Even before Porterville City Councilmember AJ Rivas took his oath of office, doubts over where he lived plagued his campaign.
Concerned Porterville residents claim that when Rivas filed to run for city council last year in District 3, it was widely known that he actually lived in District 2 on San Lucia Ave. Those people who have spoken to the Valley Voice have asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation.
According to property records, Rivas and his wife Alice have owned their home on San Lucia in District 2 for decades. Their daughter, Adrianna, owns a home on Date Street in District 3.
District 2 is represented by Mayor Greg Meister, and was not up for election in 2024.
Rivas beat challenger Timothy Vanni in the November 2024 election for District 3 by only 5 votes, according to Ballotopedia.
A candidate has to live in the district they represent – not just visit
On Sunday, November 30, this reporter knocked on the door of Rivas’ home on San Lucia.
His wife Alice Rivas answered and, upon opening, I asked if AJ was home.
Alice said that AJ lives on Date Street, in his district. I then identified myself as from the Valley Voice and asked if he owned the home. Alice said she and AJ own the home but that he lived with his daughter on Date Street in his district.
The next day, December 1, former Porterville City Council member Greg Shelton called sounding annoyed.
“AJ wants to know why someone from the Valley Voice went to where he lived,” he said. Shelton and Rivas are close associates.
I responded that I went to Rivas’ house because his constituents had reason to believe that he did not live in his district.
Shelton confirmed that AJ did in fact live with his wife on San Lucia Ave. I informed Shelton that San Lucia is in District 2 which disqualifies Rivas from serving in District 3. Shelton responded by saying some people have multiple homes, and that what defines residency is where a person is registered to vote.
Not so, says Tulare County Registrar of Voters, Michelle Baldwin.
Baldwin said that to qualify to run in a city council district, the candidate has to be registered in that district and live in the district for which they are running.
Baldwin said that Rivas changed his voter registration in May of 2024. She could not reveal the address but it is known that Rivas changed his registration address from his home on San Lucia to that of his daughter’s home on W. Date Ave located in District 3.
“It says right on the City of Porterville’s election website,” Baldwin said, “in order to be eligible to hold any elective office, city council members elected to represent a district must reside in that district and be a registered voter in that district. Further, any candidate for City Council must reside in, and be a registered voter in, the district in which they seek election at the time nomination papers are issued.”
When asked for the official definition of living in the district, Baldwin said, “living in the district.”
She said the registrar’s office checks to see if the candidate is registered in the district in which they are running, but that they don’t have the resources to confirm if the candidate actually lives where they say they do.
According to a local lawyer who specializes in elections, it is against the law to register to vote at an address that is not your home.
“A voter can’t just visit a residence, no matter how often, and then change their registration to that address,” he said.
Candidates also verify their residence on Form 501, “Candidate Intention Statement.”
According to the Fair Political Practices Commission, “The verification is signed under penalty of perjury.”
Baldwin said it’s the honor system. “We have to trust that the candidate is telling the truth.”
“Just resign”
According to California Code, Government Code – GOV § 1770 “An office becomes vacant on the happening of any of the following events before the expiration of the term:
“(e) His or her ceasing to be an inhabitant of the state, or if the office be local and one for which local residence is required by law, of the district, county, or city for which the officer was chosen or appointed, or within which the duties of his or her office are required to be discharged.”
According to a voting rights lawyer if a city council person has moved out of their district the seat is vacant.
“In general that’s how the law works,” they said.
“Saying you live in a district when you don’t – that’s a crime.” The lawyer added “people get prosecuted all over the state for that.”
John Sarsfield of the Law Offices of Melo and Sarsfield said about the Rivas case, “the voters deserve someone who lives in their district.”
“He should just get ahead of this thing and resign,” said Sarsfield. “It’s messy.”
Why did it take a year for someone to knock on his door?
A community member active in Porterville politics who requested to stay anonymous, said no one from Porterville knocked on Rivas’ door because the locals are afraid of retribution.
“The people in power are bullies,” she said.
They chased out former city council member Monte Reyes, she said.
“The other city council members made him so miserable he resigned for health reasons. It was horrible.”
The Valley Voice reached out to Rivas by phone and email multiple times but he did not respond.
The same could be a said for Greg that owns multiple properties and owes so much back taxes on them , Pedro Martinez did the same thing when he was in office and had to resign because he moved out of city limits before this district business started up
I have studied Greg’s properties and reported about them…and his interests in the Rails to Trails and A new community center and park adjacent to the Rails to Trails corridor off of Henderson Avenue at Fourth Street called “OVERLAND”
He is scamming the city just like the rest of these republicans have for decades… Duran, PARA, endless grifters full of hate and racism trying to sue and destroy the town and its children. Send them all of to be slaves for fake Zionist wars… Vietnam or today its all the same, disempowered poor and ignorant brown people around these racists.
AJ is an advocate for his district. He grew up in that district and knows all too well the needs of his people. For those who make disparaging remarks,cool the jets. Be kind. Stay kind. The community of Porterville needs grace and peace. Pick your battles. This city council has the community in their prayers and with the best of intentions. If you do anything pray for them. All of them. Stay kind ,it can go a long way.
So it’s okay to break the law? Or, is it that the laws only apply to certain individuals? He needs to resign, it’s that simple.
It’s sad, that people are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation and this went on for over a year.
Just remember, nothing stays a secret forever. Let’s hope that this is the end of deception by our council members in Porterville. Lead with morals and truth and set your standards at higher standards that we expect from you. We are watching each of you!
Trauma Bonding: The core concept. It’s a deep, dysfunctional attachment that forms due to a cycle of abuse devaluation followed by positive reinforcement (love bombing, apologies, calm periods). The victim may defend, lie for, or protect the abuser out of this bond.
Stockholm Syndrome: A specific type of trauma bonding where hostages or abuse victims develop sympathy and loyalty toward their captor/abuser. While controversial and not an official diagnosis, it’s widely recognized in popular culture.
Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs (e.g., “This person loves me” and “This person hurts me”). To reduce the pain, the victim often minimizes the abuse and focuses on the “good” aspects, leading to covering for the abuser.
Denial and Minimization: Defense mechanisms where the victim denies the severity of the abuse or rationalizes the abuser’s behavior (“It wasn’t that bad,” “They were stressed,” “I provoked them”).
Learned Helplessness: After repeated abuse and failed attempts to escape, a victim may believe they have no control and become passive, complying with and covering for the abuser to avoid further harm.
Coercive Control: The abuser’s systematic pattern of domination (through isolation, intimidation, and micro-regulation) that creates a climate of fear and dependency, making the victim feel they have no choice but to be loyal.
Enabling: While often used about family members in addiction contexts, a victim can also “enable” the abuse by covering it up, which protects the abuser from consequences.
Why Victims Cover for Their Abusers:
Fear: Of escalated violence, retaliation, or the abuser’s threats.
Love and Hope: Genuine affection for the person, combined with hope they will change.
Dependency: Economic, social, or emotional reliance on the abuser.
Shame and Stigma: Belief that the abuse is their fault or fear of being judged.
Protection of the Abuser: In cases of trauma bonding, the victim may identify with the abuser’s well-being as their own.
Survival Instinct: In extreme situations, aligning with the abuser is perceived as the safest option.
So it’s okay to break the law? Or, is it that the laws only apply to certain individuals? He needs to resign, it’s that simple.
It’s sad, that people are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation and this went on for over a year.
Just remember, nothing stays a secret forever. Let’s hope that this is the end of deception by our council members in Porterville. Lead with morals and truth and set your standards at higher standards that we expect from you. We are watching each of you!
Clearly Tim VANNI a world class Olympian should have beat this Adolfo guy who is afraid of going by his normal name, but Blessings of Liberty created an Astroturfed Mexican group called La Gente that was able to out organize the name and fame of Vanni.
34 year in law enforcement to just become a liar? Sounds about right. This is the same City Council that hasn’t said anything about Meister also moving out of his District possibly, and also electing City Manager Richard Tree knowing he live outside of the city (this was brought up endlessly as an issue for Ridenour and a major point of contention between the Blessings of Liberty Hate Group and Mayor Martha Flores also)
These people are all followers and sick in the head from my perspective. We need people who want to lead, not these elderly people who should have better figured out their retirement and life… a real hobby.
People should also remember that when it comes to this whole charade known as the Charter Review Committee that when it came to their proposals they gave to the Chomittee that RIVAS had more than the other three councilmembers combined by far like he is some great legal and civic mind LOL, Green is too burnt out to even submit one.
Have a laugh (all this shit needs to be flushed away with him too btw):
COUNCIL MEMBER RIVAS – Proposed Charter Amendments
1.Decentralized the City Attorney
Why it matters. Litigate in specific litigation.
Common scene. Retain other attorney services
2.Deregulate code enforcement authority
Review ; all municipal city ordinances
and policies.
Repeal/Amend out-dated ordinances,
Why it matters. Prevention weaponizing enforcement.
3..Legal Tender Freedom Clause (Gold & Silver
Currency Use)
Proposal: Add a charter provision recognizing gold and silver as constitutional money
within Porterville and protecting the voluntary use of such mediums of exchange between
private parties and in city transactions.
Outcome:
This provision positions Porterville as a leader in sound money reform, protects the right
to voluntary exchange, and creates a safeguard against future devaluation or restrictions
on lawful currency alternatives.
Key Elements:
• Voluntary Use: No one is forced to accept gold or silver, but no one is prohibited either.
• No Local Tax on Gold/Silver Use: The city cannot tax or penalize exchanges settled
in sound money.
• Legal Recognition of Private Contracts: Agreements using gold or silver are valid and
enforceable.
• Feasibility Study: City Council may explore accepting gold/silver for fees, taxes, or
permitting.
• Local Depository Option: Charter allows Porterville to partner with private or state
entities to support storage, exchange, or community-backed currency systems.
4.Property Protection & Anti-Institutional Land Grab Clause
Proposal: Prohibit the purchase of residential property by institutional investors, hedge
funds, and out-of-area entities unless for primary residence use or public benefit.
Why It Matters: Prevents housing inflation caused by speculative outside buyers and
ensures locals can afford to live in their own city.
5. Emergency Powers & Local Autonomy Safeguard
Proposal: Include charter provisions that limit the suspension of civil liberties or business
operations during declared emergencies without supermajority council approval and
public notice within 72 hours.
Why It Matters: Prevents abuse of power and ensures transparency and local input during
emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters.
1.Review permit process
2.Review from the state CBC that allows local governments authority to regulate.
3.location to file a ordinance complaint in person.
4.Review Per / post letters of application to amend local ordinances.
5.Review C train ordinances .
6.Review2014 pre ordinance city ordinance on enforcement of C trains.
7.Review sewage rates.
8.Review zoning development
9.Review business regulations
10.Review sign ordinance
11 Review local Taxes to lower taxes
12. Enforcement and Review limited smoke shops in the area .
13. Citizens’ Initiative Protection Clause
Proposal: Charter guarantees that citizen-led initiatives (petitions, ordinances,
referendums) cannot be overturned or stalled by council without public vote or a court
challenge proving constitutional conflict.
. Why It Matters: Empowers grassroots action and protects the people’s voice from
bureaucratic suppression
. Implementation of a 4/5 vote by city council members
Why it matters , to prevent the unraveling of positive change by a common sense council
of the city of Porterville and its citizens.
1. Implement in Porterville City Charter to self performing road work maintenance
within the city limits
3A. Eliminate anonymity on municipalities of codes that does not exist an eminent danger
of life or fire hazard.
3B.ID in person to file complaints ( deemed Municipal Codes-infraction)
5A Streamline Infrastructure Development and Management improvements.
10A Review to Repeal/Amend parts of sec 300 of sign ordinance.
6. Citizens’ Initiative Protection Clause
Proposal: Charter guarantees that citizen-led initiatives (petitions, ordinances,
referendums) cannot be overturned or stalled by council without public vote or a court
challenge proving constitutional conflict.
. Why It Matters: Empowers grassroots action and protects the people’s voice from
bureaucratic suppression
. Implementation of a 4/5 vote by city council members
Why it matters , to prevent the unraveling of positive change by a common sense council
of the city of Porterville and its citizens.
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2019/pb22524/html/cover.htm
There is a 98% conviction rate for mail fraud. This dude is “known” to already live somewhere else. Dude is beyond cooked. Rightfully so, these politicians really think they are above the law even they’re little traumatized but crony friends.
No one states the obvious, he claims to live with his daughter and not his wife. Just to be on council¿ Couldn’t watch the grandkids at the district 2 house? I don’t buy it, not for a second. Liar.