CITY: School Districts – Rio School District

Note: this post will be periodically updated! (10/20/2026)

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

VOTER GUIDE – QUICK LINKS:

Rio School District – Trustee Area 1

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

ENDORSED Khaled Omar (D) – Father/Project Manager

  • Party: Democrat
  • Residence: Oxnard
  • Education:
    • BS in computer science from North Carolina State University
    • Project Management Professional Certification from the Project Management Institute
    • Fullstack Web Developer Nanodegree from Udacity
  • Employment & experience:
    • Project Manager – managed corporate facilities renovations mandated by the Airport Authority
    • Cloud-based print tracker, tracking status of projects and individual skids of product, including the status of each value add process, and which operator completed.
    • Volunteer, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (June 2026-present)
    • Volunteer, Coach, Oxnard Youth Baseball (2025-present)
    • Volunteer, Youth Business Mentor (2019-present)
    • MLK Freedom and Unity Volunteer, The Gathering for Justice
    • Volunteer Farm Worker, school district farm
  • Priorities:
    • Anti-Racism, Anti-Bullying, Inclusivity, and Mental Health Support: Every parent fears their kid experiencing either racism, bullying, or god-forbid suicidal ideation. My fear is any child losing their spark for learning due to feeling unsafe. Every child, teacher/staff, and parent should confidently walk into our schools as they are regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, faith background, abilities, languages, immigration status, and nation of origin. All are welcome!
    • Fiscal Responsibility and Oversight: District budgets need proper oversight. Our current board approves nearly all requests without question. I oppose the blank check without question status quo.
    • Improve the Achievement Gap. Less than half of our students meet or exceed state standards. Right outside Oxnard are some of the highest rated schools in the state, but our district is special. We need to connect with families and the community to identify and solve root causes of chronic absenteeism, student achievement, and other critical areas to building well rounded students.
    • Staff and Teacher Support: I am a strong proponent of Servant Leadership, as a Trustee I work for and serve the community, parents, students, and the district employees.
    • Parent and Teacher Proactive Engagement: We need to have honest conversations on how we can take some of the burden off each other’s shoulders, and get to a point where we are uplifting each other in the overworked circumstances the government and the top 1% have put us in.
  • Links:
GOOD club
Ventura County Young Democrats
Cause action fund
Central Coast Labor Council
Rio Chapter 329
COMMUNITY LEADERS
– Liam Andersen O’Neill Hernandez (D), candidate for Camarillo Health Care District

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

Felix Eisenhauer (DTS) Governing Board Member, Rio School District, Area 1

  • Party: declines to state
  • Education:
    • Doctor of Musical Arts in piano collaboration at UCSB
    • Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Southern California
  • Employment & experience:
    • Member, Rio School District Board of Trustees (2016-present)
    • Professor of Music (Piano) at Ventura College
    • Minister of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ventura
    • Teaches private piano lessons
    • Played piano for Pacific Chamber Singers, Westmont College, Santa Barbara City College, UCSB, and Opera Santa Barbara
    • Played piano for theatrical and operatic productsion in Boise, Idaho
    • Taught music appreciation at College of Western Idaho
    • Taught piano at USC
    • Coached singers at UCSB
    • Teacher’s assistant at the German-American School of Palo Alto, taught at their Saturday and summer programs for 20 years
  • Priorities:
    • Distraction-Free Environment: Enforce a cell phone ban in schools to optimize focus and classroom learning.
    • Balanced Technology & Screen Policy: Establish grade-appropriate screen time limits, ensuring technology supports teaching rather than replacing it.
    • Hands-On & Experiential Learning: Prioritize learning through books, discussion, arts, projects, and outdoor learning spaces to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-reflection.
    • Whole-Child Support: Invest in academic, mental, physical, and emotional resources for students, alongside strong support systems for teachers, staff, and families.
    • Core Skills & Future Readiness: Strengthen foundational reading and math skills while offering broad enrichment programs to ensure students are fully prepared for their next stage in life.
  • Links:

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

Joe Esquivel (D) College Facilities Supervisor

  • Party: Democrat
  • Education:
    • Certificate of Completion, American Project Management Course at San Diego State University
    • Business Administration and Management, University of LaVerne
  • Employment & experience:
    • Former Trustee for Rio School District
    • Interim Assistant Director of Maintenance & Operations, Ventura College (2025-present)
    • College Facilities Supervisor, Ventura College (2010-present)
    • Sr. Assistant Distribution Manager, Harbor Freight Tools USA (1993-2010)
  • Priorities:
    • Students Come First: Our students’ success and well being will always be at the center of every decision.
    • The Community Needs to be Heard: Parents, family members and all staff members deserve to be heard and listened to.
    • Transparency, Integrity, and Honesty: I will maintain transparency, integrity, and honesty throughout my time in office if elected.
  • Links:

Rio School District – Trustee Area 3 – Vote for (1)

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

ENDORSED Alesia Martin (D) Incumbent

  • Party: Democrat
  • Education:
    • BS in mechanical engineering from Cal State Northridge
  • Employment & experience:
    • Member, Rio School District Board of Trustees (2022-present)
    • Senior Project Engineer for King’s Hawaiian, SunOpta, and General Mills (2014-2022)
    • Project Engineer for Snyder’s Lance, Sara Lee and Milhouse Engineering & Construction Inc. (2006-2014)
    • Substitute Teacher, Chicago Public Schools (2004-2006)
    • Various positions with Cingular Wireless, Motorola, People’s Energy Company, and Amoco Oil (1991-2004)
  • Priorities:
    • Believes that good schools start with strong curriculum, dedicated teachers, and a supportive administration.
    • Early education is critical. Great schools open a child’s eyes to a world of possibilities. Great districts provide those opportunities. 
    • While all students must acquire various reading, writing, and computational skills, they must also be able to think critically and creatively. 
    • As a former educator, she understands the challenges teachers endure and the sacrifices they make to provide our children with a strong educational foundation.
    • Protect children from bullying and racism
  • Links:
GOOD club

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

Christina Segovia (D) Education Specialist

  • Party: Democrat
  • Education:
    • BA in sociology, concentration in social inequalities from Cal State Fullerton
    • AAs in sociology, psychology, social & behavioral sciences, AA in liberal studies/teaching from Ventura College
  • Employment & experience:
    • teacher at a local high school here in Oxnard, after working her way up from a tutor to a substitute position
    • previously worked at Starbucks, Chuck E. Cheese, mortgage companies, and DoorDash
  • Priorities:
    • Strengthen Special Education: Guarantee individualized support, specialized equipment, appropriate service providers, and comprehensive training for staff and families.
    • Advance Educational Equity: Eliminate barriers tied to disability, income, background, or language so every student receives equal opportunities to thrive.
    • Ensure District Transparency & Engagement: Include families, staff, and community members in major decision-making processes before choices are finalized.
    • Support & Respect School Staff: Cultivate a collaborative, safe work culture where teachers, paraprofessionals, and classified staff feel heard, valued, and empowered to advocate for resources.
    • Address the Root Causes of Academic Performance: Look beyond test scores to evaluate attendance, mental health, access to childcare, and home circumstances when supporting student achievement.
    • Build Community Partnerships: Connect families with local organizations for wrap-around services, including mental health care, financial assistance, and transportation.
  • Links:

Rio Chapter 329

Alfredo Garcia, Jr. (DTS) Business Owner

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

Daniel Hernandez Garcia (D) Longshoreman/Business Owner

  • Party: Democrat
  • Education:
    • BA in Sociology, California State University Channel Islands
    • AA in Sociology & Behavioral Science, Oxnard College
  • Employment & experience:
    • Longshoreman at the Port of Hueneme (2020-present)
    • Former Secretary of Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, supported local recovery efforts following the Thomas and Woolsey fires
    • Former Consultant · LinkedIn
    • Former 211 Disaster Coordinator · Interface (connected communities with essential information and disaster-recovery resources)
    • Former Patient Advocate · West Ventura Medical Clinic
  • Priorities:
    • Financial Stability & Supporting Staff: Keep the Rio School District out of a deficit through responsible, long-term budgeting that protects student programs and helps preserve local control of our schools. Protect existing programs and look for sustainable ways to add opportunities for students. Support competitive compensation and sustainable raises through the negotiation process, so we can retain the teachers and staff our students depend on. Make financial decisions with a clear understanding of their long-term impact on students, employees and the district.
    • Improve Student Attendance: Celebrate progress and understand what keeps students from getting to class. Encourage weekly and monthly attendance incentives and classroom recognition. Support end-of-year prizes for classrooms with strong attendance and meaningful improvement. Work with families to address transportation, health, housing, bullying and other barriers to attendance.
    • Strengthen Family Engagement: Parents, guardians and other caregivers should feel welcomed, informed and included in their child’s education. Support family workshops, school events and volunteer opportunities that help families participate. Make communication accessible in the languages our families use and create more opportunities for two-way conversations. Listen to families and encourage meaningful participation from the caregivers who support our students every day.
    • Identify Students Who Need Support Earlier: Identify students who need help before they fall further behind. Early support should consider the whole child and the challenges their family may be facing. Support early identification of academic, social, emotional and special education needs. Strengthen communication among families, teachers and support staff so concerns can be addressed sooner. Connect students and families and district services and community resources that respond to their needs.
    • Support Special Education & Student Opportunity: Advocate for strong special education services and well-rounded education across our district. Strengthen special education support and help families understand the services and resources available to them. Protect and seek opportunities to expand arts, music, technology, and enrichment programs. Support after-school programs and hands-on learning that help students explore their interests and build confidence.
    • Support Teachers & School Staff: Teachers, aides, classified employees, specialists, nutrition staff, custodians, bus drivers, office staff and every other team member deserve to feel heard and supported. Listen to staff about what is working and where they need more support. Advocate for the resources, training and working conditions employees need to do their jobs well. Keep staff support and retention connected to our financial planning and student priorities.
    • Safe and Welcoming Schools: Students learn best when they feel safe, respected and connected to their school. Families and employees should have confidence that safety and well being are part of our everyday work. Support safe campuses, bullying prevention and emergency preparedness. Keep student well-being at the center of decisions about school climate and support. Encourage respectful, welcoming environments where students and families feel comfortable asking for help.
    • Transparency & Accountability: Families deserve to understand how decisions are made and how public resources are used. Trust grows when the district communicates clearly and the board stays connected to its community. Make information about budgets, programs, facilities and major board actions easier to understand. Ask clear questions, follow the facts and listen to students, families and employees. Serve with accountability and keep student needs at the center board decisions.
  • Links:

Rio School District – Trustee Area 4 – Vote for (1)

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

ENDORSED Inez Spates (D) Teacher/Mother/Coach

  • Party: Democrat
  • Education:
    • Associate of Science in child development
    • Bachelor of Science in organizational management
    • Master of Science in leadership and management with a concentration in human resource management
  • Employment & experience:
    • Certified Coach with the John Maxwell Leadership Team
    • Founder of Inez Knows, LLC, where she provides coaching, consulting, and training services
    • Serves on the Port of Hueneme Annual Banana Festival Planning Team
    • Project Manager for the Soulful Remedy Concert Series
    • Career has included federal public service, financial management, human resources, training, and leadership development
  • Priorities:
    • Safe, Inclusive & Supportive Schools: Every student deserves a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. She will prioritize consistency and transparency in addressing bullying and discrimination while strengthening mental health resources, school climate, and family trust.
    • Student Achievement & Opportunity: Academic success is essential. She supports strong instruction, early intervention, and targeted resources to build foundational skills, alongside enriching opportunities that build confidence and prepare students for the future.
    • Family & Community Engagement: Strong schools require active partnerships with families and educators. She will advocate for open communication, meaningful community input before major decisions, and a culture of listening and trust.
    • Responsible & Transparent Leadership: Effective leadership demands fiscal accountability and careful decision-making. Using her financial and public service experience, she will ask tough questions, steward public funds responsibly, and prioritize Rio students in every decision.
  • Contributions: $2,869
  • Links:
GOOD club
Ventura County Young Democrats
Cause action fund
Central Coast Labor Council

Rio Chapter 329
COMMUNITY LEADERS
– Khaled Omar, candidate for Rio School District, Trustee Area 1

TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres

Eleanor Torres (D) Incumbent

  • Age: 73
  • Party: Democrat
  • Employment & experience:
    • Member, Rio School District Board of Trustees (2014-present)
  • Priorities:
    • Pay attention to current issues while planning for the future
    • Make sure needed resources and support are in place to get the job done
    • Creating the conditions under which excellent teaching and student performance will take place
  • Links: Bio on Rio School District website: https://www.rioschools.org/school-board
TOP * Trustee Area 1: Omar * Eisenhauer * Esquivel * Trustee Area 3: Martin * Segovia * Garcia, Jr. * Hernandez Garcia * Trustee Area 4: Spates * Torres