Former PTA president leads in funding

Karen Yelsey, a former Corona del Mar High School PTA president, is leading all Newport-Mesa school board candidates in campaign funds this year, after her finance statement came in to the Orange County Registrar of Voters a day past deadline.

Yelsey, who has been endorsed by the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers, declared $38,099 on Friday. She benefited from a $20,000 loan from her husband’s company, Media Spot, as well as smaller donations from current Corona del Mar PTA President Janice Newfield and other residents. She is challenging incumbent Serene Stokes in the Nov. 7 election.

Loretta Zimmerman, who is facing incumbent Judy Franco, came in second in funds with $35,565.