Representative Dr. Raul Ruiz, Democratic incumbent for California’s 36th Congressional seat, is having little trouble raising money for his third re-election campaign. At the end of 2017, he had far more cash available than the combined total of all his challengers. The election is still 10 months away and Republicans still see the district as…
The motion to dismiss criminal charges against Joe Aklufi was denied. In a brief hearing, Friday, Jan. 26, Judge Mac Fisher ruled that Aklufi’s motion that he should have received another opportunity to waive his rights to speedy hearing is not supported. Aklufi argued that the failure to offer this second chance to waive his…
Riverside County is a high-impact community for criminal cases of sex trafficking, sextortion (black mail with a photo) and social-media exploitation cases. Most of these cases are driven by gangs and predators using social media to access, groom, recruit and exploit young people. Often, a teen will meet a new-found love on the Internet and…
On Jan. 2, 2018, attorney Joseph Sandy Aklufi, the last defendant not yet sentenced in a Beaumont city government corruption case, filed a motion with the court to dismiss all charges against him. The basis for Aklufi’s motion was his claim that he had been denied a speedy trial in violation of California Penal Code…
Following the devastating fires in Northern and Southern California, a bi-partisan group of state Assembly members proposed legislation to waive certain government fees on properties located in these disaster areas. Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, an Orange County Democrat from Fullerton, introduced Assembly Bill 1765 last week. Several other Assembly members joined her as co-author, including three…
By Becky & Jack Clark Co-publishers In addition to Angels, Heroes, Patrons and Sponsors, the Town Crier now has more than 300 Sustaining Readers, including folk new to the TC and folk who renewed their old subscriptions to become Members at more than double their old subscription rate. These readers are the basic backbone of…
Cautious about new program funding No new programs, concern about future recession, and care for the poor and low-income were the primary themes last week of Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-19, which begins July 1. The governor proposed spending $131.7 billion in general funds, which is 4.1-percent greater than the current-year…
The Riverside County budget beyond fiscal year 2017-18 appears to be in a very precarious position. Any major and unexpected budget expense may have dramatic effect on the county’s reserves. While the Board of Supervisors is trying to protect its goal of a minimum of $150 million in reserves, county Executive Office Jay Orr and…
By Becky and Jack Clark Co-publishers Nine Patrons and 60 Sponsors grace the Town Crier’s Membership list into this new year. These are folk with the means and willingness to give considerably more toward saving and supporting the Town Crier for our community. The TC now has nine Patron members at $500 [Scott Bump &…
Influenza is spreading and the toll is affecting local healthcare capabilities. Last week, hospitals in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties were overwhelmed with emergency visits from patients complaining of flu and influenza-like symptoms. The rapid rate of spread is occurring throughout California, according to state public health officials. They have advised that influenza is…
