Hey Focus fans!
Republican candidate for California governor Steve Hilton is coming to Modesto for an interactive limited-seating event at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 4335 North Star Way Suite F.
It’s billed as a free “Modesto Town Hall with Steve Hilton.” Attendees must register online in advance to receive “maximum one ticket per signup.”
“Most of the event will be dedicated to your questions and hearing directly from you on what is driving costs up and what needs to change,” a promo notice reads.
Hilton also will appear at a $2,500-per-plate fundraising lunch at 11:30 that morning, but that’s definitely invitation-only.
In the interest of fairness I asked the camp of his Democratic rival, Xavier Becerra, if Becerra has any events scheduled in these parts. They said not yet.
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Did you see that Michael Gates, the Republican candidate for California attorney general, made a stop in Modesto a couple of weeks ago as well?
Regardless of party, it’s a good sign when candidates for statewide office figure it’s worth their time to visit the Central Valley, which works hard to grab legislative attention at all levels. Let me know if you hear of others’ plans to grace us with their presence – or gather our donations. Or both.
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Speaking of events, you wouldn’t think an Aug. 29 free concert hosted in Merced by Rep. Adam Gray – who represents about half of Stanislaus County and is facing Republican Kevin Lincoln on the Nov. 3 ballot – could become controversial.
But Republican party leaders in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties earlier this week issued an open letter challenging Gray to guarantee that no sex offender will take the stage with headliner Bobby Pulido. He’s a Tejano artist who, like Gray, is running for a House seat (in south Texas).
In many media reports, Pulido has said he didn’t know about a former accordionist’s past and that they hadn’t performed together in five years.
Among social media reactions to the GOP letter was this comment: “So Trump cannot appear on any stage, correct?”
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Less contentious (I didn’t just jinx it, did I?) should be a Friday Aug. 21 forum featuring Riverbank City Council incumbent Luis Uribe and challenger Jeannette Reyes (Sherry Fenn and Nai Nicholas Sosongkham also are running for the District 1 seat). Also participating is Modesto City Council candidate Juan Telles (incumbent Eric Alvarez and Jon Rodriguez also are running in District 2).
Although the three speakers are all Democrats – as is the moderator, House District 5 candidate Michael Masuda – everyone is invited to the forum, hosted by the Stanislaus Young Democrats.
The event starts at 7 p.m. at 1235 M St. in Modesto.
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If you’re wondering who else is running in November for higher-profile seats throughout Stanislaus County – including Modesto City Council, Modesto City Schools, Modesto Irrigation District and much more – see my recent roundup.
And stay tuned for our ever-popular Modesto Focus candidate debates, coming in September. Two are planned as in-person events you can attend, and others will be recorded virtually and posted on our elections page for voters to view at their leisure.
Also, don’t forget, if you want to ask me any in-person questions, join us from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at Contentment Brewing for our free Reader Appreciation Night event.
Feel free to share notes, tips and insights for Stanislaus-centric campaign coverage at garth@themodestofocus.org.