Wooden, Rafner, Gibson win Del Mar school board seats

Groth, Salazar, Herman win high school board seats

By Karen Billing

Staff Writer

The results are in from the Nov. 2 election, one that had several highly anticipated local races.

In the Del Mar Union School District election, the slate of Scott Wooden, Douglas Rafner and Kristin Gibson was successful. Wooden came out on top with 29 percent of the vote. Rafner and Gibson will be seated on the board, receiving 25 percent and 24 percent of the votes respectively. Incumbent Steven McDowell finished with 15 percent of the vote and candidate Jason Maletic with 7 percent.

“I appreciate the support I have received in this election,” said Wooden in a statement. “The voters have shown a desire to restore relationships that have been lost over the past four years. It is now time to bring the community together and work on the immediate tasks of buying a district office within budget and dealing with the pending litigation from the superintendent firing. We will finally be able to put a long range plan in place so that we have a vision of how to make this great district even better.”

In the San Dieguito Union High School District, incumbent Barbara Groth was the highest vote getter with 25 percent of the vote. John Salazar and Amy Herman received 20 percent and 16 percent of the votes respectively and will be seated on the board. Candidates Sandra Timmons and Andrew Brown both received 15 percent of the vote, with Rick Shea receiving 12 percent.

“The election results show that the voters have confidence in the direction and work the San Dieguito Union High School District is doing,” said Groth in a statement. “It’s an honor to work with the dedicated, professional staff, involved parents and students of our district.”

New board member Salazar said he looks forward to working with fellow board members and district staff.

“I am deeply honored, having earned the support and confidence of the citizens in the district,” Salazar said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, and let you know that I will work tirelessly to represent you on the school board.”

Herman said she is “excited to serve” the high school district as a board member.

“I know that we will be facing some difficult financial challenges, but I’m confident that by working together with the other board members, teachers, parents, and staff we will continue the tradition of providing an outstanding education to all of the students in our district,” Herman said.

In the Santa Fe Irrigation District race between Andy Menshek and Augustus Daddi, Menshek won a seat on the board with 65 percent of the vote.

Results from other local races:

In the U.S. 50th District congressional race, Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray beat out Democrat Francine Busby, getting 57 percent of the vote.

State Assemblyman Martin Garrick beat Del Mar City Councilperson Crystal Crawford in the 74th State Assembly race, receiving 56 percent of the vote.

Prop. D, the temporary sales tax increase was soundly defeated, with 62 percent voting no.