Longtime activist runs for college board

Amy R. Spurgeon

COSTA MESA -- In a move that’s even shocked her children, Jean

Forbath, founder of poverty relief center Share Our Selves, has thrown

her hat into the ring for a seat on the Coast Community College District

Board of Trustees.

Forbath, a well-known figure in local charitable circles who has never

sought public office, will run against 13-year incumbent Paul Berger in

the Nov. 7 general election.

Orange Coast, Golden West and Coastline community colleges, as well as

television station KOCE Channel 50, all fall under the district’s

umbrella.

“I just realized how important community college is for disadvantaged

youths and what a valuable role it can play in the community,” said

Forbath, 70. “If I were elected, I would help get these kids enrolled

because it can be intimidating.”

Forbath has lived in Costa Mesa since 1961. She and husband Frank, of

41 years, have seven children.

Berger, a 77-year-old Costa Mesa resident and former principal,

encountered health problems this year, but he has continued to attend

regular board meetings. He could not be reached for comment.

Forbath said she was approached by people affiliated with the district

to run for office earlier in the year but didn’t make the decision to run

until a couple of weeks ago.

“I think I could bring a new voice and enthusiasm to the board,”

Forbath said. “Sometimes a new perspective can bring new life. It’s a

good form of public service”

Of the five board members, Berger is among three who has served longer

than 10 years. Trustee Walter Howald has served 15 years and trustee

Armando Ruiz has served 17 years, according to district officials.

In addition to Berger, Ruiz and board president Jerry Patterson are

also up for reelection.

Forbath’s advocacy for the disadvantaged led her to found the Share

Our Selves free medical and dental clinic on Superior Avenue.

For 22 years, she served as its executive director.

She has also chaired the Orange County Human Relations Commission and

the Health Care Council of Orange County.

“Education can help the people that I work with break the vicious

cycle of poverty,” Forbath said. “In this day and age, it is crucial to

living a satisfied and productive life.”

Paul Jordan, executive director of the district’s teachers union, said

the group had not yet made a decision on which candidate to endorse.

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