COUNCILMAN WINNING FUNDS RACE.

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

San Fernando City Councilman Jose Hernandez has raised more than the rest of his opponents combined in the race for two council seats, according to the latest campaign finance reports.

Hernandez, a college professor seeking his third term on the five-member council, reported raising $19,573 as of Jan. 20 in papers filed with the City Clerk's Office on Wednesday.

The total fund raising for the three other council candidates was reported at $3,450.

The filings represent the first round of fund raising for the March 6 election, and contributions are expected to continue to flow in coming weeks.

While the amount still pales in comparison to council campaigns in larger cities such as Los Angeles that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, it is unusual for San Fernando, a city of 30,000.

In the 1999 municipal elections, council candidates averaged $14,000.

``It's still early, but you can't take chances,'' said Hernandez, whose largest contribution is a $3,000 personal loan, followed by a $2,000 contribution from the Mexican American Political Organization. ``People have won or lost by just a handful of votes in the past.''

In the last three municipal elections, voter turnout in San Fernando has been just under 2,000 of the city's 7,200 active registered voters.

In other filings, Mayor Silverio Robledo, who is seeking a second term on the council, has reported raising $3,000, all in personal loans out of his own pocket.

City Planning Commissioner Maribel De La Torre, the sister of Councilwoman Cindy Montanez, reports raising just $450.

Candidate Maria Elena Tostado has reported neither raising nor spending a single penny in her campaign. The longtime school district teacher, principal and administrator has said she plans to run a grass-roots campaign with volunteers.

Also on the March 6 ballot is City Treasurer Elvira Orozco, who reports no money raised. She has served in the post since 1970, and is running unopposed this year.