This week’s report is anchored by UAN's Sam Page who delivers significant developments within Riverside County, particularly focusing on the legal entanglements surrounding Sheriff Chad Bianco's investigation into alleged election fraud. Notably, the California State Supreme Court has intervened, mandating a pause on Bianco's inquiries while they assess the legal challenges posed against him. Furthermore, the episode discusses Republican Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez's proposition of a domestic violence registry inspired by Tennessee, which has garnered skepticism regarding its efficacy and practicality. Additionally, the City Council of Riverside's contentious decision regarding a substantial grant for veteran housing is examined, alongside ongoing initiatives to revitalize downtown Corona. Finally, the episode transitions to national news, highlighting alarming job cuts and significant shifts in state legislative seats since the return of Donald Trump to the political forefront.
Takeaways:
The California State Supreme Court has intervened to halt Sheriff Bianco's election fraud investigation, revealing legal challenges.
Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez's proposed domestic violence registry has been criticized as an ineffective distraction by experts.
The Riverside City Council's initial rejection of a substantial grant for veteran housing has been overturned due to local advocacy efforts.
Temecula has appointed Jessica Alexander as mayor for 2026 amidst controversies regarding her public stances on LGBTQ rights.
Nationally, US employers have reduced their workforce significantly, indicating a troubling economic trend amid rising gasoline prices.
President Trump is advocating for substantial cuts to domestic programs to fund military initiatives, raising concerns over priorities.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Ground News
Transcripts
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Foreign.
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This is Radio Free Riverside, the voice of democracy, with me, Sam Page at United America Network with the Riverside county and national news you can trust.
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Now for the news across Riverside county this week.
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Sheriff Chad Bianco, suffering from Trump's endorsement of Steve Hilton for governor, has been ordered by the California State Supreme Court to pause his investigation into election fraud allegations while the judges review the legal challenge against him.
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Bianco seized 650,000 court approved ballots with a warrant signed by his supporter, Judge J.
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Keel.
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er fraud investigation of the:
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Attorney General Rob Bonta has until April 15 to refile his petition and Bianco has 30 days to respond.
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In an attempt to look like he's accomplishing something during an election year.
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Republican assembly member Jeff Gonzalez of the 36th District, representing parts of Riverside and Imperial counties, recently attempted to foist off a revised version of a Tennessee inspired first in the Nation Domestic Violence Registry system, claiming that somehow this would stop domestic or intimate partner violence.
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When questioned about the bill's efficacy rate and evidence that would lead to success of this bill, it became apparent to journalists and legislators that Gonzalez had not thought through the process or its repercussions.
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The bill was opposed by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, who stated that the bill is an expensive and ineffective distraction.
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Gonzalez is being challenged in the upcoming election by Democrats.
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In the 36th, the City of Riverside City Council voted 4 to 3 to reject a $20 million plus grant for state home key funds intended for veteran housing.
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However, the funding is now back on track after local advocates brought it back to the table and funds from the state's homelessness Housing Assistance and prevention funds were announced as granted.
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Downtown Corona has begun a major initiative to revitalize downtown upgrades that are planned for water meters citywide, and the City of Paris has identified two men who are suspected of stealing thousands of gallons of diesel fuel estimated at $63,000.
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Council to serve as mayor for:
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With Matt Ron as Mayor Pro Tem Alexander has been embroiled in several controversies regarding LGBTQ rights, accused of displaying overly dramatic stands in public designed to distract from issues like housing.
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Meanwhile, the city has announced that Assistant City Manager Kevin Hawkins will be retiring as of May 1st.
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Hawkins has served the public for 35 years.
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And now turning to the national news, US employers cut more than 60,000 jobs in March, which is 25% more than February.
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Additionally, American households have paid $10 billion more for gasoline, while Washington Republicans are proposing a 1.5 trillion dollar military budget while saying that they can't afford child care, Medicare or Medicaid.
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President Donald Trump wants to cut all domestic programs by 10% and stop all programs in order to fund the military, currently touting that the US has won the Iranian war while insisting that somehow war efforts must continue.
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Meanwhile, since Trump's return to the White House, Democrats have flipped 30 state legislative seats, inclusive of an expansion in Wisconsin of a liberal judge majority, now 5 to 2 on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
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This has been Sam Page with Radio Free Riverside on the United America Network.
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News sources come to you from Ground News Article, a rated service that informs the public of bias left, right and center.
