San Bernardino County officials’ ploy to place virtually all residents and landowners in the county’s unincorporated rural areas into a fire service zone and impose on them assessments they were never before required to pay has prompted a citizens interest group to challenge the move in court.
In a two-year period from 2015 to 2017, government officials in the cities of San Bernardino, Twentynine Palms, Needles and Upland closed out their municipal or locally-controlled fire departments and used agency-to-agency privilege to have the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission give its blessing to annexing the entirety of those cities into the county’s Fire Prevention Zone Five (FP-5), which was originally formed to provide firefighting service to the desert communities of Helendale and Silverlakes. Accompanying each of those annexations, all of those cities’ landowners were placed into an assessment district which entailed the imposition of a $147-to-$153 per parcel per year levy. In each case, that added tax was ratified not by a traditional vote but rather by what is called a “protest process” in which each landowner was given mailed notice of a one-month “protest period,” during which the county would accept letters protesting the creation of the assessment district. Each such letter was tallied as a vote against the annexation and assessment imposition. Each landowner who did not deliver a letter of protest was deemed to be in support of the annexation and assessments being levied, and a vote ratifying folding those cities into Fire Prevention Zone Five was cast on their behalf. In all of those cities, the closures of the municipal/local fire departments were approved, the annexations were made and the assessments are now being placed on each landowner’s annual property tax bill in addition to the other property taxes already assessed against those properties. In this way, the cities of San Bernardino, Upland and Needles, which had previously covered the cost of providing fire protection to those communities by disbursements from their municipal general funds, transferred that financial burden to their citizens and realized a windfall equal to what the proceeds from the newly imposed assessments totaled. Many considered this to be highly unethical and/or illegal maneuvering that violated the California Constitution, which requires that all taxes be approved in a vote by those to bear those taxes. In Twentynine Palms, the fire department had not previously been operated by the city but rather the water district, which utilized a special tax previously approved by the community’s voters to defray the cost of fire protection service.
In June, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in a 3-to-2 vote with supervisors James Ramos, Josie Gonzales and Curt Hagman prevailing over supervisors Janice Rutherford and Robert Lovingood ratified the expansion of Fire Prevention Zone Five to cover 19,078 square miles of unincorporated land in the county. That expansion brought all of the county with the exception of the incorporated areas of Chino Hills, Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Colton, Loma Linda, Highland, Redlands, Big Bear, Apple Valley, Barstow and federally-controlled land in the mountains and desert into the county’s fire service jurisdiction. Already, the cities of Upland, Fontana, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino, Hesperia, Victorville, Adelanto, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms and Needles and multiple unincorporated areas of the county are within the county fire department’s service area.
The expansion of FP-5, which was recommended by County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, would impose a $157.26 per year assessment on all parcels in the unincorporated areas of the county and add $26.9 million dollars per year in revenue to the county’s fire protection division. The county is in the process of finalizing the annexation process.
Members of the Red Brennan Group, however, have taken exception to the county’s action. That organization, named after the late government reform advocate Kiernan “Red” Brennan, maintains the Fire Prevention Zone Five expansion is illegal, unfair, and symptomatic of the county’s lack of respect for its citizens, landowners and taxpayers.
Accordingly, the Red Brennan Group partnered with the Lucerne Valley Economic Development Association, along with other named residents and landowners to file an injunction against the county to halt the FP-5 expansion. The suit contends that the expanded zone, which would be imposed only on landowners in the unincorporated areas, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. Additionally, Fire Protection Zone Five includes a special tax implemented without a vote of the affected landowners, a clear violation of the California Constitution, the Red Brennan Group asserts.
Fire Chief Hartwig’s recommendation was offered as a solution to cover the county fire department’s ever increasing budget requirements which have accelerated sharply in the past four years. During his presentation to the board of supervisors in June, Chief Hartwig identified a $29 million shortfall for the 2018-19 fiscal year and projected continued deficits even with the additional funding created by expanding FP-5.
San Bernardino County officials believe the additional tax is justified because, they say, unincorporated areas of the county do not pay their fair share for fire services. Unincorporated residents see it differently. The Red Brennan coalition points to the county fire department’s annual reports to demonstrate that fire suppression and firefighting resources have migrated away from the desert and mountain regions. For example, personnel assigned to these areas have decreased by a combined total of 108 employees since 2011. These regions contain the bulk of the unincorporated area of the county and would be, alone, saddled with the new tax. Budget requirements in the county’s valley region, which is composed largely of incorporated areas, have sky-rocketed during the same period. Budget authority for the valley region increased from $29 million in 2011 to $107 million for 2018. This is an increase of almost 260 percent in seven years.
County Supervisors James Ramos, Curt Hagman, and Josie Gonzales voted in favor of the FP-5 resolution. Given that the districts overseen by supervisors Ramos, Gonzales and Hagman include heavily populated areas of the valley region, they appear to have been willing to go along with the fire chief’s recommendation because their affirmative vote could ultimately increase funding to the county fire department and decrease pressure on the county general fund simply by placing a special tax squarely on the backs of landowners in the unincorporated areas which lie primarily beyond their districts. Because the constituent bases that Ramos, Hagman and Gonzales represent consist mostly of voters living in incorporated areas, there is little prospect that they will face a political risk from residents in their districts as a consequent of their June vote.
The Red Brennan Group contends the resolution to expand Fire Protection Zone Five as approved by the county board of supervisors violates both the California and United States Constitution. The organization, along with the Lucerne Valley Economic Development association and other residents of the county, has asked the court for an injunction to halt the process.
Those seeking more information about the legal action or who are interested in filing an amicus brief in support of the petitioners can liaison with the Red Brennan Group through Tom Murphy at (760) 810-5830 or email him at tmurphy@redbrennan.org. Additional information is available at www.youturnradio.com episodes 19 through 24. The YouTurn Radio Program is broadcast live on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM on AM frequency 1050 or 102.3 and 106.5 FM.
–Mark Gutglueck

Irmalinda Osuna said she is seeking a position on the Upland City Council “because recent events impacting my community have made me realize that the city council is out of touch with the needs and sensitivity of my district. I recently led a campaign to save our local park. Through a three-week campaign where we organized, communicated with and activated the community, I discovered residents felt under-served and neglected. We saved our park and it was then that people urged me to run as they yearned for new leadership. Saving the park helped me realize that I have the ability and passion to engage with the community.”

Irmalinda Osuna

This is the first election in which Upland’s council contests are being conducted by-district. Throughout the city’s 112 year history, members of the council were elected at large by all of the voters registered in the city. The city has now been quartered into four districts that are roughly described as northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast quadrants, districts 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The mayor is still to be elected at-large by all of the city’s residents eligible to vote. Henceforth, a single council member who lives within one of the city’s respective districts will represent that district. Only residents within each respective district can vote for their district council member and they will not be eligible to vote for council members outside their own district, though all residents registered to vote will be able to vote for the mayor and city treasurer.
In this year’s election, Osuna is running against incumbent councilman Gino Filippi, elected at-large in 2010 and reelected in 2014. Also vying in the Third District is Ricky Felix, who ran unsuccessfully in the at-large Upland council race in 2016.
Osuna has lived in District 3 for fifteen years, where she raised two boys who went to local schools. She cites her community involvement, educational background and professional experience as qualifications to serve as a councilwoman.
“I was involved in the community, first as a PTA board member, and I volunteered as a band mom for the Upland High School marching band, all while working a full-time job,” said Osuna. “I earned a bachelor of science degree in organizational management at the University of LaVerne. I am also certified in project management with the Project Management Institute. I worked twenty years for a multi-national tech company. Throughout my tenure with the company I learned, from high caliber management professionals, tools and methodologies on how to assess needs, engage with stakeholders, how to conduct stakeholder workshops/training, effective stakeholder communications and how to keep stakeholders informed and engaged in project implementations. These same tools and methods can be applied in the public sector, especially in local policy decision making.”
She is distinguished from her competitors for the District 3 council position, Osuna said, by the consideration that “My professional background gives me the skills to bring the community together, including many of the voices who have been left out of the process, to solve challenges as a community. I have demonstrated my commitment to the district as well as my skills with our successful campaign to save Cabrillo Park. I am also the only female candidate, so I can view issues and community engagement from the point of view of a busy, concerned mother.”
Osuna said, “I have two sons in college and like many residents struggle with cost of living while paying for their tuitions. I am not taking any corporate donations for my campaign. It is grassroots-oriented and I think all city council campaigns should apply the same principle. I have fresh perspectives on how we can modernize, how we engage and how we can communicate with citizens. I’ve volunteered and have donated my time doing outreach, both locally in Upland as a PTA board member and band mom for the Upland Highland Regiment Band and in my profession as a volunteer with the Project Management Institute California Inland Empire Chapter.”
Osuna said she considered “a lack of transparency and trust in the current city council, a lack of community engagement, homelessness, crumbling infrastructure, the lack of road repairs, poorly maintained yards and aging homes” to be the major issues facing the city.
Osuna said the city already had, or could create, the means to redress those issues. “With regards to transparency and trust, we need new leaders that will work independently and without any outside influences and start engaging with their constituents,” she said. “The new districts will enable that as each council member will work within their targeted area. Additionally, it’s imperative that each elected councilmember do as much community outreach and advocacy as possible,” she said, saying such focus on issues of consequence to the city’s residents was more important than attending “ribbon-cutting ceremonies.”
With regard to homelessness, Osuna said, “We need to invest in a grant writer to make sure we don’t leave money on the table from available state and federal grants. Overall, I would assess the scope of the problem and information about Upland’s current Community Response Team Program and determine what the gaps are in terms of funds and resources. It’s important to increase collaboration with all levels of government, local non-profits and churches, and run a rigorous campaign to recruit volunteers. Our city also needs to partner with Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga and establish a tri-city program to provide mental health services. This approach is more efficient and cost effective. I would also help build community/police partnerships to ensure our neighborhoods are patrolled and taking into account that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. We also need to address the root causes locally to prevent this from happening in the first place such as affordable housing, good paying jobs and mental health resources.”
The city’s crumbling infrastructure, poorly maintained roads and yards and dilapidating housing stock could in part be overcome, she said, by “investing in a grant writer to capitalize on available grants, by prioritizing improvements in older communities over newer areas, and involving citizens in the decision-making process and collecting as much feedback to ensure capital improvements are designated in the areas that need it the most. We should improve data gathering so we can reference what areas need repairs the most and implement a process that is more customer-service oriented.”
The city can reduce its costs and therefore the burden on taxpayers, Osuna said, “by requiring staff to increase efficiency using current technology and thus reduce operational cost, introducing participatory budgeting so citizens are involved in the budget decision making and thus set the priorities that align with citizens’ needs, and considering reducing the number of consultants in evaluating what costs should be offloaded from the city budget. Do we really need to have city employees handle [the city’s franchised tax hauler] Burrtec’s residential billing? Do we need to pay to maintain a local fire station [in the aftermath of the county’s takeover of the city’s fire protection service]?”
She said the city could increase revenue by “revitalizing Downtown Upland to draw in more consumers. We could make it a social hub with a local movie theater, nightlife venues, cafés, bookstores, etc. We could promote a ‘shop Upland’ campaign. We could promote local entrepreneurship among youth and local residents by hiring our youth into available positions. And we can keep spending in Upland by promoting local hiring. My platform also includes an emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses to build local ownership, increase city revenue and local economic activity.”
She said community outreach is an important means to the end of a vibrant community. “We have many Upland residents that have time to volunteer and care about local issues, especially homelessness,” she said. “We need to do a better job of engaging and recruiting local volunteers because City Hall and councilmembers cannot do this alone.”
Osuna emphasized her experience relating to government.
“In my previous role as a project manager for Hewlett Packard, I led various data migration projects within the finance division and specifically for the US public sector unit. Our role was to ensure the project plan followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations System. This was very complex and we coordinated with internal acquisitions experts to ensure we met federal requirements for the procurement and management of contractors. Currently, I work for the State of California as a government contract analyst and part of my role is to audit task orders and invoices to verify they comply with California’s Division of Procurement and Contracts and all federal and state procurement and labor laws.”
Osuna said, “The role of the city council is also to do community outreach and that requires speaking in public forums. I am a Toastmasters alumnus and also have done academia outreach on behalf of the Project Management Institute California Inland Valley Chapter where we promote project management as a profession for university students.”
Osuna is not an Upland High School graduate, but her two sons, now aged 21 and 18, are. She has a bachelor of science degree in organizational management from the University of La Verne. She has been married for 22 years.
Further information about Osuna is available on the League of Women Voters platform called “Voters Edge,” at http://votersedge.org/ca/en/ballot/election/area/73/contests/contest/18588/date/143428?election_authority_id=36
-M.G.

Priya Vedula is seeking election to the Redlands City Council in the city’s newly drawn District 1, she said, “because I want to represent the views of my community and be its voice on the council. A council member’s job is to make important decisions that keep our city running. As a policy analyst, I have experience in understanding how to make those decisions that will provide the maximum benefit to the community in the short-and-long term. I believe I can bring in a fresh perspective to help develop a future for our community that is in line with the values and visions for the future of Redlands’ families and businesses. I also want to ensure that taxpayers are getting their money’s worth. As we move towards the future, making decisions to increase our economic prosperity, we must ensure that the culture and history of Redlands is respected and preserved. Redlands is my home and I want what every Redlands resident wants: a safe, affordable, thriving community for all generations.”

Priya Vedula

She has skills, talent and education that qualifies her to hold the position of city council member, Vedula said.
“I received my master’s degree in health policy analysis and I work as a health policy analyst at Loma Linda University Health,” she said. “I understand how to identify and critically think about the unintended effects of policies and thus, how to create effective policies. Moreover, my work has allowed me to study various issues that occur in our community, and I spend a great deal of my time finding solutions and offering recommendations to stakeholders to make life better for all people.”
She stands apart from her opponents for the council position, Vedula said, on multiple score.
“Firstly, I am the youngest person in the race,” she said. “I am passionate, driven, and motivated to help make necessary changes and I have the experience and necessary credentials to do so. Secondly, I am a minority. I have been through the experience of coming to our country as an immigrant, working hard to excel in studies, earning my citizenship, and then using what I learned to give back to my country and my community. Finally, I am a female candidate who understands the importance of having a seat at the table. I hope to be an inspiration for all young, minority females who are passionate about serving their communities through work in the government.”
In sizing up the major issues facing the city, Vedula said, “I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors and have spoken with residents from all over my district. Some of the major issues that are affecting our residents include the effects of having a large homeless population and the effects of the drought and policies that address water conservation. I also believe that a major issue that Redlands will be facing is learning how to adapt to a growing population and increasing revenue for our city while still maintaining the small-town feeling and preserving our city’s history and rich culture.”
Vedula said, “My plans for homelessness include a multi-pronged approach that targets various homeless populations. We will need to create collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to provide assistance to those with mental illness as well as those on the verge of homelessness. Our community has some amazing resources in place, such as the Redlands Family Services Association and Youth Hope that will always be in need of community support through donations and volunteering. By optimizing the resources in place through a communitywide initiative, we can empower individuals to get back on their feet and give back to our community. I would also like to come up with ways to enhance the role of our community outreach coordinator.”
“In terms of increasing revenue for our city, we must help recruit unique businesses that will thrive in Redlands,” Vedula said. “We also need to work with our local businesses to understand the barriers to entry that they faced and work to decrease those barriers and make it easier for them to operate. Redlands also has two very unique sources of untapped revenue: the local airport and its farmers. We need to continue to promote the airport in growing and becoming a hub for traveling, education, and dining. We also must work closely with our local farmers to help promote a local food economy that could only thrive in a place like Redlands.”
Taking on some of the city’s challenges will not require huge financial outlays, Vedula said. “For addressing homelessness, I believe the city doesn’t need to pay for it. There are plenty of resources already in place, and in fact, we may be able to cut down on wasteful spending by using a coherent and focused strategy,” she said.
Acknowledging “I don’t have any experience working in government,” Vedula said that nevertheless, “I am an avid reader who was inspired to take part in our government because of my love for the history of our country and the principles upon which it was founded. In no other country could I have had the opportunities that I did and now I am ready to give back and serve my government and my community. I am not interested in politics. I am interested in representing the voices of my community members. I promise to be accountable and transparent.”
Vedula has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan where she majored in biology. She attained a master of public health degree from Columbia University where she specialized in health policy analysis.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and I am very passionate about finding solutions to problems through collaboration and listening to others,” Vedula said. “I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and listening to their stories. I am committed to helping make their lives better. Whether or not I am elected, I promise the residents that I have heard you, and that I will continue to listen and fight for your cause.”
Priya Vedula is seeking election to the Redlands City Council in the city’s newly drawn District 1, she said, “because I want to represent the views of my community and be its voice on the council. A council member’s job is to make important decisions that keep our city running. As a policy analyst, I have experience in understanding how to make those decisions that will provide the maximum benefit to the community in the short-and-long term. I believe I can bring in a fresh perspective to help develop a future for our community that is in line with the values and visions for the future of Redlands’ families and businesses. I also want to ensure that taxpayers are getting their money’s worth. As we move towards the future, making decisions to increase our economic prosperity, we must ensure that the culture and history of Redlands is respected and preserved. Redlands is my home and I want what every Redlands resident wants: a safe, affordable, thriving community for all generations.”
She has skills, talent and education that qualifies her to hold the position of city council member, Vedula said.
“I received my master’s degree in health policy analysis and I work as a health policy analyst at Loma Linda University Health,” she said. “I understand how to identify and critically think about the unintended effects of policies and thus, how to create effective policies. Moreover, my work has allowed me to study various issues that occur in our community, and I spend a great deal of my time finding solutions and offering recommendations to stakeholders to make life better for all people.”
She stands apart from her opponents for the council position, Vedula said, on multiple score.
“Firstly, I am the youngest person in the race,” she said. “I am passionate, driven, and motivated to help make necessary changes and I have the experience and necessary credentials to do so. Secondly, I am a minority. I have been through the experience of coming to our country as an immigrant, working hard to excel in studies, earning my citizenship, and then using what I learned to give back to my country and my community. Finally, I am a female candidate who understands the importance of having a seat at the table. I hope to be an inspiration for all young, minority females who are passionate about serving their communities through work in the government.”
In sizing up the major issues facing the city, Vedula said, “I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors and have spoken with residents from all over my district. Some of the major issues that are affecting our residents include the effects of having a large homeless population and the effects of the drought and policies that address water conservation. I also believe that a major issue that Redlands will be facing is learning how to adapt to a growing population and increasing revenue for our city while still maintaining the small-town feeling and preserving our city’s history and rich culture.”
Vedula said, “My plans for homelessness include a multi-pronged approach that targets various homeless populations. We will need to create collaborative partnerships with stakeholders to provide assistance to those with mental illness as well as those on the verge of homelessness. Our community has some amazing resources in place, such as the Redlands Family Services Association and Youth Hope that will always be in need of community support through donations and volunteering. By optimizing the resources in place through a communitywide initiative, we can empower individuals to get back on their feet and give back to our community. I would also like to come up with ways to enhance the role of our community outreach coordinator.”
“In terms of increasing revenue for our city, we must help recruit unique businesses that will thrive in Redlands,” Vedula said. “We also need to work with our local businesses to understand the barriers to entry that they faced and work to decrease those barriers and make it easier for them to operate. Redlands also has two very unique sources of untapped revenue: the local airport and its farmers. We need to continue to promote the airport in growing and becoming a hub for traveling, education, and dining. We also must work closely with our local farmers to help promote a local food economy that could only thrive in a place like Redlands.”
Taking on some of the city’s challenges will not require huge financial outlays, Vedula said. “For addressing homelessness, I believe the city doesn’t need to pay for it. There are plenty of resources already in place, and in fact, we may be able to cut down on wasteful spending by using a coherent and focused strategy,” she said.
Acknowledging “I don’t have any experience working in government,” Vedula said that nevertheless, “I am an avid reader who was inspired to take part in our government because of my love for the history of our country and the principles upon which it was founded. In no other country could I have had the opportunities that I did and now I am ready to give back and serve my government and my community. I am not interested in politics. I am interested in representing the voices of my community members. I promise to be accountable and transparent.”
Vedula has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Michigan where she majored in biology. She attained a master of public health degree from Columbia University where she specialized in health policy analysis.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and I am very passionate about finding solutions to problems through collaboration and listening to others,” Vedula said. “I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people and listening to their stories. I am committed to helping make their lives better. Whether or not I am elected, I promise the residents that I have heard you, and that I will continue to listen and fight for your cause.”
-M.G

Her campaign for Victorville City Council, Leslie Irving said, is an outgrowth of her commitment “to public service and our City of Victorville and its future. As our city continues to experience rapid residential and business growth, I see an opportunity to use my experience and commitment to assist our city in realizing its potential to become the hub of economic, educational and social prosperity in the High Desert.”
She possess, Irving said, “the education and experience to serve as a strong steward for our city. I have previously served in elected office, as a former school board member and college board member. I have first-hand knowledge and experience of how to work together with other committed persons to accomplish our community’s mission. I will bring that knowledge and experience to our city to enable it to become the great city that it can become.”

Leslie Irving

In 2003, while she was then living in Los Angeles County, Irving was elected and served as a member of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees. In 2013, she served as a member of the Compton College Board of Trustees. She moved to Victorville two years ago after purchasing a home for her primary residence.
“During my tenure as a school board member, I experienced the complexities of leading the school district out of receivership and fiscal insolvency and to restoration of local control,” Irving said. “With sound knowledge of processes and systems, perseverance to stay the course and solid leadership skills, my former colleagues and I demonstrated a style of governance that made community control of the school district a viable and sensible reality.”
Irving said, “The major challenges facing our city relate to jobs creation, developing our infrastructure to accommodate our growing population, addressing our homeless population and providing more services for our youth and seniors.”
She said, “To address the issues facing our city, a comprehensive plan is required, and such a comprehensive plan calls for partnerships. We can partner with Victor Valley College and local high schools to bring more vocational training programs to our city, create career pathways and establish a Victorville promise program. This partnership will result in the creation of more local jobs and small business development.”
The California Promise ​Program, which is limited to students who are residents of California, enables entering first-time students who commit to completing a baccalaureate degree in four years to have guaranteed admission to one of several specific campuses of the California State University system.
“We can continue to develop and expand our partnerships with the California State University system,” Irving said. “A more developed partnership with CSU can potentially result in the establishment of our own four-year university within the City of Victorville.”
Additionally, Irving said, “There is the possible partnership to enhance the streetscape and lighting in Old Town. This partnership would include the creation of an economic development agency just for Old Town.”
She said, “Addressing homelessness within our city is a real opportunity for civic engagement and partnership. Together, we can partner to develop a coherent and coordinated plan to address this issue. This plan will require a commitment from all of us within our city’s community. Feeding homeless persons alone is not a coherent and coordinated plan. Short-term and long-term housing are critical components for the sustainable plan. If this plan is coordinated and developed with an entire committed community spirit, it allows us an opportunity to galvanize our city into action to develop a strategy to a problem that plagues other cities. It becomes an opportunity for us to realize an inclusive vision for our city to become an All-American City.”
Irving said, “As our population grows, we are moving from a retirement city to a city of young families. Our city services must reflect this demographic shift, and those services must take into consideration affordable housing, quality job opportunities, and strong educational services. Let us consider together the building of a public library on the west side of our city and a senior center. These types of developments engage all of our city residents and foster activities that increase their quality of life.”
Prudent financial management is crucial to the city, its future and its residents, Irving said. “I understand that there is one financial pie and we must prioritize how we will spend our dollars, she said. “We must be creative and responsible about identifying and pursuing potential funding programs, e.g., federal and state grants and private funding sources. Yes, the recession had an adverse impact on us; however, we are on the move again and we must seize the opportunities presented to us and created by us.”
Irving said, “While I did not attend a local high school – I attended Valley Christian High School in Los Cerritos – I am committed to education and making our city schools the best in the High Desert. I studied at the University of Southern California, and I was graduated with a bachelor of arts from California State University at Dominguez Hills in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in American Studies. I hold a master of science degree from National University in education administration, and next year, I will graduate from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a master of science degree in public administration with an emphasis in public management.”
Irving is employed full-time as a special education teacher with San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She is not presently married and has one adult son, Ian.
-M.G.

James Schooler said his intimate knowledge of the Town of Yucca Valley’s municipal function and his involvement in the community in general stands him in good stead to serve on the town council.
“As a longtime Yucca Valley resident who has been very active in community affairs, I believe I can contribute to the stability and forward progress of the town council,” Schooler said. “With several important projects in the pipeline and on the horizon, I feel that my experience and insights will be beneficial as a member of the council. I retired from the Town of Yucca Valley after nearly 21 years as a department director.  I understand how our local government works, the processes, opportunities and restrictions.  I have managed the budgets and operations of several divisions including parks and recreation, animal control, street maintenance, youth and senior services and the use and care of public facilities.  I have worked closely with several community groups and non-profit organizations, as well as other public agencies in the local area and the region.”
This is the first time in the town’s 27-year history as an incorporated governmental entity that it has conducted ward elections for town council. Previously, council members were elected in at-large contests in which candidates from throughout 40-square mile Yucca Valley were eligible to run town-wide and voters were free to participate in electing all of the council’s members. This year, races are being held in the town’s 1st, 3rd and 5th districts. Each district is to be represented by a resident from within its confines and residents can vote only with regard to the representation of the district in which they reside.
Schooler is competing against Edmund Shadman in the race for District 1 councilman.

Jim Schooler

The 69-year-old Schooler said he is distinguished from his 33-year-old opponent by virtue of his more extensive experience in government and Yucca Valley government in particular.
“I believe that my background, training and experience in this community are valuable assets to help lead as a town councilmember with a minimal learning curve,” Schooler said.
Schooler indicated that he did not believe the major issues facing the town represented unassailable challenges. “As I see it, the current issues are more like opportunities,” he said. “The local residents approved a tax measure last year that has provided needed revenue for previously deferred projects and operations.  The town has managed the additional funds under the eye of a citizen oversight committee and the results have been significant, with more improvements now possible.  Yucca Valley is currently experiencing a major tourism spike, largely due to the increased popularity of Joshua Tree National Park. Regulating vacation rentals, dealing with increased traffic and public safety concerns, and maximizing the economic benefit are all priorities at this point.  We are also in the midst of a major town-wide sewer installation project which is bound to affect the community’s growth.  Additionally, we have a partnership with the county for a new library and will also be accessing state funds for a new sports & aquatic facility. I am also very excited about the prospect of bringing broadband internet to the area. I have attended community meetings on the subject and am convinced that the economic benefit will be substantial when residents can work, receive medical care, and pursue higher education online with the improved infrastructure. I see the coming years as exciting times in Yucca Valley.”
Schooler said that “With the exception of the broadband, the funding is mostly in place for these community improvements and I believe the current town staff has proven themselves to be quite professional in managing funds and addressing priorities. A group of community leaders from various agencies is working with IEBroadband to clarify the goals and path forward on this issue. My understanding is that competitive grant funds are available to cover most, if not all of the cost.”
Schooler said he is a creature of government. “Counting my service in the US Navy, I have worked for government agencies at the federal, state, county and local levels.  I am currently employed as a field representative for California State Senator Jean Fuller.  In my career, I have gained an understanding of how things work and how agencies at all levels can work together to advance initiatives, projects and programs. My belief is that local government is the most responsible and accountable level of government – because elected officials are neighbors to the people they serve.”
Schooler has lived in Yucca Valley for 22 years. “I moved to Yucca Valley in 1996 to accept a job as recreation supervisor with the Yucca Valley Parks and Recreation District,” he said. “What I thought might be a two or three-year stay for my family turned out be an exciting conversion to the small-town rural lifestyle in our new hometown.”
Schooler attended and graduated from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation administration from California State University Northridge. He also completed two years of graduate school at California State University San Bernardino with a psychology major.
In addition to being a field representative for State Senator Fuller, Schooler is a licensed real estate agent.
With his wife Dawn, to whom he has been married for more than 30 years, Schooler has five grown children, who live in the Bay Area, Central Coast and in San Diego County.
Those who wish to learn more about Schooler and his candidacy can do so at www.electjimschooler.com.
-M.G.

San Bernardino County Supervisors have sunk to a new low of sleaziness with the misguided FP-5 expansion fee. I am offended by the excise tax of $157 per year per parcel and I am even more offended by the way this has been orchestrated. The disclosure letters were sent out in what appears to be a junk mail envelope, causing many recipients to throw the letters in the trash. Then we have this alleged means to protest where the protest letters are not voluntarily provided and people without a computer or internet access are left out and unable to protest. County officials should be ashamed of themselves for perpetrating this scam on the citizens.
It is obvious that my supervisor, James Ramos, feels it is more advantageous to cozy up to the firemen’s union than it is to represent his constituents’ needs and opinions.
Having followed the workings of the San Bernardino County government the last 15 years, some things have become very apparent to me.
San Bernardino County is two very different places. We have the lowlands of Yucaipa, Highland, Redlands, Ontario and the City of San Bernardino. Our elected representatives reside there.
Then we have the mountain and desert communities of Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Victorville, Apple Valley, Barstow, Needles, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. Supervisor Lovingood is the only Supervisor who resides in one of these areas.
The residents of the lowlands and the desert really have nothing in common. The lowlander’s can’t understand why anyone would want to live in the desert and the desert dwellers can’t understand why anyone would want to live in the city congestion.
San Bernardino County is the largest county in the lower 48 states and the rural areas of the county have no representation. Proof of that consists of this latest FP-5 sham being perpetrated on the citizens. My elected representative, Mr. James Ramos, did not consult with his constituents about this.
According to the website, TransparentCalifornia.com, Fire Chief Mark Hartwig had a compensation package of $362,249.19 in 2017. Not quite as high as San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon, the highest-paid elected official in the State of California with a compensation package of $503,975.01 in 2017.
On the TransparentCalifornia.com website I counted 980 San Bernardino County employees with compensation packages in excess of $200,000 per year. Average citizens cannot feel much sympathy for people who make more money in one year than they make in five or six years.
For those of you who are not aware, the firemen have a good ole boy network set up to pad their pensions, and the way it works is that a fireman’s pension is based on the last couple years of his wages before retirement, so when a fireman is approaching retirement age he magically gets to work massive overtime so his income for the few years previous to his retirement is drastically inflated and the person ends up with a pension in excess of $100,000 per year.
Before any tax increases are requested, the pensions and compensation packages of the firemen need to be renegotiated.
Firemen are paid to sleep. The firehouses have weight rooms plus kitchens. I have been in line behind firemen at the grocery store and can tell you that they eat better than I do.
It is just plain wrong to expect the low-income residents of the desert, many who live below the poverty level, to pay for the extravagant benefits and wages for firemen and other county employees.
I suggest an across-the-board 10 percent reduction in all firemen wage packages be implemented.
Why is our representatives’ and politicians’ answer to every problem, “Raise taxes and fees?” Why is cutting the budget and reducing expenses never considered? Their constituents tighten their belts and reduce expenses to balance their budgets. Why is the county incapable of doing this?
According to the statistics, only 20 percent of fire department calls are fire-related, with the remaining 80 percent of calls for medical response. So in actuality, our firemen are emergency medical technicians. Has the possibility of contracting out a large portion of the fire department responsibilities to a private ambulance vendor ever been explored? For some reason, private industry always seems to be able to accomplish more with less money than a government agency.
I also suspect that monies from the FP-5 fire tax will be diverted to help pay for the tremendous multimillion dollar lawsuits now pending against the county.
Last year the citizens of the Morongo Basin suffered too many tax/fee increases, including a 20 cents/gallon tax hike on gasoline, that is $240 per year for me; an increase of 50 percent on DMV fees, that was $90 for me; where we shop, in the Town of Yucca Valley, the sales tax there went up 112 percent.
Now the proposed $157 per year per parcel tax will cost me an additional $1,413 per year. And on top of this the fire chief tells us that after this multimillion dollar inflow into the fire department budget, our services will be deteriorating and the fire station by my home on Yucca Mesa will be closed down, causing my homeowners insurance to be increased, costing me even more money.
Now the Morongo Unified School District wants to add an additional $50 per $100,000 of property value to our taxes, which will cost me another several hundred additional dollars per year.
Will there never be an end to the constant gouging of the taxpayers? People are leaving California in droves to Arizona, Nevada and other states that are more affordable to escape this perpetual rip-off.
The United States seceded from England because of taxation without representation and that is exactly what is happening here. We, the citizens have elected officials who do not care about our desires or opinions.
In the 1980s there was a movement for the desert and mountain areas to secede from San Bernardino County and become Mojave County, which was on the ballot in 1988. I believe it is time to re-visit Mojave County.
Richard R Sayers II
Property Owner/Taxpayer
Yucca Valley