CUSD Update

One characteristic of the 2010 Capo recall group (also known as Children First and Parents for Local Control) is its attempt to distance its supporters from the teachers union, Capistrano Unified Educators Association. Press releases repeatedly state the recall is a “parent-backed effort.”

While opinions may differ, campaign finance reports and Registrar of Voters’ records are not opinion. Following is information that shows who funded the signature drive and signed on as proponents. Official recall documents list proponents (two separate attempts to file paperwork to recall Trustees Mike Winsten and Ken Lopez-Maddox).

Campaign Financial Statement for Parents for Local Control (recall group) donors:

• Gail Benda, treasurer and donor, is a retired CUSD teacher
• Jim Corbett, CUSD teacher
• Ezequiel Barragan Sr., son Ezequiel Barragan is a Dana Hills HS teacher
• Christin Thomas, husband is a physics teacher in Garden Grove USD
• Krickette Frederick is a CUSD teacher
• Geno Dragovich is a CUSD teacher
• Ann Worthington, retired attorney
• James Sigafoos, his wife is a CUSD (SCHS) teacher

Add this to the following:

• Chris Korpi, spokesperson, was a middle school teacher

Proponents, first attempt to begin recall Winsten and Lopez-Maddox:

• Frank Thomas- Larkin-Wife Gayle retired CUSD-25 years in district as of 1999
• Lucille McCann, retired; husband may have taught for 12 years, Santa Anna College
• Edwin Neely- Retired, Bergeson Principal
• Ron Dempsey-Retired CUSD administrator
• Pete Espinosa, former CUSD trustee, recall spokesman, Saddleback College teacher
• Richard Broberg- CUEA Grievance committee; 2009 CUEA retiree
• James R Sigafoos - wife is a teacher at SCHS

Others, no connect found to unions:

• Robert Benson
• Kevin Murphy
• Mary Ellen Storm

Proponents, second group of proponents, 6 of 10 connected with teachers

• Michael J Merrifield, College Educator professor 
• James R Sigafoos, wife is a teacher at SCHS
• Pete Espinosa- former CUSD trustee, recall spokesman, Saddleback College teacher
• Gail Benda, treasurer and donor, is a retired CUSD teacher
• Truman Benedict, retired educator
• Peter H Ditto, educator

Others, no known connection to unions:

• Judy Heidel
• John Alpay
• Susan M. Goggins
• Thomas E Coffin

During the strike, teachers said they were instructed to gather signatures and report back on Monday to their strike captain (this was the only time during the process anyone witnessed signature gathering in the community).

If the unions or recall proponents object to opinions, then all sides should stick with presentation of facts.