2024 Candidate Endorsements

Redlands City Council District 4 – Jenna Guzman-Lowery

Jenna was first elected as a Councilmember in 2020 and has prioritized relationships with community leaders and residents of Redlands. Prior to being elected, Jenna has been working as a therapist, and previously as a program director, photographer, and barista, allowing her to understand the community and its needs. The Redlands Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with Jenna, and the rest of the Council, on important issues facing Redlands.

Campaign website: https://www.jennaforredlands.com

San Bernardino County Supervisor District 3 – Dawn Rowe

A Southern California native, San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe was appointed to the Board of Supervisors in December of 2018. In March of 2020, Dawn was re-elected by her Third District constituents and began her first four-year term on the Board of Supervisors in December 2020. In January 2023, she was unanimously selected by her colleagues to serve as Chair of the Board for a two-year term. Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors, Dawn served on the Yucca Valley Town Council from 2010 to 2014. The Chamber appreciates her long-standing commitment to our local business community.

Campaign website: https://roweforsupervisor.com/

California State Assembly District 50 – Robert Garcia

Seeking political office for the first time, Robert Garcia’s experience as an teacher and an assistant principal has shown him the critical role that education plays in strengthening our communities. He is running for State Assembly to continue his family’s mission for excellence while prioritizing the needs of all working families in the district. The Redlands Chamber looks forward to working with Robert as the next Assemblymember for District 50.

Campaign website: https://robertgarcia4ca.com/

California State Senate District 19 – Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh

First Elected as a State Senator in 2020, Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh has been a strong advocate for small businesses in our community, while also helping the county fight the Oriental Fruit Fly Epidemic. Before being elected as a State Senator, Rosilicie served on the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint School District Board, on the Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce Board, and on the East Valley Association of Realtors Board, while being an educator and then a realtor. The Redlands Chamber appreciates her contributions to strengthening the business community and providing support to our membership.

Campaign website: https://ochoaboghforsenate.com/

Proposition Endorsements

Yes on Prop 35

Makes Existing Health Plan Tax Permanent

Proposition 35 makes the existing health plan tax permanent beginning in 2027. The state would still need federal approval to charge the tax. The tax would continue to be based on the number of people to whom health plans provide health coverage. The proposition allows the state to change the tax, if needed, to get federal approval, within certain limits.

Creates Rules on How State Uses Tax Revenue

In addition to making the health plan tax permanent, Proposition 35 creates rules on how to use the revenue. Generally, these rules require the state to use more of the revenue to increase funding for Medi-Cal and other health programs. The rules are different in the short term (in 2025 and 2026) and the long term (in 2027 and after). Proposition 35 also changes which Medi-Cal services and other health programs get funding increases compared to current law.

Proposition 35 will also keep the revenue generated from the already existing tax out of the General Fund, meaning the funds cannot be moved to other services or to balance the budget.

For more information about the proposition, please click here.

Yes on Prop 36

Increases Punishment for Some Theft and Drug Crimes

Proposition 36 increases punishment for some theft and drug crimes in three ways:

Turns Some Misdemeanors Into Felonies: For example, currently, theft of items worth $950 or less is generally a misdemeanor. Proposition 36 makes this crime a felony if the person has two or more past convictions for certain theft crimes (such as shoplifting, burglary, or carjacking). The sentence would be up to three years in county jail or state prison. These changes undo some of the punishment reductions in Proposition 47.
Lengthens Some Felony Sentences: For example, Proposition 36 allows felony sentences for theft or damage of property to be lengthened by up to three years if three or more people committed the crime together.
Requires Some Felonies Be Served in Prison: For example, as discussed above, sentences for selling certain drugs (such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine) can be lengthened based on the amount sold. Currently, these sentences are served in county jail or state prison depending on the person’s criminal history. Proposition 36 generally requires these sentences be served in prison.

Creates New Court Process for Some Drug Possession Crimes

Proposition 36 allows people who possess illegal drugs to be charged with a “treatment-mandated felony,” instead of a misdemeanor, in some cases. Specifically, this applies to people who (1) possess certain drugs (such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine) and (2) have two or more past convictions for some drug crimes (such as possessing or selling drugs). These people would generally get treatment, such as mental health or drug treatment. Those who finish treatment would have their charges dismissed. Those who do not finish treatment could serve up to three years in state prison. This change undoes some of the punishment reductions in Proposition 47.

Requires Warning of Possible Murder Charges for Selling or Providing Drugs

Proposition 36 requires courts to warn people that they could be charged with murder if they sell or provide illegal drugs that kill someone. This warning would be given to people convicted of selling or providing certain drugs (such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine). This could make it more likely for them to be convicted of murder if they later sell or provide illegal drugs to someone who dies.

For more information on this proposition, please click here.

2022 Candidate Endorsements

Redlands City Council District 1 – No Endorsement

All candidates filled out questionnaire, and met with interview committee

Denise Davis

Tom Berg

Rodgir Cohen

Andrew Hoder

Redlands City Council District 3 – Mario Saucedo

Mario Saucedo has helped the Redlands community in many positions over the past 30 years. After his time as a city employee, he served as the president of Teamsters Local 1932 and a commissioner for the City of Redlands Planning, and Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. Along with those positions, he has also been a chairman for the North Redlands Visioning Committee and the Common Vision Coalition, along with being a board member for the Museum of Redlands and Redlands Community Foundation. Mario has a passion for both Redlands safety and our local businesses. He wants to prioritize public safety and show support for law enforcement officials. He will work with the Chamber to ensure that Redlands can be more job-friendly and business positive by creating internship opportunities for students in the community.

Campaign Website: https://mariosaucedo.com/

Redlands City Council District 5 – Paul Barich

Paul Barich is the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Redlands. He was born and raised in town, and has a passion for the community. He has served as President of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and for the Professional Insurance Agents of the Inland Empire, of which he was also a founding member. Paul has also been an advisory board member for the Graynack Council for the Boy Scouts, and the Redlands Scholarship Foundation. He has a passion for businesses and our youth community. Paul’s passion for children and students is commendable, and he wants to ensure that students get the best opportunities with internships.

San Bernardino Community College District Board – Dr. Nathan Gonzales

Dr. Nathan Gonzales has been an integral part of the Redlands community for years. He is currently the Archivist and Curator at the A.K. Smiley Public Library. Since November of 2021, Nathan has represented Area 4 on the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees. He has previously served as president of The Rotary Club of Redlands, Redlands Area History Society, University of Redlands Town and Gown, and other organizations. Nathan wants to make Redlands more job-friendly by working closely with the business community and helping link businesses, especially small businesses, with students in the community to provide a well-trained workforce to help strengthen the community. He wants to go above and beyond for our Redlands businesses, by helping to create new financial incentives to support them.

Campaign Website: https://www.gonzales4sbccd.org/

Congressional District 23 – No Endorsement

Derek Marshall (D)

Filled out Candidate Questionnaire, met with interview committee twice

Jay Obernolte (R)

Did not respond to request from interview committee