Town and city council candidates ask for the public’s trust to control millions of dollars in public funds that affects thousands of lives and one Yucca Valley Candidate has violated that trust. As a result of an investigation, Z107.7 News discovered that candidate Eric Quander has fraudulently claimed non-profit status for at least five organizations, a false honorary doctorate degree and a false British lordship. When confronted, Quander admitted that no legal non-profit status was ever obtained for the African American Theater Ensemble of Los Angeles, the Yucca Valley Shakespeare Guild, the Black Lotus Institute, Joshua Tree Shakespeare Guild, and the Joshua Tree International Film Festival. Collecting money and support while falsely claiming non-profit status is considered fraud. In a biography Quander posted in 2012 he wrote that he “received an Honorary Doctorate from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.” When we asked for documentation, he referred us to Dr. Joanne Gabbin, Dean of Advanced English studies there. Dr. Gabbin told Z107.7 that Quander was never given an honorary degree. She said, “I don’t award degrees and James Madison University never conferred an honorary degree to Eric Quander.” As for his claim of British royalty, also posted in 2012, he wrote that he was “Honored with property and the title of Lord in Burqsgate, England.” His explanation borders on the ludicrous. Quander said during his work with L.A. area bands, they would say “Lawd, Q, how do you do it?” That was shortened to “Lord Q.” Later, he said, “A young lady from England, whose name I do not recall, said she, as a lady, could bestow the title.” He admitted he did not know if she ever actually did, admitting the title was, “Bestowed in the Rainbow Room in Los Angeles one summer night.” The “Burqsgate” referred to was actually the name of a band, Burs Gate. Of our investigation Quander wrote, “It is good to see the media doing its job regarding governmental activities.”
