Chancellor's News Brief

This week marked a major transition in the leadership of our country, and as expected, there has been a flurry of activity, including several presidential actions, coming from Washington, D.C. Change is a natural part of any democratic system. As a nearly 80-year-old institution, Coast District is well-equipped and accustomed to navigating changes in the political landscape. We do this by staying focused on our mission and purview, and by adhering to the laws and policies that guide us.

In my lifetime, the issues surrounding the U.S. in Southeast Asia, riots in the streets, and two energy crises—resulting in gas shortages and long lines at the pumps—were causes for alarm. By staying true to our mission and being steadfast in our pursuit of access to higher education for all, we worked through the challenges of those times. With similar dedication and focus, I am confident that, 75+ years from now, future generations will look back and say that we guided our district as successfully as those who led in the first 75 years.

That being said, change is not always easy. It is understandable that shifts in ideology at the highest levels of government may cause concern among many of us—even before the full impact of presidential actions, federal court responses, and state or local actions are fully known and understood.

While we may feel unsettled at times, I am confident in our collective ability to provide a place that fosters both academic and personal growth. As we approach the start of another spring semester, I want to reassure you that Coast Community College District remains firmly committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and the community.

With gratitude,

Dr. Whitney Yamamura

Chancellor

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!

The 2025 State of the District will be held on February 27 (Thursday). Save the date and join us at 9:00 am in the CCCD Board Room.

Lunar New Year, or Tết, is the most significant holiday in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, symbolizing renewal, family, and new beginnings. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we embrace its themes of wisdom, intuition, and transformation, encouraging growth and prosperity in the year ahead.

Coastline College is proud to host this celebration with a vibrant Lion Dance Performance on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the Le-Jao Courtyard at our Westminster campus. The Lion Dance, a tradition believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits, will fill the air with energy and joy.

Join us to celebrate Chinese and Vietnamese cultures and traditions. Don’t forget to collect a free red envelope to present to the lion as part of this cherished custom.

This event is sponsored by Student Equity and open to all. We look forward to celebrating with you. Happy Lunar New Year 2025!

Under the guiding principles of “Be curious, not judgmental” and “Believe,” Coastline College managers recently gathered for the annual Intersession Management Retreat. Held at the Golden West College Multipurpose Room, the retreat was a day filled with camaraderie, creativity, and spirited team-building activities inspired by the beloved show Ted Lasso.

Led by Coach Rodriguez, the retreat was designed to strengthen teamwork, foster innovation, and highlight the value of a positive mindset. Managers participated in engaging leadership exercises, interactive workshops, rounds of trivia, and collaborative challenges that encouraged them to think outside the box, work effectively as a team, and showcase their leadership strengths. Drawing from Ted Lasso’s themes of optimism, the event provided a dynamic space for Coastline’s leaders to laugh, learn, and grow.

More than just a professional development opportunity, the retreat celebrated teamwork and reinforced the values that make Coastline College a leader in education. With renewed purpose, stronger bonds, and a spirit of optimism, Coastline’s managers left the retreat ready to guide the college into a successful and impactful 2025.

The Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion is excited to announce the opening of two concurrent exhibits, “What’s My Thesis?” and “Wizard Hours,” beginning Saturday, February 1. An opening reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. that day, followed by a campus reception on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Both exhibits will run until Thursday, March 20, and admission is free for all exhibits and gallery events.

The exhibit “What’s My Thesis?” is based on a podcast hosted by Javier Proenza, where guest artists share the insights they have gained in pursuit of their artistic practices. The Doyle is proud to feature over 30 talented artists from Southern California in this group exhibition. Showcased in the Main Gallery, this exhibit highlights a diverse range of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and video, representing various art communities and stages of artistic career development. Notable artists include Hiroshi Clark, part-time photography faculty member at OCC, and Amir Zaki, who previously exhibited at the Doyle with his solo exhibit in 2019.

In addition, “Wizard Hours” will be a solo exhibition by Elias Hernandez featured in the Project Gallery. Hernandez’s work brings myth-building to life through a character he calls the “Clock Wizard.” His creations — spanning painting, ceramics, and drawing — form a layered fantasy dreamscape that allows the wizard to both transform and terrify other creatures. Drawing inspiration from animation, video games, and card games of the 2000s, Hernandez constructs dynamic worlds and figures. The wizard and magical citizens are ever moving; their bodies wave, bend, and stretch like the whimsy of a fable or possibility of a cartoon. His detailed drawings resemble tapestries, while his ceramics and sculptural work reflect the “equipable items” and gems familiar to video game enthusiasts. Through his artistry, Hernandez links contemporary illustration with traditional themes, invoking magic and monsters for a new, playable era.

Community members are invited to attend the opening reception on Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 3 p.m., and the campus reception on Thursday, February 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Experience the vibrant works of these talented artists and engage in creative conversations sparked by their exhibitions.

Join as Black History Month is celebrated through events and conversations through Coastline College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College.

• Black History Month Parade & Cultural Faire
• Black College Expo and Battle of the Bands
• Welcome Back and Black History Month Opening Celebration - Orange Coast College
• BHM Speaker Series: Rhona Bolton
• Welcome B{L}ACK- Meet and Greet and Trivia (Virtual)
• Unity in Activism with Ken Nwadike Jr. - Orange Coast College

• BHM Speaker Series – Marcus Omari

• Unity in Our Voices Luncheon featuring OCC Students and Dr. Ron McCurdy– Orange Coast College

• 2025 Pathway Conference at CSU Fullerton

• Unity in Cultural Identity with Dr. Chike Akua - Orange Coast College
• BHM Speaker Series Breaking Barriers and Thriving: A Conversation with Tee Franklin

• Come Laugh with Me: Comedy Night

• OC Black Greek Get down –Region 8

Download Black History Month Zoom Backgrounds for your online meetings and events.

Chancellor, Week of January 27

Vice Chancellor Drinkwine is Acting Chancellor on Monday.

Dr. Yamamura is in the District on Tuesday through Friday.