Eduardo Garcia, Absentee Father, Family Man?

Garcia exchanges political career to become family man?

One full week after longtime Democratic Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia left voters to figure out for themselves that he would not seek reelection for his final term — and for days dodged reporters’ questions —Garcia issued a statement, painting himself as a family man wannabe.

His prepared statement in part states that, “Next year will mark ten years of service in the State Assembly. Ten years of delivering for our constituents. Also, ten years of commuting to Sacramento Mondays through Thursdays or Fridays – away from my family. My son was ten, and my daughter was only a few months old as I held her in my arms to take my oath of office. He is now a talented, creative young adult, and she is now a smart, charismatic nine-year-old. I can’t count the number of basketball games and back-to-school nights I’ve missed in this vocation. My daughter would be ready to enter her teens if I stayed for the full duration of the Legislature’s term limits. Ultimately, I want to be present for more of these precious moments with them.”

It’s not clear whether he wrote it or if his political consultant did.

You may read his entire statement here: https://a36.asmdc.org/press-releases/20231215-assemblymember-eduardo-garcia-announces-final-year-state-assembly

With his political career seemingly in shambles, the real question is, does his statement hold water?

Keep in mind that in late 2021, after the state’s latest redistricting process, the politically ambitious Garcia considered a run for Congress in a redrawn district now represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz. He raised no family concerns then.

But Garcia ultimately decided to seek another term in the redrawn Assembly District 36, which includes Coachella, Indio, all of Imperial County and a sliver of eastern San Bernardino County. He won re-election against Republican Ian Weeks with 53.4% of the vote.

And, rarely, if ever does he mention his children, especially his son.

The timing of his statement on Friday also followed a failed attempt at embarrassing Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. An editorial published online by the Desert Review falsely claimed Perez was stepping away from his duties on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

Did Garcia plant that seed? The Desert Review Publisher Lloyd Miller and Garcia are certainly on friendly terms. Garia recognized the publication its 10th Anniversary a few years ago: https://www.facebook.com/thedesertreview/photos/a.175430769139697/3955816767767726/?type=3

Is it so far-fetched that Garcia honored the publication, then Miller writes an editorial saying Garcia is the logical choice to replace Perez? The second-term supervisor wasted no time in demanding a retraction of the editorial.

He also denounced the actions of those behind the political plot.

“While news of political musical chairs allows for speculation from some ill will and bad faith politically motivated individuals to conduct devious succession planning, rest assured that does not involve me as I am nowhere near ready to stop serving the residents of the Fourth District and those throughout the county,” Perez said in a statement.

So, Garcia is out as a congressman, did not file for re-election in the state Assembly and any hopes of becoming the Fourth District Supervisor are dashed — at least for now, perhaps ever?

So, he is suddenly portraying himself as a family man?

Does anyone find that disingenuous?

Consider that in 2005, Garcia was arrested on a felony charge of domestic violence, misdemeanor child endangerment, and possession of marijuana, according to The Desert Sun. The complaint alleges that the incident occurred in front of his child, which led to the child endangerment charge.

Was he sentenced? There is no resolution reported in the local newspaper archives.

Brooke Beare, Public Information Officer for the Riverside County District Attorney’s office told Uken Report, “I am looking into it and will let you know what I find out.”

Uken Report asked Garcia about the domestic violence charge when during his 2018 campaign. He refused to answer that question and all others.

Fast forward to 2012, his new father-in-law, Roger Farson, puts Garcia’s and his wife’s house in his name (Farson). Some speculate to hide assets as the house that he lives in was originally in Eddie’s dad’s name.

Fast forward to September 2018, the Riverside County Department of Child Support Services had placed a judgment against him for being a deadbeat dad to the child he endangered back in 2005.  He just got the release of the judgement in 2022.  This happened while he was an Assemblymember.

Keep in mind that from December 6, 2021, members of the California State Legislature receive an annual salary of $119,702.

So, the county, that he once had hopes of leading as supervisor, if Perez steps down, had to sue him for back child support while he was making more than $100,000 a year.

Are these the precious moments to which Garcia is referring in his statement?

Is this the definition of a family man?