South Whittier board challenger Hernandez is top votegetter

Political newcomer Jorge S. Hernandez, 24, appears headed for a victory in the race for three school board seats at the South Whittier School District, trailed by incumbents Sylvia Macias and Layla Avila.

With 71 percent of precincts reporting, Hernandez has 37 percent of the vote, or 456 ballots cast in his favor. Macias had 23 percent of the vote, or 292 votes. She was followed closely by Avila, who also garnered 23 percent of the vote, or 288 votes.

Hernandez ran a grassroots campaign, spending his weekends knocking on doors to introduce himself to constituents. He also got a helping hand from the local chapter of the California School Employees Association, which was still handing out literature for Hernandez at individual households Tuesday afternoon, encouraging residents to get out and vote.