Costa Mesa

Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

“JOE KALMICK | City of Seal Beach City Councilmember

As I complete my 8 years of service as a Councilmember for the City of Seal Beach, and as a board member for various agencies in Orange County, I still have the desire to continue in public service. I believe that the Coast Colleges Board of Trustees would be a great fit for the skills that I have developed. Working with my Council colleagues, we have produced a multiyear balanced budget, and our financial position remains strong. And as Vice Chair of the Orange County Fire Authority, I have had experience managing a $600M budget. In addition, working closely with Staff and the various labor groups, negotiations have yielded satisfactory results for all concerned. Therefore, I am confident that I can be a positive influence on the Board of Trustees in maintaining positive communications between faculty, staff and the Chancellor’s Office. 

I believe that education is the cornerstone of a strong society. The Community College system provides a quality education for virtually everyone. The Coast Community Colleges are a shining example of the benefits that they provide.

I have a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and owned a small business in Seal Beach for 40 years. I am now retired.”

Email: info@joekalmick.com 

Campaign Website: https://joekalmick.com/ 

Priorities: 

• Expand career and technical education

• Prepare for expanded degree offerings

• Increase affordable student housing

• Strengthen cybersecurity

• Use artificial intelligence responsibly

• Promote civil discourse

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Kalmick has served on the Seal Beach City Council since 2018. He was reelected in 2022 and his term ends this year. 

• Joe’s career background outside of politics includes, Former Owner at Main St. Art & Framing - Custom picture framing, NASA Biosatelle Program, and Orange County Fire Authority (x) 

• He’s a UCLA alum. (x)

• Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) - Six Questions with Director Joe Kalmick - no date provided

• Joe is the father of Dan Kalmick, the former Huntington Beach City Councilmember who brought forth the initial agenda item to fly the Pride Flag during June in 2021. 

Social Media Links: 

• Personal Facebook - small number of posts starting in 2010 with last one in 2022

• Campaign Instagram - posts starting in 2018 running through 2019 - all campaign related

• Personal YouTube 

  • 2 videos from 7 years ago

• Two possible Personal Instagram accounts joekalmick and joeframer44 are both private with no posts or followers visible

• Not found on Twitter; Threads; Bluesky; TikTok; LinkedIn

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Personal Facebook - Following eclectic assortment of accounts including,

  • U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders 

  • U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren 

  • Neil deGrasse Tyson 

• Campaign Instagram - following 0 people

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• When the Seal Beach Police Department made the move in 2021 to allow officers to wear officially sanctioned rainbow-colored department patches during Pride month, Councilmember Kalmick said, “What more tangible and widespread way to show that our city is inclusive? Our police are out and about in the whole city, demonstrating our support for the LGBTQ community. It normalizes the concept.” In the same article with the OC Register, he acknowledged that Seal Beach City still did not fly the Pride Flag in any official capacity, adding, “Maybe next year.” (x)

• Joe Kalmick, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:40 PM PDT

  • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) The district needs to provide more curriculum for vocational and technical programs and, with potential changes in state law, be able to offer bachelor’s degrees in the allowed disciplines. The CCC can work with other districts to lobby state legislatures to fund these programs, as well as grants from the CCC Foundation.

  • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) As the CCC Mission Statement says, CCC promotes academic excellence and student success. Unlike the CSU and UC system, Community Colleges can provide more than just an academic degree or transfer credits. There is workforce preparation, and education opportunities for all age groups.The Community Colleges should have the ability to pivot to the educational needs of the community.

  • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Additional student housing should be a priority for Golden West and Orange Coast College (Coastline College has mostly online students). According to the CCC Foundation, the number of students who are unhoused is increasing, as well as students looking for affordable housing near the campus. The Board of Trustees must work with the Chancellor’s office to begin budgeting to acquire property for more affordable campus housing. This should be part of a plan to expand the role of our Community College system.

  • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Cyberattacks have become a serious problem for individuals, businesses, large corporations, and government at all levels. The Canvas data breach is similar to ransomware attacks that I am familiar with. Hopefully, the CCC has strengthened its security protocols since that attack. If elected, I would ask for a review by the Chancellor’s office to make sure that we are keeping current to be able to defend against cyberattacks.

  • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) There may be benefits for the use of AI in the classroom if it can assist faculty in the presentation of materials. Or the faculty member might allow it to students in a controlled situation. However, I do not think that students should be allowed to use AI to complete homework assignments or term papers, and I feel that there should be consequences for doing so.

  • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Civil discourse is becoming a lost art. Much of the blame for this is the constant presence of cell phones in the classroom. If instructors are able to keep phones off during class, then perhaps they can initiate discussions on the subject at hand, regardless of the class subject matter. Encourage the scheduling of more campus speakers, and have discussions after the presentations.

  • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) As I complete my eighth and final year serving on the Seal Beach City Council, as well as two terms as mayor, I have gained a great deal of experience as part of the policymaking part of our city government. I work on a regular basis with our city manager, and of course work with my council colleagues and city staff to produce a balanced city budget. To be effective, one needs to be able to have a non-partisan and cordial relationship with council colleagues, department heads, and police and fire. I feel that this experience would serve me well as a Board Trustee. In addition, I served on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Fire Authority for five years, where we were charged with reviewing and approving a budget of over $600 million and supervising negotiations with five labor groups.

  • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign mascot would be the Eveready Energizer Bunny. He would represent an active and “energetic” campaign for the Trustee office.

  • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. The City of Seal Beach 2026/2027 Budget Book. It was a compelling read as it delivered a balanced budget. Normally I favor non-fiction, but I haven’t had much time for recreational reading this past year.

Endorsed by: 

• Orange County Democrats

Candidate in the News:

• Seal Beach naval station is looking for a developer to make use of 28 unused acres - By Erika I. Ritchie | eritchie@scng.com - PUBLISHED: September 11, 2026 at 7:18 AM PDT | UPDATED: September 11, 2026 at 2:51 PM PDT

  • “It’s exciting for Seal Beach that a large property has the potential for bringing (what) would benefit our community from a service standpoint, a revenue standpoint, or aesthetics, as opposed to just an empty lot behind a fence,” Kalmick said. “To me, that’s something we need.” 

• Attack ads portray Seal Beach businessman running for City Council as violent, creating outcry - By Susan Christian Goulding PUBLISHED: January 12, 2019 at 11:42 AM PST | UPDATED: January 14, 2019 at 1:16 PM PST

  • “In Seal Beach, the sensational fliers now overshadow the actual incident they advertise: Whether mistakenly or not, a city employee perceived Kalmick’s arm gesture as aggressive.  Even so, Roberts said, “I don’t understand why this information is coming up now. I thought we’d moved on. It’s disheartening that this has been politicized.””

Public Voting Record:

• https://councilbrief.com/seal-beach/council/joe-kalmick/

  • Note, AI generated but appears to be accurate

Follow the Money: 

• From netfile.com for 2026:

  • Committee on Political Education AFT Local 1911 - paid to Joe Kalmick for Coast Community College District 2026 - 10/13/2026 $30,000.00

  • Orange County Professional Firefighters Assn. Local 3631 PAC - paid to Joe Kalmick for Coast Community College District 2026 - 10/09/2026 $1,000.00

  • NOTE: There are records that go back to 2010

Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

“ASHTON KAUWE | Office Administrator

My name is Ashton Kauwe, and I am running to be a Coast Community College District Trustee because as a graduate of Golden West College, I believe that our community colleges can be more than just a stepping stone to other institutions. I want to expand the District’s technical and trade offerings so that our community colleges can be the hub to train and certify the next generation of welders, electricians, and other trade workers that will be needed as our world continues to change and reshoring is prioritized. There are currently hundreds of thousands of job openings for the trades that can result in six-figure salaries with a little time and work, but there are not enough people to fill them.

I believe that the District can be at the forefront of training the next generation of high-paying trade workers. We need to expand our offerings and work with our high schools to show students the opportunities before them. I still believe it is important for the District to be able to help advance students who are looking to move on to higher education, but I also believe we have the opportunity to become so much more.”

Email: Not found

Campaign Website: Not found

Priorities: 

•  Not found, see statement above

Any Other Interesting Info:

• From LinkedIn

• “After two and a half years at American University, I withdrew to be home with my family. When I returned home I joined Old Town, Inc. as an administrator. I also acquired my California unarmed security guard license and began working at the Honda Center in the security department. During the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to work in the billing department of Residential Design Services, a national home building subcontractor, and spent two years there.”

• Ashton currently works as an administrator for Old Town, Inc and as a security guard at the Honda City (a position that likely requires a CA Guard Card certification). 

• He is currently pursuing a BS in Business Administration from Chapman University, and received his Associates in Business Administration from Goldenwest College in 2023, along with an Associates in Economics. 

• He was appointed to the Cultural Arts Commission for the City of Westminster in May 2025 by councilmember Mark Nguyen. 

Social Media Links: 

• Personal Twitter (Private)

• Personal Instagram  (Private)

• Personal Threads (Private)

• Personal TikTok -  (Private)

• Personal Youtube (Private)

• LinkedIn - No Posts

• Not found on Facebook; Bluesky; 

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Orange County Young Republicans 

• Joe Rogan

• Republican Party News 

• Jeremy Piven, actor and stand-up comedian who famously campaigned for RJK Jr.’s Republican primary campaign and has spoken frequently about his Zionism. 

• Military Arms LLC

• The Babylon Bee, a far-right satirist engine

• Pete Blackburn, conservative influencer

• Savannah Bananas 

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• Ashton Kauwe, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:41 PM PDT

  • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe that the top two needs of the district are the ability to sustain enrollment and ensuring that the district’s budget is sustainable long-term. In my opinion, the best way to address both is to expand the target audience of the district. I believe this can be obtained by expanding the trade and technical education offerings of the Coast Community College District. By showing more people that these types of programs and certifications can lead to six-digit salaries, it opens up the possibility that people already in the workforce will enroll on top of high-school graduates. I believe this can also help shore up the finances of the district by partnering with the companies that are searching for people to fill their positions. If Golden West, Coastline, or OCC can become a hub for electricians, welding, pipe fitting, steam fitting, or any other trade and technical certification, the district can use this standing to partner with the private sector.

  • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the role of community college in education is two-fold. The first is in helping graduating high school seniors determine what it is they want to study before spending thousands of dollars at university, or if the university track is even right for them. Our high schools direct students down the university track as a default position largely without determining if that would be best for the student. So, it becomes the role of the community colleges to help that student and can steer them to something that may fit them better. The second role is to help those already out of the school system to help improve their lives either by helping them get back on track to getting a college degree or helping certify them for a job that may help their situation.

  • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) The Coast Community College District already has around 800 beds of student housing as part of the Orange Coast College campus. However, the other two colleges (Golden West and Coastline) do not have any student housing themselves, and I do not believe that it would be cost-effective for either of them to try to build their own. I believe the best course of action is to partner with the surrounding complexes to help give affordable housing options to students who need it. For example, near Golden West College, there are multiple multi-family housing complexes down Edinger Avenue and around Bella Terra.

  • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Unfortunately, these cyberattacks are more and more a fact of life that must be dealt with. I believe the best course of action is to have the district run frequent tests to help educate both students, faculty and staff on what to look for to help keep information safe. This could include hiring outside firms to try and find a way through the district’s firewalls, which can tell us where vulnerabilities are. District cybersecurity staff could send phishing emails to students as a way to teach them what they should and should not open in an email. I wouldn’t be opposed to mandatory cybersecurity modules that students must take to be able to access their own Canvas modules.

  • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe that AI can be safely integrated into the classroom. Students already use ChatGPT and Claude in all different aspects of their lives. To try and keep it out of the classroom entirely is a naïve notion, so it must be accommodated to some degree. In the classroom, AI can be very good at helping organize a way to study. In foreign languages, I know of someone who used AI to talk to them in the language they were trying to learn because one of the best ways to learn is to speak it to someone and get a response. This way, they could do it and not worry that they were going to look dumb in front of another person. Now it is also important that students submit work that is their own and not just spit out by AI. So, I also think it is important for professors to use AI detection software for essays and papers, as well as applications like the LockDown Browser for exams taken online.

  • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) The best way, in my opinion, is to have constant dialogue with all sides of the political spectrum. I think that if you just make opposing groups talk to each other, there will always be something that they will eventually agree on. Today, when people hear something they don’t like or they disagree with, at best they just ignore and walk away from it, and at worst they actively try to silence whoever is saying it. They never allow themselves to even try and have a dialogue. The way I would like to see the district take on this issue is to regularly bring in speakers from across ideologies to try and jumpstart these conversations. Eventually, if they are inundated with having to talk to people they may not agree with, it will become easier in other aspects as well.

  • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) My job as an administrator for a real estate investment firm has taught me that you need to be ready for any eventuality. It has taught me how to adapt quickly so that I am always able to meet my goals and to do it efficiently and professionally. The potential for something catastrophic is always right around the corner, and it has taught me how to stay on my toes and to act accordingly. My time as chair of the Westminster Cultural Arts Commission has also taught me that just because I have an idea that I think is good, I can’t do it alone. I need the help of staff and my colleagues to truly get anything done. It is the combination of these two things that I believe makes me the right person for the job. I can see potential pitfalls ahead and can pivot towards the best direction, but I can also negotiate and work with others to get on the same path together.

  • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign mascot would be the bumblebee. The bee has a drive and focus to do what needs to be done for the growth and health of the hive.

  • That is how I see my campaign. I will go out and do what I think is right and best for the district, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected by the voters of the district, I will go out and work hard for the growth and health of the district and defend it with all that I have.

  • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.  The best book I’ve read this year is called “Impossible Histories” by Hal Johnson.

  • The premise is that he takes 20 moments in history and makes a slight change to them in order to hypothesize what that change would have done to history. In essence, it is an alternate history book that creates a history that would seem odd or even absurd today. I found it compelling because I am a history nerd at heart, and the idea of these alternate histories calls to me. Every daydreamer has made “what if” scenarios in their mind, and this is just like that for me.

Endorsed by: 

• None found

Candidate in the News:

• None found

Public Voting Record:

• Has not yet held office

Follow the Money: 

• None found

Coast Community College Area 1 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

“AUSTIN J. EDSELL | Educator/Finance Commissioner

As a proud Coast Community College District alumnus, I know firsthand how our colleges transform lives. For more than 20 years, this community has been my home.

As an educator, I prepare students for the future. As a Huntington Beach Finance Commissioner, I promote fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency. I have also hosted Career Fairs and Children's Resource Fairs connecting students, families, and job seekers with valuable opportunities and resources.

As your Trustee, I will:

Expand career education, technical training, and workforce partnerships while supporting traditional four-year university pathways, ensuring every student has a roadmap to success.

Strengthen campus safety by working with law enforcement and first responders to improve emergency planning, preparedness, and response times.

Keep education affordable through responsible budgeting, long-term financial planning, and transparency so taxpayer dollars directly support students and classrooms.

Demand measurable improvements in graduation, university transfer, and employment rates so every program delivers results and opportunities for students.

I am endorsed by Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, State Senator Tony Strickland, Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon, Seal Beach Mayor Lisa Landau, Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein, and Orange County Board of Education Trustee Mari Barke.”

Email: None Found

Campaign Website: https://austinforcoast.com/ 

Priorities: 

• Improve Job Outcomes

• Expand Education Programs

• Keep Students Safe and Protect Free Speech

• Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Any Other Interesting Info:

• January 5, 2023 - “Last month, I was elected President of the Orange County Young Republicans and I’m thrilled to get started. ”

• January 27, 2025 - “I’ve started a new role as District Director for Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen.”

• From LinkedIn - Experience

  • District Director - County of Orange · Full-time

    • Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Teacher - Pacific Coast Learning Center · Part-time

    • Jul 2026 - Present · 4 mos

  • Senior District Representative - California State Senate · Full-time

    • Dec 2022 - Dec 2024 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Regional Field Director - California Republican Party · Full-time

    • Aug 2022 - Nov 2022 · 4 mos

  • Staff Accountant - Lounge Group Consulting · Full-time

    • May 2021 - Aug 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Audit Associate - Baroldi Gundersen, LLP · Full-time

    • Jun 2019 - May 2021 · 2 yrs

  • Accounting Associate - CFO Spark · Full-time

    • Jul 2017 - May 2019 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Tax Assistant - Murphy, Murphy, & Murphy, CPAs · Part-time

    • Nov 2018 - Apr 2019 · 6 mos

  • Tax Intern - Murphy, Murphy, & Murphy, CPAs · Internship

    • Nov 2017 - Apr 2018 · 6 mos

  • Cashier - Disneyland Resort · Part-time

    • Oct 2017 - Jan 2018 · 4 mos

  • College Intern II - City of Huntington Beach · Internship

    • Sep 2015 - Dec 2017 · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Tax Assistant - Ronee Brown and Associates - Tax and Financial Accounting · Internship

    • Jan 2017 - Apr 2017 · 4 mos

  • Tax Assistant - Ronee Brown and Associates - Tax and Financial Accounting · Internship

    • Jan 2016 - Apr 2016 · 4 mos

  • Barista - Starbucks · Part-time

    • Apr 2014 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 10 mos

• From LinkedIn - Education

  • California State University, Fullerton - Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting

    • 2017 – 2019

  • Orange Coast College - Associate’s Degree, Business Administration

    • 2014 – 2017

• LinkedIn - Volunteering 

  • Planning Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

    • Sep 2026 - Present · 2 mos

  • Finance Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

    • Apr 2025 - Sep 2026 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Community and Library Services Commissioner - City of Huntington Beach

    • Dec 2022 - Apr 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos

  • National Committeeman - California Young Republicans Federation 

    • Sep 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

  • Finance Director - Orange County Young Republicans 

    • Jan 2020 - Dec 2025 · 6 yrs

      • 2021 - Secretary

      • 2022 - Vice President

      • 2023 - President

      • 2024 - President Emeritus

      • 2025 - Finance Director

  • Treasurer and Secretary - Campus Revive

    • Oct 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 1 mo

  • Youth Leader - Calvary Chapel Westgrove

    • Jan 2013 - Jun 2020 · 7 yrs 6 mos

  • Treasurer - OVHS Wrestling Team Booster Club

    • Nov 2015 - Oct 2018 · 3 yrs

  • Director of Operations - Orange Coast College Accounting Society

    • Feb 2017 - May 2017 · 4 mos

Social Media Links: 

• Personal Facebook - Small number of posts starting in 2012 on a mix of topics

• Campaign Facebook - posts starting January 2025 on career and campaign topics

• Personal Twitter - no posts 

• Campaign Instagram - 40 posts, on career and campaign topics

• Personal Instagram - 96 posts not visible, account is private

• LinkedIn - Posts starting in 2017, recently about campain

• Not found on Threads; Bluesky; Threads; TikTok

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Personal Facebook - 1.6k friends not visible, private

• Campaign Facebook - following 30, including

  • Lisa Landau - Mayor Seal Beach

  • College Republicans at Orange Coast College

  • Diane Dixon

• Personal Twitter - following 3

  • City of Huntington Beach - @CityofHBPIO

    • Official Twitter Page for the City of Huntington Beach.

  • HB Community & Library Services - @HBCommServices

    • We offer outstanding programs, services, and facilities to enhance and enrich the lives of our residents and visitors. #hbsands #hbplays

  • O.C. Register - @ocregister

    • Reporting the news in Orange County since 1905. Subscribe here to support local journalism: http://checkout.ocregister.com.

• Campaign Instagram - following 58, including

  • conrad4coast - Conrad Mazeika for Coast Community College Trustee District 3

  • Xerxez4cccd5 - Dr. Xerxex Calilung for Coast Community College District Trustee, District 5

  • perlaforsealbeach - Perla Mendoza - Candidate for Seal Beach City Council, District 1 

• Personal Instagram - following 2,351 not visible, account is private

• LinkedIn - 735 followers / 500+ connections, not visible without connecting

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• Austin Edsell, Coast Community College District Area 1 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:37 PM PDT | UPDATED: October 5, 2026 at 11:37 PM PDT

  • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • Coast’s two biggest needs are fiscal accountability and advanced career and technical training.

    • Ongoing deficit spending threatens the affordable education Orange County students rely on and it burdens taxpayers. As a former Finance Commissioner and now Planning Commissioner, I pushed for real reforms and stronger oversight of spending. I’ll bring that same accountability to Coast, fighting to get the district’s finances in order the right way, through responsible budgeting, not by asking taxpayers for more money to cover years of mismanagement.

    • Coast should be leading the way on workforce training. Orange County needs skilled workers now, in healthcare, technology, and the trades, and our colleges should provide the advanced career and technical training that gives students real skills to build high-paying careers. I want to empower the next generation with an education that lets them stay in Orange County, find meaningful work, and afford to live and raise a family in the community they grew up in.

  • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • The purpose of our community colleges is to deliver accessible, affordable, quality education and prepare students for a successful future. Coast should be partnering with Orange County’s major industries to develop curriculum that gives students the skills that our employers actually need.

    • Our colleges also serve students in very different situations. Many enroll without knowing what career path they want, and Coast should be a resource to help them find direction. Others come to Coast later in life, working parents supporting their kids, or other life circumstances that prevented them from pursuing an education sooner. Some come because our local K-12 schools didn’t fully prepare them for adulthood. This is what makes community colleges truly accessible: meeting students where they’re at.

    • Coast’s job is to help every student leave with an education and a plan, whether that’s transferring to a four-year university, a technical certification, or a direct path into the workforce.

  • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • Coast’s first priority has to be responsible financial management. Only once that foundation is solid should the district consider bigger investments like housing; even then, it should never come at the expense of taxpayers or students paying for past mismanagement. Until then, Coast should partner with the county and other agencies to help students navigate affordable housing options.

  • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • This is a real threat our students face. When they enroll at Coast, they’re entrusting the district to be good stewards of their private information, and the district needs to take that seriously.

    • Coast needs to close the gap between its current identity theft prevention policy and a real plan for what happens after a breach occurs. The district needs strong cyber liability insurance coverage and should provide credit monitoring and identity protection for students affected by cyberattacks. The district also needs to hold vendors accountable through stronger contract requirements and security audits, and require basic safeguards like multi-factor authentication district-wide. Students shouldn’t have to wonder whether their private information is safe just because they chose to further their education.

  • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • Used the right way, AI can be a real tool that can help students learn and help the workforce work more efficiently. Right now, Coast doesn’t have a clear, district-wide policy on AI usage in the classroom; it’s left up to individual professors to figure out on their own. Students deserve to know what the rules are no matter which class they’re in, and professors must be supported with clear guidelines instead of navigating this alone. The goal shouldn’t be a broad ban on AI, but policies should be in place to make sure it’s a tool that supports learning and not a crutch students use to get around working. As your next trustee, I’d push Coast to adopt real, district-wide AI guidelines so every student and professor knows where the line is.

  • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • Community college is the perfect place for our students to learn how to engage with people who see the world differently. Free speech is foundational to our country’s values, and the district should uphold that even when some may find speech uncomfortable. It’s not our district’s or our faculty’s job to put a thumb on the scale of either side of a debate. Students need to learn to disagree without being disagreeable, and Coast needs to teach faculty how to handle discussion and debate in the classroom professionally, even when students push back or disagree with them directly. Professors should generally keep their own biases out of the classroom so the classroom stays a place for open discussion, not persuasion toward one side. Coast’s job isn’t to tell students what to think; it’s to give them the critical thinking skills and a space where diverse viewpoints can be respectfully heard, carefully assessed, and honestly debated.

  • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

    • I’m a Coast Community College District alumnus, an educator, and a former Finance Commissioner, all experience that speaks directly to what Coast needs most right now.

    • As an alumnus, I know firsthand what our students are going through, because I lived it. I took classes at Golden West College and Coastline College, and graduated from Orange Coast College before transferring to Cal State Fullerton to complete my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I worked multiple jobs and juggled night classes along the way.

    • As an educator, I know what it takes to prepare students for what comes next. As a former Finance Commissioner and current Planning Commissioner, I’ve learned that responsible government means asking hard questions before a crisis, not after one. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across local, state, and federal governments, and I’ve learned how to get results for the people I serve. My priorities are straightforward: real fiscal accountability, expanding advanced career and technical training, and making sure every student gets the same opportunity that I did.

  • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

    • My campaign mascot would be a bulldog. Once a bulldog gets a hold of something, it doesn’t let go, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership Coast needs right now. Whether it’s asking hard questions about the district’s budget or pushing to expand real career training, I’m not interested in half-measures, and I won’t back down until the job actually gets done.

    • Bulldogs are also loyal, and loyalty matters to me. I’m running because this community and district gave me my start, and I intend to defend it the same way a bulldog defends the people he loves.

  • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

    • One of the best books I’ve read this year was “Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence” in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.

    • We often hear the story of the American Independence as a war saga or as a drama between the Founding Fathers, but this book tells the story connecting these two sides of the revolution. General George Washington and the Continental Army were battling in New York at the same time Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were in Philadelphia crafting our independence. The Founding Fathers put their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line for a country that didn’t even exist yet. The fledgling nation could have been crushed right there in New York. But the founders believed in the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness enough to risk everything in pursuit of self-governance. I love this country, and I am grateful for those brave men and women who came before us to form and defend the United States of America.

Endorsed by: 

• Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

• Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

• Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

• Others from Campaign site

Candidate in the News:

• None found

Public Voting Record:

• None found

Follow the Money

Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

“KIM CARR | AGE: 56 | Appointed Trustee, Coast Community College District Governing Board

As Trustee for Coast Community College District, Area 3, it is an honor and a privilege to serve you. I am a lifelong West Orange County resident and former Mayor of Huntington Beach who understands and cares deeply about our community’s educational needs. Golden West College, Orange Coast College, and Coastline College are among California’s finest community colleges, and strengthening and protecting these esteemed higher-education institutions are my priorities.

I am committed to ensuring our community colleges provide an affordable, accessible, and relevant education that meets current and future workforce demands. I will expand our dual- enrollment programs, giving high school students a jump on their college degrees. I will increase our career technical education and apprenticeship programs, providing graduates with training and opportunities for well-paying jobs. Additionally, I'll grow Golden West College's Encore program, providing lifelong learning opportunities for older adults in our community.

Every dollar in our budget is critical, and I have a track record of managing taxpayers’ money responsibly and transparently. I will keep the budget balanced, build cash reserves, advocate for state funding, and uphold our Fiscal Stability Plan. Aligning spending with revenue will keep our colleges top-ranked year after year.

I am grateful to be your Trustee for Area 3 and humbly ask for your

vote.”

Email: kim@kimcarr4ca.com 

Campaign Website:  https://www.kimcarr4ca.com/ 

Priorities: Kim’s campaign page does not have priorities explicitly listed as a separate section. The following are taken from her ‘About Me’. 

• Meet workforce needs by keeping Coast Community Colleges affordable, accessible, and relevant.

• Expand dual enrollment, career-technical education, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning for older adults, ensuring community-wide benefits.

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Kim is a staffer for State Senator Catherine Blakespear (D), serving as her Deputy District Director. Blakespear has received consistently high marks from advocacy groups focusing on Environmentalism, Immigration Justice, Reproductive Freedom, and LGBTQ+ Liberation. She has received lower scores from organizations tracking corporate donations and organizations dealing with the carceral system and police injustices. To be clear, these vote scores are for Blakespear, not for Kim Carr. Carr is her staffer. (x) (x) 

• Kim was in attendance at the May 21st, 2023 Pride at the Pier event where our Giant Pride Flag was unfurled at the Huntington Beach Pier in response to the Pride Flag Ban passed by the far-right council majority at the time. This event shortly predates the founding of our organization, and is why we are called “Pride at the Pier” in the first place. 

• Kim is a former Huntington Beach City Councilmember and Mayor, during which time the city voted to raise the Pride Flag during Pride Month, an agenda item she introduced with then-councilmember Dan Kalmick. She also voted in favor of municipal resolutions and proclamations recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month, AAPI Heritage month, and other equity-focused initiatives. (x) (x) 

• Prior to her time on the Huntington Beach City Council, she was an appointed member of the Huntington Beach Public Works Commission, between 2013 and 2018, when she was elected to the City Council. (x)

• She was appointed to the role of Trustee of the Coast Community College District in March 2026. She is the incumbent, but this will be her first election for this seat. (x) (x)

• Outside of political spaces, she has around 25 years of professional career experience working in broadcast marketing media, for companies including Tribune Broadcasting and KUSI Television. (x)

• She has been a board member for the UCI Health Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center for the past seven years. (x)

• She is supporting the campaigns of the ‘Surf City Four’ slate, the four progressive candidates running for HB City Council (Brenda Glim, Ben Davis, Erin Spivey, Taryn Palumbo), encouraging folks on her social media to join her in canvassing for them. Additionally, her social media shows her support Jennifer Rank for Ocean View School District, Carl Blankehorn for Fountain Valley School District, Chris Duncan and Chris Kluwe for the State Legislature, Congressmen Dave Min and Robert Garcia. All of these candidates are openly progressive. (x)

• Carr is affiliated with progressive groups in the Huntington Beach area, including Protect HB and Orange Coast Huddle. 

• She was the Mayor at the time of the 2021 oil spill that impacted Huntington Beach’s shoreline. Government bodies (CA Coastal Commission, US Coast Guard, etc) advised the city that they needed to close the beaches. Code Four, the company that ran the Pacific Airshow that was running that weekend, sued the city council over the closure of the beaches and shutdown order of the show, and proceeded to heavily fund the campaigns of conservative candidates running for office in 2022. Those candidates won, and promptly settled the lawsuit with Code Four/Pacific Airshow in meetings that required years of legal battles to be made public to the residents of the city. Carr, however, did not settle her portion of the lawsuit, and a judge later found in her favor that she did nothing wrong and did not need to pay any kind of damages. (x)

• Carr faced some scrutiny during her time on the council from left-wing community members over the removal of HB resident Shayna Lathus from the Citizen Participation Advisory Board. Lathus was photographed while participating in a counter-protest to an April 27, 2019 anti-immigrant rally at the Huntington Beach Pier, nearby some other counter-protesters who showed up in Bloc. As the photo spread across social media, outrage over Lathus’ “antifa” connections grew in conservative circles, especially outside of the city. Carr reached out directly to Lathus and advised her to put out a statement ‘denouncing’ Antifa. Lathus posted a statement on social media on April 29, saying she supports both law enforcement and immigrants’ rights, adding she was unaware that antifa members would be present at the rally. Lathus also denied engaging with people identified as Antifa. Carr felt that this statement was insufficient and did not properly ‘denounce’ Antifa, and removed her from the Advisory Board, stating “those that do not immediately denounce hateful, violent groups do not share my values and will not be a part of my team.”. Lathus proceeded to sue the city over this removal, seeking unspecified damages from the city in the complaint, which alleged retaliation and free speech violations. Lathus lost this lawsuit and subsequent appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, since the courts felt Lathus was acting as Carr’s representative on this board. (x) (x)

  • NOTE: Today, in 2026, there are members of documented hate groups in several of HB’s advisory boards, and several of the sitting council members campaigned with a local Proud Boy. 

  • NOTE: Councilmember Butch Twining participated in a September 2025 event organized by local self-identified Fascist Nationalist Ryan Sanchez and was caught on camera standing next to a crowd of people with violent criminal records chanting “Crush the Left”. He is still on the city council today. 

Social Media Links: 

• Linkedin

• Twitter

• Personal Facebook

• Campaign Youtube

• Campaign Instagram

• Campaign Facebook

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

NOTE: This is an abridged list of accounts of note that Carr follows

• Pride at the Pier

• Kanan Durham (Pride at the Pier Founder and Director)

• Orange Coast Huddle

• PFLAG Huntington Beach

• Mandy Rosen (HB-based street photographer/videographer)

• Orange County Young Dems

• Planned Parenthood OSBC Community Action Fund

• Rhonda Bolton (Former HB City Councilmember)

• Dan Kalmick (Former HB City Councilmember)

• Natalie Moser (Former HB City Councilmember)

• WAVE

• LGBTQ Center OC

• Mission Viejo Pride

• Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library

• Laguna Beach Pride 365

• HB For Democracy

• Wet Dog Tavern (Lesbian-owned bar in HB)

• Groundswell (OC-based org fighting hate)

• Radiant Health Centers (LGBTQ community health clinic in OC)

• Human Rights Campaign Long Beach/OC

• College Democrats at OCC

• Public School Defenders Hub

• Aaron Parnas

• Crowd Source Carrie (Progressive content creator based in SoCal)

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• When she voted to raise the Pride Flag in Huntington Beach in 2021, Carr said, “When I talked about how the Pride flag represented unity and community, what it really meant as I was thinking about it was freedom. That’s the freedom to be who you want to be with no shame, no discrimination, and to be accepted. If it just means having that flag there for about four weeks, what’s the harm in that?” (x)

• On June 21, 2025, she shared a photoset on her instagram with the caption, “Congratulations to @missionviejopride for putting together a beautiful Pride celebration @saddlebackcollege 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This community event was filled with music, love and inspirational messsages. Shout out to Mission Viejo Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez and Saddleback College President Dr. Elliot Stern for championing today’s event and ensuring MV is a community for all.” (x)

• When asked by the OC Register in 2022 if she believed that humans are contributing to climate change, she answered, “Yes. It is an indisputable scientific fact that humans are contributing to climate change. The science on this point has been made clear for decades.” In that same article, she was asked to describe her political philosophy in ten words or less, and she replied, “Fiscally conservative, socially liberal.” (x)

• In the 2026 OC Register candidate questionnaire, she was asked, “How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue?” She replied, “It’s imperative that students, faculty, administrators, etc., all have a deep understanding of what civil discourse is and what it isn’t.

Freedom of speech is essential on college campuses. The ability to freely exchange ideas and debate is under attack, and colleges need to continue to push for safe spaces where students can share their viewpoints, be challenged, and discuss opposing ideas thoughtfully without the fear of retaliation. I’m proud of the work Coast Community College District provides to create opportunities for thoughtful dialogue inside and outside of the classroom. As the often-quoted saying goes, “If you are agreeing with everything you are hearing, you are not really learning.” (x)

Endorsed by: 

NOTE: This list has been abridged for brevity. See here for the full list. 

• Huntington Beach Police Officers Association

• Huntington Beach Firefighters Local 3354

• LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council

• Orange County Labor Federation

• Carpenters Local Union 714

• Coast Federation of Educators, AFT Local 1911

• Women In Leadership

• Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)

• Democratic Party of Orange County

• Orange County Young Democrats

• College Democrats at OCC

• Iranian American Democrats of California (IADC)

• Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction

• Westminster SD Board Member President David Johnson

• Ocean View SD Board President Gina Clayton-Tarvin

• Ocean View SD Board Member Jennifer Rank

• Coast Community College District Trustee Liz Dornan-Parker

• Coast Community College District Trustee Mary Hornbuckle

• Coast Community College District Trustee Phu Nguyen

• Coast Community College District Trustee Jim Moreno

• Rep. Robert Garcia, CA - 42

• Rep. Dave Min, CA - 47

• OC Supervisor Vince Sarmiento

Candidate in the News:

• (Daily Pilot/LA Times) Former Huntington Beach mayor appointed to community college board

• (ABC7 LA) Major oil spill reaches OC coast, prompting Huntington Beach to shut down shoreline

• (Daily Pilot/LA Times) O.C. judge sides with former Huntington Beach mayor in Pacific Airshow lawsuit

• (OC Register) Kim Carr, SD-36 candidate, Election 2022 questionnaire

• (Daily Pilot/LA Times) Kim Carr, who recently completed a term as mayor of Huntington Beach, announces state Senate run

• (OC Register) Shayna Lathus alleges her First Amendment rights were violated by Mayor Kimberly Carr

• (Daily Pilot/LA Times) Huntington Beach woman who sued city after alleging free speech violation loses appeal

Public Voting Record:

• Voted for a city resolution to acknowledge Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month (meeting minutes)

• Presented and voted for an agenda item to raise the Pride Flag during Pride Month in HB (May 17, 2021)

Follow the Money: 

• $15,000 from Committee on Political Education COPE CFE / AFT Local 1911

• $1,000 from Building A Stronger West sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

• $1,000 from Kim Carr for Coast Community College Trustee 2026

• $2,000 from Laborers International Union of North America PAC

• $2,500 from Huntington Beach Police Officers Assoc PAC

• $250 from Democratic Club of West Orange County

• $500 from Newport Beach Women's Democratic Club

• $500 from Los Angeles / Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council PAC

• $2,000 from Women in Leadership PAC

• $500 from Democratic Women of South Orange County

Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement: Not submitted

Email: Not found

Campaign Website: None found

Priorities: 

• Not found

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Cameron ran as a write-in candidate for the June 2026 California Lt. Governor race. His campaign website for that race headlined with “FISCAL CONSERVATISM AND PRESERVATION”. (x)

• Per a press release he put out regarding that write-in campaign, He was an independent contractor for the business litigation law firm of Michael J. Avenatti for nearly five years and is “hopeful to see a newly freed (M.J.A.) attain redemption.” Avenatti was sentenced to prison for embezzlement. 

• From LinkedIn - Experience

  • iNDEPENDENT RECORDING ARTIST & PUBLISHING - iCAMJAM MUSIC

  • SVP Business Development, Shareholder - Your Car, Our Driver INC. YourCarOurDriver.com · Freelance

  • Executive, Shareholder - Ethika, Inc. · Full-time

  • Independent Contractor, Business Trial Law Firm E & A in Fashion Island / Century City - A DRIVER TO GO · Self-employed

  • Associate - EVOLUTION FILM & TAPE INC. · Contract

  • Chairman / Founder - A VEHICLE TO GO, INC. · Full-time

  • President of S-Corp. - CAMERON CONNECTION, INC. · Self-employed

  • Paine Webber / UBS Wealth Management USA Financial Advisor, Former Shareholder - UBS · Full-time

• From LinkedIn - Education

  • San Diego State University (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Financial Services), "Certificate of Personal Financial Planning"​ for Graduate Level Coursework.)

  • San Diego State University (Sigma Chi Fraternity - "Outstanding Senior of Southern California Provence”)

  • University High School, Irvine CA

• web.archive.org - archived site for “write in” candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California

Social Media Links: 

• LinkedIn - Large amount of posts and reposts

• Not found on Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Treads; Bluesky; TikTok; Youtube

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• None Found

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• In a press release about his write-in campaign for Lt. Governor, he said, “J.P.C. (James Cameron) has closely viewed all the debates closely as he feels both Republicans have hit their stride with excellent velocity. In 2024 President Trump shifted California 9% to the right and J.P.C. assumes now till November 3rd we shall see that # double! President’s Trump’s bold endorsement of Steve Hilton was the right call as the Republican party should’ve followed the leader yet GOP is still silent. J.P.C. says “A bifurcation of dual strengths exists: TRUMPiCAN’S vs. core CA Republican party.” (x) 

• In the same press release, he went on to say, “In a strange twist of fate, both D.J.T. and M.J.A. were both victims of the utterly retarded now fully exposed Russian hoax (likely seditious and possibly treasonous) set forth by: President Barack Hussein Obama, FBI Jim Comey, CIA John Brennan, Former 1st Lady Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the top echelons within The Democrat Party of which only the last two named have paid fines so far. J.P.C. says “I guess elephants have bigger brains than donkey’s.” On our countries 250th year birthday month as it was during our independence the Planet Jupiter is now again direct in the astrological sign of Cancer, J.P.C. also born in this timeline is asking voters to insert him to change the frequency of California; with your pen in hand! United, voter’s of americana ideology can expect consistency from James P. Cameron who is a catalyst for betterment.” (x)

• James Cameron, Coast Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:48 PM PDT

  • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) Community colleges are a foundation to go pursue greater general knowledge about the world and yourself.

  • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) YES, “on-campus housing” is an excellent use of surrounding land, for we need the students to get to class on time always, teaching efficiency on campuses for qualified candidates, etc.

  • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Higher community college learning is aspirational to all high school kids and elementary children. It is the baseline walking bridge for young adults to test their advanced thinking skills. Workforce-ready students are inevitably the result, if aligned to promote skills training, internships, certifications and credentials.

  • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) A private third-party technical and financial audit is a very good idea to shore up vulnerabilities and enhance private digital networks. Underage children (up to age 18) might need special care and parental participation. Likewise, inflows of revenue and outflows of expenses shall be analyzed for maximum delivery of value. Students will be using artificial intelligence outside of class and on homework, of course, yet in the classroom, smartphones can be turned off easily.

  • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Civil discourse in debate class, or otherwise permitted scheduled times of free, peaceful thought or will, is obviously acceptable. There are limits and boundaries, of course, to protest, so beware of consequences such as suspension and/or expulsion.

  • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) My profound life has been a byproduct of an early-on Orange Coast College experience. Our paths are all different, yet our common need is to expand horizons and excel at our wishes; we shall decide our own destiny. The OCC ladder sent me south to San Diego State University to study finance, then begin an exciting career. My curiosity in multiple facets has exponentially grown over the years to fulfill my quest and now give back.

  • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) My campaign’s mascot is the wise old owl as it seeks studious concentration.

  • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. The book I’ve been reading is “Twist Of Fate, Memoir.” I wrote it about my life, so I enjoy the character arc and development.

Endorsed by: 

• None found

Candidate in the News:

• None found

Public Voting Record:

• None found

Follow the Money: 

• None found

Coast Community College Area 3 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

“CONRAD MAZEIKA | AGE: 42 | Nonprofit Executive

I am running for Coast Community College District Trustee to ensure our community colleges prepare students for the opportunities of tomorrow.

I earned my degree in History from DePauw University and have built a career helping people and organizations succeed through financial planning, business development, real estate, and civic leadership. As President of the Baltic American Freedom League, I have worked with community leaders, educators, and elected officials to advocate for freedom, education, and strong partnerships.

Our community colleges are critical to our region’s future. As Trustee, I will champion a Tech Renaissance in Huntington Beach by expanding partnerships with local employers, strengthening career pathways, and preparing students for high-demand fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. 

I believe in responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, accountability, innovation, and ensuring students have access to affordable education that leads to meaningful careers. 

Together, we can build a stronger connection between education and opportunity, empowering students, supporting local businesses, and keeping our community at the forefront of innovation.

I respectfully ask for your vote.”

Email: None Found

Campaign Website: https://conrad4coast.com/ 

Priorities: 

• Skills that Pay

• Technology That Keeps Up

• Opportunity And Accountability

Any Other Interesting Info:

• From LinkedIn - Experience

  • REALTOR® - 1st Class Real Estate SD

  • President - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC

    • Note: BAFL is a national nonprofit organization founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by Baltic American political activists, which works to strengthen friendly ties and policies between the United States and the Baltic nations. 

  • Real Estate Agent - eXp Realty

  • REALTOR® - Realty ONE Group West

  • Assistant Vice President - Texas Coastal Energy Company

• From LinkedIn - Education

  • DePauw University - Bachelor, History

• From LinkedIn - Volunteering

  • Eagle Scout - Boy Scouts of America

  • President - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC

  • Member Board Of Directors - BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE INC

Social Media Links: 

• Campaign Facebook - Posts on campaign topics

• Personal Facebook - 5 posts all Realtor related

• Professional Facebook - regular posts on mix of topics - campaign, career, personal, political

• Campaign Twitter - Posts on campaign topics

• Personal Instagram - Regular posts on mix of topics - campaign, career, personal, political

• Campaign Instagram  - Posts on campaign topics

• Personal Threads - four posts in 2023

• Personal TikTok - regular posts on multiple topics

• Second TikTok - no posts

• Professional YouTube - Real estate topics

• LinkedIn - regular posts, same content as other socials

  • Secondary LinkedIn

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Casey McKeon for Huntington Beach City Council (Created the “Keep Our Kids Safe From Porn” political campaign signs in 2025)

• Gracey Van Der Mark For State Assembly (perhaps best known for her book-banning efforts with the Huntington Beach Public Library)

• Supervisor Janet Nguyen

• Xerxez Calilung for Coast Community College District Trustee, Area 5

• Will O'Neill - Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County (Regularly uses homophobic and trans phobic language in email newsletters)

• Michael E. Gates - Candidate for California Attorney General at Candidate for California Attorney General (has openly campaigned on the platform of criminally prosecuting school counselors who affirm trans students)

• California Republican Assembly (CRA) 

• Senator Tony Strickland (Fmr. HB City Councilmember who voted for the Pride Flag ban)

• laura4hbscdboard - Laura Costelloe for HBCSD Board (anti-LGBTQ activist)

• crla_capo - California Republic Leadership Academy, Capistrano

• reallauraloomer - Laura Loomer

• austinjedsell - Austin J. Edsell candidate for CCCD 

• calvertforcongress- Ken Calvert, MAGA Congressman

• ocgop - OCGOP

Candidate’s Public Comments:

• On his instagram page he posted; June 14 Deportations Day Commemoration Speech — Latvian House: “On June 14, we gathered with the Baltic community to remember one of the darkest chapters in the history of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia — the Soviet deportations of thousands of innocent families from their homes and into exile. In this speech, I reflect on the stories of those who suffered, including my own family connection to Lithuania and relatives who experienced deportation and life in Siberia. Their experiences are part of a larger Baltic story — one of loss, survival, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom. But June 14 is not only a day to remember what was taken from us. It is a day to honor what survived: Our languages. Our cultures. Our identities. Our nations. The lessons of history remain important today. As we witness continued threats to freedom and Russian aggression in Europe, we must remember that liberty is never guaranteed. Every generation has a responsibility to protect it. To the next generation: carry these stories forward. Learn your history. Honor your heritage. Stand for freedom. We remember because freedom is never guaranteed. Their suffering became our responsibility. Together, we must continue to defend freedom. Defend civilization. Defeat barbarism.”

  • NOTE: Mazeika is speaking on deportations within the Soviet Union in this speech; we will note that he is an active member of the Republican Party which is currently supporting unprecedented ICE and Border Patrol operations. 

• Conrad Mazeika, Coast Community College District Area 3 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire - By Kaitlyn Schallhorn | kschallhorn@scng.com - PUBLISHED: October 5, 2026 at 1:51 PM PDT

  • What are the top two needs of your college district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the two biggest needs of the Coast Community College District are preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow and building stronger partnerships with the employers who are creating those jobs. Community colleges need to be more responsive to how quickly the economy is changing. Artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, technology and healthcare are creating new opportunities, but our educational programs need to keep pace. Students should know not only what degree or certificate they can earn, but what jobs it prepares them for, what those jobs pay and whether there are opportunities locally. As a trustee, I would push for stronger relationships between the colleges and employers. Companies should have a meaningful voice in identifying the skills they need, helping shape curriculum, providing internships and apprenticeships, and creating pathways directly into employment. I also want us to measure outcomes. If we are investing public resources in education, we should know whether students are graduating, finding jobs and building successful careers. My goal is simple: let’s build the workforce of tomorrow right here in Orange County.

  • To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) I believe the fundamental role of community college is to create opportunity and serve as a bridge between education and employment. Community colleges should provide students with affordable, accessible education while preparing them for meaningful careers or further education. That means offering strong academic programs, but it also means making sure students have practical skills that employers actually need. I believe community colleges should have a seat at the table when it comes to workforce and economic development policy. They should be actively communicating with local businesses, industries and government leaders about where the economy is headed and what skills the workforce will need. Curriculum should not be developed in a vacuum. Employers should help identify emerging skills and technologies, while educators maintain responsibility for how those skills are taught. For Coast, I want to see a stronger connection between our classrooms and the incredible industries surrounding us in Orange County. Aerospace, defense, technology and healthcare are right in our backyard. Community college should not simply prepare students to pass a class. It should prepare them to succeed in the real world.

  • In October, Long Beach City College will break ground on a new student housing facility at its Liberal Arts Campus that will provide 431 total units to students. Is student housing a priority that your college should pursue? If so, explain how you intend to take on such an endeavor in a timely, cost-effective manner. If you don’t, how should your college district support students searching for affordable housing options near campus? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I would not make student housing an immediate priority without first understanding the actual needs of Coast Community College District students. Before committing significant public resources to a housing project, I would want the district to conduct a thorough assessment: How many students are experiencing housing insecurity? How many would actually use student housing? What can students afford? And which campuses and communities have the greatest need? I would also want to work closely with the cities surrounding our campuses to determine whether there are opportunities for housing partnerships or available space that could help address the problem. If the data shows that student housing is a significant need, I would support investigating cost-effective options, including partnerships with cities, nonprofit organizations and private developers rather than assuming the district must build and operate housing entirely on its own. Our responsibility is to help students succeed, and housing stability can certainly be part of that equation. But we should start with the needs of our students and the resources available to us, then develop a solution that is financially responsible and sustainable.

  • What actions would you suggest to prevent a cyberattack similar to the Canvas data breach in May? How can your district ensure students’ information is safe? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) Cybersecurity has to be treated as both a technology issue and an education issue. Obviously, the district needs strong systems to protect student, faculty and staff information. That includes keeping security measures current, protecting sensitive data and making sure employees understand how to recognize and prevent cyber threats. But I also believe we have an opportunity to teach our students how to protect themselves. Students don’t stop being targets of cybercrime when they leave campus. Phishing, identity theft, scams and other cyberattacks affect people in their everyday lives. I would like to see the district provide regular cybersecurity awareness sessions for students, teaching practical prevention strategies they can use both on campus and in their personal lives. We should teach students how to recognize suspicious emails and links, protect their accounts, use strong security practices and understand the risks associated with sharing personal information. We should also learn from incidents like the Canvas breach and continually evaluate our own vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity should be part of preparing students for the modern workforce—and for life in a digital world.

  • How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe artificial intelligence is a tool that students need to learn how to use responsibly because AI is already transforming the workplace. I would encourage students to use AI for things like research, brainstorming, exploring ideas and getting help understanding difficult concepts. Used correctly, it can be a powerful educational tool and can give students another way to learn. At the same time, we cannot allow students to become dependent on AI. The purpose of education is to develop independent thinkers who can analyze information, solve problems and communicate their own ideas. Students need to learn how to use AI as a tool—not have AI do the thinking for them. There should also be clear boundaries. I believe using AI to complete exams or term papers in place of a student’s own work should be prohibited. Students should demonstrate that they actually understand the material and can produce their own work. Rather than trying to stop technological change, I want Coast to lead it. We should teach students how to use AI effectively, ethically and responsibly so they graduate prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.

  • How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I believe colleges have an important responsibility to teach students how to disagree without becoming disagreeable. We should encourage free thought and make our campuses places where students can discuss difficult and controversial subjects without fear of intimidation, violence or being shut down simply because someone disagrees with them. I would support a combination of approaches: exposing students to competing viewpoints, teaching respectful debate, having faculty model healthy disagreement and creating opportunities for students to discuss important issues in structured environments. Civil discourse does not mean everyone has to agree. In fact, disagreement is often where learning happens. Students should be challenged to listen to opposing viewpoints, ask questions, defend their own positions with facts and reconsider their views when presented with compelling evidence. At the same time, free expression must be balanced with a safe learning environment. Threats, violence and harassment should never be acceptable. Our students are going to enter a world where they will work with people who have different backgrounds, beliefs and opinions. Teaching them how to communicate and work together despite those differences is an essential part of preparing them for life and the workforce. 

  • What experiences and priorities do you bring to this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that makes you the person for the job? (Please answer in 200 words or less.) I bring a combination of business experience, nonprofit leadership, financial experience and a practical understanding of the importance of connecting education to opportunity. I have worked as a financial planner, in business, and in real estate, and I have served as president of the Baltic American Freedom League since 2020. One of the things I am most proud of from that leadership experience is my ability to have healthy, productive discourse with congressional staff and members of the community—even when discussing difficult or complicated issues. That experience taught me that leadership isn’t about always getting your way. It is about listening, building relationships, understanding different perspectives and finding areas where people can work together. As a trustee, I would bring that same approach to the Coast Community College District. I want to ask questions, look at the data, listen to students and faculty, and work with employers and community leaders to find practical solutions. Most importantly, I want to bring a forward-looking perspective. Technology and the workforce are changing rapidly. Our community colleges need leaders who are willing to adapt while remaining focused on the fundamental mission of serving students.

  • If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.) A beaver. Absolutely. The reason is simple: Let’s build! Beavers are builders. They take the resources around them, solve problems and create something that serves their community. That’s the approach I want to bring to the Coast Community College District. I don’t want to spend my time arguing about what can’t be done. I want to look at what we have, identify what needs to improve and start building. We need to build stronger connections between our colleges and local employers. We need to build the workforce of tomorrow. We need to build opportunities for students to develop practical skills that lead to good-paying careers. And we need to build a culture where innovation and new ideas are welcomed. So if my campaign had a mascot, it would be the beaver—with a hard hat, naturally. Let’s build!

  • Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling. I just began reading “Your True Human Power” by Steven Golden, so I haven’t finished it yet. But it is the book that has been most compelling to me this year because it has made me think about human potential and what we are capable of accomplishing. That idea connects closely with why I am running for the Coast Community College District. We sometimes look at education primarily through the lens of institutions, degrees and programs. I think we need to keep the individual student at the center of the conversation. Every student has the potential to develop skills, build a career and contribute something meaningful to their community. Technology and artificial intelligence are going to change the workforce dramatically, but I don’t believe that makes people less important. I believe it makes uniquely human qualities—critical thinking, creativity, judgment, communication and the ability to work with others—even more valuable. I’m looking forward to finishing the book, but even early on, it has reinforced something I strongly believe: Education should help people discover and develop their potential, then give them the skills and opportunities to put that potential to work.

Endorsed by: 

• Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

• Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

• Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

• From Campaign Site:

  • LINCOLN CLUB OF ORANGE COUNTY

  • JANET NGUYEN OC SUPERVISOR

  • TONY STRICKLAND CALIFORNIA STATE SENATOR

  • REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Candidate in the News:

• Agents blame Southern California homebuying lull on fears the market’s peaked - By gqlshare | gqlshare@digitalfirstmedia.com - PUBLISHED: September 25, 2019 at 1:14 PM PDT | UPDATED: September 26, 2019 at 3:29 PM PDT

  • “Conrad Mazeika said the surge in mortgage rates in the late summer and fall of 2018 killed home sales, and buyers have been reluctant to come back into the market even though rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are down by more than a percentage point since November.

  • “When interest rates went up, people were saying, the market’s going to fall, the market’s going to fall, and people pulled back,” Conrad Mazeika said.”

• $635,000 price for O.C. homes is smallest gain since 2015 - By Jeff Collins | JeffCollins@scng.com - PUBLISHED: February 28, 2017 at 8:00 AM PST | UPDATED: April 4, 2017 at 9:43 AM PDT

  • “Conrad Mazeika, an agent with Realty One Group, said a fellow agent in Mission Viejo got 18 offers for a home after holding its first open house.”

Public Voting Record:

• Not found, has not help office

Follow the Money: 

• From netfile.com 

  • Robyne Wood - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/16/2026 $100.00

  • Evi Raupelyte - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/13/2026 $400.00

  • Russell Neal - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/13/2026 $104.48

    • NOTE: Russell “Russ” Neal is an anti-LGBTQ, far-right, Christian Nationalist activist who is a common sight at Huntington Beach City Council meetings and consistently donates to anti-LGBTQ candidates.

  • Rolandas Malaiska - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/04/2026 $521.15

  • Rolandas Malaiska - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 10/04/2026 $500.00

  • Arunas Astrauskas - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/19/2026 $1,000.00

  • Aiste Velde - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/12/2026 $150.00

  • Ann Dahlberg - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 09/11/2026 $100.00

  • Danute Mazeika - paid to Conrad Mazeika - 08/29/2026 $100.00

Coast Community College Area 5 Trustee Incumbent

Candidate Statement:

“ELIZABETH "LIZ" DORN PARKER | Governing Board Member Coast Community College District, Trustee Area 5

The district has a stellar reputation as a leading community college district in the United States. The district’s finances are in the best shape in decades. All colleges were reaffirmed accreditation for their academic excellence. Orange Coast College was awarded an additional accommodation for its outstanding programs and leadership.

The district has expanded associate degree pathways, career technical education and certificate programs. The colleges are now providing additional opportunities for career advancement, personal empowerment and transfer opportunities to our diverse student populations.

I am dedicated to keeping our district focused on student success, relying on our top-quality faculty, staff and administrators to move us forward in the new AI world.

I will continue to engage with our community and business partners to facilitate student success and maintain our institutional effectiveness and continued fiscal stability.

I have deep roots in Newport/Costa Mesa communities. I was raised in the district, my sons attended Newport-Mesa schools, I volunteer as a commissioner with the city, and I have been in leadership and governance roles at the local, state, and national levels.

As your elected governing board member, with your vote, I will continue the outstanding work and financial excellence on behalf of the students, the residents and taxpayers.

www.ElizabethDornParker.com”

Email: Campaign website contact page

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

Priorities: 

• Campaign website doesn’t list priorities, instead the home page has the following:

  • To remain on the cutting edge of education, we need to expand associate degree pathways, career technical education and certificate programs. We must also provide additional opportunities for career advancement, personal empowerment and transfer opportunities to our diverse student populations.

  • I am dedicated to keeping our district focused on student success, relying on our top-quality faculty, staff and administrators to move us forward in a post-pandemic world.  

  • My objective is to continue to engage with our community and business partners to develop, adopt and adapt innovative technologies that will facilitate student success and maintain our institutional effectiveness and fiscal stability.

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Elizabeth served as an elected trustee on the Orange County Board of Education from 1082 to 2014. (Source, Source)

• Former President of O.C. School Boards Association and Former President of the California County Boards of Education. (Source)

• California State University, Fullerton - Doctor of Education - EdD, Community College Leadership (2019) (Source)

• California State University, Fullerton - Masters of Public Administration, Public Administration (1986) (Source)

• UCLA - BA, Art History (1981) (Source)

• Candidate bio available on Boarddocs.com

• Coast Community College District Press Release: 

  • The Coast Community College District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Elizabeth Dorn Parker to serve as Trustee for Area 5 through December 9, 2022.

  • Elected to current term (12/2022 - 12/2026)

• CCCD Facebook post: Thank you to the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for inviting Trustee Elizabeth Dorn Parker and OCC President Angelica Suarez to speak about Orange Coast College, the future of community colleges, and how we’re engaging the community to understand your priorities for local, affordable higher education.

Social Media Links: 

• Personal LinkedIn

• Campaign Instagram

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Project Hope Alliance

• Ahmed.Gazaa

• Nancy Watkins 4 OC

• Ryan Dack, VP South OCCCB

• Josh Both, Volunteer & Advocate

• Jennifer C Engle

• NBWDC

• WAVE

• Costa Mesa PD

• Kelly for Costa Mesa

• Melinda Liu

• Angely Lives Costa Mesa

• Cara for Costa Mesa

• Loren for Mayor

Candidate’s Public Comments:

CapoParents Instagram: Dr. Liz Dorn Parker on school budgets (Part 1) March 11, 2026

CapoParents Instagram: Dr. Liz Dorn Parker on school budgets (Part 2) March 25, 2026

OC Voice: Community Opinion - Dorn Parker: Are Children Becoming Pawns in a Larger Political Game Where Profits Rule the Day Over Education? 

Published Sep 8, 2022 Updated Oct 4, 2026

• “The decision parents face of neighborhood public schools, district magnet schools, versus Charter schools, is an important one. There is much to consider as they weigh which best suits their situation and child’s educational needs. 

But as they research the information to base their choice on, are there outside forces trying to unduly influence them with misinformation to fit a political agenda?

It appears so in my opinion.”

OC Register: Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

• See link for full text of questionnaire

• Question: To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

• Answer: The community colleges of today are truly the workhorses of post-high school education for the best value. Coast Community College District offers students from high school dual enrollment to explore their career pathways, it has one of the best reputations to transfer to four year universities, and our colleges offer career education certificates in the hundreds.

Career education must constantly evolve to meet the changing needs of technology, healthcare, and hospitality, to name just a few sectors. As community colleges offer the pathway to better-paying jobs and careers to meet the demands of business and communities, they remain the most affordable option for all to become our students.

• Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

• Answer: AI is not only here, but it is the future. The key for me is to ensure AI software is a closed system, so the data from our students, faculty and staff are not used across open systems. We must provide professional development for our faculty and staff to learn and understand the software and systems they can access to partner with its abilities. What is key for its use is to not allow AI to remove the critical thinking and analysis that students must continue to grow and become proficient in for their future. Our colleges must implement guardrails to ensure the AI is used for the benefit of learning and acquiring skills for their future careers while ensuring privacy and their work is not hijacked or data they built is not breached.

• Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

• Answer: One of the strengths of community colleges is to engage learning in spaces in and out of the classroom for dialogue and discourse. This strength comes from ensuring academic freedom happens, the First Amendment is supported, and difficult topics are part of the curricula students learn. We have policies in place to ensure students and staff with differing opinions are protected from violence while allowing them space to present their ideas. Shutting down these discussions is the opposite of learning that occurs across the campuses.

• Question: If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

• Answer: Woody from Toy Story: He is a deeply layered character known for his core strengths of unwavering loyalty, natural leadership, and bravery, who evolves to be a reliable friend who gains empathy for those around him. I too am ‘deeply layered’ and have evolved in my leadership to be empathetic, reliable, work for the benefit of the entire system, and dedicated to student success.

• Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

• Answer: “Mona’s Eyes.” The story is of a child in Paris losing her eyesight, and her grandfather takes her to art in the Louvre weekly so she will have lasting images of the art, the history of when the art was created and her grandfather’s love. These three aspects are deeply embedded in my life: art history, museums and grandfathers’ love and support.

Endorsed by: 

• Supporters of Public Education - Orange County organization supporting public education and candidates committed to strong public schools.

• Women for American Values and Ethics (WAVE)

• Women in Leadership

Candidate in the News:

• OC Register: Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

Public Voting Record:

None found as of 10/22/26

Follow the Money: via the link

• $5,000 from Mary Lynn Rallis, Retired

• $3,500 Richard Gochnauer

• $2,500 from Sandra Jackson, Orange County Philanthropist and Organizer

• $2,500 from Women in Leadership FEC: C00790790

• $1,000 from Building a Stronger West Sponsored by Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (ID# 870169)

• $1,000 from Suzanne Gauntlett, Operations - Law Firm

• $1,000 from Rhea Dorn

• $600 from SUPPORTERS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION - ORANGE COUNTY

• $500 from Democratic Women of South Orange County

• $500 from Women for American Values and Ethics FEC ID: C00635664

• $500 from Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club FEC ID: C00570168

• $500 from William Whitcomb

• $500 from Fran Sdao

Coast Community College Area 5 Trustee Candidate

Candidate Statement:

XERXEZ MEGINO CALILUNG | AGE: 62 | Dentist

As a long-time local resident, small business owner, and healthcare provider, I am dedicated to serving our community with integrity, leadership, and sound judgment. For over thirty years, I have operated a private practice, managing operations and supporting dedicated staff. My business and leadership experience gives me a practical understanding of fiscal responsibility, effective management, and the economic challenges facing our region.

A vital priority for our community is addressing workforce issues. We must focus on educating local students and creating opportunities that encourage them to bring their skills back into Orange County jobs. Investing in workforce development and supporting local enterprise ensures our local economy remains vibrant, competitive, and sustainable for future generations.

In addition to my practice, I have served in leadership roles with local and state professional organizations, working collaboratively on regulatory standards and community representation. My goal is to bring a balanced, practical perspective to local governance, emphasizing transparent decision-making, responsible resource management, and strong community investment. 

I respectfully request your vote to serve our community and build a prosperous future together.”

Email: xcalilung@gmail.com

Campaign Website: https://votexerxez.com/endorsements

Priorities: 

• Invest Directly in Classrooms

  • Taxpayer dollars should directly benefit students and educators—not administrative bloat. I will prioritize classroom resources, updated technology, and instructional support so students receive the high-quality education they deserve.

• Build Local Job Pipelines

  • Community colleges should be engines of opportunity for the local economy. I will expand Career and Technical Education programs and build strong partnerships with local businesses so graduates are prepared for high-demand, good-paying careers in Orange County.

• Demand Fiscal Accountability

  • After 24 years of status-quo management, our district needs practical oversight and transparent leadership. I will bring decades of private-sector budgeting experience to audit spending, reduce bureaucratic waste, and ensure public funds are managed responsibly.

Any Other Interesting Info:

• Candidate Ballotpedia page

• Candidate's Dental Business Yelp page

• Koerner Center Dentist Bio for candidate

• US Health News Dental Business page

• Health Grades.com Dental Business page

• Candidate explains his role at the Orange County Dental Society Youtube video

Social Media Links: 

• Personal LinkedIn

• Professional X

• Professional Instagram

• Campaign Facebook

Follows on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:

• Suzy Duarte Fauria (campaigner for Andrew Gruel, conservative HB City Councilmember)

  • Note: This is the only account followed by Xerxez’ campaign social media.

Candidate’s Public Comments:

Campaign Facebook post by Candidate: see link to view image included with post

• “Why We Need Seasoned Healthcare Leadership on the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees

Our community colleges are fast approaching a serious fiscal cliff. But relying on creative accounting gimmicks or solely banking on expanding incarcerated student enrollment cannot be the district’s primary strategy to balance the budget.

We need real, sustainable solutions—and they have been available for years.

The state of California has long established dedicated funding streams designed to solve healthcare worker shortages and fund student career pathways:

Strong Workforce Program (SWP) – Operating since 2016, providing over $240 million annually for career technical education, lab equipment, and clinical placement coordination.

California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI) – Available since 2015–2016 to fund earn-and-learn models and paid clinical pathways in allied health.

High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) – Connecting education with healthcare employers to fund clinical training and student stipends.

Health Professions Pathways Program (HPPP) & Song-Brown Grants – Longstanding state investments aimed at funding clinical rotations, practicums, and healthcare student training.

These grants have been sitting there to be utilized. It should not take a looming budget crisis for college administrators to start looking at proactive, workforce-driven funding.

Our district needs proactive governance, not reactive scramble. As a seasoned healthcare leader, I understand how to bridge the gap between our colleges, state healthcare funding, and regional hospital and clinical networks to generate real revenue and create high-wage jobs for our students.

It’s time for accountable, experienced leadership to protect our community colleges.

I humbly ask for your vote for Coast Community College District Trustee.”

Oct 1, 2026 campaign Facebook post by Candidate: see link to view image included with post

• “This post is referencing the May 21, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting and connecting the student's frustration directly to the district's spending priorities:

Students First, Bureaucracy Second: Why We Need Real Change at Coast Community College District

On May 21, 2025, at the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees meeting, a brave student stepped up to the podium during public comments and said what so many on our campuses have been thinking:

The board was treating students like "walking ATM machines."

He wasn't wrong.

Take a close look at what happens behind the dais during these meetings. While students were at the podium pleading for help regarding changes to federal financial aid and fighting through the high costs of basic campus life, the board's docket was packed with routine approvals for high-dollar administrative overhead—outside legal fees, enterprise software contracts, district bureaucracy, and administrative operational costs.

When a district spends millions maintaining central office bureaucracy while students struggle to pay for food, books, and tuition, the primary mission has been forgotten: Student education must always come first!

Our students juggle jobs, classes, and rising living costs across Orange County. They deserve leadership that looks out for their wallets—not leaders who view them as revenue streams.

The incumbent was appointed and ran unopposed in 2022 during the COVID crisis. Four years later, it is time for true accountability and a trustee who will fight to redirect district priorities back where they belong: into classrooms, student support, and affordable education.

Stand with our students. Demand fiscal transparency and leadership that listens.

Vote Xerxez Calilung for Coast Community College District Trustee, Area 5”

OC Register: Xerxez Megino Calilung, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

• See link for full text of questionnaire

• Question: To you, what is the role of community college in education? Is it driving policy, being involved in curriculum, something else entirely? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

• Answer: Community colleges serve as the essential catalyst and economic bridge for our community. Their primary role is neither strictly driving broad political policy nor micromanaging curriculum from an ivory tower; rather, it is about empowering students with practical, high-value skills and providing an accessible gateway to lifelong success.

Having practiced healthcare in Orange County for 36 years and served as a past professor at the University of Southern California Dental School, I have seen firsthand how vital practical training is. Community colleges must act as responsive engines for our local economy, collaborating closely with local industries and healthcare providers to ensure that programs directly match real-world employment demands.

Both policy and curriculum should always serve one core mission: measurable student outcomes and workforce readiness. By maintaining strict fiscal accountability and focusing resources where they matter most—in classrooms, labs, and student support services—we can ensure that every student has an affordable, reliable path to a meaningful career. That is the true calling of our community college district.

• Question: How do you feel artificial intelligence is, or isn’t, safe in the classroom? In what instances should it be expanded in the classroom? What about when it should be limited? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

• Answer: Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can profoundly enhance learning when integrated with clear ethical boundaries. In the classroom, AI is safe and should be expanded as a collaborative resource—such as a personalized tutor to help students grasp complex concepts, simulate real-world scenarios, practice technical problem-solving, or assist faculty with administrative workflows. Exposure to AI tools prepares students for modern workforce demands.

However, AI must be strictly limited where it compromises academic integrity, original critical thinking, or data privacy. It should never replace genuine human mentorship, nor should it be used to generate unvetted core assignments, take exams, or bypass the fundamental cognitive struggle required to master a discipline. Furthermore, student data privacy must be strictly protected when utilizing AI platforms to prevent unauthorized profiling or data harvesting.

As a health professional and educator who utilizes advanced practice software, I believe technology must serve humanity, not replace it. Our district should embrace AI thoughtfully—expanding its utility for practical skills training and efficiency while strictly limiting its use in ways that erode authentic assessment, personal accountability, and the irreplaceable value of human instruction.

• Question: How do you believe schools can better teach or engage students in civil discourse? How would you like to see your district tackle this issue? (Please answer in 200 words or less.)

• Answer: Civil discourse is the bedrock of a healthy democracy and an effective academic community. Schools can better engage students by creating structured, respectful environments where diverse viewpoints are welcomed, and critical thinking is prioritized over emotional reaction.

To tackle this in our district, we must actively integrate forums, town halls, and moderated debates directly into campus life. Classrooms should serve as safe spaces for rigorous intellectual exploration rather than ideological conformity. Faculty should be supported in modeling respectful disagreement, teaching students how to evaluate evidence objectively, listen actively, and articulate arguments based on facts.

Furthermore, student government and campus organizations should be encouraged to host cross-disciplinary dialogues addressing real-world community challenges. As a leader who has navigated complex organizational dynamics and board governance, I know that progress happens when we listen to differing perspectives and collaborate on common goals. By championing open inquiry and mutual respect, our community colleges can teach students not just what to think, but how to think critically together.

• Question: If your campaign had a mascot, what would it be and why? (Please answer in 200 words or fewer.)

• Answer: If my campaign had a mascot, it would be an owl.

Throughout my 36 years practicing healthcare in Orange County and serving in various community leadership roles, I have learned that effective governance requires wisdom, careful observation, and thoughtful listening. An owl symbolizes these exact qualities.

In higher education governance, we cannot afford knee-jerk reactions or short-term fixes. We need leaders who observe carefully, study the budget details, listen to students and faculty, and look at the big picture with clear vision. Furthermore, education is about illumination—shedding light on pathways that transform students’ lives and equip them for the workforce. An owl represents the dedication to lifelong learning, prudent oversight, and steady guidance that I plan to bring to the Coast Community College District.

• Bonus question: What is the best book you’ve read this year? Explain why you found it compelling.

• Answer: The most compelling book I have read recently is “Weightless” by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen.

As a healthcare professional, I found her approach profoundly refreshing because it shifts the paradigm of modern medicine from oversimplified advice to evidence-based, compassionate care. Dr. Salas-Whalen emphasizes that true wellness is not about personal failure or outdated willpower models, but about understanding complex conditions and equipping patients with the proper tools, science, and guidance to succeed. What makes this book so powerful is its dedication to empowering individuals through education, structured support, and sustainable strategies rather than quick fixes. This philosophy directly mirrors my approach to community college governance. Whether dealing with student success, health initiatives, or fiscal responsibility, we must look past superficial fixes and implement structured, supportive, and evidence-based solutions that uplift our entire community.

Endorsed by: 

• Nancy’s Picks - Nancy’s Picks (far-right voter guide in Orange County, whose criteria for endorsement include “PRO-LIFE & PROTECTIONS for the UNBORN”, “PRO-SANCTITY of HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE”, “PRO-PARENTAL RIGHTS in EDUCATION”, “PRO-NUCLEAR FAMILY”, “SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL and IT’S RIGHT to EXIST”, “SECURE & SEAL OUR BORDERS”, and more. 

• Moms on the Ground — California parental-rights advocacy group that has worked in coalition with Moms for Liberty and other organizations promoting parental-rights and school-choice/charter-school policies. (momsonthegroundca, Moms for Liberty)

• Reform California - (far-right organization led by Carl DeMaio)

• OC Tax PAC

• REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ORANGE COUNTY

• Mari Barke (OC Board of Education Trustee, Director at California Policy Center, the anti-LGBTQ, anti-public education organization within the Heritage Foundation Network)

• Lincoln Club of OC (far-right, anti-LGBTQ group)

Candidate in the News:

• Newport Signal (local coverage) Candidate questionnaire Oct 6, 2026

• OC Register: Xerxez Megino Calilung, Coast Community College District Area 5 candidate, 2026 election questionnaire Oct 5, 2026

Public Voting Record:

Candidate has no record of holding public office

Follow the Money: via the link

• $20,000 from David Sun, Fountain Valley, CA

• $5,000 from Orange County Dental Society

• $5,000 from California Dental Association PAC