California: San Bernardino Clerk invalidates signatures gathered early, apparently on her advice

A bit of an issue in San Bernardino, where there is an attempt to recall 10 officials (mayor, City Attorney, 7 council members, clerk). Petitioners began gathering signatures before the joint publication in a newspaper of the notice of intent to circulate the petition. According to the rules, petitions can only be circulated seven days after publication. However, according to the petitioners, the clerk first told them they can start collecting signatures before that date. She has since changed her position to match the city manager's.