Hi!
My name is Andy Godinez and I am a lifelong Westside Costa Mesa resident, deeply committed to the future of our neighborhood and all Newport-Mesa families. My journey in public service began serving youth, with the belief that our public schools are essential for a thriving community. As a dedicated advocate for educational opportunities, youth development, and building bridges, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my local roots and a passion for ensuring every student feels seen, included, and given the support to succeed.
I am a very proud Newport-Mesa Unified alum - I went to Whittier Elementary, Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High. The first in my family to attend college, I chose a career in public service that allows me to give back to the community that shaped and inspired me.
I worked for 5 years for NMUSD and deeply understand our school district facilities and operations. I have now worked for 18 years with the City of Costa Mesa (including roles with Parks and Community Services, City Clerk’s office, and Code Enforcement) through which I have developed broad community relationships and a deep understanding of how government works including budgets, processes, and partnerships. I know how to get things done while staying rooted in our community and finding ways to open doors and uplift others.
My personal and professional experience combined with longstanding community relationships and passion for serving our neighborhood makes me uniquely qualified to be your Board Trustee. When homegrown community leaders are present and engaged, young people feel more empowered to believe in themselves. As someone who has walked in their shoes, overcome challenges, and paved my own path, I want to empower and support our students to do the same.
Priorities
Enhance Youth Enrichment
Expand Dual Immersion Options
Equitable Facilities
Bridge Divides
Free or low cost after-school sports and student-chosen activities for 7-12th grades, as well as tutors and mentors - to keep kids busy, safe, and developing lifelong skills, relationships, and self- confidence.
Keep elementary communities together and expand dual immersion for Pomona, Rea, & Wilson and trilingual immersion for College Park and Adams - for preschool and elementary kids. Extend these language pathways across the EHS zone (TeWinkle & Estancia).
Facilities should be well maintained across the district. Playgrounds should be opened as parks with programming on weekends and breaks, in partnership with the city. Building Estancia's football room is a key focus of mine.
Create joint events and activities to connect Westside communities divided by 19th St. I am an advocate for equal access to high quality education and safe spaces for every student in our district, regardless of background or zip code.
Youth Enrichment • Dual Immersion • Equitable Facilities • Bridging Community Divides •
ANDY GODINEZ is a celebrated and proven community champion.
He is proudly supported by local leaders, neighbors, parents, and staff.
I am happy to wholeheartedly support Andy Godinez to become the next NMUSD trustee to represent our neighborhood! I first asked him to consider running a year ago, after I saw him selflessly step up to care for our community with compassion, dedication, and wisdom. When elected, I know he will be an effective advocate to continue the fight to address historic opportunity gaps and create positive pathways for the next generation of Westside CM students.
Ashley Anderson, Current NMUSD Trustee for Area 7
Join the growing list of Costa Mesa leaders supporting Andy's campaign for Newport-Mesa Unified's Board of Education, Area 7
Angely Andrade-Vallarta, D4 Planning Commissioner & City Council candidate
Kelly Brown, D5 Parks Commissioner Chair and CM City Council candidate
Arlis Reynolds, City Councilwoman D5
Andrea Marr, City Councilwoman D3
Ashley Anderson, NMUSD Trustee Area 7
Cristian Garcia Arcos, Parks Comm'r D4
David Martinez, Planning Comm'r D5
Shayanne Wright, CM Sanitary District
Loren Gameros, City Council D2 & candidate for Mayor of Costa Mesa
Katrina Foley, OC Board of Supervisors District 5
Charlene Ashendorf, Arts Commission
Mike Brumbaugh, community leader
I am very grateful to have gotten to know Andy more and more over the years. He's a neighborhood legend, a loving dad & husband, and a key leader in our community. I look forward to seeing him serve our Westside schools.
Eric Jimenez, Executive Director for a youth-serving Westside nonprofit & NHHS alum
We are proud to support Andy Godinez's run for the NMUSD School Board.
Olga Parra, Executive Director for the escuelita
Andy's dedication to community connections makes him the ideal candidate for NMUSD's future. My support for Andy Godinez is solid and incontrovertible!
Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa City Council District 5, Estancia alum
I have known Andy since we were NMUSD students ourselves. His vision for expanding efforts to uplift both parent engagement and educational equity is exactly what our district needs to ensure every student has a fair shot.
Nadia Flores, Adjunct faculty Santiago Canyon College, Ensign mom
Andy Godinez has a long history of serving our community. His commitment to creative partnerships and ability to bring people together across sectors have resulted in needed solutions. Andy's true affection for residents of our district and his history as a NMUSD student add to his effectiveness as a leader. We are thrilled to support Andy's candidacy for the NMUSD Board.
Moses & Christine Nolf, Local Pastor, Whittier parents, community leaders
Together, we can ensure every student in Westside Costa Mesa has the resources and support they deserve to thrive.