2018 Community Pride Santa Maria

LIVING ON THE

Central Coast

00 1

A2 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

PLUMBING REPAIR 925-9612

The Lanini Plumbing Story Lanini’s Plumbing Repair, INC. founded in 1970 by Roland and Eloise Lanini.

We have been in business for 48 years. Proudly servicing the Central Coast.

We are here to service all of your plumbing needs. Established back in the good ole days our team takes pride in serving Santa Maria and surrounding areas. Our crew consists of Eloise Lanini- Owner, David HernandezContractor, Betty Small, Cheryl Salazar, Austin Hedrick, Mario Diaz-Padilla, Jake Sullivan, Brian Mason and Julio Regino. Roland Lanini went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2012. He would be proud to see that the company continues on. Eloise Lanini has a heart for their company and is proud to keep it going for all these years.

On the Fourth of July, and every other day, we salute our flag and service men and women. We pay tribute to those men and women that have Santa Maria Valley served our country so diligently, with honor and pride. We are Proud to be Wine Trolley Americans and blessed by our country. Thank you for your service!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Eloise Lanini & Lanini’s Plumbing Crew Call us before you try others Se Hablo Espanol Military & Senior Discount

805-925-9612

Call Lanini’s Plumbing Repair, INC.

Est. 1970 - Proudly owned and operated by Eloise Lanini

00 1

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | A3

00 1

A4 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

STRATEGIC NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY INITIATIVES

AGRICULTURE

WINE TOURISM

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

RENEWABLE ENERGY CLEANTECH

OIL & GAS

HIGH TECH ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Agriculture Initiative The EconAlliance Ag Initiative celebrates the important role that agriculture plays in our Northern Santa Barbara County economy and quality of life. Agriculture is Santa Barbara County’s #1 economic sector.

County ag (most of which is located in North County) contributes $2.8 billion in direct economic output and an additional $1 billion in expenditures by ag companies and employees to Santa Barbara County, according to the Santa Barbara County Ag Commissioner’s 2016 Economic Contributions of Santa Barbara County Agriculture report. Agriculture can be credited with providing 25,370 jobs. Top crops in the county are strawberries (#1), wine grapes (#2) and broccoli (#3), with the top three organic products being strawberries, spinach and cauliflower. County agriculturalists ship to over 40 countries, with the top three exports being strawberries, broccoli and cauliflower. Canada, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and the UK are the top Ag Initiative Co-Chair; Steve Jordan, Ag Initiative Co-Chair George Adam, five export markets for County ag. The ag sector produces over 100 different ag commodities and attracts Baroda Farms, Ag Initiative Co-Chair Innovative Produce and/or sustains a wealth of ag-related support businesses, from irrigation and environmental analysis to construction and food safety monitoring, making for a healthy, diverse sector featuring jobs at all skill and education levels. Local ag and ag-related companies employ not only entry-level farmworkers, but field technicians and supervisors, to operations specialists, to professional, scientific and business consultants and ag executives with university and graduate degrees.

EconAlliance has hosted an agricultural forum every other year since 2014 to celebrate the North County ag sector and educate the public and policymakers about ag contributions, issues, opportunities and innovation. The 2014 ag forum was held in Lompoc and featured California Department of Food and Ag (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross as keynote and the 2016 ag forum celebrated North County “Diamond Families”, those multi-generational families in the row-crop business for 75 years or more.

“Growing Possibilities” Ag Forum: February 2018 The most recent “Growing Possibilities” Ag Forum (February 2018) was chaired by Lorena Chavez and celebrated the strawberry sector’s Pioneer Families. It featured former California Department of Food and Ag secretary and Orange County grower A.G. Kawamura as keynote, with Rabobank economist Dr. Roland Fumasi presenting an analysis of the berry sector. Other speakers and participants included: Santa Barbara County Ag Commissioner Cathy Fisher on Agriculture: 2017 Revisited, and Moderator Claire Wineman, president, Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties leading a panel discussion (Ag Opportunities & Challenges) with panelists Alexandra Allen (Main Street Produce/Freshway Farms), Carolyn O’Donnell (California Strawberry Commission), Andrew Rice (Reiter Affiliated Companies), and Jim Stollberg (Growers Ag Labor/Maverick Farming Company).

Paul Allen accepting for Alton Allen Family Abel Maldonado, Sr., Family

Abel Maldonado, Sr.

2018 EconAlliance “Growing Possibilities” Ag Forum Chair Lorena Chavez, L&G Farming and DL Farm Management and past chair, California Strawberry Commission

Keynote speaker former CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura

Featured speaker Rabobank Bill Moncovich, receiving special economist Dr. Roland Fumasi recognition for California Giant

2018SpecialRecognitionAwardeeDarenGee,center.LtoR,EconAlliance executivedirectorJenelleOsborne,SupervisorSteveLavagnino,event chairpersonLorenaChavez,SupervisorJoanHartmann,AgInitiative co-chairGeorgeAdamandStevePepe,EconAllianceBoardpresident

Luis Chavez (l) and Miguel Chavez (r) with Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino

Sheehy family’s Bob and Terry were honored in absentia

Exhibit of major event sponsor Allan Hancock College

Northern Santa Barbara County Workforce & Literacy Initiative (WALI) EconAlliance gathered 75 regional stakeholders in April to hear about progress on five Northern Santa Barbara County Workforce and Literacy Initiative (WALI) goals. WALI co-founders EconAlliance and United Way, with Allan Hancock College and other education, workforce and economic stakeholder partners, articulated the regional, collaborative WALI goals in 2014.

The challenges were daunting: only forty-six percent of 4th – 11th graders tested proficient or above in literacy, with over sixty percent of students entering Allan Hancock College reading below high school level, and the County faced a shortage of 5,000 spaces for quality, licensed child care. Low adult literacy and a dearth of employable local candidates for high skill family-wage jobs in the region also provided WALI motivation.

The 2020 North County WALI goals are to 1) double associate and bachelor degrees attained 2) double Career Technical Education/vocational certificates 3) foster success of 1000 adults/year in gaining 8th grade English reading level 4) reduce by half the number of students grades 3-11 not reading at grade level and 5) increase licensed childcare spaces by 1000.

Forum speakers included Cary Gray, WALI Data Chair and President/CEO of Academic-Scholar and Assessments USA/Canada, who annually produces WALI statistics; Kevin Walthers, President/ Superintendent, Allan Hancock College (AHC); Luke Ontiveros, Superintendent, Santa Maria-Bonita School District; Andria Keiser, Asst. Professor/Coordinator, English as a Second Language (ESL) Noncredit, Allan Hancock College and Eileen Monahan, First 5 Santa Barbara County.

Gray shared that the region is doing well in doubling associate degrees, with attainment up over 46% since 2014. Understandably, Allan Hancock College provides the bulk of the increase, with AHC associate degree attainment in the latest year provided being at nearly 1,300. Santa Barbara Business College (33 associate degrees) and Laurus College (57 associate degrees) made up the balance of the increase. Bachelors’ degree attainment in North County slipped since 2014. Embry-Riddle University departed, and program changes have been made by local bachelors’ degree providers.

Bachelors’ degree attainment remains a challenge, due to a shortage of bachelor degree education providers in Northern Santa Barbara County. CTE/vocational certificate attainment grew 19%.

Allan Hancock, with certificates in 82 disciplines, once again was the major contributor to this growth. Dr. Walthers also called attention to the huge California Community College investment in career technical education and the positive results that has had.

Goal #3, the fostering of eighth grade English literacy for 1000 adults, is difficult to measure. Provider entities use different assessments and success measures. WALI has, however, generated momentum to align metrics, with several providers to meet this summer for alignment discussions.

As to reducing by half the number of North County students reading below grade level in 4th-11th grades, Superintendent Luke Ontiveros reframed the goal and reminded partners that reading well is not enough - today’s students will have 10-14 jobs by 38 years old, so “literacy” should include the ability to adapt and succeed in ever-changing environments.

Goal #5 (1000 new licensed child care spaces) will be attained this year, but First 5 speaker Eileen Monahan encouraged a continuing focus on 0-5 year olds as beneficial for addressing all five WALI goals.

Victoria Conner, Initiatives Director for EconAlliance, emphasized the “why” of WALI. In addition to its obvious child, student, adult learner and workforce benefits, she cited ProLiteracy.com: “a 1% improvement in community literacy generates a 1.5% increase in community GDP”. United Way CEO Eddie Taylor wrapped with a claim that the community has now taken ownership of WALI and the only question remaining is “Where will partners take the Initiative next?”

See www.WALI2020.com and http://www.econalliance.org/strategies/education-workforce-development/ Thanks to April 2018 WALI Forum sponsors:

00 1

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | A5

EconAlliance leads several initiatives in its effort to celebrate and sustain target growth industries and provide foundational support for these industries and North County communities.

Sampling of Initiative activities continues next page UNIVERSITY ATTRACTION

WORKFORCE & LITERACY INITIATIVE (WALI)

GLOBAL TRADE

DURT

INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORTATION, LOGISTICS

Energy Initiative: 2018 Santa Barbara Foundation & EconAlliance Energy Forum PHOTO BY FRANK COWAN

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton, the Santa Barbara Foundation and EconAlliance sponsored a forum on Northern Santa Barbara County Energy issues: Energy: Can’t Live With It, Can’t Live Without It. The discussion between stakeholders, policy makers, academics, economists, and regional leaders focused on energy technologies and their role in the economic wellbeing of Northern Santa Barbara County. The goal was for a civil discourse to provide a better understanding regarding a secure and varied energy future, continued environmental leadership, robust economic growth, sustainability, and the importance of job creation in Northern Santa Barbara County.

Audience members listen to the stakeholders’ panel discussion on how nonprofits, employees, and other communities are affected by energy options, costs and policies.

PHOTO BY FRANK COWAN

Holly Sierra, Mayor, City of Buellton, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the recent economic developments in the city including new hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Dr. Peter Rupert, Executive Director of the University of California Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project, presented the keynote address regarding the Facts of Life About the Economic Impact of North County Energy. He presented the facts and figures on all forms of energy and their impact on employment opportunities ranging from oil, electric, natural gas, solar and wind. Ron Gallo, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Foundation moderated a stakeholder panel responding to the information presented by Dr. Rupert. The panelists included Kenneth Kahn, Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians; Dave Rodriguez, California Immediate Past State Director and Former National Vice President for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Ashley Costa, Executive Director of Lompoc Valley Community Health Organization.

The final panel was moderated by Mike Brown, Former CEO of Santa Barbara County and focused on regulator and policymakers’ reactions at the regional and state level. Steve Lavagnino, Santa Barbara County Supervisor for the 5th District; Das Williams, Santa Barbara County Supervisor for the 1st District; and Jason Marshall, Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Conservation participated in a lively discussion regarding current oil and gas operations and the need and limitations at the county level with implementing solar and wind power sources.

Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, shares how the tribe is implementing energy conservation and efficiency efforts on the reservation and the resort during the Santa Barbara Foundation and EconAlliance’s Energy Forum.

Michael Lopez, of the Plumbers and Pipefitters of Local 114, makes a comment during the Energy Forum.

The stakeholders panel discussed the various energy resources being used by their organization, the impact of the jobs in these industries, and how the revenue generated from these industries is used throughout the county and effects nonprofits, the workforce, and community resources. The Chumash presented examples of the alternative water conservation and solar power programs utilized both on tribal homes and the resort to reduce the impact on their nation and surrounding communities. The regulator and policymaker panel answered question about current limitations to the oil and gas industry mandated by the state as well as the lack of policies supporting renewables in Santa Barbara County.

All were committed to finding and supporting new and modern energy forms while supporting traditional energy sources to bridge the gap between current demands and a desire to change what energy forms we need. The audience asked thoughtful and informed questions, such as why the county buildings do not have solar panels.

PHOTO BY FRANK COWAN

Dr. Rupert posited that people are more alike than not and want the same things: robust health; a good job; a nice, affordable home; pristine, abundant nature; safe and productive schools; and a clean, well-lighted place. To have these it is up to us to make good choices, understand all impacts of our decisions, and think about a general equilibrium.

Questions like how to produce energy, how much pollution should there be, how safe should our cars be, and who to tax or subsidize impact the choices made. The presentation included data showing the impact of these choices on the economy, household options, job growth and energy availability across all sectors. Dr. Rupert concluded a comprehensive plan is required for transportation options, energy efficiency, and general equilibrium effects noting that alternative and fossil fuels can coexist and that there are no unintended consequences.

EconAlliance Energy Forum panel members, from left, Kenneth Kahn, tribal chairman of Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Dave Rodriquez, past state director for League of United Latin American Citizens, and Ashley Costa, executive director of the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, listen as Santa Maria Councilman Mike Cordero makes a comment about energy production in the area.

The event concluded with a Wine Reception featuring Kita and Clos Pepe Wines. EconAlliance and Santa Barbara Foundation appreciate the support of the even sponsors Allan Hancock College, ERG, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, WSPA, Clos Pepe Vineyard, Aera, Construction Services Specialty, Pacific Petroleum California, Inc., and PG&E.

Wine and Tourism Initiative: 2017 EconAlliance Wine Forum For several years now, EconAlliance has supported ongoing public and policymaker education regarding the potential economic and job impacts of County wine and tourism regulations such as the potential changes to the County Wine Ordinance and Short-term Rental locations and numbers. Currently, EconAlliance Board president Steve Pepe, Co-Founder of Clos Pepe Vineyards LLC, in cooperation with the Santa Barbara Vintners Association, encourages recognition of the value and vulnerability of the wine and tourism sectors.

Nearly 200 vintners, public officials, economic stakeholders and industry leaders gathered Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott for the EconAlliance Wine Forum organized in cooperation with the Santa Barbara Vintners Association. Keynote speaker Rob McMillan, VP/Founder, Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division, gave some surprising statistics, comparing Santa Barbara County to Napa, San Luis Obispo and other counties. Wine quality is world-class, but tourism and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales are not competitive with other key wine regions due to a variety of factors, as evidenced by dialogue among DTC panelists Francesca Lindley (Sanford), Katy Rogers (Jackson Family Wines) and Sonja Magdevski (Casa Dumetz). Moderator Gabe Saglie of Travelzoo and Santa Barbara NewsPress generated discussion among tourism panelists Glenn Morris (Santa Maria Chamber and Visitors Bureau), Paul Patel (Explore Lompoc), Shelby Sim (Visit SVY) and Jennifer Walker (Visit Santa Barbara) about how marketing collaboration could be enhanced. The forum ended with a panel entitled “Visitors, Venues and Regulations”, featuring panelists Das Williams (1st District Supervisor, Santa Barbara County); Steve Lavagnino (5th District Supervisor, Santa Barbara County); and John Peschong (1st District Supervisor, San Luis Obispo County). Moderator Mike Brown, former Santa Barbara County CEO and Director of the Coalition of Labor, Ag and Business for San Luis Obispo County, had panelists draw comparisons between the two counties as to wine and tourism support.

The day ended with a reception featuring Kità and other Santa Barbara County wines and hors’ d’oeuvres. Premier Event Sponsor for the event was the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, with event sponsors Clos Pepe, Aera Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Soilmoisture Equipment Company, and Halsell Builders also supporting.

Santa Barbara Wine Country is one of the most diverse wine grape growing regions on the planet. Its 25,000+ planted acres produce nearly three million cases of world-class and award-winning chardonnay, pi not noir, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, syrah and 50 other varietals. Its nearly 200 wineries, stunning vineyards, and trendy tasting rooms make Santa Barbara County’s northern Wine Country a must-see wine destination.

Seven of the County’s nine wine routes lie north of Santa Barbara, in the region’s six federally designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara.

The economic impact of Santa Barbara Wine Country is impressive, with the sector supporting around 9,000 jobs, providing $101.7 million in Federal taxes, $93.6 million in State and local taxes, and $2.4 million in Santa Barbara County non-profit contributions. Total economic impact (Economic Impact of Santa Barbara County’s Wine & Grapes, 2013) is $1.7 billion in Santa Barbara County, with an estimated $2 billion potential, assuming expanded wine making capacity.

Santa Barbara Wine Country’s family vineyards feature a host of year-round activities of interest to visitors and residents alike -vineyard tours, library and barrel tastings, winemaker dinners, and cause-focused events. Local tasting rooms also maintain full calendars of wine-lover activities.

The wine industry is inextricably linked to tourism in the region, but wine is not the only attraction in the areas northern Santa Barbara Count. In addition to the Chumash resort featuring gaming, spa services and fine dining, the area boasts two California missions (Mission Santa Inez and La Purisima in Lompoc), Santa Maria BBQ, annual rodeo, golf, surfing, professional theater (Pacific Conservatory Theatre -PCPA in Santa Maria, Festival Theater in Solvang), nature walks, cycling events, trendy “Little L.A:’ (Los Alamos), the wine-tasting hotspot of Los Olivos, the charming western town of Santa Ynez, the Guadalupe Dunes (site of Cecil B. DeMilles’ Ten Commandments film.)

00 1

Francesca Lindley with Sanford, Katy Rogers with Jackson Family Wines and Sonja Magdevski of Casa Dumetz share insights on how wineries attract, maintain and grow visitors and customers to their brand, wineries and tasting rooms on the Wine Industry Panel.

The forum ended with a panel entitled “Visitors, Venues and Regulations”, featuring panelists Das Williams, 1st District Supervisor, Santa Barbara County; Steve Lavagnino, 5th District Supervisor, Santa Barbara County; and John Peschong, 1st District Supervisor, San Luis Obispo County; drawing successes and differences between the two counties.

The Tourism Panel members Jennifer Walker with Visit Santa Barbara, Shelby Sim of Visit SVY, Glenn Morris with the Santa Maria Chamber and Visitors Bureau, and Paul Patel of Explore Lompoc discuss how marketing collaboration could be enhanced.

A6 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

The mission of EconAlliance is to create a high performance, globally competitive regional economy.

EconAlliance is a nonprofit organization established in 2012. It began as a grassroots effort by a diverse group of North County economic and community leaders interested in increasing family-wage jobs by supporting innovation and championing the key growth industry sectors that fuel North County’s economic prosperity. EconAlliance drives positive North County economic impact through advocacy, strategic initiatives and programs that support target industry sectors.

The organization is committed to bold collaboration and the leveraging of regional assets and talent to enhance Chamber, City and County economic development efforts. EconAlliance provides the dynamic inspiration for a high performance, globally competitive, Northern Santa Barbara County economy.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

STAFF

President Stephen Pepe Co-Founder, Clos Pepe Vineyards

Sam Cohen, Gov’t & Legal Affairs Representative Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Jenelle Osborne, Executive Director josborne@EconAlliance.org | 805-452-7574

Vice President Joe Halsell President/CEO, Halsell Builders

Lawnae Hunter, Founder/Founding President Plus Property Management

Victoria Conner, Initiatives Director initiatives@EconAlliance.org | 805-345-0688

Secretary Philip Adam Production Supervisor, Innovative Produce

Francesca Lindley, General Manager Coastal Vineyard Care Associates

Treasurer Mike Sell Vice President, Pacific Western Bank

Rick Rust, Public Affairs Project Manager Aera Energy LLC

Immediate Past President Mike Kirkwood Mortgage Loan Originator, Guild Mortgage

www.econalliance.org Contact info@econalliance.org to receive the EconAlliance newsletter

STEM Industry Days 2018: Week of July 23, 2018 PURPOSE OF STEM INDUSTRY DAYS

Provide youth from Northern Santa Barbara County affordable housing neighborhoods and low-income families a STEM* career awareness-building opportunity. Offer them: • • • •

a chance to meet STEM professionals a view of STEM careers and jobs in different industries information on skills/education for certain STEM careers participation in four interactive workshops featuring

STEM industry professionals aligning “real-world” STEM work with science, technology, engineering and math.

OVERVIEW OF STEM INDUSTRY DAYS

STEM workshops for students led by STEM industry professionals with educator support. Each day, each student attendee will participate in one science, one technology, one engineering and one math-related workshop aligned with real industry work (estimated 120 students per day, 15 per workshop).

STEM WORKSHOP DAYS: • • • •

TUES, JULY 24TH, affordable housing’s incoming 9th – 12th graders (at Santa Maria HS) WED, JULY 25TH, affordable housing’s incoming 7th/8th graders (at Tommie Kunst Jr. HS) THURS, JULY 26TH, affordable housing’s incoming 5th & 6th graders (at Tommie Kunst Jr. HS) FRI, JULY 27TH, affordable housing’s incoming 5th – 12th graders – industry/STEM tours

EconAlliance is partnering with numerous organizations to provide Northern Santa Barbara County youth from affordable housing and low-income families in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Lompoc, etc., this unique STEM careerawareness-building opportunity. Partners include: • • • • • • • •

Santa Maria Joint Unified High School District (teacher support, venue) Santa Maria-Bonita School District (teacher support, venue) Dozen+ North County companies (volunteer workshop presentation, and/or company tours) Allan Hancock College (tour – MakerSpace) Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (student attendee coordination) Housing Authority of Santa Barbara County (student attendees) Boys and Girls Club SMV & Lompoc (student attendee coordination) Numerous organizations (e.g. the Santa Maria Chamber & Economic Development Commission, United Way, Santa Barbara Foundation, numerous companies) are providing volunteer hours in planning or staffing the event • Numerous organizations are providing event sponsorship or attendee scholarships *Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

STEM INDUSTRY DAYS SUPPORTERS TO DATE – THANK YOU! Student Sponsors Student sponsors still being recruited!

EVENT SPONSORS

Aera Energy Comcast EconAlliance ERG Resources PG&E Jay Conner, Realtor-C-21 Hometown

STUDENT SPONSORS

Academic Scholar Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Santa Maria Rotary South Santa Maria Valley Kiwanis Soilmoisture The Rotary Club of Santa Maria United Way

Like to sponsor a student, or host a tour of your STEM-related business?

STEM INDUSTRY DAYS Contact: Victoria Conner, EconAlliance Initiatives Director v.conner@StrategicVitalityLLC.com 805-345-0688

Computer Doctor District Export Council Discovery Museum Guild Mortgage ERG Resources

Hardy Diagnostics Innovative Produce Mob Armor Nagy Wines OEC

Sponsor 50 Students ($5000) STEM Career video sponsor recognition Intro at 15-min “Welcome” session, each day and all benefits mentioned below Sponsor 25 Students ($2500) Logo recognition on event banner and all benefits mentioned below Sponsor 10 Students ($1000) Organization logo on event tee-shirt Logo in event program and all benefits mentioned below Sponsor 5 Students ($500) Name on “Scholarship Donors” easel and all benefits mentioned below Support the Event ($250) Name in program EconAlliance website/newsletter recognition Opportunity to provide event “swag” Sponsor One Student ($100) Name in program

Company Volunteer Opportunities

Industry Workshop Companies and/or Tour Provider Organizations Aera Energy Allan Hancock College Atlas Copco Blosser Urban Garden Chumash Resort Hotel

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Pacific Coast Energy Pacific Premier Bank Santa Maria Energy VMUV (Virtual Reality company)

Companies with STEM-Related Work: Provide a STEM working professional to design and deliver an age-appropriate 45-minute STEM workshop Offer tour(s) of your STEM-related corporation or company

Thanks to Our Supporters/Sponsors For information about supporting the work of EconAlliance, a 501c3 nonprofit, visit www.EconAlliance.org/supporters and click on “EAF Benefits”. EconAlliance thanks these organizations for their support.

00 1

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

JULY/AUGUST 2018 |

A7

SMART CHANGE | HOW TO HELP CHILDREN UNDERSTAND FINANCIAL ISSUES

Teach your kids about money early, often Money management for youth Here are some ways parents can begin teaching their children money management skills, even from a very young age:

1

Start early

2

Focus on savings

3

Share your own financial missteps

4

Encourage careful credit use

Teaching kids good financial habits can begin when children are around 5 years old, or when they typically begin asking for an allowance, according to a guide for parents published by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), a nonprofit focused on financial literacy.

Parents can expect their child to spend their allowance all at once but should use that as an opportunity to discuss how to treat the next week’s allowance, for example.

“There are many things at actually quite a young age that children will understand,” said Ted Beck, the NEFE’s president and CEO. As children hit their preteen years, NEFE’s guide also suggests parents explain how budgets work, as well as the basic principles of investing. The lesson could include playing at being an investor by identifying a company their child knows and encourage them to track the stock’s gains or losses.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Volunteer Kurt Kern, lower right, a financial adviser, explains different options for savings and investments to a group of high school seniors April 5 during the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Real Life Academy at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire, Wis.

Lifelong skills can be learned at a young age ing to a report released this summer by the Programme for Interpart-time summer job can national Student Assessment. teach teens the value of The organization, which evalearning a paycheck, but not uated financial literacy among thousands of necessarily how to manage their money wisely.

That’s a job parents should take on, and the earlier the better, experts say.

Teaching teens the basics of saving, following a budget and the principles behind responsibly managing checking and credit accounts can instill healthy financial habits that will serve them well as adults.

But many U.S. teens aren’t being taught these skills, accordALEX VEIGA

Associated Press

A

15-year-olds in 14 countries, concluded that one in five American teens lack basic-level skills, more than in Russia, China or Poland.

“Financial literacy is a key component to understanding general money management and credit basics, but a majority of American teens are not financially literate,” said Heather Battison, vice president at credit reporting company TransUnion.

“This is why it’s imperative for parents to have conversations with their teens about money in order to start a good foundation for financial literacy and help prepare teens for financial independence.”

Encourage kids to set aside money they get for doing chores or presents in their own savings account. This will help show them the importance of saving up for a big purchase and how bank savings accounts work.

“Putting some money away reinforces that they have to make decisions and be responsible,” Beck said.

When a child is between 5 and 10 years old, it’s an ideal time to take them to set them up with a savings account, which can help them learn the value of saving and compounding interest, even at today’s low interest rates. Many banks offer savings accounts tailored for young children as well as teens. Ally Bank has an online savings account that doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement and currently offers a 1.05 percent annual percentage yield. Capital One Financial offers a savings account for kids with no fees or minimum balance and currently offers a 0.75 percent annual percentage yield.

Parents should be open to discussing their own financial mistakes with their kids, as long as the concepts in the lesson would be something their children are old enough to understand, Beck said. “It’s OK to show you’ve made some mistakes and what you learned, but do it as a discussion, not a lecture,” he said.

Kids under 18 are not allowed to open a credit card account on their own. Use of prepaid gift cards in high school can help establish good credit use habits. Parents with kids going away to college may want to add the student to their card to cover books or emergency expenses. A shared card account also can help parents keep tabs on their kids’ spending and payment habits. Either way, parents should make sure their teen knows that credit cards are loans and that there is a cost to not paying off balances right away.

“Explain to them the importance of responsible credit management like paying bills on time and using a small portion of their available credit to maintain a low credit utilization,” Battison said.

“We hear from consumers often that have low credit scores because of some misstep that they made when they were younger.”

SMART CHANGE | YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

The truth about retiring abroad LIZ WESTON | NerdWallet

T

he world is full of tropical paradises and other exotic places where a couple can live comfortably on $2,000 a month or less. Plus, good health care abroad can cost a fraction of what it does in the U.S. If living more cheaply is the only reason you’d retire to another country, though, you’re likely to be unhappy.

Expatriate Dan Prescher says he’s seen “economic refugees” suffer when they discover how different daily life can be in other places.

“No matter what else the United States is, it is probably the most convenient country on the planet,” says Prescher, a senior editor at International Living who currently lives in Ecuador. “You can get almost anything you want, almost any time you want with a phone call or the click of a mouse. The rest of the world is just not like that.”

Another long-time expat, Kathleen Peddicord, says people who successfully retire abroad leave their expectations at the border and “learn what questions not to ask.” Questions like, “Why is the sales clerk answering her phone in the middle of checking out a customer?” or “How can it take four months to install a new kitchen countertop?”

“Real control freaks struggle,” says Peddicord, publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, who lives in Paris. “I speak from firsthand experience.”

People who do well living abroad tend to have some things in common, Peddicord and Prescher say.

00 1

5 destinations that could work AREQUIPA, PERU: Low living costs combined with good infrastructure make Peru one of International Living’s top 10 places to retire for 2018. Arequipa offers big-city amenities — it’s the country’s second largest, with more than 800,000 people — and a “spring-like” moderate climate year round.

1

CASCAIS, PORTUGAL: Portugal is one of Europe’s most affordable places to live, combining modern amenities with an Old World vibe. Cascais, a coastal resort town about 20 miles west of Lisbon, is a former royal retreat complete with a 15th century fortress turned palace, a busy marina and spotless streets.

2

CAYO, BELIZE: Belize is popular with U.S. expats for good reasons: English is the official language, and the country exempts qualified retirees from many taxes. Away from the more crowded Caribbean coastline, the inland Cayo district offers rainforests, lovely rivers and fertile soil for gardeners.

3

LAS TERRENAS, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: French settlers on Dominican Republic’s northeast peninsula give Las Terrenas a European flair, complete with French bakeries and residents who greet each other with kisses on both cheeks.

A new international airport nearby offers easy travel.

4

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA: Retirees looking for big-city living at budget prices should check out Cambodia’s capital city. Phnom Penh offers some of the lowest living costs of all the expat-friendly options, so that even modest retirement incomes can buy a life of relative luxury.

5

Have a purpose

We all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It can be challenging to find that purpose when you’re struggling with language and cultural differences, Peddicord says. After 20 years of living abroad, however, she’s convinced having purpose is key to a positive experience in a new place.

Every unhappy retiree she’s known failed to find motivation and devolved into what she calls “the complaining expat.”

“You find these folks holding court on

barstools across the world,” she says.

The happy ones may take up a long-deferred hobby, learn a new language or start a business, but many expat retirees find their purpose by volunteering.

“I know dozens of expat-retirees in different places who are volunteering as teachers, in orphanages, in single-mother facilities,” Peddicord says. “This can be the best way to become a real part of your new community.”

Get your spouse on board

Often one member of a couple is more enthusiastic than the other, and it may take a vacation in the proposed location to win over the uncertain spouse. But Prescher warns that dragging a truly reluctant spouse abroad is likely to backfire.

“You see one spouse just suffering through it hoping that in a year or two it will be out of the other spouse’s system, and they can go back home and live the way they want to,” Prescher says.

Have a re-entry plan

Many expat retirees intend to return to the U.S. someday, and even those who expect to live abroad indefinitely can change their minds. A re-entry plan could mean renting the family home instead of selling it, or setting aside enough money to fund a return. Prescher and Peddicord also recommend signing up for Medicare at 65, even though that government health care program can only be used in the U.S. The reason: The part of Medicare that pays for doctor’s visits and other costs, Part B, has a hefty penalty for not signing up when you’re eligible. Monthly Part B premiums increase 10 percent for each year someone could have had Medicare Part B but did not.

Have a sense of adventure

The best candidates are open-minded, unafraid of change and ready to embrace the new and unexpected, Peddicord says.

Plus, “You need to be able to laugh it off when the repairman stands you up for the fourth time in a row,” Peddicord says.

A8 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

STYLE A

Feast

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

Janet Silveria, President & CEO

00 1

EDUCATION AT

Allan Hancock College

Hancock celebrates record-setting 97th Commencement

00 1

Allan Hancock College celebrated the end of a record-setting year during the college’s 97th annual Commencement held May 24 on the Santa Maria campus. A record 1,009 students earned a record 1,527 associate degrees in 96 different majors. The number of degrees earned jumped eight percent over the record set in 2016-17. Students also earned 853 certificates of achievement, a four-percent increase over the record set in 2017.

“Allan Hancock College is your community college,” said Hilda Zacarías, president of the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees. “It is a place to imagine your future and a place to make it happen. Whether you are going to continue your education at the university level or start a new career, this marks the start of your new journey.”

Fifty-seven percent of the 1,009 graduating students were female, and the median age of students graduating was 24. Thir-

Foundation awarded 410 scholarships worth nearly $500,000 to 318 students during its annual awards banquet. Scholarships ranged from $500-10,000. A scholarship committee comprised of 15 Hancock faculty and staff determined the recipients from more than 1,100 applications.

Since 2013, the Allan Hancock College Foundation has awarded 1,948 students a total of $2,868,000 in scholarships.

This was the fifth straight year the foundation awarded 400 or more scholarships totaling around $500,000.

Continue reading to learn why the 2018-19 academic year promises to be another historic and memorable one with the inaugural class of The Hancock Promise arriving on campus this fall. More than 1,000 students will receive Members of Allan Hancock College’s 97th Graduating Class pose moments before the commencement ceremony. their first year free at Allan Hancock College due to the initiative funded entirely through commuty-one percent of the graduating graduates received honors for for 4.0 GPAs. class earned two or more degrees. having 3.5-3.99 grade point averThe evening before commence- nity support from businesses and One-hundred and eighty-five ages, while 11 received high honors ment, the Allan Hancock College college supporters.

B2 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

IT’S TIME TO

RAISE THE BARN OUR TO DO LIST:

skills for th essential training and wi s nt de stu e id ov Pr F 21st century jobs ordability Promise to increase aff k oc nc Ha e Th ict er Off F r all students in the distr and access to college fo ur-year dents transferring to fo stu of r be m nu e as cre F In universities state r acceptance rate in the fe ns tra t es gh hi e th in F Atta straight year to Cal Poly for the 17th d their ings that have surpasse F Replace aging build lifespan g, s and labs for high-payin F Modernize classroom high-demand careers

NEXT STEPS...

Completing our to-do list requires a focus on Hancock’s aging facilities.

Our community deserves a college with 21st century technology, classrooms, labs, educational buildings, and facilities.

Nearly half of the buildings on Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus were built in the 1960s, more than 50 years ago. They are outdated, deteriorating, run down, and it is time for them to be replaced.

To make these critical improvements, Hancock has placed a bond measure on the November 2018 ballot. The bond measure will ensure Hancock continues to provide affordable, quality higher education for students and working families throughout Northern Santa Barbara County.

The bond measure will build state-of-the-art classrooms, improve technology, and allow for the expansion of career training programs and facilities to prepare students for 21st century careers and high-paying jobs in fields like biotech, engineering, construction, sports medicine, technology, agriculture, parks and recreation, and public safety.

More specifically, the bond provides for building new facilities on the Santa Maria campus, such as the state-of-the-art Technical Design and Fine Arts Complex, upgrades to the aging physical education complex and to the Public Safety Training Center in Lompoc, as well as the modernization of equipment for PCPA to enhance student training and performances at the Solvang Festival Theater.

ACCOUNTABILITY. OVERSIGHT. The size of the 2018 bond is $75 million, but it removes $34 million in bonds previously approved by voters as part of Measure I in 2006.

Therefore, the net funds issued by the 2018 bond will be $41 million.

The cost to the average homeowner will be $11 per every $100,000 of assessed evaluation. That is assessed value - not market value.

Taxpayer accountability and transparency measures are built into the bond measure. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will oversee how bond funds are spent by the college’s Board of Trustees. By law, the college must undergo an annual independent financial audit of bond funding.

For more information on the November 2018 Hancock bond, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/2018bond 00 1

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | B3

STUDENT PROFILES

FEDERICO BALDAN

YESENIA BEAS

SHANE CARNEY

Baldan earned an associate degree in business administration. He was one of 11 students who graduated with High Honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Beas earned associate degrees in psychology and liberal arts. She took an active role on campus while a student at Hancock.

He moved to the United States from Italy when he was 16 years old. His passion for community service started at an early age.

He raised funds to finance the construction of an elementary school in Ethiopia, later volunteering at the school to teach English to children and help them build a community garden.

Over the last year, Beas served as student trustee, representing the student body on Allan Hancock College’s Board of Trustees.

Guided by the principle that everyone has the right to an education, she also served as president of the Dream Club, leading the charge for a Dream Center on campus. Beas spent time as the director of student advocacy for the Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) and organized numerous events including Earth Day and International Women’s Day. Beas also worked as a student ambassador, spending more than 300 hours leading tours, working Food Share Because We Care, Bulldog Bound, and several outreach events in the community.

Carney graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts. Carney walked across the stage at commencement about 18 months after surviving a car accident that nearly took his life. He required bypass surgery to remove a massive blood clot in his right arm. He is grateful for the overwhelming support and kindness he has received from staff at Hancock over the years to help him succeed.

A member of the college’s Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Baldan scored three goals and assisted on four others during two seasons as a defender on the men’s soccer team.

While in the United States, Baldan launched Ortofrutta Online, a company that sells organic groceries online and delivers them anywhere in Padua, Italy within 24 hours.

The company already has 3,000 customers in Italy.

Baldan will transfer to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the fall to pursue bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science.

00 1

Beas will transfer in the fall to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and major in psychology. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and a doctorate. She has ambitions to return to Hancock as an academic counselor in an effort to give back to a college that has helped her so much over the years.

After more than a year of rehabilitation and workouts, Carney returned to the basketball court this season and led the Hancock men’s basketball team to its deepest postseason run in 44 years and a 23-win season. The all-conference and all-state guard led the Bulldogs in scoring at 17.5 points and 5.2 assists per game. He set program records for most 3-pointers made in a single-season with 102 and most career 3-pointers made with 160. In 71 career games, he averaged 14.7 points per game.

Carney will transfer to a four-year university in the fall to major in business and play basketball. He plans to pursue a career as either a basketball coach, athletic trainer, or sports executive.

ANNALISE KETZ

NANCY RAMIREZ

DANIEL VIVEROS

Ketz earned an associate degree in mathematics with an emphasis on physics.

She was one of 11 students to graduate this year with High Honors and a 4.0 GPA. Ketz received the most prestigious scholarship awarded by the Allan Hancock College Foundation, the Marian Hancock Scholarship.

After more than a decade working in the healthcare industry, and after the birth of her fourth child in 2014, Ramirez began her academic journey as a part-time student. She’s now graduated from Hancock with an associate degree in math and science, as well as a degree in behavioral and mental processes. She will transfer to CSU Chico to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

A first-generation college student and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipient, Viveros graduated with associate degrees in political science and liberal arts: social behavioral sciences.

Ketz was accepted into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

She aims to earn a master’s degree in mathematical physics and become a naval officer. Ultimately, Ketz wants to contribute to the nation’s space exploration program as an astronaut, and become a role model to empower women to pursue careers in science and mathematics.

Ramirez is grateful for her support system through Hancock’s programs such as EOPS, CARE, and CAN. She is thankful for her children and family who supported her as she balanced her role as a mother, her studies, and her work as a Student Ambassador and member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

She was a member of the college’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program and Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Before arriving at Hancock, Ketz attended Space Camp in Alabama and completed a community service project in New Zealand and the Philippines.

As a student ambassador, Ramirez enjoyed connecting with students from all kinds of backgrounds. She would like to encourage all students to never give up, to not be paralyzed by fear, to take advantage of the educational opportunities before them, and to know that it is never too late to start.

Growing up in a single-parent home, Viveros grew up in poverty. When he was 12, his mother suffered an injury at work, forcing him to care for his mother and younger brother. He was expelled from high school for fighting. But rather than end up in prison or dead like many of his childhood friends, Viveros overcame these obstacles with hard work.

After earning his high school diploma through independent study, Viveros worked 60-75 hours per week in construction as a tiler. Eventually, he worked in the local fields picking strawberries and grapes. Then in 2012, he enrolled at Hancock. While still working 12-hour days, Viveros completed one evening class every semester. Six years later, he earned an opportunity to graduate.

Viveros will transfer to UCLA in the fall.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, he plans to become an immigration attorney to help future generations of immigrants overcome obstacles and protect their rights.

B4 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

Learn to earn at Hancock College ‌Eighteen career technical education (CTE) programs at Allan Hancock College were recognized by the state for successfully preparing students for success in the workplace. The award-winning programs were honored as part of the Strong Workforce Stars program, an annual recognition for CTE programs within the California Community Colleges system.

The program used three metrics: an increase in earnings by 50 percent or more; attainment of the regional living wage by 70 percent or more; and 90 percent or more are employed in a job similar to their field of study. Programs that met all three metrics received a gold star. Those that met two of the requirements received a silver star and programs that met one metric received bronze star.

The college’s associate degree in nursing (Licensed Vocation Nursing to Registered Nursing) received a gold star. Graduates showed a 319 percent increase in earnings, 100 percent attained regional living wages, and 100 percent were employed in jobs similar to their field of study.

Two Hancock programs earned silver stars. Graduates of the den-

CONTRIBUTED‌ PHOTOS

Battalion141 recites the Firefighter’s Code of Ethics during Allan Hancock College Fire Academy’s graduation. Nearly half of the 28 cadets already landed jobs with area fire departments. tal assisting program showed a 150 percent increase in earnings and 100 percent were employed in jobs similar to their field of study.

Cosmetology students enjoyed a 53 percent increase in earnings and 100 percent employment in jobs similar to their field of study.

Fifteen programs received bronze stars for meeting one of the three criteria. Ten of the programs were honored for helping students

see an increase in earnings of at least 50 percent: administration of justice (123 percent); technical theatre (302 percent); automotive collision repair (80 percent); registered veterinary technician (73 percent); accounting (64 percent); medical assisting (77 percent); nutrition/culinary arts (77 percent); office technology/computer apps (91 percent); automotive technology (56 percent); and human ser-

Jessika Rios receives her certificate of completion from Hancock’s Law Enforcement Training Academy from Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. Rios will be a deputy with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. vices (91 percent).

Four programs earned bronze stars for at least 70 percent of their students attaining the regional living wage: environmental technology (75 percent); fire technology (89 percent); film production (88 percent); and viticulture, enology and wine business (72 percent).

Hancock’s early childhood studies program earned a bronze star because 100 percent of its students worked in their field of study.

Hancock offers more than 30 CTE programs and nearly 150 degrees and certificates covering a broad range of career options.

Space is still available in dozens of CTE classes offered by the college this fall. Classes begin the week of August 20. Registration remains open until the day before a specific class begins. For more information, visit www. hancockcollege.edu and click on Class Schedule.

Earn a transfer degree and don’t pay for a textbook

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS‌

Hancock transfer students accepted into Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for fall 2018 pose for a photo during Hancock’s annual College Signing Day event.

17 years and counting Hancock students had the highest transfer acceptance rate in the state to Cal Poly for the 17th straight year ‌For the 17th year in a row, Allan Hancock College students had the highest transfer acceptance rate in the state to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Hancock’s transfer acceptance rate of 50.6 percent was more than triple the state average of 15.6 percent.

Cal Poly’s Region 6 Spring Community College Update showed that 342 Hancock students applied to the university for fall 2018 and 173, or 50.6 percent, were accepted.

The accepted students from Hancock had an average grade point average of 3.28. Hancock is one of eight community colleges from five counties included in Cal Poly’s Region 6. Hancock’s transfer acceptance rate was 14 points higher than the college with the second highest rate in the region of 36.4 percent.

This year, Cal Poly received a record 10,971 transfer applications and accepted 1,709 students or 15.6 percent. Despite receiving 2,568 more transfer applications this year, Cal Poly accepted 77 fewer students than in 2017, accounting for a 5.6 percent drop in the overall transfer acceptance rate.

Ashley Brackett, transfer counselor in Hancock’s University Transfer Center, believes that Hancock’s high transfer acceptance rate to Cal Poly is due, in part, to its university transfer counseling process, coupled with the quality of instruction that students receive as they prepare to transfer.

“Our acceptance rate is so high because the college has a high-achieving, transfer-minded student population,” said Brackett. “The college’s counseling and instructional faculty are truly dedicated to student success. Counselors are well trained and aware of what is needed to transfer to fouryear universities.”

Brackett stressed the importance of oneon-one counselor meetings, remaining focused on the exact requirements of each university and making sure students are taking the right courses in the right sequence to transfer.

Over the last seven years, Hancock has posted an average transfer acceptance rate to Cal Poly of 54 percent. The state average during that period is 18.6 percent.

CONTRIBUTED‌

Dozens of transfer students signed commemorative posters during Hancock’s annual College Signing Day. The event recognizes the accomplishments of the students accepted to four-year universities.

Hancock welcomes new Vice President of Academic Affairs ‌Allan Hancock College’s Academic Dean Bob Curry, Ph.D. begins his new position as associate superintendent/vice president of Academic Affairs on July 1. Curry started working at Hancock last July as an academic dean, overseeing the English department and the Academic Resource Center, as well as the library and distance learning resources.

“This college has long played a critical role in the county and in the lives of our students, and I’m eager to contribute to that legacy,” said Curry. “I look forward to working alongside faculty and staff to take advantage of that opportunity to continue to increase the success of our students.”

Curry will serve as a cabinet member and advisor to Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. He will oversee strategic planning, policy development and curriculum development for the college’s instructional programs, including credit, noncredit, community education and non-traditional instruction.

“This is a wonderful campus— very welcoming and passionate about student success. The first day I set foot on campus, both in interviews and other interactions, I sensed a strong commitment to the college mission in everyone I met,” said Curry.

“My time here has only intensi-

fied that initial observation: regardless of job or title, the people who work at Hancock care deeply about ensuring student success.

I’m honored to be part of that.”

Prior to Hancock, Curry spent 13 years at State University of New York (SUNY) Alfred State College. Curry served as dean for the school of arts and sciences his final four years at Alfred State. Curry earned a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature, creative writing from San Francisco State University. He went on to receive a master’s degree CONTRIBUTED‌ in English from California State Bob Curry, new associate University, Chico and a Ph.D. in English from University of Con- superintendent/vice president of Academic Affairs necticut.

‌Allan Hancock College received a $200,000 grant to launch three Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degrees in fall 2018. As part of a pilot program, students will be able to complete the required courses for three associate for transfer degrees without purchasing a single textbook. The three ZTC degrees are associate degrees for transfer in political science, liberal arts – math and science, liberal arts – social and behavioral science.

“The main benefit is cost reduction,” said Jessica Scarffe, a political science professor who is serving as the ZTC project director. “Hancock has a high percentage of first-generation college students and a high percentage of low-income students. Removing textbook costs makes college more accessible and support the college’s student equity effort.”

As a result of the grant, students will be able to choose from more than 20 general education (GE) classes that are ZTC courses, including anthropology, chemistry, economics, political science, history, speech, English, mathematics and sociology.

“There is a lot of support from faculty,” said Scarffe. “Hancock’s commitment to open education resources keeps the college on the cutting edge of educational technology and educational philosophy.”

Nationally, consumer prices for textbooks have climbed 88 percent over the last 10 years. A recent 2017 survey of Hancock students quantifies the impact of textbook prices. Sixty-five percent of students said they dropped or withdrew from a class due to the price of a required textbook.

Sixty-one percent of students spend at least $200 per semester on textbooks. Fifty-three percent did not purchase a required textbook because of the cost, and 45 percent of students did not register for a course because of the price of the textbook.

Using enrollment numbers from 2016-17, the college projects a total of 39,985 students will earn more than 1,000 ZTC degrees during a three-year period after implementation. Based on the premise a student will save $100200 each semester on books, the college projects students will save between $4,000,000 – 8,000,000.

“I think the Zero Textbook Cost program is an amazing movement,” said Hancock student Janet Cruz-Reyes, who served as president of the Associated Student Body Government (ASBG) during the 2017-18 school year. “I am proud to attend a college that finds innovative ways to help students to ensure our success.”

ZTC courses are identified in the online class schedule by a special icon that features a line through a dollar sign. The 2018 fall credit and noncredit class schedules are available at www. 00 1 hancockcollege.edu.

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | B5

Hanc Hancock Welcomes Inaugural Class of The Hancock Promise News of the opportunityy tto receive their first year of tuition free at Allan Hancock College spread ead quick quickly among high school students and their parents in Northern Santa Barbara County. Starting this summer, students who graduate from high schools or obtain a GED or HiSET credential within the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District and immediately enroll at the college receive free tuition and fees for one year through The Hancock Promise.

According to the college’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, 1,223 firsttime students (students who graduated from district high schools in 2018) had registered for fall classes as of mid-June. That represented an increase of 113 percent or 649 additional students than at the same time in June 2017.

Of the 1,223 first-time students, 90 percent, or 1,100 qualified as Hancock Promise students.

All nine of the largest district high schools showed an increase of at least 47 percent in the number of first-time students who had registered for fall classes. Six of the schools showed a triple-digit jump in percentage: Delta High School, 264 percent (14 students to 51); Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, 200 percent (15 to 45); Cabrillo High School, 178 percent (40 to 111); Righetti High School, 163 percent (88 to 231); Pioneer Valley High School, 138 percent (132 to 314); and Lompoc High School, 125 percent (48 to 108).

“The Hancock Promise ensures higher education is as accessible and affordable for our community as possible. The numbers demonstrate the need is there in our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “The college faculty and staff are committed to changing the odds for our community, and The Hancock Promise takes our mission to the next level.”

Promise students save at least $1,200, sign up for classes early with priority registration, set an academic plan for success, and receive personalized counseling, tutoring, and other support services.

“You see the bills and want to help your parents. I was thinking about getting a part-time job,” said Cleopatra Garcia, a member of Pioneer Valley High School’s class of 2018. “Since The Hancock Promise helps you out with college, I don’t have to worry about getting a job anymore. I can just focus on my future.”

“The thought of free tuition is just really awesome,” said Matthew Taczala, who graduated from Maple High School in May 2018. “It was really scary for me thinking about the cost, and it really put me off from college. But knowing that this program at Hancock will pay for the first year, that’s insane and totally changed my outlook.”

In order to be eligible, students must also complete financial aid applications, register for a minimum of 12 units in both the fall and spring semesters at Hancock, maintain a 2.0 grade point average in the fall, and complete at least one English and one math class during the first year, if required for their major.

There is still time for students to complete the necessary steps, such as completing financial aid applications and meeting with an academic counselor, to receive their first year free. Fall classes begin the week of August 20. For more information, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/promise or send an email to promise@hancockcollege.edu.

Thanks to our Partners!

The Hancock Promise is made possible through the generosity of community leaders, local businesses, community foundations, organizations, and donors. In December 2017, the Allan Hancock College Foundation launched a $10 million endowment campaign designed to ensure, in perpetuity, that all qualifying students have the opportunity to attend college and let their dreams take flight!

Led by campaign chairman and AHC Foundation Vice President Guy Walker, a special community committee is in place to spread the word on The Hancock Promise. Committee members include Lee-Volker Cox, Greg Pensa, Jim Fields, Dan Stevens, Carol Anders, Joannie Jamieson, John Martino, Roger Welt, Steve Pepe, Jenelle Osborne, Laurie Jervis, Frank Campo, Judy Markline, Terry Dworaczyk, Susan Appel, and Kevin Walthers.

The Santa Barbara Foundation Mr.Larry and Peggy Greer Mr. William Connell & Louise D. Bilbro Mr. Glenn Owen Limotta IT Santa Ynez Rotary Club Foundation Dr. Michael and Susan Moats Mr. Mike and Toni McCracken Dr. and Mrs. Charles Markline Ms. Mary Lou Rabska and Tami Rabska Mr. Mark C. Rick Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Helen Vasquez Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Susan Houghton Thompson Col. J. C. Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Roger Welt Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Patricia Melsheimer Mr. and Mrs. Melvin and Elizabeth Wright Mr. Stephen Rasmussen and Ms. Thuy Thi Tran Mr. and Mrs. Guy Walker Mr. and Mrs. John Cox Mr. Edwin Newhall Woods Close Pepe Vineyards, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Brad and Barbara Johnson Dr. & Ms. Zorus P. Colglazier Mr. Edward L. Kushner Ms. Candice Monge Mr. Alex Posada Barbara Grimmitt AERA Energy

This summer, the foundation will launch “One Student, One Year” – a special campaign to bring the community up-to-date on The Hancock Promise and gather sponsorship support. “At $46 per unit, The Hancock Promise is a $1,200 per student commitment annually,” said Walker. “We would love to have 100 local residents and businesses commit to helping us. Supporting just one student, for one year at $1,200 could really make a difference in the life of a young person. That’s just $100 a month.”

To date, more than $3.3 million has been committed to The Hancock Promise endowment from local Promise Partners. You’ll recognize our Partners by the pins they are wearing—be sure to ask them about The Hancock Promise! For more information on how you can become a Partner, visit www.ahcfoundation.org or call 1-805-925-2004.

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Robb Mr. Michael Sell Drs. Sam and Elizabeth Miller Mr. and Mrs. Dan Payne Mr. and Mrs. Rick Velasco Ms. Diane McMahon Mr. and Mrs. Bill Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Jack Scully Ms. Esmeralda Mendoza Marna Lombardi Mrs. Beverly Grennan Ms. Tosha Lewis Ms. Kristine Blanchard Mr. Brian Brooks Mr. James Ledford Ms. Raissa Smoral Ms. Adrienne Dodd Ms. Laura Mullen Dignity Health -Marian Regional Medical Center Ms. Maggi Daane Mr. Bruce Lackey Dr. Kevin Walthers and Ms. Shannon Elliott Mr. Richard Sweet Mrs. Franziska Shepard Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Alarcio Colonel Lee Volker-Cox, USAF Retired, and Mrs. Michelle Cox New Life Bath, Kitchen & Painting - Mr. Chuck Winkles Big Red Marketing Mr. Ivan F. Cordero

Mrs. Carol Anders Ms. Jan Bartleson Mr. and Mrs. Mike Grogan Mr. Jill Stivers Mr. and Mrs. Leo Acquistapace Mr. and Mrs. Jay Conner Dr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Slaughter Dr. and Mrs. Michael P. Schrager Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Murray Ms. Eilene Okerblom Exxon Mobil Production Company Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Sherry Benefit Trust Company Mr. and Mrs. Ron L. Thatcher The Leutloff Trust Rabobank, N.A. Bartlett Family Foundation Mark & Dorthy Smith Family Fdtn.

Santa Maria Kiwanis 4 Kids The Murphy Family Foundation Mrs. Doris Lahr Pacific Gas & Electric Company Mr. Jim Fields and Ms. April Gillette Ron and Mary Nanning Irene Wong Union Bank Erik and Judy Frost Brent and Fran Norris Ms. Janice Paulson

‘Education is my why’

Dan Stevens Chief Operating Officer Rabobank N.A. 00 1

Ask Rabobank N.A.’s Chief Operating Officer Dan Stevens why education is so important to him and his answer begins with a very large smile that lights up his face.

“I came from a family of educators,” said Stevens. “I was one of 12 kids raised on the west side of Chicago. My dad was a milkman and he later joined the police force.

My mom was a teacher. Even though we grew up poor, education was always seen as something critical for us.

Reading and learning became a passion for our family. It was just part of who we were and it became my ‘why’ or my passion.”

“It’s the same for our bank. Rabobank is so committed to Santa Maria and to this area that it has become a passion for us as well. Education is the key to helping people and our community move forward. We’re committed to doing that.”

To expand on that commitment, Rabobank pledged $1 million to support The Hancock Promise earlier this year. “We are proud to partner with Hancock on this journey,” said Stevens. “The Hancock Promise will deliver on its name for years to come.”

B6 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

New ADT in Theatre Arts to premiere this fall ‌The stage is set for fall 2018 when Allan Hancock College debuts a new associate degree for transfer (ADT) in theatre arts.

Professor of Theatre Arts Michael Dempsey took the lead role in developing the curriculum for the program.

“The degree took shape over the course of six years,” said Dempsey.

“We had an existing plan that was approved by the fine arts department in December 2011. However, requirements for course outlines and curriculum change.

We needed to bring the degree into compliance with degrees for transfer, and determine the rigor of the course and acceptable textbooks. Now, our students will reap the rewards.”

In order to prove the need for the degree, Dempsey researched the surrounding community colleges in Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara and discovered

that each college has a theatre arts degree for transfer. At Hancock, 17 students identified themselves as drama students, but they did not audition for Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA).

“PCPA is our vocational training program in technical theatre or acting where students receive a certificate after completing the program,” said Dempsey. “The new theatre arts degree follows the chancellor’s office program for an associate degree for transfer, and it will help students continue their education to obtain a bachelor’s degree in theatre.”

The theatre arts degree is the college’s 19th associate degree for transfer. Students must complete 60 semester units of required general education courses and major-specific classes to earn an ADT. Students who earn an ADT are guaranteed admission into the California State University sys-

CONTRIBUTED‌

Students from Michael Dempsey’s Stage Makeup class show off their wild side. tem. They are admitted at junior standing with the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree with 60 additional semester units.

Previous theatre training is not required to apply for the associate

for transfer degree in theatre arts, and there is no audition process.

Current drama students who are interested in obtaining the theatre arts degree for transfer may also apply their units toward the

degree. Although the new degree is a stand-alone program, PCPA and fine arts faculty will collaborate to instruct certain courses such as theatre history.

The college will offer three of the required drama courses in the fall including Introduction to Theatre (DRMA 103), Acting I (DRMA 104) and History of World Theatre I (DRMA 110). The final required course is Technical Production, where students will assist with college dance shows such as Dance Spectrum and Folklórico. The degree will also include electives in set building (Stagecraft), Stage Makeup and Acting II (DRMA 106).

For more information on the new theatre arts degree, contact the fine arts department at 1-805922-6966 ext. 3252. There is still time to register for fall classes at Hancock. Classes begin the week of August 20. Visit www.hancockcollege.edu/fall for more details.

Hancock wines win big at wine competition Four Allan Hancock College ‌ Winery varietals scored high at the 42nd annual Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, held June 2-3. The 2016 albariño received a bronze medal, the 2016 torrontes took the silver medal with 85 points, and both the 2016 malbec and 2016 syrah placed gold with 90 and 92 points, respectively.

“I am proud of all the students and professors that were involved in the production process,” said Agribusiness Program Director and Professor Alfredo Koch. “I personally enjoy these wines very much and am excited that they are being recognized for their greatness.”

The albariño, syrah and torrontes grapes are grown on the Allan Hancock College campus vineyard located behind the baseball and softball complex. The malbec grapes are grown in Paso Robles.

The wines are professionally made

by Hancock faculty and are bottled through the Hancock Viticulture and Enology Foundation on the Santa Maria campus. Students learn every phase of wine production under the instruction of agribusiness faculty.

“We have an educational winery with a small but fine production, and our aim is to collaborate with all wineries in the community that support us,” said Koch. “We hope to continue to train students to succeed in the wine industry.”

The Orange County Fair’s com-

CONTRIBUTED‌

(Left to right) Students Marcos Ramos, Jonathan Sanchez, Brandon Cantor, Jorge Coronel and Katie Tonascia are part of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Club at Hancock. They will all apply for the new associate degree in agriculture science this fall.

CONTRIBUTED‌

Four Hancock wines medaled at the Orange County Wine Competition including the albariño, torrontes, malbec and syrah varietals. petition is the largest and most comprehensive judging of California wines in the world. The competition attempts to judge every grape wine made in California that is commercially available in Orange County. All wines were judged by professional wine makers or wine principals.

“The quality of our wine is a great calling card to bring more students into our program and to attract the community, wine-buying consumers, restaurants and retailers,” said Hancock Winery Operations Manager David Corey.

“By participating in the community and improving the relationship between our industry and our community, we hope to inspire more people to get involved with our local wine industry,” said Koch. “With our increased visibil-

ity in the community, my vision is to build a wine center in Santa Maria in order to provide more educational and promotional activities.”

The Allan Hancock College Winery is open for tastings every Friday from 2-6 p.m. The winery is located in building O, Room 211, on the Santa Maria campus with easy parking access from lot 7. The college currently has 11 different wines for sale and four wines available for tasting, including all four award-winning wines. Tasting flights may also include chardonnay, pinot noir rosé, pinot noir and syrah.

For more information about the college winery or to purchase Hancock wines, please visit www. hancockcollege.edu/agribusiness/vineyard.

Hancock welcomes new winery operations manager The Allan Hancock College ‌ Viticulture and Enology Foundation has hired local wine industry professional Dave Corey of CORE Winery to oversee winery operations for Hancock’s student-focused winery on the Santa Maria campus. In addition to coordinating student activities with department faculty, Corey will be responsible for winemaking, vineyard practices and wine sales for the program.

“I’m really looking forward to working in an academic atmosphere and being immersed in an educational environment,” said Corey. “The viticulture and enology program has so much potential, and I look forward to contributing my expertise in order to take that potential to the next level.”

The Viticulture and Enology Foundation supports the educational and cultural programs in the areas of agribusiness, viticulture and enology. The foundation also operates a bonded winery facility on the Santa Maria campus. Hancock is one of only three community college in California to achieve this status.

“My vision for the winery is to expose every person and business on the Central Coast to the great opportunities we provide in both education and retail,” said Corey.

“We not only offer professionally-made wines, but we are an incubator to supply quality talent to the wine industry. When our students graduate, they will know every component of wine production from growing grapes to selling bottles.”

The campus winery is opening for tastings every Friday from 2-6 p.m. The winery is located in building O, Room 211, on the

CONTRIBUTED‌

Hancock’s new Wine Operations Manager Dave Corey will host tastings on the Santa Maria campus every Friday, 2-6 p.m.

Santa Maria campus. The college currently has 11 different wines for sale and four wines available for tasting. The tasting flight includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Rosé, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

“With over 20 years of experience in multiple facets of the wine industry, Dave brings a wide range of hands-on experience to our winery facility,” said Agribusiness Program Director and Professor Alfredo Koch. “He’s grown grapes, produced and sold high-scoring wines, developed a tasting room and has a passion for learning; all of these things will benefit our students.”

Corey’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in biology from San José State University and a master’s degree in entomology and plant physiology from Kansas State University. Prior to entering the wine industry in 1996, Corey worked in Salinas and the Central Valley in agricultural fields including cole crops, cotton, almonds, citrus,

walnuts, kiwi, table grapes, apples and stone fruit. His first position in the wine industry was as a pest control advisor with Cambria Winery and Vineyards and later at Kendall-Jackson Vineyards of Santa Barbara County.

Corey left Kendall Jackson Vineyards in 1999 to begin Vital Vines, a viticulture company providing technical support for over 20 vineyard property owners, vineyard managers and winemaking personnel in the promotion of sustainable agriculture. He gradually decreased his vineyard consulting work to focus on vineyard sourcing, winemaking duties and winery direct sales for CORE Winery, which he started in 2001 with his wife. Corey is an avid cyclist and an active dad to three boys. He lives in Santa Maria with his family, marking seven generations of history in the valley.

For more information about the college winery, please visit www. hancockcollege.edu/agribusiness/vineyard.

New agriculture degree brings new opportunities

‌Santa Barbara County is synonymous with prime agricultural land and wine country from the strawberries of the Santa Maria Valley, to the flowers of the Lompoc Valley and wine grapes in the Santa Rita Hills.

A 2014 agricultural statistics report from the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office states the industry provides more than 25,000 jobs in Santa Barbara County and contributes more than $2.8 billion to the local economy. There are more than 1,500 farms and nearly 200 registered organic farms spanning approximately 700,000 acres countywide. In the commissioner’s 2016 Agricultural Production Report, county farmers generated more than one billion dollars in revenue with popular county cash crops like fresh strawberries, wine grapes and broccoli topping the list.

To prepare more students for careers in agriculture, Allan Hancock College will offer a new associate of science degree and certificate in agricultural science. The new degree is the first in a series of planned agriculture degrees and certificates currently in development to meet the needs of both students seeking employment in diverse agricultural sectors and their future employers.

Hancock’s re-investment in agriculture began in 2016 with an exploratory grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation. The grant allowed the college to meet with local leaders, educators, students and leading businesses to better understand community needs. In June 2018, Hancock was awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant designed to create guided pathways from high school to four-year institutions. It will also provide opportunities for low-income, underrepresented students to develop their skills and increase their earnings, while encouraging local youth to remain in the region and address the labor shortage within agriculture related industries.

“The agricultural employment opportunities in the Santa Maria Valley are diverse and plentiful,” said Erin Krier, agribusiness faculty and agriculture coordinator.

“The local agriculture industry is in need of skilled and educated employees, and careers abound for those with the right education and training.”

The new program will educate students interested in agronomy, crop science, pest control advising, soil science, plant breeding and agribusiness. Students can enter the new degree or certificate program beginning fall 2018.

Although the agricultural science

degree is not a degree for transfer, the classes in the degree are in the process of articulation with fouryear institutions in the California State University system with large populations of agriculture transfer students including Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and Chico State.

“This will give students who are interested in the many agricultural sciences the ability to stay in Santa Maria to start their education and, in some cases, even complete their education,” said Krier. “This will give students the specific knowledge that agriculture employers are looking for.”

Agribusiness Program Director Alfredo Koch created the program plan in 2015. Krier made adjustments to the program and designed the current degree and certificate curriculum requirements to appropriately suit the needs of both universities for students seeking transfer, and industry for students seeking employment.

Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau Teri Bontrager is a member of the Hancock Agriculture Program Advisory Committee. She sees the new degree as an exciting opportunity to continue agriculture education throughout a student’s academic journey.

“With agriculture being the largest industry in Santa Barbara County, coupled with the number of graduating seniors who have taken agriculture classes in high school from the surrounding area, it’s wonderful to know that those who are interested in an agricultural career can get started so close to home,” said Bontrager.

In addition to entering the new agriculture program, students can also join the collegiate Young Farmers & Ranchers Club at Hancock. The club connects students with business and people in the local agriculture industry. Members of the club also operate the on-campus farm stand and tend the Hancock section of the Santa Maria Community Garden. All produce sold by the students is completely organic.

The life and physical sciences department is planning for two new associate degrees for transfer (ADT). The first degree is an ADT in agribusiness. The second is an ADT is in Agricultural Plant Science. Both degrees are planned for fall 2019.

For more information on the new degree and certificate program in agriculture science, contact the life and physical sciences department at 1-805-922-6966 ext. 3202. Students can register for fall classes at Hancock now.

Classes start the week of August 00 1 20.

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | B7

CONTRIBUTED‌

More than 120 noncredit students obtained their GED or career development certificates at the noncredit recognition ceremony in May. Certificates in noncredit ESL prepare students for college-level coursework in English.

Supporting English Language Learners Hancock Community Education assesses renewed role in supporting programs ‌Recent legislation is breathing new life into noncredit programs at Allan Hancock College and community colleges throughout California. On October 13, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 705 into law. The bill amends section 78213 of the Education Code and requires community college districts and colleges to maximize the probability of a student entering and completing transfer-level coursework in English and mathematics within a one-year timeframe. The same requirement applies to English as a Second Language (ESL) students; however, they must enter and complete transfer-level requirements in English within a threeyear period.

The goal of the legislation is to reduce the amount of time to obtain a degree or certificate and to remove barriers such as unnecessary remedial coursework. A critical component to the success of this requirement is the use of measures, instruments and placement models to make sure students can achieve this goal. Colleges must determine placement for students based on high school coursework,

high school grades, and high school grade point average (GPA).

By taking coursework, grades, and GPA into consideration, lawmakers hope to ensure that students are not placed into remedial courses that may delay or deter their educational progress.

The only time students would be placed into remedial courses is if performance measures indicate the student in unlikely to succeed in transfer-level coursework.

According to the national Center for Education Statistics, California has the highest population of English language learners at 22 percent. In the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, 30 percent of students are English learners. These students are unlikely to complete college preparatory classes in English to meet University of California and California State University admission requirements for freshman.

“There are so many factors that can determine learning outcomes,” said Sofia Ramírez Gelpí, Ph.D., dean of Community Education at Hancock. “Eighty percent of Santa Maria’s population lives under or at poverty level.

While a majority of migrant families comes from Mexico, Community Education serves families coming from various locations around the world. Some families may speak Spanish and/or any number of indigenous languages.

The need for high school equiv-

alency, remedial ESL coursework and immigrant education are greater. This is why Hancock’s noncredit program is placed at the crossroads of accelerated education, vocational education and employment (re)training, and transition to advanced credit certificates and degrees. ” In an April 2018 article written by representatives of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Noncredit Committee, Chair John Reitas and South Representative Randy Beach present noncredit programs as a solution to support student success in that transition from noncredit to credit coursework.

“One of the four pillars of guided pathways is to create clear curricular pathways to employment and further education,” Reitas and Beach note. “While many often think of guided pathways in terms of credit programs of study, particularly those that lead to transfer, Career Development College Preparation (CDCP) noncredit aligns fully with this pillar of guided pathways.”

Hancock’s Community Education offers eight career development certificates to prepare students for the workforce or continue their academic journey to credit and college-level classes.

The program has two certificates specifically dedicated to noncredit ESL, Advanced ESL and Basic ESL. The certificates must

consist of noncredit courses that fit within four categories: elementary and secondary basic skills, workforce preparation, short-term vocational programs and English as a Second Language (ESL)/vocational English as a second language.

Community Education offers a range of introductory to intermediate English courses beginning with Spanish Literacy and culminating in high-intermediate level courses. The ESL classes address language skills development in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing for real-life situations.

“Whether students are just graduating high school or they are adult learners who obtain their GED and are enrolled in noncredit ESL courses for the first time, we can provide that alternative solution for students who need extra support in the transition from noncredit to credit courses,” said Ramírez Gelpí. “Our program is tuition-free, with open enrollment, repeatable, and we offer a range of class times and locations so students can fit class time into their schedule.”

Reitas and Beach state that noncredit courses can become prerequisites or corequisites to credit courses in order to provide students with enhanced learning support. The convenience of open-entry and tuition-free noncredit courses provides students

with “the specialized instruction they need without having to take an entire semester or quarter-length course.”

The ESL instructional lab at Community Education provides self-paced, instructor-guided support to supplement classroom instruction. Students practice listening, reading, writing, and oral skills outside of the classroom environment.

“The ESL instructional Lab can really give students the personalized instruction they need,” said Andria Keiser, ESL coordinator and faculty. “With the implementation of AB 705, we will encourage English language learners to supplement their coursework with our noncredit ESL lab and our high-intermediate ESL courses to make sure they can meet the three-year timeframe to complete their transfer-level English coursework. We can also connect students with other free campus resources such as the tutoring and writing centers.”

Fall classes at Community Education begin August 20. Students interested in enrolling in noncredit ESL are encouraged to register early to guarantee classes are not cancelled. Community Education is still accepting enrollment for summer ESL courses. For more information, call Community Education at 1-805-922-6966 extension 3209 or visit www.hancockcollege.edu/communityeducaiton.

Exciting classes are part of fall lineup at Community Education

00 1

‌Allan Hancock College Community Education is preparing a schedule of classes with something for everyone this fall.

The program offers tuition-free noncredit courses and fee-based classes for kids, adult learners and older adults. Students can learn new job skills, prepare for the workforce, take courses to obtain a GED, improve English ability, or take personal enrichment classes.

Two fall classes are back by popular demand. Last year’s Day of the Dead Makeup Class (Dia de los Muertos, CSPD 8090) filled up very quickly. This fall, Community Education is offering two sections of the class just in time for any Day of the Dead or Halloween parties. One section will take place on Friday, October 26, from 3-7 p.m. with a second section on Saturday, October 27, from 1-5 p.m. Professional celebrity makeup artist Christina Garvin from Los Angeles will teach students how to create their own distinctive looks. The class is open to men and women ages 16 and up.

The fee for the class is $24.

Cultural Aspects of Food (HOEC 7007) is the second favorite returning this fall. Students will learn how to prepare Mediterranean delights while learning about the social, economic and nutritional significance of food customs. This is one of Community Education’s noncredit home economics courses and only requires a small materials fee of $10.

There are two new College for Kids classes that will begin this fall. In Beginning Tennis (CFK 8400), students will learn the fundamentals of the sport including front-hand and backhand

CONTRIBUTED‌

Students in the floral design class show off their colorful creations. Community Education offers eight career development certificates from floral design to computer applications. strokes and strategy. Strength and Endurance for Dancers (CFK 8055) is a new exercise class specifically designed for dancers to help students strengthen and condition their bodies while building endurance. Auditions for the College for Kids Youth Dance Company and Nutcracker production will take place on Saturday, September 15, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for beginning dancers, ages six-11 years old, and from 12:30-3 p.m. for in-

termediate and advanced dancers, ages 12-18 years old.

Community Education will also offer a new fee-based class on Authentic Tamale Making (CSHE 8030). Students will learn the entire process of making traditional savory meat and sweet tamales from preparing “masa” (maize flour) to steaming tamales and, of course, sampling the final product before taking some tamales home.

The fee for the course is $48. Students should bring an apron, two

to three gallon-sized Ziploc bags and some serving spoons or spatulas for masa preparation.

In addition to these exciting classes, Community Education continues to offer classes for career development and college preparation. Students can enroll in courses such as noncredit English as a Second Language, clothing alterations and construction, computer applications, green gardening and floral design. There is even a Floral Seasonal Cele-

brations (VOCE 7405) class for students to design and create arrangements to take home weekly for the upcoming holiday season.

The online schedule of classes is available now at www.hancockcollege.edu. Registration for fall classes begins July 23. Students should register early to guarantee a spot in class and to ensure the class will not be subject to cancellation. For more information, contact Community Education at 1-805-922-6966 extension 3209.

B8 | JULY/AUGUST 2018

LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

SEE YOURSELF HERE. Start at Allan Hancock College.

Fall classes begin the week of August 20.

Financial aid is still available. Register today!

www.hancockcollege.edu/fall

00 1