Authorities await tests in Ferryman case

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- Blood test results expected in about two weeks will

determine whether charges will be filed against a Newport-Mesa Unified

School District trustee who was arrested Thursday on suspicion of driving

under the influence of alcohol, officials said.

Jim Ferryman, a longtime Costa Mesa resident and an active member of

the local community, was released from the Costa Mesa police station on

his own recognizance Thursday, police said.

But his blood alcohol level at the time is not known, said Costa Mesa

Police Sgt. Don Holford.

Ferryman took a blood test instead of a breath test, Holford said. The

sample has been sent to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department lab, and

results can be expected in about two weeks, Holford said.

Ferryman is expected to appear in court later this month. Ferryman

said Sunday that he was “sorry it happened” and admitted he had “made a

mistake.”

His colleagues on the school board said they are saddened by the

incident.

“This is a very unfortunate situation that has happened to an

individual that has contributed greatly to our community,” said fellow

trustee Serene Stokes.

Board member Dave Brooks said Ferryman “has worked hard for the

community and is a really strong and active board member.”

“But this [incident] is something that did happen,” he said.

Brooks added that the timing of Ferryman’s arrest was also unfortunate

as it preceded the day Costa Mesa High School football player Matt Colby

died of undetermined causes.

Ferryman “was there all of Saturday,” Brooks said. “He was so

supportive of [Colby’s] family. It just doesn’t seem like we have any

control over these things that have been happening in the last few days.”

Board member Martha Fluor declined to comment.

Ferryman has been a vocal opponent of the school district’s

zero-tolerance policy against drugs and alcohol, saying that it does not

help solve the apprehended student’s problem with alcohol or drug abuse,

but only transplants it elsewhere.

Ferryman’s son went through that experience when he was a junior at

Costa Mesa High School. He was suspended from school and ordered

transferred for 90 school days after he had admitted to drinking beer

before a school dance.

But Ferryman had always said his opinion on the zero-tolerance policy

was formed even before his son defied it.

Both Brooks and Stokes said Ferryman’s arrest will not have a bearing

on any of the board’s policies.

“The policies of the board are just that,” Brooks said. “It takes

seven board members to make policy.”

Stokes agreed.

“I don’t think this incident will affect our policy,” she said. “I

stand behind the zero-tolerance policy, and I think it has been very

effective in our schools.”