71st Assembly District

CALIFORNIA’S 71ST ASSEMBLY DISTRICT RACE: REPUBLICAN RANDY VOEPEL VS. DEMOCRAT LIZ LAVERTU

Spring Valley Planning Group Chair challenges incumbent for Assembly seat

By Mike Allen

Photo: Randy Voepel and Liz Lavertu

October 20, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- As the state grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, budget challenges, and a shortage of affordable housing, voters in the 71st Assembly district have two contrasting choices.

Randy Voepel was first elected to the State Assembly in 2016 and reelected in 2018, winning both times by substantial margins which didn’t surprise him, given the conservative character of the region. But he notes the winning margins are slipping each election, and he doesn’t expect this November’s victory to be as large.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: LARRY WILSKE, RETIRED NAVY SEAL RUNNING FOR ASSEMBLY

 

 

May 18, 2018 (San Diego's East County)-- Larry Wilske is a retired Navy Seal, running as a Republican challenger to incumbent Randy Voepel in the 71st Assembly district. Voepel, also a Republican, is facing allegations of "stolen valor" or inflating his military record.

Wilske belives integrity is the core issue in his race against Voepel. In our interview aired originally on KNSJ Radio, Wilske talks about the ethics concerns, as well as his stances on issues impacting California statewide such as education, sanctuary state laws, and healthcare.

A resident of Descanso in San Diego's East County, he also shared his views on rural issues including fire preparedness, water, power shut offs and jobs.  Hear our full interview with Larry Wilske by clicking here.

Audio: 

Larry Wilske, 71st Assembly candidate

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ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE’S CAMPAIGN SAVES ABANDONED PUPPY

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 29, 2018 (Spring Valley) – You could say that 71st Assembly district candidate James Elia’s campaign is going to the dogs – after adopting an abandoned dachshund puppy.

After a doggedly determined day of canvassing precincts, Assembly candidate James Elia says some volunteers wanted to call it a day.  But he adds, “I believe in a little thing called fate.” 


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ASSEMBLY TAPES REVEAL VOEPEL CLAIMING “HEAVY COMBAT” EXPERIENCE WITH TIGER BATTALION

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 25, 2018 (Santee) – In the latest round of claims that Assemblyman Randy Voepel has inflated his military record, audiotapes and transcripts from two California legislative hearings last year reveal Voepel speaking of being in “heavy combat” in Vietnam and serving with the “Tiger Battalion.”


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VOEPEL NAMES ANITA BAUTISTA AS 71ST ASSEMBLY "DISTRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR" FOR 2017

 

Source:  Assemblyman Randy Voepel

March 19, 2017 (San Diego) - On March 2, Assemblyman Randy Voepel announced that he named Anita Bautista as the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 71st Assembly District.

"Throughout her life, Anita has touched thousands of people with her warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit," said Voepel. "Whether it's brightening a room with her warm smile, dedicating hundreds of volunteer hours on behalf of our city, or happily cooking for our local first responders, Anita's contribution to this community is invaluable."


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MIKE HARRISON: SEASONED CONGRESSIONAL AIDE AIMS TO REPRESENT EAST COUNTY IN SACRAMENTO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our full interview with Mike Harrison, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio: http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/0nrblk7onb/Newsmaker-Harrison-Mike-Assembly71Candidate.mp3

December 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) –“The 71s Assembly District is a great district…with a lot of little rural towns and communities,  and great people,” says Mike Harrison, who is running for the seat. He believes it’s important for the people across East County to have someone serving them in Sacramento “who knows each town and its issues" and believes his experience makes him the best qualified candidate for the job. He adds, "I do have a love of public policy and finding solutions to issues that people are facing.”

Harrison is a seasoned political policy professional who has spent 21 years working for political leaders representing East County. A Republican and Ramona resident, he is Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and previously worked for  Hunter’s father, the former  Congressman by the same name. Harrison also holds a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Stanislaus.


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES HOSTS OPEN HOUSE OCT. 28 IN LAKESIDE

 

October 7, 2015 (Lakeside) – Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) will host a legislative open house at the Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine St. in Lakeside on Wednesday, October 28 from 4 to 7 p.m.


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HOWARD KATZ RUNS AS DEMOCRATIC WRITE-IN CANDIDATE AGAINST ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN JONES

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 31, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – After learning that the Democratic Party didn’t have a candidate on the ballot in the 71st Assembly District that includes most of San Diego County’s inland regions as well as south Riverside County, Howard Katz obtained signatures to qualify as a write-in candidate.

Chairman of the Riverside Democratic Party,  Katz wants to roll back tuitions for public colleges and universities statewide, push for a healthcare-for-all Californians plan (which failed by two votes previously in the State Legislature), and support modest tax increases if needed to fund these initiatives.  Hear our radio interview podcast with Katz here:  http://kiwi6.com/file/oj62bcco0x

Katz previously ran for Congress against Darrell Issa.  In addition to Katz and Jones, a conservative Republican, moderate Republican Tony Teora, an engineer and science fiction author, is also in the race.


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ASSEMBLYMAN JONES COAUTHORS RESOLUTION HONORING CALIFORNIA'S HISTORIC VINEYARDS

March 18, 2013 (Sacramento)--Assemblyman Brian Jones, R-Santee has issued the following statement on the passage of HR 9, a resolution he co-authored that outlines the many characteristics of California’s historic vineyards and their vast contribution to the agricultural legacy of the state:

“Almost 250 years ago, Father Junipero Serra planted grapes at Mission San Diego, and since that time, historic vineyards have grown throughout the state – from northern California and the Central Coast to our own Ramona, Alpine and Riverside County’s Temecula Valley,” said Jones. “I am proud the 71st Assembly District is home to such beautiful and diverse grape growing areas – each of which has achieved worldwide recognition and contributes greatly to our local economy.  I am very pleased the Assembly took the time to recognize the extraordinary contribution of our living historic vineyards to the agricultural and social heritage of the state as well as to the enjoyment of wine enthusiasts throughout California and the world.”


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ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE HURLEY AIMS TO BUILD GOOD-PAYING JOBS AND STRENGTHEN PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

By Miriam Raftery

“With California’s new `top two’ primary system, only two candidates will advance to a November run-off.  I’m running against two Republicans, so it’s important for Democrats to vote on Tuesday.” – Pat Hurley, candidate, 71st Assembly District

June 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Pat Hurley has worked in factories and on railroads. He’s turned around troubled businesses in mobile electronics, finance and sales. He’s led efforts as a nonprofit executive to create job-training programs, help low-income communities, and forge a sustainable future for our region. Now he wants to bring his experience—along with Midwest, middle class values—to the state capitol.

Hurley is the only Democrat running for the new  71st Assembly district (formerly the 77th), which includes nearly all of East County. The seat is currently held by Republican Brian Jones. Another Republican, engineer John McLaughlin from Temecula, is also in the race. 


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