Touting his career in health care and almost two decades as a volunteer in local education, Jesse Hong has announced that he will be a candidate for one of two seats on the San Marino school board at the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election.
“I feel that my perspective as a health-care professional, a small business owner and having spent 20 years as a volunteer qualifies me as a candidate for the San Marino school board,” Hong said on Monday afternoon. “I think we need someone on the board who has my background and experience.”
Hong grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and attended Alhambra High School. He received three degrees from USC, including an MBA and Doctor of Pharmacy. For the last 25 years, Hong has practiced pharmacy in acute psychiatric care units, inpatient hospitals and as a field medical scientist. He is the owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Ramona Pharmacy Group, an independent pharmacy chain in the San Gabriel Valley area. Professionally, Hong has been a member of national and regional pharmacist societies and has served on the alumni board of the USC School of Pharmacy for the last 20 years.
Hong moved to San Marino in 2001 to raise his young family. His daughter, Elise, is now a rising senior at San Marino High School. His son, Ethan, graduated from SMHS in 2018 and attends USC, where he is majoring in pharmacology and drug development.
Hong began his school involvement when his children attended Carver Elementary School. He was a member of the Safety Patrol at Carver and volunteered in the computer lab, arts and crafts programs, the Carver Carnival and room parent activities. Hong was also invited to join Partnership for Awareness and was appointed to the position of community liaison. He served for seven years as a trustee for the San Marino Schools Foundation, where he was treasurer for 2 1/2 years.
In 2019, Hong was a member of the Facilities Advisory Committee that assessed capital projects and upgrades to district buildings.
Hong has been a member of the Chinese Club of San Marino, serving as a board member as well as 2 1/2 years as principal of the Chinese School from 2012-14.
Locally, he is a member of the Rotary Club of San Marino and a Caltech associate.
In addition to his years of postgraduate school education, Hong has lectured in pharmacy schools, mentored pharmacy students, and sat on the admissions committee at USC’s School of Pharmacy and the alumni board.
Most recently, Hong was appointed to the San Marino Unified School District’s reopening task force, contributing to the health-related issues accompanying the SMUSD’s research into opening the schools after the pandemic. Hong also volunteers at the Union Rescue Mission in Pasadena assisting the homeless population.
“Now that my children are growing up, I feel this is the time to run for the school board,” Hong said. “I have enough experience, knowledge and a long-term perspective that will be helpful to the district. Through my work as a trustee of the Schools Foundation, I have a good understanding as to how the schools are funded. With our funding challenges and with the health concerns we are facing now with the pandemic, these are two areas I can really help with the district.”
If elected, Hong said he would suggest the creation of what he envisions as the San Marino School Store. If possible, he would like to see the district operate a store to offer school supplies throughout the year. All the proceeds from the store would be donated to the SMUSD.
“The store will serve multiple purposes,” said Hong. “It will bring more revenue to the schools as all proceeds from the store will be donated to the SMUSD. Parents and students will have a reliable place to acquire their supplies and give financially to the school district at the same time.”
Hong said he envisions the store eventually carrying merchandise for Titan sports, marching band, robotics and other school-centered groups.
“It can truly be a place where community gathers to support the students,” Hong said.
Other goals Hong offered include a health-centric policy, enhanced social understanding, increased parent-school partnerships and continuing the district’s academic excellence.
The two seats that will be contested at the Nov. 3 election will each have terms of four years and are currently held by Lisa Link and Chris Norgaard. Link has told The Tribune that she will not seek another term and Norgaard has not stated his intention.
Jane Chon, who was a candidate at the 2018 election, has stated that she will run in 2020.
Candidates may file a Declaration of Candidacy with the county through Aug. 7.
