Political Landscape: Sandy Genis to run for Costa Mesa mayor

Costa Mesa Mayor Sandy Genis announced Friday that she will seek to retain the position in this year’s election, setting up a high-powered political bout for the office.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to run for the position of Costa Mesa mayor,” she wrote in an email. “Over time, I have come to see that while a leader’s position on specific issues — such as preservation of Fairview Park — is important, just as important is that leader’s view of the proper conduct and purposes of government.”

The move will pit the Mesa Verde resident against Councilwoman Katrina Foley — whom Genis replaced as mayor following a contentious, late-night vote last November — as well as Mayor Pro Tem Allan Mansoor.

Genis has been on the council since 2012 and also served from 1988 to 1996. She was the top voter-getter in both the 2012 and 2016 elections.

Historically, Costa Mesa’s mayor has been selected by a majority decision of the council. This year, however, residents will vote directly for that position for the first time.

The official candidate filing period for November’s election starts next Monday.

Retired CPA Al Melone also enters Costa Mesa mayor race

For a fourth straight election, Costa Mesa resident Al Melone has decided to seek a seat on the City Council.

This time, he’s also running for mayor.

“I dedicate my candidacy to the thousands of cats and dogs in our city who are imperiled by our city’s fireworks policy and the horrific effects of the growing population of hostile coyotes,” the State Streets resident wrote in an email Monday. “Our poor pets have to suffer in a city that has not been pet-friendly for ages.”

He claimed there has been a steep decline in attendance at the local dog park in recent years.

“God bless our furry friends,” he wrote. “They are deserving of our love and our protection.”

Melone, a retired certified public accountant, mounted unsuccessful bids for council in 2012, 2014 and most recently in 2016 — where he finished last out of a field of seven candidates.

Newport-Mesa, area city leaders back Kate Malouf’s run for trustee seat

District and area city leaders are backing Kate Malouf in her run for Newport-Mesa Unified’s Area 5 seat up for election in November.

Six of the seven current district trustees, including Judy Franco who has represented Area 5 for over 35 years, endorsed the longtime Newport Beach resident.

Area 5 includes Newport Elementary, Ensign Intermediate and Newport Harbor High School.

Other supporters include Costa Mesa council members Allan Mansoor and Jim Righeimer and Newport Beach council members Diane Dixon and Kevin Muldoon.

“Kate Malouf is the most qualified, experienced and hands-on consummate volunteer running for Newport-Mesa Unified School Board in Trustee Area 5,” Dixon said in a prepared statement.

Malouf is a retired businesswoman who has volunteered with the American Red Cross, Hoag Hospital and several schools within Newport-Mesa. She is a mother to three students currently attending schools within the district.

“I am honored to have the support of so many Orange County’s trusted leaders,” Malouf said in a prepared statement. “I am excited about the prospect of working with them to create policies that will improve education for all of our children.”

Michelle Barto seeks Area 5 seat on Newport-Mesa Unified School board

Michelle Barto is vying for Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s Area 5 seat up for election in November.

The Newport Beach resident is a small business owner and serves as president for Newport Heights Elementary’s Parent Teacher Assn.

Barto also volunteers with Pretend City Children’s Museum, Girl Scouts of Orange County and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

“I am a connector — I listen for what is needed and find people who can help,” Barto said in prepared statement. “I hope to do the same on the NMUSD school board.”

Barto, who has four students attending district schools, said she plans to host meet and greets within the coming months.

UPDATES:

10:05 a.m. This story was updated to include an item about Michelle Barto’s school board campaign.