latimes--2020-11-06--Rising Democratic star Michael Tubbs risks reelection defeat, thanks in part to a Stockton blog

Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs , a Democratic rising star with a national reach , is trailing in a reelection bid to an upstart Republican contender — a potential upset driven in part by a local social media page that has become a kingslayer if not a kingmaker in this San Joaquin Valley city .
Tubbs , the city ’ s first Black mayor and a favorite in progressive circles for championing ideas such as universal basic income , trailed Republican Kevin Lincoln 52 % to 48 % , though county officials said many mail-in ballots remained to be counted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though Tubbs won his first mayoral election in 2016 with 70 % of the vote and an endorsement from President Obama , this time he has been dogged by a social media page whose founder acknowledges he harbors a grudge against Tubbs — and which has hounded the incumbent , and other local political figures , with years of accusations of corruption and misdeeds .
As the city ’ s local newspaper , the Record , has struggled with staff cuts in recent years , the social media page , the 209 Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has amassed nearly 100,000 followers on Facebook and 118,000 on Instagram .
Motecuzoma Patrick Sanchez , one of the founders of the 209 Times , said it has millions of interactions with viewers on its website and social media pages every month , making it one of the area ’ s most popular sources of information .
San Joaquin County has about 760,000 residents , with roughly 310,000 in Stockton .
About 50,000 voted in the mayor ’ s race .
Local political pundits said the 209 Times has clout with voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him with relentless , and unfounded , allegations of corruption .
“ He was wounded by the 209 Times , ” said Michael Fitzgerald , a former metro columnist for the Stockton Record who has followed local politics for three decades .
It “ just created this false narrative about Tubbs , and they just kept pounding that narrative , ” he said .
The 209 Times has run articles , often with no proof , alleging that Tubbs has misappropriated millions of dollars earmarked for city programs , lied about his involvement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county fairgrounds as part of a state-funded site for homeless people , and put personal interests ahead of his elected role .
Daniel Lopez , Tubbs ’ spokesman , said the allegations were “ outright lies.
” “ 209 Times is a perfect example of what you are seeing in the country .
It ’ s ‘ pick your own news , ’ ” Lopez said .
He took particular issue with recent allegations that Stockton had received and misused $ 60 million in state funds meant for reducing homelessness .
“ To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , ” he said .
“ How can we have a dialogue around homelessness , for example , when the 209 Times persuades residents that we ’ ve been given $ 60 million for this issue , when in reality we only have $ 6.5 million ?
I ’ m sure a good number of Stocktonians reading this article will learn for the first time that the $ 60-million number is fake , yet some will still believe regardless.
” Sanchez , the 209 Times founder , said the goal of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or balanced , though it identifies itself as a news and media company on Facebook .
It also sells political and other advertising .
“ We are not journalists .
I looked at it like we were a guerrilla group up against the mainstream army , ” Sanchez said .
“ We are not asking their side of it .
We are telling you what we know .
We never tried to hide our bias.
” Stockton observers say Tubbs also faced other obstacles to reelection — including opposition from police and firefighters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 25,000 to Lincoln , according to campaign filings , and its president , Charles Harris , said the union thinks Lincoln will be better at “ actually tackling the issues at hand of homelessness and quality of life in Stockton.
” Tubbs also received blowback involving a plan to build housing with low-income units on a closed golf course in a wealthier part of Stockton .
At the same time , Tubbs ’ profile has grown on the national political stage , and he is considered an up-and-comer in Democratic circles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s poor south side with a single mother and an incarcerated father , he attended Stanford University and returned to Stockton after graduation .
He successfully ran for City Council in 2012 , receiving a $ 10,000 campaign contribution from Oprah Winfrey , becoming Stockton ’ s youngest council member at age 22 .
Four years later , he ran for mayor and won , becoming both the city ’ s first Black mayor and its youngest .
He is known to have ties with vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris and Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently featured in an HBO documentary .
Helped by a philanthropy , Tubbs has also launched a basic income experiment in Stockton and brought in $ 20 million in nonprofit grants to fund a scholarship program to increase the number of local high school graduates who attend college .
He pushed the city to start a chapter of Advance Peace , a violence reduction program .
The 209 Times has alleged corruption in all those endeavors , though there have been no official indications of wrongdoing .
Lincoln , Tubbs ’ challenger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pastor and identifies as Latino and Black — his grandfather emigrated from Mexico .
He has never held political office , though he ran for an Assembly seat in 2016 .
Lincoln said the 209 Times “ definitely strikes a chord with the readers in our city and provides more insight with regards to the issues , ” but he believes it was his message of “ bridging the gaps of division of our city ” and voter outreach that has put him ahead .
“ I have done everything I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Lincoln said .
Sanchez said that he decided to target Tubbs in the 209 Times in part because Tubbs opposed him when Sanchez , a local organizer , lobbied to reopen a library branch that had been closed because of the city ’ s financial troubles .
Tubbs voted against the idea when it came before the City Council .
“ It was a personal promise that I told him , ‘ Anyone who votes against this library opening , I am going to vote against you.
’ So four years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept , ” Sanchez said .
“ The way that we see it is basically we are the primary reason Michael Tubbs is losing.
” Though Sanchez concedes his site is one-sided , he disputed that his stories include false information , pointing out they sometimes include documents obtained through California Public Records Act requests , though often without response from the targets of their accusations .
Sanchez said he ’ s “ created a new way to deliver news , which is a crowdsourced form of information.
” Another activist involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ truth can be very controversial.
” Tubbs is not the first politician Sanchez ’ s site has gone after .
In 2018 , it helped unseat San Joaquin County Sheriff Steve Moore , who faced multiple scandals involving his role as coroner and sexual harassment complaints in his office .
It has also been repeatedly critical of San Joaquin County Dist .
Atty .
Tori Verber Salazar .
Recently , the 209 Times posted pictures of a Tracy mayoral candidate from a gay dating app , implying that the app was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it was problematic .
The candidate , Dan Tavares Arriola , is now a City Council member and the first openly LGBTQ elected official in Tracy .
Arriola said associating the dating site with human trafficking was homophobic .
“ For organizations like the 209 Times to spread disinformation is incredibly concerning and hurtful to our community , ” Arriola said .

Michael Tubbs made history when he was elected mayor of Stockton at age 26. His reelection campaign this year has been hounded by a local website slinging harmful accusations, often without proof.
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, a Democratic rising star with a national reach, is trailing in a reelection bid to an upstart Republican contender — a potential upset driven in part by a local social media page that has become a kingslayer if not a kingmaker in this San Joaquin Valley city.
Tubbs, the city’s first Black mayor and a favorite in progressive circles for championing ideas such as universal basic income, trailed Republican Kevin Lincoln 52% to 48%, though county officials said many mail-in ballots remained to be counted, leaving the possibility of a reversal.
Though Tubbs won his first mayoral election in 2016 with 70% of the vote and an endorsement from President Obama, this time he has been dogged by a social media page whose founder acknowledges he harbors a grudge against Tubbs — and which has hounded the incumbent, and other local political figures, with years of accusations of corruption and misdeeds.
As the city’s local newspaper, the Record, has struggled with staff cuts in recent years, the social media page, the 209 Times, named for the local area code, has amassed nearly 100,000 followers on Facebook and 118,000 on Instagram. Motecuzoma Patrick Sanchez, one of the founders of the 209 Times, said it has millions of interactions with viewers on its website and social media pages every month, making it one of the area’s most popular sources of information.
San Joaquin County has about 760,000 residents, with roughly 310,000 in Stockton. About 50,000 voted in the mayor’s race.
Local political pundits said the 209 Times has clout with voters and damaged Tubbs’ reputation by attacking him with relentless, and unfounded, allegations of corruption.
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“He was wounded by the 209 Times,” said Michael Fitzgerald, a former metro columnist for the Stockton Record who has followed local politics for three decades.
It “just created this false narrative about Tubbs, and they just kept pounding that narrative,” he said.
The 209 Times has run articles, often with no proof, alleging that Tubbs has misappropriated millions of dollars earmarked for city programs, lied about his involvement with an unpopular idea to use the county fairgrounds as part of a state-funded site for homeless people, and put personal interests ahead of his elected role.
Daniel Lopez, Tubbs’ spokesman, said the allegations were “outright lies.”
“209 Times is a perfect example of what you are seeing in the country. It’s ‘pick your own news,’” Lopez said. He took particular issue with recent allegations that Stockton had received and misused $60 million in state funds meant for reducing homelessness.
“To address our challenges we need an informed public,” he said. “How can we have a dialogue around homelessness, for example, when the 209 Times persuades residents that we’ve been given $60 million for this issue, when in reality we only have $6.5 million? I’m sure a good number of Stocktonians reading this article will learn for the first time that the $60-million number is fake, yet some will still believe regardless.”
Advertisement
Sanchez, the 209 Times founder, said the goal of his publication isn’t to be fair or balanced, though it identifies itself as a news and media company on Facebook. It also sells political and other advertising.
“We are not journalists. I looked at it like we were a guerrilla group up against the mainstream army,” Sanchez said. “We are not asking their side of it. We are telling you what we know. We never tried to hide our bias.”
Stockton observers say Tubbs also faced other obstacles to reelection — including opposition from police and firefighters unions. The local police union gave $25,000 to Lincoln, according to campaign filings, and its president, Charles Harris, said the union thinks Lincoln will be better at “actually tackling the issues at hand of homelessness and quality of life in Stockton.”
Tubbs also received blowback involving a plan to build housing with low-income units on a closed golf course in a wealthier part of Stockton.
At the same time, Tubbs’ profile has grown on the national political stage, and he is considered an up-and-comer in Democratic circles. Though he grew up on Stockton’s poor south side with a single mother and an incarcerated father, he attended Stanford University and returned to Stockton after graduation.
He successfully ran for City Council in 2012, receiving a $10,000 campaign contribution from Oprah Winfrey, becoming Stockton’s youngest council member at age 22. Four years later, he ran for mayor and won, becoming both the city’s first Black mayor and its youngest. He is known to have ties with vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris and Gov. Gavin Newsom, and he was recently featured in an HBO documentary.
Helped by a philanthropy, Tubbs has also launched a basic income experiment in Stockton and brought in $20 million in nonprofit grants to fund a scholarship program to increase the number of local high school graduates who attend college. He pushed the city to start a chapter of Advance Peace, a violence reduction program. The 209 Times has alleged corruption in all those endeavors, though there have been no official indications of wrongdoing.
Lincoln, Tubbs’ challenger, is a former Marine who serves as a pastor and identifies as Latino and Black — his grandfather emigrated from Mexico. He has never held political office, though he ran for an Assembly seat in 2016.
Lincoln said the 209 Times “definitely strikes a chord with the readers in our city and provides more insight with regards to the issues,” but he believes it was his message of “bridging the gaps of division of our city” and voter outreach that has put him ahead.
“I have done everything I could to engage the people of Stockton,” Lincoln said.
Sanchez said that he decided to target Tubbs in the 209 Times in part because Tubbs opposed him when Sanchez, a local organizer, lobbied to reopen a library branch that had been closed because of the city’s financial troubles. Tubbs voted against the idea when it came before the City Council.
Republican Kevin Lincoln, a pastor and a former Marine, has a chance to unseat Michael Tubbs as Stockton’s mayor. (Kevin Lincoln)
“It was a personal promise that I told him, ‘Anyone who votes against this library opening, I am going to vote against you.’ So four years later, it’s a promise I kept,” Sanchez said. “The way that we see it is basically we are the primary reason Michael Tubbs is losing.”
Though Sanchez concedes his site is one-sided, he disputed that his stories include false information, pointing out they sometimes include documents obtained through California Public Records Act requests, though often without response from the targets of their accusations. Sanchez said he’s “created a new way to deliver news, which is a crowdsourced form of information.”
Another activist involved in the 209 Times, Frank Gayaldo, said “truth can be very controversial.”
Tubbs is not the first politician Sanchez’s site has gone after. In 2018, it helped unseat San Joaquin County Sheriff Steve Moore, who faced multiple scandals involving his role as coroner and sexual harassment complaints in his office. It has also been repeatedly critical of San Joaquin County Dist. Atty. Tori Verber Salazar.
Recently, the 209 Times posted pictures of a Tracy mayoral candidate from a gay dating app, implying that the app was associated with human trafficking and that participation on it was problematic.
The candidate, Dan Tavares Arriola, is now a City Council member and the first openly LGBTQ elected official in Tracy. Arriola said associating the dating site with human trafficking was homophobic.
“For organizations like the 209 Times to spread disinformation is incredibly concerning and hurtful to our community,” Arriola said.


latimes--2020-11-06--Is this week the start of a progressive wave in L.A. politics?

In a year dominated by massive street protests over racial injustice and wrenching losses from the pandemic , Los Angeles voters upended the political status quo on Tuesday by backing a slate of progressive candidates and measures .
The question now is whether the leftward push is the beginning of a larger realignment of local politics or a unique moment brought about by extraordinary times .
Voters have the chance to dramatically reshape L.A. City Hall in 2022 when they cast ballots for mayor , eight City Council candidates , city attorney and city controller .
While L.A. has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishment players are now being challenged from the left in a battle also playing out among Democrats at the national level .
Locally , voters on election day appeared to favor more progressive candidates on election day and back stronger action on racial justice and a more humane approach to homelessness .
The large voter participationseen in L.A. County has been credited to the presidential race and a new election schedule that synchronizes local races with gubernatorial and presidential elections .
At the same time , issues including police reform were at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains to be seen if progressives and reformers — groups probably helped by a larger turnout of younger , poorer and non-white voters on Tuesday — will also leave their stamp on the 2022 city election .
The electorate in local L.A. races has historically skewed toward older homeowners and generally been pretty white .
Skeptics note that L.A. 's finances are already reeling from pandemic-fueled tax losses and that City Hall may not have the money to carry out ambitious plans .
But others believe this week is just the beginning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a one-off or some kind of fluke , ” said Isaac Bryan , who helped run the committee for Measure J , which voters backed Tuesday .
The measure will divert more county money to social services and jail diversion programs .
“ All of these races demonstrated the values of L.A. County are now going to be reflected in our elected officials .
We are tired of the corruption in City Hall , ” Bryan said .
“ We are tired of speaking only in rhetoric and not in policy.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ results were the culmination of years of work , including regular protests held downtown in an effort to oust L.A. County Dist .
Atty .
Jackie Lacey , who appeared to be losing her race to challenger George Gascón , former San Francisco district attorney .
Political consultant Eric Hacopian expects many progressive candidates — and even those further to the left — will run for City Council in 2022 , inspired by the apparent victory of newcomer Nithya Raman in a Hollywood , Silver Lake and Los Feliz City Council district race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be challengers galore next cycle , ” Hacopian said .
“ There ’ s no question about it.
” Raman ’ s campaign relied on both grass-roots support and a big war chest to pull ahead of City Councilman David Ryu — a formula that will be difficult to replicate , said Hacopian , who ran an outside committee supporting Ryu in the primary election .
Raman was one of three candidates who challenged establishment figures in Tuesday ’ s election , a group that included Gascón and state Sen. Holly Mitchell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police issues , was ahead of Lacey , according to results updated Thursday .
The Times ’ analysis that showed Gascón generally performed stronger on the Westside and in South Los Angeles than Lacey .
Lacey pulled in more votes on the edges of Los Angeles County and the western San Fernando Valley , areas that have typically skewed more conservative , the data show .
Donna Bojarsky , a longtime Democratic political consultant and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to building civic engagement in L.A. , said she would be cautious about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You could also say there was an anti-incumbent vote , ” Bojarsky said , characterizing anti-incumbency as a “ major factor ” in several races .
That sentiment is a far cry from what ’ s typically expected in L.A. politics , where incumbency has historically carried an enormous political advantage .
“ We have to know that ‘ progressive , ’ in the context of a city like Los Angeles , has to mean more than just a title , ” Bojarsky said .
“ We have to look beyond labels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who people are.
” She cited the example of L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva , who ran as a progressive reformer in a long-shot bid to unseat then-incumbent Sheriff Jim McDonnell in 2018 .
Villanueva ’ s tenure has been deeply controversial and brought rebukes from the groups that once endorsed him .
Raphael J. Sonenshein , a local government expert who runs the Edmund G. “ Pat ” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at Cal State L.A. , said Tuesday ’ s election shows incumbents will probably have to recalibrate in coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] incumbent is going to have some problems , partly because of the strength of the progressive movement that has its own issues that it really wants to see , ” Sonenshein said .
“ Also , establishment candidates can ’ t win just with endorsements from major players.
” Still , progressives have fallen short in recent years in some districts .
In the northwest San Fernando Valley — an area with a reputation as a relatively conservative part of L.A. , despite having more Democrats than Republicans — City Councilman John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate in the last two years .
Stuart Waldman , president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.
, challenged the notion that City Hall was suddenly going to enact sweeping changes sought by some activists after Tuesday .
“ There are candidates with bold ideas and then there are elected officials who have to be in touch with reality , ” Waldman said .
“ You can ’ t start giving away free rent , you can ’ t start giving away free utilities .
You have to be reasonable.
” Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assn.
, said it ’ s his view that if Ryu and Lacey lose , it ’ s because neither is a particularly strong politician .
He doesn ’ t see those losses as a bellwether for how residents will vote in 2022 .
In some sections of Venice , there is long-standing unhappiness with City Hall over the city ’ s handling of homelessness and more recently , the increase in crime .
Ryavec predicted that the rise in crime will lead to “ law and order ” candidates on the ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an activist and host of the local issues podcast `` Órale Boyle Heights , ” sees Tuesday ’ s results far differently .
He described the success of progressive candidates — Raman as well as Sasha Renée Pérez , a young community organizer who ’ ll be the next mayor of Alhambra — as part of the same momentum that drove New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ’ s insurgent bid for Congress in 2018 .
He characterized anger at the Trump presidency as a pivotal driver of political engagement at the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huerta speculated that some of the ferocity of that energy might dim in L.A. if the country sees a Biden presidency , with “ some folks taking the back seat ” as the national situation registers as less of an emergency in liberal L.A .

State Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), right, and campaign manager Lenee Richards watch election results Tuesday night. Mitchell defeated longtime City Councilman Herb Wesson for a seat on the county Board of Supervisors.
In a year dominated by massive street protests over racial injustice and wrenching losses from the pandemic, Los Angeles voters upended the political status quo on Tuesday by backing a slate of progressive candidates and measures.
The question now is whether the leftward push is the beginning of a larger realignment of local politics or a unique moment brought about by extraordinary times.
Voters have the chance to dramatically reshape L.A. City Hall in 2022 when they cast ballots for mayor, eight City Council candidates, city attorney and city controller.
Advertisement
While L.A. has long been dominated by Democrats, the more establishment players are now being challenged from the left in a battle also playing out among Democrats at the national level.
Locally, voters on election day appeared to favor more progressive candidates and back stronger action on racial justice and a more humane approach to homelessness.
The large voter participation seen in L.A. County has been credited to the presidential race and a new election schedule that synchronizes local races with gubernatorial and presidential elections. At the same time, issues including police reform were at the forefront of voters’ minds.
It remains to be seen if progressives and reformers — groups probably helped by a larger turnout of younger, poorer and non-white voters on Tuesday — will also leave their stamp on the 2022 city election. The electorate in local L.A. races has historically skewed toward older homeowners and generally been pretty white.
Skeptics note that L.A.’s finances are already reeling from pandemic-fueled tax losses and that City Hall may not have the money to carry out ambitious plans.
But others believe this week is just the beginning.
“I don’t think that this is a one-off or some kind of fluke,” said Isaac Bryan, who helped run the committee for Measure J, which voters backed Tuesday. The measure will divert more county money to social services and jail diversion programs.
Advertisement
“All of these races demonstrated the values of L.A. County are now going to be reflected in our elected officials. We are tired of the corruption in City Hall,” Bryan said. “We are tired of speaking only in rhetoric and not in policy.”
Former San Francisco Dist. Atty. George Gascon holds a lead over L.A. County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
Activists argued that Tuesday’s results were the culmination of years of work, including regular protests held downtown in an effort to oust L.A. County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey, who appeared to be losing her race to challenger George Gascón, former San Francisco district attorney.
Political consultant Eric Hacopian expects many progressive candidates — and even those further to the left — will run for City Council in 2022, inspired by the apparent victory of newcomer Nithya Raman in a Hollywood, Silver Lake and Los Feliz City Council district race.
“There’s going to be challengers galore next cycle,” Hacopian said. “There’s no question about it.”
Raman’s campaign relied on both grass-roots support and a big war chest to pull ahead of City Councilman David Ryu — a formula that will be difficult to replicate, said Hacopian, who ran an outside committee supporting Ryu in the primary election.
Raman was one of three candidates who challenged establishment figures in Tuesday’s election, a group that included Gascón and state Sen. Holly Mitchell.
Gascón, seen as a reformer on police issues, was ahead of Lacey, according to results updated Thursday.
The Times’ analysis that showed Gascón generally performed stronger on the Westside and in South Los Angeles than Lacey. Lacey pulled in more votes on the edges of Los Angeles County and the western San Fernando Valley, areas that have typically skewed more conservative, the data show.
Donna Bojarsky, a longtime Democratic political consultant and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to building civic engagement in L.A., said she would be cautious about calling the results a progressive wave.
“You could also say there was an anti-incumbent vote,” Bojarsky said, characterizing anti-incumbency as a “major factor” in several races.
That sentiment is a far cry from what’s typically expected in L.A. politics, where incumbency has historically carried an enormous political advantage.
“We have to know that ‘progressive,’ in the context of a city like Los Angeles, has to mean more than just a title,” Bojarsky said. “We have to look beyond labels and take enough interest that we know who people are.”
She cited the example of L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who ran as a progressive reformer in a long-shot bid to unseat then-incumbent Sheriff Jim McDonnell in 2018. Villanueva’s tenure has been deeply controversial and brought rebukes from the groups that once endorsed him.
Raphael J. Sonenshein, a local government expert who runs the Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Institute of Public Affairs at Cal State L.A., said Tuesday’s election shows incumbents will probably have to recalibrate in coming elections.
“Any [City Hall] incumbent is going to have some problems, partly because of the strength of the progressive movement that has its own issues that it really wants to see,” Sonenshein said. “Also, establishment candidates can’t win just with endorsements from major players.”
Still, progressives have fallen short in recent years in some districts.
In the northwest San Fernando Valley — an area with a reputation as a relatively conservative part of L.A., despite having more Democrats than Republicans — City Councilman John Lee has twice defeated a more progressive candidate in the last two years.
Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., challenged the notion that City Hall was suddenly going to enact sweeping changes sought by some activists after Tuesday.
“There are candidates with bold ideas and then there are elected officials who have to be in touch with reality,” Waldman said. “You can’t start giving away free rent, you can’t start giving away free utilities. You have to be reasonable.”
Mark Ryavec, president of the Venice Stakeholders Assn., said it’s his view that if Ryu and Lacey lose, it’s because neither is a particularly strong politician. He doesn’t see those losses as a bellwether for how residents will vote in 2022.
In some sections of Venice, there is long-standing unhappiness with City Hall over the city’s handling of homelessness and more recently, the increase in crime.
Ryavec predicted that the rise in crime will lead to “law and order” candidates on the ballot in two years.
Erick Huerta, an activist and host of the local issues podcast “Órale Boyle Heights,” sees Tuesday’s results far differently.
He described the success of progressive candidates — Raman as well as Sasha Renée Pérez, a young community organizer who’ll be the next mayor of Alhambra — as part of the same momentum that drove New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s insurgent bid for Congress in 2018.
He characterized anger at the Trump presidency as a pivotal driver of political engagement at the local level.
Looking to the future, Huerta speculated that some of the ferocity of that energy might dim in L.A. if the country sees a Biden presidency, with “some folks taking the back seat” as the national situation registers as less of an emergency in liberal L.A.
Times staff writer Ben Welsh contributed to this report.


latimes--2020-11-06--With Trump we lost the democratic system envisioned by our founders. With Biden we could get it back

If Joe Biden really has been elected president , then we truly can begin to “ Make America Great Again.
” This country was great until President Trump was elected , running on a once-inconceivable demagogic message that the USA ’ s days of greatness were behind her .
He then steadily proceeded to prove his claim , fracturing the nation and sullying its image overseas .
One of the best things about the election — regardless of whether Biden is victorious — is that a majority of American voters decided that incivility , bullying and lying were not acceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decency and , at minimum , a passable role model that our children can look up to , regardless of politics .
The worst thing about the election — only to be outdone if Trump somehow manages to triumph — is that the majority is slim .
More than 69 million Americans at last count — including more than 4 million Californians — apparently decided that the president ’ s abhorrent behavior was not very important to them and was tolerable .
“ Seeing this guy in action for four years lying , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ disabilities ] how could nearly half the American voters say , ‘ That ’ s fine with me ?
’ ” asks Democratic consultant Garry South .
“ A lot of people don ’ t like the way he behaves , but they believe he is better for them , ” answers Bob Shrum , a former Democratic strategist who now directs the Center for the Political Future at USC .
“ They are willing to tolerate him because their stock portfolios keep going up .
“ They think he ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That ’ s certainly what I constantly hear from Trump supporters .
But , come on .
At one of the most sacred times in our democratic system — election night — this president goes on TV and calls the vote counting “ a fraud on the American public…an embarrassment to our country.
” America ’ s authoritarian adversaries must have been celebrating .
Even if Trump is ousted from the Oval Office , it was not the exhilarating election night that many Democrats had anticipated .
They had envisioned a Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate and add seats to the party ’ s House majority .
But Republicans could retain Senate control and chip away at Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s slim House majority .
The GOP also seems on the verge of winning back two or three House seats in California that it lost two years ago .
Democrats , however , have apparently added to their massive majority in the state Senate .
But how did Trump add to his rock-solid base , debunking the Democratic thesis that his support couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump was able to identify supporters and get them out to vote in sort of an old-fashioned way , ” Democratic strategist Bill Carrick says .
Those big campaign rallies with all the unmasked Trump zealots that many Democrats belittled as no longer needed in the era of social media ?
They worked by energizing voters .
Shrum believes that many people polled were “ shy voters who didn ’ t think it was socially correct to say they were for Trump.
” “ In retrospect , ” South says , “ it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the board to make this election all about health insurance .
About 92 % of Americans already have health insurance — about 68 % through their employers .
Democrats act as if half the American population is uninsured .
They ’ re preaching to a crowd that is already insured .
People ask , ‘ What does that have to do with me ?
’ ” In 2018 , running on healthcare worked for Democrats .
But campaign consultants , like generals , often make the mistake of fighting the last war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic did seem to work .
During the presidential primaries , however , the Democratic candidates ’ liberal yacking — although not by Biden — about “ Medicare for all ” probably scared off voters , especially when Trump bellowed “ socialism.
” In California , the national hesitation to side with Democrats was reflected in the outcome of five ballot propositions .
Two measures placed on the ballot by the Democrat-dominated Legislature were rejected .
One was Proposition 16 , which would have repealed the ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or employment based on race , ethnicity or gender .
The second , Proposition 18 , would have allowed many 17-year-olds to vote .
Voters passed Proposition 22 , which repealed the major part of a bill the Legislature passed to require many companies to reclassify independent contractors as employees .
The measure will allow ride-hail and delivery drivers to keep working independently , a major defeat for labor .
In rejecting Proposition 25 , voters scuttled legislation that eliminated the requirement of cash bail for release from jail before trial .
Proposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was trailing by roughly 3.6 percentage points at last count .
It was sponsored by labor unions and strongly supported by Democratic leaders including Gov .
Gavin Newsom .
“ Sacramento Democrats ought to be asking themselves whether they ’ re out of step with Californians , ” says Republican consultant Rob Stutzman , a “ never Trumper.
” “ On policy stuff , California is not as liberal as some of the California leaders , ” asserts moderate GOP consultant Ray McNally .
Regardless of the Democrats ’ weaker than expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by roughly 2 to 1 in deep blue California .
But one-party rule can be dangerous .
In Sacramento , Democrats need to discipline themselves against veering too far left of the electorate — as they did with those ballot measures .
For America to become great again , we need to revive the democratic system envisioned by our founders .
That system encourages politicians to compromise , gradually improving our opportunities and conditions while being a beacon of freedom to the world .
We lost that with Trump .

If Joe Biden really has been elected president, then we truly can begin to “Make America Great Again.”
This country was great until President Trump was elected, running on a once-inconceivable demagogic message that the USA’s days of greatness were behind her. He then steadily proceeded to prove his claim, fracturing the nation and sullying its image overseas.
One of the best things about the election — regardless of whether Biden is victorious — is that a majority of American voters decided that incivility, bullying and lying were not acceptable in their president. We demand common decency and, at minimum, a passable role model that our children can look up to, regardless of politics.
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The worst thing about the election — only to be outdone if Trump somehow manages to triumph — is that the majority is slim. More than 69 million Americans at last count — including more than 4 million Californians — apparently decided that the president’s abhorrent behavior was not very important to them and was tolerable.
“Seeing this guy in action for four years lying, verbally brutalizing people, mocking people with [disabilities] how could nearly half the American voters say, ‘That’s fine with me?’” asks Democratic consultant Garry South.
“A lot of people don’t like the way he behaves, but they believe he is better for them,” answers Bob Shrum, a former Democratic strategist who now directs the Center for the Political Future at USC. “They are willing to tolerate him because their stock portfolios keep going up.
“They think he’ll be a better steward of the economy.”
That’s certainly what I constantly hear from Trump supporters.
But, come on. At one of the most sacred times in our democratic system — election night — this president goes on TV and calls the vote counting “a fraud on the American public…an embarrassment to our country.”
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America’s authoritarian adversaries must have been celebrating.
Even if Trump is ousted from the Oval Office, it was not the exhilarating election night that many Democrats had anticipated. They had envisioned a Biden landslide that would sweep in Democratic control of the Senate and add seats to the party’s House majority.
But Republicans could retain Senate control and chip away at Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s slim House majority.
The GOP also seems on the verge of winning back two or three House seats in California that it lost two years ago. Democrats, however, have apparently added to their massive majority in the state Senate.
But how did Trump add to his rock-solid base, debunking the Democratic thesis that his support couldn’t grow beyond its 2016 level?
“Trump was able to identify supporters and get them out to vote in sort of an old-fashioned way,” Democratic strategist Bill Carrick says.
Those big campaign rallies with all the unmasked Trump zealots that many Democrats belittled as no longer needed in the era of social media? They worked by energizing voters.
But national polling didn’t show it.
Shrum believes that many people polled were “shy voters who didn’t think it was socially correct to say they were for Trump.”
“In retrospect,” South says, “it may have been a mistake for Democrats across the board to make this election all about health insurance. About 92% of Americans already have health insurance — about 68% through their employers. Democrats act as if half the American population is uninsured. They’re preaching to a crowd that is already insured. People ask, ‘What does that have to do with me?’”
In 2018, running on healthcare worked for Democrats. But campaign consultants, like generals, often make the mistake of fighting the last war.
The Democrats running against Trump’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic did seem to work.
During the presidential primaries, however, the Democratic candidates’ liberal yacking — although not by Biden — about “Medicare for all” probably scared off voters, especially when Trump bellowed “socialism.”
In California, the national hesitation to side with Democrats was reflected in the outcome of five ballot propositions.
Two measures placed on the ballot by the Democrat-dominated Legislature were rejected. One was Proposition 16, which would have repealed the ban on affirmative action in public education, contracting or employment based on race, ethnicity or gender. The second, Proposition 18, would have allowed many 17-year-olds to vote.
Voters passed Proposition 22, which repealed the major part of a bill the Legislature passed to require many companies to reclassify independent contractors as employees. The measure will allow ride-hail and delivery drivers to keep working independently, a major defeat for labor.
In rejecting Proposition 25, voters scuttled legislation that eliminated the requirement of cash bail for release from jail before trial.
Proposition 15 would have raised commercial property taxes and was trailing by roughly 3.6 percentage points at last count. It was sponsored by labor unions and strongly supported by Democratic leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Sacramento Democrats ought to be asking themselves whether they’re out of step with Californians,” says Republican consultant Rob Stutzman, a “never Trumper.”
“On policy stuff, California is not as liberal as some of the California leaders,” asserts moderate GOP consultant Ray McNally.
Regardless of the Democrats’ weaker than expected showing nationally, Biden still beat Trump by roughly 2 to 1 in deep blue California.
But one-party rule can be dangerous. In Sacramento, Democrats need to discipline themselves against veering too far left of the electorate — as they did with those ballot measures.
For America to become great again, we need to revive the democratic system envisioned by our founders. That system encourages politicians to compromise, gradually improving our opportunities and conditions while being a beacon of freedom to the world.
We lost that with Trump.


latimes--2020-11-06--Fresno County Board of Supervisors to quarantine after staff member tests positive for coronavirus

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors was instructed this week to quarantine at home after a staff member in the @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 .
According to reporting by the Fresno Bee , the person @ @ @ @ @ a county supervisor .
About 30 employees were asked to work from home for 14 @ @ @ @ @ far , none of the county supervisors are showing symptoms .
“ As a precaution @ @ @ @ @ the office downtown , and our protocol is to direct people to telework and quarantine @ @ @ @ @ Jordan Scott told the Bee .
“ To my knowledge , no one is showing @ @ @ @ @ precaution , you don ’ t want to wait it out at work.
” The @ @ @ @ @ immediately respond to questions from The Times on Thursday evening , but county Supervisor Nathan @ @ @ @ @ station that he planned to be tested Friday .

A staff member at the Fresno County administrative building in downtown Fresno recently tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing all county supervisors to go into quarantine.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors was instructed this week to quarantine at home after a staff member in the county’s downtown offices tested positive for COVID-19.
According to reporting by the Fresno Bee, the person who contracted the virus is a county supervisor. About 30 employees were asked to work from home for 14 days beginning Thursday. So far, none of the county supervisors are showing symptoms.
“As a precaution, we’ve closed the office downtown, and our protocol is to direct people to telework and quarantine,” Fresno County spokesman Jordan Scott told the Bee. “To my knowledge, no one is showing symptoms. But as a precaution, you don’t want to wait it out at work.”
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The Board of Supervisors did not immediately respond to questions from The Times on Thursday evening, but county Supervisor Nathan Magsig told a local news station that he planned to be tested Friday.


latimes--2020-11-06--Wet weather should clear the air in parts of California plagued by smoke since August

Two back-to-back storms expected this weekend will clear the air for some parts of California that have been besieged by a pall of smoky , unhealthful air since the dog days of summer .
The precipitation will dampen wildfires in the Sierra and finally cleanse the atmosphere in the San Joaquin Valley , said Modesto Vasquez , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford .
“ At least , that ’ s what we ’ re hoping for , ” he said .
Smoke from numerous fires , including the Creek fire and the SQF Complex fire in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have choked the air with smoke and particulate matter since the middle of August , the weather service said , adding that the rain “ couldn ’ t be more welcome.
” Initially , winds in advance of the cold front could kick up dust through midday Friday and enhance the fire threat , Vasquez explained .
“ The fields are very dry , so there could be very dry , dusty conditions on Friday morning , ” he said .
After that , wind , colder air with precipitation and rising humidity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air .
A colder air mass behind the first storm could bring snow levels down to 4,500 feet .
Interstate 5 through the Grapevine and Highway 58 through the Tehachapi Pass could see ice or light accumulations of snow late Sunday , Vasquez said .
Like the rest of the state , Southern California has suffered with dirty air during this worst-ever fire season — most recently with contributions from the Silverado and Blue Ridge fires in Orange County .
It essentially hasn ’ t rained in downtown Los Angeles for close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points out .
On April 12 , downtown got 0.06 inch of rainfall .
Since then , there was the 0.14 inch on May 18 , but otherwise it didn ’ t rain for the last half of April , May — with the exception of that dampening on May 18 — followed by all of June , July , August , September , October and November thus far .
“ After seven dry months with record-breaking heat — essentially with no rainfall — the precipitous drop in temperature with our first real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocker for Angelenos , ” Patzert said .
“ Regardless , the weather whiplash will be a welcome change and will hopefully dampen this year ’ s nearly continuous fire season.
” Although there have been some minor improvements in drought conditions in some parts of the West , the Southwest has remained unchanged , the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday .
That means that most of California is unusually dry or in drought .
Almost all of Northern California is in severe or extreme drought .
An area of moderate drought swings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central Valley toward the Sierra , then southward to Imperial County and the Mexican border .
What little is left of the state is either abnormally dry or , in a strip along the coast from Monterey Bay to San Diego , not technically in drought , but nevertheless dry after months of record summer heat and no rain .
The rain expected this weekend will not be a soaking and won ’ t dent the widespread drought , but Patzert hopes “ it will be enough to give the Southland a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ash from recent fires .
The Southland needs a good shower .
”

Two back-to-back storms expected this weekend will clear the air for some parts of California that have been besieged by a pall of smoky, unhealthful air since the dog days of summer.
The precipitation will dampen wildfires in the Sierra and finally cleanse the atmosphere in the San Joaquin Valley, said Modesto Vasquez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Hanford. “At least, that’s what we’re hoping for,” he said.
Smoke from numerous fires, including the Creek fire and the SQF Complex fire in the Sierra east of the valley, has choked the air with smoke and particulate matter since the middle of August, the weather service said, adding that the rain “couldn’t be more welcome.”
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The San Joaquin Valley has been plagued by unhealthy air quality because of wildfires in the Sierra. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
Initially, winds in advance of the cold front could kick up dust through midday Friday and enhance the fire threat, Vasquez explained. “The fields are very dry, so there could be very dry, dusty conditions on Friday morning,” he said. After that, wind, colder air with precipitation and rising humidity should help the fire situation and clear the air.
A colder air mass behind the first storm could bring snow levels down to 4,500 feet. Interstate 5 through the Grapevine and Highway 58 through the Tehachapi Pass could see ice or light accumulations of snow late Sunday, Vasquez said.
The first storm of the season will bring cold and rain to California. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
Like the rest of the state, Southern California has suffered with dirty air during this worst-ever fire season — most recently with contributions from the Silverado and Blue Ridge fires in Orange County.
It essentially hasn’t rained in downtown Los Angeles for close to 200 days, climatologist Bill Patzert points out. On April 12, downtown got 0.06 inch of rainfall. Since then, there was the 0.14 inch on May 18, but otherwise it didn’t rain for the last half of April, May — with the exception of that dampening on May 18 — followed by all of June, July, August, September, October and November thus far.
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The latest U.S. Drought Monitor data released Thursday. (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times)
“After seven dry months with record-breaking heat — essentially with no rainfall — the precipitous drop in temperature with our first real rain of the season will be a shocker for Angelenos,” Patzert said. “Regardless, the weather whiplash will be a welcome change and will hopefully dampen this year’s nearly continuous fire season.”
Although there have been some minor improvements in drought conditions in some parts of the West, the Southwest has remained unchanged, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported Thursday.
That means that most of California is unusually dry or in drought. Almost all of Northern California is in severe or extreme drought. An area of moderate drought swings around from Santa Cruz, through the Central Valley toward the Sierra, then southward to Imperial County and the Mexican border. What little is left of the state is either abnormally dry or, in a strip along the coast from Monterey Bay to San Diego, not technically in drought, but nevertheless dry after months of record summer heat and no rain.
The rain expected this weekend will not be a soaking and won’t dent the widespread drought, but Patzert hopes “it will be enough to give the Southland a good rinsing to clean off the soot and ash from recent fires. The Southland needs a good shower.”


latimes--2020-11-05--Prop. 18, which would have allowed some 17-year-olds to vote, is rejected by voters

Proposition 18 , which would have allowed 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they turn 18 before the next general election , was rejected by California voters .
The proposed amendment to the state Constitution would have permitted California to join at least 18 other states that allow some 17-year-olds to cast ballots , including red states such as Kentucky and Mississippi and blue states such as Illinois and Maryland .
Under current California law , residents must be 18 to vote in any election .
The ballot measure was endorsed by the California Democratic Party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom and Secretary of State Alex Padilla .
Supporters argued that the measure would have helped encourage young Californians to engage in the political process , and provide a real-world understanding of what they learned in high school civics classes .
The California Republican Party opposed Proposition 18 , along with the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn .
Opponents argued that 17-year-olds should not be able to vote on complex tax and bond proposals that will not directly affect them , and they also questioned whether most high school students that age have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in an election .
The Democratic-controlled Legislature voted in June to place Proposition 18 on the ballot .
Assemblyman Kevin Mullin ( D-South San Francisco ) , one of the authors of the proposed constitutional amendment , said Proposition 18 was a modest effort to expand voting rights in California , because the 17-year-olds eligible to vote were close to 18 anyway .
Mullin ’ s father , former South San Francisco Assemblyman Gene Mullin , first introduced the measure 16 years ago .

Voters rejected Proposition 18, which would have allowed 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they turn 18 before the general election.
Proposition 18, which would have allowed 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they turn 18 before the next general election, was rejected by California voters.
The proposed amendment to the state Constitution would have permitted California to join at least 18 other states that allow some 17-year-olds to cast ballots, including red states such as Kentucky and Mississippi and blue states such as Illinois and Maryland.
Under current California law, residents must be 18 to vote in any election.
The ballot measure was endorsed by the California Democratic Party, along with party leaders Gov. Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Supporters argued that the measure would have helped encourage young Californians to engage in the political process, and provide a real-world understanding of what they learned in high school civics classes.
The California Republican Party opposed Proposition 18, along with the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. Opponents argued that 17-year-olds should not be able to vote on complex tax and bond proposals that will not directly affect them, and they also questioned whether most high school students that age have enough maturity and life experience to take part in an election.
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The Democratic-controlled Legislature voted in June to place Proposition 18 on the ballot.
Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco), one of the authors of the proposed constitutional amendment, said Proposition 18 was a modest effort to expand voting rights in California, because the 17-year-olds eligible to vote were close to 18 anyway. Mullin’s father, former South San Francisco Assemblyman Gene Mullin, first introduced the measure 16 years ago.


latimes--2020-11-03--Black Lives Matter murals defaced in Riverside

Several Black Lives Matter murals in downtown Riverside were defaced Monday , increasing concerns of political tensions on an already tense election day .
The murals appeared to have been marked with large lines of black spray paint , according to footage obtained by OnScene TV .
One mural portrayed Black civil rights icons such as Harriet Tubman , Marsha P. Johnson and James Baldwin , while another showed a Black woman posing as Rosie the Riveter .
A separate tribute to John Lewis , who died in July , also appeared marred by the paint , as did likenesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parks , and a colorful depiction of protesters under the words “ Black Lives Matter.
” The defacement occurred as many Riverside businesses were boarding up windows in anticipation of potential unrest spurred by what has been deemed one of the most consequential elections in American history .
“ It ’ s just unfortunate that people do things like this , especially at a time like this ” said Cosme Cordova , one of the artists who helped organize the painting of the murals over the summer .
Cordova said he and several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtown Tuesday to paint over the vandalism and fix the murals .
“ They ’ re upset but not surprised , ” he said of the artists .
George Floyd , whose death in custody of Minneapolis police officers in May ignited months of protests and peaceful marches across the nation , was also depicted in one of the defaced murals .
But Riverside police spokesman Ryan Railsback said he wasn ’ t sure if the defacement was racially or even politically motivated .
“ I don ’ t think this was targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented , ” Railsback said .
“ Of course we won ’ t know until we talk to the person who did it , but it just looks like somebody was being stupid and decided they just wanted to vandalize anything — like they were walking or riding down the sidewalk , held out their arm and spray painted.
” Others weren ’ t so sure .
In an impassioned post on Facebook , Riverside resident Michael J. Elderman — who is working on a book about the murals — called the graffiti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Reached by phone Tuesday , Elderman pointed out that the defaced murals are only a block away from the site of the planned Civil Rights Institute .
“ It ’ s such a powerful piece of visual and textual information , ” he said of the art , but “ the climate is just so crappy , and so much of this kind of stuff has been enabled by what ’ s going on politically.
” Darren Villegas , one of the murals ’ most prominent artists , said he thought the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he not only saw “ Hitler mustaches ” sprayed onto John Lewis ’ face , but that when he followed the line of black paint to its end , he uncovered a swastika sprayed on an electrical box next to the empty spray can .
He contacted the police and filed an official report , he said .
But Railsback said that he had not received information about swastikas , and that any hate symbols would have to be proven to have been done at the same time as the black line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime .
“ The people who did the art may think so , and we ’ re not saying they can ’ t think that way , but we have to go by what the law says , ” he said .
A property crimes detective is looking into the matter and will search for any surveillance footage that may help identify the perpetrator , Railsback said .
If caught , the charge could be either felony or misdemeanor vandalism , depending on the extent of the damage .
If hate symbols are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , its classification could be changed .
Hate crime or not , Riverside residents said they found the vandalism disquieting .
“ The fact that the kind of person who would deface this type of mural is lurking around is a bit concerning to me , ” said college student Jack Cotterill .
“ However , I ’ ve lived here my entire life , and I know that Riverside is no home to those who foster hatred and bigotry.
” But Villegas and Elderman said that several of the artists were harassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that they used it as motivation to press on .
“ It was oddly kind of similar to what we were painting about , ” Villegas said .
“ We were painting about the Freedom Riders and the story of the Civil Rights Movement , and how despite any opposition they had , they just continued forward with their mission.
” Now , he and several of the other artists are working on a way to turn the “ negative into a positive.
” “ We ’ re going to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment here in Riverside , ” Villegas said , “ and just show that it ’ s not going to stop us , and every time it happens , we ’ re going to redo it , and gain more and more support each time .
”

Several Black Lives Matter murals in downtown Riverside were defaced Monday, increasing concerns of political tensions on an already tense election day.
The murals appeared to have been marked with large lines of black spray paint, according to footage obtained by OnScene TV. One mural portrayed Black civil rights icons such as Harriet Tubman, Marsha P. Johnson and James Baldwin, while another showed a Black woman posing as Rosie the Riveter.
A separate tribute to John Lewis, who died in July, also appeared marred by the paint, as did likenesses of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and a colorful depiction of protesters under the words “Black Lives Matter.”
The defacement occurred as many Riverside businesses were boarding up windows in anticipation of potential unrest spurred by what has been deemed one of the most consequential elections in American history.
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“It’s just unfortunate that people do things like this, especially at a time like this” said Cosme Cordova, one of the artists who helped organize the painting of the murals over the summer.
Cordova said he and several of the artists were preparing to go downtown Tuesday to paint over the vandalism and fix the murals.
“They’re upset but not surprised,” he said of the artists.
George Floyd, whose death in custody of Minneapolis police officers in May ignited months of protests and peaceful marches across the nation, was also depicted in one of the defaced murals.
But Riverside police spokesman Ryan Railsback said he wasn’t sure if the defacement was racially or even politically motivated.
“I don’t think this was targeted at any particular group that the murals represented,” Railsback said. “Of course we won’t know until we talk to the person who did it, but it just looks like somebody was being stupid and decided they just wanted to vandalize anything — like they were walking or riding down the sidewalk, held out their arm and spray painted.”
Others weren’t so sure. In an impassioned post on Facebook, Riverside resident Michael J. Elderman — who is working on a book about the murals — called the graffiti an act of “stupidity and racism.”
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Reached by phone Tuesday, Elderman pointed out that the defaced murals are only a block away from the site of the planned Civil Rights Institute.
“It’s such a powerful piece of visual and textual information,” he said of the art, but “the climate is just so crappy, and so much of this kind of stuff has been enabled by what’s going on politically.”
Darren Villegas, one of the murals’ most prominent artists, said he thought the act was a hate crime. He said he not only saw “Hitler mustaches” sprayed onto John Lewis’ face, but that when he followed the line of black paint to its end, he uncovered a swastika sprayed on an electrical box next to the empty spray can.
He contacted the police and filed an official report, he said.
But Railsback said that he had not received information about swastikas, and that any hate symbols would have to be proven to have been done at the same time as the black line to classify the incident as a hate crime.
“The people who did the art may think so, and we’re not saying they can’t think that way, but we have to go by what the law says,” he said.
A property crimes detective is looking into the matter and will search for any surveillance footage that may help identify the perpetrator, Railsback said. If caught, the charge could be either felony or misdemeanor vandalism, depending on the extent of the damage. If hate symbols are proven to be associated with the act, its classification could be changed.
Hate crime or not, Riverside residents said they found the vandalism disquieting.
“The fact that the kind of person who would deface this type of mural is lurking around is a bit concerning to me,” said college student Jack Cotterill. “However, I’ve lived here my entire life, and I know that Riverside is no home to those who foster hatred and bigotry.”
But Villegas and Elderman said that several of the artists were harassed and yelled at while painting the murals, and that they used it as motivation to press on.
“It was oddly kind of similar to what we were painting about,” Villegas said. “We were painting about the Freedom Riders and the story of the Civil Rights Movement, and how despite any opposition they had, they just continued forward with their mission.”
Now, he and several of the other artists are working on a way to turn the “negative into a positive.”
“We’re going to use this as fuel to launch an anti-racism moment here in Riverside,” Villegas said, “and just show that it’s not going to stop us, and every time it happens, we’re going to redo it, and gain more and more support each time.”


latimes--2020-11-06--Urban planner Nithya Raman unseats Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu

Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu conceded defeat in his race for re-election against urban planner Nithya Raman on Friday , becoming the first council member in 17 years to be ousted by an opponent .
Raman will join the council as it confronts a massive budget shortfall , a growing homelessness crisis and a deadly pandemic , representing a district that takes in Sherman Oaks , Hancock Park , Los Feliz , the Miracle Mile and much of the Hollywood Hills .
In his concession statement , Ryu congratulated Raman on her victory , saying the city would need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems .
He said he was proud of his work on homeless services , anti-poverty programs and creating clean government , while acknowledging “ how difficult it is to implement change in City Hall.
” “ Homelessness , corruption and an eviction crisis can not be solved by any one person alone .
It will take all of our best efforts and good faith to build the future we need in Los Angeles , ” he said .
Raman , 39 , and Councilman-elect Mark Ridley-Thomas , who won the election to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take office Dec. 14 .
Raman ’ s campaign did not immediately comment .
Friday ’ s announcement did not come as a surprise .
Raman maintained more than 52 % of the vote through each of the county ’ s vote-counting updates .
While she and Ryu remained quiet about the state of the race , various council members have been coming forward in recent days to congratulate her on her victory .
Ryu , 45 , was elected in 2015 , running as an outsider against a council aide who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year , however , he found himself having to defend the status quo as council members struggled to address increased homelessness , rising housing costs and criticism over spending at the Los Angeles Police Department .
Raman , who had the endorsement of Bernie Sanders , worked closely with such grassroots activist groups as the Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles and Ground Game L.A. She campaigned on proposals for setting up community access centers for homeless residents and making the Los Angeles Police Department a much smaller , specialized armed force .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent forgiveness plan for L.A. renters that directs cash payments from the city to smaller landlords and provides tax credits for larger ones .
Around 24,000 voters cast ballots in the race five years ago when Ryu won his council seat .
This time around , with L.A. 's election timed to coincide with the presidential race , more than five times as many voters cast ballots in the council race .

Urban planner Nithya Raman, 39, is the first person in 17 years to unseat a member of the L.A. City Council.
Los Angeles City Councilman David Ryu conceded defeat in his race for reelection against urban planner Nithya Raman on Friday, becoming the first council member in 17 years to be ousted by an opponent.
Raman, 39, will join the council as it confronts a massive budget shortfall, a growing homelessness crisis and a deadly pandemic, representing a district that takes in Sherman Oaks, Hancock Park, Los Feliz, the Miracle Mile and much of the Hollywood Hills.
In a statement, Raman thanked Ryu for his work on the council, saying she hoped to build on his efforts. She said her campaign was the product of “energized people who were just realizing their power to shape the city” and “organizers and movement leaders who have been fighting for a better L.A. for years.”
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“The crises facing Los Angeles are vast but hopefully not insurmountable,” she said. “We are excited to build off of the policies we campaigned on, and get to work.”
Raman campaigned on proposals for setting up community access centers for homeless residents and making the Los Angeles Police Department a much smaller, specialized armed force. She also promoted a rent forgiveness plan that would deliver cash payments to smaller landlords and tax credits for larger ones.
The Silver Lake resident worked closely with an array of leftist activist groups, including the Democratic Socialists of America-Los Angeles and Ground Game L.A., and secured the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Ryu, 45, was elected in 2015, running as an outsider and a reformer who declined to accept donations from real estate developers. This year, however, he found himself having to defend the status quo as council members struggled to address increased homelessness, rising housing costs and criticism over spending at the Los Angeles Police Department.
In his concession statement, Councilman David Ryu congratulated Raman on her victory and said the city would need to come together to overcome its problems. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
In his concession statement, Ryu congratulated Raman on her victory and said the city would need to come together to overcome its various problems. He said he was proud of his work building affordable housing and approving campaign finance measures, but acknowledged that it had been difficult to “implement change in City Hall.”
“Homelessness, corruption and an eviction crisis cannot be solved by any one person alone. It will take all of our best efforts and good faith to build the future we need in Los Angeles,” he said.
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Raman and Councilman-elect Mark Ridley-Thomas, who won the election to represent a Koreatown-to-Crenshaw district, are scheduled to take office Dec. 14.
About 24,000 voters cast ballots in the race five years ago when Ryu won his council seat. This time around, with L.A.’s election timed to coincide with the presidential race, more than five times as many voters cast ballots in the council race.
Friday’s announcement did not come as a surprise. Raman maintained more than 52% of the vote through each of the county’s vote-counting updates. While she and Ryu remained quiet about the state of the race, various council members have been coming forward in recent days to congratulate her.
Council President Nury Martinez said she was excited to have “a third woman of color join this council.”
Once Raman takes office, women will occupy three of the council’s 15 seats — 20% of the total.


latimes--2020-11-06--SoCalGas should be fined $255 million for fighting climate action, watchdog says

The consumer watchdog arm of the California Public Utilities Commission has recommended the nation ’ s largest gas company be fined $ 255 million for trying to block energy efficiency rules and local gas bans , actions critics say were inappropriately funded by ratepayer dollars and designed to subvert efforts to fight climate change .
Southern California Gas Co. said that it did nothing wrong and that no fines are warranted .
The monopoly utility company , a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy , said it has a strong track record supporting energy efficiency and has opposed only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs for its customers .
As the climate crisis produces bigger wildfires and hotter heat waves , the company ’ s actions have become a political flashpoint .
In a letter to SoCalGas Chief Executive Scott Drury last week , Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D-Calif. ) and Rep. Nanette Barragán ( D-San Pedro ) said actions uncovered by California ’ s consumer watchdog “ paint a clear and deeply concerning portrait of SoCalGas ’ attempts to systematically undermine greenhouse gas reduction targets.
” The company ’ s efforts are also part of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas .
The fuel burns more cleanly than coal and has played a big role in reducing U.S. emissions , but climate activists argue it must now be phased out if humanity is to avoid the worst effects of rising temperatures .
The debate will only intensify if Joe Biden , who campaigned on a platform of 100 % clean electricity by 2035 , maintains his lead over President Trump in the election .
“ Southern California Gas customers have invested in infrastructure that today provides affordable , reliable energy to 22 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to be , an indispensable tool in the transition to an integrated , renewable-powered energy system , ” the company said in a series of tweets responding to the letter from Feinstein and Barragán .
Clean energy advocates disagree .
And they ’ ve found a powerful ally in California ’ s Public Advocates Office , which for three years has been scrutinizing the gas company ’ s use of ratepayer dollars .
In a briefing filed Thursday , the consumer watchdog detailed several actions by SoCalGas that it said warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules requiring more efficient water heaters and furnaces and advocacy against local building codes that limit gas hookups .
All those actions were funded at least in part by the company ’ s 22 million customers , the watchdog said .
In California , monopoly utilities can spend shareholder money in any way they want .
But they ’ re required to spend ratepayer money exclusively on programs that benefit ratepayers , such as efficiency programs that help customers reduce energy use .
“ SoCalGas ’ blatant violations of Commission decisions that undermine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health policies and goals are calculated business decisions , ” the briefing said .
“ SoCalGas is willing to make these decisions because it views the benefits of preserving its profitability as outweighing the risks of possible repercussions imposed by the Commission.
” The Public Advocates Office cited 10 different actions dating back to 2014 , recommending fines as high as $ 75,000 a day that collectively add up to $ 255.3 million .
The watchdog said it could have requested larger penalties under state law but reduced its recommendations by 25 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct and immediate physical harm.
” The lack of physical harm doesn ’ t change the seriousness of the company ’ s actions , the watchdog said .
It calculated that a proposed federal efficiency standard for gas furnaces — which was opposed by SoCalGas and ultimately not implemented by the Trump administration — would have prevented between $ 259 million and $ 1.2 billion a year in climate damage .
But in its own briefing filed Thursday to the Public Utilities Commission , SoCalGas said it has a “ long history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prudent stewardship of ratepayer funds , and of achieving aggressive environmental goals of the State of California.
” The company said the actions outlined by the consumer watchdog are “ only a small part ” of its overall work on energy efficiency , which it said has helped to avert nearly 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over two decades .
It ’ s up to the five members of the Public Utilities Commission to decide whether to fine SoCalGas and how large the fine should be .
The Public Advocates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the utilities commission .
SoCalGas also argued that it ’ s required to support efficiency rules only if they would reduce costs for customers , which , in the utility ’ s estimation , the proposed furnace rule and several others would not .
The company said it has “ the right and responsibility to study and share its perspectives on rules and regulations that impact its customers.
” The Public Advocates Office and the Sierra Club , which has at times partnered with the watchdog in pressing for scrutiny of SoCalGas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas company is looking out for its bottom line .
A 2014 presentation prepared for the utility ’ s senior management team , for instance , warned that a stricter efficiency standard for gas water heaters could cost the company up to $ 17 million a year , stating , “ We are taking aggressive steps to address the proposed changes.
” The same year , a SoCalGas manager emailed officials at an industry trade group about a proposed federal efficiency rule for water haters , describing a “ dilemma ” over how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two masters.
” “ My dilemma is that I also have to play nice in the sandbox here on Mars because we have mandates to move this stuff forward based on funding so in effect , I live [ in ] two worlds .
I would love to get some feedback from you on good ways for me to bridge between my two masters , ” the gas company manager wrote .
SoCalGas countered that the Public Advocates Office and the Sierra Club are “ relying on selected quotes contained in company emails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents that show the gas company looking out for customers ’ best interests .
More broadly , the company has argued it wants to help California fight climate change , just through different means than those preferred by activists .
Instead of encouraging or requiring people to switch from gas to electric heating and cooking , SoCalGas has proposed replacing some of the natural gas that runs through its pipelines with cleaner fuels such as renewable gas or hydrogen .
“ SoCalGas has been and will continue to be a partner in reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the utility wrote this week .
This summer , SoCalGas sued the California Energy Commission , arguing that officials are flouting a law requiring them to consider the role gas might play in reducing emissions .
The Public Advocates Office discovered last year that the company used ratepayer funds to help create a self-styled grass-roots advocacy group called Californians for Balanced Energy Solutions , although it later agreed to charge shareholders for the work instead .
SoCalGas also funds national trade groups that advocate gas use .
In another ongoing dispute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five-member commission to force SoCalGas to respond to a subpoena ordering the company to give the consumer watchdog access to its accounting system .
Commission staff rejected a SoCalGas argument that its 1st Amendment rights to free speech and free association were being violated .
SoCalGas made a similar argument this week to support its case against financial penalties .
To punish the company for opposing energy efficiency rules , SoCalGas wrote , “ has potential First Amendment implications for prohibiting a utility ’ s free speech .
”

Southern California Gas Co. has said it did nothing wrong in opposing energy efficiency rules that it said would raise energy costs for its customers.
The consumer watchdog arm of the California Public Utilities Commission has recommended the nation’s largest gas company be fined $255 million for trying to block energy efficiency rules and local gas bans, actions critics say were inappropriately funded by ratepayer dollars and designed to subvert efforts to fight climate change.
Southern California Gas Co. said that it did nothing wrong and that no fines are warranted. The monopoly utility company, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, said it has a strong track record supporting energy efficiency and has opposed only a handful of rules that would raise energy costs for its customers.
As the climate crisis produces bigger wildfires and hotter heat waves, the company’s actions have become a political flashpoint.
In a letter to SoCalGas Chief Executive Scott Drury last week, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro) said actions uncovered by California’s consumer watchdog “paint a clear and deeply concerning portrait of SoCalGas’ attempts to systematically undermine greenhouse gas reduction targets.”
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The company’s efforts are also part of a nationwide debate over the future of natural gas.
The fuel burns more cleanly than coal and has played a big role in reducing U.S. emissions, but climate activists argue it must now be phased out if humanity is to avoid the worst effects of rising temperatures. The debate will only intensify if Joe Biden, who campaigned on a platform of 100% clean electricity by 2035, maintains his lead over President Trump in the election.
“Southern California Gas customers have invested in infrastructure that today provides affordable, reliable energy to 22 million people. That infrastructure is, and will continue to be, an indispensable tool in the transition to an integrated, renewable-powered energy system,” the company said in a series of tweets responding to the letter from Feinstein and Barragán.
Clean energy advocates disagree. And they’ve found a powerful ally in California’s Public Advocates Office, which for three years has been scrutinizing the gas company’s use of ratepayer dollars.
In a briefing filed Thursday, the consumer watchdog detailed several actions by SoCalGas that it said warrant significant fines, including efforts to block rules requiring more efficient water heaters and furnaces and advocacy against local building codes that limit gas hookups. All those actions were funded at least in part by the company’s 22 million customers, the watchdog said.
In California, monopoly utilities can spend shareholder money in any way they want. But they’re required to spend ratepayer money exclusively on programs that benefit ratepayers, such as efficiency programs that help customers reduce energy use.
“SoCalGas’ blatant violations of Commission decisions that undermine state energy, environmental, and public health policies and goals are calculated business decisions,” the briefing said. “SoCalGas is willing to make these decisions because it views the benefits of preserving its profitability as outweighing the risks of possible repercussions imposed by the Commission.”
A Southern California Gas Co. pipeline runs through the desert toward Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
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The Public Advocates Office cited 10 different actions dating back to 2014, recommending fines as high as $75,000 a day that collectively add up to $255.3 million. The watchdog said it could have requested larger penalties under state law but reduced its recommendations by 25% because SoCalGas didn’t cause “direct and immediate physical harm.”
The lack of physical harm doesn’t change the seriousness of the company’s actions, the watchdog said. It calculated that a proposed federal efficiency standard for gas furnaces — which was opposed by SoCalGas and ultimately not implemented by the Trump administration — would have prevented between $259 million and $1.2 billion a year in climate damage.
Climate & Environment California ditched coal. The gas company is worried it’s next Southern California Gas is engaged in a wide-ranging campaign to preserve the role of its pipelines in powering society.
Gas company spokesman Chris Gilbride said in an email that the Public Advocates Office’s claims “are demonstrably wrong and their request for penalties does not have merit. SoCalGas should not be discouraged from raising concerns about the affordability of proposed rules that would disproportionately drive up costs for our customers.”
In its own briefing filed Thursday to the Public Utilities Commission, SoCalGas said it has a “long history of supporting energy efficiency in California, of prudent stewardship of ratepayer funds, and of achieving aggressive environmental goals of the State of California.” The company said the actions outlined by the consumer watchdog are “only a small part” of its overall work on energy efficiency, which it said has helped to avert nearly 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over two decades.
It’s up to the five members of the Public Utilities Commission to decide whether to fine SoCalGas and how large the fine should be. The Public Advocates Office is an independent watchdog organization within the utilities commission.
SoCalGas also argued that it’s required to support efficiency rules only if they would reduce costs for customers, which, in the utility’s estimation, the proposed furnace rule and several others would not. The company said it has “the right and responsibility to study and share its perspectives on rules and regulations that impact its customers.”
The Public Advocates Office and the Sierra Club, which has at times partnered with the watchdog in pressing for scrutiny of SoCalGas, have cited internal documents as evidence the gas company is looking out for its bottom line.
A 2014 presentation prepared for the utility’s senior management team, for instance, warned that a stricter efficiency standard for gas water heaters could cost the company up to $17 million a year, stating, “We are taking aggressive steps to address the proposed changes.” The same year, a SoCalGas manager emailed officials at an industry trade group about a proposed federal efficiency rule for water heaters, describing a “dilemma” over how to balance the demands of her “two masters.”
“My dilemma is that I also have to play nice in the sandbox here on Mars because we have mandates to move this stuff forward based on funding so in effect, I live [in] two worlds. I would love to get some feedback from you on good ways for me to bridge between my two masters,” the gas company manager wrote.
SoCalGas countered that the Public Advocates Office and the Sierra Club are “relying on selected quotes contained in company emails” and ignoring the parts of those documents that show the gas company looking out for customers’ best interests.
Southern California Gas Co.’s Aliso Canyon storage facility sprung a massive leak in 2015. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
More broadly, the company has argued it wants to help California fight climate change, just through different means than those preferred by activists. Instead of encouraging or requiring people to switch from gas to electric heating and cooking, SoCalGas has proposed replacing some of the natural gas that runs through its pipelines with cleaner fuels such as renewable gas or hydrogen.
“SoCalGas has been and will continue to be a partner in reaching California’s ambitious climate goals,” the utility wrote this week.
Critics are skeptical.
This summer, SoCalGas sued the California Energy Commission, arguing that officials are flouting a law requiring them to consider the role gas might play in reducing emissions. The Public Advocates Office discovered last year that the company used ratepayer funds to help create a self-styled grass-roots advocacy group called Californians for Balanced Energy Solutions, although it later agreed to charge shareholders for the work instead. SoCalGas also funds national trade groups that advocate gas use.
In another ongoing dispute, utilities commission staff last month advised the five-member commission to force SoCalGas to respond to a subpoena ordering the company to give the consumer watchdog access to its accounting system. Commission staff rejected a SoCalGas argument that its 1st Amendment rights to free speech and free association were being violated.
SoCalGas made a similar argument this week to support its case against financial penalties. To punish the company for opposing energy efficiency rules, SoCalGas wrote, “has potential First Amendment implications for prohibiting a utility’s free speech.”


latimes--2020-11-06--One injured when helicopter carrying donated heart crashes on top of Keck Hospital of USC

A pilot was hospitalized with minor injuries Friday afternoon after a helicopter crashed near the helipad on top of Keck Hospital of USC , fire officials said .
Two people onboard said they had no medical complaints and declined treatment from paramedics , said Margaret Stewart , a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Fire Department .
In a statement , officials with Keck Hospital of USC said that nobody around or inside the hospital was injured and that patient care was not disrupted .
Norfolk Street between Soto Street and San Pablo Street is closed as officials investigate .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on the helipad , ” LAFD said in a news alert at 3:18 p.m. Friday .
“ There does not appear to be a significant fuel leak.
” The aircraft , a private eight-seat helicopter ambulance registered to Prime Healthcare Air Transportation of Ontario , was carrying a donated heart to the hospital .
The organ was undamaged and given to hospital staff at the scene , LAFD officials said .
Just a couple of hours after the crash , the heart was being transplanted into a patient , said Meg Aldrich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USC .
“ It ’ s actually an amazing story , ” she said .
By about 5:15 p.m. , two firetrucks with their lights on were still parked outside the Keck hospital .
Javier Chamorro , 59 , of Huntington Park was standing outside the hospital waiting for his son to pick him up .
He said he was on the second floor inside the building about to do a breathing exercise when he heard a loud noise .
“ The building shook , ” he said .
“ I thought it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 minutes later , he learned from a hospital employee that the loud noise and shaking was from a helicopter that had crashed on the building ’ s helipad .
Chamorro said he was scared .
Terry Williams , a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board , said the agency will investigate the crash and is just beginning to gather information about what happened .
The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating .

A pilot was hospitalized with minor injuries Friday afternoon after a helicopter crashed near the helipad on top of Keck Hospital of USC, fire officials said.
Two people onboard said they had no medical complaints and declined treatment from paramedics, said Margaret Stewart, a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
In a statement, officials with Keck Hospital of USC said that nobody around or inside the hospital was injured and that patient care was not disrupted. Norfolk Street between Soto Street and San Pablo Street is closed as officials investigate.
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“The aircraft is stable on its side, on the helipad,” LAFD said in a news alert at 3:18 p.m. Friday. “There does not appear to be a significant fuel leak.”
The aircraft, a private eight-seat helicopter ambulance registered to Prime Healthcare Air Transportation of Ontario, was carrying a donated heart to the hospital. The organ was undamaged and given to hospital staff at the scene, LAFD officials said.
Just a couple of hours after the crash, the heart was being transplanted into a patient, said Meg Aldrich, a spokeswoman for Keck Hospital of USC.
“It’s actually an amazing story,” she said.
By about 5:15 p.m., two firetrucks with their lights on were still parked outside the Keck hospital.
Javier Chamorro, 59, of Huntington Park was standing outside the hospital waiting for his son to pick him up. He said he was on the second floor inside the building about to do a breathing exercise when he heard a loud noise.
“The building shook,” he said. “I thought it was an earthquake.”
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Chamorro said that 15 minutes later, he learned from a hospital employee that the loud noise and shaking was from a helicopter that had crashed on the building’s helipad.
Chamorro said he was scared.
Terry Williams, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, said the agency will investigate the crash and is just beginning to gather information about what happened. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.
Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.