Seven Candidates Qualified for Nov. 8 Banning School Board Election, Deadline Extended

Seven candidates completed their filings to run for three seats on the Banning Unified School District board in the Nov. 8 elections as of Monday afternoon, according to the Riverside County's registrar of voters.

Because two incumbents did not file by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, the deadline for the Banning school board election was extended, for non-incumbents only, to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17.

The qualified candidates include retired teacher David "Mr. Van" Vanden Heuvel, parent Maxine Israel, para educator Alfredo Andrade, and incumbent board member Deborah A. Dukes.

The other qualified candidates are retired administrator Ray "Coach" Curtis, child care worker Alejandro "Alex" Cassadas, and retired science teacher Larry Ellis, who have each been endorsed by the Banning Teachers Association, the union that represents more than 200 teachers in the Banning Unified School District.

Two other candidates, Bonnie L. Calder and Marian Gayle Putnam, have declared intent to run but had not completed their filings as of Monday afternoon, according to registrar records.

Incumbents Amy Ranee Herr and Laurence Silverman had not declared candidacy.

Nov. 8 elections are also scheduled for the Beaumont Library District and Cabazon Water District boards, Riverside County Registrar of Voters Kari Verjil said.

The filing deadline was extended for non-incumbents in both elections, a spokeswoman for Verjil said Monday afternoon.

Homemaker Erica M. Grover and retired newspaper editor Charles G. Ferrell have qualified for the Beaumont Library District election, in which two seats are available.

Cabazon Water District board hopefuls Kerri Mariner, an elementary parent liaison, and Frances A. Magness, a social services worker, and incumbent Robert Ray Lynk have completed their filings, according to registrar records. Incumbent Paul Edward Howser had not declared candidacy.