The general filing deadline for the upcoming November election passed yesterday, but a number of local offices across Orange County have an extended deadline until this Wednesday. This extension applies to seats where the incumbent has not filed for re-election, a situation that often encourages new candidates to enter races.
Several college district seats are among those with extended filing periods. In the North Orange County College District, Area 3, Steve Blount is not seeking re-election, with three other candidates already declared. Blount has reportedly decided to run for the Cypress School Board. Jim Moreno is departing from the Coast Community College District, Area 1, where three individuals have filed to run. For the South Orange County Community College District, Area 4, Terri Whitt is stepping down, and three candidates are vying for the post. Gila Jones, an incumbent in a different local school board race, is now reportedly seeking a seat in the South Orange County Community College District.
One local school board, described as having faced significant debate and public discussion, will see three incumbents depart. In Area 4, Gary Pritchard is leaving, and Marco Carralero, identified as a “parent and businessowner,” is seeking the seat. Area 6 incumbent Gila Jones is out; Mandy Bourne, a parent and educator, and Jeanna Emmons, a businessperson and education advocate, have filed. In Area 7, Judy Bullockus is leaving. Linda Shepard and youth sports director Ron Ruef are vying for her position.
Other local school districts also have open seats. John Hardin is departing from Garden Grove USD, Area 4, with three Viet-American candidates seeking the seat. In the at-large Laguna Beach USD, James Kelly is stepping down; two incumbents, Dee Perry and Joan Malczewski, are running for re-election, alongside three other candidates. Marlys Davidson is leaving Los Alamitos USD, Area 1, and community volunteer Ann Mulhearn seeks the seat. For Newport-Mesa USD, Area 7, Ashley Anderson is departing, with code officer Andy Godinez and Spanish teacher and businesswoman Grace Danino Hickok as candidates. Barbara Schulman is out in Saddleback Valley USD, Area 5, and community volunteer Kris Spowart and educator/counselor Edgar Montes are seeking the position. In Cypress School District, Area B, Troy Tanaka is leaving, and Jon Peat and Jack Torrosian are seeking the seat. For Cypress School District, Area D, Jeanette James, a non-profit executive and educator, is the sole candidate following Lydia Sondhi’s departure. The Fountain Valley School District, an at-large district, sees Phu Nguyen and Sandra Crandall stepping down; Dennis Cole is running for re-election, joined by Marcus Lee, math teacher Carl Blankenhorn, and principal Rick Nichols as candidates. Lastly, in Fullerton School District, Area 3, Beverly Berryman is departing, and healthcare advocate Jordan Abushawish and foundation boardmember Amy Choi-Won are seeking to fill the vacancy.
Candidates interested in these and other open seats have until this Wednesday to file their paperwork.
