt said. “Our district has had pretty good success working with them; I hope they take this in the right spirit,” Mitzelfelt said. “The U.S. hasn’t decided what it’s going to do yet about greenhouse gases, but I’m afraid California is going to put itself at a competitive disadvantage from an economic standpoint.”

charlie_morasch@landlinemag.com

Link to online article: http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2010/Mar10/032210/032310-01.htm

VICTORVILLE – The SCLA School of Aviation Technology is holding a recruitment and orientation for the newly formed aviation maintenance class from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday.  Prospective students must bring proof of High Desert residency, Selective Service Registration, high school diploma or GED, one-page resume, handheld calculator and pen.

The event will be held at Victorville City Hall, Conference Room D, 14343 Civic Drive, in Victorville.

From Daily Press briefs, March 14, 2010.

More info…

The Powerplant Certification program at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA) is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the Aircraft Maintenance Industry.  The aviation school is approved by the Federal Aviation Adiminstration (FAA School #2S1T589K) and allows students to learn and train on-site at an active airport in Victorville, CA.  Graduates will meet FAA requirements for the issuance of a Powerplant Certificate.  Upon certification, Powerplant Technicians are qualified to perform service or make repairs on all types and sizes of private and commercial aircraft.

The program is sponsored by the Workforce Investment Board and Workforce Development Department of the County of San Bernardino.

For more information, check out http://www.victorvillecity.com/HP/SCLA_School_of_Aviation_Technology.html.

keep looking »

Recently Written

Headlines: September 5, 2010 Mitzelfelt MEMO: September 3, 2010 ‘Better Days Ahead’ ‘County may start Barstow-to-Victorville bus service’ Headlines: August 24, 2010 Victor Valley leaders support Prop. 23 Mother Road Needs Makeover ‘County prepares for move into Barstow Mall’ Relief on the way for Oak Hills High dust Headlines: August 2, 2010

Categories

Brad's Blog In The News This Week

Archives

September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007

Blogroll

Around The Capitol Fix Rss Feed - wordpress plugin that fix rss feed error “Error on line 2: The processing instruction target matching “[xX][mM][lL]” is not allowed.” while burn feed from feedburner.com Hugh Hewitt’s Blog Red County San Bernardino The FlashReport

Admin

Register Log in Wordpress XHTML

Search