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Chino Valley School Board Member, James Na

By Glenn Freeman

Chino – Although his name will appear on the June 3 Primary Ballot, Chino Valley School Board member, James Na, says he will not campaign for the Fourth District supervisor seat in San Bernardino County. The seat is being vacated by incumbent Gary Ovitt, who chose not to seek re-election.

Na took out nomination papers for the seat when the filing period opened on Feb. 10, but has since decided not to run. According to a report by the Chino Champion newspaper, Na said he made the decision after speaking with his pastor on March 20, deciding that “God’s intent” for him is to remain with the school board. “I love kids,” he told the newspaper. “I always get excited and joyful serving students and parents and teachers and staff members.”

The decision to not campaign for the Fourth District seat by Na essentially leaves the race between Ontario Councilman Paul Avila, Democratic Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod, and Republican Assemblyman Curt Hagman. The seat represents Chino, Chino Hills, and Ontario.

In November 2010, Na led the push to have the “In God We Trust” motto displayed inside the county supervisor chambers, which the board approved in December 2010. At the time, Na told the Redlands Daily Facts he was acting on the dying wish of a friend, Chino Hills humanitarian Joyce Butler.

Na has been a board member of Chino Valley Unified School District since being elected in 2008. He says his plans are to continue serving on the school board.