Recall Deadline for Kingsburg’s Hurtado Approaching

Supporters of a recall of Kingsburg City Councilwoman Jewel Hurtado have until Monday to turn in 354 signatures. Organizers say they will meet their goal.

“It’s going well,” Lance Jackson — a recall supporter — told Politics 101. He expects his group to turn in more than 400 signatures from Kingsburg’s District 1.

Signature gathering will continue this weekend, proponents say.

“You can’t have too many (signatures),” Jackson said.

In the notice of intent, recall proponents say Hurtado “demonstrated a Marxist/socialist agenda in her activities and actions, which do not represent her constituency.”

Her attempt to have the Gay Pride flag flown from City Hall was not listed as a reason, but Hurtado’s supporters say that is the real motivation behind the recall.

Also not mentioned in the petition is Hurtado’s pending court date for a June 21 DUI arrest. Hurtado is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on Oct. 15.

If the signatures are verified,  a recall election would be scheduled. It could happen as late as March 2022. Hurtado, first elected in 2018, is up for re-election November 2022.

A message left for Hurtado was not returned by time of publication.

Stand with Jewel – No on Recall!
We’ve been with @jewelhurtado_ when she ran for office, and we are with her now. She is an inspiring, progressive leader in the valley! pic.twitter.com/GWQJxe5N6e

— Daniel O’Connell (@agdemocracy) September 18, 2021

Also in Politics 101: 

• GOP Friction for 2022 election?
• Soria wins leadership post.

GOP Friction on 2022 Election?

Could there be friction between former President Donald Trump and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, when it comes to re-electing certain Republicans like David Valadao, R-Hanford?

CNN explored the possible angst, noting that McCarthy’s Take Back the House 2022 PAC gave $100,000 to half of the 10 House Republicans who voted for impeachment in January — including Valadao.

Six challengers have filed fundraising paperwork with the FEC for Valadao’s seat. Among them: Delano Mayor Bryan Osorio, former Sen. Dianne Feinstein staffer Angel Lara, former Assemblywoman Nicole Parra — all Democrats — and former Fresno City Councilman Chris Mathys, a challenger from the right.

The story reports that McCarthy and his allies have asked Trump to stay out of the Valadao race.

Mathys told CNN that he is seeking Trump’s endorsement, but he has not heard back from the former president.

Parra is set for a fundraiser on Sept. 29 in Los Angeles, hosted by former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

While a bunch of 25 year old candidates are busy getting twitter retweets, @Parra4Congress continues to build support and endorsements for her Congressional run. @dccc needs to back her. Fundraiser hosted by @AVillaraigosa. @MiguelArias_D3 @tavlian @nathan4fresno @JuanEsparzaLoer pic.twitter.com/i7FWKWYUNo

— Fresno Political News (@fresnonewsp) September 21, 2021

Related Story: Democrat Cox Says 2nd Rematch With GOP’s Valadao Depends on Redistricting

Soria Wins Latino Leadership Post

Esmeralda Soria

Fresno City Councilwoman Esmeralda Soria was elected president of the League of California Cities Latino Caucus at the group’s meeting on Thursday.

The two-term councilwoman has long been involved in the league’s activities.

“As we continue to fight this pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted Latino working families, we must remember that the next legislative session will be critical to ensure there is equity in the economic recovery of Latinos in our communities,” Soria said in an email statement. “I look forward to working with my colleagues across this state to ensure that Latino families are at the table in shaping the policy that will impact our future. We must continue to work together as a collective voice to demand what we deserve.”