College teachers’ union backs Forbath

Amy R. Spurgeon

COSTA MESA -- In the Coast Community College District board race, the

teachers union has taken an unexpected stand in supporting community

leader Jean Forbath instead of 13-year incumbent Paul Berger for the seat

representing Costa Mesa and parts of Newport Beach.

The endorsement issued this week delighted one candidate, but hurt the

other.

“I’m a bit disappointed,” Berger said. “But there have been a couple

of instances when they haven’t agreed with what the board had to say.”

Four years ago, the Coast Federation of Educators endorsed Berger, a

Costa Mesa resident with a 50-year career in education, when he was

running for his third term on the district board.

The district encompasses Orange Coast, Coastline and Golden West

community colleges, and KOCE-TV Channel 50. Three of the five seats on

the board are up for grabs in the November general election.

Berger’s challenger, longtime Costa Mesa resident Forbath, founded the

Share Our Selves free medical and dental clinic in Costa Mesa more than

22 years ago and has been an active leader in the community. She said the

teachers’ support is much appreciated.

“I am very pleased [about the endorsement],” Forbath said. “I would

think an endorsement from the teachers is a vote of confidence. They

would know better than anyone what community colleges need.”

The Coast Federation of Classified Employees, the union representing

all district workers other than educators, also endorsed Forbath this

week.

Both candidates are in their 70s and have together dedicated nearly

six decades to education. Both have also said conducting an expensive

campaign is not a possibility. Instead of television ads and radio spots,

they will rely on name recognition, word of mouth and door-to-door

visits.

Voters are invited to meet Berger, Forbath and the other board

candidates at an informal reception from 4 to 6 p.m. today at OCC’s

Captain’s Table restaurant.

OCC is at 2701 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa.