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11/24/08

Cuban Culture and Literature Will Be Celebrated December 1-6 at Las Positas College in Livermore
Friday Keynote Speaker to Discuss “Timba” Musical Genre

The Las Positas College campus will come alive with music and dance when the Las Positas Spanish Department, with the generous support of the Alameda County Arts Commission, the Las Positas Foundation, the Campus Change Network and BasicNecessities.org, celebrates the Week of the Cuban Culture - La Semana Cubana from December 1 to December 6. This week long celebration will focus on the Cuban people, their history, art, dance, music and religions. The program will include cultural events each afternoon starting at 12:30 p.m. There will also be cultural and educational events each evening, beginning at 7 p.m.

Catherine Suarez, coordinator of the Las Positas Foreign Language Department, and LPC dance instructor Luis Valverde, have combined their efforts for the second year in a row to bring the cultural richness of our Caribbean neighbors to Las Positas students and the Tri-Valley community. All events are free and open to the public.

Each afternoon at 12:30 p.m. La Semana Cubana will feature a different cultural event. Among these are traditional Cuban drumming, a Rueda De Casino dance, salsa dance lessons, a Rumba demonstration and a percussion master class.

In addition to the daily events, throughout the week visitors may view an original art display by Rafael Aruzaga, art director for La Semana Cubana, along with the work of other Cuban artists. Also throughout the week an altar dedicated to Oshun, one of the main female orisha, or goddess, in the Santeria religion. Both exhibits will be located in the Student Center in Building 1700.

The planned events for the celebration include:

Monday, December 1, 7 p.m., view Cuban art and meet the artists in Building 2400, Room 2401

Monday, December 1, 7:30 p.m., join the Salsa Master Class in the PE Building (Gym) Room 212

Tuesday, December 2, 12:30 p.m., listen to a talk titled “Santeria and the Goddess Oshun” in the
Cafeteria - Building 1700

Tuesday, December 2, 6 p.m., the Las Positas Jazz Combo will perform followed at 7 p.m. by a panel of native Cubans who will discuss the Cuban experience in Building 2400, Room 2401.

Wednesday, December 3, 12:30 p.m., view a film titled “Miel Para Oshun/Honey for Oshun” in the Cafeteria - Building 1700

Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m., the Afro-Cuban and Salsa Band Pellejo Seco will perform in the Cafeteria - Building 1700

Thursday, December 4, 12:30 p.m., join the Rumba Class on the Cafeteria patio - Building 1700

Thursday, December 4, 7 p.m., features Orquesta la Moderna Tradicion in the Cafeteria - Building 1700

Friday, December 5, 12:30 p.m., a Cuban Percussion Class will take place on the Cafeteria patio - Building 1700

Friday, December 5, 7 p.m., Lara Greene, an ethnomusicology doctoral candidate at Florida State University and lecturer at Florida International University, will discuss Timba in a talk entitled “Timba, music of struggle, triumph and modernized tradition” in Building 2400, Room 2401.

Timba is a popular Cuban musical genre most often compared to Salsa. It began in Cuba in the 1970s, and has remained popular there. The music is a blend of styles, including neuva trova, latin jazz, disco, funk and hip hop. Since the 1990s, Miami, with its large Cuban-American population, has become the center of a thriving Timba scene.

Greene has researched and written about Cuban music for nearly a decade. She has presented papers on Cuban music and dance at conferences throughout the United States and is currently writing her dissertation on Timba. Her talk at Las Positas, which is also part of the Campus Change Network’s Speaker Series, is sponsored by the Campus Change Network, the Alameda County Arts Fund, the Las Positas College Foundation, and BasicNecessities.org

The culminating event of La Semana Cubana is a Bembe Celebration on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Cafeteria. The event will feature live music, Afro Cuban dance, Cuban drum rhythms and traditional Cuban food.

All events are free and open to the public. Donations will be collected for Project Shoes and Socks, a program that provides new shoes and socks to school children in rural areas of Cuba. Attendees will need to purchase a daily parking permit from one of the ticket machines in the parking lots. Parking is $2 per day.

For additional information, please contact Catherine Suarez, foreign language department coordinator, at (925) 424-1212 or csuarez@laspositascollege.edu

11/20/08

Las Positas College Features Special Night for High School Seniors and Parents on Tuesday, December 2

High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend a special informational evening at Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore on Tuesday, December 2nd from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Physical Education Complex.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from campus administration, student leaders, as well as representatives from the University of California and California State University systems. Students and their parents will also be given a chance to meet in small group sessions with current students, LPC counselors, and faculty in their chosen major fields. A Spanish speaking group as well as a nursing information group will be added this year.

Information tables regarding financial aid, scholarship and internship opportunities, student activities and other topics will be available just prior to the event from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Physical Education Complex.

Parking is $2 and tickets may be purchased from ticket machines in the parking lots.

For more information, please contact Jenna Heath at (925) 424-1487.

11/19/08

Las Positas College Welcomes Kim Peek, “The Real Rain Man” on December 4

The Las Positas College (LPC) Department of Psychology and the Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology present Kim Peek “The Real Rain Man” on Thursday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m. in room 2420. The event is open to the public.

Kim Peek is the one-of-a-kind megasavant who inspired the film “Rain Man” starring Dustin Hoffman. Since the film’s release, Kim has emerged from a world of comparative isolation to become a warm, outgoing, humorous and brilliant emissary for those with special needs.

Admission is $5 for students, seniors and staff. General admission is $7. Tickets are on sale at the Las Positas College bookstore. Seating is limited. Parking is $2 and tickets may be purchased from ticket machines in the parking lots.

For more information about this special event, please contact Ernie Jones at (925) 424-1217.

11/5/08

Las Positas College to Host Editor of Underground America - Narratives of Undocumented Lives
Presentation is part of the Campus Change Network Speakers Series

As part of its Speakers Series, the Las Positas College Campus Change Network is hosting Peter Orner, the editor of Underground America, Narratives of Undocumented Lives, the third book in the Voice of Witness series.

Underground America, Narratives of Undocumented Lives presents the remarkable oral histories of men and women struggling to carve out a life for themselves in the United States. Immigrants arrive from around the world for countless reasons. Many come simply to make a living. Others are fleeing persecution in their native countries. All are living underground with little protection from exploitation.

The public is invited to the discussion on Friday, November 14th at 7:00 pm at Las Positas College, in Building 2400, Room 2420 to join Orner and examine first hand, some of the issues facing undocumented immigrants in the United States.

The books in the Voice of Witness series seek to illuminate human rights crises by humanizing the victims. By allowing them to tell their stories, Voice of Witness seeks to engender greater understanding. Voice of Witness is a nonprofit project, aimed at engaging readers of all levels - from high school and college students to policymakers.

The event is free to the public. Parking is $2 and tickets may be purchased from ticket machines in the parking lots. Las Positas College is located at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. For more information, please call (925) 424-1287.

10/22/08

Pioneer Sleep Researcher Returns to Las Positas College

Pioneer sleep researcher William C. Dement will speak at Las Positas College in Livermore on Thursday, October 30 in Building 2400, Room 2420 on the Livermore campus.

Dement’s talk will begin at 7 p.m. There is a $7 admission fee for the general public, and $5 for students and staff. Advance ticket purchases are recommended as seating is limited.

Dement is considered the father of modern sleep medicine and currently serves as a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. He authored the definitive textbook on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

He is the founding co-editor of the scientific journal, “Sleep” and has written or co-authored more than 500 pieces for scientific publications. For the general public, he has published an entertaining and informative book, “The Promise of Sleep.”

In addition to holding the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry professorship at Stanford, Dement also directs the Stanford sleep research and clinical programs department.

He participated in the first observations of rapid eye movement (dream) sleep in the 1950s at the University of Chicago. He is credited as the first researcher to recognize rapid-eye-movement as a specific biological statement with unique properties. His research has included major contributions concerning the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.

In the 1970s, he founded the world’s first sleep disorder center and in 1975 founded the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He also founded the American Board of Sleep Medicine, which examines and then certifies physicians planning to specialize in sleep disorders.

Currently he serves as president of the “Coalition to Wake Up America,” a grassroots advocacy group made up of patients, sleep professionals and concerned citizens.

Dement’s talk at Las Positas is sponsored by the college psychology department and the Psi Beta National Honor Society.
For further information, please contact Ernie Jones in the Las Positas College Department of Psychology, ejones@laspositascollege.edu

10/17/08

Las Positas College “Talk Hawks” Continue Their Winning Ways

Last weekend the Las Positas College Talk Hawks won First Place at the 2008 Santa Rosa Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. Their scores earned them the title of number one speech team in the tournament. They outperformed teams from San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Chico State University, and several community colleges.

“Over the past few years our students have set a very high standard for themselves on the forensics stage. Each year they continue to outperform their own expectations,” said Tim Heisler, instructor and Talk Hawks advisor. “These students have worked hard to keep Las Positas College competitive with major universities. We are all very proud of them.”

The Talk Hawks won an unheard of 17 awards in the 20 events they participated in. Three of the tournaments top four speakers were from Las Positas College. In addition to individual honors the Talk Hawks also won the tournament’s 1st Place Sweepstakes Award.

Brentwood
Natalie Kellner
4th Place - Open Dramatic Interpretation

Castro Valley
Stacy Shaw
1st Place - Open Speech to Entertain
1st Place - Open Informative Speaking
1st Place - Open Communication Analysis
2nd Top Speaker of the Tournament

Dublin
Anthony Passero
4th Place - Novice Persuasive Speaking
5th Place - Novice Impromptu Speaking

Livermore
Jacquie De Fremery
1st Place - Open Persuasive Speaking
2nd Place - Open Informative Speaking

Katie Philpott
1st Place - Open Impromptu Speaking
3rd Place - Open Communication Analysis
3rd Place - Open Persuasive Speaking
3rd Place - Open Extemporaneous Speaking
3rd Top Speaker of the Tournament

Pleasanton
Tiffany Lee
2nd Place - Open Persuasive Speaking
4th Place - Open Informative Speaking
4th Place - Open Communication Analysis
5th Place - Open Poetry Interpretation
4th Top Speaker of the Tournament

Jessica Padula

4th Place - Open Speech to Entertain

10/13/08

Las Positas College Radio Station Gains International Audience

Recent statistics show that Radio Las Positas has gained more than 1,000 listeners in 38 countries. A two-week statistical survey revealed 1,240 listeners and 599 unique listeners. The average listener connect time is 12 minutes and 28 seconds.

“When we came up with the concept of Radio Las Positas we hoped it would take off in the Tri-Valley,” said Nolan O’Brien, faculty member and advisor to Radio Las Positas. “The fact that we’re able to provide our students here in the Tri-Valley the opportunity to share their talents and Las Positas College with the whole world is just awesome.”

International listeners include several countries including Poland, Slovenia, Ireland and Norway as well as the following:

Mexico - 43
Netherlands - 5
Russian Federation - 5
Spain - 10
Switzerland - 5
Japan - 13
United Kingdom - 8
Italy - 16
Brazil - 9

Programming times for Radio Las Positas are:

Mondays and Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

During off-air hours the station broadcasts preset programming. Faculty and students are considering expanding the broadcast schedule to meet student demand for more airtime.

To tune into Radio Las Positas go to www.radiolaspositas.com and click on the logo or open iTunes, click “Radio”, double click on “College Radio”, double click on “Radio Las Positas”.

10/10/08

Las Positas College Foundation Presents FREE Admission Family Fun Night at Super Franks in Pleasanton on October 22nd

Food, fun, games, and black light mini golf, all with Free Admission! The Las Positas College Foundation invites Tri-Valley families and kids of all ages to join them at “Family Fun Night” at Super Franks in Pleasanton.

Retired Oakland Raiders Steve Wisniewski and Robert Jenkins will be on hand signing autographs along with Sissi do Amor, former Brazilian national soccer team superstar and current Las Positas College women’s soccer coach.

“We are excited to be able to invite all Tri-Valley families to join us for an evening of fun,” said Dr. Ted Kaye, chief executive officer of the Las Positas College Foundation. “What better way to expose children and families to higher education opportunities in the Tri-Valley than to do it in a fun, family-centered environment.”

Admission is free and 25% of the proceeds from the sales of game tickets and food will go directly to the Las Positas College Foundation to benefit higher education programs and services in the Tri-Valley.

The event takes place on Wednesday, October 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Super Franks, 5341 Owens Court in Pleasanton.

For more information, go to the Las Positas College website at www.lpcfoundation.org or call (925) 424-1010.

9/30/08

The Campus Change Network at LPC to Screen Movie with Clergy
Will watch "For the Bible Tells Me So" in celebration of National Coming Out Day

On Friday, October 10th at 7 p.m., Reverend Steven F. Kindle of Clergy United will join faculty, staff, students and community members in a viewing and discussion of the movie “For the Bible Tells Me So.”

The movie examines how people of faith deal with the realization of having a gay child. The movie follows five “very normal, very Christian, very American families” including former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson. Lending their voices to the movie are Bishop Desmond Tutu and Reverend Jimmy Creech. The movie seeks to offer clarity and understanding to those caught in the middle of scripture and sexual identity.

“For the Bible Tells Me So” has garnered several awards and recognitions on the international scale including being named a 2007 Sundance Film Festival Nominee for the Grand Jury Prize and receiving the Seattle International Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Documentary.

The movie viewing and discussion will take place in Building 2400, Room 2401 at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. The event is free to the public. Parking is $2 and tickets may be purchased from ticket machines in the parking lots.

For more information, please contact, Dr. TeriAnn Bengiveno at (925) 424-1287.

9/23/08

Las Positas College Hosts 10th Annual “Major” Faire
Olympic Opportunities is This Year's Theme

College, high school students and parents are invited to the 10th annual Major Exploration Faire at Las Positas College on Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

From majors that prepare students for immediate employment, to university transfer majors, students and potential students will have the opportunity to explore several career options and different college majors.

University instructors from Cal State East Bay, the University of San Francisco, Mills College, Samuel Merritt College, and several others will join Las Positas College instructors to help students find their Olympic Opportunities.

“This Faire will help students develop an understanding of what selecting a major really means,” said Nancy Wright, Las Positas College counselor and event co-coordinator.

“They can take the time to explore careers that appeal to them and learn the many different directions a major can take them,” said Andrea Alvarado, Las Positas College counselor and event co-coordinator.

Admission is free. Parking is $2.00 and parking passes may be purchased at the parking machines in the parking lots on the Las Positas College campus at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore.

For more information about the Olympic Opportunities Major Faire, please contact Nancy Wright at (925) 424-1473.

8/29/08

Las Positas College to Host Tri-Valley Mayoral Forum: Exploring Diversity in our Growing Communities
Inaugural Event for Campus Change Network's Annual Speakers Series

Las Positas College will host a Tri-Valley Mayors’ Forum: Exploring Diversity in our Growing Communities at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 12th, Building 2400, Room 2401 on the college campus at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. A reception will follow the event, which kicks off this year’s Campus Change Network Speakers Series: Exploring the American Landscape.

Those confirming attendance include: Livermore Vice Mayor, John Marchand; San Ramon Mayor, Abram Wilson; Pleasanton Mayor, Jennifer Hosterman; and Dublin Mayor, Janet Lockhart. Las Positas College President, Dr. DeRionne Pollard will moderate the forum.

The Mayors will identify and address ways in which the Tri-Valley communities are working towards increasing diversity and creating inclusive and welcoming cities. The Mayors will be asked to reflect upon their own commitment to diversity and how that commitment influences the choices and decisions of the cities they govern.

The forum will also explore commitments to diversity demonstrated by programs and services, such as cultural activities, arts development, economic development, urban planning, social service programs and housing initiatives.

The Las Positas College Speakers Series has been developed to broaden understanding of different cultures, explore current political themes, and critically engage contemporary issues such as race, gender, culture and identity. For additional information on upcoming Speakers Series events please visit the Las Positas College website at www.laspositascollege.edu

This event is free and open to the public. Parking rules are enforced. Parking permits may be purchased at machines located in the parking lot. For more information, please contact Kimberly Tomlinson at ktomlinson@laspositascollege.edu or by phone at (925) 424-1432.

8/26/08

Las Positas College to Break Ground on Performing Arts Center

Las Positas College in Livermore will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the College Center for the Arts on Thursday, September 4th at 11 a.m. at the site of the former soccer fields on the campus at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore.

The 54,000 square foot theater will seat 500 with a 1,500 seat outdoor amphitheater. The theater stage will be 48 feet wide and 44 feet deep. An orchestra pit will be housed on a moveable platform which, when raised, will extend the stage an additional eight feet toward the audience, or may be used for additional theater seating.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide our students and the community with a state-of-the-art theater. Our faculty, staff and students will be able to teach and learn in an environment that will allow understanding of all facets of a theater and apply that understanding to the arts in general,” said Dr. DeRionne Pollard, Las Positas College President. “We are especially grateful to the voters of Alameda County for passing Measure B and providing funding for this new jewel of the Tri-Valley. This is their facility, too. We want them to come and enjoy the arts here at Las Positas College.”

The $35,093,000 construction contract was awarded to Overaa Construction of Richmond. Construction is expected to be complete by late spring of 2010, with the first classes to be held in fall 2010.

8/11/08

Las Positas College Student Newspaper Impresses National Reviewer
The Express Captures a First Class Ranking from the Associated Collegiate Press

Las Positas College journalism students and instructor Melissa Korber stepped outside their comfort zone this summer by submitting several issues of the college’s newspaper to the Associate Collegiate Press (ACP) for review. The ACP provides a critique of the newspaper and includes score sheets with feedback on strengths and suggested improvements.

Their efforts were rewarded with a “First Class” rating and “Marks of Distinction” in three out of five categories: Coverage & Content, Writing & Editing, and Leadership.

“I found this newspaper to be a delight to read,” said David W. Freeman, a judge for the Associated Collegiate Press. “You do a wonderful job and I know of many four-year institutions that would like to do as well. I am impressed with the scope of your coverage, and your willingness to look out into the surrounding community.”

“The critique from the ACP validates the skills our students have learned by working so hard on The Express. To receive such glowing comments from a national organization is an honor,” said Melissa Korber, journalism instructor. “The comments on suggested improvements are equally valuable and will be used in the classroom as an analytical teaching tool.”

The members of the fall 2008 editorial board are:

Cassie Kolias, Editor in Chief, Livermore
Zach Ward, Managing Editor, Castro Valley
Kyle Jones, News Editor, Castro Valley
Lina Deeb, Lifestyle Editor, Livermore

The Express is part of the growing mass communications program at Las Positas College. The College also operates a student-run radio station and a magazine. For more information about the Las Positas College journalism program, please contact the Media Lab at (925) 424-1240.

7/29/08

Las Positas College to Hold Information Fair for Veterans

On Wednesday, August 13, Las Positas College will hold its Second Annual Veterans Information Faire for veterans considering or planning on continuing their higher education. The Faire, hosted by the college’s Veterans First Initiative, is a great opportunity for those who have served in the military to receive information about attending college, learn about obtaining financial assistance to attend Las Positas, veterans’ benefits tips, and community resources.

The Info Faire will be hosted in the Little Theater/Building 800 at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and is scheduled until 2:30 p.m., with a 45-minute lunch break at noon. Academic advising and planning, financial aid, and veterans’ benefits information will be addressed before lunch. In the afternoon an LPC student veterans’ panel will address questions from guests, and LPC Veterans Club President Christina McCandless will discuss the Veterans’ Club and its numerous campus and community activities.

Among those in attendance will be local veterans support groups such as the Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Blue Star Moms, the Concord and Palo Alto Veterans Centers, LPC Veterans First Office and Veterans Club, CSU East Bay Veterans, and Tri-Valley One Stop.

A full copy of the day’s agenda is available on the web at www.laspositascollege.edu/veterans/index.php
Lunch will be provided for guests who RSVP by July 29. To RSVP, please contact the LPC Veterans Office by telephone at (925) 424-1571 or (925) 424-1582, or by e-mail at the Las Positas College website www.laspositascollege.edu/veterans/index.php and click on “RSVP Veterans Information Faire.”

7/25/08

Las Positas College Announces New Academic Deans

Las Positas College has announced the hiring of two new academic deans at the College.

Dr. Janice Noble has been named dean of business, computing and applied technology. Dr. Noble comes to Las Positas College from San Bernardino Valley College where she served as dean of social science and human development. She also served as both the associate dean of allied health and the associate dean of academic programs at Mt. San Jacinto College. Prior to her career in the community college system Dr. Noble served as vice president of two health care systems in southern California.

Dr. Noble has a doctorate degree in higher education, a master of business administration and a master of arts degree in education.

Mr. John Williams has been named interim dean of social sciences and wellness. He will serve in this capacity until a permanent dean is hired. Williams most recently served as the interim vice president of instruction at Mission College in Santa Clara where he also served as a faculty member and department chair. Williams also served for several years as academic vice president and dean at Menlo College.

Williams has a master of science degree in administration, and both a master of science and bachelor of arts degree in biology.

“I am thrilled with the leadership experience our new deans bring to Las Positas College,” said Dr. Laurel Jones, vice president of academic services at Las Positas College. “Quality instruction for our students has been first and foremost here at the college and both these fine administrators will continue to support and develop that standard.”

7/24/08

Las Positas College Presents “The Cherry Orchard”

“The Cherry Orchard” written by Anton Chekhov, opens at Las Positas College in Livermore on Saturday, July 26th and runs Saturday and Sunday evenings through August 10th.

Directed by Wendy Wisely, The Cherry Orchard is a gentle comedy from one of the founding fathers of Realism and Russia’s most revered playwright. Set within the golden time before the Revolution, The Cherry Orchard looks at a family struggling to save their beloved estate in the face of changing times. The serfs have been freed, the peasants are becoming a prosperous middle class and the aristocracy is fading away.

The entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with Russian music and dancing in the intimate outdoor setting of the college’s Performing Arts Patio outside Building 800, at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. “This is a great opportunity for our community to come sit under the stars and enjoy the show,” said Wisely.

Tickets are $10 general, $7 students and seniors, and are available at the door or in advance from the Las Positas College Bookstore or Fine Fretted Friends in Livermore.

For more information please contact, Wendy Wisely at (925) 424-1000, ext. 2480.

7/23/08

Las Positas College Welcomes New and Returning Students to EXPO LPC
One-Half Unit College Orientation for New and Re-Entry Students

Las Positas College (LPC) in Livermore will host Expo LPC 2008 on Thursday, August 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Expo LPC is a one-half unit college orientation that includes a tour of the 147-acre campus, a preview to college life, college success strategies, important academic information, an opportunity to meet faculty, staff and fellow students, food, and fun activities.

All new and re-entry students enrolled in 6 or more units are encouraged to register for the August 14 Expo orientation (PSCN 24 section - course code CRN# 20840). For more information, please call Veronica Jennings at (925) 424-1421 or the Counseling office at (925) 424-1400.

7/21/08

Las Positas College First Vintage and Label Capture Awards

Faculty, staff and students are celebrating at Las Positas College after the first vintage of wine from its Viticulture and Winery Technology program received two awards at the Alameda County Fair. The college entered its first vintage, the 2005 Las Positas College Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Concannon Estate Vineyard in the annual competition. The Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon received a silver medal and the label, designed by the students of the Las Positas College Design Shop, received a gold medal.

Dr. Neal Ely, the dean that oversees the winery program, said “This is a watershed moment for Las Positas' Viticulture and Winery Technology program, and is certainly wonderful recognition for our students, the program and our instructor David Everett. We are grateful to Concannon Vineyards for its donation of grapes to the program and I can hardly wait for our own Campus Hill Vineyard to come into production of a Las Positas College Cellars “estate” wine,” Ely concluded.

The Cabernet Sauvignon competition drew more than 125 entries that were evaluated by wine writers and wine experts from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Las Positas College Viticulture and Winery Technology program is led by Everett who is also the chief winemaker. The premier release marks another milestone in the program's development.

“Last summer Campus Hill Vineyards was planted on a hillside next to the college through the sponsorship of Concannon Vineyards and other generous donors. I couldn't be happier for our program or more proud of our students. The 2005 Las Positas College Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the wine program here at Las Positas in that it has matured and really improved with age,” said Everett.

The wine label's gold medal, awarded to the Design Shop, is another significant recognition for the exceptional work done by the visual communication students working with faculty member Fredda Cassidy. The label was designed by Kim Lauritsen, working with Everett, fellow classmates and instructor Cassidy. Last fall The Design Shop was recognized by a statewide group as one of the 15 best practices in two-year and four-year California colleges and universities.

“I am so proud that Las Positas College's Design Shop students took first place in the amateur wine label category at the fair. This award is icing on the cake for our Design Shop students,” said Cassidy.

6/3/08

Las Positas College Awards Grants to Programs

The innovative student learning center at Las Positas College will be bolstered next year by a $25,000 grant from the Las Positas College Foundation.

Foundation directors approved the $25,000 grant in late May as part of a package of awards totaling $46,060.

Jeff Manchester, who leads the foundation’s grant review committee, said “The committee believes that the student learning center is one of the true gems on campus and is capable of making a significant impact on our students’ academic success. As it serves all of the students, the Board was pleased to make this our largest grant to date.”

The $25,000 award follows the $20,000 investment last December in the college’s veterans’ program. The entire grants program was bolstered significantly by gifts totaling $100,000 at the foundation’s annual Best of the Best fundraiser earlier in May.

“The generosity of the community and its recognition of the importance of Las Positas College was reflected in the very successful Best of the Best,” said Foundation CEO Ted Kaye.

The Integrated Learning Center offers students assistance from faculty members in a variety of disciplines. It was recognized last fall by the Campaign for College Opportunity as one of 15 programs across the state that represented best practices. Two other Las Positas programs were also singled out.

It’s very popular among students with 3,420 signing in and spending more than 38,000 hours there in the spring semester of 2007.

Las Positas President DeRionne Pollard said, “This faculty-driven initiative demonstrates the power of one-on-one instruction between student and teacher that is a hallmark of a quality community college.”

“It’s particularly significant when this instruction is applied in the foundational courses. This type of tutoring by faculty is a significant investment and this grant will ensure we can continue to offer this service while exploring ways to do so more efficiently and with additional funding sources,” Pollard concluded.

Several dynamics lead to the success of the learning center. The first is a student-driven approach to learning where the faculty members work directly with students on a lab hour attached to a math, English or English as a Second Language course.

The second is the interdisciplinary learning that takes place in the center. Students are aware of a “hub” of academic activity going on around them and they can feel comfortable asking questions at any time.

Lastly, faculty members also are learning at the same time. They learn more about the other disciplines and can see different teaching techniques at work.

The other foundation spring grants are: $1,800 to the counseling department for interns; $4,000 for an early music concert series; $3,600 for sheet music; $3,660 for computer information systems equipment and $8,000 for stipends for speakers for the Campus Change Network.

“The other approved grants show the diversity of interest among our students. Of particular note is the grant for the College Change Network to bring topical speakers to the campus as a way of further engaging our students in new, challenging ways,” said Manchester.

5/21/08

Las Positas College Commencement Scheduled for Friday, May 30th

WHO: Las Positas College

WHAT: Commencement

WHERE: Physical Education Complex - Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore

WHEN: Friday, May 30, 2008 at 6 p.m.

WHY: Associates degrees will be awarded to about 500 students, while many others will receive certificates for completing specific programs of studies.

5/20/08

Las Positas College Celebrates Student Awards

Las Positas College celebrated the achievements of many of its students at the annual Student Recognition Ceremony held on May 12th before a standing-room only crowd in the College’s Little Theater.

President DeRionne Pollard presented awards along with representatives of many of the organizations that sponsored scholarships.

Tiffany Breger of Danville received nine awards, including an Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society statewide scholarship. She also received the American Association of University Women’s Tribute to Excellence award.

Tiffany is currently the director of legislation for the Associated Students of Las Positas College and has been elected president for next year. She is active with the honor society and the Environmental Club. She plans to transfer to the University of California Berkeley and major in psychology. She is considering a career in medicine.
Tiffany came to Las Positas after being home schooled through her academic years.
When Tiffany came to Las Positas, she didn’t expect to become so heavily involved, but says this experience has been life-changing and transformed her as a person.
Noah Fischer of Pleasanton received eight awards, including both state and national honors. Like Breger, he won an Alpha Gamma Sigma statewide scholarship and was named to the USA Today All-USA Academic Second Team. He was selected to the Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academic First Team.
At Las Positas, Fischer is active with the associated students and served as vice president this year. He also participated in the math club and the honor society.
He plans to attend Cal in the fall with a double major of electrical engineering and computer science plus nuclear engineering. After pursuing a doctorate, he plans to research fusion and alternate sources of energy.

Kayla Moreland of Pleasanton picked up six awards. Her awards included a statewide honor society scholarship and the Tri-Valley League of Women Voters award for outstanding public service. While at Las Positas, she has served in many leadership roles in clubs and student government, including serving as President of the Associated Students of Las Positas College.
Kayla will transfer to UC Santa Cruz in the fall and pursue a political science major. She plans to attend law school and then work in public interest law.
She appreciated her time at Las Positas as an opportunity for a fresh start after high school that allowed her to focus on academics and extra-curricular activities.
Erik Bisczkow of Livermore picked up five scholarships, including the Sandia Scientific Honors Program Scholarship and the Honor Society Member-of-the-Year award.
He plans to spend next year at Las Positas and then transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and major in engineering.

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5/15/08

Las Positas College Names Valedictorians

Christian Blanco and Katherine Holland have been named co-valedictorians at Las Positas College.

They were formally announced Monday, May 12 when the college saluted its outstanding students at its annual awards ceremony. They will address the Class of 2008 at the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 30 at 6 p.m. in the physical education complex.

Katherine and Christian took dramatically different paths to the valedictorian honor, but both will be at the University of California, Berkeley this fall. Christian selected Cal after also being accepted at UCLA and UC San Diego, while Katherine selected Cal over UCLA.

Katherine grew up in Castro Valley and was home-schooled by her mother through high school. Christian, by contrast, grew up in the Philippines and immigrated here with his family in 2005, settling in Dublin.

Katherine worked her way through significant adversity during her two years at Las Positas. Her mom, Debra, was diagnosed with a neurological disease just after Katherine completed her senior year. She was bed ridden for the last year of her life and passed away in March.

Katherine was her primary caregiver on afternoons and weekends while attending Las Positas. She also held two jobs, working as a nanny and a piano teacher.

“She was my best friend, my mentor. We had a real close relationship and she fostered my love for learning and my curiosity,” Katherine said. “My mom was very outgoing and brought a smile to everyone’s face after she talked to them. That’s my goal.”

“My dad has been an incredible source of strength and comfort for me,” Katherine added.

She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science and then work for a non-profit association or earn a law degree and work as a legal consultant to an elected official. She would like to run for local or state office someday.

During the awards ceremony, she received the Rotary Club of the Livermore Valley’s Student of the Year Award and a scholarship that went with it. She received two other scholarships as well.

Looking back at her time at Las Positas, she commented, “I like it that you can build personal relationships
with teachers and counselors. And the honors program I was able to pursue and then present at Stanford was great.”
She also cited the small class sizes that facilitate discussions that require examining your own position and as well as others.

Paul Torres, a faculty member, said, “After her mom passed away, her youthful world was turned upside down by emotional turmoil. Yet, she remains confident in herself and her abilities and is emerging even stronger and more successful.”

“She probably has taught me as much, if not more, than I’ve taught her; how, at such a young age, she’s been able to deal with one of life’s greatest challenges, the death of her mom. Katherine’s courage, strength and spirit are a legacy of her mom.”

Christian, the youngest of three brothers, grew up in the Philippines attending private schools. His parents applied to come to America in 1990 and, after 13 years, were given the opportunity. At the time, their business was doing well and they remained in the Philippines.

Over the next few years, the business slipped dramatically to the point that they had to sell their home to keep the boys in private school.

“They prioritized education above all. They wanted a real good education for all of us and they sacrificed so much,” Christian said.

They finally came to the United States in 2005 and Christian enrolled in Las Positas in the spring of 2006. Initially, he took a beginning English class and pre-calculus and learned he could be successful at Las Positas.

Since then, he has flourished as a math major. He plans to major in operations research and obtain his masters degree. While at Las Positas, he has been active in the honor society and student government, while also juggling his part-time jobs. He also serves with Youth for Christ.

Reflecting upon his time at Las Positas, Christian cited faculty member Randy Taylor as his number one mentor. Randy opened Christian’s eyes to the possibility of scholarships. He’s received several scholarships he will use at Cal.

His honors project, working with Dr. Mike Ansell on green chemistry, is another memorable time for Blanco at Las Positas.

“Christian has grown tremendously since coming to Las Positas College, both as a student and as a student leader. I have enjoyed working with him immensely and watching his growth. His story is truly one of attaining the American Dream,” said Cynthia Ross, Student Life Advisor/Psychology Faculty.

5/13/08

Las Positas College Dedicates Vineyard

Donors, dignitaries and college officials formally dedicated Campus Hill Vineyard at Las Positas College on Monday, May 12.

The ceremony celebrated the three-acre vineyard made possible by in-kind and cash investments to serve the Livermore Valley’s flourishing wine industry.

Rabbi Rick Winer of Temple Beth Emek in Pleasanton joined Father Ron Culmer from St. Clare’s Episcopal Church to bless the vineyard that will be the cornerstone of the viticulture and enology program at Las Positas College.

Participants in the ceremony each planted a grapevine as part of the continuing development of the vineyard. Initial planting took place last summer.

Dr. Neal Ely, who oversees the program, thanked the several businesses for their investments in the program.

The vineyard program will be underwritten for the next 15 years by Concannon Vineyard, one of the Livermore Valley’s two oldest winery operations.

David Kent, chief executive of The Wine Group, Concannon’s parent company, said, “The Wine Group came here because we believe the Livermore Valley is an ideal place to make extraordinary wine.”

“To invest in the Las Positas program that supports all of the wineries and vineyards here is a natural for us,” Kent said. “My wife, Darcie, and I also make our home here in the Livermore Valley and we believe in supporting this great community.” Darcie Kent is Vice President of the Livermore Winegrowers Association and has chaired their Foundation’s annual auction benefiting local children’s charities, now known as The Wine Auction Experience, for many years.

Kent told the crowd attending the dedication that when his family moved to the Livermore Valley in 1996 there were just 12 wineries. Now, just 12 years later, there are more than 40.

Joining Concannon Vineyard as industry partners in the vineyard are: Shea Properties, which donated a portion of the land; Duarte Nursery, which donated the grapevines; and Horizon Irrigation, which donated the state-of-the-art irrigation system.

Dr. Ely said, “We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for the generous help, encouragement and support from a lot of others including our Advisory Board and the local wine industry. Their encouragement and guidance were crucial to getting the program started. Especially significant is the superb and generous support we’ve received from the wine industry in the form of in-kind gifts that greatly reduced the costs of developing the vineyard, which is a stellar example of public-private partnership.”

Ted Kaye, Las Positas College Foundation CEO, said, “The college is thrilled to have Concannon take a leadership role and provide the investment to operate this vineyard. We’re delighted to have the Concannon name as part of this program and look forward to seeing other individuals and businesses invest in the college and its students.”
The student speaker, Meredith Miles of Livermore, returned to Las Positas to pursue the wine program after earning a two-year degree toward a major in geology. She grew up in Livermore, was the first student to enroll in the viticulture and enology program, and is one class away from finishing her requirements.

She is currently working at Fenestra Winery as the cellar worker and has finished her first full crush. She told the attendees how grateful she is to David Everett, the program instructor.

The College launched its Viticulture and Winery Technology program in 2004 to support the burgeoning Livermore Valley wine industry. The program emphasizes the application of viticulture and wine making theory for decision-making in actual production situations. The program:

There is a certificate and an associate in science degree available to provide students with the knowledge and skills essential for success. Students are able to pursue their studies in either of two tracks: Viticulture (grape growing) or Enology (wine making) by taking a series of production-oriented courses. In addition, a track is available for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution.

The foundation’s purpose is to build public awareness of the college and to raise funds and invest them in college programs.

5/7/08

Las Positas College Vineyard Dedication Set

Las Positas College will formally dedicate and bless its Campus Hill Vineyard at 2 p.m. Monday, May 12. The celebration will be presided over by Las Positas College President Dr. DeRionne Pollard. The three-acre hillside vineyard is located just south of the college site at 3000 Campus Hill Drive.

The Reverend Ron Culmer of St. Clare’s Episcopal Church and Rabbi Richard Winer of Temple Beth Emek will lead the formal blessing of the vineyard.

Planted last summer, this teaching and demonstration vineyard is the cornerstone of the growing Las Positas College Viticulture and Winery Technology program.

The College launched its winery program in 2004 to support the burgeoning Livermore Valley wine industry. Faculty member David Everett leads the viticulture program, which is overseen by Dean Neal Ely.

Concannon Vineyards, one of the Livermore Valley’s two oldest wineries, has contributed a significant investment to sponsor the program for the next 15 years.

Shea Homes, which is building next to the college, donated a portion of the vineyard site, while Duarte Nursery donated the vines and Horizon Irrigation donated the irrigation system.

A stellar example of a public-private partnership, the Las Positas program emphasizes the application of viticulture and wine making theory for decision-making in actual production situations. The program:

There is a certificate and an associate in science degree available to provide students with the knowledge and skills essential for success. Students are able to pursue their studies in either of two tracks: Viticulture (grape growing) or Enology (wine making) by taking a series of production-oriented courses. In addition, a track is available for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution.

4/15/08

Employment Fair at Las Positas College Set For April 24

More than 25 employers will be recruiting when Las Positas College holds its annual Career Fair on Thursday, April 24th at its Livermore campus.

Recruiters will be available to both students and members of the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center, Building 1700, at the college. It’s located at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore.

There is no charge for students or the public to interview with recruiters. Companies will be looking for full-time, part-time and summer help as well as offering other opportunities.

For more information please contact Scheanelle Green, coordinator of the Career/Transfer and Employment Center at Las Positas, (925) 424-1423 or email sgreen@laspositascollege.edu

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4/2/08

Las Positas College to Feature Documentary Film “Stranger with a Camera”
Session with Filmmaker to Follow

On Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., The Las Positas College’s Campus Change Network is offering a viewing of the documentary film, “Stranger with a Camera” in Building 2400, Room 2420. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session with the maker of the film, Elizabeth Barret. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments served.

In a review of the film, Larry Daressa states, “In 1967, in rural Kentucky, a Canadian documentarian, Hugh O'Conner, was shot and killed by Hobart Ison, a landowner, who said O'Conner was trespassing. More than thirty years later, local filmmaker Elizabeth Barret set out to re-explore those affected by the crime and provide a historical context for the unfortunate killing. The result is an exceptionally moving film about a people and place often misunderstood by the outside world.”

“In the late sixties, news crews discovered that stories about Appalachia made good copy. Images of children walking to school barefoot and men coming home from the coal mines covered in soot struck powerful emotions about poverty from Americans. For the first time, audiences could witness a never-before-seen slice of this country. Charles Karalt broadcast ‘Christmas in Appalachia’ to millions, but no one asked those who lived there how they felt about it. Many thought they were being misrepresented and had no chance to tell their story. When the incident happened, many defended Ison, the convicted killer.”

“Barret elegantly explores the complexity of the issue through interviews with eyewitnesses, the film crew who accompanied O'Connor, and his daughter, as well as his own perspective. Although she grew up in a town very close to the incident, Barret is from a middle-class background, and her memories and experiences are markedly different. When she became a filmmaker connected with Appalshop, she had a strong desire to explore the murder. Because Barret is both Appalachian and a filmmaker, she possesses a deep compassion and understanding for all those involved.” (Cineaste, vol. XXVI, No. 3 page 48.)
This film and the ensuing discussion will encourage participants to explore their own perceptions about media, poverty and other socio-economic factors and how they face those issues in their own lives and communities.

For more information about this evening, please contact Kimberly Tomlinson at ktomlinson@laspositascollege.edu or call her at (925) 424-1432.

3/28/08

Las Positas College Presents “Learning to Triumph II” Open House Featuring Catalino Tapia on Saturday, April 12

Catalino Tapia of the Bay Area Gardeners Foundation will be the keynote speaker when Las Positas College reaches out to the Spanish-speaking community with Learning to Triumph II/Aprendieno a Triunfar II on Saturday, April 12 on the college campus in Livermore.

The Las Positas event is designed to showcase higher education opportunities to Spanish-speaking high school students and their parents. Las Positas sponsored a similar event two years ago that drew more than 250 people.

New Las Positas College President DeRionne Pollard will welcome those attending. The day will include both presentations and workshops on financial aid and English-as-a-Second Language. There will also
be a presentation by a student panel as well as tours of the campus.

The program begins at 10 a.m. and will include lunch. There is no charge to attend. Families are encouraged to attend, all ages welcome.

Tapia joined with fellow gardeners in 2002 to found the Bay Area Gardeners Foundation in Redwood City to raise money to provide scholarships for low-income students. In order to receive a scholarship, students must have at least 2.5 grade-point-average and perform 20 hours of community service over the course of the year.

When Tapia launched the foundation in 2002, he and his fellow gardeners asked clients for gifts and quickly raised about $10,000. When the foundation reached $45,000 in 2006, it gave its first $1,500 scholarships.

Fundraising took off after Tapia and the foundation were profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle last October. The story was picked up by National Public Radio and the CSB Evening News. More than $137,000 poured in, allowing the foundation give away 15 scholarships of $1,500 each this year.

Tapia knows about hard work and growing up in challenging situations. His father died when he was 8 years old and he had to go to work to support his family. He immigrated to the United States in 1964 when he was 20 years old and has gone on to operate his own business, buy a home in Redwood City, and educate his two sons. One son, Noel, a graduate of UC Berkeley’s School of Law - Boalt Hall, is now a practicing attorney.

Tapia was named a Jefferson Award recipient by the American Institute for Public Service. This prestigious award, founded by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard, was created to recognize the "Who's Who" of outstanding Americans. On the local level, the Jefferson Award recipients are ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition or reward. By
honoring the Jefferson Award recipients, it is the goal of the American Institute for Public Service to inspire others to become involved in community and public service.

For further information, please contact Gilberto Victoria, Counselor/International Student Advisor at (925) 424-1477 or email gvictoria@laspositascollege.edu Transportation will be provided. Please contact Gilberto Victoria to make arrangements.

3/27/08

Las Positas College Students Seeking Support for Trip to Spain

Students studying Spanish at Las Positas College will take the foreign language department’s first-ever cultural immersion trip to Spain this summer.

The 10-day study-and-travel trip will allow students to visit cities from Madrid to Barcelona. Spanish instructor Catherine Suarez is organizing the trip through EF Tours.

Ten students have signed up for the trip and some of them could use scholarship help to offset the cost. The college is seeking donations through the Las Positas College Foundation.

Tax-deductible gifts, payable to the Las Positas College Foundation, may be sent to the foundation, attention Ted Kaye, at 3000 Campus Hill Drive, Livermore 94551. To contact Kaye, please call (925) 424-1010.

Suarez said the students will spend most of their time in El Paas Vasco (the Basque region of Spain) and some time in Cataluaa as well. The trip begins in Madrid and continues on to Bilbao, Pamplona and San Sebastian, ending up in Barcelona.

The students will visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and all of the famous architectural sites in Barcelona that were created by Gauda. Students will also be immersed in the Spanish language and the Spanish culture for 10 days.

“Educational trips are expensive and many college students who would greatly benefit from the cultural and linguistic experience are not able to participate due to lack of funds, thus the fundraising effort,” Suarez said.

In order to help these students participate in this educational trip, contributions must be received no later than May 16. For more information about the trip and the students, please call (925) 424-1212 or email csuarez@laspositascollege.edu

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3/25/08

Las Positas College Foundation Hosts Fifth Annual “Best of the Best” Event on Saturday, April 26

Guests at the Las Positas College Foundation’s annual Best of the Best gala will have the opportunity to bid on several unique auction lots.

The Best of the Best, featuring Livermore Valley wines and gourmet food from Tri-Valley restaurants, will be held at the college, 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore, on April 26. Tickets, which are available now for $125, are limited to the first 100 couples and may be purchased by contacting the Las Positas College Foundation office at (925) 424-1010.

The evening will feature the best of the Las Positas performing arts program, including the Talk Hawks forensics team that has placed among the best in California at two major competitions. The performing arts interlude will follow wine and food tasting. The evening finishes with sparkling wine and dessert.

The silent auction offers a number of unique items:

For information about the Foundation, please contact CEO Ted Kaye at (925) 424-1010 or tkaye@laspositascollege.edu

3/19/08

Bay Area Employers Invited to Recruit at Employment Fair

Students at Las Positas College are looking for employers who are looking for help.

The college will hold its annual employment fair on Thursday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student center, building 1700, on the Livermore campus.

Employers interested in recruiting for full-time or part-time technical career openings or summer jobs are welcome to recruit during the fair. There is a $100 fee for employment recruiters to participate in this event. Admission is free for people seeking employment.

Employers who would like to participate should contact Scheanelle Green, coordinator of the Career/Transfer and Employment Center at Las Positas, (925) 424-1423 or email sgreen@laspositascollege.edu

3/19/08

Las Positas College Forensics Team Wins Big Exceeding Own Expectations

After earning the second ranking overall in Northern California for individual events, the Las Positas College forensics team will travel east to compete in the national championships in Chicago, April 14-19.

The Talk Hawks emerged from a grueling five-day speech and debate competition held in Concord the week of March 10 and exceeded their own expectations with 13 individual and team awards.

Topping the list was the No. 1 duo interpretation program in California, the team of Stacy Shaw of Castro Valley and Lauren Hochman of Pleasanton.

The individual showing placed Las Positas as the second ranked team among the 14 colleges from Northern California competing in the 32-community college event. Las Positas was tenth overall in the combined individual and debate competition and sixth overall in the individual event competition.

“It's been an amazing year and we've had an incredible amount of success this competitive season. Seven of the members of our team are brand new to the program and I thought this would be a rebuilding year,” said coach and faculty member Tim Heisler. “That didn't turn out to be the case at all. Instead we've consistently been one of the top-ranked forensics programs in Northern California and it's been more than 10 years since we've won as many awards as we just won at the State Championship tournament. I couldn't be prouder of this group. In 15 years of coaching I've never been prouder of a team,” he concluded.

Shaw also won a bronze medal for informative speaking, while Hochman earned a bronze for prose interpretation. Karen Brohard of Pleasanton earned bronze medals in both poetry interpretation and speech to entertain.
Katie Philpott of Livermore took a silver medal for persuasive speaking and a bronze for extemporaneous speaking. The team of Michele Philbrook of San Ramon and Philpott won a silver for parliamentary debate.
Jacquie De Fremery of Pleasanton won bronze medals for persuasive speaking and prose interpretation. Lyndsay Parkman of Livermore won a silver for oral interpretation of literature and a bronze for speech to entertain. Adam Shamouel of Livermore won a bronze for extemporaneous speaking, while Tiffany Lee of Pleasanton advanced through three preliminary rounds but did not win a medal.

The Talk Hawks prepared for the state finals by traveling to Los Angeles to compete in the challenging spring championship event. It is one of the toughest regions in the nation for speech and debate.

Las Positas was one of only two Northern California teams to take part in the competition.

“We do this every year to get ready for the state and National Championship tournaments and the experience more than pays off,” Heisler said. “We finished in the top 25 percent of all participating schools beating out 32 other colleges and universities at the competition including UCLA, Pepperdine and Arizona State.”

Earlier in the season, Las Positas captured the limited entry sweepstakes award and finished second overall against other community colleges and fifth overall in the Northern California Forensics Association’s Championship Tournament at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Among the universities represented were San Francisco State, Chico, Chabot, University of the Pacific, UC Davis and UC Berkeley. The limited entry category was for institutions with seven or fewer students entered.

For Las Positas, Hochman was a finalist in the open division duo Interpretation; Lee took first place in the novice division for poetry interpretation; Philbrook was a semi-finalist, parliamentary debate, junior division; Shamouel, finalist, open division, informative speaking; and Shaw, open finalist, duo interpretation and informative speaking.

Philpott captured first place in the open division, impromptu speaking; sixth place and top speaker in parliamentary debate, junior division; and was a semi-finalist in parliamentary debate, junior division.

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3/17/08

Las Positas College Hosts Conference on Central Valley Italian Farming Families

Las Positas College will hold a one-day conference discussing the history of Italian farming families in the Central Valley.

The conference will be held Saturday, April 19, at Las Positas College, located at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. It will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to the public. Lunch will be served and donations to offset the cost of lunch are encouraged.

Four panels of speakers will examine the origins, innovations and culture of the Italian immigrants who farmed in Stockton, Madera, Modesto and Fresno. Panelists from the community will discuss their experiences, and memories and provide information on the farms, canneries and neighborhoods.

The panelists include: Stockton: Ralph Lucchetti, Joe Solari, Rudy Mussi, Modesto: Ninette Latronica, Dan Sciabica, Dan Bava, and Madera: Norma Gardini Hickman, Denis Prosper. Dr. Ken Scambray from the University of LaVerne will give the talk about the Italian farming families of Fresno.

The conference is the first event in a partnership between the Western Regional Chapter of the American Italian Historical Association and the Social Science and Wellness Division of Las Positas College.

Pre-registration by April 1 is required for a lunch reservation. To register, please contact Dr. Teri Ann Bengiveno at Las Positas College, (925) 424-1287 or email tbengiveno@laspositascollege.edu

3/11/08

Pleasanton Attorney Joins Las Positas College Foundation Board

Attorney David Brillant has joined the Las Positas College Foundation Board of Directors, Board Chairman Tom Daggett announced last week.
Brillant is an associate at the law firm of Randick, Odea and Tooliatos in Pleasanton. His practice focuses on trusts and estates, taxation and general business matters. He holds a law degree from Golden Gate University and a LL.M. in taxation. He handles both transactions and litigation.
“After meeting board members and learning more about the unique role Las Positas College plays in the Tri-Valley area, I am delighted that I can join the board and serve the college,” Brillant said.
He is the 19th member of the Foundation board. New Las Positas President Dr. DeRionne Pollard also joined the board as an ex-officio member.
The Foundation awarded two key grants in 2008. The first was for $20,000 to jump start Las Positas College’s growing program for veterans returning from service overseas. The second was for $4,000 to support two Las Positas performing arts programs in downtown Livermore at the Bankhead Theater.
The Las Positas veterans’ program is designed to ease the transition of service personnel from military to civilian life as a college student. The program provides assistance with educational and financial needs. The grant also provides money for scholarships and a textbook loan program for vets as well as an aggressive outreach program.
The performing arts grant will support the orchestra and band concert at the Bankhead Theater on May 14 at 8 p.m.
The Foundation’s purpose is to raise awareness of the college in the Tri-Valley area and to raise funds and invest them to strengthen the college’s programs.
The Foundation was established in 2003 to serve as a funding support resource for the college, as well as to educate surrounding communities about the many learning opportunities available at the college, and its cultural contributions to the region. The Foundation provides investors with an opportunity to contribute to the college with tax-deductible support that can be used for scholarships, staff development and technology upgrades. Foundation funds are also used to improve and increase the college’s performing arts and other programs and services.
For information about the Foundation, please contact CEO Ted Kaye at (925) 424-1010 or tkaye@laspositascollege.edu

3/11/08

Regional Science Bowl at Las Positas College a Success
Annual Event is Co-Sponsored by Las Positas College and Sandia National Laboratories

Las Positas College is proud to announce the results of the third annual regional Middle School Science Bowl competition held on Saturday March 8.
The Middle School Science Bowl is a competition with local students from grades six through eight representing their schools by competing as teams of four students in a question and answer forum. The winner was Team #1 from Hopkins Junior High (Fremont). Second place was won by team #2 from Hopkins Junior High, and third place was won by Forest Park Elementary School (Fremont). While not making the final three, local teams from Fallon (Dublin) and Livermore Valley Charter School did advance to the afternoon rounds.
The winning team from Hopkins Junior High will represent the California Bay Area at the Middle School National Science Bowl in Golden, Colorado in June.
Twenty teams from around the area participated. In the morning a series of round-robin matches took place to determine which teams would advance to the final rounds. Finalists then squared off after lunch to determine the champion. Trophies were presented in the afternoon at the conclusion of the competition.
For more information please contact, Dr. Neal Ely, dean of academic services at (925) 424-1182.

3/6/08

Vietnam Veteran Doris Allen to Speak at Las Positas College

The Campus Change Network at Las Positas College will celebrate Women's History Month Friday, March 14 with a presentation by Dr. Doris “Lucki” Allen at 7:30 p.m. in room 2401 in building 2400 at Las Positas, 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore.
Allen served three tours in Vietnam and later was an instructor of prisoner of war interrogation at the Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Holabird, MD. She worked as a special agent for the Military Intelligence and Defense Investigative Service until she retired in 1980.
Dr. Allen earned her Ph.D. in psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley. There is no admission charge and light refreshments will be served.
The evening with Dr. Allen highlights Las Positas College’s observance of Women’s History Month.
For more information, please contact psychology instructor Cynthia Ross at (925) 424-1297 or cross@laspositascollege.edu

3/5/08

Las Positas Foundation and Sybase Award Scholarships

Tiffany Jansen and Utami Setiyadi are pursuing different higher education goals after leaving Las Positas College in Livermore, but their pursuits have been made easier because of Sybase Scholarships awarded through the Las Positas College Foundation.
Tiffany attended Foothill High School in Pleasanton and then moved on to earn an associate degree in liberal arts and science from Las Positas. She received a Sybase scholarship to help her as she transferred to UC Davis where she is a junior. She plans to teach high school math.
Utami holds a bachelor’s degree from Indonesia and moved to the United States in 2001. After working for four years, she decided to attend Las Positas to obtain an early childhood education credential and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in human development.
She spent two years at Las Positas, earning a 4.0 grade-point-average, and then received a Sybase scholarship. When an agency evaluated her Indonesian degree, she discovered she could pursue a master of arts in education. She’s in her first semester as San Francisco State University.
The married mother of two children, Utami is working two jobs while also caring for her family and pursuing the master’s degree.
For both women the $2,500 scholarship provided by the Foundation through Sybase’s investment, has lessened the financial challenges.
“Overall, the scholarship eased my transfer by paying for some of the many costs that higher education brings. I am very thankful for this scholarship as it has helped me greatly,” Tiffany wrote in an email.
Utami wrote, “The scholarship from Sybase helps me to pay my school’s debts such as tuition, books and transportation. The scholarship also has helped me enormously to reach my goal as a professional educator. All in all, the Sybase Educational Excellence Scholarship has given me financial encouragement to continue my education.”
This is the second year in a row Sybase has invested $15,000 in the Las Positas College Foundation specifically for scholarships.
Nita White-Ivy, Sybase vice-president for human resources, wrote in an email, “We believe in supporting schools wherever Sybase has a major presence, in this case, it is located a few miles from our world headquarters. We want to be of help to schools in our community and prepare students to compete in the working world.”
Five scholarships of $1,000 are given to high school graduates planning to attend Las Positas and transfer to a four-year school.
Utami and Tiffany earned scholarships for Las Positas students transferring to four-year schools and planning to be teachers or involved in early childhood education.
“We like the fact that Las Positas has very good programs to prepare its students to positively impact the lives of children in our community,” White-Ivy wrote. “We specifically applaud Las Positas for granting our scholarship donation to two women who are going for their degrees in early childhood education and teaching.”
Two other scholarships are designated for students who plan to obtain a two-year degree in an occupational program and then enter the work force.

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3/3/08

World-Renown Autistic Author to Speak at Las Positas College

World-renown scientist, scholar and best-selling author Dr. Temple Grandin will share her amazing story of living with autism and her insights into human and animal brains at Las Positas College on Thursday, March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in building 2500 (physical education complex) at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and admission is $8. Tickets are on sale in the College bookstore or can be purchases at the door the night of the event.
Grandin is inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. She did not speak until she was 3 ½ years old. She went on to earn a doctorate degree and pioneer understanding of how to treat animals humanely.
Her talk will share how she coped with autism growing up and became a pioneer in the study of autistic spectrum disorders.
In her book, “Emergence: Labeled Autistic,” Dr. Grandin wrote, “I have read enough to know that there are still many parents, and, yes, professionals, too, who believe that “once autistic, always autistic.” This dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel strongly that I am living proof that they can.”
She’s appeared nationally on The Today Show, 20/20, Oprah and the Discovery Channel to share her unique insights into human and animal minds. She has also been featured in People Magazine, the New York Times, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report, Time Magazine, the New York Times book review, and Discover magazine. She has also authored over 300 articles in both scientific journals and livestock periodicals on animal handling, welfare, and facility design.
Grandin is an associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University and is a leading authority on animal behavior. She is legendary for her ability to understand the animal mind and behavior, an ability she attributes to her “autistic brain.” She has designed livestock handling facilities around the world.
In North America, almost half of the cattle are handled in a center track restrainer system that she designed for meat plants. Curved chute and race systems she has designed for cattle are used worldwide and her
writings on the flight zone and other principles of grazing animal behavior have helped many people to reduce stress on their animals during handling.
Grandin is the best-selling author of “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism”, “Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior”, “Emergence: Labeled Autistic”, and “The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspective of Autism.”
She obtained her B.A. at Frankin Pierce College and her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University. Dr. Grandin received her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois.
For more information contact: Ernie Jones, (925) 424-1217; Cynthia Ross 925-424-1297; John Ruys (925) 424-1267, all members of the psychology department at Las Positas.

3/3/08

Las Positas College Hosts Regional Science Bowl Competition on Saturday, March 8
Annual Event is Co-Sponsored by Las Positas College and Sandia National Laboratories

Las Positas College is proud to host the third annual regional Middle School Science Bowl competition. The science bowl is a great way to generate enthusiasm for science in young people.
On Saturday, March 8, some 20 middle school teams will converge on the Livermore campus to answer questions such as, “Laser is an acronym for what?” (Answer: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.)
This is one of over 60 regional competitions held nationwide, with the winning teams heading for the national competition June 19-22, 2008 in Golden Colorado.
Participating teams hail from Fallon Middle School (Dublin); Quarry Lane (Dublin); Livermore Valley Charter School (Livermore); Queen of All Saints (Concord); Diablo Vista Middle School (Danville); Forest Park Elementary (Fremont); Hopkins Junior High (Fremont); Hercules Middle School (Hercules); Canterbury School (Richmond); Chinese Christian Schools (San Leandro and Alameda); KIPP Summit Academy (San Lorenzo); Franklin Middle School (Vallejo) and Doris-Eaton (Walnut Creek).

Students and coaches will spend the morning in round robin elimination matches, with final rounds leading to a winner in the afternoon, following lunch. The schedule follows:

8:00-8:45 a.m.: Registration and Breakfast - Student Center, Building 1700
8:45-9:20 a.m.: Welcome, Announcements, Pairings - Room 601
9:20-12:00 p.m.: Round robin competition begins with each round being about a half hour. Teams will scurry from room to room in between, as each team will play the other teams in their bracket as well as having a Bye. The top teams will advance to the final elimination rounds after lunch. Head to head competition occurs in various classrooms around campus.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch - Student Center, Building 1700
1:00-3:00 p.m.: Elimination Competition - Classrooms and Room 601
3:00-3:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony - Room 601

2/11/08

Regional Science Bowl at Las Positas College a Success
Annual Event is Co-Sponsored by Las Positas College and Sandia National Laboratories

Las Positas College recently announced the results of the Regional Science Bowl.
The Science Bowl is a High School competition with local students competing in a question and answer forum. The winner was Albany High School (Albany). Second place was won by Monte Vista High School (Danville), third was won by Mission San Jose (Fremont) and another team from Albany High School finished fourth. The team from Foothill High School made it to the afternoon rounds, but just missed advancing to the semi finals. The Albany team will be off to Washington D.C. to compete in the national competition May 1-6 against 65 other regional winners.
Twenty five teams from around the area participated. This was the largest turnout ever. In the morning a series of round-robin matches took place to determine which teams would advance to the final rounds. Finalists then squared off after lunch to determine the champion. Trophies were presented in the afternoon at the conclusion of the competition.

2/4/08

Las Positas College Journalism Program Debuts New Magazine Titled “Naked”

The Las Positas College Journalism Program will present its new magazine, “Naked,” at a special debut party on Thursday, February 7th at 6 p.m. in Room 2401 on the Livermore campus.
The magazine focuses on members of the Las Positas College community and is designed to expose the diversity of the college by digging deeper into students’ lives and presenting more information about them.
“The magazine was created by students and all content was produced by students,” said Melissa Korber, journalism instructor and faculty adviser to the magazine. “The name came from the idea that students have many facets in their lives. The magazine strips away layers, just like peeling an onion.”
The first edition features articles on current students, alums and two faculty members.
The first hour of the debut party will be a silent auction. Auction items include tickets to a Golden State Warriors game, tickets to Shakespeare’s Associates’ production of “Proof,” dinner for two at a Thai restaurant, tickets for rock climbing at Valley Rock Climbing Gym, art welding sculptures and more.
Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to support future editions of the magazine. The event is free to the public, but donations to support the magazine are suggested.
After the silent auction, a ceremony celebrating the debut edition will be held. Tthree bands featuring Las Positas alums will entertain. The bands are Freqncy 8, Sounds of Rebirth and Helepolis.
Coffee donated by Starbucks and desserts (some donated by the Restaurant at Wente Vineyards) will be served.

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2/4/08

Las Positas Hawks Beat Top-Ranked Team Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

After a woeful 1-5 start, the Las Positas College men’s basketball team has turned its season around.
The Hawks scored their biggest victory to date when they knocked off top-ranked City College of San Francisco 78-75 last week in Livermore. The win evened the Las Positas ledger at 12-12 and 3-3 in the Coast Conference-North, a major turn-around from the 1-5 beginning.
It was the first conference defeat for City College and only the second game they’d actually lost on the court (the other loss was a forfeit).
“It was a huge win for us,” said Coach Tony Costello. “It puts us back in the playoff picture. It helps our (strength of schedule) rating to go up and gets our program some name recognition that will help in recruiting.”
The win over San Francisco marked the third victory for Las Positas over a ranked team. Earlier in the season, Las Positas defeated No. 3 Diablo Valley College and No. 7 Cabrillo College. The Hawks also won the Skyline and Chabot tournaments prior to entering conference play.
In the San Francisco game, Las Positas trailed by 6 with less than four minutes to go before going on an 11-3 run to post the upset win. Dominic Roberson hit a key three-pointer as well as three free throws down the stretch.
Las Positas was fortunate to be in the game in the half, turning the ball over 12 times and missing 11 free throws. Despite that showing, the Hawks trailed by just two at the half.
Jeff Ford led the Hawks with 19 points, one of five Las Positas players to reach double figures. He was joined by Roberson with 14, Marques Smith with 13 and Brandon Tatum and D’Juan Estis with 10 each.
The big upset, unfortunately, didn’t spawn a winning streak. Las Positas traveled to Skyline College in San Bruno on Friday evening and fell 77-69. The Hawks defeated Skyline in the conference opener last month before dropping four games in a row.
Las Positas will host Foothill Friday, February 8. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
The Hawks are in their second season of basketball since the Las Positas physical education complex opened in the fall of 2006.

2/1/08

Las Positas College Hosts Regional Science Bowl Competition on Saturday, February 9
Annual Event is Co-Sponsored by Las Positas College and Sandia National Laboratories

On Saturday, February 9, some twenty five high school teams will converge on the Livermore campus to answer questions such as, “Laser is an acronym for what?” (Answer: Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.)
Twenty five teams from the Tri-Valley to San Francisco to Milpitas and points in between will be challenged as Las Positas College (LPC) hosts the regional Science Bowl competition. Participation in this competition, is the largest the college has have ever had!
The event is one of 64 regional competitions in the nation, where high school teams vie to advance to the national competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. later this spring.
Participating teams hail from Granada High School (Livermore); Livermore High School (Livermore); Foothill High School (Pleasanton); Albany High School (Albany); Chinese Christian Schools (San Leandro); Milpitas High School (Milpitas); Mission San Jose High School (Fremont); Monta Vista High School (Cupertino); San Francisco University High School (San Francisco) and Santa Teresa High School (San Jose).
Students and coaches will spend the morning in round robin elimination matches, with final rounds leading to a winner in the afternoon, following lunch. The schedule follows:

8:45 a.m.: Welcome, Announcements and Drawing for Team Pairings at the LPC Little Theatre
9:20 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Round-Robin groups of 5 teams each will play the other 4 teams within their group. The top two teams from each bracket will advance to the final elimination rounds after lunch. Head to head competition occurs in various classrooms around campus.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch (and any necessary tie-breakers)
1:00-3:30 p.m.: Elimination Competition
3:30- 4:00 p.m.: Awards Ceremony

1/24/08

Las Positas College Presents “Cash for College” Financial Aid Workshops for Tri-Valley Students

Las Positas College’s Financial Aid Office has scheduled seven free “Cash for College” informational workshops in the Tri-Valley region. These workshops will help college-bound high school seniors and their parents learn about the kinds of available financial aid and how to apply for it.
All high school seniors attending the workshops will qualify for a $1,000 Cash for College scholarship if they file a FAFSA and a Cal Grant GPA Verification before March 2nd.
Financial aid can help students pay for college and may be available for either full or part-time students. In addition to grants and scholarships, aid may include fee waivers, work-study positions, and student loans. These funds can help with such student expenses as transportation and personal expenses as well as tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies.
The process of applying for financial aid doesn’t have to be frightening. Las Positas staff will help participants learn about the various kinds of financial aid, what the qualifications are and how they can apply for it. Participants will also learn about common misconceptions, about resources to help locate scholarships, and important hints to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
An important goal of these sessions is to insure that applicants don’t miss the critical March 2nd Cal Grant Entitlement deadline.

The Cash for College workshop schedule is as follows:

For additional information about these Cash for College sessions, or other financial aid information, please visit www.laspositascollege.edu/financialaid or e-mail lpcfinaid@laspositascollege.edu or call (925) 424-1580.

1/18/08

A Musical Invitation and Introduction

Do you enjoy live classical music concerts? Would you like to enjoy them even more? Las Positas College will offer a series of music appreciation classes for those who enjoy attending live performances of classical music. Through learning about the music, composers and performers before attending the concert, you will have a memorable and informed listening experience.
Each class meeting will provide an historical setting for the music, information about the composers, the performers and the music, as well as offer some focused listening opportunities. There will be an occasional guest lecturer who will discuss some of the instruments and period specific techniques for performance.
This series of music appreciation classes will provide a forum in which audience members can discuss their experience with live music. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the Del Valle Fine Arts Series, our community’s concert-going public, and Las Positas College. These classes will provide a musical and historical context for each concert of the Spring 2008 Del Valle Fine Arts Series and Las Positas College Early Music Series.
The instructors for the classes are Marilyn Marquis and Cindy Rosefield. Marilyn Marquis is coordinator of the ESL Program and the Artistic Director for the Early Music Concert Series at Las Positas College. She is on the board of the San Francisco Early Music Society and a member of both the American Recorder Society and Early Music America. Cindy Rosefield is an instrumental music instructor and coordinator of Performing Arts at Las Positas College. She is also a well-known professional musician performing folk, ethnic, jazz and classical music throughout the Bay Area.
Classes will meet on the following Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM: January 31, February 21, March 13, April 17, April 24 and May 2. The cost for the series is $28.00. The cost for each individual class is $5 and registration for this series is easy. You can register in person, by mail, phone, fax or online. Call (925) 424-1467 for more information, or visit our office at Room 1311 on the LPC campus.

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1/17/08

Las Positas College to Open on Saturday, January 26 for Registration

Officials at Las Positas College announced today that they will open several offices on Saturday, January 26 to assist students with registration, counseling and textbook purchases.
The Admissions and Records Office and the Counseling Office will be open from 9 a.m - 12 p.m. and the Bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Classes begin Tuesday, January 22nd but students can still register for open and late start classes. For information, please contact the college at (925) 424-1000.

1/14/08

Las Positas Receives Grant to Support Women in Welding and Automotive Programs

Las Positas College has been selected to participate in a program designed to help women who want to learn a trade.
Las Positas is one of four community colleges from California selected for Tech Project, a grant sponsored by National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science. The four 2008 selections join four other community colleges named last year.
“The American Welding Society predicts a possible shortage of more than 200,000 skilled welders by 2010. Our local Automotive Advisory Board assures us there is a critical regional shortage of qualified automotive technicians,” said Birgitte Ryslinge, the Dean of Academic Services, Vocational Education and Economic Development at Las Positas College.
“Given this context, how can we disregard 50 percent of the potential workforce by failing to recruit women? Increasingly these are high-wage, high-skill positions which provide students with a meaningful career path,” she continued.
The career fields involved at Las Positas are automotive and welding. The instructors will be invited to the two-day training in February that will help them assist current female students and to promote more women in the trades.
“In recent years, Las Positas faculty have done significant outreach, and each semester at least a few women have enrolled in automotive and welding courses, where they do extremely well. We are really looking forward to the more fully developed outreach and support strategies which this initiative will provide to Las Positas,” added Ryslinge.
This institute provides the tools to successfully integrate women into male-dominated careers through workshops, publications, products, e-strategies and technical assistance. The institute offers a full range of educational consulting and training services that will help Las Positas recruit, train and retain female students in the technical programs offered.
“The automotive trade is more than just working on cars. There is a need for service writers, warranty clerks, parts personnel, sales people and of course technicians. I look forward to working with an increasing number of women to fill the Tri-Valley’s automotive openings,” said automotive instructor Brian Hagopian.
The institute recently received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support colleges as they recruit and retain women. Through the grant Las Positas and the seven other colleges will receive free intensive training and assistance focused on women in the trades.

1/7/08

Local Police Chief Joins College Foundation Board

Pleasanton Police Chief Mike Fraser has joined the Las Positas College Foundation Board of Directors, board Chair Tom Daggett recently announced. Fraser who has served as Pleasanton’s chief since January 2007, is the 19th member of the Foundation board of Directors.
Fraser said he didn’t know about the Foundation until he learned about it while he was a member of the Leadership Pleasanton Class of 2006. After visiting with Foundation CEO Ted Kaye and two board members, Fraser was sold.
“I learned that the mission of the Foundation was one that I could personally embrace,” he said. “Having received my first college degree from Chabot College, I have always been thankful for the benefits I received through a low-cost, high-quality education from Chabot.” (Las Positas’ sister campus in Hayward)
“I have a true interest in helping the college and its students succeed in their endeavors. As a community college graduate, I bring an understanding of what is offered at Las Positas and will be a strong advocate of the College and the Foundation’s mission,” he said.
Las Positas offers a number of criminal justice classes that lead to the Sheriff’s Academy and a career in law enforcement. In his tenure as chief, Fraser has emphasized sending Pleasanton recruits to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Regional Training Center, which partners with Las Positas College.
The Pleasanton Police department also has taken advantage of the additional training opportunities offered by Las Positas for its officers and reserve officers.
Fraser has worked in the Pleasanton Police Department since 1980. He served 12 years as captain before being selected for the chief’s position after a nation wide search.
He holds a master’s degree from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco, and an associate degree from Chabot College. He also graduated from the nationally recognized Senior Management Institute for Policing at Harvard University.
Fraser lives in Pleasanton with his wife, Diane, and has two grown daughters, Valerie and Stacie.
The Foundation was established in 2003 to serve as a funding support resource for the college, as well as to educate surrounding communities about the many learning opportunities available at the college, and its cultural contributions to the region. The Foundation provides investors with an opportunity to contribute to the college with tax-deductible support that can be used for scholarships, staff development and technology upgrades. Foundation funds are also used to improve and increase the college’s performing arts and other programs and services.
For information about the Foundation, please contact CEO Ted Kaye at (925) 424-1010 or tkaye@laspositascollege.edu

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