Emmerson sworn in as state senator

Republican Bill Emmerson, former Assemblyman from Redlands (AD 63) was today sworn in as state Senator from Hemet (SD 37).

In taking the oath at a special ceremony on the floor of the California Senate in Sacramento, Emmerson said, "I am deeply humbled and honored to have bee selected to represent the people of Riverside County. In the State Senate, I will continue to fight to create more California jobs, strengthen our economy, and enact government reforms to get our state back on track.

"I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to implement policies that will rebuild our economy and get Californians working again."

Emmerson won on June 8 in a three way race taking 58.38 percent of the vote against Democrat Justin Blake with 30.87 percent, and American Independent Matt Monica with 10.75 percent.

Emmerson had accepted a June 4 Idyllwild debate invitation, but cancelled just before the debate with Blake and Monica was to have begun. It proceeded without him.

The great debate

Despite the sudden cancelation of Assemblyman Dr. Bill Emerson, the other two candidates for the Senate Dist. 37 seat appeared in idyllwild.

Justin Blake, Democratic candidate, below, moderates, Annamarie Padula and Doug Yagoloff.

Matt Monica, American Independent Party candidate.

Emmerson cancels Idyllwild debate appearance

Citing a family emergency, Assemblyman Bill Emmerson (R AD 63 Redlands) cancelled his Idyllwild debate appearance at 2:42 p.m. on the day of the debate, Friday June 4.
Sponsoring organizations the Pine Cove Property Owners Association and the Idyllwild Town Crier notified Blake and Monica of Emmerson's last minute cancellation.

The debate, one of the only ones Emmerson had accepted during the campaign, was scheduled for 6 p.m. and proceeded with the other two candidates, Democrat Justin Blake and American Independent Matt Monica.


Shortly after receiving notification from Emmerson's staff, the Town Crier began fielding calls from off Hill media seeking to verify Emmerson's cancellation.

In anticipation of a large turnout including off Hill media, the Town Crier had moved the debate into the Fire Station Bay.

Attendees at the debate expressed upset and disbelief at Emmerson's cancellation on such short notice.

SD 37 candidate Justin Blake campaigns in Idyllwild

Of seven candidates for Senate District 37 in the April 13 primary election, only two have come to Idyllwild to campaign, Republican Russ Bogh and on April 10 Democrat Justin Blake.

Blake, an elected school board member (Palm Springs Unified School District), professional actor, and small business owner, greeted Idyllwild voters at Cafe Aroma late afternoon on Saturday the 10th.

"Aroma Cafe was great," said Blake after the meet and greet. "Frank [Ferro] is a truly nice guy and they made me feel very welcome. I set up a table on the northside patio and greeted people as they came in for dinner. Very receptive and friendly crowd. I think I got some votes, and even registered seven people to vote!"

Although the Hill has nowhere the numbers of voters at the mountain's base, Hill voters routinely turn out in far greater numbers than in areas below. Two candidates thought our small town worthy of a visit and that is noteworthy.

Voting is a privilege and an honorable obligation. Voting in the April 13 primary is one of the those opportunities that comes with responsible citizenship.

Remember to vote.