O.C. Voters Accepting Diversity

When newly elected Claudia Alvarez and Jose Solario took their Santa Ana City Council seats along with Mayor Miguel A. Pulido on Monday, they became part of another growing O.C. minority--Latino and Asian American elected public officials. It’s a new and welcome trend that signifies an increasing awareness and acceptance of minority candidates.

In years past, few minorities sat on city councils or school boards despite their growing numbers. In 1970 Latinos made up only 8% of the county population. Asian American residents accounted for only 0.4% of the total. Today, the county’s Asian American population is more than 13% and Latino residents make up more than 30%. Blacks constitute 2%. But all are now represented in public office. In 1992, Westminster City Councilman Tony Lam became the first Vietnamese American elected official in the county--and nation. Last month Van Tran was the top vote-getter in his city council race in Garden Grove. Another Latino drew the most votes in the La Habra City Council race, and two other Latinos were elected to the school board in Santa Ana, giving minority members the bulk of the council and school board seats in the city. And in Lake Forest, Kathryn McCullough became the county’s first black mayor.

Several more minority members were elected in other cities, and others ran unsuccessfully. What is important is that more minority residents are running for office. That helps reflect the makeup of the community and encourages others. Their success is another healthy sign of the community’s acceptance of its growing diversity.