Editorial

Leaders of Costa Mesa’s Latino business community were at a loss

earlier this month to explain why no one from the normally active group

had volunteered to take part in deciding how the Newport-Mesa Unified

School District should spend $163 million in bond money.

We are, too.

For much of the past year, members of the Latino business community

have made certain their voices were heard, whether it was about the U.S.

Census or Costa Mesa’s plan to revamp the West Side.

But if any issue is pressing and important, it is the district’s

$110-million bond, which was passed in June. District officials also

expect to add $53 million in state matching funds.

The approval of the bond was one of the best pieces of news to hit the

community in years. Not only will our schools get a much-needed shot of

money, but the district’s careful handling of the vote and its

unprecedented interaction with the community bode well for Newport-Mesa’s

future health. The lines of communication between the district and those

it serves -- which were badly frayed by past problems -- are open again,

and they need to stay open.

For these reasons, it is striking that no Latino business person has

volunteered. Representatives from the other 18 groups the district is

seeking members from -- the two chambers of commerce, the Orange County

Taxpayers Assn., the Orange County Treasurer’s office and the California

School Employees Assn., to name a few -- all applied.

But no one from the Latino business community?

Explanations for the lack of interest included the possibility that

members didn’t understand the district’s appeal for volunteers.

But throughout the bond process, communicating with the community has

been priority No. 1 for the district. And back in May, Supt. Robert

Barbot met with members of the Latino Advisory Committee, which includes

five West Side businesses.

It is not our intent to lambaste Latino business leaders, however. But

having worked so hard to be active in the community, they have raised the

bar, and our expectations, for their continued participation.

We believe they should be part of this crucial, influential committee.

There are 163 million reasons to do so.