DENISE AGUILAR, ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE, HAS A CRIMINAL RECORD BUT IS ELIGIBLE TO RUN
Denise Aguilar Mendez, known for her involvement in the right-wing extremist movement and participation in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol incident, is a candidate for the California State Assembly representing Stockton as a Republican. She previously founded the anti-vaccine organization Freedom Angels and the survivalist group Mamalitia. Aguilar has a criminal background, having pleaded guilty to misdemeanor welfare fraud in 2020.
A report published on Tuesday highlighted a resurfaced 2019 video of Aguilar. The video, initially posted on the conservative platform Rumble and re-released by Media Matters For America, a left-leaning watchdog organization, features Aguilar making multiple conspiratorial and antisemitic statements. Despite this, Aguilar has received endorsements from the California Republican Party and Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher from Yuba City.
The year 2019 marked a significant period for Aguilar as it was when she first became politically active in Sacramento, opposing stricter vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. It was also when she faced three felony charges: aiding by misrepresentation involving amounts over $950, grand theft of personal property exceeding $950, and perjury. These allegations claimed Aguilar fraudulently obtained $10,984 in public funds from the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, with the activities in question occurring between March 2016 and February 2018.
In a plea deal with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, Aguilar admitted guilt to one count of misdemeanor welfare fraud during a preliminary hearing in September 2020. Her sentence included 40 days in jail (later reduced to 20), three years on probation, 120 hours of community service, and the obligation to repay the $10,984. Aguilar completed her jail term in February 2023.
When reached for comment by The Bee, Aguilar did not respond directly but took to social media to denounce The Bee’s coverage. She stated that voters are indifferent to her criminal history or previous antisemitic remarks, referring to these as “things in my past.” She emphasized her dedication to families and children in her post.
Under California law, Aguilar’s misdemeanor conviction does not disqualify her from running for public office. The state’s legal framework only disallows candidacy for those convicted of felonies involving bribery, embezzlement, extortion, theft of public funds, perjury, or conspiracy to commit such crimes, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. Since Aguilar’s offense was classified as a misdemeanor, these restrictions are not applicable.
GARVEY OUTRAISES SCHIFF IN SENATE RACE
In the ongoing U.S. Senate race, Republican Steve Garvey has surpassed Democrat Adam Schiff in fundraising over the past three months, amassing approximately $6 million. Although Schiff raised a slightly smaller amount, reports from the Federal Election Commission reveal that he retains more campaign funds as of September 30, with $10.2 million available in contrast to Garvey’s $3.8 million, which also includes debts amounting to $504,225.
Opinion polls currently show Schiff as a strong contender to capture the Senate seat held by Senator Laphonza Butler, a Democrat from California. Butler was appointed last year following the death of long-serving Senator Dianne Feinstein. Since launching his Senate campaign, Schiff—who has represented the Los Angeles area in Congress since 2001—has raised around $45.2 million. On the other hand, Garvey, a former notable baseball player, has generated $16.9 million in campaign funds.
CALLS FOR CALPERS TO DIVEST FROM TESLA
Two organizations have urged California State Controller Malia Cohen, in her role as a CalPERS board member, to support divesting the agency’s financial interests from Tesla. LatinoJustice PRLDEF and the National Institute for Workers’ Rights wrote to Cohen, citing Tesla’s “anti-inclusion, anti-opportunity, and anti-diversity stance” as well as its discriminatory practices against workers of color.
The letter referenced longstanding efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) dating back to the 1960s, highlighting that diverse companies often outperform their less diverse counterparts. It noted that California’s public sector workforce is exceedingly diverse, with 60% being non-white. This diversity is mirrored in CalPERS, where 58% of its workforce is non-white. The groups argued that CalPERS and its leaders have historically upheld DEI values, in stark contrast to Tesla, which is led by conservative billionaire Elon Musk—known for opposing DEI initiatives and linking them to decreased safety in aviation.
Furthermore, the letter pointed to Tesla’s record of discrimination, which has resulted in penalties from the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The organizations argue that divesting from Tesla would affirm the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion while explicitly denouncing Musk’s divisive rhetoric.
Given that Tesla no longer maintains a public relations department, no comment was received from them regarding this issue.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I have not voted yet, and I’ve actually not read it yet. But I’ll let you know.” – Vice President Kamala Harris discussing California Proposition 36 before boarding Air Force 2 in Detroit on Wednesday. Special thanks to Bee DC correspondent Gillian Brassil for capturing this quote.
ADDITIONAL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Elon Musk has initiated legal action against the California Coastal Commission, accusing it of displaying political bias in relation to SpaceX rocket launches, as reported by Andrew Sheeler.
- Experts remain unconvinced about whether legislation supported by Gavin Newsom will effectively reduce gas prices in California, explored by David Lightman.
- David Lightman also covered Vice President Kamala Harris’s assertion that Donald Trump’s economic policies could impose a $4,000 cost on middle class households.
- Following the approval of Newsom’s gas bill, Republicans have called for a delay in voting on climate measures that could drive up prices, reported by Ari Plachta.