Retirees' Association endorses Blum

Steve Blum, candidate for the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees, has been endorsed by the VCCCD Retirees' Association.

Blum is running for the board's Area 1 seat, which represents Ventura, North Oxnard, and a portion of Port Hueneme. The seat is being vacated by Trustee Mary Anne Rooney.

The association is the representative organization for more than 540 administrators, classified employees, and faculty who retired from the college district.

"Our retirees' association is delighted to be able to endorse a candidate of the caliber of Steve Blum, one who really understands the needs of students as well as those of faculty and staff," said Rene

Rodriguez, president of the association. "With the college district seeing increased enrollments and funding again, Steve will be very helpful in guiding the district to make the best use of its financial and human resources. We know he'll do an outstanding job for students, the district and the community."

His close connection to education and his longevity in Ventura County were important factors for the retirees' group, according to association political committee chair Gary Morgan.

"Steve's enthusiasm and his clear commitment to making use of all the district's resources, including retirees, impressed us," Morgan said. "We believe his service to the district will provide vision and a new approach to problem resolution."

Blum has lived in Ventura County for more than 25 years. He has taught history and coached girls' cross-country Buena High School, as well as teaching and coaching track for 22 years. He has also taught at Foothill Technology High School.

As a coach, Blum has guided teams to 16 girls' and boys' Channel League crosscountry championships, and he has been named Ventura County cross-country "Coach of the Year" three times.

Himself a runner, he has won three national 5K championships and had the American record in the Men's Master's Road 5K for eight years.

Blum received his BA in history from California Lutheran University in 1977 and his master's degree from CLU in 1990. He

earned his juris doctorate from Ventura School of Law in 2006 and passed the bar the same year.