Hermosa Beach

Leaders of a recall drive against four school board members reported that the effort has brought in an estimated 1,500 signatures, about 700 short of the number needed by Feb. 20 to force a special election.

“I guess things have kind of bogged down,” said Ruth Brand, co-chairwoman of the committee that seeks the recall of all of the trustees except Lynne Gonzales. Brand said the group could still get the required signatures “if we all get out there and work harder.”

She said the recall effort was sparked by the school board’s decision last year to sell some portions of surplus property, but also reflected general dissatisfaction with the board’s management of district affairs. The regular terms of three of the trustees targeted for recall expire in November. If they are recalled in a special election this spring or summer, their successors would serve only until the November balloting unless they were reelected.