Archive for the ‘Politics & Elections’ Category

Barbanica leads in votes, Scales-Preston leads in finances in Contra Costa District 5 Supervisor race

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024
Unofficial election results as of Friday, March 13, 2024. Source: CCC Elections Office.

5,300 ballots remaining to be counted in the county

By Allen D. Payton

In the race for Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica leads in votes over Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston who placed a second in last Tuesday’s primary election. But she leads in campaign finances, having raised about $114,500 while Barbanica had raised close to $100,500.

In a distant third place is Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings in both votes and campaign finances, having raised close to $18,000 and fourth-place finisher in both votes and finances is Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez who raised almost $10,200 all in loans from himself.

As of the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections Office today, Wednesday, March 13 at 2:50 PM, Barbanica has 14,080 votes or 38.59% of the vote to 12,834 votes for Scales-Preston or 35.18%. Killings has 5,597 votes or 15.34% and Gonzalez has 3,973 votes or 10.89% of the vote.

Source: Facebook

On Monday, Barbanica posted a thank you message on his campaign Facebook page writing:

“Dear Friends and Supporters,

The results are in, and it’s official: we’re advancing through the primary elections for District 5 of the Board of Supervisors! With a grateful heart, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who cast your vote, shared your voice, and believed in our vision for a safer, stronger community.

Your support has been the driving force of this campaign. To the countless volunteers, the dedicated team members, and especially to the voters who took a stand for our shared values—thank you. This triumph is yours as much as it is ours.

A special acknowledgment to the elected officials who have endorsed our cause; your faith in our mission fortifies our resolve. I’m also incredibly thankful for the endorsements and unwavering support from esteemed organizations such as Thousand Friends of Martinez, PORAC, CCDSA, and the Police Officers Associations of Martinez, Richmond, Concord, Pittsburg, San Mateo County, and Clayton. The backing of the Local 326 United Steel Workers has been nothing short of inspiring.

As we gear up for the next phase of this journey, let’s remember that this is more than a campaign; it’s a collective effort to nurture the well-being and prosperity of Contra Costa County. We’re in this together, and together, we will make a difference.

Warm regards,

Mike Barbanica”

When reached for comment he said, “I’m absolutely honored for the support from our community and I look forward to continuing to move towards the general election and change coming to the District 5 office, later this year, in December. For the last 24 years this office has been represented by someone from Pittsburg and it would be nice to see change coming to the office, from someone such as myself who has Pittsburg connections, Antioch connections and connections to the rest of the district.”

“I spent 21 years as a Pittsburg Police officer, retiring as a lieutenant, and my wife was born and raised in Pittsburg. So, we have a lot of ties, there,” Barbanica added.

Source: Facebook

Attempts to reach Scales-Preston for a comment were unsuccessful prior to publication. However, on Saturday, she posted the following comment on her campaign Facebook page: “Thank you for all your support! There are many votes left to count, but we remain in the top two and are confident we will advance to November. This is due to your support and all that you did to advance our campaign.”

Campaign Finance Comparison

According to the required campaign finance disclosure reports known as Forms 460 and 497 posted on the Contra Costa Elections Public Portal, as of March 6, 2024, Scales-Preston had raised $114,514 and as of Feb. 29 her campaign had spent $105,029.33, with $5,036.13 in outstanding debts and $8,596.22 cash on hand.

As of March 6, 2024, Barbanica’s reports show he had raised $100,452.65 and as of Feb. 29, his campaign had spent $93,384.62 with $58,817.66 in outstanding debts and $24,229.52 cash on hand.

As of Feb. 29, Killings’ reports show he had raised $17,773 and spent $19,769.39. He ended his campaign with $2,515.54 in outstanding debts and $3,185.26 cash on hand.

As of the same date, Gonzalez’s reports show he loaned his campaign $10,197.13, didn’t raise any other funds and spent $8,576.42. He ended his campaign with outstanding debts of $10,197.13 and 1,620.71 cash on hand.

Both Scales-Preston received $5,000 from the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area’s Build Jobs PAC and both she and Killings received contributions from former Antioch resident Keith Archuleta.

Scales-Preston Supported by PACS, Politicians & Unions

Scales-Preston received most of her campaign funds from union political action committees and local politicians. Her largest contributions were as follows:

$5,000 each from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 302 Community Candidates PAC of Martinez; IBEW PAC Educational Fund in Washington, DC; Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Poltical Committee; United Association No. 159 Consumer Protection Fund Sponsored by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 159 of Martinez; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 57 PAC, and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Local 549 PAC, and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;

$2,500 each from Dignity CA SEIU Local 2015; Karen Grove Menlo Park, retired; former political consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, Progressive Era PAC (ID# 1449477) which, according to its website, “exists to elect governing majorities of leaders in California committed to building a progressive era for people of color”; homemaker Faye M. Stratus and a separate contribution from Sandor H. Stratus, retired, both of Lafayette; Victor Baker of Martinez, owner of Equitify a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm; Sikh Society of Central Contra Costa County; Lift Up Contra Costa Action which, according to its website, “fights against all forms of oppression, including anti-black racism, racism, anti-immigrant, anti-LBGTQ, environmental & healthcare injustice and the classist, anti-worker movements”, a Project of Tides Advocacy PAC, which, according to its website, is “deeply committed to advancing social justice”; District 1 Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Small Contributor Committee, and Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC;

$2,000 from garbage company Republic Services Inc., and affiliated entities;

$1,400 from Kanwar Singh of Pittsburg, a Sequence Read Archive Explorer for the Joint Genome Institute;

$1,000 from David Bowlby of Danville, public affairs consultant of The David Bowlby Group; East Bay Regional Parks Director Colin Coffey of Hercules; Daniel Madigan of Walnut Creek, not employed; Debbie Toth of Fairfield, Director of the nonprofit Choice in Aging; DRIVE Committee (International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education) in Washington, DC; East Bay Trans, Inc. trucking company of Concord, Haver Trans, Inc. dump trucking company of Concord, Jasmine Tarkoff of Lafayette, retired; and Lupe Schoenberger of Alamo, listed as not employed but her LinkedIn profile shows she is Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s political director and Principal of Acceso Government Relations, LLC described as “Facilitating cannabis business licensing and local government relations;” and Latika Malkani of Orinda, Attorney for employment law firm Siegel LeWitter Malkani;

$700 from Leonard Ramirez of Concord, retired;

$600 each from Contra Costa DA Diana Becton; Paramjit Virk of Antioch, a Registered Nurse at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center; Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee Chair Katie Ricklefs of Lafayette, listed as retired, and Kathleen Petricca of Martinez, retired;

$500 each from Berkeley school teacher Cathy Campbell of El Cerrito; John Cumbers of Lafayette, Chief Executive Officer for SynBioBeta; Friends of Gina Daly for Board of Education Trustee Area 1 2024 in Oakland (former San Rafael school board member who resigned in December after the contribution was made); Carol Hatch of Martinez, retired; insurance broker Gregory Osorio of Pittsburg, consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (a former Antioch resident); Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West PAC, Kathy Braun of Martinez, retired; G R Beverages, Inc. of Antioch, United Teachers of Richmond, Cynthia Miller of Martinez, Owner of George & Cynthia Miller Wellness Center (wife of former congressman), Willie Mims of Pittsburg, Mariana Moore of Benicia, Program Manager for Richmond Community Foundation, Leslie Shafton of Walnut Creek, Realtor, Dudum Real Estate Group, Teamsters Local Union No. 315,

$460 from Mt. Diablo Unified School Board Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek, listed as a nonprofit manager;

$400 from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey;

$350 each from Jim Craft of Pittsburg, as an in-kind contribution for use of a venue for a fundraiser; and Caitlin E. Sly of Walnut Creek, Executive Director for Meals on Wheels Diablo Region;

$300 from former City of Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla of San Jose; El Cerrito Councilman Gabriel Quinto, Susan Mautner of Orinda, not employed; Charles Glasper of Antioch, retired, who  contributed on Jan. 11, 2024 and then served as the MC and asked the questions during the NAACP Candidates Night in Antioch on Feb. 22;

$260 from Mt. Diablo Unified School District Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek;

$250 each from DLC Group Inc. of Pleasant Hill owned by a Dalton Chow, Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Loella Haskew, Benjamin Miller of Arlington, VA, Principal, Kadesh & Associates a bipartisan federal advocacy firm; Patricia Reyes of San Ramon, Consultant for Strategic Prevention Solutions; Valerie Sloven of Pleasant Hill, Case Manager for Heluna Health, Carol Toms of Concord, Information Technology Professional for Albertsons; Contra Costa County School Board Trustee Sarah Butler of Orinda; Baljit Bhandal of Pittsburg, General Manager for The Wine Village, Inc.; Bombay Trading Company of Concord, Contra Costa County Public Defenders Association, State Farm Insurance agent Tim McGallian of Clayton, Tara Sanders of Pittsburg, Program Manager – Workforce & Economic Development for the Contra Costa Community College District; Tracy Brog of Lafayette, retired; Martinez City Councilman Jay Howard’s 2022 campaign committee, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor, and Janitzia Rodriguez of Pittsburg, Mental Health Clinician for Contra Costa County.

Although not large contributions, Scales-Preston also received $200 from Adrienne Ursino of Martinez, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and former Antioch School Board Trustee Debra Vinson, $150 from Pittsburg Mayor Juan Banales, Hercules City Councilwoman Christine Kelley, former Pittsburg Councilwoman Nancy L. Parent, and former Clayton Councilwoman Tuija Catalano, as well as $100 each from Concord Councilman Edi Birsan, former Orinda Councilwoman Amy Worth, former Walnut Creek Councilwoman Gail Murray, and the Marsh Creek Democratic Club.

Barbanica Backed by the Badge, Builders & Business

Barbanica’s largest contributions were from law enforcement, the building industry and local businesses. They include the following:

$10,000 from the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association PAC Small Contributor Committee with $5,000for the primary and the other $5,000 for the general election;

$5,000 each from Bryan Benton of Antioch, owner of Da Nang Turang restaurant and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;

$2,500 each from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC (PORAC PAC) Small Contributor Committee, Sheriff David Livingston’s 2028 re-election committee and the Richmond Police Officers Association PAC;

$2,000 each from Kay Ku of Newport Beach, retired; Stacey Romero of Pittsburg, retired; Weston Law Group, PC of Danville; Fernandes Auto Wrecking and Towing of Pittsburg; and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s County Employees’ Benefit Association Local PAC;

$1,500 from Jim Moita of Clayton, owner of property management company JMI Properties Corporation;

$1,000 each from real estate investor Mike Cava of Oakley and Thousand Friends of Martinez;

$500 each from the Concord Police Association PAC; Dennis Costanza of Pittsburg, Director for home builder Lennar; former Pittsburg Mayor, City Clerk and Assistant City Manager Mary Erbez; Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans; Sheila Stokley, of Stokley Properties in Pleasant Hill; and Christopher Thorsen of Walnut Creek, retired; and

$250 each from Assistant District Attorney Mary Knox, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor and Susan Dragon Presser of Pittsburg, retired.

Killings’s Campaign Cash is from Kin, Cops & Others

$2,500 from Denise Killings of Pittsburg, retired;

$1,500 from Henry A. Killings, Pastor of Threshing Floor Tabernacle in Antioch; Leah L. Blackman of Brentwood, Pastor of Faith Worship Center, and William Posada of Antioch, listed as an Independent Distributor but is the Manager with Only Believe Distributor, LLC;

$1,000 from Pittsburg Police Officer’s Association, Efrem R. Finn of Oakland, Operator for Rydetrans bus service; consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (former Antioch resident), and a non-monetary, in-kind contribution for fundraising event expenses from Peter Nguyen of Pittsburg, Owner of Fisherman’s Catch;

$600 from Blayne Wittig of Martinez, Executive Director, Options Health;

$500 from Jerry Beverly of Alameda, listed as an Investor/Philanthropist, Losefa Lam Yuen of Pittsburg, who works in Logistics for the Department of Homeland Security, and Paul Loukianoff of San Leandro, who works in construction for Con-Quest Contractors, Inc.,

$450 from Daniel Patton of Oakley, Business Solutions Manager for WK Kellogg Company;

$250 from East County Glass & Window, Inc. in Pittsburg, and Kevin McGary of Hayward, President of Every Black Life Matters; and

$200 from Sarah Jean Killings of Pittsburg.

Ballot counting has continued as mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, March 5 could be received until yesterday, March 12 and the County Elections Office has 28 days to certify the election.

Asked if there are any remaining ballots to be counted and when the next results update will be, Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan said, “We have about 5,300 ballots left to process as of today” and added the next update will be Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m.

The top two candidates, Barbanica and Scales-Preston will face off in the November general election.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Early Contra Costa election results show Avila Farias, Ledo in lead for Assembly, Barbanica, Scales-Preston leading Supervisor race

Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

Antioch School District’s bond Measure B barely passing

Incumbents lead in races for Congress, other Assembly districts

Berkeley Mayor, Oakland Councilman lead in West County State Senate race; former West Sacramento Mayor and Dixon Councilman lead in East County State Senate race

By Allen D. Payton

With the top two candidates heading to the November general election, the initial election results posted at 8:15 PM, 9:35 PM and 10:31 PM on the Contra Costa County Elections website for contested races with more than two candidates show the following:

Unofficial results as of 10:31 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Source: CCC Elections

In the 15th Assembly District race Democrat County School Board Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias and Republican Realtor Sonia Ledo are leading the other two Democrats in the race, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and former County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who is in a distant fourth. As of the 10:31 PM update, Ledo had pulled within 99 votes of Avila Farias with  just 0.2 percent of the vote separating the two.

When reached for comment Ledo said, “I’m honored that the voters have placed their trust in me for positive change in California. I think this is proof the candidates can run on their merits and the two candidates who ran the most positive race came out on top. Congratulations to Anamarie. I’m hopeful that the numbers we see will hold as we are uncertain at this time how many precincts have been counted.”

11:31 PM UPDATE: Ledo moved into the lead ahead of Avila Farias following the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections office. Ledo had 17,303 votes or 32.98% and Avila Farias had 15,877 votes or 30.26% of the vote.

Unofficial results as of 10:31 PM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Source: CCC Elections

In the 5th Supervisorial District race Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica and Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston are leading Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings, followed by Realtor Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector M. Gonzalez.

In the 14th Assembly District race which includes West County communities, Democrat incumbent Buffy Wicks and Democrat challenger Margot Smith lead their Republican opponent and in the 11th Assembly District race which includes Far East County communities, Democrat incumbent Lori Wilson and Republican challenger Dave Ennis leader their opponents.

In the 10th Congressional District, Democrat incumbent Mark DeSaulnier and Republican challenger Katherine Piccinini lead their opponents and in the race for the 9th Congressional District, which includes Discovery Bay, Democrat incumbent Josh Harder and Republican Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln lead their opponents.

In the 3rd State Senate District race, which includes Far East County communities, Democrat former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Republican Dixon City Councilman Thomas Bogue are in the lead over their rivals.

In the 7th State Senate District race, which includes West County communities, Democrat Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Democrat Oakland Councilman Dan Kalb lead their rivals.

All Local Measures Passing as of the 10:31 PM Update

Measure A in Martinez, which changes the City Clerk from an elected to appointed position was passing 67.08 to 32.92 percent of the vote. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

The Antioch Unified School District’s Measure B bond measure for school improvements was passing 56.83 to 42.6 percent and requires a vote of at least 55% to pass.

Measure C in the Martinez Unified School District, which renews the $75 annual parcel tax for eight years and requires a 2/3rds vote to pass, had more than enough with 72.94 percent of the vote in favor and 27.06% of the vote opposed.

Finally, the Moraga School District Measure D bond, also requiring a 55% vote to pass, had 65.91% support and 34.09% of the vote opposing.

Please check back later for more election updates on this website.

Please check back later for more election updates on this website.

Elections officials want you to know why counting votes takes time

Monday, March 4th, 2024
Source: Coalition of Bay Area Election Officials

From Bay Area Election Officials

After Election Day, it takes time for County Elections Officials to count all the votes and make sure that all the votes have been counted. Counties have 28 days to complete the official canvass of an election.  There are many steps that must be completed to ensure the integrity of the election, and in its essence, the purpose of the canvass accomplishes the following critical tasks:

  • Ensure every eligible ballot is counted
  • Ensure voters only voted once
  • Ensure proper procedures were followed on Election Day
  • Ensure the vote tabulation system is properly counting ballots

Processing Vote by Mail ballots takes time.  Each signature is verified prior to preparing the ballot for counting. Vote by Mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received up to seven days after Election Day must go through this process as well.

During the canvass, voting records are updated based on whether a registered voter voted by mail or in person. During this process, the number of voters is reconciled to the number of ballots cast for each voting location. This is a critical step in ensuring that all ballots are accounted for from each voting location. The statewide voter registration database linking up all 58 counties helps staff ensure voters only voted once.

During the canvass, counties are required to conduct audits of the ballot counting system, by performing the One Percent Manual Tally. This involves randomly selecting at least one percent of the precincts of ballots cast in person, as well as Vote by Mail ballots, and performing a manual hand count of each set of ballots, then comparing them to the machine count results.

“Canvassing votes involves more than just scanning ballots and tallying results,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “There are many steps to ensure that ballots are counted properly, the equipment is counting correctly, and the integrity of the election is intact.”

As with all activities related to an election, the canvass is open to the public for observation.  Please contact your county elections office for more details on how to observe election activities. Information on this topic as well as direct links to local elections offices can be found on our website, BayAreaVotes.org, or our Facebook page, Bay Area Votes.

Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act to reform Prop 47 collects 75% of required California voters’ signatures

Monday, March 4th, 2024

Over 400,000 have signed petitions to place the measure that will stop theft and fentanyl crimes onto the November 2024 ballot

Gains support of Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft, over 30 mayors & local leaders

Get petition to help gather signatures below

Over 400,000 California voters have signed the petition to place the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act on the November 2024 ballot.

“We have seen a record number of voters seeking to sign the petition to place this measure on the ballot – sometimes waiting in line to do so,” said campaign chair Greg Totten who is also chief executive officer for the California District Attorneys Association. “This is consistent with polling that has shown that 70% of likely California voters support the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure is commonsense and injects accountability back into our laws for repeat offenders of theft and for crimes involving fentanyl and other serious drug crimes.”

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft endorses proposed initiative to reform Proposition 47

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) announced last week its support for the proposed initiative called the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.

“Our current system puts Californians at risk as crime continues to rise without any real repercussions. That is why Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft is supporting the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Initiative,” said Matt Ross, spokesman for Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft.

“The initiative focuses on repeat offenders of retail crime. It provides an opportunity for those with substance abuse and mental health problems to seek help through diversion programs. At the same time, it also ensures that there are real consequences for individuals who continue to break the law.”

“Moreover, this initiative is a significant step towards putting an end to retail and residential theft in both Main Street and neighborhood areas.”

According to data from the Public Policy Institute of California, there has been a significant increase in commercial shoplifting, with a 28.7% rise in 2022 alone. Commercial burglary and robbery have also seen an increase of 5.8% and 9%, respectively. Furthermore, a recent survey revealed that 88% of retailers are experiencing more aggressive and violent shoplifters compared to the previous year.

CARRT is a diverse coalition consisting of over 200 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations. Their main goal is to advocate for California officials to take action and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce theft. Prominent members of the coalition include local Chambers of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Business Roundtable, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, California Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United, Klaas Kids Foundation, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

CARRT has been engaging in discussions with local officials, law enforcement, and legislators to ensure that they comprehend the true impact of retail and residential crime. They aim to provide public safety officials with additional resources to effectively address this problem. For more information about CARRT, please visit their website at www.carrt.org.

Over 30 mayors and local elected leaders endorse Prop 47 reform initiative

Bipartisan support continues to grow with over 30 mayors and local elected officials from across the state have endorsed the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure will increase community safety by holding those who repeatedly steal or traffic hard drugs accountable. The measure has collected 75% of the needed signatures from California voters to place it on the November ballot.

“Our city has continued to prioritize safety for our residents, businesses and visitors. We realize that the laws must adapt to the circumstances we see on our streets today. Retail theft and drug offenders repeat their crimes without any accountability or consequence which is why I am supporting this ballot measure,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “We need smart changes to Prop 47 so that we can stop crime and hold repeat offenders accountable. Consequences act as a deterrent while at the same time, this measure prioritizes effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programs. This ballot measure will provide the tools our city needs to improve community safety.”

Local mayors and elected officials from every region across the state continue to endorse a measure that balances accountability and rehabilitation programs.

Bay Area Elected Leaders

Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San Jose

Mayor London Breed, City and County of San Francisco

Mayor Lily Mei, City of Fremont

Mayor Carmen Montano, City of Milpitas

Vice Mayor Renee Golder, City of Santa Cruz

Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, City of Santa Cruz

Former Mayor Ryan Coonerty, City of Santa Cruz

Vice Mayor Sherry Hu, City of Dublin

Councilmember Liang ChaoCity of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Councilmember Kitty Moore, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Mayor Yan Zhao, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Rishi Kumar, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Javed Ellahie, City of Monte Sereno

Northern & Central CA Elected Leaders

Mayor Jerry Dyer, City of Fresno

Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield

Supervisor Rich Desmond, Sacramento County

Southern California Elected Leaders

Mayor Phil Brock, City of Santa Monica
Mayor Mark Arapostathis, City of La Mesa
Mayor Richard Bailey, City of Coronado
Mayor Keith Blackburn, City of Carlsbad

Mayor John Franklin, City of Vista
Mayor Lesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach
Mayor Rebecca Jones, City of San Marcos
Mayor Tony Kranz, City of Encinitas
Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista
Mayor John Minto, City of Santee

Mayor Ron Morrison, City of National City
Mayor Esther Sanchez, City of Oceanside
Mayor Steve Vaus, City of Poway
Mayor Bill Wells, City of El Cajon
Mayor Dane White, City of Escondido

A survey of likely California voters found that 70% of voters support the title and summary of the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The overwhelming support was consistent across every demographic and geography including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Furthermore, 89% of likely voters support amending Proposition 47 for stronger penalties for those engaged in repeated retail theft and trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl. The measure also includes incentives to complete drug and mental health treatment for people who are addicted to hard drugs. The survey was conducted online from November 8-November 13, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 2.28%.

To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures. The campaign is required to notify the Secretary of State after 25% of the signatures from California voters have been collected.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com and to obtain a petition and help gather signatures visit https://blog.electkevinkiley.com/prop47/ .

Wilson has large fundraising lead in 15th Assembly District race

Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
Monica Wilson (Source: Wilson for Assembly campaign) and campaign finances in 2024 through Feb. 17th. Source: Cal-Access

Avila Farias in second, Mitchoff a close third, Ledo a distant fourth

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem voted to appoint three residents to new Police Oversight Commission after receiving contributions from them

By Allen D. Payton

According to the latest required campaign finance reports Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson has a commanding lead in fundraising over her three rivals in the 15th Assembly District race on Tuesday’s primary election ballot.

The reports, known as Forms 460 and 497 on the California Secretary of State’s Cal-Access website, show Wilson has raised over $300,000 almost three times what her next closest rival, Contra Costa School Board Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias has, who raised a little over $108,000. Former County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff has raised close to $90,000 and Realtor Sonia Ledo, the only Republican in the race, has raised about $7,300.

In addition, as of Feb. 17th, their reports show Wilson’s campaign spent two-and-a-half times what her closest opponent did with $267,491.18 to Avila Farias’ $104,542.71, Mitchoff’s $75,757.72 and Ledo’s $16,260.33.

The most unique contribution was made to Wilson’s campaign from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC for $4,000.

Wilson Outpaces, Outraises, Outspends Opponents With Help From Unions & Attorneys

The reports for Wilson, who is serving as treasurer for her own campaign committee, show she has raised $129,068.64 last year, $203,555 total with $275 of non-monetary or what are referred to as in-kind contributions $203,280 in cash. In 2023 as of Feb.17 she raised $94,440.51 this year with $94,222.77 in cash contributions and $217.74 of in-kind contributions. Since then, according to several Form 497 Late Contribution Reports, Wilson’s campaign has received an additional $38,600 in contributions after Feb. 17 for a total of $306,091.18 in contributions to date, including $492.74 of in-kind contributions.

$11,000 from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Local 549 PAC with $5,500 reserved for the general election;

$10,900 each from American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees-CA People Small Contributor Committee, California Nurses Association PAC (CNA-PAC) Small Contributor Committee, California State Council of Service Employees Small Contributor Committee, Service Employees International Union Local 1000 Candidate PAC Small Contributor Committee, Standing Committee on Political Education of the California Labor Federation AFL-CIO Small Contributor Committee, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California PAC Small Contributor Committee, SEIU Local 2015 State PAC Small Contributor Committee, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California PAC Small Contributor Committee, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Small Contributor Committee, and United Domestic Workers of America Action Fund Small Contributor Committee;

$10,500 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 302 PAC Small Contributor Committee;

$5,500 each from Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Political Committee, Steamfitters U.A. Local 342 PAC, United Association No. 159 Consumer Protection Fund sponsored by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 159, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – Council 57 PAC, California African American PAC, Consumer Attorneys of California PAC, affordable housing activist and former Planned Parenthood leader Karen Grove of Menlo Park, IBEW Local 551 PAC, Operating Engineers Local Union 3 Statewide PAC Small Contributor Committee, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) United Healthcare Workers West PAC Small Contributor Committee, IBEW Local 595 PAC Small Contributor Committee, IBEW PAC Educational Fund, and International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Political Action Together Legislative & Educational Committee (MPO) i.e. multipurpose organization;

$10,217 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 617 PAC;

$5,000 each from Corey Jackson for Assembly 2024, Faculty for our University’s Future, a committee sponsored by the California Faculty Association Small Contributor Committee, and Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC Small Contributor Committee;

$4,500 from IBEW Local Union 1245 PAC;

$4,000 from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC;

$3,000 each from California SMART (Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation) TD (Transportation Division) (formerly United Transportation Union) PAC, Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 Legislative PAC and Bryan for Assembly 2024, and California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers PAC Small Contributor Committee;

$2,500 each from Ash Kalra for Assembly 2024, California Federation of Teachers COPE Small Contributor Committee, Cathryn Campbell of El Cerrito, a Berkeley Unified School District teacher, Electing Climate Champions Fund sponsored by California Environmental Voters, Lori Wilson for Assembly 2024, District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California and Vicinity PAC Small Contributor Committee, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas for Senate 2026, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 11 PAC Small Contributor Committee, and Republic Services LE03-AWIN Management Inc., United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council Candidate PAC Small Contributor Committee,

$2,417 from Progressive Era PAC, which works “to elect governing majorities of leaders in California committed to building a progressive era for people of color;”

$2,000 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #6 Political Account Small Contributor Committee, political campaign consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 5 PAC, Marysville Central Labor Council PAC;

$1,600 from The California Women’s List PAC;

$1,500 each from DRIVE (International Brotherhood of Teamsters Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education) Committee, Sprinkler Fitters Local 483 Legislative PAC, United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council Candidate PAC Small Contributor Committee, and a variety of personal injury attorneys including: Altair Law, LLP in San Francisco, Baron & Budd, P.C. law firm of Dallas, TX, Gregory Bentley from Newport Beach of Bentley & More, LLP, Michael Bidart from Claremont, CA of Shernoff Bidart Echeverria Bentley, LLP, Elizabeth Cabraser from from Sebastopol of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, Brian Chase from Newport Beach of Bisnar, Chase Trial Lawyers, LLP, Cotchett, Pitre, & McCarthy, LLP of Burlingame, Dreyer, Babich, Buccola, Wood, & Campora, LLP of Sacramento, Don Ernst of the Ernst Law Group in San Luis Obispo, Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP of El Segundo, Knight Law Group of Los Angeles, Law Offices of Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger of San Francisco, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP of Los Angeles, Panish, Shea, Boyle, Ravipudi, LLP of Los Angeles, Rizio Lipinsky Law Firm of Santa Ana, Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. of Newport Beach, Singleton Schreiber, LLP of San Diego, Mickel Arias of Arias, Sanguinetti, Wang & Torrijos, LLP in Los Angeles, and Elizabeth A. Carazolez from San Diego,  Director of Management of Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP;

$1,000 each from former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, Melony Wilson, Controller for advertising agency LIDA NY, LLP of New York, Terrance Wilson of Brentwood, National Union of Healthcare Workers Candidate Committee for Quality Patient Care and Union Democracy, Gipson for Assembly 2024, Black Elected Officials of the East Bay PAC, and Dallas Fowler of Los Angeles, a business development and political consultant;

$750 from Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton; and

$500 each from International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, Allied Workers Local 16, AFL-CIO PAC, Teamsters Local Union No. 315 PAC, and UA Local No. 228 Building Corporation PAC Small Contributor Committee of Marysville.

Wilson also received $600 from former City of Antioch public information officer Rolando Bonilla, and contributions of $200 from Antioch resident Devin Williams and $100 each from Antioch residents Harry Thurston and Leslie May, all of whom the councilwoman recently voted to appoint to the City’s new Police Oversight Commission. Wilson also received $100 contributions from fellow Antioch Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, Antioch School Board Trustee Jaguanana Lathan and Brentwood Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza.

As of Feb. 17th, Wilson’s campaign had spent $267,491.18, with no outstanding debts and had $51,077.94 cash on hand.

Anamarie Avila Farias (Source: Avila Farias for Assembly) and her campaign finances for 2024 through Feb. 17th. Source: Cal-Access

Avila Farias Files Financial Forms, Funded by Faculty, Firefighters, Cops, Casino Indian Tribes & Healthcare Workers

The list of Assembly District 15 candidates on the Cal-Access website, as of Sunday, Feb. 3, 2024, incorrectly shows Avila Faria’s name not highlighted to access her campaign financial information and reports.

In spite of the fact that Avila Farias’ name is not highlighted on the State Assembly candidates page of the Cal-Access website, making it appear that her campaign failed to file the required financial forms, a search of her name on that website reveals she has.

Avila Farias’ campaign raised $48,195.23 last year, $50,598 as of Feb. 17th and an additional $9,500 since then, for a total of $108,293.23 with just $43 of in-kind contributions. Her largest contributions were:

$12,900 from Peace Officers Research Association PORAC PAC

$10,900 from California Teachers Association For Better Citizenship;

$5,500 each from Western Manufactured Housing Committee PAC, California Professional Firefighters PAC, PACE of CA School Employees Association, California Latino PAC and Pechanga Band of Indians, owners of a Southern California casino, and Housing Contractors of CA PAC;

$5,000 from redistricting lawyers Shenkman & Hughes PC of Malibu, CA;

$4,000 from International Association of Fire Fights Local 1230 PAC;

$2,500 each from California Federation of Teachers COPE, Cal Fire Local 2881 SCC, Morongo Band of Mission Indians owners of another Southern California casino, and Bianca Rubio for Assembly 2024;

$2,000 each from California Financial Services Association PAC, Construction Employers’ Association PAC and California Nations Indian Gaming Assoc.

$1,500 from Eli Lily and Company PAC;

$1,324.23 from Yazmin Llamas-Morales from Martinez of Allied Mortgage Group Finance;

$1,000 each from National Union of Healthcare Workers, Manuel G. Avila & Domitila Avila Trust of Martinez, Blanca Pacheco for Assembly 2024, James Cervantes of Lafayette, Assemblymember David Alvarez of San Diego, and real estate developer William Schrader, Jr. of Alamo, owner of The Austin Group LLC.

Her Form 460 report ending Feb. 17th shows Avila Farias spent $77,848.32 this year for a total of $104,542.71 during the campaign, had $41,215.02 in accrued expenses and an ending cash balance of $49,051.87.

Karen Mitchoff (Source: Mitchoff for Assembly) and her campaign finances for 2024 as of Feb. 17, 2024. Source: Cal-Access.

Mitchoff Backed by Big Oil, Business, Beer & Builders

Mitchoff raised $68,769 in 2023 and as of Feb. 17 has raised $23,399 this year for a total of $92,168 of which $3,063 were non-monetary contributions. Her largest contributions were:

$5,500 each from Chevron Policy Government & Public Affairs, Phillips 66, PBF Holding Company LLC (Betsy Brien) of Parsippany, New Jersey, which owns the Martinez Refinery, Western States Petroleum Association California PAC, Walmart, Inc., Yasef Pinson of Yasef Pinson Real Estate in Los Angeles, and Devora Pinson, Executive Office Manager of Boardwalk West Financial Services, also in Los Angeles;

$5,000 each from California Family Beer Distributors Association PAC, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and its Subsidiaries/Affiliates, Build Jobs PAC, Sponsored by the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR) PAC and MDRR’s owner, Sil Garaventa;

$4,000 from American Property Casualty Insurance Association California PAC;

$3,000 from the California Building Industry Association PAC;

$2,500 from Concerned Americans for Responsible Government, Sponsored by the California Trucking Association (CARGO PAC);

$1,500 each from California Permanente Medical Groups PAC and Walnut Creek-based retail developer Brian Hirarara;

$1,000 each from former Antioch Mayor Donald Freitas, Joseph Garaventa, Sil’s brother, John McPeak, former County Supervisor Sunne McPeak’s husband, and Sheila Stokley, Property Manager of Stokley Properties in Pleasant Hill and Zell & Associates of Point Richmond.

Mitchoff’s campaign also received in-kind contributions of $1,800 from Brandon C. Bjerke, a Legislative Analyst for the California State Assembly, for website design and maintenance, as well as $1,164 from lawyer Patricia Curtin of Lafayette for fundraiser event costs.

As of Feb. 17th, Mitchoff’s campaign committee had spent $50,205.74 this year for a total of $75,757.72 during the campaign, had no outstanding debts and an ending cash balance of $17,185.74.

Sonia Ledo (Source: Ledo for Assembly) and her campaign finances for 2024 through Feb. 17, 2024. Source: Cal-Access

Ledo Lends Herself, Raises Least

Ledo’s campaign finance reports show she has raised $1,655.88 in 2023 and $5,664 in 2024 as of Feb. 17 for a total of $7,319.88 of which $99 was non-monetary contributions.

Besides herself, Ledo’s largest contribution was from the BART Police Officers Association for $2,000. As of Feb. 17th, her campaign had outstanding debts of $7,315.26 most of which is owed to herself for the filing fee for her candidate’s statement and the balance is owed to a Christos Moulis of Concord for Ledo’s filing fee. Her campaign had spent a total of $16,260.33 and an ending cash balance of $5,898.19.

The top two candidates in the primary election will face off in the November general election to replace outgoing Assemblyman Tim Grayson who is running for the 9th State Senate District instead.

PAC opposing Wilson in Assembly District 15 race spends over $214K to defeat her

Friday, March 1st, 2024
The Leadership for California: East Bay Committee financial disclosure reports show expenditures for three mailers against Monica Wilson in the Assembly District 15 race and two mailers supporting Tim Grayson in the State Senate District 9 race. Source: Cal-Access

Same PAC supporting Grayson in Senate District 9 race

By Allen D. Payton

So far, a political action committee named “Leadership for California: East Bay Committee, Sponsored by Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy” has spent $214,162 to oppose Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson in her campaign for the State Assembly District 15 seat.

To date the PAC has paid for six mailers against Wilson between Feb. 7th to 15th, ranging in cost from $35,242 to $77,492. According to the PAC’s Form 460 financial disclosure report from Jan. 1 thru Feb. 17, 2024, there are two mailers that had yet to be mailed. Most likely they have been by now.

The Leadership for California East Bay Committe Form 460 report dated Feb. 17, 2024, shows expenditures for polling, research and a mailer against Wilson. Source: Cal-Access

According to Cal-Access, the California Secretary of State’s political campaign finance website, the PAC raised $333,392.50 as of Feb. 17, including:

$260,000 from Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy  ID# 1275549

$49,000 from American Beverage Association California PAC

$10,000 from Keeping Californians Working, a Coalition of Insurance Agents, Technology, Energy, and Health Care Providers

$14,392.50 as an in-kind non-monetary contribution by Brighter Future for All ID# 1463665 for polling and research.

The Leadership for CA East Bay Committe Form 496 report dated Feb. 22, 2024, shows expenditures for another mailer against Wilson. Source: Cal-Access

Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy Supported By Medical, Business Interests

According to Cal-Access, contributors to The Californians for Jobs and a Strong Economy PAC include the California Medical Association PAC, Target, Dart Container, Cooperative of American Physicians State PAC, Californians Allied for Patient Protection PAC, California Cable Telecommunications Association, Davita, Lyft, Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) PAC, Fresenius Medical Care, In-N-Out Burgers, California Real Estate PAC, Chevron, PG&E, Walmart, Chime Financial, Inc., Anheuser-Busch Companies, McDonald’s Corporation and California Bankers Association State PAC.

The Leadership for CA East Bay Committe Form 496 report dated Feb. 28, 2024, shows expenditures for a third mailer. Source: Cal-Access

Same East Bay PAC is Supporting Grayson for Senate

The same Leadership for California: East Bay Committee PAC also spent $72,350 on two mailers supporting Assemblyman Tim Grayson, for whose seat Wilson is seaking, in his campaign for State Senate District 9.

Wilson is facing three opponents in the race for Assembly District 15, including two fellow Democrats, County Board of Education Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias and former County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, and one Republican, Realtor Sonia Ledo. The election is next Tuesday, March 5th and the top two vote-getters will face off in the November general election.

Unions backing Wilson in Assembly race spend $253K attacking opponent Mitchoff

Thursday, February 29th, 2024
The Opportunity PAC’s financial disclosure reports show expenditures for three of the four “hit piece” mailers against Karen Mitchoff in the Assembly District 15 race. Source: Cal-Access

By Allen D. Payton

One of four mailers opposing Mitchoff paid for by Opportunity PAC with funds form by unions.

Some of the same unions backing Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson in the Assembly District 15 race on the March primary ballot have spent almost $253,000 attacking one of her three opponents, former Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff.

At least four mailers have been sent to Democrat voters in the district criticizing Mitchoff’s pay raise she voted for while on the board, and her votes against pay raises for county employees.

Two of the mailers obtained by the Herald show they were paid for by “Opportunity PAC – A coalition of teachers, health care givers, faculty members, school employees, and public and private employee organizations.” The political action committee’s Top Funders for the mailers are listed as SEIU (Service Employees International Union) California State Council, California Faculty Association (of the UC and CSU systems) and California School Employee Association.

Another of four mailers opposing Mitchoff paid for by Opportunity PAC with a similar message about her vote for a pay raise for the Board of Supervisors.

When asked about the mailers Mitchoff said they’re all pretty much about the same issue. “The same group with the same message. My decision on the pay raise was made over 10 years ago because I wanted to make sure the county supervisors were paid enough to make it a full-time position.” She also pointed out that she did vote for pay raises for county employees, “in 2022, giving them 5% a year for four years, for a total increase of 20%.”

The interesting part is that some of the state teachers’ unions including college and university faculty and staff are helping pay for the mailers, even though as a member of the Board of Supervisors, Mitchoff had no say about education funding.

According to Cal-Access, the California Secretary of State’s campaign finance reporting website, so far, the PAC has made three expenditures of $46,446.03 each for three mailers opposing Mitchoff, two on Feb. 1 and one on Feb. 13, 2024. The cost for a fourth mailer that appear under the PAC’s Accrued Expenses show an additional $46,446.03. That totals $185,784.12. In addition, the PAC spent $37,000.00 on polling and consulting and $30,126.43 on research in their effort against Mitchoff.

Other Opportunity PAC Expenditures opposing Mitchoff were for polling, consulting and research. Source: Cal-Access

Contributions to PAC Total Over $2.5 Million

The PAC is supporting and opposing a variety of candidates throughout the state. Their most recent Form 460 financial disclosure report dated Feb. 17, 2024, shows they have raised $1.715 million this year and their report ending Dec. 31, 2023, shows $803,500 was raised last year for a total of $2,518,500. They had cash on hand of over $1.1 million as of Feb. 17th.

Contributions include the following amounts and sources:

$750,000 from the California Teachers Association Independent Expenditure Committee;

$534,500 from SEIU California State Council for Working People;

$225,000 from PACE (Political Action for Classified Employees) of California School Employees Association;

$190,000 from Smart Justice California Action Fund;

$150,000 from United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council Independent Expenditure PAC;

$150,000 from California Federation of Teachers COPE (Committee on Political Education);

$150,000 from Service Employees International Union Local 1000, Keeping California Healthy, Safe and Strong;

$100,000 from Service Employees International Union Local 721 CTW, CLC Workers’ Strength Committee;

$75,000 from SEIU United Healthcare Workers West PAC;

$59,500 from Faculty for Our University’s Future, a committee sponsored by California Faculty Association;

$59,500 from Standing Committee on Political Education of the California Labor Federation AFL-CIO;

$50,000 from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender) Caucus Leadership Fund; and

$25,000 from SEIU California State Council (nonprofit 501 (c)(5))

Opportunity PAC Accrued Expenses as of their Feb. 17, 2024 report includes $46,446.03 for a fourth mailer opposing Mitchoff. Source: Cal-Access

Wilson’s Backers Funding Mitchoff Opposition Effort

Wilson’s campaign has been the beneficiary of support from many of those same unions. On her campaign website, Wilson shows endorsements by the California Faculty Association, SEIU California, National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) and United Food & Commercial Workers Local 5, as well as unions that are members of the AFL-CIO.

Wilson and Mitchoff also face two others in the race, including County School Board Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias and Realtor Sonia Ledo in the March 5th primary election next Tuesday. The top two will face off in the November election.

Analysis: Hit piece against Avila Farias in Assembly race stretches truth

Wednesday, February 28th, 2024

Group behind effort to defeat her has spent over $233,000

By Allen D. Payton

Hit piece mailer against Avila Farias.

At least two campaign mailers against candidate for State Assembly District 15 Anamarie Avila Farias were sent to voters this month by a group named “Contra Costa Neighbors opposed to Farias for Assembly 2024”, and the most recent mailer clearly stretches the truth in one of its claims. They’re part of an effort that has spent over $233,000 to defeat her, so far.

The mailer readers “Typical Politician Anamarie Avila Farias’ Double-Dipping Record Hurt Progress on Homelessness” and among other accusations claims she, “Collected salaries and benefits from multiple governmental agencies at the same time.”

The mailer offers a link to “Check The Facts” on the Transparent California website, which lists public employees’ compensation records provided to them by government agencies – http://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/search/?q=anamarie+farias&y=.

First, while I prefer employees for one government agency to not serve as elected officials for another, it’s not uncommon for local elected officials to also work for other government agencies. That was the case for Avila Farias 10 and 11 years ago. Since then, she has worked for a non-governmental agency and non-profit organization, while serving as both an elected and appointed official.

Some of that information is listed on Avila-Farias’ campaign website.

Government Employment

When reviewing the information about the Assembly candidate on the Transparent California website, it shows she previously worked in government positions as a Senior Management Analyst for the City of Oakland in 2013, then a Program Analyst for the City of Concord in 2013 and 2014, for which she was paid a salary and benefits. Those positions aren’t mentioned on her campaign website but are the only government positions she has held.

Non-Government, Elected & Appointed Positions

Avila Farias currently works as the executive director for the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary of Contra Costa County, a non-profit organization, for which she first served on the board of directors. Avila Farias said she stepped down from the board after being hired to run the organization in 2019.

As a member of the Martinez City Council from 2012-16, Avila Farias received pay and benefits totaling $16,552.01 to $18,791.48 per year. She is now serving in her first term as an elected trustee on the Contra Costa County Board of Education, having been elected in 2020, for which she receives about $550 in stipend and $2,500 in benefits per month.

Avila Farias has also served on the Board of Directors of the California Housing Finance Agency since she was appointed in 2015, for which she said she receives a small stipend of $100 per meeting. That was confirmed by agency staff and is also reflected on the Transparent California website. Avila Farias also serves on the Board of Directors of the Carquinez Regional Environmental Education Center, but that is not a paid position.

According to her profile on the Finance Authority’s website, “She held multiple positions at the Housing Authority of Contra Costa County from 1989 to 2018, including Housing Policy and Program Analyst and Central Waiting List Housing Manager.” However, according to the Housing Authority website, it is not a government agency even though its seven-member board includes all five county supervisors.

Transparent California website search results for Avila Farias.

Following is the list of Avila Farias’ government position-related compensation from the Transparent California website to which the mailer provides the link, in order of years:

Year     Position                                                                       Pay                  Benefits           Total

2012    Martinez Council Member                                          $195.97           $294.78           $490.75

2013    Martinez Council Member                                          $7,020.00        $9,532.01        $16,552.01

2013    Senior Management Analyst, City of Oakland           $20,381.66      $8,850.29        $29,231.95

2013    Program Manager, City of Concord                           $60,587.94      $21,271.40      $81,859.34

2014    Program Manager, City of Concord                           $31,087.64      $7,038.95        $38,126.59

2014    Member, Martinez Council                                         $7,020.00        $11,348.02      $18,368.02

2015    Member, Martinez Council                                         $7,020.00        $11,771.48      $18,791.48

2016    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $200.00           $ -0-                 $200.00

2016    Member, Martinez Council                                        $6,834.00        $11,523.00      $18,357.00

2016    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $700.00           $ -0-                 $700.00

2017    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $700.00           $ -0-                 $700.00

2018    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $700.00           $ -0-                 $700.00

2019    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $500.00           $ -0-                 $500.00

2020    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $700.00           $ -0-                 $700.00

2020    Member, Contra Costa Board of Education              $541.97           $ -0-                 $541.97

2021    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $800.00           $ -0-                 $800.00

2021    Member, Contra Costa Board of Education               $6,720.44        $30,590.42      $37,310.86

2022    Member, CA Housing Finance Agency Board           $700.00           $ -0-                 $700.00

2022    Member, Contra Costa Board of Education               $6,857.99        $29,685.26      $36,542.55

Mostly False

So, there were only two years, 2013 and 2014 that Avila Farias received pay and benefits both as a government employee and as an elected official, supporting the mailer’s claim of her “double dipping”. But even that is a stretch as she wasn’t paid a salary for both positions, merely a stipend for her elected position and benefits for both and it was for only two agencies at a time. Thus, the mailer’s claim that Avila Farias “Collected salaries and benefits from multiple governmental agencies at the same time” is mostly false.

Keeping Californians Working Form 497 Late Contribution Reports dated Feb. 20, 22 & 26, 2024. Source: CA Secretary of State’s Cal-Access website.

Group Behind the Mailer

According to the disclosure requirement on the mailers, the group behind them “a coalition of charter public school advocates, insurance agents, technology, energy, and health care providers” and the “Ad Committee’s Top Funder” is listed as a political action committee (PAC) named “Keeping Californians Working.” A search of the California Secretary of State’s Cal-Access campaign finance website shows the committee’s FPPC ID number is 1365806 and as of the Feb. 17, 2024, report has raised $521,500 and spent $658,516.89 this year, with ending cash of $759,206.46. The PAC raised $1.125 million in 2023.

According to the PAC’s reports the coalition has spent over $233,000 to defeat Avila Farias. The PAC’s Form 497 Late Contribution Report number 321801-05 dated Feb. 26, 2024, shows they contributed $30,000 to the Contra Costa Neighbors opposed to Avila Farias coalition. According to the PAC’s Form 497 Late Contribution Report number 321801-04 dated Feb. 22, 2024, the committee also contributed $52,785 to defeat her, and report number 21801-03 dated Feb. 20, 2024, shows they contributed $150,000 to the effort against Avila Farias. Another Form 497 report number 321801-06 was filed today, Wednesday, Feb. 28 for an additional $1,000 contribution to the coalition’s efforts.

The PAC’s major contributors include $125,000 from the Personal Insurance Federation of CA Agents & Employees PAC; $250,000 from the Pharmaceutical Research And Manufacturers Of America IEC (Independent Expenditure Committee); $250,000 from Uber Innovation Political Action Committee; $250,000 from Powering California’s Future, Sponsored by Edison International, the Los Angeles-area energy company; $250,000 from DaVita, Inc., a kidney dialysis company; and most recently, $10,000 from Leadership for California: East Bay Committee, whose ID number was pending as of the date of the Form 49 report on Feb. 5, 2024. The PAC is also spending money to support other candidates in other parts of the state.

The election is next Tuesday, March 5. Avila Farias faces fellow Democrats former Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and Republican Realtor Sonia Ledo in the race to replace Assemblyman Tim Grayson who is running for State Senate. The top two candidates will face off in the November general election.