Democrats Link Valadao to QAnon in TV Ad. Is It True?

Not even a vote for impeachment by Republican Congressman David Valadao satisfied Democrats.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has been running TV ads against the Hanford congressman in both English and Spanish. DCCC is also running ads against Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Palmdale.

They blame him for supporting U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, linking her support of conspiracy-minded QAnon and the Jan. 6 Capitol riots.

“Reps. Garcia and Valadao have made their choice — they chose to cave to the murderous QAnon mob that has taken over their party,” said DCCC Chair Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York. “Garcia and Valadao are trying to have it both ways – refusing to hold those responsible for the attack on the Capitol accountable, offering nothing but empty words after years of hyping up lies and conspiracy theories.”

While Valadao voted in favor of impeaching Trump, he voted against punishing Greene by stripping her committee assignments.

“David Valadao should have stood with us. But he was a coward. Congressman David Valadao stood with ‘Q,’ not you,” the ad says.

According to FCC documents, DCCC paid Univision 21 $5,550 for six spots; ABC 30 $4,150 for nine spots; CBS 47 $2,300 for 10 spots; and KSEE-24 $1,900 for nine spots, all airing in February.

Also in Politics 101: 

• Republicans react to DCCC ad.
• Sarah Silverman wants to save Tower Theatre.
• So does Audra McDonald.
• New law would make remote participation permanent.

Republicans React

Valadao’s office deferred comment to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

“House Democrats are so scared of David Valadao that they’re lighting donor money on fire by peddling a disinformation campaign that has been fact-checked false by multiple news outlets,” NRCC spokeswoman Torunn Sinclair said. “Central Valley voters are sick and tired of the lies they’re hearing from House Democrats, which is why they elected David Valadao and sent corrupt tax cheat TJ Cox packing in 2020.”

Is Silverman’s Tower Tweet Wishful Thinking?

While the Adventure Church waits to close escrow on its purchase of the Tower Theatre, a Hollywood celebrity tweeted her thoughts.

Entertainer Sarah Silverman, best known for her foul-mouthed performances, is encouraging her celebrity friends to “scoop” the church and buy the theater.

It is likely too little, too late. The real estate broker for the deal tells Politics 101 that escrow is still expected to close next week. Neither Silverman nor anyone from Hollywood has made any inquiries.

When a property is in escrow, the seller cannot legally consider any other bids.

Entertainer Sarah Silverman tweeted opposition to a church purchasing the Tower Theatre (Image: Shutterstock)

Supporters Celebrate

Days later, Fresno native and entertainment superstar Audra McDonald followed Silverman’s message.

“My hometown. I practically spent every day of my childhood across the street from this theater. The Tower district is one of the most iconic districts and yes one of the most LGBTQ friendly districts in Fresno. It holds such a special place in my heart and it must be saved,” McDonald said.

My hometown. I practically spent every day of my childhood across the street from this theater. The Tower district is one of the most iconic districts and yes one of the most LGBTQ friendly districts in Fresno. It holds such a special place in my heart and it must be saved. https://t.co/IMNP5CMk6D

— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) February 10, 2021

Tower supporters celebrated Silverman’s message of support.

Protesters of the church sale have been engaging in demonstrations across the street from the Tower Theatre every Sunday morning since early January.

Until two weeks ago, the church held in-person prayer. The city fined the church $250 and the owners of the theater twice for a total of $750 for violating zoning and pandemic emergency orders.

Silverman also called Adventure Church “anti-LGBT,” an allegation Pastor Anthony Flores has denied.

There is no resolution yet between the church and the city, if rezoning is needed to hold church services. Adventure Church believes they are allowed to hold events under a federal law protecting religious institutions from certain zoning matters.

The city insists that Tower Theatre isn’t zoned for religious assembly.

Whoa. This is a very unexpected but highly appreciated boost for our community’s efforts. Thank you! 💕🤘

— Derek Payton (@dmpayton) February 9, 2021

Law Would Make Remote Participation Option Permanent

A proposed law would permanently allow the public to attend government meetings remotely.

Since the pandemic, the council chambers at Fresno City Hall and other houses of government have been closed to the public. Meetings have taken place remotely, with both elected leaders and the public participating through video teleconferencing.

The rules for public meetings changed during the pandemic, thanks to state orders from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Assemblymembers Alex Lee, D-San Jose, and Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, introduced the California Public Participation Act to continue remote public participation after the state emergency orders are lifted.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in public participation and political engagement with online teleconferencing options,” Lee said in a news release. “It’s also important that we have options for people to engage in-person or through a call-based option for those that don’t have access to reliable internet.”

While Fresno City Council meetings have been online only for most of the pandemic, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meetings have been open and in-person. The only option for the public to comment and not be present is to send an email to the board clerk prior to the meeting.