Who’s Running

Nonpartisan. Facts from official and campaign sources. Last verified October 5, 2026 (PT).

Sections 1–3 cover the Peninsula-local contests (school board, library district, and West Basin Division 1). Sections 4–8 cover the community college board, state legislative and congressional races, and County Measures A and E.

Races: PVPUSD School Board · PV Library District · West Basin Water, Div. 1 · LACCD Trustees · State Senate 24 · Assembly 66 · U.S. House 36 · Measures A & E

1. PVPUSD — Governing Board Member

The five-member board sets policy, budget, and curriculum for Peninsula public K–12 schools and hires the superintendent.

Vote for 3. Nonpartisan, at-large; no incumbents.

Louis Matthew Harley

  • Ballot designation: Retired Teacher
  • Website: harleyforpv.com
  • Priorities:
    • Fight declining enrollment to protect the district budget.
    • Cleaner, safer campuses now: pests, overgrown trees, urgent repairs.
    • Recruit and keep new teachers; prohibit student A.I. use.
  • Prior office: None found. 30-year high school teacher; attorney (self-reported).
  • Sources: harleyforpv.com
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Liz Peterson

  • Ballot designation: Parent/Business Owner
  • Website: liz4pv.com
  • Priorities:
    • Transparent board decisions families and educators can follow.
    • Responsible budgeting that respects every public dollar.
    • Safe campuses; higher pay and support for teachers, staff.
  • Prior office: None elected; appointed to RPV Emergency Preparedness Committee.
  • Sources: liz4pv.com

Allyson Lehrer

  • Ballot designation: Parent/Educational Leader
  • Website: al4pv.com
  • Priorities:
    • Prepare students with technical and critical-thinking skills.
    • Safe, supportive schools that prioritize mental health.
    • Financial stewardship; grow enrollment (“#APlaceForEveryChild”).
  • Prior office: None elected; vice chair, PVPUSD Education Advisory Committee.
  • Sources: al4pv.com

Jeremy Vanderhal

  • Ballot designation: Educator/Engineer/Father
  • Website: vanderhal4pv.com
  • Priorities:
    • High academic standards in reading, writing, and math.
    • Safe, respectful campuses; zero tolerance for hate and bullying.
    • Parental transparency; pledges no party, partisan-PAC, or union money.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: vanderhal4pv.com/priorities
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Paul Vidal

  • Ballot designation: Healthcare CEO/Parent
  • Website: Not found (searched Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities:
    • Protect academic rigor and support teachers.
    • Keep every student safe and welcome.
    • Transparent budgets; keep politics out of classrooms.
  • Prior office: None found. Healthcare company CEO; Naval Academy graduate, former Navy pilot (self-reported).
  • Sources: Official candidate statement, LA County Voter Information Guide; lavote.gov candidate list

2. Palos Verdes Library District — Board of Trustees

Five unpaid trustees set the budget and policy of the independent district running the Peninsula Center, Malaga Cove, and Miraleste libraries.

Vote for 3. Nonpartisan.

Beth K. Whittenbury

  • Ballot designation: Appointed Member, Board of Trustees
  • Website: bw4pvld.com
  • Priorities:
    • Keep libraries the community’s center, open and welcoming to all.
    • Equal access to all types of books and media.
    • Inclusive programming; spend property-tax funding responsibly.
  • Prior office: Appointed PVLD trustee since Oct 2025; board secretary.
  • Sources: bw4pvld.com; candidate survey (Ballotpedia)); PVLD bio
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: Overall rating 4.8 / 5 based on 4 reviews (November 2023–April 2026). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2944098 (Business, California State University Dominguez Hills). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.

Gabor Nemeth

  • Ballot designation: Small Business Owner
  • Website: No campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Unknown / not found in primary sources.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: lavote.gov candidate list

Lisa Blank

  • Ballot designation: (none listed on ballot)
  • Website: Not found (searched Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities:
    • Free-library principles: “access for all” and “the freedom to read.”
    • Widest possible collection, varied programs, and expert staff.
  • Prior office: None found. Library user, volunteer, and paid staffer; library science degree (self-reported).
  • Sources: Official candidate statement, LA County Voter Information Guide; lavote.gov candidate list

Jonathan Beutler

  • Ballot designation: Incumbent
  • Website: jonathanloveslibraries.com
  • Priorities:
    • Disciplined, transparent budgeting ahead of the District’s Centennial.
    • World-class services and programs for all ages; support staff.
    • Protect PVLD independence; keep the Local History collection local.
  • Prior office: PVLD trustee since 2022 (board president); former county library and beach commissioner.
  • Sources: jonathanloveslibraries.com/my-priorities; PVLD bio

Maria D. Villa Lathrop

  • Ballot designation: Attorney
  • Website: mvl4pvld.com
  • Priorities:
    • Bring oversight and fiscal-governance experience “from day one.”
    • Sustain and expand programs for children, students, all ages.
    • Apply fundraising and philanthropy experience to library support.
  • Prior office: None found for PVLD; former VP/Treasurer, State Bar Board of Governors.
  • Sources: mvl4pvld.com

Peter Michel

  • Ballot designation: Member, Board of Directors, Westfield Recreation and Park District
  • Website: No campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Unknown / not found in primary sources.
  • Prior office: Member, Westfield Recreation and Park District board (incumbent).
  • Sources: lavote.gov candidate list

3. West Basin Municipal Water District — Director, Division 1

This wholesale water agency buys imported water, makes recycled water, and supplies retailers like Cal Water; its board sets rates and budget.

Vote for 1. Division 1 covers the Peninsula cities, Carson, and nearby unincorporated areas.

Tim Zajic

  • Ballot designation: Engineer/Environmental Advocate
  • Website: timzajic.com/timz4wbmwd.html
  • Priorities:
    • Focus on water consumers, not special interests or unions.
    • Fiscal responsibility, quality, and planning for the future.
    • Plan for climate-driven hydrology; restudy desalination’s practicality.
  • Prior office: None found. Radar systems engineer; Stanford engineering doctorate (self-reported).
  • Sources: timzajic.com/timz4wbmwd.html

Deirdre Badal

  • Ballot designation: Project Manager/Broker
  • Website: No campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Unknown / not found in primary sources.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: lavote.gov candidate list

Tommy G. Faavae

  • Ballot designation: Appointed Member, Board of Directors, West Basin Municipal Water District
  • Website: tommyfaavae.com
  • Priorities:
    • Protect the water supply; strengthen critical infrastructure.
    • Local water independence and expanded recycled water.
    • Fiscal responsibility, environmental justice, and local jobs.
  • Prior office: Appointed Division I director (Feb 2025); former Carson Environmental and Public Works commissioner.
  • Sources: tommyfaavae.com/candidate-statement; tommyfaavae.com/about-tommy; ACWA appointment notice

Anthony J. Fidaleo

  • Ballot designation: CFO/CPA/Consultant
  • Website: Not found (searched Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities:
    • Safe, reliable, sustainable, cost-effective water supply.
    • Fiscal accountability and transparency; keep rates affordable.
    • Expand recycling and conservation; rely less on imported water.
  • Prior office: None found. CFO/CPA; Rancho Palos Verdes resident 30+ years (self-reported).
  • Sources: Official candidate statement, LA County Voter Information Guide; lavote.gov candidate list

4. Los Angeles Community College District — Board of Trustees

Seven trustees elected districtwide govern nine colleges, including LA Harbor College, setting budget and policy and overseeing construction bonds.

Vote for 1 in each seat. Nonpartisan.

Seat 2

Adriana Cabrera

  • Ballot designation: Educator
  • Website: adrianaforlaccd.com
  • Priorities:
    • Student services: financial aid, food, housing, child care, mental health.
    • Connect education to good-paying jobs and local investment.
    • Give students, faculty, staff, and labor voice before budgets.
  • Prior office: Past president, Central Alameda Neighborhood Council.
  • Sources: adrianaforlaccd.com/platform; LA Times Seat 2 guide

Roy Payan

  • Ballot designation: Disabled Student Advocate
  • Website: Not found (searched Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Told the LA Times he suspended his campaign; may still appear on ballot.
  • Prior office: Not stated in sources reviewed.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 2 guide

Robert Payne

  • Ballot designation: Researcher/Writer/Environmentalist
  • Website: payneforlaccd.info
  • Priorities:
    • Make colleges “cheaper, faster, better” with job-specific training.
    • Cheaper online textbooks; support ending student debt.
    • Résumé and interview skills; industry-experienced adjunct instructors.
  • Prior office: None found; taught at L.A. Mission College (self-reported).
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 2 guide
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Kristina Irwin

  • Ballot designation: Parent/Business Owner
  • Website: kristinairwin.com (captcha-walled Oct 5, 2026; not verified)
  • Priorities:
    • Pre-entry programs in local high schools for community college.
    • Classes that fit students’ life constraints.
    • Show the career value of community college pathways.
  • Prior office: Not stated; Santa Monica College advisory board, Palisades Charter board (self-reported).
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 2 guide

Steven F. Veres

  • Ballot designation: Los Angeles Community College District, Member of the Board of Trustees
  • Website: steveveres.com (unreachable Oct 5, 2026; not verified)
  • Priorities:
    • Protect instruction and services; cut duplicative spending across colleges.
    • Raise enrollment with an easier application process.
    • Flexible evening, weekend, online, and hybrid schedules.
  • Prior office: Incumbent LACCD Seat 2 trustee; former teacher.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 2 guide
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Seat 4

Darryn Harris

  • Ballot designation: Community College Educator
  • Website: darrynharris.com
  • Priorities:
    • Student housing on district land; food, transportation, child care.
    • Counseling, transfer support, career training with employers and labor.
    • Scrutinize administrative, consultant, and construction costs before cutting classes.
  • Prior office: Not stated; former aide to Reps. Kamlager-Dove and Bass (self-reported).
  • Sources: darrynharris.com; LA Times Seat 4 guide
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Nancy Pearlman

  • Ballot designation: Environmentalist/Anthropologist/Educator
  • Website: nancypearlman.net
  • Priorities:
    • Address low enrollment; student support; equal pay for faculty.
    • Environmentally sustainable, on-budget construction.
    • Hold leaders accountable; curb excess administrative spending.
  • Prior office: LACCD trustee, four terms (~2001–2017).
  • Sources: nancypearlman.net; LA Times Seat 4 guide
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: Overall rating 3.0 / 5 based on 2 reviews (March 2018–November 2018). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2351170 (Anthropology, East Los Angeles College — an LACCD college). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.

Elaine Alaniz

  • Ballot designation: Healthcare Workforce Specialist
  • Website: elainereadytoserve.com
  • Priorities:
    • Credentials and apprenticeships in healthcare, trades, tech, public safety.
    • Flexible schedules and online options for working adults.
    • Low/no-cost digital materials; scrutinize spending before new revenue.
  • Prior office: Not stated in sources reviewed.
  • Sources: elainereadytoserve.com; LA Times Seat 4 guide

Isidro J. Armenta

  • Ballot designation: Fire Department Employee
  • Website: No campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Unknown / not found; did not reply to LA Times questionnaire.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 4 guide

Jason R. Aula

  • Ballot designation: Business Owner/Journalist
  • Website: jasonaula.com
  • Priorities:
    • Financial-aid fraud; basic needs “in the interests of U.S.A. citizens.”
    • Athletics (football); Navy and law-enforcement partnerships.
    • Address “pandemic learning loss.”
  • Prior office: Not stated in sources reviewed.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 4 guide (the Times withheld portions it called unsubstantiated accusations)

Adam Bruno

  • Ballot designation: (none listed on ballot)
  • Website: Not found (searched Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities:
    • Accessible, high-quality education; more enrollment; support and pay educators.
    • Explore student stipends.
    • Outreach and counseling so students can focus on school.
  • Prior office: None found. Los Angeles Valley College AA, then university and graduate school (self-reported).
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 4 guide; Official candidate statement, LA County Voter Information Guide

Priscilla Umana

  • Ballot designation: ASL Educational Interpreter
  • Website: No campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities:
    • Expand affordable housing, work-study, and food aid.
    • Remove language and disability barriers to college.
    • Review budget for waste; partner with businesses and nonprofits.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 4 guide; candidate survey (Ballotpedia)

Seat 6

Randall Winston

  • Ballot designation: Architect
  • Website: randalljwinston.com
  • Priorities:
    • Support veterans, first-gen, low-income, and working students.
    • Accelerate affordable student housing.
    • Labor apprenticeships; rigorous bond-construction oversight.
  • Prior office: Appointed: L.A. Deputy Mayor; former head, California Strategic Growth Council.
  • Sources: randalljwinston.com; LA Times Seat 6 guide
Student reviews
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com: No public review profile found.

Tonia Arey

  • Ballot designation: Realtor
  • Website: toniaarey.com (captcha-walled Oct 5, 2026; not verified)
  • Priorities:
    • Campus safety plans; more academic advising and career education.
    • Cut administrative expenses before classroom instruction.
    • Simpler enrollment; grants, donors, underused district property.
  • Prior office: Not stated; ran for County Supervisor D3, June 2026 (per Times).
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 6 guide

Roberto David Lacarra

  • Ballot designation: Community College Professor
  • Website: No LACCD campaign site or official candidate statement found (web search and LA County candidate statements checked Oct 5, 2026).
  • Priorities: Unknown / not found; did not reply to LA Times questionnaire.
  • Prior office: None found; 2026 State Senate District 20 candidate.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 6 guide; lacarraforelectedoffice.com (his 2026 State Senate campaign site; its priorities are for that race, not LACCD)
Student reviews
  • Identity note: All three profiles below are the same person, who taught Chicano Studies at Los Angeles Valley College and now teaches Administration of Justice at Gavilan College, which RateMyProfessors splits into Criminal Justice and Law pages.
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com (Los Angeles Valley College): Overall rating 4.2 / 5 based on 99 reviews (December 2003–February 2015). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/312462 (Chicano Studies, Los Angeles Valley College). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.
  • RateMyProfessors.com (Gavilan College — Criminal Justice): Overall rating 4.8 / 5 based on 10 reviews (May 2018–December 2025). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2372357 (Criminal Justice, Gavilan College). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.
  • RateMyProfessors.com (Gavilan College — Law): Overall rating 5.0 / 5 based on 1 review (June 2022). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2801538 (Law, Gavilan College). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.

Gabriel Buelna

  • Ballot designation: Member of the Board of Trustees, Los Angeles Community College District, Seat 6
  • Website: buelna4laccd.com
  • Priorities:
    • Implement up to $500M for student and staff housing.
    • Career-technical education, paid internships, and transfer pathways.
    • Remove barriers for working adults and immigrants; strong bond oversight.
  • Prior office: Incumbent LACCD Seat 6 trustee.
  • Sources: LA Times Seat 6 guide; buelna4laccd.com
Student reviews
  • Identity note: Both profiles below are the same CSUN Chicana/o Studies faculty member; RateMyProfessors keeps separate Ethnic Studies and Chicano Studies pages for him.
  • RateMyTeachers.com: No public review profile found.
  • RateMyProfessors.com (Ethnic Studies listing): Overall rating 2.8 / 5 based on 63 reviews (February 2004–May 2022). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/349473 (Ethnic Studies, California State University – Northridge). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.
  • RateMyProfessors.com (Chicano Studies listing): Overall rating 1.7 / 5 based on 17 reviews (December 2019–December 2025). Profile: https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2378281 (Chicano Studies, California State University – Northridge). Anonymous student reviews from RateMyProfessors.com; not verified by PV Informer.

5. State Senator, 24th District

State senators write and vote on state laws and the budget, which funds local schools and colleges.

Vote for 1. Top-two; both finalists are Democrats. Open seat.

Brian Goldsmith

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Democratic — Small Business Owner
  • Website: briangoldsmith.com
  • Priorities:
    • Affordability: workforce housing, permitting/CEQA reform, child care funding.
    • Public safety funding, Prop 36, homelessness program metrics.
    • Palisades/Malibu fire rebuild and insurance reform.
  • Prior office: None (per campaign).
  • Sources: briangoldsmith.com/issues

John M. Erickson

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Democratic — Councilmember
  • Website: johnerickson4senate.com
  • Priorities:
    • Affordability: jobs, tax incentives, faster permitting.
    • Renters’ rights, housing, and homelessness programs.
    • Fire rebuild, insurance affordability, and public safety.
  • Prior office: West Hollywood City Councilmember, including mayoral service.
  • Sources: johnerickson4senate.com/priorities

6. Member of the State Assembly, 66th District

Assemblymembers write and vote on state laws and the budget; bills must pass both houses.

Vote for 1. Top-two; both finalists are Democrats. Open seat.

Sara Deen

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Democratic — School Boardmember/Businesswoman
  • Website: saradeenforca.com
  • Priorities:
    • Balance the state budget; close unfair loopholes.
    • Lower fuel, energy, and workforce housing costs.
    • Clean-energy grid; healthcare access; preschool-to-career pathways.
  • Prior office: President, PVPUSD Governing Board.
  • Sources: saradeenforca.com/why-im-running

Paul Seo

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Democratic — Mayor/Corruption Prosecutor
  • Website: paulseo.com
  • Priorities:
    • Lower housing, grocery, healthcare, and childcare costs.
    • More funding for police, prosecutors, CHP, and fire departments.
    • Good jobs, homelessness accountability, clean energy.
  • Prior office: Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes; former Deputy Attorney General.
  • Sources: paulseo.com/priorities

7. U.S. Representative, 36th District

House members write and vote on federal laws, taxes, and spending, and help constituents with federal agencies.

Vote for 1.

Ted W. Lieu

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Democratic — United States Representative, 36th District
  • Website: lieuforcongress.com
  • Priorities:
    • Deliver for working and middle-class families; defend democracy.
    • Veterans: West LA VA safety funding, housing homeless veterans.
    • AI and cybersecurity legislation; climate bills.
  • Prior office: Incumbent U.S. Representative, CA-36; former state senator and assemblymember.
  • Sources: lieuforcongress.com; lieuforcongress.com/about-ted

Houston Brignano

  • Ballot designation: Party Preference: Republican — Technology Executive
  • Website: voteforhouston.com
  • Priorities:
    • AI-era workforce training, apprenticeships, and innovation zones.
    • Secure borders; enforced legal immigration process.
    • Market-based healthcare; deregulation; private investment.
  • Prior office: None found.
  • Sources: voteforhouston.com/why

8. County Measures A & E

Charter amendments change LA County’s governing document; each needs a simple majority, and YES adopts it while NO keeps the current charter.

Measure A — Public safety labor / binding arbitration

  • What it does: Bans strikes by DA investigators, medical examiners, lifeguards, their supervisors, and some civilian Fire/Sheriff/Medical Examiner staff; reiterates good-faith bargaining; sets impartial binding arbitration for certified public-safety unions.
  • Ballot-listed supporters: LA County Firefighters Local #1014; Association of LA Deputy Sheriffs; LA/OC Building Trades Council. Opponents: None submitted.
  • Sources: lavote final-measures list; charter amendment ordinance
Official ballot question (verbatim)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT REITERATING GOOD FAITH NEGOTIATION OBLIGATIONS AND ESTABLISHING IMPARTIAL BINDING ARBITRATION FOR CERTIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEE DISPUTES Shall the measure amending the Los Angeles County Charter to prohibit strikes by district attorney investigators, medical examiners, and lifeguards; their supervisors; and nonadministrative civilian employees working in the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and the Department of Medical Examiner, reiterate existing legal obligations for good faith negotiations, and establish an impartial binding arbitration process for resolving labor disputes with certified public safety employee organizations representing County employees including firefighters, sheriffs, and the abovementioned employees, as specified in the charter amendment ordinance, be adopted?

Measure E — Ethics Commission independence & community investment

  • What it does: Gives the County Ethics Commission more independence and structure and continues the County’s community investment and alternatives-to-incarceration commitment (ballot question).
  • Details from the County Counsel impartial analysis (not in the ballot question): Sets a minimum Ethics budget of at least $14.3M from FY 2027–28. Keeps the 10% allocation of locally generated unrestricted revenue to community investment and alternatives to incarceration, with no County Executive veto.
  • Ballot-listed supporters: League of Women Voters of LA County; CA Clean Money; Supervisor Lindsey Horvath; CA Common Cause; AAPI Equity Alliance. Opponents: None submitted.
  • Sources: lavote final-measures list; County Counsel impartial analysis
Official ballot question (verbatim)

Shall the measure amending the Los Angeles County Charter to provide greater independence and structure for the County of Los Angeles Ethics Commission, Office of Ethics Compliance, and Ethics Compliance Officer, including appointment processes, qualifications, term, duties and responsibilities, and to continue uninterrupted the County’s commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration, as specified in the charter amendment ordinance, be adopted?