Cabrillo College’s search committee announced Tuesday it will recommend the governing board select Jenn Capps, a Cal Poly Humboldt administrator, for the school’s next president.
Higher Ed
With emotion, judge accepts diversion request for UCSC student charged in 2024 pro-Palestine encampment raid
Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Mandy Tovar grew emotional as she granted diversion to UC Santa Cruz student Esmeralda Hurtado, the only one of 122 protesters from the 2024 pro-Palestine encampment arrests to face formal charges. Citing Hurtado’s character and the facts of the case, Tovar’s decision allows the 20-year-old to avoid trial if she completes community service and complies with court conditions through 2026.
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.
Fewer international students are coming to the U.S. What this means for California
The number of new international students enrolling in college in the U.S. is dropping. Their losses will be felt beyond classrooms, as foreign students in particular drive scientific research and advancement. As the state with the most international students, California will likely feel the biggest impact.
Misinformation spreads as Trump moves to cut aid for some California students
The Trump administration is suing California, asking the state to end its policies allowing students without legal status to access in-state tuition and financial aid. But the administration’s legal argument is weak, according to top legal experts.
UC Santa Cruz extends faculty hiring slowdown in bid to close $80 million deficit
UC Santa Cruz will extend its faculty hiring slowdown to address an $80 million deficit, planning to hire only five professors this year and none next year while allowing its faculty ranks to shrink by about 11% through attrition.
UC Santa Cruz announces $750 million fundraising campaign through 2030
UC Santa Cruz has launched a public campaign to raise $750 million by 2030, building on the $360 million already secured since a quiet 2020 kickoff to support student programs, scholarships, research and new facilities.
UCSC employees stage a two-day strike amid stalled negotiations
UC Santa Cruz employees represented by AFSCME Local 3299 are striking Monday and Tuesday, reducing dining hall hours, health appointments and bus service on campus.
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.
UC Santa Cruz chancellor review is underway
University of California President James Milliken has launched a standard five-year performance review of UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia Larive, marking her first formal evaluation since her 2019 appointment.

