After Kamala Harris Twitter scandal, Las Lomitas school board appoints 1st Asian American woman as trustee

Thursday, December 31, 2020
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Less than two months after the former Las Lomitas school board president stepped down because of his wife's racist and insensitive comments about Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the board has appointed new diverse members including the first Asian American woman.

Cynthia Solis-Yi was furious after Tweets from Mehridith Venverloh, wife of Jon Venverloh, circulated online. Many used crude language, accused Harris as a "little girl (s) who wh**e their way to the top" and questioned Harris' gender.

Shortly after ABC7 News anchor Dion Lim reported on the community's outrage, Jon Venverloh stepped down and has since been replaced by Dana Nunn.

The incident involving the Venverloh's circulated quickly around the globe.

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"My initial reaction -- I was really distraught," Solis-Yi told ABC7 on her reaction to the woman's comments last month

So when two board seats expired in recent weeks, it inspired Solis-Yi to apply along with other women and community members of color. There are now three women and two men on the board.

Since the comments in November, she says the community has stepped up, which has been "amazing to see," she said.

"It makes me even prouder to be a part of this community," Solis-Yi said.

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Solis-Yi joined ABC7 on the New Year's Eve edition of "Getting Answers" to talk about representation and her goals for the school board and community going forward.

"I'm really looking forward to serving our community," she said.

Watch the entire interview with Cynthia Solis-Yi in the media player above.

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