Endorsements for Ramos, T-shirts for Lewis

With only five months to go to the California Primary, the political calendar, which is shorter than normal calendars, has begun to wind down.

With that come the various endorsements and announcements along with small tidbits. I hope this can be a place for some of that.

As many of you know, I don’t exclusively write about politics. I write police, fire, education and features where I can.

So I am asking you help to get news in. We’re all affected by what our elected officials do. We’re all invested.

Thank you.

Occupy Memento?

I mentioned this in a story recently, but I wanted to take the time to elaborate just a little.

After hounding Congressman Jerry Lewis for months, members of the Occupy group caught a break and happened upon the representative having dinner at Caprice Café just blocks away from where Occupiers were set up for Market Night.

An Occupy supporter tipped the group off, prompting some members to head over.  Of course the group asked for an audience with him.

“He said, yes but then said something about finishing his dinner,” said Sean McDuffee. “He was very nice.”

He was gone from the eatery within 10 minutes, I’m told. But he did leave with memento thanks to Occupier Al Kelley who presented the 77-year-old congressman with his own Occupy Redlands T-shirt.

And You Are?

The first time since I’ve been attending Redlands Market Night, I ran across a Ron Paul supporter.

He was alone. A box a full of DVD’s was at his feet that he was trying to hand out with the pitch, “9/11 was an inside job.” As one would expect, he got curious questions and hostile responses.

Anxious to be able to talk to such an avid Ron Paul supporter, I asked for his name.

“Well, nah,” he responded. “I don’t think so.” All he would say is that he was from Banning.

Naturally anyone who wants to support a candidate in any capacity is always welcome to drop Loma Linda Patch a letter to the editor.

New Candidate

Redlands residents Robert Mardis, 25, has announced he will run for the 31st congressional seat which is being vacated by Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands). Lewis is retiring after more than three decades as an elected official.

According to a bio on his Facebook page, Mardis said he is a branding consultant managing a video game, comic book series, graphic novel, and multiple artists and writers for mass media outlets. He is running as an independent.

"For the last three years he has been traveling the country, working with creatives, and offering his help to just causes," the bio reads. "He is known in the Southern California artist community for his direct and rigid work habits, his online presence, and his palpable desire for results." You can read the rest on his site.

He joins an already crowded race that includes Rep. Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) and state Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar and Community Activist Renea Wickman, both who are running as Democrats.

Endorsements

San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees James Ramos on the other hand, has been busy with his campaign. He announced endorsements from Highland City Councilman John Timmer and Highland Police Chief David Williams. Ramos is challenging Third District Supervisor Neil Derry for his seat. Ramos also claims the endorsement of Highland Mayor Pro Tem Penny Lilburn, Councilman Sam Racadio and Councilwoman Jody Scott.

That race will also be decided on June 5.