Hernandez leads Riverside's Ward 6 race as the seat sits empty

The Raincross Gazette: Luis Hernandez leads the three-way race with 50.36% — 2,623 ballots — ahead of Oz Puerta at 28.19% and Norma Berrellez at 21.45%, with all seven precincts reporting. A candidate must clear 50% to win outright; fall short and the top two go to a November runoff, so the mail-in and provisional ballots still being tallied decide whether Riverside seats a councilmember this summer or waits until winter. The seat opened when Jim Perry, who held Ward 6 since 2013, resigned mid-term last week citing a family opportunity. The county Registrar counts through July 2 and certifies by July 10; the vacancy lasts until a successor is seated.