>
The president of a California school district has resigned after it emerged that he invited students to perform at his home for a Christmas party, where they were feted with drinks served by half-naked ‘elves’, and subjected to suggestive comments from a ‘ Dirty Santa’.
Steven Llanusa, 62, a high-profile Democrat who rubbed shoulders with Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren, held the party on December 3.
The president of the Claremont Unified School District and a board member for the past 17 years, Llanusa organized the party to raise funds for the schools and paid members of the school choir to attend and sing.
But the parents were furious when they heard the details of the party, and over the weekend Llanusa resigned.
His invitation to students was condemned at a school board meeting last week.
“They were offered open bars and socializing with half-naked men, the Dirty Santa who made disgusting comments to our children,” Gabriel Lozano, one of the parents, said after Friday’s meeting.
Steven Llanusa is pictured with Kamala Harris. Over the weekend, he resigned as Claremont Unified School District board president after details emerged of his Christmas party, to which he invited students.
Photos shared on Facebook show topless ‘elves’ at party on December 3
A ‘Dirty Santa’ can be seen at the party, flanked by his ‘elves’
Llanusa resigned from his position after the revelations
Another mother, Sabrina Ho, the mother of one of the students, demanded at the board meeting that Llanusa resign.
“Upon the student’s arrival, Mr. Llanusa invited the high school choir group to his private adult party at his home,” Ho said.
‘They were encouraged to participate in the food and festivities. The students did not start their scheduled performance for more than an hour later and were offered alcohol by party guests among the inappropriately dressed performers.’
Llanusa did not attend Friday’s board meeting, but Vice President Kathy Archer said, “I would like to make it perfectly clear that there were no other current or former board members present at that party.”
Llanusa’s Facebook page is abuzz with him meeting high-profile Democrats and stars like Katy Perry and Steve Martin.
Deborah Kekone, mother of a sixth-grader at Chaparral Elementary School and a 2019 CHS graduate, said Claremont Messenger that Llanusa has hosted annual Christmas parties at her home for the past several years.
“He always has … adult performers dressed up like that as a sight to behold at the party,” Kekone said.
They post photos every year of the party.
“The party was no different than any other party she’s ever had, it’s just that this time she decided to bring kids and expose them to all sorts of things their parents weren’t aware of.”
The school district issued a statement after the meeting, condemning his actions.
The school board heard Friday from parents angry that their children attended the party, complete with open bar and scantily clad ‘elves’.
Gabriel Lozano, whose son attended the party, said he was angry that the event was open to students.
“We are shocked by the allegations, which are understandably causing distraction, disruption and pain, as expressed in messages from community members to the Board and the Superintendent,” their statement said.
Please know that we receive and read your messages, and we take your concerns very seriously.
“While the board cannot require Mr. Llanusa to resign, we encourage him to do so to begin the healing process and refocus on the students and their well-being.”
Llanusa has not ruled on the party, but he resigned over the weekend, CBS informed.
Claremont Unified Superintendent Jim Elsasser confirmed to los angeles times that Llanusa had resigned from his post, effective immediately.
“The board will discuss the next steps to fill this vacancy during the board meeting scheduled for this Thursday,” he said.