NORTH COUNTY: Two candidates have signaled their intention to run against incumbents for the MiraCosta College board of trustees.

John Ford, a retired anthropology instructor at the Oceanside-based community college, filed nomination papers on Monday to run for the seat now held by trustee Gloria Carranza.

George McNeil, who previously announced he was challenging trustee Carolyn Batiste, also has taken out papers.

The four-year terms of Carranza, Batiste and Jacqueline Simon expire this year.

In the college district, which extends from Camp Pendleton to Carmel Valley, candidates must live within a certain area but are elected by voters districtwide.

Monday was the first day that candidates could pick up election forms, which must be filed no later than Aug. 8.

Ford said yesterday that he's not particularly upset with Carranza but is running against her because they live in the same trustee district.

“I have spent most of my time in academia and I understand it,” Ford said. –L.S.