Mike Carroll, Irvine City Council District 4 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 5, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Mike Carroll

Current job title: Councilmember, City of Irvine

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Chairman of the Great Park, Irvine Community Land Trust Boardmember, Airport Land Use Commission Boardmember

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.mikecarroll.org

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

My priority is to protect and defend the Irvine master plan. My vision is not 58,000 new apartments in an already built-out city with congestion and traffic issues, as some have actually proposed. We are the greatest master-planned community in the U.S. That plan is the “”key ingredient”” of a formula that has made Irvine the most desirable place to live in the nation: world-class parks, open spaces and trails and a “”city of villages,”” which are neighborhoods with distinct and unique personalities where families can thrive. Combined with neighborhood award-winning public schools, job centers where people can work and the best police department a community can imagine, we have the recipe for community success.

The goal of the master plan is simple: quality of life. Defending it is hard work. It requires a keen understanding of proper planning and land use. For the last six years, I’ve protected the master plan from attacks and unworkable ideas being proposed such as 58,000 new homes (a 50% increase in current housing) and the elimination of car parking (yes, not kidding). It is job No. 1 for me. My goal is to preserve our community, not ruin it.

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I am proud to say that Irvine has built more affordable housing than any other city in Orange County, by far. I’m also proud to have voted for the largest affordable housing development in the history of the state of California. Affordability is a major issue in our state, and Irvine can and will do more.

But — and this is important — not at the sacrifce and destriction of our master plan. We need to see the other cities in Orange County do their fair share because Irvine does more than its fair share.

We must address the growing traffic problem in our city before it’s too late. Traffic is an issue that threatens the quality of life that we all came here to enjoy. I have held 65 community forums, and in my discussions with residents, it is one thing to talk about traffic percentage improvements here and more cars getting through intersections there. But — and this is critical — we we need our residents to actually feel and experience that they’re moving quicker through previously congested areas and that they’re driving safely from Point A to Point B.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The environment is extremely high on my list of priorities. We all need to live in a city that has clear air to breathe and safe water to drink. I have a track record on the environment that I am proud of. I led the committee that negotiated the permanent shutdown of the asphalt plant that was sitting right on top of our residents in Orchard Hills, and in its place established the Gateway Preserve, over 400 acres of brand new open space in the city of Irvine. I am also leading the establishment of new open-space trails in the Los Olivos, Quail Hill and Spectrum neighborhoods.

I am 100% for our environment and meeting state goals. But I am absolutely opposed to mandating increased electric rates for residents, elimination of parking for cars and individual car driving limits for Irvine residents that some have actually proposed.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Quality of life and safety is our city’s No. 1 need. We must ensure we remain the safest city in America and address property crime, which is on the rise. That means fully supporting public safety. That means stopping property crime. That means not watering down criminal laws like some have proposed. And we must not reduce funding or defund our Irvine Police Department. We need to support our men and women in blue who are on the frontlines keeping us safe. They are the reason we enjoy a safe community where we can thrive, and they work to protect us 24/7. They are a caring organization and devoted to the people of Irvine. I am the only candidate running for City Council or mayor who is endorsed by the Irvine Police Association. I am proud to have their endorsement, and I stand with them.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

As a councilmember for the past six years, I’ve been honored to represent the most diversely integrated city in the U.S. I have track record of serving our community. I helped residents recover $100 million in unclaimed property. I obtained over $10 million from UC Irvine to pay for neighborhood traffic improvements. I’ve held 65 community forums with Irvine residents. I’ve kept Irvine America’s safest city and improved our parks to be ranked No. 11 in California and No. 10 in the country. I saved funding for seniors with mobility needs and provided buses for school children. I passed a two-year balanced city budget. I launched a $1 billion development plan that will put Irvine’s Great Park among the great public parks in the nation.

If re-elected, I will continue fighting for residents by providing our police with what they need to ensure Irvine remains America’s safest city, reduce traffic by improving road design and alternative transit, enhance our parks and open space and support our Irvine public schools and families. I’ve been endorsed by many fellow residents and the Irvine Police Association, the Orange County Firefighters Association, the OC Taxpayers Association PAC, the OC Business Council and Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.

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​ Orange County Register 

Ayn Craciun, Irvine City Council District 4 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 5, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Ayn Craciun

Current job title: OC Policy Director

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Chair, City of Irvine Sustainability Commission

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: Ayn4Irvine.com

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

My vision for Irvine is a safe, sustainable city where kids can walk or bike to school and every neighborhood enjoys clean air, water, parks and essential amenities within easy reach. We’ll prioritize access to open spaces and ensure neighborhoods offer daily necessities nearby, reducing traffic and fostering community.

Irvine’s growing workforce demands improved transit options like trains and shuttles, along with workforce housing to shorten commutes and take cars off the road. We must also address the housing shortage, making homes affordable for families, teachers, nurses, firefighters and young people.

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Lowering housing costs can transform the lives and futures of families. Those who live in reasonably priced homes tend to earn more over their lifetime, live longer and have children who perform better in school.

Irvine should encourage developers to build more small homes and condos for sale rather than rental apartments. This would help families establish economic stability, strengthen communities and give future generations the chance to achieve the American dream by owning a home in Irvine.

The housing crisis is largely driven by car-centric policies. I will promote transit-oriented development in the Irvine Spectrum and Irvine Business Complex with mixed-use designs, placing most amenities within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This will help provide more workforce housing while minimizing traffic impacts for current residents. Additionally, I will expand transit routes to and from UC Irvine and Irvine Valley College to better support students in achieving their educational goals.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

According to the American Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Defense, climate change is a major threat to human health and safety, and it is a top priority for me. Irvine residents value science and want climate action. However, we need to be realistic. Because of Irvine’s delayed climate efforts, Irvine cannot achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, but we can and should work to reduce pollution swiftly.

I will focus on practical steps to reduce traffic, enhance safety and improve quality of life. Although Irvine has more electric vehicles than most of Orange County, our public EV charging infrastructure lags behind. I plan to expand charging stations, especially near apartments, and create programs to help residents replace inefficient appliances.

Many Irvine streets lack sidewalks, and our bike and pedestrian networks have significant gaps. I will prioritize fixing these issues. Additionally, I will ensure new neighborhoods are designed with schools, shopping and parks within walking or biking distance, and I will support school bus transportation for areas that are too far for students to walk or bike.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Housing affordability: Many lifelong residents and workers in Irvine are being priced out of the housing market. The city should prioritize building more starter homes and condos for sale, rather than apartments, to give people an opportunity to own property and achieve the American dream.

Traffic safety: Car crashes are the leading cause of non-disease-related injury and death in Irvine. Last year’s city budget projected that 37 people would be killed or seriously injured annually in crashes, a number projected to rise to 55 this year. Children are at higher risk than adults. Cities that have improved intersections and added protected bike lanes have achieved zero traffic deaths. Irvine should implement these proven strategies to curb speeding and increase safety for everyone.

Safe routes to school: Many newer neighborhoods are far from their designated schools, leading to more traffic and congestion. Irvine must ensure safe and accessible routes to school for all students across all grade levels.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I am running for Irvine City Council to bring community-centered solutions that improve the lives of our families and ensure city resources serve residents, not special interests. My top priorities are community health and safety, and I will maintain an open-door policy to stay connected with residents.

I am the only candidate in this race who has never accepted campaign contributions from special interests with business before the city. As a volunteer, I have successfully led efforts to implement Irvine’s non-toxic landscaping policy and a school bus pilot for University High School.

Orange County ranks last among all 58 California counties in per-capita state funding, largely because many cities have not pursued available funding programs. I believe Irvine residents deserve to see more of their hard-earned tax dollars invested in our community. As a nonprofit director, I have a unique understanding of state funding programs and how to secure the resources our community deserves.

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​ Orange County Register 

Jing Sun, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 5, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Jing Sun

Current job title: Realtor

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.sunforirvine.com

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

We must preserve the master-planned community as it really elevates our city from others. In the meanwhile, we have to make houses in Irvine more affordable so that we can provide equitable living opportunities for people to move in and raise families here.

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The key is not to disturb the current master-planned community while finding new building opportunities in other parts of Irvine to make transit-oriented affordable housing.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Being a leader in climate control definitely fits the profile of the city of Irvine. We need to make our efforts to ensure that we will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 through a variety of ordinances and the use of new technology to accelerate our pathway.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Balanced growth to ensure the whole city is growing at the same time and the same pace regardless of an old or new neighborhood.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I value DEI a lot, and love to listen to my constituents to ensure my work is serving the community, not a special interest group.

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​ Orange County Register 

James Mai, Irvine City Council District 3 candidate, 2024 election qeustionnaire

• October 5, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: James Mai

Current job title: County Commissioner, Small Business Owner

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Orange County Housing Commissioner, Irvine Community Services Commissioner

City where you reside: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.jamesmai.com

Irvine is in the process of its first major general plan update in well over a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city as it continues to grow? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I welcome growth, especially when it comes to providing affordable housing. However, as city leaders, we must ensure that our infrastructure can support this growth. It is essential to maintain the master plan that defines Irvine while also meeting the needs of our community, including housing for workers and our growing population. We must ensure that as a community our ancillary services are prepared and ready for that growth, and I fully support responsible growth that will continue to provide for our current residents and the new generation.

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

To meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including affordable options, while preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods, the city should adopt a balanced approach. First, we must prioritize smart growth by identifying underutilized areas for development that integrate residential, commercial and green spaces. This reduces the need to expand into existing neighborhoods (especially since many are fully built out, including District 3), minimizing disruption.

Second, implementing affordable housing policies, such as inclusionary zoning and incentivizing developers to build affordable units, and landlords can ensure that new developments serve a range of income levels. Public-private partnerships can also be leveraged to increase affordable housing stock efficiently.

Third, maintaining the master plan is crucial to uphold Irvine’s character. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, such as roads, public transportation and utilities, to support new developments without burdening current residents.

Finally, engaging the community in the planning process will ensure that residents have a voice in shaping growth. By taking these steps, we can accommodate the need for more housing while preserving the quality of life that makes Irvine so special.

Irvine has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. That will take a lot of city outreach to accomplish. Where does climate change fall in your list of priorities? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Addressing climate change is a top priority for me, just as it is for many in our community. Climate change affects every aspect of our lives, from public health to economic stability, and we must act now to meet our future goals.

I am dedicated to supporting sustainable policies, promoting renewable energy, enhancing public transportation and improving energy efficiency in our buildings. Public outreach is vital, and I believe in actively engaging residents and businesses through education and incentives to encourage more sustainable practices. Additionally, I advocate for increasing the number of trees in our communities, as nature offers unique healing benefits that can directly mitigate the effects of human-caused environmental damage.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The biggest need our city faces is finding the balance between growth and preserving what makes Irvine special. As we approach a population of over 300,000, it’s crucial to maintain our status as the safest city in the U.S. and continue providing outstanding schools and education. I frequently interact with residents, and a common theme I hear is concern about unity and the impact of growth on our community. To address this, I would work diligently to ensure that any growth is thoughtfully managed, keeping our safety, educational standards and quality of life at the forefront of decision-making.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

For over 25 years — more than half of my life — I have had the privilege of serving as the founder and CEO of an international management consulting firm, specializing in business strategy, growth and technology. These experiences have equipped me with valuable insights and skills that I believe will benefit our community as a member of the City Council.

Throughout my career, I have helped organizations navigate complex challenges and develop strategic plans that drive growth and innovation. These skills are critical for addressing the diverse issues facing our city and making informed decisions that will benefit all Irvine residents.

Beyond my business endeavors, I have also founded and operated nonprofit organizations that serve hundreds of people and have raised millions of dollars for community causes and advocated for countless causes including at-risk communities. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and the importance of giving back, reinforcing my commitment to public service and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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​ Orange County Register 

Albertsons ordered to pay $4 million for overcharging California shoppers

• October 4, 2024

Supermarket giant Albertsons and its Vons stores will pay nearly $4 million to settle complaints in California that they overcharged consumers through false advertising and unfair competition.

At the heart of the complaints were faulty scales and scanners used to determine food prices in checkout lines.

Prosecutors from the offices of district attorneys in Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, Alameda, Marin and Sonoma counties brought the civil law enforcement complaint against Albertsons Cos. and Vons stores following a three-year investigation, which was settled this week.

Also see: Biggest question from Kroger-Albertsons trials: What’s a grocery store?

Overcharges at the supermarkets came to light when investigators with departments that handle weights and measures in the seven counties began working with law enforcement agencies. Consumers also raised concerns, according to authorities.

“When you get pricing wrong, it hurts a lot of people,” said Evan Goldsmith, deputy district attorney in Riverside County. “The way this worked was that if you grabbed a pound of bananas to get weighed, or any other produce sold, you’re going to get charged an inaccurate amount.”

Albertsons spokeswoman Courtney Carranza did not immediately respond to questions Friday regarding the settlement.

More on supermarkets: Who is C&S Wholesale, potential buyer of 63 Albertsons stores in California?

Goldsmith couldn’t explain how widespread the problem was in Riverside or California. He also couldn’t say specifically which stores engaged in overcharging consumers.

“It’s hard to describe the severity of the scales, but it wasn’t like charging you for 3 pounds when it was really 1 pound — but a lot of volume goes through the stores, so any variation can be significant,” he said.

The overcharging involved an issue of not maintaining the equipment properly. “They kind of go bad over time,” Goldsmith said. 

The county weights and measures departments enforce laws and regulations related to high-tech devices to make sure they are used correctly and properly calibrated for goods and services purchased. Besides scales and scanners in grocery stores, these same departments also monitor gasoline dispensed at filling stations. Their stickers are prominently displayed on the gadgetry they regulate.

The complaint filed in Marin County Superior Court for all seven counties alleged that grocery stores owned by Albertsons also were overcharging customers with faulty scanners rather than using the lowest advertised price.

Albertsons also used inaccurate weights on the labels of its products, prosecutors said.

Some items sold by weight, such as produce, meats and baked goods, had less produce in the package than was displayed on the package label.  The label was supposed to be printed out before the food was packaged, leaving out the packaging in the measurement, Goldsmith said.

Price accuracy program

The settlement requires the grocers to implement a “price accuracy program,” which allows a customer to be compensated up to $5 if they are overcharged, Riverside’s deputy DA explained. The program encourages consumers to report false advertising to the store as soon as it is discovered.

“Albertsons and Vons were very cooperative with us in our meetings,” he said of the settlement negotiations. “They made every effort to get this right. These issues happen everywhere, but this judgment only covers California.”

Boise-based Albertsons Cos., which operates Vons and Safeway stores in California, and Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., which owns Ralphs and the Food 4 Less chains, announced plans to merge in a $25 billion deal nearly two years ago.

Also see: Albertsons unveils list of 63 California stores to be sold ahead of trial

Last month, lawyers for the Federal Trade government argued in a federal court in Portland, Ore., that the merger should be blocked because the combination would “almost certainly” benefit shareholders and not everyday shoppers. A judge is still weighing whether to issue a preliminary injunction to block the merger.

Kroger and Albertsons argued their merger would preserve consumer choice by allowing them to better compete against growing rivals like Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

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​ Orange County Register 

Ana Page, Orange Unified School District Trustee Area 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 4, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Ana Page

Current job title: Child Development and Family Engagement Specialist

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: No

City where you reside: Orange

Campaign website or social media: Page4ousd.com

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Research shows that excessive smartphone use, particularly on social media, can negatively impact children’s mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and lower academic performance. In our one-to-one device district, students have access to district-provided devices for online learning, reducing the need for personal smartphones during class.

To address these concerns, schools can implement policies that limit smartphone use during instructional time, such as requiring phones to be kept in lockers or designated areas. This reduces distractions and fosters better focus and engagement in learning. By relying on district devices, students can still access essential digital resources without the risks associated with personal smartphones.

Schools can also create tech-free zones and allow limited phone use during non-instructional periods like lunch or recess. Partnering with parents and the community to explain the research behind these restrictions will help ensure their effectiveness, promoting a healthier and more focused learning environment for all students.

How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Our district can harness artificial intelligence technology to enhance learning by integrating AI-driven tools that offer personalized instruction, support diverse learning styles, and provide real-time feedback. For instance, AI can help identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement, allowing educators to tailor lessons to individual needs. Additionally, AI can assist in automating administrative tasks, giving teachers more time to focus on student engagement and instruction.

To protect students from the potential misuse of AI as a tool for bullying, the district must implement strong safeguards. This includes monitoring AI platforms for inappropriate behavior, ensuring strict data privacy protocols, and educating students on responsible digital citizenship. We can also establish clear guidelines for the ethical use of AI in the classroom, promoting its positive applications while minimizing risks.

By fostering collaboration among educators, students, and parents, we can leverage AI technology to enhance learning while maintaining a safe and supportive school environment. Regular reviews and updates to AI policies will ensure that we stay ahead of emerging challenges, prioritizing both educational advancement and student well-being.

What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The top two priorities for our school district are improving facilities and ensuring fiscal responsibility, with a focus on keeping tax dollars in the classroom.

I have been leading efforts to upgrade our school facilities, prioritizing improvements based on need and maximizing the impact of available funds. This includes developing a comprehensive asset management plan to ensure that every dollar spent enhances our schools’ infrastructure.

Additionally, I have championed fiscal responsibility, carefully managing the district’s budget to direct more resources into the classroom. By finding efficiencies, securing matching government funds and grants, and making strategic investments, we’ve been able to prioritize student achievement.

I am committed to continuing these efforts, working with the community, educators, and financial experts to ensure that our resources are used wisely and that our students benefit from improved facilities and increased classroom support.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I bring extensive experience in education, fiscal management, and community advocacy to this role. As a trustee and school board president, I’ve led efforts to improve school facilities and ensure fiscal responsibility, focusing on keeping tax dollars in the classroom. My background as a classroom teacher, college professor, and non-profit director has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and the importance of maximizing educational resources.

Additionally, my work as a family engagement expert, raising parent leaders, has shown me the power of involving families in their children’s education. As a Ph.D. student in education, I am researching ways to bridge the gap to academic success, further informing my approach to addressing educational challenges.

In prior leadership roles, I’ve learned the value of transparency and partnership. My experience in developing asset management plans and securing grants has taught me how to leverage resources effectively. My priorities include enhancing our district’s facilities, expanding Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, and ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our students. I am committed to creating a thriving learning environment for all students.

California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Parents play a crucial role in education by supporting their child’s learning and development, advocating for their needs, and partnering with educators to ensure their child’s success. They provide essential insights into their child’s background, strengths, and challenges, which can help tailor educational approaches and support.

There are limitations to parental involvement, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like gender identity. While parents should be informed and involved in decisions that directly affect their child, it’s also important to respect students’ privacy and autonomy, particularly in situations where disclosure could lead to harm or distress.

The new law aims to balance these concerns by preventing districts from enforcing parental notification policies regarding changes in gender identity. This approach recognizes that students may need a safe space to explore their identity without immediate pressure to disclose to their parents, especially if the home environment might not be supportive. Big government policies should not be one-size-fits-all solutions; parents should have the autonomy to make decisions in the best interest of their children rather than having government mandates dictate how they should parent. The role of parents in education is vital, but it must be balanced with respect for students’ rights and well-being.

What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Our district plays a critical role in combating climate change by integrating sustainability into our operations, curriculum, and community outreach. We lead by example with the largest electric bus fleet in the county, which significantly reduces our carbon footprint and demonstrates our commitment to clean energy.

In our facilities, we implement energy-efficient practices such as solar panels and green building standards. These initiatives not only lower our environmental impact but also serve as practical lessons for students on the importance of sustainability.

Our curriculum includes AP environmental science courses and lessons on climate change, sustainability, and environmental science, empowering students with the knowledge to make informed decisions and take action. Additionally, our nature center provides hands-on learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding of environmental stewardship.

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​ Orange County Register 

Dzung “Dan” Nguyen, Orange Unified School District Trustee Area 3 candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 4, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Dzung “Dan” Nguyen

Current job title: Manager – Business Systems and Transformation

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Anaheim

Campaign website or social media: N/A

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

During instructional time in class, smartphone use should be restricted (just like we adults turn off our cell phones during work meetings, presentations, etc.). We should also provide guidance to students about potential online risks and dangers, and we should have a way for them to report online bullying.

How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

We can seek advice and recommendations from experts in the software field to see how we can take advantage of AI technology in a safe manner. We can also find ways to help teachers utilize AI to assist them in educating students.

Any AI technology being used on computer resources owned by the district should be monitored and logged to check on and protect student users. The district will also warn student users about this logging and monitoring.

As with smartphones, we should also provide guidance to students about potential risks and dangers from using AI, and we should have a way for them to report AI usage in bullying.

What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The district has had to deal with a few challenges recently (the ousting of the superintendent, the recall of two board members, the ongoing discussion regarding parental notification policies, etc.). After the recall, OUSD has five elected members and two appointed members. With this election, we will have a board where all seven members are elected. Instead of having preconceived ideas about the needs of the district, we should start with being open and listening to all perspectives and points of views, listening with our ears and our hearts, with no prejudices or biases, and then see what the district’s needs are and start working together in addressing them, for our students, who are our future. We all need to work together: OUSD’s board, schools, teachers, parents, and students.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I have been working in the private business sector for 42 years. I usually need to work with a team (or teams) of people in different disciplines to address and resolve our issues. This experience will help me in working with experts in different areas to address various needs and challenges. I’m willing to learn and acquire information in new areas with which I’m not familiar. I will listen to ideas and viewpoints from different perspectives before making decisions that would be best for the end customers: in this case, it would be the students and families of OUSD.

California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Parents should be, and need to be, involved in the education of their children. They need to encourage their students to work hard, try to do their best in all classes, pay attention to the materials being taught, be respectful of their teachers, etc. Parents need to work with teachers and schools, paying attention to the progress or lack of progress of their children.

Regarding parental notification policies, if a child may be changing their gender identity, we tend to oversimplify this issue by having the policy (or law) either require or prohibit schools from notifying parents. A “blanket policy” will not work for all students and all families. This can be a very emotional challenge for a student and their parents. Some parents may be supportive, but some may also react very negatively to this. We need to be flexible, treating each case individually and with care. It’s unfair to force teachers or school administrators to become the enforcers of a blanket policy. It would be better to have a trained professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, talk with the student, find out more how the student would feel talking to their parents, and then make a recommendation.

What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The district can continue and expand the use of solar/green energy at its schools and various other district facilities. Additionally, information about climate change, based on proven scientific studies, should be considered as part of the curriculum.

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​ Orange County Register 

Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz to visit Los Angeles as part of fundraising blitz

• October 4, 2024

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will be in Southern California starting Sunday as part of a three-day fundraising blitz through California and Washington, according to the Harris-Walz campaign.

Walz, who is Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ running mate, is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles Sunday night, after speaking at an afternoon campaign reception in San Diego on behalf of the Harris Victory Fund, followed by another campaign reception in Montecito in Santa Barbara County that evening.

The Harris-Walz campaign has yet to provide details about Walz’s visit to Los Angeles, though his schedule shows him arriving in L.A. around 8:45 p.m. Sunday, then landing at King County International Airport in Seattle, Monday night.

Walz is scheduled to speak at a campaign reception in Seattle on Tuesday morning before flying back to California to deliver remarks at a reception in Sacramento on Tuesday afternoon.

Walz’s visit to the West Coast comes days after he took part in the first and only vice presidential debate against Republican Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who is former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

In recent weeks, candidates for both campaigns have spent time in Southern California, a cash cow for politicians.

Since February, there have been more than a dozen campaign fundraisers in L.A. and Orange counties headlined by some of the biggest names in presidential politics, including President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff – in addition to visits by Trump, Harris, Vance and Walz.

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​ Orange County Register