Chancellor's News Brief

Today at 2 pm, the Board of Trustees conducted their annual organizational meeting where newly elected Trustee, Phu Nguyen, took the oath of office. Trustee Nguyen, who is the first Vietnamese – American elected trustee for our district steps into this role, replacing Trustee Jerry Patterson, who had decided not to run for reelection. Trustee Patterson, who passed away in November, was a mentor to Phu. He has said that the guidance and leadership examples offered to him by Trustee Patterson were invaluable and will have a lasting impact on the way he approaches public service.

Trustee Nguyen brings a breadth of experience to the Board. His region’s perspective will be well represented having served as a Trustee for the Fountain Valley School District and in various leadership roles within the community including the Vietnamese Community of Southern California and the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of Southern California, as well as a coach with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club. This is not the first time he served our district. From 2017-2022 he was a member of the Measure M Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee. Trustee Nguyen has shown his commitment to education and community service through the years, please join me in welcoming him to the Coast Family.

Additionally, congratulations are extended to the newly selected officers of the Board. Elizabeth Dorn Parker has been chosen to serve as the Board President, Mary Hornbuckle as the Vice President, and Lorraine Prinsky as the Clerk for the upcoming term. These leaders will guide the Board through the coming year, and their commitment to the District is greatly appreciated.

We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Coast Community College District and look forward to the contributions that Trustee Nguyen and the new Board officers will make.

As the holiday season approaches, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all for a pleasant, restful, and safe holiday break. Please enjoy the time to recharge as we look ahead to the new year.

With gratitude,

Dr. Whitney Yamamura

Chancellor

Artwork by Golden West College student, Genine Baldree

Please send examples of persistent innovation, by which I mean having a good idea and then putting in the hard work to make that vision a reality. The more examples submitted, the better I can highlight your successes in future letters and in the community!

In front of an audience of more than 400 student leaders, Coastline College Associated Student Government (ASG) officers Thalia Espinoza, Kifah Mohammed, and Ruby Ha proudly represented Coastline College at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) Advocacy Academy. Addressing a statewide audience, the trio used the platform to champion key issues affecting their peers.

ASG Equity Senator Thalia Espinoza emphasized the urgent need for enhanced support for undocumented students. She also leveraged the conference to recruit members for a new caucus for undocumented students and allies through the SSCCC. Distance Learning Senator Kifah Mohammed shared his personal journey as a formerly incarcerated student and participated in sessions focused on improving engagement and support for Rising Tide Scholars, with an emphasis on their use of Canvas and other educational technologies. Westminster Le-Jao Campus Senator Ruby Ha spoke about her experiences as a single mother, advocating for increased resources for parenting students. She also attended workshops to gather innovative ideas to benefit this population and others on campus.

Their advocacy reflects Coastline College’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its student body and fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

Coastline College President, Dr. Vince Rodriguez was this year’s recipient of the Community Services Award presented by the Kiwanis Club of Fountain Valley. This honor acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the community and his commitment to fostering positive change in the region.

Dr. Rodriguez was presented the award by Kiwanis Lieutenant Governor, Michael Moss. President Rodriguez stated that “it is an honor to receive the award from an organization which is so active in our community. And a special thank you to Mr. Michael Moss who himself dedicated many years of service to high schools in Fountain Valley and Santa Ana”. This recognition underscores Dr. Rodriguez’s dedication to community engagement and highlights Coastline College’s leadership in making a meaningful impact in the local community.

Golden West College will host a large Lunar New Year celebration on February 6, 2025 from noon until 2 p.m. in the College’s main quad.

The local community is invited to join students and employees on GWC’s campus to celebrate the Year of the Snake, with traditional performances and activities, including a Lion Dance, ancestral shrine and tea tasting, Bau Cua Ca Cop game, and more. A Lucky Tree will be on display, with attendees invited to take a red envelope and win prizes. There will also be a fashion show, Wishing Wall, and speeches by special guests.

All attendees will have an opportunity to try a variety of Asian dishes and drinks for free, including Chinese egg rolls, Korean kimbap, Vietnamese Bánh chưng, fresh sugarcane juice, and more.

Orange Coast College’s Repertory Theatre Company will present “Bootsie and the Christmas Pirates,” a Christmas Melodrama and Ice Cream Social, on December 6-15 in the Drama Lab Theatre.

Adults and children alike are invited to boo the villain, cheer the hero, sing holiday songs and enjoy a free ice cream treat at this beloved OCC Theatre holiday tradition. This year, the villainous Captain Simon Snodgrass returns to the OCC stage as the audience anticipates whether the lovely heroine Bootsie, the dashing hero Sailor Sam and the good people of Rockbottom Bay can thwart his evil plans.

Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets can be purchased for $15 for general public, $10 for students, senior citizens or military, and $5 for children under 12 at the OCC Tickets website.

The show is written by David Scaglione and directed by Mahyar Mahboub and Tom Bruno.

Parking is available in Lot C. Attendees can also look forward to a special visit from Santa during the show.

Chancellor, Week of December 16

Dr. Yamamura is in the District on Monday through Wednesday.