BOARD ELECTIONS!
The elections for the 2027 Board will be held from Sunday, April 19, to Saturday, April 25, 11:59 PM. Results will be announced on April 26.
How Voting Works
• Voting will take place online through a secure ballot system.
• All active members who are in good standing will receive a unique voting link via email and text message.
Candidate Information
• Each nominee will be asked to submit a written statement in response to their nomination to help voters make informed decisions.
Why Your Vote Matters
• Your vote plays a pivotal role in selecting leaders who will represent your interests and steer our organization forward.
Stay Informed
• Keep an eye out for campaign activities at the fields and on social media platforms. Engage with the nominees, ask questions, and make informed decisions.
Together, let's build a stronger Surf & Sun!
YOUR 2027 BOARD NOMINEES
Vice Commissioner
JESUS "CHUY" SOTO
Havoc, Open D
About Chuy
This position is about volunteerism. I had the privilege of being selected by our current Commissioner for a 1-year term. I witness the commitment and dedication this governing Board invests towards running Surf & Sun. I want to continue and run for Vice Commissioner to help grow our league. The Surf & Sun Board needs the trust and support of its league members. I believe that I have the trust of my league community to make effective decisions on their behalf. I have been a league member for over 25 years and hope to see our league flourish for many years.
What makes you a good candidate?
I am a great candidate for the position because I am experienced member in good standing. I have a reputation for being grounded and respectful. My only goal for this position is to promote the success of Surf & Sun Softball. I own the professional expertise and softball expertise to support the league business. I have experience as an Open Member-at-Large, the Ratings Committee Chair, and currently in training under our UIC to become a league umpire.
Additional Comments
This League is going through an abrupt shift in leadership. As many of you know our former Commissioner professionally carried all the weight for our league. Unexpectedly the board had to take ownership of the league business and guide our current plans. I am proud to be serving with the current members of the board. 
GIAO HOANG
Footloose, Women’s+ D
About Giao
I've been a part of the Surf & Sun league since 2015 and formed my own Women’s+ team in 2020. I started as a complete newbie to the game but since then I have developed a great love for slow-pitch softball.
What makes you a good candidate?
I enjoy playing in this league as well as representing our Surf & Sun league in tournaments. I love interacting with players from all different teams and having nice conversations with people. I'm a good listener and a team player, and I will do my best with whatever that is needed of me and more.
Additional Comments
With any league, there's always room for improvement. Together, we can attempt to make a change for the better! 
RAY MARKER
Replacements D, Open D
About Ray
I have been in the Surf & Sun league for just over 3 years now. I have played in 4 different teams both in the league and tournaments. When I first started in this league I felt wanted and included and possibilities with softball opportunities to play.
What makes you a good candidate?
I have been in a leadership role in my professional life for over 20 years. I have always started at the bottom and worked my way up. I manage over 350 employees on a daily basis and continue to thrive and inspire. I believe I can bring the energy and innovation this league needs.
Additional Comments
I believe in this league, and I know we can get this league to flourish. Loren and the board made it happen by getting over 20 teams including an E division. I believe I can bring a different kind of energy and perspective to this league and want your vote. Give me 1% of your trust and I’ll earn the rest.
Secretary
RAELYN MANCINAS
Good Vibes, Women’s+ C
About Raelyn
My name is Raelyn Mancinas, and I have been a member of our league since 2009—serving as a player, a dedicated manager, and a leader. Currently managing Good Vibes, I have over 15 years of hands-on experience navigating the needs of our players and the spirit of competition. I have served five years on the Ratings Committee and two years on the Board as the Women’s+ Division Member-at-Large.
What makes you a good candidate?
While I was encouraging new faces to run for open board positions, I was honored to receive a nomination for Secretary. Having sat on both sides of the dugout and the board table, I understand the importance of clear communication, accurate record-keeping, and fair play. As Secretary, I will ensure our league’s documentation and correspondence are handled with the same dedication and "Good Vibes" I bring to the field every season.
Open Division Director
MARK BUTTERFIELD
RedRum Seniors, Open D
About Mark
I’ve been part of Surf & Sun for over 20 years as both a player and a team manager, so there’s a good chance we’ve crossed paths at some point. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships in the league and really value both the competition and the community that make it special.
Outside of softball, I’m a bit of a nerd. I’m a fan of Star Wars (leaning a little toward the dark side), Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, so I’m comfortable navigating both league schedules and fictional universes. I also have a 10-year-old fur baby, Friender, who some of you have probably seen out at the fields. He even had his moment of glory when he won MVP one year.
I’ve been nominated multiple times over the years and last year was the first time I accepted. I take that as a sign of trust from the league, and I’m excited about the opportunity to give back in a bigger way.
What makes you a good candidate?
I believe I am a strong candidate for Open Division Director because of my leadership, organization, and ability to manage both people and processes effectively. In my professional life, I oversee operations, scheduling, and team coordination on a daily basis, which directly aligns with the responsibilities of this role.
I am detail-oriented, consistent, and solutions-focused. I understand the importance of creating fair and reliable systems, especially when it comes to scheduling and league operations. I also approach challenges with a level head and a commitment to doing what is best for the league as a whole.
While I have not previously served on the board, I bring years of leadership experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to keep things running smoothly. My goal is to support the Commissioner and help ensure the league operates in an organized, fair, and efficient way.
Additional Comments
Surf & Sun has been a big part of my life for many years. The league was there for me at a time when it really mattered, and because of that, it means a lot to me to give back. I want to help ensure that the league can continue to do for others what it did for me. Being nominated multiple times over the years is something I don’t take lightly, and I see this as an opportunity to step up and contribute in a more meaningful way. If selected, I will focus on being dependable, organized, and approachable—someone who helps keep things running smoothly while supporting players, managers, and fellow board members. I’m committed to doing the work and helping maintain the strong sense of community and competition that makes this league special.
Women's+ Division Member-at-Large
KARINA GALLETAN
Baby Crush, Women’s+ D (also Luck-E Charms, Open E)
About Karina
I’ve been an active member of the league as a softball player for 2 1/2 years now. Through my time on the field, I’ve developed not only my skills and teamwork, but also a deep appreciation for the supportive environment this league offers . Beyond playing, I take pride in contributing to a positive team culture. Encouraging others, building connections, and helping create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. Being part of this community has been meaningful to me both athletically and personally, and I’m passionate about giving back to a league that brings people together through sport, pride, and belonging.
What makes you a good candidate?
I believe I would be a strong candidate for the Women’s+ Division role because I believe in teamwork, and community building within the league. As a player, I understand the importance of creating a space where women of all skill levels feel supported, respected, and encouraged to grow both on and off the field. I’ve also taken initiative in expanding that sense of community by bringing friends into the league, wanting them to experience the same welcoming, supportive environment that drew me in. This reflects my genuine belief in what this league represents—not just as a place to play, but as a space to connect, belong, and thrive. Above all, I genuinely care about the success and growth of this community. I strive to lead by example, promote positive sportsmanship, and help maintain an environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
Additional Comments
I believed in this community enough to bring others into it and now I’m ready to grow in it. 
BRITTNEY NAVARRO
Good Vibes, Women’s+ C
About Brittney
I’ve been playing in Surf & Sun since 2018 starting with Down n Dirty and now with Good Vibes. I’ve also stepped in to help out other teams over the years when needed.
What makes you a good candidate?
I just want to help keep the league competitive, organized, and a place people actually want to be.
Open Division Member-at-Large
ADRIAN GUZMAN
Replacements D, Open D
About Adrian
I've been playing with the league since 2015. Always wanted to be part of the board to help the league strive. I am a hard worker and a team player. I've played with a few teams and also with others on tournaments. I love this league and am grateful to be able to help out league be the best it can be.
What makes you a good candidate?
I am a team player and willing to go above and beyond my role. I am one of those people that helps everyone to make everything run smoothly.
Additional Comments
LET’S GO SURF & SUN 
RICKY DIAZ
Multiple Scoregasms, Open D
About Ricky
I’ve been playing with Surf & Sun for about 8 years, I’ve been on a few teams and been to a few tournaments over the years.
What makes you a good candidate?
Currently the MAL for Open Division. Would love the opportunity to continue to be on board to continue learning and grow with the league.
Additional Comments
Hello League Members, vote for me and I’ll make your wildest dreams come true! 
JUSTIN JOHNSON
Replacements D, Open D
About Justin
I have over 10 years of experience playing competitive softball, developing strong skills and a deep understanding of the game. During my time with Surf & Sun in the last year, I have built meaningful relationships with teammates and others in the league both on and off the field. That experience strengthened my teamwork, communication, and commitment to a positive team culture while also maintaining the competitiveness of the league.
What makes you a good candidate?
While serving in various capacities within large organizations, I’ve developed the necessary skill sets to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and ensure that ALL voices are being heard and EVERY member is represented in an equitable manner. In my day-to-day profession, I use communication and critical thinking skills to help people feel both seen and heard within their organization. Those transferable skills are necessary when building a more prominent and eminent league.
Additional Comments
A Vote for Justin is a Voice for ALL. 
ERIC GUTIERREZ
Dynasty, Open D (also Ruffnex, Open E)
About Eric
I began playing softball in early 2022 through my local rec league and was soon introduced to the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA), where I was drawn to the league’s competitive and welcoming environment. I joined Ruffnex E in Spring 2023, continued developing my skills, and moved up to Ruffnex D by Fall 2023. That same season, I stepped into a leadership role as team manager, eventually managing both Ruffnex E and Ruffnex D through Fall 2025. In 2026, I took on a new challenge by bringing my teams, Dynasty D and Ruffnex E, to the Surf & Sun league. While new to the league, I’ve quickly come to appreciate its strong community, quality of play, and overall atmosphere. I look forward to building relationships and creating great experiences with everyone involved.
What makes you a good candidate?
I believe I would be a good fit for the Member-at-Large position because I will be able to bring a mix of organization, communication, and a genuine investment in the league’s success. I’m someone who follows through on commitments, whether that’s helping coordinate events or making sure details don’t fall through the cracks. I’m also comfortable building relationships with team managers and players. I make an effort to be approachable and fair, which helps when listening to concerns or resolving issues. I understand that good communication goes both ways, so I’d focus on making sure teams feel heard while also clearly relaying information back to the board. On top of that, I’m a practical problem-solver. When challenges come up, I stay calm, look at the situation objectively, and work toward solutions that are best for the league as a whole. Overall, I’d bring reliability, clear communication, and a positive attitude to the role.
Additional Comments
I appreciate the opportunity to step into this role and I’m committed to being a reliable resource for players, managers, and teams. While I may be new to the league and might come off as inexperienced, I’m a fast learner and adept at problem solving. I’m optimistic about making a positive impact for everyone involved in the future.