Candidate forums set to begin tonight

A pair of candidate forums for those running for office in San Bernardino are scheduled for 7 p.m. today and Thursday at Feldheym Library, 555 W. Sixth St.

Both forums are open to the public and will be televised on Inland Empire Media Group Channel 3.

The Governmental Affairs Division of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting.

So far, incumbent Mayor John Valdivia and challengers Mohammad Khan, Henry Nickel, Treasure Ortiz, Jim Penman and Henry Nickel have said they will be in attendance today. Gabriel Jaramillo also is running for mayor.

The forum Thursday is for those running for the 1st, 2nd and 4th ward seats on the City Council.

Council members Theodore Sanchez, Sandra Ibarra and Fred Shorett have said they will be there as will 4th Ward candidates Teresa Parra Craig and Vince Laster.

Sanchez is challenged by Gil Botello in the 1st Ward and Ibarra by Terry Elliott in the 2nd.

The primary election is scheduled for June 7.

Candidates who receive 50% of the vote, plus one vote, win their seat outright. Otherwise, the top two vote-getters move onto the November election.

All winners will be sworn in before the end of the year.

For information on the forums, call 909-885-7515.