Red County/Riverside

California Constitution Slaps Bogh's Bogus Claim

Bogh and his bogus paper organization ("Riverside County Taxpayers Association") claim that Gas Tax revenues were diverted to welfare payments. That statement is absolutely false!

Article XIX of the California Constitution prohibits such schemes. Here is the text of that section of the Constitution:

ARTICLE 19 MOTOR VEHICLE REVENUES
SECTION 1. Revenues from taxes imposed by the State on motor
vehicle fuels for use in motor vehicles upon public streets and
highways, over and above the costs of collection and any refunds
authorized by law, shall be used for the following purposes:
(a) The research, planning, construction, improvement,
maintenance, and operation of public streets and highways (and their
related public facilities for nonmotorized traffic), including the
mitigation of their environmental effects, the payment for property
taken or damaged for such purposes, and the administrative costs
necessarily incurred in the foregoing purposes.
(b) The research, planning, construction, and improvement of
exclusive public mass transit guideways (and their related fixed
facilities), including the mitigation of their environmental effects,
the payment for property taken or damaged for such purposes, the
administrative costs necessarily incurred in the foregoing purposes,
and the maintenance of the structures and the immediate right-of-way
for the public mass transit guideways, but excluding the maintenance
and operating costs for mass transit power systems and mass transit
passenger facilities, vehicles, equipment, and services.

Your claim about the use of the Gas Tax is absolutely false. Perhaps you mean "Sales Tax." If so, then get it right. You are giving the term "free speech" a bad name.

Gray Davis Republican John Benoit Voted With Democrats To Steal $1 Billion of Transportation Money

Every campaign season there's at least one politician who complains that his or her opponent is not discussing the issues that are important to the people.   They lament that the topics important to voters like transportation, fiscal responsibility, and taxes are not being debated.   Sometimes it's a legitimate complaint.  Sometimes it's a politician squirming under the spotlight as their less than stellar record in office is being disseminated to the voting public.

With the election for California's 37th Senate District approximately 9 months away, John Benoit is already complaining that the issues are not being discussed.   The source of Benoit's whining is the  flyer distributed at the recent  California Republican Party Convention that exposed John Benoit as a Gray Davis Republican.

John Benoit's complaints are absurd.  His posturing in the press is a weak attempt to turn the debate away from the issue of his Democratic friendly voting record that should be discussed in a Republican Primary.  The piece Benoit bemoans is factually based and the sources of the information contained within it are provided to allow any skeptics of the piece to independently verify it.   

The piece, as many of you already know, states that "If you think John Benoit is a conservative, then Gray Davis was the best governor we've ever had."   It backs up this claim by showing how Benoit defected from the Republican caucus and voted for Gray Davis' last budget in 2003.  That budget contained revenue enhancements for tripling the car tax and left the state with an $8 billion deficit.

In addition to his support for Gray Davis' last liberal budget, John Benoit also voted for the abortion funding trailer bill that spent $130 million of taxpayer money on abortion related services.

These are clearly issues that should be discussed in any Republican Primary, but Benoit for some reason or another does not want his voting record in the Assembly to be an issue.  That's ridiculous.    Benoit should be running on his legislative record.  The people from who he is asking for the honor of their vote have a right to know what he's been doing in Sacramento since 2002.

An issue that every voter can agree on in Riverside County is the need transportation improvements.  The congestion of our roads and highways effects every one of us.   

That's why voters should know that John Benoit voted with the Democrats to steal Gas Tax money from transportation to help Gray Davis pay for increases to the Welfare State. 

Only July 29, 2003 Benoit provided a necessary vote for the passage of AB 1750.  John Benoit's vote suspended the voter approved Proposition 42 and allowed the Democrats to take $1 billion away from transportation projects. The money was transferred into the general fund to help pay for cost of living increases for welfare recipients and pay for a 37% increase in government funded Hillary Clinton style healthcare.

When you look at the facts, is it any wonder that John Benoit does not want the topic of the upcoming election to be his voting record in the State Assembly?  Fortunately for the voters of the 37th Senate District, Benoit has no choice now but to explain and defend how and why he ignored basic Republican principles and voted with Gray Davis and the Democrats.

If John Benoit wants to hide from these tough yet legitimate questions, voters will be left with only one conclusion:  John Benoit is a Gray Davis Republican.

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 22, 2007

It's ugly on the campaign trail -- The Desert Sun

The tough campaigning already is underway, and the election isn't until next year. We're talking about the race to succeed Republican Jim Battin in the state Senate and the battle that will be waged by John Benoit and Russ Bogh to be the GOP candidate.

Valley's pressing issues addressed -- The Desert Sun

Politicians talked frankly about pressing issues Coachella Valley residents face at a luncheon Friday that drew nearly 500 people.

Casino tribes hit TV to defend new pacts -- P-E

With opponents still gathering signatures to overturn their new gambling compacts, four of California's most powerful Indian tribes on Friday launched a multimillion-dollar television campaign to sell the deals to the public.

Gang history holds Riverside neighborhood hostage -- P-E

The story of one of Riverside County's oldest and most violent gangs, East Side Riva, is intertwined with that of the close, working-class Riverside neighborhood where the gang took root.

Esperanza firefighters to be honored at state Firefighters Memorial -- The Desert Sun

The five-man U.S. Forest Service Engine 57 firefighting crew from Idyllwild killed in last October's Esperanza wildfire will be remembered at the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Firefighter Procession in Sacramento on Sept. 29.

Death-penalty foes make Inland stops in march -- P-E

Two men marching from San Diego to Sacramento seeking to end California's death penalty came to Riverside County on Friday to address a rally and ask for prosecutors to stop filing for capital punishment.

Former Murrieta mayor pleads guilty to reduced disclosure charges -- P-E and The Californian

Former Murrieta Mayor and Councilman Jack van Haaster pleaded guilty Friday to reduced charges in connection with his failure to fully disclose his financial interests and his vote on a road project in which he had a conflict.

Attorney gives name in Murrieta suit -- The Californian

There may not be multiple "Murrietans for Smart Growth," as the nonprofit's name would suggest, but the attorney representing the group recently produced one, in response to a court order.

Trucks, trains targeted in agreement on cutting air pollution in Southern California -- P-E

State and Southern California air pollution officials announced Friday they will target pollution from trucks, locomotives and construction equipment in an attempt to meet a 2015 federal clean-air deadline.

Republican women set convention in Palm Springs -- P-E

Republican women are gathering next week in Palm Springs for the National Federation of Republican Women's convention.

Groundbreaking set Tuesday for Beaumont medical center -- P-E

Groundbreaking for a new health care center in the Pass is set for next week, and the opening is expected early in 2009.

Temecula-area farmers brace for water cuts -- P-E

Farmers who get water from the Rancho California Water District may have to scale back their irrigation plans as the district deals with an expected cut from one of its top suppliers.

Norco Councilman Herb Higgins Backs Bogh for Senate

In the wake of the California Republican Party’s convention earlier this month, momentum continues to build for Russ Bogh’s campaign for the State Senate.  Norco Councilman Herb Higgins is the most recent local elected official in the 37^th Senate District to endorse Russ Bogh’s candidacy in the Republican Primary.

“Russ Bogh is a man of character and integrity,” Councilman Higgins said.  “He was an extremely effective legislator in the State Assembly who always remained true to his conservative principles.  The people of Norco will be well served with Russ Bogh as their next representative in the California Senate.”

From 2001 until 2006, Russ Bogh represented California’s 65^th Assembly District.

“It is an honor to have the support of Councilman Higgins.”  Russ Bogh said.  “Herb has been a consistent voice for the conservative principles of limited government and local control.  He has my word that I will work hard for the people of Norco and do everything I can to protect Norco’s unique animal keeping lifestyle in the State Senate.” 

Norco Councilman Herb Higgins joins the growing list of supporters of Bogh’s Senate bid.  The list includes Former Governor Pete Wilson, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Indio Police Chief Brad Ramos, Republican Caucus Chairman, Assemblyman Bob Huff, Beaumont Mayor Jeff Fox, Corona Councilmember Karen Spiegal, Corona Councilman Steve Nolan, Hemet Mayor Marc Searl, Perris Mayor Darryl Busch, Norco Mayor Harvey Sullivan, Hemet Councilman Eric McBride, Hemet Councilwoman Robin Lowe and San Jacinto Mayor Jim Ayres, San Jacinto Councilmembers John Mansperger and Dale Stubblefield, Moreno Valley Councilmember Bill Batey. In addition to the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, CDF Firefighters, the Corona Taxpayers Association, the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 19, 2007

State to accept judicial applicants online -- P-E

This week, the Schwarzenegger administration will begin taking judicial applications on-line.

Jeffries named to water panel -- The Californian

Local Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, R-Lake Elsinore, has been appointed by his colleagues to serve on the newly created Assembly Republican Working Group on Water Storage.

State money should help house juvenile offenders -- The Desert Sun

Riverside County is scheduled to get $1,814,310 to help cover the cost of housing juvenile offenders locally instead of sending them to state lockups, the governor announced Wednesday.

Supervisors demand certified voting equipment for February primary -- P-E and The Californian

Disgruntled Riverside County supervisors on Tuesday told a Sequoia Voting Systems representative they won't spend another taxpayers' dime on the company's equipment unless it is certified for use in the February 2008 primary election.

You're wasting 49 hours a year in traffic -- The Desert Sun

Bumper to bumper at about 5 mph while riding the brakes, the Riverside County region is becoming one of the most congested in the United States.

$217K ahead for new city manager -- The Desert Sun

Desert Hot Springs city leaders approved a three-year contract for new City Manager Rick Daniels, effectively paying the La Quinta resident $217,000 per year.

March surplus land formally changing hands -- P-E

U.S. Air Force representatives are expected to hand over the final deeds for surplus property at the former March Air Force Base today to civilian authorities.

Extra judges cut into officers' patrol time -- P-E

A special strike force of judges is making quick work of criminal cases awaiting trial in Riverside County, but the well-meaning effort has created problems for some Inland cities.

Economic forecast mostly sunny in Lake Elsinore -- P-E

A population boom, strong retail sales and other factors have Lake Elsinore's economy sitting relatively pretty, renowned Inland-area economist John Husing said.

Wildomar cityhood to be decided Feb. 5 -- The Californian

A Feb. 5 vote will determine whether Wildomar can become a city, Riverside County's governing board decided Tuesday.

Daughter of former mayor says she's pushing ahead with day-care project -- The Californian

More than two years after a lawsuit indefinitely derailed her approved day care center and swim club, the daughter of a former mayor still has the rosy outlook of a new applicant.

Murrieta plan keeps foreclosed homes tidy -- P-E

The city is looking at a law that targets banks and other financial institutions who do not care for foreclosed homes.

Murrieta bans manure dumping -- P-E and The Californian

The Murrieta City Council on Tuesday night unanimously agreed on a law that prohibits dumping large amounts of manure within the city's borders.

Opinion: Hold a vote -- P-E

The selection of a new Riverside County sheriff deserves a more thoughtful process than a carnival of unsubstantiated allegations, rumors and political scheming.

Opinion: Emissions folly -- P-E

A federal judge's ruling against the state on Monday actually helps California's efforts to cut greenhouse gases.

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 18, 2007

New Riverside County sheriff is comeback story -- P-E, The Desert Sun, and The Californian

Stanley Sniff, a 28-year veteran of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department who was abruptly fired last year without explanation, will replace the man who dismissed him.

Bernstein: Acing the Sniff Test -- P-E

I got back to town Saturday and discovered RivCo DA Rod Pacheco still hadn't picked a new sheriff.  How long would he let this drag on?

Nestande comes aboard 64th Assembly District race -- The Desert Sun

Someone who is no stranger to politics entered the 64th Assembly District race last week.

Assemblyman asks high schoolers for legislation ideas -- The Desert Sun

The ``There Ought To Be A Law'' contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 throughout the 64th Assembly District, according to its sponsor, Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes.

Casino-impact fund's support not what it was -- P-E

Two years ago, the Legislature adjourned for the year without putting back $20 million the governor cut from the budget that was meant to help communities deal with the effects of tribal casinos.

Supervisors to vote on voting machines -- The Desert Sun

Riverside County supervisors could decide today to spend more than $500,000 on voting equipment that fails to meet state and federal guidelines.

Riverside County supervisors doubt necessity of bird-safety rules -- P-E

Two supervisors in Riverside County, one of California's top producers of wind energy, want the region to be exempt from new statewide guidelines aimed at reducing the deaths of hawks, bats, owls and other animals from windmills.

Riverside County Supervisors extend reach with councils -- P-E

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors authorized creation of the citizen advisory groups on July 28 to address community concerns from Desert Hot Springs to Riverside and south to Romoland and Homeland.

Universities weigh boost in pay, fees -- P-E

Higher education leaders tackle financial issues this week with California State University trustees considering paying top executives more while University of California officials look at raising professional school fees.

Council incumbents, hopefuls meet at forums -- P-E

Incumbent Riverside Councilmen Art Gage and Dom Betro stressed their accomplishments in candidate forums Monday night and asked for second terms while their challengers, Rusty Bailey and Mike Gardner, respectively, said it's time for a change.

Term limit proposal pushes ahead [Murrieta]-- The Californian

The language of two ballot initiatives proposed by two residents -- including one that would impose term limits on City Council members -- has been changed slightly in an effort to withstand a legal challenge, and signature-gathering could begin in early October, city officials said Monday.

Two Jurupa trustees accuse school board president of discrimination -- P-E

Jurupa Unified School District trustees Michael Rodriguez and John Chavez lashed out at board President Carl Harris at Monday night's meeting, saying his decision to exclude Rodriguez from committee appointments amounted to nothing more than discrimination.

Proposed speed limit for Lake Elsinore draws opponents -- P-E

A proposed ordinance that would set an 80-miles-per-hour cap on boat speeds in the high-speed zone is in the hands of the city's Public Safety Advisory Commission.

Opinion: Reform ruse -- P-E

California's Legislature is solidly behind governmental reform -- as long as the changes preserve legislators' hold on political power.

Opinion: Judicial neglect?

The lack of enough judges to handle a crush of cases threatens to undermine the state's legal system, by hindering timely access to justice.

Is Neil Blais a supporter of pension spikes and the union agenda?

It appears that the Todd Spitzer endorsement may have backfired on Rancho Santa Margarita city councilman Neil Blais' bid for the 71st Assembly seat.

Orange County Register columnist Steve Greenhut, THE political reporter in the OC, posted the following in the Orange Punch Blog today, where he groups Neil Blais in with the corrupt, big-government/pro union Orange County sheriff Mike Carona.

Is Neil Blais a supporter of pension spikes and the union agenda?

From Steven Greenhut:

I don’t know anything about Neil Blais, the Rancho Santa Margarita council member who is running for the 71st district Assembly seat. No one knows much about Republican primary candidates at this early stage in the race. They all claim to be solid, fiscally responsible conservatives — and they all champion the endorsements they receive. Hence, my snide headline.

Blais just sent out a press release championing the endorsement of Orange Republican Todd Spitzer. I don’t know anything about Blais, but I do know that Spitzer, as county supervisor, pushed forward a massive retroactive pension spike for the deputies union. His fiscal irresponsibility is leading to the current fracas at the board. I do know that Spitzer is a sold-out supporter of law enforcement unions, someone who opposes the disclosure of public records about abusive deputies and someone who led the charge against three modest reforms this year designed to assure that people aren’t wrongfully convicted. Spitzer also is a big spender when it comes to state bonds. Mike Schroeder, another Blais endorser mentioned in the press release, is a close ally of the sheriff, and Mike Carona also endorses similar big-government/pro-union policies as Spitzer. Ackerman is a mixed bag, but he has opposed property rights (Prop. 90), open records (SB 1019) and is known for pushing liberal former assemblywoman Lynn Daucher to run for the state Senate.

Does Blais support such policies?

This is from the  Blais statement:

“In a major announcement, today 71st Assembly District incumbent Todd Spitzer joined his colleagues Senator Dick Ackerman and former GOP Chairman Mike Schroeder in supporting Neil Blais for the open 71st Assembly District.

“‘Neil Blais is a no-nonsense conservative who will continue to fight for public safety and the rights of crime victims,’ said Assemblyman Spitzer. ‘Neil will be a strong voice to protect local control and will fight against government waste. I am proud to support him to take my place in the State Assembly.’”

OK, I have a serious point: I’d like to see these candidates point to their specific positions, not just deal in broad rhetoric (being a no-nonsense conservative, for instance) and not just champion the support of other politicians.

New Sheriff in Town

h/t to The Desert Sun for putting this out just after the Board of Supervisors voted to name the interim sheriff, who will be running the department for the next 3 years.  You can watch the archived footage of the public comment period and candidate introductions from today's meeting here.

County Supervisors name Sniff as replacement sheriff

A veteran of law enforcement for three decades, fired by Riverside County Sheriff Bob Doyle last December, will now take the helm as county sheriff upon Doyle's retirement next month.

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today voted 3-2 to name Stanley Sniff sheriff upon Doyle's retirement Oct. 12. Supervisors Roy Wilson and Bob Buster were opposed.

Watch mydesert.com for further updates, and read a complete report in Tuesday's The Desert Sun.

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 17, 2007

Political Insider: Hoffman could be guiding Sea next -- The Desert Sun

Salton Sea authority, Benoit-Bogh flyer debate, Palm Springs Democrats, Brian Nestande, Bono wedding, Steve Pougnet

Political Notebook - 09/17 -- P-E

Paul Cook goes to China, Connie Mack and Mary Bono, GOP Nanny of the Year locals, legislative bingo

Four interviewed today for county sheriff -- The Desert Sun

Four law enforcement veterans -- three men and a woman - vying to be appointed to fill the remainder of Riverside County Sheriff Bob Doyle's term will be questioned by county supervisors today about their qualifications.

Can Richardson get any respect? -- The Desert Sun

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the first major Latino presidential candidate, hopes his performance in a recent televised Spanish-language debate will boost his standing among Democratic White House hopefuls.

City attorney debate causes flap -- The Desert Sun

Cathedral City Councilman Paul Marchand believes a fellow council member's concern over the use of city attorney services is really a personal attack against him.

New CVEP CEO to address Leadership Coachella Valley -- The Desert Sun

The new chief executive officer of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership will address alumni of Leadership Coachella Valley at the Class of 2008’s kick-off mixer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Desert Willow Golf Resort, 39-995 Desert Willow Drive in Palm Desert.

Council ready to sign Daniels -- The Desert Sun

City Council is set to ratify a contract between the city and newly appointed City Manager Rick Daniels on Tuesday during a regular meeting at 6 p.m. held in City Council Chambers, 11-711 West Drive.

Desert Healthcare District hit by wave of departures -- The Desert Sun

The Desert Healthcare District has lost three management positions, half its staff, in four months.

Son of Cold War legend speaks at March museum -- P-E

It's been five decades since his spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union but numerous theories continue swirling around the final covert flight of Francis Gary Powers.

Awards to film, music standouts close out Temecula Valley film fest -- P-E and The Californian

The stars came out before dark Sunday as more than 600 entertainers gathered to honor award winners at the closing night gala of the 13th annual Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival at Pechanga Resort & Casino near Temecula.

Opinion: Pricing power -- P-E

The Riverside City Council's policy on electricity rates should be built on a stronger foundation than avoiding complaints from constituents.

Opinion: Emissions victory -- P-E

A federal judge in Vermont demolished one more excuse for federal dawdling on California's proposed tailpipe emissions standards. 

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 16, 2007

Fox Plaza hotel project delayed -- P-E

Construction on a hotel touted as one of the keys to revitalizing Riverside's downtown is months behind schedule, a development firm executive and city officials said last week.

Democrat groups can't agree on candidates -- The Desert Sun

Eleventh-hour phone calls, e-mails and other lobbying by three Palm Springs City Council candidates and their supporters backfired this week when their attempts at an endorsement resulted in essentially no direct endorsement at all.

Salton Sea on track for comeback? -- The Desert Sun

One day, 2007 may be remembered as the year the Salton Sea began its comeback - that is, if the sea doesn't end up as just a briny sinkhole in the desert.

District halts swim classes in wake of La Quinta High drowning -- P-E

A desert-area school district has suspended swimming for all gym classes in the wake of the recent apparent drowning of a 14-year-old student while in the pool with about 40 classmates.

Tunnel approaches key decision -- The Californian

Commuters are understandably eager to try out the highway that one day might be built under the Cleveland National Forest, connecting Riverside County bedroom communities with Orange County jobs, said Bechtel, director of project development for the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

Lakeland Village's Perret Park reopens -- P-E and The Californian

Perret Park, the community's lone public recreation area, re-opened Saturday after seven years behind a padlocked chain-link fence.

Water districts to dilute fluoride -- The Californian

Metropolitan Water District, which distributes hundreds of millions of gallons each day to about 18 million customers in the southern half of the state, plans to begin in early October to add fluoride compounds, which most dental-health advocates say help to prevent tooth decay but which critics say are toxic and harmful over time.

Waterlogged neighborhood appeals for relief -- P-E

Irrigation runoff from a recently built luxury apartment complex along Highway 74 east of Interstate 15 is wreaking havoc on a well-established county neighborhood at the bottom of the hill, neighbors said.

Challenges ahead for cityhood proponents [Wildomar] -- The Californian

Incorporation proponents insist the highest hurdle finally has been cleared: Last month, they convinced a regional body that considers cityhood bids to allow the issue to reach voters.

Opinion: Costly ruses -- P-E

California needs a state budget that honestly balances revenue and spending, instead of shortsighted and ultimately more expensive legislative schemes.

Opinion: Governor right to govern from the middle -- The Desert Sun

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been masterful at being moderate.

Local View: Watch vital Riverside City Council debates -- P-E

In early October, the Raincross Group, a public-policy advocacy organization in Riverside, will sponsor a series of debates with the runoff candidates in each of the four contested City Council races in Riverside.

Local View: Laborer Overload -- P-E

No nation has ever attempted to incorporate more than 35 million newcomers.