LA HABRA : Rose Espinoza to Run for Seat on Council

Rose Espinoza, the woman hailed by leaders nationwide for her successful after-school tutoring program in her garage, has decided to run for City Council.

Her decision came after months of resisting continued pleas from the community. Espinoza said she decided to run for election after being urged to do so by numerous neighbors, friends, community volunteers and local school officials.

The 42-year-old volunteer, who grew up here, began her free tutoring program, MAS (Motivating Adolescents to Succeed), three years ago to encourage area children to excel in school and steer away from gangs.

Espinoza’s work recently was recognized by President Clinton, who presented her with the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Action Award. The City Council also recognized her with a proclamation for her dedication.

“Wherever I go in town, where work needs to be done, there’s Rosie helping out,” said Dan Casey, executive director of the local Boys and Girls Club. “She tutors kids in the afternoons and their parents in the evenings. They don’t make ladies any nicer. We need more people like her because she understands the problems of this city and really lends support.”

Espinoza, who promotes grass-roots efforts to better the city, said she will file candidacy papers this week.

As of Tuesday, Espinoza faces competition from Mayor David M. Cheverton and Dorothy Rush, a longtime resident who wants to fight blight in the city. City Clerk Sharie Apodaca said Rush and Cheverton have already filed candidacy papers.

Candidates have until Friday to file for the council race, in which two seats will be filled in the November election. The deadline will be extended to Aug. 17 if incumbent William D. Mahoney decides not to run for reelection.