Group opposing Price recall claims 'widespread voter fraud'
Superhero state Senate races; Swalwell's GOP challengers grabs surprising endorsement; San Leandro appoints new councilmember
ELECTION 2024
5 days to Primary Day
—VOTER TURNOUT—As of Feb. 28.
Contra Costa County 74,293 ballots returned—10%
Alameda County 71,714—8%
CALIFORNIA 2,107,819—10%
PRICE/THAO RECALLS
—PRICE COMPLAINT—The campaign opposing the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price sent a letter to state Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday asking him to investigate allegations that the committee seeking to the place the recall question on the ballot is committing “widespread voter fraud.”
—The complaint could be the first indication that Price intends to mire the recall in uncertainty or even in the courts, if and when more than 73,000 signatures are turned in to the county registrar by next Tuesday.
—The letter sent by William Fitzgerald, a spokesman for Protect the Win for Public Safety, the committee opposing the recall, alleged signature-gatherers used “bait-and-switch” and “slight-of-hand” tactics to procure some signatures.
—No evidence, however, is mentioned.
—“These incidents raise concerns about the broader validity of signatures collected for the recall petition. Given the apparent fraudulent and deceptive practices witnessed, we urge you, as the California attorney general, to launch a thorough investigation into these activities,” Fitzgerald wrote.
—BONTA’S BUD—State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s home county is awash in recall-mania, included a nearly complete recall petition campaign for Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price (not an ally), and a nascent effort against Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (definitely an ally).
—Bonta has not uttered a word about either recall campaign. But when news spread on Monday about another campaign afoot for recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom, Bonta quickly expressed support for the governor. Like two hours after the news broke!
—“Trump Republicans who tried to recall Gov. Newsom the last time & were roundly trounced are at it again,” Bonta posted on X. “I stand with our Governor.”
—Bonta is still exploring a possible run for governor in 2026 in a growing field of formidable candidates. So ingratiating himself to Newsom in case an endorsement is up for grabs in the future is good politics.
—Conversely, Team Bonta and Price have never seen eye-to-eye, which partly explains his silence about her recall.
—Thao, however, could presents problems for Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Mia Bonta.
—The Bontas were early supporters of Thao’s campaign for mayor. Insiders assert they cleared the field of Oakland mayoral candidates and lined up fundraising and endorsements in her favor.
—The work was seen as payback for Thao backing out of bid for the 18th Assembly District special election, which Mia Bonta won in 2021.
—If the Thao recall continues to gain stream, as many insiders believe is currently happening, the Bonta’s connection to Thao could tarnish their brand, and make any future moves up the political ladder that more difficult.
—DEADLINE DAY—Safe Alameda For Everyone has just five days to deliver more than 73,000 valid signatures in order to begin the next step toward qualifying a recall election for Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.
—The committee is still mum on when they intend to turn in petitions to the Alameda County Registrar’s Office, but insist they will do so before Tuesday.
14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
—UNPLEASANT TO ERIC—Spoiler alert: Rep. Eric Swalwell is very likely to win re-election this fall. But Swalwell has faced in this primary a few challenges that he’s never before experienced.
—His main Republican opponent, Vin Kruttienti has money and is willing to spend it. Many in the 14th District or those driving on the 880 and 580 freeways, and Hayward-San Mateo Bridge have seen his visage glowing from digital billboards.
—In every election since 2016, Swalwell has coasted to re-election without facing an opponent with financial means to run a proper congressional campaign.
—Now comes a eyebrow-raising endorsement by the Pleasanton Police Officers Association for Kruttiventi.
—Despite Swalwell’s progressive brand on the national level, he’s always been a favorite of local law enforcement. His father was a police officer, as is one of his brothers.
—Is this, at least, a hairline fracture in Swalwell’s coalition of supporters in the Tri-Valley? Keep an eye on this in the likely event Kruttiventi finishes in the two top next week.
9TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT
—SUPER FRIENDS—First there was Dan Kalb in the 7th State Senate District donning a homemade superhero costume and declaring himself “Super Dan.”
—Now Tim Grayson in the East Bay’s 9th State Senate District has gained entrance into the East Bay’s Hall of Justice.
—The mailer below was created by Grayson’s own campaign. One voter who received the mailer questioned whether the silhouettes used are not body inclusive.
CITY NEWS
SAN LEANDRO
—APPOINTMENT APPROVED—With the specter of a costly special election looming, the San Leandro City Council unanimously appointed Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton on Tuesday night to fill the vacant District 1 council seat.
—There was little of the acrimony that highlighted the council’s first attempt at the appointment two weeks ago.
—Councilmember Fred Simon, however, initially nominated former District 1 candidate David Anderson before voting with the majority.
—Former Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and former state Sen. Loni Hancock spoke in support of Viveros-Walton on Tuesday night. Bates called her a “problem-solver.” Viveros-Walton previously worked in Bates’ mayoral office.
—Viveros-Walton will serve the appointment through the end of this year. In order to serve the remaining two years of former Councilmember Celina Reynes term, Viveros-Walton will need to run in the November General Election. Reynes resigned on Dec. 31.
—Two weeks ago, during the interview process, Viveros-Walton told the council she would indeed run for the seat, if appointed.
PODCAST
LOREN TAYLOR — Episode 83: Loren Taylor: Live in front of a studio audience
KEN BERRICK — Episode 82: He’s just Ken
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
—MONEYBALL—Form 497 large campaign contributions filed on Feb. 28.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
—Nikki Fortunato Bas (District 5), William Crotinger of Oakland, $1,000. TOTAL: $1,000.
STATE LEGISLATURE
STATE ASSEMBLY
—Buffy Wicks (14th Assembly District), California YIMBY Victory Fund, $5,500; California Radiological PAC, $2,500; Charter Communications Operating LLC, $2,500; JPMorgan Chase & Co. PAC, $2,000. TOTAL: $12,500.
—Mia Bonta (18th Assembly District), CVS Pharmacy, Inc., $3,000; Charter Communications Operating LLC, $2,000. TOTAL: $5,000.
—Liz Ortega (20th Assembly District), Association of California School Administrators PAC, $5,000; JPMorgan Chase & Co. PAC, $2,000. TOTAL: $7,000.
—Alex Lee (24th Assembly District), California YIMBY Victory Fund, $2,500. TOTAL: $2,500.
STATE SENATE
—Jesse Arreguin (7th Senate District), California YIMBY Victory Fund, $5,500. TOTAL: $5,500.
—Tim Grayson (9th Senate District), California YIMBY Victory Fund, $5,500; Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., $3,000; Charter Communications Operating LLC, $2,500; PBF Energy Western Region LLC, $1,500. TOTAL: $12,500.
—Carlos Villapudua (5th Senate District), PBF Energy Western Region LLC, $5,500; California Resources Corporation and Subsidiaries, $2,500; Charter Communications Operating LLC, $2,500. TOTAL: $10,500.
—IE SPENDING—Form 496 Independent Expenditure Committee (IE) spending in support and opposing candidates or ballot measures filed on Feb. 28.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
—John Bauters (District 5), Bauters for a Safer East Bay. SUPPORT (Texts—$7,500). TOTAL: $7,500.
STATE LEGISLATURE
STATE SENATE
—Kathryn Lybarger (7th District), JobsPAC. OPPOSE (Mailer—$48,882). TOTAL: $48,882.
—Jesse Arreguin (7th District), East Bay Forward, a coalition of Technology and Housing Providers and Professionals opposing Kathryn Lybarger for Senate 2024. SUPPORT (Polling—$5,000). TOTAL: $5,000.
—Tim Grayson (9th District), Dart Container Corporation. SUPPORT (Mailer—$14,334, Digital ads—$2,974). TOTAL: $17,308.
—Jerry McNerney (5th District), Nurses and Educators Supporting McNerney for Senate 2024 Sponsored by Labor, Consumer and Reproductive Health Organizations. SUPPORT (Texts—$6,324). TOTAL: $6,324.
