Updated 11/7 @ 7:00 A.M.
As ballots continue to be counted, we have an update on a few particularly close races that impact the Morongo Basin.
State Assembly District 47, which encompasses Yucca Valley and the majority of the western portion of our community along with Palm Springs, has seen challenger Christy Holstege seemingly unseat incumbent Greg Wallis. Holstege, a Democrat, as of this morning has 50.2% of the vote, while Wallis, a Republican, has 49.8% of the vote. There are 708 votes between them.
The race to represent three open seats on the Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors has only tightened since yesterday. Four candidates ran for three open seats. Incumbent Johnny Tolbert Jr. has a significant lead with 30.4% of the vote, likely securing his seat on the board.
The other three candidates are separated by a total of three votes. Leading as of this morning is incumbent Lynn Watts with the 394 votes, followed by challenger Eva Marie Rowles with 392, followed by incumbent Steven James Hayden with 391 votes.
Two other seats on the same board have seemningly been won in a separate vote by incumbents Christina Gorke and Lance Fisher.
Previously reported 11/6:
Ballots are still being counted today, but 100% of local polling precincts have reported results as of 10 a.m. this morning.
Here are the unofficial results as of this morning. Results are expected to be certified on December 13.
California State
U.S. House of Representative for District 23 incumbent Jay Obernolte has won over challenger Derek Marshall, with Obernolte winning 60% of the vote.
In the race for State Senate District 19, incumbent Rosalicie Ochoa-Bogh has defeated challenger Lisa Middleton with 53% of the vote.
A close race for State Assembly District 47 sees challenger Christy Holstege winning by a slim margin over incumbent Greg Wallis. Holstege has 50.4% of
State Assembly District 34 sees incumbent Tom Lackey winning over challenger Ricardo Ortega with 62%.
San Bernardino County
With four people running for San Bernardino County Assessor Recorder, Josie Gonzalez has a significant lead with 42% of the vote.
Morongo Unified School District Measure C, which provides bonds for school improvements, is currently a yes at 59%.
The County’s Measure K, which would increase the transient occupancy tax, has failed, with 55% of people voting no.
Measure L, which will increase law enforcement staffing, has passed with 62% of people voting yes.
The Town of Yucca Valley’s Measures Y and Z are currently expected to pass, with more than 80% of residents voting to continue the funding measures.
Twentynine Palms
The race to represent Twentynine Palms City Council District 1 is currently leaning toward incumbent Council Member and current Mayor Steven Bilderain, who currently has 55% of the vote over challenger Carrie Williams.
In Twentynine Palms City Council District 2, April Ramirez is leading with 265 votes, or 50% of the total vote, over Jim Krushat and Paul Razo.
Stay tuned to Z107.7 for continued coverage on Twentynine Palms City Council elections, which have historically been tight, and have even shifted days after the election as ballots continue to be counted.
Yucca Valley
The two Yucca Valley Town Council members running for reelection were both running unopposed, so Jeff Drozd will continue to represent Town Council District 2 and Robert Lombardo will continue to represent District 4.
Morongo Valley CSD
Morongo Valley Community Service District Board incumbents Christina Gorke and Lance Fisher have won re-election over Janet E. Osborne in a three-way race to fill two seats.
The four-way race to fill three seats on the Morongo Valley Community Service District Board sees incumbent Johnny Tolbert Jr. with a clear lead with 389 votes, or 29.38%. Lynn Watts has 318 votes for 24% of the vote, Eva Marie Rowles has 312, and Steven James Hayden has 305.
Joshua Tree
With all polling precincts reporting, Joshua Basin Water District Member, Board of Directors Division 3 was won by Jane. E. Jarlsberg, with 182 votes, or 61%, over Ryan Matthew Cherlin.
Joshua Basin Water District Member, Board of Directors Division 5 was taken by Stacy Doolittle with 261 votes, or 68%, over Debra L. Truncale.
Copper Mountain College
For Copper Mountain College’s Governing Board Area 3, incumbent Mary Lombardo defeated challenger Terence Latimer with 71% of the vote.
Morongo Unified School District
In the race for Morongo Unified School District Member, Governing Board Area 1, Karalee Hargrove received more than 50% of the vote over Robert Lee Hamilton and Johnnie Ray Ward Jr.
Z107.7’s news team will continue to report on election results as ballots continue to be counted throughout our area. Stay tuned for updates.
