Candidate for
Member, Board of Trustees; Peralta Community College District; Area 4

As an Area 4 native, I understand the importance of a thriving, accessible educational facility to this community. Vista College, the only Peralta Community College facility located in Area 4, could and should be:

• an up-to-date educational facility with a permanent, District-owned campus;

• a community resource providing necessary and innovative educational opportunities.

Unfortunately, Vista is a poorly equipped institution operating out of leased facilities, which is less than accessible for those community members who most need it.

If elected, I pledge to ensure that all possible means at the disposal of the Peralta Community College Board of Trustees are focused on:

• building a state-of-the-art facility for Vista College on the permanent site which has been acquired by the District - a facility capable of satisfying the educational needs of the Area 4 community;

• ensuring broad Area 4 community access to not only this new facility, but to all the resources available throughout the Peralta Community District.

A preliminary list of the types of services I would like to see Peralta Community Colleges provide to the Area 4 community includes:

• access to libraries and media resources for the members of the Area 4 community, particularly middle and high school students;

• use of campus facilities for community events, meetings and forums;

• presentation of speakers and media events of community interest.

It is extremely important that access to the resources of all Peralta Community Colleges be available to the Area 4 communities, not just those communities physically adjacent to the campuses.

If elected, I intend to hold forums and meetings throughout Area 4 to get input from the members of the communities concerning what needs they envision the Peralta Community Colleges serving and the most expeditious manner in which these services can be provided.

For too long, the members of the Area 4 community have found themselves shut out and deprived of the quality and caliber of services provided to other Peralta College communities. For this reason, it is essential that the person elected to fill the Area 4 vacancy be a caring, committed individual, who is ready, willing and able to fight for the needs of Area 4.

I have always been an activist, participating in all aspects of local government and community affairs. I have served on numerous local boards, and have participated in various committees and organizations to improve the quality of local life and enhance the educational opportunities available.

Because of this activism, I can bring extensive experience and know-how to the job of ensuring that Area 4 receives its fair share of funding for necessary improvements, as well as expanding Area 4's access to existing and planned resources.

I will bring an unparalleled commitment to the job that lies ahead for the Board of Trustees, particularly as the newly elected member from Area 4.