Why do I get this sneaking suspicion that it's really not about a crosswalk on Fifth Street but about setting the stage for a future City Council run?

I suppose the first clue was a premature mayor campaign sign on a bus bench in front of the Ceres Post Office in 2013.

Maybe I'm wrong about the letter writing campaign but time will tell.

* * * * *

I had a chance to drop in on gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom's appearance in Salida.

Lt. Gov. Newsom seems like a polished, likeable guy alright but he gave a rundown on how the poverty rate in California has increased, admitting it's all occurred on the Democrats' watch.

My answer to that is, why would we want to keep handing Sacramento over to their failed policies?

He called for audience members to call out subjects they were concerned about. One woman called out "ethics." He replied that it was an "interesting" topic.

I'll say it is.

Both Newsom and former LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were exposed for cheating on their wives. Villaraigosa's wife left him as he carried on a fling with Telemundo TV news anchorwoman Mirthala Salinas. Newsom, as mayor of San Francisco, had a short-term sexual relationship in 2005 with Ruby Rippey-Tourk, the wife of Alex Tourk, who had been running his re-election campaign. She was his appointment secretary. Newsom and his first wife split.

Newsom has a sleazy image and is not the standard bearer for ethics.

* * * * *

I took note of Gavin Newsom's campaign signs. He uses his first name on signs.

Perhaps his last name sounds too much like "nuisance."

I've noticed a lot of candidates use their first name on campaign literature and signs. There was Hillary, "I Stand With Rand," and "Jeb!" Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren sign books with first names only. I suppose that is an attempt to make them seem more relatable.

* * * * *

Newsome told the Bee editorial board that he believes in greater gun control, selling ammo after background checks and he's opposed to the death penalty. Defining himself as a "liberal progressive," he said he's not pro cannabis but he's anti prohibition. He went on to say how concerned he is able everything to do with pot - smelling it, DUI and accident rates, targeting youth with edibles - but is against it being illegal.

* * * * *

Speaking of ethics, I love the "it's all a lie" Jerry Brown interview in which he admitted he lied about having a plan for California. "I didn't have a plan for California. You say you're going to lower taxes, you're going to put people to work, you're going to improve the schools, you're going to stop crime. Crime is up, schools are worse, taxes are higher. I mean, be real."
But boy can he raise taxes.

And California decided to hire his again - twice.
Unbelievable.

Do you have any feedback about this column? Let Jeff know by emailing him at jeffb@cerescourier.com. He will read it, promise.