SAN DIEGO – In the midst of this academically challenging coronavirus pandemic, we need continuity and stability on the governing boards of the San Diego Community College District and the San Diego Unified School Board.
Accordingly, we recommend the reelection of Community College Trustees Bernie Rhinerson and Mary Graham, respectively for Districts B and D. Similarly, we urge the reelection of Richard Barrera in District D of the School Board and Sharon Whitehurst-Payne in District E. We have no quarrel with either of their challengers, Camille Harris in District D nor Dr. Lawana Richmond in District E, but neither have we seen any compelling reason to replace these incumbents.
That leaves us with the battle for the open District A seat for the San Diego Unified School Board between Sabrino Bazzo and Crystal Trull. Their ballot statements as well as their interviews with the San Diego Union-Tribune gives readers the impression that they are fairly well matched. On points, we believe Sabrina Bazzo is more likely than Crystal Trull to quickly play a constructive role on the school board in its continuing struggle with distance learning for some, and reopening schools for others.
The school district offers us two ballot measures to ponder. One (Measure C) would switch the current system to district-only elections. Right now we have a hybrid process by which the district (A, B, C, D, or E) selects two nominees for the school board position, and then voters in all the districts decide which ones to choose. Interestingly, Bazzo and Trull both think district-only elections are a good idea, having learned how difficult it is for candidates who are not at the top of the ballot to communicate with the voters of four additional districts. We agree with Bazzo and Trull and urge a Yes vote on Measure C.
Measure D was prompted by the unfortunate situation when School Board Member Kevin Beiser was accused by an associate of having sexually molested him – a charge that Beiser denied, and one which did not result in any criminal prosecution. A civil case brought against Beiser by his accuser subsequently was the subject of a confidential settlement.
Soon after the allegations against Beiser were made public, his four fellow board members voted to ask him to resign, which he refused to do. There was no mechanism to force him to do so, so the board with the support of the San Diego City Council voted to put this measure on the ballot which would provide that three-fourths of the school board members could vote to put a recall measure on the ballot. It’s curious that fraction was selected because there are only 5 school board members in total, meaning that 3.75 of them – or in all practicality 4 of them – would have to vote against the 5th member.
Regardless of what the facts of the Beiser case may be, we believe that having the ability recall a member of his or her office, for appropriate cause and with voter approval, is a prudent course of action.
So, to recap, our recommendations are as follows;
Community College, District B: Bernie Rhinerson
Community College, District B: Mary Graham
School Board, District A: Sabrina Bazzo
School Board, District D: Richard Barrera
School Board, District E: Sharon Whitehurst-Payne
Measure C: District Elections: Yes
Measure D: School Board Recall Procedures: Yes
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com