It's doubtful that President Donald Trump and California lieutenant governor and top gubernatorial vote-getter Gavin Newsom agree on anything. But as CALmatter's Dan Walters writes in his June 7 column, both men got their wish in Tuesday's election: John Cox advanced to the November gubernatorial runoff. Walters offers his analysis that...
GOP Choice: Cox as Loss Leader or Anyone But Gavin?
If you aren’t one of the 45,000-plus Fresno County voters who have already turned in their ballots, tomorrow is Election Day. A few observations about the candidates and campaigns: Gubernatorial Race The candidates believe the Central Valley is worth visiting multiple times. Antonio Villaraigosa has been here more than 50 (I...
Newsom: I Will Appoint Valley Reps to UC, CSU Boards as Gov
Gavin Newsom found a receptive audience at the Teamsters 431 hall in Fresno on Friday (June 1) afternoon. Speaking to about 100 supporters, Newsom played the hits: gun control, immigrant rights and fighting Donald Trump. The lieutenant governor vowed to increase Valley representation on state boards, including those overseeing the...
How State Superintendent Candidates Differ on the Issues
The state superintendent of public instruction plays a big role in the education of millions of children and young adults. And in Tuesday's primary election, voters will cast votes for the successor to Tom Torlakson, who is termed out. Tuck vs. Thurmond The two leading candidates are school reform/charter schools...
Villaraigosa Gets Backing From Fresno Police Chief Dyer
Antonio Villaraigosa is banking on the Fresno police chief’s popularity to push his campaign beyond the June 5 primary. On Tuesday (May 29), Chief Jerry Dyer endorsed the Democratic former mayor of Los Angeles for governor. Polls show Villaraigosa, a Democrat, running neck and neck with Republican John Cox to...
Villaraigosa Gets Backing From Conservative Fresno Police Chief
Antonio Villaraigosa is banking on the Fresno police chief’s popularity to push his campaign beyond the June 5 primary. On Tuesday (May 29), Chief Jerry Dyer endorsed the Democratic former mayor of Los Angeles for governor. Polls show Villaraigosa, a Democrat, running neck and neck with Republican John Cox to...
Will Brand Be Kingmaker in Council Races?
Mayor Lee Brand is taking an active role in the Fresno City Council races. Tate Hill is the latest candidate to receive the mayor's blessing. Brand sent a fundraising email Thursday on Hill’s behalf, asking donors to contribute to the campaign of the District 3 candidate. “I need a council...
Outgunned, Franco Hopes Issues Lead to Primary Success
Ricardo Franco’s underdog status doesn’t concern him. He’s too busy campaigning. Franco is one of three Democrats in the 22nd Congressional District race. Republican Devin Nunes occupies the seat, running for re-election. Nunes holds a distinct name recognition, fundraising and party registration advantage. In the Top-Two primary system, 34-year-old Franco hopes...
Temperance Flat Blocked. No Help to Salmon, State Rules.
To say that figuring out the state funding formula for the proposed Temperance Flat dam is complicated is an understatement. But the reason for the state's decision to award just $171 million for the $2.6 billion project is crystal clear. The California Water Commission determined that the dam wouldn't help spring-run Chinook...
GOP Voters, Who Do You Like: Cox or Allen?
Who will be No. 2? While Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom is the strong front-runner for governor in the June 5 primary, based on numerous polls, the race for who will finish second is wide open. The top two finishers, regardless of political party, face each other in the November general election....