“An Orange County Superior Court judge has tentatively ruled that Anaheim City Council candidate Steve Lodge can’t use the name “Chavez” on the November ballot because although he was born with the surname, he has not used it in decades,” according to the Voice of OC.
UPDATE: The judge said “Chavez” may be used on the ballot. To ensure no confusion, the judge ordered that Lodge’s entire name – Steven Albert Chavez Lodge – go onto the ballot, according to the O.C. Register.
Margine’s tentative ruling struck down Lodge’s use of the title “retired policeman” on the ballot. The candidate can’t use the title because as director of public affairs for construction company Hill International, Lodge has a job and is therefore not retired.
Bravo to Anaheim resident and community activist Cynthia Ward for suing the Lodge campaign and to the Voice of OC for their ongoing excellent coverage of politics in Anaheim during this season of unrest.
This news, combined with the recent expose of Lodge as a cop who used excessive force, is sure to hurt Lodge’s chances in November.
Lodge is supported by Disney and the SOAR pac – which is made up of Disney, other hotels and other special interests in Anaheim.
The OC Politics Blog has endorsed Duane Roberts and John Leos for the Anaheim City Council.