OP-ED

Vol. 2, No. 2 – March 2019

MM has waited a long time to publish this headline story: 1 1/2 years. We know it’s late – other papers have already reported it – but computer problems prevented it from going out until today. The Redlands Daily Facts reported on March 7 that Mayor Foster had stated on February 19 that Redlands had no plans to take over Mentone in the foreseeable future, perhaps raising the question, “then why are we doing this?”; however, that article omitted to mention that, immediately after his comment, the City Council voted to approve the very Annexation “Agreement” that is attached to the Complaint. When asked about the “need” for the annexation “agreement,” the City Attorney’s statement was basically that “we’re doing this because we voted to do it,” and – inexplicably – “otherwise Mentone would get a free ride.” Moreover, this paper gives interested readers the actual allegations contained in the Complaint and attaches the latest actual “agreement” in its last pages so readers can see for themselves all of what Redlands demands.

The City has 30 days to answer the complaint or file other documents challenging the lawsuit. In the past it has hired many high-powered and expensive lawyers – seemingly everyone who is anyone from here to and including the San Fernando Valley and Orange County – so we can expect Redlands to employ any and all kinds of tactics. However,Mentone is in it for the duration.

The many “Whereas” paragraphs in the infamous “Agreement” contain legislature-enacted code sections which, however, do not give it the authority to violate the law against extortion. What attorney would draft such a document as Measure U, advising the violation of law? Extortion is like “Criminal Law 101” second or third year in law school, depending on where you go. Or maybe MM is missing something somewhere. Of course, we will keep you posted as to the case’s progress.

As always, if you know someone who doesn’t receive Mentone Matters, please ask them to subscribe. When the website is up and running, soon, it appears, everyone in the world will be able to read Mentone’s news but, until then, we are limited to this e-mail newspaper. MM