California: Union vs. Union fight a big part of Anaheim City Council recall

The June 4th recall of Anaheim City Council member Natalie Rubalcava appears to be another union vs. union fight, based on the spending. The Unite Here union, which has been fighting for a $25 minimum wage, spent $315,000 to get the recall on the ballot and have poured in another $350,000 for the battle. 

But on the other side, the Construction Unions have put in $50,000, the Police $25,000 and firefighters $7.500 in support of Rubalcava. The Orange County Employees Association and the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association both threw in $10,000. There has been $730,000 raised in her defense. 

Petitioners handed in  9118 signatures, they needed 5123. The clerk checked 7693 and found 5131 valids (presumably they stopped once they were over the line), so a 66.7% valid rate. 

The recall was started after a public corruption investigation report was released. The corruption claim is based on a chamber of commerce created data mining operation that allegedly gave Rubalcava a list of names and contact info taken from community outreach groups. She is also accused of giving operational direction to city staff rather than the city manager. Rubalcava was elected in 2022, and Support our Anaheim Resort, a Disney PAC, was a big supporter.