Costa Mesa

Candidate for NMUSD Area 1

Endorsements: 

Endorsed by WAVE

Endorsed by Women In Leadership

Endorsed by the Newport Mesa Federation of Teacher Local (NMUSD Teachers Union)

Endorsed by the OC Democrats

Leah agreed to take the Pride at the Pier DO NO HARM Pledge. 

You can find Leah’s campaign website here. On it, she says, “I am ready to keep fighting for our students. We need a public education system that works for all children. With nearly 25 years in the social and public services sectors, I know what it takes to build consensus and get things done."

Leah Ersoylu pushed back against a book banning effort in July of 2024 while on the board, during a review of Perks of Being a Wallflower, which includes scenes of sexual assault. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHzYaBjU0SI&list=PLIkJ1hyC4k6dQyo_XS0B1NkDMQur8Podt&index=3

“There are some very loud voices from the community that are choosing to want to restrict what students are allowed access to based on their preference and their values.  But the mere fact that we had an actual student come up here and tell us that this book was important to her at a critical moment in her life, it helped save her, it helped save Charlie in the book, I mean that is why we are here”. 

The largest donor to Leah’s campaign is the Newport Mesa Federation of Teachers Local, which has donated $40,000 this year to date to her re-election campaign, a significant donation level by any standards. 

She’s also received $1,000 from the pro-LGBTQ+ “Women in Leadership” PAC, as well as $200 from SAUSD Trustee Rigo Rodriguez, who has consistently voted with LGBTQ+ equity in mind, and $100 from Tustin USD Trustee Allyson Muniz Damikolas, who held the line at TUSD against an organized anti-LGBTQ+ effort to bring forced outing policies to TUSD. 

Ersoylu has been the subject of very intense negativity from the group “Newport Mesa Uncensored”, which has used their instagram account to drive engagement on book banning efforts and has spread claims that NMUSD schools are “transing” kids. They’ve also targeted specific NMUSD teachers who have LGBTQ+ Pride visibility in their classrooms.  According to this page, Ersoylu is “Anti-Parents-Rights”. 

Leah, however, shared on her campaign facebook the policy that the NMUSD board passed that provides parents access to curriculum, to access to the school site, to access and permission control over psychological testing conducted at the school, to communication access to their students’ teachers, to the ability to opt a student out of certain curriculum, such as sex-ed.  This seems to solidify that the “parents’ rights” that the NMU group is referring to is the dog whistle we at Pride at the Pier have often seen, used to refer to forced outing policies and other anti-LGBTQ+ efforts.  

 Leah is a district evaluator for the OC Human Relations Commission, which works to track and prevent hate crimes and hate incidents in Orange County. 

The OC Register asked Leah a few questions.  Among these, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Ersoylu replied, “The role of parents in their child’s education is paramount. Kids need to have parents who make sure they have the resources to be successful. Our board majority voted last summer (2023) to pass an updated parental rights and responsibilities policy. It is on the district website, as well as my Facebook page.

Sadly, there is so much disinformation and a real interest in some folks not wanting to understand what the actual rights parents do have, that this conversation — and the term “parental rights” — has become politically charged. We can all agree that parents are ideally a child’s first and best teacher. We know the value of reading to children aged 0-5 is critical to a child’s development. Parents should stay involved from preschool to 12th grade, at varying levels. They need to offer support and be able to identify issues and work with the child’s teachers hand-in-hand. This is why it is important that all parents read and understand the parental rights and responsibilities policy that the district has in place so that all parties can use reality as the starting point for any dialogue on the issue.”

Candidate for Trustee Area 1 - NMUSD

You can find Robin’s campaign website here. 

Endorsements: 

• The 5 Trustees of the OC BOE, who support forced outing policies. 

• OC Supervisor Don Wagner, who voted Yes on a Pride Flag Ban. 

• Tony Strickland, Mayor of HB who has championed attacks on the LGBTQ+ community

• Reform California

• California Women's Leadership Association PAC

• Palm Harvest Church, Head Pastor, Mike Decker

• Newport Beach City Council Member - Noah Blom

*** Several of the above endorsements come from anti-LGBTQ+ entities

Follows “NewportMesaUncensored” on Instagram, an anti-LGBTQ+ page that has posted fear-mongering rhetoric about the LGBTQ+ community, including posts about how schools are “transing the kids”. 

Her instagram is now private. 

Robin Endorsed Scott Baugh for Congress

Publicly opposes The Safety Act AB 1955 that outlaws forced outing policies - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhfV6xi31XY, saying it’s “just not right. We parents need to know what’s going on with our kids, that’s something I’m very passionate about”

“My goal - I have several goals, but the first one is protecting us parents”. 

Represented by Lysa Ray Campaign Services, which has also worked on the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign for Travis Allen, who is considered to be "California's Trump." He has used the slogans "Take Back California" and "Make California Great Again" for his campaign. She also was the campaign treasurer for OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and was involved in a minor campaign finance controversy, where she took the blame for incorrectly filed financial information. And perhaps most importantly, Lysa Ray, who was compensated as a campaign strategist for this campaign, served as County Supervisor Andrew Do’s treasurer during the events that led to his current downfall and FBI investigation for financial corruption. Lysa Ray is representing anti-LGBTQ school board candidates up and down SoCal this election season.

Robin’s campaign received $2,500 from Fieldstead & Company, a conservative Christian funding organization run by the local Ahmanson family that has such highlights on their website as “Why Progressives Ruin Cities” and “The Decolonization Narrative is Dangerous and False”. 

On her campaign website, she places importance on parental rights, which has been used as a dog whistle for anti-LGBTQ+ activism and forced outing policies. 

The OC Register asked Robin a few questions.  Among those, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Robin replied, “The role of parents and family are key factors in a student’s academic success. Parental involvement and family influences have proven to strengthen and increase a student’s learning capability, along with improving a student’s attitude toward school and achievements in the classroom. Students with involved parents perform better academically than students without parental involvement. When parents, teachers, and school administration work together, this fosters better communication, a positive environment and collaboration for more effective learning experiences and successes for the students. Parents and families need to be included in the decision-making process, academic development, school activities and overall progress of their student. A partnership between parents, teachers and schools are necessary for student success.”

She also dodged a question on climate change in the same interview. “What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)” She replied, “The district should promote curriculum which promotes preserving and protecting our environment for future generations. By conserving our natural resources, we can ensure future generations enjoy the same quality of life as us or better”.

Candidate for Newport Mesa USD 

Trustee Area 3

You can find Carol’s candidate statement here.  In it, she says, “Since being elected in November 2020, I have promoted educational excellence, expanded Career Technical Education, ensured fiscal responsibility, improved community engagement, and enhanced campus safety”. Visit the link to read it in full. 

You can find Carol’s campaign websitehere.  

• On her main page, she talks about how her family fled to the United States from Lebanon as refugees from a civil war, and how that led her into academia and civil service. 

• She lists under her priorities, “educational excellence, fiscal responsibility, stakeholder engagement, and campus safety”. 

• Under her “Gallery” page on her campaign website, she includes a photo taken with CA Education Superintendent Tony Thurmond.  Thurmond has been an incredibly strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community in the face of anti-LGBTQ, anti-public education activists. 

Social Media: 

Facebook: Not Found

Instagram:

Twitter: Not Found

On instagram, this candidate follows: 

• Lisa Pearson

• Save Our Youth Center

• Jeff Harlan - Costa Mesa City Councilmember, District 6

• Krista Weigand

***Crane doesn’t appear to follow any openly LGBTQ+ related accounts, (pro or anti) or any political accounts outside of her direct peers in the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area)

Endorsed by: 

• OC Young Dems

• Brad Avery, Former Mayor and City Council member, City of Newport Beach

• Tom Arnold, Retired Fire Chief-Costa Mesa Fire Department

• Dana Black, Trustee (fmr.), Newport-Mesa Unified School District

• Joy Brenner, City Council Member (fmr.), City of Newport Beach

• Manuel Chavez, City Council Member, City of Costa Mesa

• Keith Curry, Former Mayor, City of Newport Beach

• Leslie Daigle, Former Newport Beach City Councilwoman

• Sue Dvorak, Orange County Airport Commissioner

• Dr. Marc Ecker, Superintendent (ret.), Fountain Valley Elementary School District

• Brett Eckles, Director, Costa Mesa Sanitary District

• Martha Fluor, Trustee (fmr.), Newport Mesa Unified School District

• Katrina Foley, Supervisor, Orange County Board of Supervisors

• Dr. Gregory Franklin, Superintendent (ret.), Tustin Unified School District

• David Grant, ​Trustee (fmr.), Coast Community College District

• Jeff Harlan, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Costa Mesa

• Dr. Clint Harwick, Superintendent (ret.), Huntington Beach Union High School District

• Susan Henry, Past President, California School Board Association (CSBA)

• Mary Hornbuckle, Trustee, Coast Community College District 

• Walt Howald,  Trustee (fmr.), Coast Community College District; NB Citizen of the Year

• Charlene Metoyer, Trustee (fmr.), Newport Mesa Unified School District

• Liz Dorn Parker, Trustee, Coast Community College District

• Lisa Pearson, Trustee, Newport Mesa Unified School District

• Tony Petros, Council Member (fmr.), City of Newport Beach

• Harley Rouda, United States Congressman (fmr.), CA 48​

• Barbara Schulman, Trustee, Saddleback Valley Unified School District

• Vicki Snell, Trustee (fmr.), Newport Mesa Unified School District

• John Stephens, Mayor, City of Costa Mesa

• Cyril Yu, President, Irvine Unified School District Board of Trustees

***Many of these endorsements come from people who are allies of the LGBTQ+ community

News:

• The LA Times covered a candidate forum with the NMUSD candidates, including Crane. 

• The Daily Pilot (LA Times) covered a security upgrade that Crane voted for. 

• The OC Register asked Carol a few questions.  Among those, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Crane replied, “Meaningful parent and community engagement is one of the four NMUSD board priorities.

As a former educator, parent, volunteer and current governing board member, I vehemently believe that parents are and should be part of the formula for student success. A school district cannot achieve its potential without parent involvement and feedback.

NMUSD has one of the most robust parental rights in the county. Parents have access to their student records, can request a meeting with any district employee, can review textbook/curriculum adoption, can visit and observe their students’ classroom, provide input on curriculum development, can request testing for special needs and develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), can volunteer and serve on a plethora of committees and associations such as PTA and School Site Council, can opt their students out of certain units in the sex education curriculum and more.”

Follow the Money: 

• Crane’s campaign treasurer is Lysa Ray, who has deep ties to many conservative politicians in the region and is working the campaigns of many anti-LGBTQ+ candidates across Southern California. Ray is also the treasurer (former?) of Andrew Do, the OC Supervisor who is under investigation by the FBI. 

• As of September 21, Crane had raised $56,635.38 in campaign donations, nearly $50K of which came in the form of direct donations. 

• Many of her donations came from political leaders and organizations who have worked in support of LGBTQ+ equity. 

  • $5,000 came from CA Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris

  • $500 came from the OC Dems

  • $250 came from Democratic Women of South OC

  • $100 came from Mary L. Hornbuckle, board member at Coast Community College

Candidate for Newport Mesa USD 

Trustee Area 3

You can find Philip’s candidate statement here.  In it, he says, “Parental and family involvement is vital for student success. We must end policies driving a wedge between

parents and students”. 

Email:Stemler4nmusd@gmail.com

You can find Philip’s campaign website here. 

Among his priorities, he lists, “Education, Not Indoctrination: Students must learn how to think, not what to think. Our schools’ curriculum must reflect our commitment to academic excellence, not any political agenda”. 

Social Media: 

Facebook:

Instagram:

Twitter: Not Found

On instagram, this candidate follows: 

• Noah Blom

• Krista Weigand

• Michelle Barto

• Joe Stapleton 

In this instagram post, Stemler says, “I am committed to removing district policies keeping secrets from parents.  In our kids’ education, family is the solution, not the problem”.  This seems to be a reference to policies that stand against forced outing in NMUSD. 

Just take a look through her IG account and any progressive/left leaning/LGBTQ+ friendly accounts you see, go ahead and include.  I know Frances is an ally, if I didn’t, I’d say just find anything you think is notable. 

If there’s anything LGBTQ+ related or connected to progressive policies towards marginalized communities that you see on her website or social media, include it here with the sources link

Endorsed by: 

• Noah Blom, Newport Beach City Councilmember & Former Mayor 

• Mari Barke, Orange County Board of Education Trustee 

• Lisa Sparks, Orange County Board of Education Trustee 

• Will O'Neill, Newport Beach Mayor 

• California Women's Leadership Association PAC

• Michelle Barto, Newport-Mesa Unified School District Trustee 

• Orange County GOP

• Reform CA

• Nancy’s Picks

***This endorsement list includes many people who have loudly advocated against the LGBTQ community. 

Nancy’s List had this to say about Stemler in her endorsement: “STEMLER is a Newport Beach native, a husband, a father, and in his day-job is a Deputy District Attorney. Some of his priorities are: Empowering Families: (says, “parental involvement is vital for student success . . .must end policies driving a wedge between parents and students”.) Transparency: (“says, schools must be transparent in all areas, especially related to spending, academic achievement, and student health”). Education, Not Indoctrination: (says, “students should be taught how to think, not what to think. . . schools’ curriculum must reflect our commitment to academic excellence, not any political agenda”)”. .

Just take a look at her endorsements on her website or socials and pop the ones you think are a good indication of her stance towards marginalized communities

News:

The LA Times covered a candidate forum with Philip Stemler and his fellow NMUSD candidates.  Read it in full here. 

The OC Register asked Philip a few questions.  Among these, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Stemler replied, “Government policies that drive a wedge between parents and their children are wrong. Research and common experience show that student outcomes across virtually all domains — from mental health to academic achievement — drastically improve when family is involved and supportive. We should be empowering parents and families to tap into this. As a school district, the best way to support children struggling with any issue is to ensure their family is fully involved. As a father, I know that family is the solution, not the problem.

Excluding true instances of abuse or neglect, government entities like school districts should not be interfering in any family. It makes no sense that schools require parents to give permission for a child to go on a field trip, but then will not tell parents if a child is getting counseling to receive irreversible gender-altering treatment”. 

***FACT CHECK: School faculty have nothing to do with the prescription or the providing of gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This is a myth that is designed to fear-monger about our public schools and the LGBTQ+ community. 

In the same article, Stemler was asked, “What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

He suggested that climate change is not real in his response, saying, “Newport-Mesa’s schools need the very best science curriculum so our students can distinguish fact from fiction when climate change is discussed and debated. When this happens, we as a society can make fact and evidence-based decisions that not only protect and improve our environment but also protect the quality of life of our neighbors and community. We should also be teaching students how to be good stewards of their environment, properly disposing of waste, recycling those items which can be reused, and protecting our precious beaches and oceans”. 

Follow the Money: 

As of the 9.21.2024 filing deadline, Stemler had raised $52,125.00, primarily in cash donations. 

• $500 came from Shawn Steel, the husband of notoriously anti-LGBTQ Congresswoman Michelle Steel. 

• Many of the donations he’s received come from individuals within the real estate and finance fields.

• His expenditures include payments to Landslide Communications, a campaign literature company that works with many anti-LGBTQ+ candidates across the region. 

• He’s also employed Brian Floyd Enterprises as a campaign consultant.  BFE works specifically with right-wing candidates. 

Candidate for Newport Mesa USD

Trustee Area 6

Campaign Website: https://www.voteamypeters.com/

• Peters lists among her priorities, “I will work to improve academic outcomes while advocating for the removal of controversial programming and materials in our schools”. 

• She also lists, “I will work to restore the partnership between parents and educators, and to ensure that transparent and responsive governance and leadership with respect to parent rights is prioritized”. 

You can find Amy’s candidate statement here.  In it, she says, “Accessibility, Transparency, Communication & Engagement: I will work to restore the partnership between parents and educators, and to ensure that transparent and responsive  governance and leadership is prioritized”

Social Media: 

Facebook: None Found

Instagram:

Twitter: None Found

• Amy was tagged in an interview and endorsement from Nicole Pearson, an extremist, anti-LGBTQ and anti-public education activist.

• She posted on instagram, “NMUSD focuses on Social Emotional Learning SEL instead of their MANDATE of EDUCATION to PREPARE for LIFE after graduation”. 

On instagram, this candidate follows: 

• OC Supervisor Don Wagner

• OC Sheriff Don Barnes

• Newport Mesa Uncensored (extremely anti-LGBTQ local group)

• Orange County Conservatives

• Barbie George (CA Chapter President, Moms for America)

• Nicole Pearson (extremist activist)

• James O’Keefe (anti-LGBTQ+ commentator)

• CA Freedom Keepers (anti-vax political activists)

Endorsed by: 

• Nancy’s Picks

• CA Conservative Recommendations

Nancy’s Picks has this to say about her; “This is an office where, I believe, the OC GOP got it WRONG, endorsing incumbent, Krista Weigand, without consideration of her actions on the Board, simply because she is an incumbent and a “R”. 

I, and many NM CONSERVATIVES, thought Weigand was their candidate 4 years ago. BUT she has been a HUGE disappointment!  Weigand has been virtually a “lock-step” vote with the majority liberal board. She has been a “go along to get along” member,  NOT the expected LEADER for CHANGE & IMPROVEMENT! Accordingly, this time, I’m recommending AMY PETERS, who stepped up because she felt the district needed ANOTHER SHOT at CHANGE and protecting our kids from inappropriate material. AMY IS THE FIGHTER WE NEED!

Per AMY PETERS, a businesswoman and educator: “Our District is in dire need of strong leadership and new direction - focused on academic excellence and students’ needs not declining rankings due to special interests. I am committed to Academic Excellence. Though the District boasts a 94.7% graduation rate, only 36.8% of 10th graders are reading at/above grade level. 66.95% of 11th graders are failing math standards. I will work to improve academic outcomes; removing CONTROVERSIAL programming and materials in our schools.” 

Amy opposes WOKISM and SOCIALISM being taught in our schools. Says, “Right now there are 28 students in NM Schools being transitioned behind their parents’ backs”.  She knows this district well, having gone all through NM schools herself, along with her 3 children. She has served in the schools in virtually every capacity as a parent and partner.

NOTE: Please DO NOT SUPPORT KRISTA WEIGAND or the 3rd candidate in this race, Democrat, CHRIS KRETZU.” 

News:

• According to this article in the LA Times, Peters decided to run again (she ran before, in 2020) after AB 1955 was passed. “Peters said she was motivated after hearing about NMUSD’s compliance with AB 1955, a state law which prohibits school districts from requiring employees or contractors to notify parents about students’ preferred gender identity.  “I don’t think we should be keeping that information from parents,” she said. “The secrecy that’s happening on school campuses drives a wedge between schools and parents and teachers and children.”

Follow the Money: 

As of 9.21.24, Peters had raised $1,700.00. The majority of it came from a private individual.

Campaign Website: https://www.chris4nmusd.com/

• In his “about me”, he says, “Let me say that again because it’s an important detail: I currently have kids in NMUSD schools. Since our oldest son started kindergarten, my wife and I have been investing our time and energy in our kid’s class rooms as room parents and volunteers, at school events, on their PTA, and more”. 

• Chris, who has worked in church ministry for the last 18 years, goes on to say, “I want to ensure equitable access to resources, support innovative teaching methods, and advocate for policies that address the diverse needs of all students. I don’t just want academic success for our kids, but also the ability to be kind and live well. I also want to make sure our teachers and administrators feel seen, heard and valued for the crucial role that they play”. 

• On his “priorities” page, he says, “No More Fear-Based Messaging: Author and social scientist Jonathan Haidt wrote, “the real world is so much safer than you think, and the virtual world is every bit as dangerous, if not more, than you think.” We need to stop giving credit to every snippet that comes across our news source and, instead, actually show up in our neighborhoods and schools to see for ourselves what the challenges, opportunities, and dangers are. Again, I'm not suggesting we put our heads in the sand! Instead, let's put our hands to the plow and engage in the thing that is often easier to just critique”. 

You can find Chris’ candidate statement here. 

The church that Kretzu is affiliated with in his time as a pastor, South Hills Church, emphasizes on its website the need for the church community to reflect the diversity of the community, saying “One of the core teachings of Jesus is to love your neighbor. And by that He meant people who live around you but don’t look, think, dress, vote, or act like you. If the demographic of our church doesn’t reflect the demographic of our community, we’re doing it wrong. We’ve lost the plot”. 

Social Media: 

Facebook: (private)

Instagram:

Twitter: (private)

On instagram, this candidate follows: 

• Our Schools USA (this is one of our partner orgs, working to protect public education!)

• WAVE

• Costa Mesa Democrats

• Congressional Candidate Dave Min

• Spotlight Schools

• State Senator Josh Newman

• Barbie George (CA Chapter Lead, Moms for America - anti-LGBTQ)

Endorsed by: 

• OC Democrats

***There may be more, but he has not shared these endorsements on his social media or campaign website, which means we had to check endorsement pages one at a time, and may have missed some. 

News:

The OC Register asked Kretzu a few questions.  Among those, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Chris replied, “I absolutely think parents should be involved in their children’s education, and I’ve never met an educator who was opposed to that. It’s also worth noting that NMUSD has actually had a Parental Rights & Responsibilities policy for almost 20 years that every parent sign each year when they register their children. When it comes to the SAFETY Act, my understanding is that it was written to protect students who are at risk of experiencing violence at home because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. And of course, nobody wants children to be put in harm’s way – even if we disagreed with their choices.

According to our district leaders, up to this point, there has not been a single instance where parents weren’t included in the conversation around a student-requested gender support plan, and I believe that’s because of our district’s commitment to caring for and working with students and families.

While people may disagree widely on this topic, I think it’s crucial we engage in these conversations with an understanding of why the bill was signed at a state level, what it practically means at our district level, and how our educators are actually navigating these difficult waters.”

The LA Times/Daily Pilot covered a candidate forum that Kretzu spoke at. You can read about that here. 

Follow the Money: 

Kretzu hasn’t filed any campaign finance filings that reflect donations for this election.

Candidate for Trustee Area 6 - NMUSD

You can find Krista’s Campaign Website here.  On her website, she lists among her priorities; “The importance of students' mental and emotional development. An education is only valuable when a student can emotionally handle the ups and downs of life”. 

Under her “Issues” page: 

• “Put a stop to new bonds and parcel taxes. We already have the resources needed; we need to spend it right – focusing on classroom education”

• “Promote a well-balanced education including quality curriculum, access to the latest technology and limited class size”. 

• “Transparency. Guarantee that decisions are not made behind closed doors and that the public is included every step of the way”. 

You can find Weigand’s candidate statement here.  In it, she says, “As a parent, I understand that communication is the most important tool to strengthen my children’s education at school. Knowing what’s happening in the classroom and on campus is a fundamental right of every parent. I am committed to further improving our communications and outreach efforts, so parents are at the forefront of children’s educational development”. 

She appears to be running in a slate with Philip Stemler and Robin Mensinger, who have both been open in their anti-LGBTQ views. However, her own campaign doesn’t seem to carry the same language at its forefront. 

Social Media: 

Facebook:

Instagram:

On instagram, this candidate follows: 

• Lean In (a feminist org)

• Sharon McMahon (author and civics education professional)

• Barbie George (CA Chapter Lead of conservative group Moms for America)

***Most of the notable accounts Weigand follows are her fellow elected officials in the Newport-Mesa region, local school accounts, and local businesses. 

Endorsed by: 

• Sheriff Don Barnes - Orange County Sheriff

• Scott Baugh - U.S. Congressional Candidate and Former Assemblyman

• Will O’Neill - Newport Beach Mayor

• Joe Stapleton - Newport Beach Mayor Pro-tem

• Brad Avery - Former Newport Beach Councilman

• Kevin Muldoon - Former Newport Beach Councilman

• Newport Beach Police Association

• Orange County GOP

*** A number of these endorsements come from figures who are openly opposed to LGBTQ+ equity. 

Nancy’s Picks, a local far-right voter guide, had this to say about Weigand, “I, and many NM CONSERVATIVES, thought Weigand was their candidate 4 years ago. BUT she has been a HUGE disappointment!  Weigand has been virtually a “lock-step” vote with the majority liberal board. She has been a “go along to get along” member,  NOT the expected LEADER for CHANGE & IMPROVEMENT!”.  Nancy endorsed one of Weigand’s opponents, Amy Peters. 

News:

The OC Register asked Krista a few questions.  Among those, they asked, “California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)”

Weigand replied, “As a parent with elementary-age kids in the district, I understand that communication is the most important tool to strengthen my children’s educational success at school. Knowing what’s happening in the classroom and on campus is a fundamental right of every parent. I am committed to further improving our communications and outreach efforts, so parents are at the forefront of children’s educational development. Teachers and parents should work together for the betterment of each student”. 

The Daily Pilot covered a candidate forum that Weigand was a part of. In response to a question about controversial laws like AB 1955 (which prevents the enforcement of forced outing policies), she said, “On the board, I have worked to take policies I may not have liked but figure out how we can make them and structure them in a way that still represents our values without breaking any laws.”

Follow the Money: 

As of 9.21.24, Weigand had raised just over $16,000 for this race. She spent $300 on literature from conservative organization, Continuing the Republican Revolution.