2024 CANDIDATES
APPLYING FOR ENDORSEMENT

Candidates for Education Boards

Below are the candidates’ statements (not to exceed 100 words), explanation of why they are seeking the DWMC Endorsement, and link to their candidate website.

In cases where there are two or more candidates seeking the same seat as well as seeking the DWMC endorsement, we have interviewed the candidates. Each interview was conducted separately. Candidates were not given the questions in advance.

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** PLEASE NOTE: Candidates Statements which exceeded the 100-word limit submission requirement were shortened by putting a stop at that limit while doing our best to allow for the completion of the thought. The remaining additional words have not been included and have been replaced by an ellipse (…).

Gonzales Unified School District Governing Board Candidate:
(select yes or no endorsement)
EDNA VIRIDIANA VALDEZ

Candidate: Edna Viridiana Valdez

Parent, Advocate

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

As a parent, community volunteer and Gonzales High School graduate, I want a quality education for ALL children. I am passionate about education and had a son who also graduated from GHS. I currently have nieces and nephews attending schools in the district. My experience with the public includes working at Sun Street Centers, Rancho Cielo Youth Campus and different elementary schools within the Alisal Unified School District through Hartnell College. I have a real desire to help our community learn and grow in every aspect of their lives. I am passionate about helping families and interested in expanding my knowledge…

WHY ARE YOU SEEKING THE DWMC ENDORSEMENT?

I would like to update flyers, boards to make the community be aware that I will be in an important seat so that they can trust me while making important decisions regarding their children’s education.

At the time of application, this candidate does not have a website.

Monterey Peninsula Community College District Governing Board Member Area 4 Candidate:
(select yes or no endorsement)
CELIA BARBERENA

Candidate: Celia Barberena

Retired Community College Educator

Candidate Statement

I was born and raised in Nicaragua. Upon graduating from high school, University of Findlay, Ohio, offered me a scholarship to study in the US. Upon arriving in Findlay, I noticed that Latinos were not represented in the student body. But, we were well represented in the fields picking crops. 

Through some introspection and study I realized that only through educational attainment, we, Latinos, could advance. I have dedicated my life to improving opportunities for all through education. 

My purpose in running is to apply what I have learned working from the bottom up in California Community College, from part-time faculty to college President, to help MPC be an exemplary institution not only locally but statewide.

Why are you seeking the DWMC Endorsement?

 I believe in the values of the Democratic Party and have been a registered Democrat all of my adult life. 

I believe in equality of opportunity for all Americans. I have supported not only K- 12 free education through outreach and recruitment to post-secondary education, but also free community college education and ample availability of grants. I support affordable or free health care for all. I live my life to affirm diversity of thought and believe that our diversity of cultural and racial backgrounds drives this country's position as a strong leader in the world. As a naturalized American citizen I believe that defending our democracy is a right and a responsibility because by doing so we strengthens our nation. These are the beliefs of the Democratic Party. 

DWMC is a highly respected organization in our community. Your endorsement will give me a vote of confidence that will influence those who want to vote conscientiously but cannot take the time to review my resume and life achievements.

Monterey Peninsula Community College District Governing Board Member Area 5 Candidate:
(select yes or no endorsement)
ANITA CRAWLEY

Candidate: Anita Crawley

Retired
Community Volunteer

candidate statement

I am passionate about delivering equitable education to all. My community college career spans three states. I've developed transformative courses like Diversity 101, directed online learning programs, and authored a book about supporting online students. Locally, I've volunteered with Monterey County social justice organizations and led online initiatives at Monterey Peninsula and Hartnell Colleges. I've also contributed to the California Virtual Campus, aiding student transfers and career pathways. My vision for MPC includes expanding lifelong learning opportunities and leveraging technology to enhance education. With my experience and enthusiasm, I aim to strengthen MPC's Board and guide the college into a promising future.

Why are you seeking the DWMC Endorsement?

The DWMC endorsement provides:

• Credibility and visibility by signaling to voters that I have been vetted and approved by an established political organization

• Access to resources if I gain an opponent

• Local political support

• Increased voter awareness

• Communication to my constituents that I am aligned with DWMC values

Pacific Grove School Board, District 2 Candidate:
(select yes or no endorsement)
MICHAEL ELLIOT WACHS

Candidate: Michael Elliot Wachs

Designer and Marketer

Candidate Statement

As a parent of two Forest Grove students and experienced marketing professional, I'm running for the Pacific Grove School Board. My goal: ensure student and staff happiness while expanding educational excellence. My five key tenets are:

1. Student-centered approach inspiring love of learning

2. Attracting and retaining passionate educators

3. Community engagement fostering strong stakeholder bonds

4. Accountability through clear goals and metrics

5. Creative resource management, pursuing grants and partnerships

We are a small district; we must be opportunistic and innovative. By consistently making small, positive changes, we can achieve remarkable results. Let's build upon PGUSD's excellence for our kids and community.

Why are you seeking the DWMC Endorsement?

As a lifelong Democrat (officially for 24 years), I want to build support, express solidarity, and advocate on behalf of constituents in ways that strengthens progressive policy.

Salinas Union High School District Board of Trustees, Area 2 Candidate:
(select yes or no endorsement)
MITCHELL ANTHONY HUERTA

Candidate: Mitchell Anthony Huerta

Retired educator, San Benito High School, Hollister

candidate statement

As a retired high school teacher, coach, union president, and current SUHSD trustee, I will continue to make the best decisions for our students, teachers, district, and community. I am guided by these principles: communication, collaboration, transparency, and accountability. And, I will provide stability for all stakeholders as we transition to a new superintendent.

Our district must continue to offer ALL students access to the highest-quality educational experience, helping them become the best versions of themselves. The board must work with stakeholders to close learning gaps and create racial and gender harmony in our classrooms, playing fields, and community.

Why are you seeking the DWMC Endorsement?

A crucial part of education is creating a safe learning environment, in which, all stakeholders feel respected, valued, and supported. As a former teacher, coach, and club adviser, I know the importance of equity for ALL students, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual-orientation, ethnicity, religion, and political affiliation. We must create learning opportunities that are inclusive, and celebrate our cultural differences. A public-school trustee is a non-partisan position; however, my “north star” will always point toward equality of opportunity or access, equity, and inclusion, especially for under-represented and under-served students. Honestly, only one major political party has similar views.

At the time of application this candidate does not have a website.