Sixteen Candidates Compete for Los Angeles Community College District Board Seats, Promising Action on Student Needs

Los Angeles Community College District Faces Pivotal Board Election

Sixteen candidates are contending for three at-large seats on the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) board, promising to address critical issues such as student basic needs, pathways to good-paying jobs, and oversight of major campus construction projects. The election comes as trustees are tasked with managing a nearly $10-billion annual district budget and a voter-approved $5.3 billion bond aimed at revitalizing campuses and constructing new student housing. Serving a predominantly low-income student population, the board's decisions will have lasting impacts for the 200,000 students across Los Angeles and nearby cities, including Culver City, Montebello, and Burbank.

Candidate Priorities: Meeting Basic Student Needs and Job Training

Across the board, candidates have highlighted the urgent need for district leadership to do more in supporting students’ basic needs and creating clear pathways to secure, good-paying jobs after graduation. The LACCD, the nation’s largest community college district, faces the challenge of balancing capital projects like campus construction and student housing with providing resources such as affordable food and emergency shelter for students juggling academics with work.

Board of Trustees Races: Diverse Candidates and Varied Endorsements

Seat 2: Incumbent Support and Fundraising

In the race for Seat 2, incumbent Steve Veres is being challenged by writer Robert Payne, business owner Kristina Irwin, and educator Adriana Cabrera. Roy Payan is on the ballot but has suspended his campaign. Veres, who has served multiple terms and also works as a policy advisor for state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, cites accomplishments such as expanding job training programs, improving graduation rates, and increasing student access to food and emergency housing. He has strong backing from the Los Angeles Democratic establishment, Mayor Karen Bass, the county Democratic party, and district faculty and staff unions. Recent campaign finance records show the faculty union sponsored nearly $150,000 in slate mailers supporting Veres, while other candidates reported no fundraising activity.

Seat 4: Open Race Draws Wide Field

The open contest for Seat 4, prompted by incumbent Sara Hernandez stepping down to run for state senate, has attracted seven candidates. Darryn Harris, a community affairs officer and college instructor, stands out as the best-funded candidate and has gained broad support from Democratic politicians, labor unions, and six of the seven current LACCD trustees. Other contenders include former board member Nancy Pearlman, therapist Adam Bruno, workforce specialist Elaine Alaniz, interpreter Priscilla Umana, fire department employee Isidro Armenta, and business owner Jason Aula.

Seat 6: Competitive Race and Union Endorsements

Seat 6 is seen as one of the most competitive races. Incumbent Gabriel Buelna faces Randall Winston, deputy mayor of infrastructure and climate resilience under Mayor Bass. Notably, the district’s main faculty union, AFT Local 1521, endorsed Winston while the staff guild issued a dual endorsement for both candidates. Two additional candidates, professor Roberto David LaCarra and realtor Tonia Arey, are also running. Issues in the Seat 6 race have included disputes over professional credentials listed on the ballot and discussions about ensuring accountability for the district budget, with Arey promising greater transparency and accountability.

Faculty Union Endorsements and Graduation Rates

Union endorsements have played an influential role in the campaign. While Veres secured strong union backing in Seat 2, the faculty guild’s support for Winston and the staff guild’s dual endorsements in Seat 6 signal ongoing debates about district priorities. Highlighting their qualifications, candidates point to improvements in job training programs and student graduation rates as key accomplishments and campaign issues.

Oversight of District Budget and Campus Construction

Trustees elected in this cycle will be responsible for overseeing the district’s substantial budget and ensuring the integrity of ongoing and future bond-funded campus construction. With student housing and support for basic student needs positioned as urgent priorities, the actions of the newly elected board will shape the future of the Los Angeles community colleges.

Source: latimes.com.