Cabrillo College’s new president, Jenn Capps, says her top priority is expanding access to higher education as she begins her tenure amid declining enrollment, a budget deficit and campus concerns about racism and immigration enforcement.
Cabrillo College
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo trustee leaves board meeting after confrontation over racist comments; staff criticize rest of board for inaction
At two consecutive Cabrillo College governing board meetings, trustee Steve Trujillo drew criticism for singling out a Black staff member during a discussion about a racist video and for later invoking his past relationship with a Black partner while defending himself, before abruptly leaving Monday’s meeting. Faculty and staff denounced the remarks and the board’s failure to intervene.
Posted inEducation
California wants colleges to count work experience for credit. How’s it going?
California’s community colleges are now giving college credit for students’ previous work experiences. The state has a goal of rapidly expanding access to these credits, though tracking progress on that goal has been difficult so far.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College board approves Jenn Capps as Matt Wetstein’s successor
Cabrillo College’s next president faces a myriad of near-term challenges. Jenn Capps comes to Cabrillo from Cal Poly Humboldt; she will earn an annual salary of $306,000, according to her contract.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo trustees redesignate funds from pandemic-era tax credits amid budget squeeze
Cabrillo College’s board voted Monday to redirect more than $7 million in one-time tax credit revenue to early retirement incentives, construction projects, general reserves and more.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Surf Skull’s new take on a surf helmet; considering The Catalyst; latest tourism stats
Jessica M. Pasko dives into the story behind the surf helmet a Santa Cruz company pitched on a recent episode of “Shark Tank,” explores The Catalyst’s iconic status and highlights numbers, names and events to know on the local business scene.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College governing board appoints former Watsonville mayor as new trustee
The Cabrillo College governing board voted 4–2 to appoint former Watsonville mayor Francisco “Paco” Estrada to fill the Area V trustee seat left vacant by the death of Manuel Bersamin. The board cited Estrada’s community ties, leadership experience and connection to Bersamin’s legacy in selecting him to serve through the 2026 election.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College governing board soliciting nominations for vacant seat after Manuel Bersamin’s sudden death
After Cabrillo College Trustee Manuel Bersamin died suddenly on Oct. 26, the college announced Tuesday it is searching for candidates to fill his seat.
Posted inEducation
Cabrillo College names four finalists for president, sets Nov. 12 public forums
Cabrillo College has unveiled a shortlist of four candidates to become the school’s next president, with plans for a community forum before aiming to select its next leader next month.
Posted inLatest News
Manuel Bersamin, Cabrillo College trustee, ex-Watsonville mayor, dies at 67
Manuel Bersamin, a former Watsonville mayor and Cabrillo College trustee with a passion for helping first-generation college students passed away Friday, the college said on Monday. He was 67.