As we head into the closing weeks leading up to the June 5 primary, some political cheap shots have been volleyed and they ended up in this week’s political notebook. They might sting a bit as they land but nothing fatal has been lobbed – yet, anyway.

A couple of political events happened this past week that are worth noting. The Riverside County Fourth District Supervisors race will be decided June 5 so much of the energy is focused there.

2018-05-09-Harnik-CallOutSome Democrats thought they had Jan Harnik in their crosshairs in her challenge to Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel “Manny” Perez. They circulated a photo of Harnik appearing at Gov. Jerry Brown’s news conference in Riverside in April 2017.

Brown happened to be pushing Senate Bill 1, which was projected to generate $52.4 billion over 10 years by increasing the gas tax by 12 cents, diesel taxes by 20 cents and hiking the vehicle license fees.

Harnik is in the background. Some Democrats concluded that she was there to support it. But as Paul Harvey used to say, “Now for the rest of the story.”

“Jan did attend the rally,” said Jim Nygren, Harnik’s political consultant. “However, it was at the invitation of Supervisor John Tavaglione who wanted to use the opportunity to personally introduce Jan to the Governor.  At that point, Jan was still up for consideration for the appointment to the County Supervisor’s job.  So she was there to meet the Governor, not to support the gas tax.  She does not support the gas tax …  She is also not happy that out of the first $2.6 billion in spending approved by the CA Transportation Commission, the Coachella Valley gets zero.”

Hopefully this will close the notebook on this lingering item.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Also in the Supervisors race is a phenomenon some are saying could be unprecedented, although Uken Report has not been able to independently confirm it, Perez has garnered the endorsement of every public safety organization in Riverside County.

The notebook is literally bulging with endorsements for Perez.

The latest group to endorse Perez is the Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys Association, which represents prosecutors in the DA’s office and county counsel attorneys.

Perez had previously garnered endorsements from Cal FIRE Local 2881, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association.

Political Notebook: Harnik, Perez, a Photo, Endorsements

(Photo courtesy of V. Manuel Perez)

“Supervisor Manuel “Manny” Perez shares the Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys Association’s commitment to public safety and community involvement,” President Jon Brandon said in a prepared statement. “Supervisor Perez has routinely supported law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office in Riverside County. He has been a leading voice in efforts to make our county safer. Safety and justice are cornerstones of any prosperous community. (The Association) and Supervisor Perez eagerly anticipate working together to ensure these necessities are present for every member of Riverside County.”

The Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys Association is the professional association for prosecutors employed by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and for Riverside County Counsel attorneys. The organization has been in existence for more than 20 years. Its mission is to ensure that the integrity of frontline prosecutors is protected so that they can focus on their role as the primary guardians of justice in the courts.

Image Sources

  • Supervisor V. Manuel Perez: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez