Convicted felon can run for City Council

Saman Saman, a City Council candidate with a rap sheet that includes guilty pleas on felony and misdemeanor charges of domestic violence, is eligible to run for office.

"Mr. Saman is not on felony parole. He is on felony probation and there is a difference," City Attorney James F. Penman said. "Under the state constitution, he is eligible to run."

Saman, running to represent the city's 4th Ward, could not be reached immediately for comment.

There are three other candidates on the ballot for the Special Election to determine a successor to Neil Derry, who is now a San Bernardino County Supervisor. Capsule profiles for candidates Joe Arnett, Fred Shorett and John Valdivia as well as Saman have been posted previously on SB Now.

Previous coverage can be accessed by clicking on the "2009 Special Election" link under categories on the right side of the computer screen.