Red County/Riverside

Benoit Team Member Recognized as 'Renaissance Woman'

Cross-posted from the FlashReport

We're very excited to have a member of the Benoit team highlighted in the Riverside Press-Enterprise. Kenya is an exceptionally bright and talented woman and it's great to see her extraordinary efforts recognized by our local paper.

Corona history teacher is 'Renaissance woman'

After only two years in Riverside where she teaches American history at California Baptist University, Davis-Hayes can't sit still. She's a Kiwanian, active in local Republican politics and the World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California. Velma Davis, her mother, is an administrator at Southgate in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her father, Everette Hayes, is a retired aerospace engineer.

In Swahili, the lingua franca of Southeast Africa, Kenya Davis-Hayes' Christian name translates into "one of understanding."

So it's not surprising that she's devoted most of her 27 years living up to its meaning through scholarship, political work, community service and prayer.

Her latest triumph: the governor appointed her to a three-year term with the California Council for the Humanities, the nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Governed by a volunteer board of up to 26 members, the group aims to create a state identity by funding diverse multi-media projects of residents -- from gay war veterans to Latino bridge builders -- sharing their stories.

"We bring people together to answer the question, 'What does it mean to be a Californian'?" Davis-Hayes said.

As the only child of professional parents, it meant a childhood in Downey sheltered from R-rated movies but filled with connections to everyone from inner-city children to Muslims to AIDS' victims.

"We always had all kinds of people in our house," Davis-Hayes said. "I learned about tolerance and acceptance."

Because of strong religious values, she pursued her bachelor's and master's degrees at Campbell University, a small Christian school in Buies Creek, N.C. Two years ago she earned her doctorate in American history.

"While I was barely keeping up with my graduate student schedule, Kenya was writing her dissertation, going on job searches, enrolled in art classes and taking salsa dancing," said friend Erin Kempker, 29. "Networking and socializing are her forte, even when she's really busy."

Both were doctoral candidates together in history at Purdue University in West LaFayette, Ind. Davis-Hayes commutes from her Corona home to Cal Baptist, where she teaches four classes. Senior Daniel Boatright, 22, described her U.S. history course, which he took last year, as "amazing."

"I learned how politics changed from decade to decade," he said, adding        that she made history "come alive."

Davis-Hayes said she cracks "horrible jokes" to wake up her students.      

At 5-foot, 8-inches tall, she carries herself as the dancer she is, often in high heels. Her hair is woven with dozen of tiny braided extensions. Gold rimless glasses lend a professorial mien, although she considers every day a costume party. Whenever she peers into her closet, she'll wonder: "Is it Donna Reed today, '60's mod or a sexy librarian?" Fond of vintage clothing, she bought a 1950s crinoline to wear under skirts.

Style and fashion sense aside, what sets Davis-Hayes apart is her willingness to mentor, said Chris McHorney, chairman of Cal Baptist's History, Political Science and Criminal Justice Department.

For the past two summers, she and 11 volunteers from the college spent three weeks tutoring students in English and promoted HIV awareness at National University of Rwanda.

Davis-Hayes infuses the same intensity of joy and passion into her personal as well as her professional life, said friend Lindsey Carnick, 26, who studied with her at Purdue.

"She's a Renaissance woman," Carnick said.    

At the moment, Davis-Hayes is passionate about the Circle City Kiwanis Club's educational projects and working on the state Senate campaign for Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes.

"I love the community," Davis-Hayes said. "I love my students."      

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- October 3, 2007

State panel orders removal of Riverside County judge -- P-E and The Californian

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Robert G. Spitzer left his courtroom in the middle of jury selection Tuesday after the state Commission on Judicial Performance ordered him removed from the bench for willful misconduct and dishonesty.

Sniff sworn in as Riverside County sheriff -- P-E and The Desert Sun

Riverside County Supervisor John Tavaglione made the announcement shortly before Sheriff Stanley Sniff Jr. was sworn into office Tuesday before hundreds of county leaders and law enforcement officers from across Southern California.

Riverside County supervisors endorse gaming pacts -- P-E and The Desert Sun

Riverside County supervisors Tuesday unanimously endorsed a resolution supporting tribal and state gaming agreements negotiated by Gov. Schwarzenegger and the Legislature.

Inland summit hears GOP views -- P-E

California must spend more on infrastructure and overcome resistance from labor and environmental groups if the state wants to solve its energy and traffic woes and maintain a robust economy, Republican lawmakers said Tuesday morning.

Canyon Lake considers curbing sex offenders' whereabouts -- P-E

Canyon Lake is poised to become the first Riverside County municipality to restrict both where sex offenders live and are present, the city manager said.

Corona-Norco panel to work on school district foundation -- P-E

District leaders plan to lay the groundwork for a charitable foundation that would raise money for the Corona-Norco Unified School District.

Riverside Community College board divided over accreditation strategy -- P-E

Riverside Community College District plans to fly former Chancellor Salvatore Rotella to campus next week to answer questions from an accreditation team, despite the objections of two college trustees.

City mulls 19% raise for manager -- The Desert Sun

Palm Springs' city manager could get a $40,000 raise. If the City Council gives its OK today, David Ready would make $250,000 a year.

Region may see cleanest smog season -- P-E

The 2007 smog season, which ends Oct. 31, is expected to be the mildest in at least 30 years, regional air pollution regulators say.

Pechanga tribe's ousters bring protests, lawsuits -- P-E

More than three years after the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians began kicking out members, the ousted clans and their backers are emerging as leaders in the growing national movement against tribal disenrollment.

Recycled water may solve Lake Elsinore's shortage -- P-E

The 3,000-acre lake, a regional recreational hub and environmental jewel, still needs about 4 million gallons of water daily to offset the 4.7 feet lost annually to the atmosphere.

Murrieta council approves buying land for new bridge -- The Californian

The city has just one hurdle to clear before putting the construction of the Linnel Lane bridge over Interstate 215 out to bid, as a result of City Council action Tuesday.

 New position recognizes toll on death penalty prosecutors -- The Californian

Prosecutors in death penalty cases have been known to lose noticeable amounts of both weight and hair while most certainly losing whatever spare time they may have had before such a trial.

Opinion: Developing geothermal energy boosts the valley -- The Desert Sun

It is imperative that we develop our local resources and ensure our leadership in the worldwide production of renewable energy.

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- October 1, 2007

Political Notebook - 10/01 -- P-E

Inland Congressmen on CREW list, Ken Calvert’s Democratic challengers, John Pate

Vote-counting system reports sent to state -- P-E

Officials for Riverside County and Sequoia Voting Systems have submitted reports to the state on why they believe the county should be able to use Sequoia vote-counting equipment in the February primary elections.

Riverside County sites are part of freeway-runoff study -- P-E

A new three-year project sponsored by Caltrans aims to analyze the environmental impact of the state's freeways and the role native grasses and other vegetation play in minimizing the pollution that leaks from them during rainstorms.

Agency settles lawsuit over bylaws -- The Desert Sun

A civil lawsuit against the Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert was settled Friday, ending a legal dispute that has divided the agency's supporters for months.

Agency seeks to change bylaws -- The Desert Sun

Supporters of the Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert are being asked to give up their right to vote - a traditionally contentious issue that may lead to more legal action.

Foundation told: 'This has got to stop' -- The Desert Sun

Many of the nearly 100 people who attended the Foundation for the Retarded of the Desert's annual meeting Wednesday made a resounding plea to the agency's board of directors: Resign.

Temecula, Cal State San Marcos officials talk about local campus -- P-E

Mayor Chuck Washington and a contingent of city officials met with senior staff of Cal State San Marcos recently as part of the continuing effort to bring a four-year university to Temecula.

Perris' ballot measure spurs differing views -- P-E

A November ballot measure to extend the mayor's term from two years to four years has the support of the current mayor but is opposed by a man who may run against him in 2008.

County aims to finish Winchester Road -- The Californian

Transportation officials are about to launch the final leg of a long-running campaign to improve one of Southwest County's most traffic-clogged arteries: Winchester Road.

Lake Elsinore moves on annexation plans -- The Californian

As officials push the process of annexing 320 acres just outside the city's northeast border forward, some residents who live in the area remain skeptical about whether they want to support the takeover.

Deputy City Manager Jim Holston may soon be thrown into spotlight -- The Californian

As such, Holston, the head of the city's Community Services Department and supervisor of the Planning and Engineering departments, is the likely choice to take over as temporary city manager when Ron Bradley ends his own interim term at the end of October.

Opinion: A question for Palm Springs City Council candidates -- The Desert Sun

The Desert Sun asks candidates for Palm Springs Council about priorities

Remembering Myra Goldwater

Last Friday, Myra Goldwater, a longtime Republican activist and business leader in Palm Springs, passed away at the age of 93.  She was Republican by kin, having married a cousin of Barry Goldwater's, but more by action, working tirelessly for the Riverside County Party for over 30 years, serving on President Reagan's Commission on Housing and Freddie Mac's advisory committee, and in countless ways campaigning for and working with Republican legislators-- all while managing a successful career in real estate in the Coachella Valley.

Her memorial services are scheduled for Tuesday, October 2, at 2 PM at Wiefels and Son Mortuary, 690 South Valle Road in Palm Springs.  Per Charlene Stover, Secretary of the Riverside GOP, you can send cards and notes of condolences to her daughter, Teree Peck, 1111 East Tahquitz Canyon Way #120 in Palm Springs, 92262.

The following are a couple articles published by the Press-Enterprise and The Desert Sun, respectively, on her legacy in Republican politics and in the Coachella Valley:

Myra Goldwater, Palm Springs Realtor, Republican, dies

Republican stalwart and well-known straight shooter Myra Goldwater has died. She was 93.

A longtime resident and Realtor in Palm Springs, Mrs. Goldwater became connected with the upper echelons of the Republican party through her marriage to Barry Goldwater's cousin, Gerald Goldwater, in 1940. Over the years, she mingled with powerful conservatives from congressmen to presidents. She visited Ronald Regan when he was governor of California, and later when he occupied the White House.

She once told Sony Bono to get a suit and a haircut if he wanted to get to Congress. Bono was elected in 1994 and served until 1998, when he died in a skiing accident. His widow, Mary Bono, also a Republican, won a special election to replace him and has been in office ever since.

"Myra was a dear friend and a true original," Bono said in an e-mail Monday. "She loved the world of politics, and her tireless work in support of our party is legendary. I was honored to have her support."

Teree Peck, Mrs. Goldwater's daughter, said her mother remained active until the final few weeks of her life.

"She was at the casino every night for dinner," Peck said, referring to the Agua Caliente Casino. Mrs. Goldwater liked to gamble there also, she said.

Peck said her father died in 1965 and her mother became active in politics shortly after, when there was a governor's convention in Palm Springs. She met several members of then-governor Ronald Reagan's inner circle. Some became friends for life.

In 1981, Reagan named Mrs. Goldwater as one of three members of his Commission on Housing. The committee recommended, among other things, better zoning regulations to protect homeowners.

Mrs. Goldwater also spent five years on Freddie Mac's advisory committee, Peck said.

"Forty-nine men and my mother," she said.

While politics was a passion, Mrs. Goldwater was also a leader in real estate, Peck said.

She opened her office in Palm Springs in 1969 and four years later she was named the director of the California Association of Realtors. She was director of the National Association of Realtors from 1979 to 1999, Peck said. She was still an active member of the state's Tax Appeals Board, to which she was named in 1990.

Mrs. Goldwater is survived by her daughter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family declined to release a cause of death.

Valley remembers noted Realtor, GOP booster Myra Goldwater, 93

Myra Goldwater opened a real estate business in Palm Springs about 40 years ago, and it was still going when she died Friday at the age of 93.

Around the same time her business started, she put on a new hat - that of a Republican Party supporter who became friends with U.S. presidents and politicians, including the late Congressman Sonny Bono.

Friends remember Goldwater for her role in both spectrums, but her daughter, Teree Peck, believes her mother's legacy is her political involvement.

"She cared about this country and really believed in the Republican Party," Peck said Tuesday.

Goldwater's husband, Gerald, was a cousin of former  U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater.

The five-term Arizona senator's unsuccessful bid for president in 1964 is credited by some political experts as paving the way for other conservative Republicans such as Ronald Reagan, who won the presidency in 1980.

Myra Goldwater, however, didn't ride her relative's reputation to the top of the Republican Party, Peck said.

Her involvement began in 1968 when she attended a Republican governors conference in Palm Springs. She walked in and offered to help their cause.

She later sat on President Reagan's Housing Commission in the early 1980s.

Congresswoman Mary Bono also considered Goldwater a friend and offered condolences.

"Everyone who knew Myra marveled at her energy and spirit," she said in a news release. "She loved the world of politics, and her tireless work in support of our party is legendary."

California Desert Association of Realtors Executive Director Greg Berkemer remembers discussing politics with Goldwater one day. She wanted Sonny Bono's opinion and called him directly.

"I don't know anyone in the desert who could've done that," Berkemer said. "(Bono) picked up the phone and said 'Hi, Myra.'"

Peck remembers her mother giving Bono advice prior to his run for Congress more than 10 years ago. She advised Bono to get a haircut and suit, Peck said.

Goldwater is a former director of the National and California Associations of Realtors, as well as a past president of the Palm Springs Board of Realtors.

She was a member of Riverside County's Tax Appeals Board.

A memorial service has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 2 at Wiefels & Sons Mortuary, 690 S. Vella Road, Palm Springs.

Assemblyman Benoit Upstages Bogh in Spirited Debate

Appearing on the Marshall & Stone Show on Monday, Assemblyman John J. Benoit debated his opponent in the 37^th Senate District race, Russ Bogh, in a forum to discuss campaign issues. Bogh had accepted Benoit’s challenge to debate in-studio from late August.

 

“The forum was an important venue to air out some of the differences between our campaigns,” said Benoit. “This was a great opportunity to set the record straight, so we can continue discussing the substantive issues to better benefit the residents in the 37^th Senate District.”

 

Benoit highlighted his legislative effectiveness in the State Assembly, and his priorities for the 37^th Senate District: protecting public safety, funding transportation projects in Riverside County, fighting against tax increases, and combatting illegal immigration. Benoit mentioned the signing of Aryanna’s Law, his bill to revoke driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants,his successful record of 31 bills signed by the Governor and the rare creation of a new felony in the State of California.

 

Contrasts between the two arose when Bogh, discussing group homes and fighting illegal dumping, accused Benoit of copying his (Boghs) bills. Benoit remarked, “Because of my law enforcement back ground, I was approached by the City and County of Riverside to provide further clarification on Mr. Bogh’s legislation. His group home legislation failed to define what a group home actually is, and his illegal dumping bill provided no method to pay for it so I added increases to the fines forcing illegal dumpers to pay the cost of clean up rather than the taxpayers.”

 

In addition to maintaining a strong performance during the debate, Benoit questioned his opponent on the use of an unlimited Bogh for County Supervisor fund that has been used for State Senate campaign activities, violating the spirit of Proposition 34’s contribution limits. Bogh quickly attempted to shift the discussion, but was unable to defend the “slush” fund he had utilized.

 

He went on to label fellow Assembly Republicans and former Republican Senate Leader Jim Brulte as “Gray Davis Republicans,”  stemming from a State Budget vote, and spoke in support of a campaign hit piece even after learning his operatives had misquoted Benoit. Odd charges in light of the fact that Bogh himself voted in favor of budgets containing most of the same issues he is accusing Benoit of.

 

Assemblyman Benoit was proud to talk about his long-standing Coachella Valley roots, as a California Highway Patrol Commander in Indio, President of the United Way of the Desert, an active member and Past President of the Indio Rotary Club, past schoolboard member of the Desert Sands Unified School District, and a parishioner of Saint Francis of Assissi Catholic Church, and discuss how his background as a 31-year law enforcement veteran has prepared him for public service.

 

John Benoit’s statesmanship, lifelong devotion to public service, and proven effectiveness as a State Assemblyman are all qualities that explain why Governor George Deukmejian, Riverside County Supervisors John Tavaglione and Roy Wilson, Sheriff Bob Doyle, as well as Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, Caucus Chair Bob Huff, Jessica’s Law Authors Assemblywoman Sharon Runner and Senator George Runner, local Police Chiefs in Riverside, Corona, Indio, Hemet; 4 of 5 City of Perris Councilmembers and the unanimous City Councils of Palm Desert and Indian Wells are backing his candidacy for State Senate.

Bogh Shines In Debate as Benoit Flounders

In their first face to face debate in the campaign for the Republican Nomination in the 37^th Senate District, former Assemblyman Russ Bogh demonstrated a strong command of the issues and showed a clear contrast between him and his opponent, John Benoit.

“We’ve made California golden again” said former Assemblyman Russ Bogh of his legislative record at the debate. “We’ve done it with conservative Republican values, not by pandering to Gray Davis.”

The debate was held on the Marshall and Stone Show which aired on KNEWS Radio (970/1140 AM) in the Coachella Valley on Monday, September 24, 2007.  Bogh and Benoit were in the studio together for the debate.

Benoit, who several weeks ago agreed to appear on the program with Bogh for a “discussion about campaign issues,” became flustered as Benoit’s voting record in the Assembly continued to be the dominant topic of discussion.

“Russ keeps going back to this one issue, I’d like to move on,” Benoit pleaded in the debate when confronted with this vote for Gray Davis’ fiscally irresponsible 2003 budget that left  California $8 billion in debt.

While both Bogh and Benoit are members of the Republican Party, Bogh has drawn attention to the very big difference between the two, especially on the issues of taxes and spending.

In 2003, Russ Bogh joined with Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Senator Jim Battin and Senator Tom McClintock to oppose Gray Davis’ last liberal budget that nearly ruined California financially.

That year Bogh also stood up against Gray Davis’ scheme to take over $1 billion from vital transportation projects.  In spite of the fact that in his opening statement of the debate Benoit said “transportation funding is key,” the fact remains that Benoit voted in support of Gray Davis liberal scheme to steal the money from transportation and put Riverside County commuters in more gridlock.

Because of John Benoit’s vote,  Gas Tax money that should have been used only for transportation was used to help pay for cost of living increases for welfare recipients and an 37 % increase to government funded Hillary Clinton-style healthcare.

 “There’s more to talk about than the 2003 Budget!”  Benoit stammered as he tried to steer the conversation away from his support of Gray Davis’ last liberal budget.

Benoit told the listening audience that the budget was the “one budget in years that had an actual reduction of 6 or 7% in spending over last year.” However, according to the California Taxpayers Association there were not any actual spending reductions, only budget gimmicks. “Accounting changes shift spending out of the current fiscal year but do not actually reduce spending.” the California Taxpayers Association reported in the Cal-Tax Digest for the Summer of 2003.

Benoit’s support of the Gray Davis budget has haunted his campaign since the recent California Republican Party Convention in Indian Wells where Benoit’s voting record on taxes and spending was distributed.  Since the convention Benoit has been labeled as a “Gray Davis Republican.”

Russ Bogh’s poise under pressure, his consistent conservative values, and his detailed understanding of the issues challenging California and Riverside County continue to help his campaign build momentum in the race for California’s 37^th Senate District.

 

Russ Bogh has been endorsed by  Former Governor Pete Wilson, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley, District Attorney Rod Pacheco, Indio Police Chief Brad Ramos, Republican Caucus Chairman, Assemblyman Bob Huff, Beaumont Mayor Jeff Fox, Corona Councilmember Karen Spiegal, Corona Councilman Steve Nolan, Hemet Mayor Marc Searl, Perris Mayor Darryl Busch, Norco Mayor Harvey Sullivan, Norco Councilmember Herb Higgins, Hemet Councilman Eric McBride, Hemet Councilwoman Robin Lowe and San Jacinto Mayor Jim Ayres, San Jacinto Councilmembers John Mansperger and Dale Stubblefield, Moreno Valley Councilmember Bill Batey. In addition to the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, CDF Firefighters, the Corona Taxpayers Association, the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors and many others.

Rod Pacheco Honored as One of CA's Top Lawyers

Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco was honored last week as one of California's top 100 lawyers because of his commitment to public safety in Riverside County.

KESQ News 3 in Palm Springs reported this on September 24th:

Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco was named one of the state's top 100 lawyers, it was announced Thursday.

A statement released by the District Attorney's Office said the Daily Journals of Los Angeles and San Francisco announced during a Beverly Hills gala Tuesday night that Pacheco had been ranked one of "California's Top 100 Lawyers" in the legal publications' 10th annual review of the state's most influential attorneys.

The Daily Journal editorial board said Pacheco deserved to be honored for "standing by his convictions, even if it meant ruffling the feathers of the local legal community."

It went on to praise his willingness to stand firm under fire from judges who complained "his tough stance against most pre-trial bargaining pushed too many cases onto the court's packed calendar. Pacheco refused to bend, vowing not to `surrender justice' to expediency or cave `in the face of criticism."'

Pacheco, who was unable to attend the reception, said he was "deeply honored to receive this distinction in the company of such an esteemed group of colleagues."

Pacheco runs the third-largest district attorney's office in the state, employing a staff of more than 800, including 300 prosecutors.

The county's criminal conviction rate is 92 percent, one of the highest in California, according to published reports.

Pacheco took over the office in January, running unopposed for the district attorney's job in June 2006.

Congratulations Rod.  Keep doing the right thing even if it irritates some liberals who value the rights of criminals more than the rights of their victims.  We all appreciate the good work you are doing to make our county safer.

Mirthala Salinas To Report Riverside News

According to today's Los Angeles Times, Telemundo reporter Mirthala Salinas will be reassigned Monday to be a general assignment reporter for the Inland Empire division of KVEA-TV, based out of Riverside, starting Monday.  Salinas was previously suspended for two months for violating conflict-of-interest journalistic policies.

I first heard the story today on the John & Ken Show at the tail-end of their 6 PM hour, and they had some interesting predictions about how the seven-member Riverside City Council will now make a lot of news just for the extra Telemundo coverage.

A few observations on this:
- It's great to see KVEA expand to the Inland Empire, one of the fastest-growing populations in the nation, with a rapidly-growing Latino population.  There's not an incredible lot of news generated each day, but Riverside is the largest city in this two-county region and it's good to see more Spanish coverage to supplement the La Prensa papers (which I believe are weekly?) here.
- It's funny to see this story covered by outlets as far away as the U.K. Guardian as "breaking international news."  One publication in the U.K. even calls the transfer an "exile!"
- John and Ken were surprised that we call our seven districts "wards" which sounds like Chicago's political system.  They aren't too many California local governments that call their subdivisions "wards," and only in Riverside and Moreno Valley in this county, are cities divided into districts for representative local government.  I wonder if there's ever been a push to modernize city government nomenclature and just call the "wards" districts...

Red County/Riverside News Roundup -- September 25, 2007

County gets tough on illegal dumping -- The Desert Sun

Three years ago, Riverside County supervisors noticed a growing illegal trash problem and set up an enforcement team equipped with high-tech gadgets and undercover disguises to catch dumpers.

Officials say many Inland developers putting brakes on housing construction -- P-E and The Californian

Inland developers continue to plan for new housing, but Riverside County officials say many have put the brakes on construction of new communities amid the most significant housing-market nose dive to hit the Inland region in more than a decade.

Tribal leaders worry about 'wealthy Indian' image -- The Californian

Tribal leaders said Monday they were troubled by a growing public perception of American Indians as "casino-rich" special interests.

Truckers call state's new emissions strategy too costly -- P-E

A new strategy to make Southern California's diesel trucks more green could force independent truckers to shut down or leave the state, truckers and industry representatives said Monday.

Real estate industry closes ranks against fraud -- The Californian

As leaders of two Realtor associations prepare to launch a task force on fraud today, agents and others in the industry say recent publicity and the threat of prosecution have iced some shady real estate operations, while driving others underground.

Desert Hot Springs earns unwelcome attention -- P-E

New crime data released Monday showed Desert Hot Springs returning as the most crime-ridden Inland city with fewer than 100,000 residents, according to the FBI.

Speed forest thinning to ease fire threat, experts say -- P-E

The nation's worsening fire seasons are, in part, a consequence of global warming and are likely to get more severe unless forest managers step up tree removal efforts and prescribed fire programs, a group of scientists testified Monday before a congressional panel.

Myra Goldwater, Palm Springs Realtor, Republican, dies -- P-E

A longtime resident and Realtor in Palm Springs, Mrs. Goldwater became connected with the upper echelons of the Republican party through her marriage to Barry Goldwater's cousin, Gerald Goldwater, in 1940.

Former UCR chancellor Ivan Hinderaker dies at 91 -- P-E

Faculty members at UC Riverside remembered Ivan Hinderaker on Monday as a calm man and skilled negotiator who led the campus through tumultuous times.

Candidates offer their priorities -- The Desert Sun

Candidates for mayor and Palm Springs City Council shared their views about downtown during a forum Monday at the Palm Canyon Theatre.

Opinion: Shuffle primaries -- P-E

The current rush by states to be first in the primary line aims to maximize political influence, not ensure good choices, and the system needs to change.

Opinion: Shining schools -- P-E

Two local elementary schools offer a welcome message for California public education: Hard work backed by strong community support can overcome obstacles of poverty and language.

Newspaper Takes Stand Against Bogh's Unethical Campaign Account

Our Voice:  The Desert Sun

A loophole in state law allows candidates running for state and county offices simultaneously to collect unlimited campaign contributions from one donor, and that's a problem. Russ Bogh, a candidate for state Senate, raised money for that campaign but also is running for county office and collected contributions for that race as well. He stopped the practice, which is good, but the loophole must be closed.

It's a problem because a candidate can ask a donor for the maximum donation under law, which is no more than $3,600 for state legislature races. Then he or she can ask that same donor for a contribution for a county race, and there is no limit on the amount of money the donor can give in Riverside, as well as most counties in California.

As you can see, this situation is ripe for mudding the waters when it comes to campaign finances. Creating a pool of campaign contributions in which there are limits on some of the money, but not on all of the money, could result in unfair manipulation of campaign contributions.

Assemblyman John Benoit, who is running for state senator, has proposed legislation to close this loophole in state finance law. The new law would require that money raised by a candidate running simultaneously for state and local offices must consolidate his campaign contributions to prevent the same donor from giving more than the current maximum allowed. State law limits donations; there are no limits for county races. Benoit's bill would extend the limits on statewide races to local races as well as candidates raising money for two races simultaneously.

Proposition 34, adopted by voters in 2000, puts limits on state campaign contributions.

It's a good idea to make the law surrounding campaign giving as uniform as possible to prevent confusion. Having separate accounting for limited donations and unlimited contributions appears troublesome. Donations should be limited across the board.

Benoit's opponent, Bogh, raised money for his campaign for state Senate and also for a 2010 bid for county office. He has put the breaks on that practice, which indicates he realizes it doesn't look good to the public. But our intention is not to slam Bogh.

We realize the timing of Benoit's legislation likely has something to do with the fact that Bogh is his opponent in the Senate race. But that's not the issue.

We support Benoit's idea to make campaign finance law more uniform by setting contribution limits for local races by way of consolidation of funds when a candidate is running for state and local offices. This is a good move. His motivation is irrelevant.

What is important is that the process of campaigning for public office is as transparent as possible, and requiring limits on contributions will keep the process one that is fair and open to anyone who wishes to run for office.