Rancho Santiago Incumbents Win

Three incumbents running for reelection to the board of Rancho Santiago Community College District can celebrate victory early: No one has come forward to challenge them for their seats.

Enriqueta L. Ramos, president of the board, and trustees Michael Ortell and Brian E. Conley will serve another four years without having to campaign.

Ramos will be the guest at a victory party today at the home of supporters Albert and Virginia Castillo.

The public may attend the party, which will be from 3 to 8 p.m. at 2802 N. Waverly in Santa Ana.

Conley said Friday: “I believe that the reason that we have no opponents is because of the strong fiscal shape of the district and the success that we’ve had in student graduations and transfers to four-year universities.”

Besides the three incumbents’ seats, two other seats are open. Six candidates will be running for those spots in November.

Three candidates--Rudolph Diaz, Bea Foster and Lisa Woolery--will be competing for one of the seats, which has a four-year term.

The post was vacated by Tom Saenz, who retired.

Joe Fortier, Robert Messinger and Phil Yarborough are vying for a two-year term that came open a few months ago when Shirley A. Ralston retired.