“The Women’s Committee to Elect Joel Young to State Assembly cordially invites you to join as a special guest for an afternoon of wine, cheese and art,” says the group which is requesting $250 for a host contribution, $100 for sponsors and $25 for guests for the Nov. 5 function in Oakland.
The invitation lists just 37 members for the host committee, led by Oakland Councilwoman Desley Brooks and Oakland attorney Meredith Brown. The “Women for Joel” committee created sometime this summer originally listed 65 local female leaders and politicians.
Young, who was elected to the AC Transit Board of Directors last year, was once viewed as rising star until last March when he was accused of hitting a woman in the face after she caught Young in bed with another woman.
Numerous sources say Young is telling potential supporters the complaint was dismissed by an Alameda County Superior Court judge, but this is not entirely case. Instead, the judge cast significant doubt over Young’s story that he was merely defending himself. The request for restraining orders by both sides was dismissed by the judge allowing the plaintiff to pursue a civil case against Young, which has not yet been filed.
Support for Young has been in a steady decline during the past few months as the big political players in the 18th District begin a push to align themselves with anyone of the four candidates hoping to replace Assemblyman Sandre Swanson. The relatively paltry donation request may also be a sign Young is grabbing at slim pickings.
Alameda Vice Mayor Rob Bonta, Peralta Community College Trustee Abel Guillen and Kathy Neal are also vying for the revamped assembly seat that represents a large swath of Oakland, Alameda and San Leandro.
ebcitizen.com 