Anna Bryson Will Not Run for Re-Election to CUSD School Board

One incumbent has decided not to run for re-election in the race for three seats on the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees.

Anna Bryson, who in June ran to replace Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, in the State Assembly — and came in last — did not file nominating papers in time with the Orange County Registrar of Voters. As such, the filing deadline for potential candidates has been extended until Wednesday.

Trustees in Capistrano Unified are elected by district areas. Bryson represents Laguna Niguel and a portion of Dana Point.

Already, two others have announced their candidacy there (Trustee Area 4): Craig Alexander, an attorney, and Martha McNicholas, president of the Capistrano Unified Council PTSA.

In Trustee Area 6, which includes parts of Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano, incumbent Ellen Addonizio is seeking re-election. She will face Gila Jones of San Juan Capistrano, who has run for state Senate in 2010 and served on the her city’s Housing Advisory Committee.

In Trustee Area 7, In Trustee Area No. 7 – encompassing Rancho Santa Margarita, parts of Mission Viejo and Coto de Caza — Trustee Lynn Hatton-Hodson has filed for re-election and is facing Julie Collier, who heads Parents Advocate League, a group seeking to reform education.

PHOTO Anna Bryson. Patch file photo.