Although we hope to never face the reality of a disaster or emergency situation, CCCD has taken another step in protecting and preparing students, faculty and staff.

The District has partnered with AlertU, to provide an emergency message system that sends text messages to the cellphones of students, faculty and staff who opt in to the free service. Those who opt in will be able to receive messages related to campus shut downs, dangerous situations and natural disasters. While, AlertU does not spam or sell customer phone numbers, each semester a test message will be sent to all users and standard text messaging fees will apply and are the responsibilty of the
cell phone owner.

In addition, the system is designed to be able to receive text messages from witnesses and/or people in trouble during the critical moments after an emergency. This feature will enable witnesses and potential victims to provide pertinent information on their whereabouts and the location of a potential dangerous person(s). The information can be turned over to emergency responders and to others on the cell phone listserv, ensuring that more people are not put in harm’s way.

Best of all, the service is coming at no cost to the District!

One of the big reasons the District decided to go with the AlertU system is reliability. During the recent earthquake many of you may have experienced jammed phone lines and emails because too many users were on the same network. Most of the systems that fail or jam are built on an email gateway, the primary means to send email to text messages. AlertU has priority routing with the carriers, and is built on a pure short message peer-to-peer protocol (SMPP) system, the telecommunications’ industry protocol for exchanging SMS messages (short Message Service (SMS) is a communications protocol allowing the interchange of short text messages between mobile telephone devices).

The service is on track to go into effect for the fall semester, you will be able to opt in through your MySite. Please keep your eyes and ears open for more information and for specific rollout dates.

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Meet the New Student Trustee: Michael Battistone

Student Trustee Michael Battistone is sworn in by Board President Armando R. Ruiz

At the June 18 Board meeting, Michael Battistone was sworn in as the new Student Trustee, replacing Paul Bunch. Upon taking his seat at the dais, Michael thanked his parents saying, “Without your support I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

During his time in office, he hopes to focus on a lot of difficult issues, including: spurring election enthusiasm, the rising cost of textbooks, and informing students about the availability of cheap and reliable health services at the Student Health Centers on campus.

“I look forward to getting out of my comfort zone and networking with a diverse group. I am excited that I can help to get support for issues that actually matter, it is like a dream come true,” Michael said.

Michael is a student at GWC and OCC and plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton to study Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. After a rough few years following high school, Michael realized he could do better with his life. Michael became a volunteer for the Big Brother program, mentoring a twelve-year-old boy for almost two years. Michael then went back to his alma mater, Laurel High School, and started an after-school basketball program. He hopes to use his education to start more after-school programs for at-risk youth.

Michael is a member of the GWC Finance Commission, where he helped set the 08-09 ASGWC budget, and the Model United Nations program, where he was chosen to participate in a global-issues debate in New York. He also volunteers with Greenpeace and is a volunteer mentor for the Guidance Center in Long Beach.

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District Manager of the Year, Don Cock

Don Cock, Coast Community College District’s DIS Technical Support Supervisor, is the 2008 District-site Manager of the Year.  This year’s selection was announced at the District's annual management association picnic.

Don’s extraordinary efforts and dedication in implementing Banner earned him the honor for the District. Don takes the online security of students, faculty and staff very seriously. He designed an invaluable tool that tracks security roles and user security. The tool has been extremely useful in setting up and tracking security configuration progress.

“Being named Manager of the Year is a great honor. I really never expected to be so honored by my fellow managers,” Don said.

Always the humble manager, Don credits his staff for helping him get stuff into the DONE folder. "I am more of a get it done guy. I owe a lot to my fantastic staff," said Don.  "They are great group of people that just will not let go of issues until they are completed.”

Don, a Trabuco Canyon resident, started his career at the District in 1971 as an hourly lab assistant. From more than thirty-five years of memories, easily his most favorite is meeting his wife. They met when he was a senior computer operator and she was a junior operator at Orange Coast College. The two will celebrate their 31st anniversary in October.

In his free time, Don says he is just likes to bum around the house. Of course, this lazy time is in between his trips to remote islands and backpacking in the Sierras.

At the picnic, the District’s three colleges also announced the managers of the year.  Coastline Community College selected Jennifer McDonald, Director of Admissions and Records; Golden West College selected Bonnie Roohk, Dean of the Health Department; and Orange Coast College selected Frank Fonseca, Director of Maintenance and Operations

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Kathie Thayer Named District Employee of the Year

Kathie Thayer, the District Information Systems Application Project Coordinator, was named Employee of the Year at the annual District Administrative Management Picnic.

Chancellor Kenneth Yglesias presented a crystal vase to Kathie in appreciation of her hard work during the laborious DIS move. Kathie was instrumental during the implementation of Banner and continues to update and improve the system.

“It is a great honor and I could not have accomplished so much without all my co-workers and the staff at the three colleges,” Kathie said in response to the award.

Kathie had a hard time choosing a favorite memory from her 33 year of working at the District, she considers her coworkers an extended family and some of her closest friends. One of Kathie’s best memories was three days in 1989 with Don Cock converting the data from the old system (E/1) to the DSK system.

Despite the arduous tasks and long hours associated with her work, Kathie notes that one of the best qualities of her job is that “the district is a community of friends─ after all, we do spend a good number of our waking hours here. Everyone pulls together to accomplish the goals of the district and makes this a pleasant place to work.”

Aside from her work at the district, Kathie, a long-time Costa Mesa resident, has many hobbies including horseback riding, skiing, gardening, and sailing. She particularly enjoys taking photographs of locals who participate in Surf Camps held at San Onofre.

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Dump the Pump!

With gas prices rising steadily past $4 per gallon and experts projecting the cost of fuel to hit $6 per gallon within the next couple years, it comes as no surprise that individuals, businesses, and states are doing everything possible to reduce vehicle mileage and gas consumption.

What can we, as individuals, do to evade the ever-increasing cost of fuel? Well, for starters, we can seek out alternative modes of transportation such as taking the bus, biking or walking. If these choices are not an option, consider carpooling with coworkers or investing in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

To further endorse the conversion to fuel-efficient transportation, full-time employees at the District, OCC and GWC can enjoy the benefits of a Commuter Reduction Program. Through the program, employees can be reimbursed for monthly bus passes and are eligible for a daily stipend when they employ the following modes of alternate transportation: public transportation, hybrid or electric vehicles, walking or biking.

By participating in the program, you will not only earn money instead of burning it in your gas tank, but you will also further the unified effort to preserve the environment and reduce the effects of global warming.

For more information about the program at your site please contact the following:
OCC & District employees – OCC Campus Safety x25017
GWC employees – Noreen Peer x55090

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Coastline’s Early College High School Students Excel on the California High School Exit Exam

Coastline Tops in Orange County in Awarding Associate Degrees

Coastline has ranked the highest of all Orange County community colleges in awarding Associate of Arts (AA) degrees according to U.S. Department of Education data released for 2007. The report was published in a recent issue of Community College Week, the national periodical dedicated to community, technical and junior colleges. In the publication’s list of “Top 100 associate degree producers” in the United States, Coastline ranks 68th. Coastline, Orange Coast College, and Santa Ana College are the only community colleges in Orange County who ranked in the top 100 nationwide.

Coastline has also been named as a nationwide “Big Leaper”­—the only college in Southern California to make the list. Over the past five years, Coastline has shown one of the largest increases in number of AA degrees awarded. Coastline’s rapid growth is attributed to a number of factors according to President, Dr. Ding-Jo Currie. “We have new programs, new centers, and hundreds of classes available in a variety of formats—in the traditional classroom or via distance learning,” Currie stated. The distance learning program is extremely popular with students who are currently serving in the U.S. military. “Serving the military through distance education has really boosted our enrollment,” remarked Dr. Currie.

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Coastline’s Early College High School Students Excel on the California High School Exit Exam

Coastline’s Early College High School (ECHS) sophomores had a 99% passing rate in English and a 94% passing rate in math for the California High School Exit Exam.

Sophomore Max Krochman says his success is due, in large part, to the personalized attention his teachers gave him. 

“We have smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with our teachers,” Krochman said.

ECHS offers high school and college classes, and allows students to graduate in five years with both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Students start the program in ninth grade.

Sophomore Karina Florido will be the first person in her immediate family to graduate college.

“At ECHS we do a lot of projects and group work. We’re always speaking and doing presentations. I’m learning from my friends as much as I learn from my teachers,” said Florido.

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Annual Student Dance Performance Featuring Student Choreography

Have you ever danced the Java Jive, Lonesome Dove, or the Chattanooga Choo Choo? These were just a few of the dances incorporated into student routines at Coastline’s annual Student Dance Performance.

Karla Varney put together a tap ballet performance called, “Woman,” which was set to an Etta James song. 

“I really enjoy the instructors and the environment Coastline’s dance program offers,” Varney said. 

Varney was enrolled in the new Dance Choreography class, which requires students to choreograph their own routines.

Early College High School Students, Elias Garcia, Erika Garza, and Laura Ulloa put together a hip-hop routine named after themselves, “E.E.L”.  

This year’s performance was held before a packed house at the OCC Robert B. Moore Theatre.

Dancers perform “Bring Me to Life”

Coastline Investing in the Future of Latino Leadership

Sitting in a room during a bright summer day for a training session isn’t your typical teenage dream day. However, more than 40 teens took the initiative of planning their future at the Latino Leadership Follow-up Workshop at Coastline’s Garden Grove Center on July 25. 

In April more than 150 junior high and high schools attended the Second Annual Latino Youth Leadership Academy hosted by Coastline in partnership with the Orange County Chapter of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

These students attended workshops that stimulated thought-provoking activities and allowed them to engage in self evaluation and group interactive dialogue.  Students also received words of wisdom and direction from local Latino community leaders who challenged these kids to look past poverty, immigration, racism, and complacency to continue their educational endeavors. 

Of those 150 teenagers approximately 40 dedicated students were selected through an application process to continue their leadership training in a more intimate environment. 

Dr. Richard Biaz heads the Latino Leadership Planning Committee which includes faculty and staff from Coastline and members from LULAC Orange County chapter. Together they plan events that reach out to motivate and educate the local Latino community on education and leadership values.  

“Coastline and LULAC are motivated to change the negative perceptions our Latino youth have formed over the years,” expressed Biaz, who has nearly 30 years of experience as a governmental lobbyist, constitutional public official, entrepreneur, corporate consultant and educational administrator.

“We believe that each individual possess the capability of changing the world around themselves if only they can realize how they can become effective leader themselves.”

Students were expected to critically review, reflect and assess their personal profile in preparation for future challenges and then work to outline their goals and a possible career path.

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GWC Shining Stars

Chefs for Scholarships

Golden West College Patrons presents the 3rd Annual Chefs for Scholarships A Family Festival of Food & Fun Taste Specialties from Local Restaurants Wine and beer tasting Music Bounce House Clown & Balloons Silent Auction Opportunity Drawings Grab Bags & More! WHEN: Sunday, September 14, 2008 WHERE: GWC Student Center 4 – 7 PM COST: $40 Adults w/reservations / $45 at the door $20 Students with student I.D. $10 Children (ages 10 and under) RESERVATIONS: Call the GWC Foundation Office (714) 895-8316 www.chefs4scholarships.com

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GWC Shining Stars

GWC celebrated the accomplishments of its shining stars at the annual Staff Recognition Breakfast last month.  The event is held in honor of the Teacher of the Year, employees of the month and retirees.

President Wes Bryan welcomed the 130+ attendees and kicked off the program by honoring 19 retirees including faculty and classified members:

VP of Instruction, Lois Miller, presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Social Sciences professor James Reck.

Crystal Crane, director of Personnel Services, recognized the eight Classified Employees of the Month:  John Hanna, Dolores Harper, Greshaun Hunt, Robert Leachman, Connie Olson, Veronica Ornelas, Susanne Orsini, and Pat Stingle.  Hunt, from Maintenance & Operation, was named Classified Employee of the Year. 

Four staff members were nominated for the Charlie Sianez Exceptional Service Award:  Professors Joyce Bishop and Carol Grimes; Dean of Social Sciences, Doug Larson; and EOPS Counselor, Chip Marchbank.  Professor Grimes was the recipient of the award.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the honorees!

Jim Reck, GWC Teacher of the Year	Carol Grimes, Charlie Sianez Exceptional Service Award recipient	Greshaun Hunt, GWC Employee of the Year

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