The election for California’s next governor will run through Fresno State.

The Western Growers Association has invited several candidates to a Wednesday, April 1, forum at the Resnick Student Center at Fresno State. The event starts at noon and is scheduled to last 90 minutes.

Six candidates have confirmed attendance: former federal Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton, former Rep. Katie Porter, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The focus is affordability and rural California.

Candidates who polled at 3% in a RealClearPolitics poll as of March 1 made the invitation cut.

Becerra, Porter, Mahan and Villaraigosa are Democrats; Bianco and Hilton are Republicans.

Two other candidates, Rep. Eric Swalwell and billionaire Tom Steyer, have also been invited. Both are Democrats.

The public is invited but must register.

The format, according to co-sponsor The Maddy Institute, will include two-minute opening statements followed by one hour of questions from the yet-to-be-determined moderator. Candidates will also have a two-minute closing statement.

Several other agriculture groups are co-hosting the event.

Sahota in Flyer Flap

Fresno County Supervisor District 4 candidate Nick Sahota is advertising a fundraiser Friday with “esteemed guests” Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua, Fresno City Councilmember Brandon Vang, and Central Unified trustee Naindeep Singh.

All three told Politics 101 they have not endorsed Sahota, a Selma Unified trustee and CEO of Central Valley Engineering and Surveying.

Including images on a flyer would normally indicate support. Sahota, speaking to Politics 101, differentiated between being invited and offering support.

“That does not mean an endorsement. They are my friends from a long time ago. That’s why I have them on it,” Sahota said.

Mouanoutoua is listed as endorsing another candidate, former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.

Sahota said he had permission to use their names and pictures. Vang disputed that he gave permission. Another version of the flyer removed Vang.

Singh told Politics 101 he plans to attend.

Others in the race to succeed Buddy Mendes — who is not running for re-election — include Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran, Huron Mayor Rey Leon, and tax auditor Charlie Soto.

“I’m a modest guy, and I believe in the Central Valley. I believe in our people, and I believe that we’re working for the whole community. I don’t want to be part of the political games,” Sahota said.

Arambula Appears at Legislative Hearing

Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, appeared at the the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee hearing Tuesday, discussing oversight of his 2019 bill, AB 658 — legislation on water management. Arambula missed a news conference on Monday with no explanation.

Last week, GV Wire reported Arambula missed a month of work earlier this year while he was in rehab.

Arambula’s office said the hearing was “part of Speaker Robert Rivas’ first-of-its-kind Outcomes Review project launched this year to assess and improve laws aimed at delivering results.”

The hearing reviewed the bill that created temporary five-year permits to divert water for groundwater storage during years of heavy rain, Arambula’s office said.

“We’ve seen some progress, but more work needs to be done. We know California has experienced severe droughts and that we must increase efforts to prepare for them and bolster our groundwater storage. I look forward to further discussions to maximize water flow to aquifers so that we can reach sustainability and ensure ample water resources for communities, agriculture, and businesses,” Arambula said in a news release.

Politicker …

Several candidates will appear tonight for a candidate forum starting at 6 p.m. at Bicentennial Park in Clovis. Former congressional candidate Kevin Cookingham will moderate. The organizer, The Fresno Magazine/Clovis Magazine, said to bring a lawn chair.

Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Minnie Santillan to the Sacramento County Fair Board. She is a veteran Democratic Party consultant, legislative staffer, and a Fresno State alumna.

Rob Fuentes has officially qualified to run for Fresno City Council District 1. The State Center trustee and federal prosecutor is one of four candidates running to succeed Annalisa Perea, who is running for state Assembly.

Several Republican state legislators are demanding Gov. Gavin Newsom replace the California Board of Parole Hearings commissioners and have launched a petition. The lawmakers, including Assemblymember David Tangipa, R-Clovis, called out the board granting parole of convicted child molester David Allen Funston.