THE 2018 ELECTION season is underway and there’s more to come.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the local election season is underway. The state primary selection is on June 5, and the general and local elections will be held on Nov. 6.

In the June voting, several local names will be on the ballots.  In the three-sided race for State Board of Equalization, District 4 (Orange, Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties), the familiar face is Ken Maddox, a former Garden Grove City Councilman and state Assembly. Originally a Democrat, he switched to the Republicans and is now an “anti-Trump”

Democrat. He lives in Mission Viejo. There are two Democrats and one Republican in that race.

In the 72nd state Assembly race, Tyler Diep, Westminster’s mayor pro tem, is running as a Republican. In the 34th state Senate District, incumbent Republican Janet Nguyen will be seeking another term; her chief rival is expected to Democrat Tom Umberg, a former state Assemblyman.

It’s important to remember that now we have what’s called an open primary system. That means that the top two candidates – regardless of party – will face off in the general election. Consequently, we might have two Democrats or two Republicans instead of one from each of the parties.

The local political battles will kick off on July 16 when the filing period for city councils and such begin, wrapping up on Aug. 10.

Dark horse Stanton looking brighter

Let’s face it. The City of Stanton has never been considered one of the leading communities in the Orange County. Small (only about three square miles) and not what you’d call affluent, it was once so unhip that city leaders considered changing its name.

The prospects are better now. The large and long-vacant Village Center at Beach and Garden Grove boulevards is set for a major overall, which will not only give the city’s image a lift, but also inject a lot of sales tax money into the municipal coffers.

It has a big and beautiful Central Park on Western Avenue. It’s hired a new public information person and residents are mulling starting an historical society.

There’s also a coalition of Beach Boulevard cities seeking to work together to spruce up that huge thoroughfare from beaches to Buena Park and more.

Don’t laugh. Newport Beach was once known as Mackerel Flats and Costa Mesa as Goat Hill. Anything can change.

Monday Night Political Football?

A SWITCH of city council meetings in Huntington Beach from Mondays to Tuesdays is proposed.

If you’re one of those people who can’t bear to give up televised pro gridiron action on Monday nights but still like to follow local civic action, relief may be in sight.

In Huntington Beach, City Councilman Patrick Brenden is proposing to move council meetings to Tuesday nights – the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

The item will be on the city council agenda for this coming Monday. We will let you know how it all turns out.

Usually Reliable Sources appears on alternate weeks, usually midweek.